"If you are prepared for your appearance, Your Majesty, then I shall announce your arrival."
"Hmm. Open the doors."
I took a deep breath before I gave instructions to the herald in front of majestic doors carved with gold to perfection, reminiscent of ancient times.
I could smell the lilies decorated inside, outside of the closed doors too.
"All hail to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Alistair Rhys Emilian!"
" Sovereign of Aethelgard and Head of Rothbury!"
Krak-tish, as soon as the great doors swung open, I saw the crowd with their heads down.
Phew- Of course I'm prepared. I've been imagining these moments for quite some years now.
"Everyone, at ease." I spoke with my marching feet till the middle of the aisle.
I've been imagining how the lilies would look adorned by white laces shining in the spark of crushed silver gemstones sprinkled.
Beautiful!
Rustle-tish, the great doors swung open once again. A delicate figure adorned with bright jewels and laces in a long beautiful white gown had everyone present in awe.
The reality turned out to be more astonishing than what I had imagined. As soon as the bride appeared, became an embodiment of jealousy.
I reached my hand for her when I saw her approaching. Then matched my steps till the sacred hall's center. Where the High Priest was looking forward to sealing the remaining rituals with sacred vows.
Everything's just as I had imagined it to be. Except...
"Do you accept Seraphina Charlotte Rose, Duchess of Altdorf, of the Kingdom of Aethelgard as your wife, and promise to cherish her through ups and downs?"
The High Priest's distant voice had me stiffen at the mention of the bride's name. And I glanced at the woman beside me who was looking down during the whole wedding ceremony. Maybe she sensed my eyes and our eyes met.
That's when my lips upturned mocking myself at my own tragedy.
You...
"... I do!"
Aurelia!