The Senate's plan backfired like a rusty engine. Vaelorian's "Wall of Unity" move had turned Senator Aldrin's legacy into the biggest joke in the capital. People were laughing in the streets, picturing the grumpy old Senators trying to dictate the hours the royal couple should spend together. By the time the Senate met to vote, they realized they had lost. The money for Aldrin's ugly bird statue was officially moved to build the new Imperial Residence Project.
The Senate was broken, the "Separate Chambers" rule was dead, and the wedding and coronation bells were finally ringing as it should.
The morning of the wedding felt like a miracle. Even though it was technically still late winter, Anya had used her Gift to force a full-blown spring. The Palace Gardens were a wild explosion of color—roses, lilies, and sweet-smelling jasmine all blooming at the exact same time.
At one point Anya was seen muttering to a stubborn rosebush: "Listen, you've got five minutes to look beautiful or I'm turning you into compost. We have a wedding to get ready for!"
Willow, despite running all errands at high speed, managed to coordinate the movement of the entire capital's elite without a single traffic jam. She even found time to personally ensure the royal carriage had the most comfortable seat cushions.
Inside the Great Cathedral, the air was warm and cozy, courtesy of Mira Lune's subtle Thermokinesis. She had personally vetted every inch of the décor, heating the dull metals of the candelabras until they shone like mirrors.
Barron was at the door in his full armor. He wasn't just there for security; he was the ultimate bouncer. When Senator Aldrin's annoying cousin tried to sneak into the front row, Barron didn't say a word. He just grabbed the man by the collar, lifted him off the ground, and "helped" him find a seat in the back.
The Cathedral went silent as Riven walked down the aisle. He looked incredible in his ceremonial clothes, walking with the confidence of a man who had fought for every inch of this moment. Vaelorian met him at the altar, his eyes bright with a mix of love and pure victory.
The ceremony was old and traditional, but the feeling in the room was brand new. The old Emperor stepped forward, looking happier than he had in years.
The Former Emperor: "By the power vested in me, and by the love and loyalty that binds these two souls, I pronounce you bound for life." He lifted the heavy crown, the symbol of Lumina's ultimate authority. "And with this union, I present not just a new Consort, but a new Era for Lumina."
He placed the Crown upon Vaelorian's head. "All hail Emperor Vaelorian Darius Valemere! May his reign be prosperous!"
The Cathedral erupted in cheers, led by the common people in the back rows. It was a wave of sound that made the candles flicker. Vaelorian, now officially the Emperor, didn't wait a second to make his first official declaration.
Vaelorian turned immediately to Riven, his Consort. He raised his voice, loud enough to carry through the cheers and over every muttered formality.
"My first official act as Emperor is to honor the man beside me." His voice echoed with a new power. "The rule of Separate Chambers is hereby void. As we govern this Empire together, so too shall we share every waking and sleeping moment."
Riven's laughter was loud and triumphant. Breaking all stiff protocols, he reached up, grasped the new Emperor's face, and kissed him before the entire Empire. The commoners cheered, the Senators recoiled in shock, and Duke Ashbourne stood with the former Empress, applauding with tears in his eyes.
Later that night, the new Emperor and his Consort snuck away to a quiet balcony to watch the fireworks over the city.
Riven: "Well, Your Majesty. You got the throne, you got the guy. Is it everything you dreamed of?"
Vaelorian, grinning from ear to ear. "It's better. I used to think being Emperor meant being alone at the top. But standing there with you? I feel like I have the whole world."
"Well, don't get too comfortable in that feeling." Riven bumped shoulders with him playfully. "We have a half-finished palace to renovate and a Senate to keep in line. But first..." Riven leaned in. "I think we should enjoy our first four hours of consecutive time."
"Only four?" Vaelorian gasped in mock horror. "I was planning on forever, my love."
Vaelorian pulled Riven into his arms, their foreheads touching. He didn't need to speak aloud; his thoughts were a warm, clear hum in Riven's mind. "We did it, my love. No more hiding in the shadows. Just being ourselves. I can't wait to spend forever proving to you that choosing me was the best decision you ever made."
Riven reached up and kissed him with a smile. "You've got a lot of work to do then, Emperor Vaelorian. Forever is a long time."
They stood together, looking out over their Empire, knowing that the real work—and the real fun—was only just beginning.