"You may now kiss the bride", the priest announced. The world seemed to hold its breath, Draven stepped closer and opened aurelian's veil, he looked into his eyes, there was no warmth, only the eyes of a lost soul. He leaned down to Aurelian. Their lips met, not in love but duty. And when they pulled back, the hall erupted in cheers. "I now pronounce you, Man and husband", the priest said and gave his blessings before leaving. Draven looked at Aurelian,"Hey..." But Aurelian turned away, gave a small smile at the crowd and started making his way out. Draven followed beside him,"I could have stopped it... yet, I didn't", he thought. Outside he pulled Aurelian to away from the searing crowd,"I'm sorry" he said,"for what?" Aurelian asked,"for snapping at you, for not doing something to stop it all, for everything, I'm sorry", he clarifies, guilty eating him alive. "You were right, I'm a burden and I need to endure, I'm not the only victim of circumstances" Aurelian replies calmly -too calmly. Draven looked at him,"I just.." but before he could finish Aurelian turned and walked away. Draven watch him go,"what have I done? What happened to him? When did he start looking at me like that -like he lost hope?" He whispers to himself, he let out a deep breath and cursed under his breath. He made his way back to the hall where everyone had crowded Aurelian, gifting him and offering congratulations.
The after party banquet began at late noon, Music was on, people were dancing on the stage, lots of meals were prepared and the banquet hall was fully decorated. Draven was now dressed in a dark grey outfit with a black cloak on it, he wore his crown now and other accessories like, rings, brooch and a chain. While Aurelian had changed into a fitted long purple coat, he also wore his crown. They both sat at the high table and their families sat at the table beside them. They party was in full action. The nobles and foreign dignitaries ate and drank till their satisfaction. After the meal, the royal families and the newly was to give their speeches. The parents went first, talking about the union, how proud they are of their sons and the blessed treaty.
Then, it was Aurelian's turn, he climbed the stage and begin; "Honored guests, family, and people of both Moonveil and Nightbane…
Today marks the union of two kingdoms that have long stood apart.
Through this marriage, we take a step toward peace, stability, and a shared future.
I stand here not only as a prince, but as a representative of my people.
And I will fulfill that role to the best of my ability.
I hope that, in time, this bond between us will grow into something that brings strength to both our lands…
and perhaps, understanding where there was once conflict.
Thank you for witnessing this moment." He descended the stairs and strode back to his seat with heavy footsteps and as he watched Draven take the stage he can't help but say to himself, "…That should be enough."
He lets out a quiet breath.
"I said everything they wanted to hear…
so why does it still feel like I've lost something?"
Draven took the stage, immediately commanding attention on him, "To the honored guests gathered here today…
This union represents more than tradition.
It represents the end of conflict… and the beginning of something new.
As crown prince of Nightbane, I have always been taught to protect what belongs to this kingdom.
To lead with strength, and to place duty above all else.
Today, that duty extends beyond borders.
I will uphold this bond.
I will protect it… and everything tied to it.
No matter the cost.
…Thank you." He got off the stage walking back to his place, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts,"I protected the kingdom.""…so why does it feel like I just destroyed him instead?" he exhaled a breath and took his seat. The speeches were great but the two hearts told a different story. The hall buzzed even more, clappings had died down, the music played louder now and people made way for the newly weds to dance. Draven raised an eyebrow at that but led Aurelian to the stage either way. Aurelian placed his hands on Draven's shoulder while Draven held his waist. They both danced along with music -flawlessly. "Why won't you talk to me?" Draven whispered still dancing, "I have nothing to say" Aurelian replied and Draven let out a short bitter laugh -not loud. "Nothing? Since when have you got nothing to say?" He muttered, Aurelian didn't reply which made Draven more frustrated. "Please Aurelian, it's killing me...the guilt is killing me." He looked into Aurelian's eyes,"please" he pleaded. Aurelian's steps didn't falter on the dance floor yet Draven could feel him trembling a little. "It's a little too late, don't you think?" Aurelian finally said,"then tell me how to fix this" Draven replied, desperation creeping into his tone, "why do you care so much?" Aurelian asked, "I don't know, maybe because I can't stand seeing you this way"
"Don't pity me, I don't need it"
"I don't pity you Aurelian, I care, so please". Aurelian didn't reply, he just moved away as the music ended. Draven sighed in frustration and also headed back to his seat.
By sunset, the married couples began to unwrap their gifts, they opened different types of presents, some from commoners, some from nobles, advisors, even servants. Then, they opened presents from their families. The gifts included golds,jewels, land grants and ancient relics. Drusilla stepped forward,"I picked this beautiful rose for you, prince Aurelian, it represents your beautiful marriage", Aurelian hesitated but accepted the rose from her, almost immediately he let out a sharp cry, Draven quickly rushed to him,"what happened?" Aurelian's hand was bleeding. The rose had thorns. "Oops! I guess I picked the wrong one", Drusilla said with a sly smile. "It's fine, let's continue" Aurelian said straightening.
It was time for both Draven and Aurelian to exchange gifts. Aurelian faced Draven and gave him an embroidered handkerchief,"it's handmade, I made it myself and it's my gift to you" he says his voice firm but Draven didn't miss the slight flush of Aurelian's cheeks,"so he still cares after all" he thought to himself. Draven accepted the gift and moved closer presenting his gift to Aurelian. A necklace with a white gemstone. "A symbol of my pure, unwavering promise to protect you... And stand by you". He whispered the last part in Aurelian ears as he fasten the necklace around Aurelian's neck. Aurelian's cheeks heat up and he looks away to hide it. Drusilla already at the side was burning with shame and anger. And as Draven and Aurelian walked off the stage, something had already shifted in the air,"why does he still make my heart race?" Aurelian questioned himself.