Struggling to keep up with Viktor's rapid pace, the sheer weight of Alia's massive Victorian gown became unbearable. Halfway down the grand staircase, she came to a sudden halt. She was breathless, and the heavy, voluminous skirt made every step feel like a mountain to climb.
Alia: (In a tired, strained voice) "Viktor... stop! I can't walk anymore. This dress is too heavy; I'm going to fall."
Viktor paused for a moment. His velvet cloak draped from his broad shoulders, sweeping the dust on the floor. He turned toward her, and for a fleeting second, a strange tenderness flickered in his cold gaze. Without saying a word, he leaned down and swept her up into his arms, lifting both her and the enormous crimson gown with ease.
Alia, startled, gripped Viktor's neck tightly. Her golden anklets let out a soft, metallic chime against his chest. The scent of expensive linen from Viktor's Vyshyvanka shirt and the warmth of his body left Alia in a strange conflict—torn between absolute terror and an undeniable sense of security.
Carrying her, Viktor passed through the grand gates of the fortress toward the waiting luxury limousine, a sleek, jet-black vehicle. Lawrence stood by, holding the door open. Viktor placed Alia onto the back seat with extreme care. Her massive, regal gown occupied the entire space inside the car, much like how Viktor had occupied every corner of her life.
Under the soft blue ambient light of the car's interior, Alia's pearl necklace and the black leather choker took on a mysterious glow once more. Viktor sat beside her, and as the door closed, a heavy silence descended upon them.
Viktor: (Staring out into the frozen darkness beyond the window) "Tonight is going to be a very long night, Alia. Steel your heart."
The car began to race through the snow-white path toward an unknown destination. Alia realized that this magnificent attire and sense of nobility were merely a preparation to face a terrifying darkness.When Alia asked what he meant by "steeling her heart," Viktor leaned in close, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper as he spoke about wanting intimacy between them in the silence of the night. Alia instantly turned beet-red with embarrassment and anger, calling him " nonsense and "indecent." She tried to hide within the massive folds of her Victorian gown, clutching her pearl necklace in frustration. While Viktor seemed to enjoy her reaction, the car's turn into a dark, deserted forest suggested that this "intimacy" might have a much darker meaning than Alia expected. Alia's eyes widened in sheer disbelief at Viktor's words. In the faint blue light of the car, Viktor's jawline and sharp nose appeared like a mysterious sculpture. His velvet cloak spilled over the layers of Alia's crimson Victorian ball gown.
Viktor: (In an incredibly calm yet resolute voice) "Alia, we are going to marry for a Third time. And this will be no ordinary ceremony. All of Russia will know whose Queen you are."
Alia remained speechless for a moment. Then, she erupted in a mix of rage and shock, the locket of her pearl necklace trembling with her agitation.
Alia: "Have you lost your mind, Viktor? What are you saying? Have you forgotten that we are parents to five children? Our two eldest are already married! We still have three younger ones at home. Why this madness of a wedding at this stage of our lives?"
Viktor didn't move back even an inch; instead, he leaned closer. The collar of his expensive Vyshyvanka shirt gleamed. He took Alia's trembling hand into his powerful grip. Her golden anklets let out a sharp, restless chime in her anger.
Viktor: (Unfazed) "Whether it is five children, ten, or more it makes no difference to me. I have no shortage of money, and I have no lack of power. I want to claim you all over again, under a new identity."
Alia fell silent. She saw an unyielding stubbornness in his blue eyes. It occurred to her that Viktor truly cared for no rules. This magnificent attire and the midnight journey were all preparations for a massive, royal spectacle.
The car came to a halt in front of an ancient, snow-covered church. Outside, the biting cold sent snow swirling, while from within the church, the light of a thousand candles spilled through the stained-glass windows. Viktor stepped out, opened the door, and extended his hand toward Alia. In the mysterious blue light of the car, Viktor took Alia's hand into his massive grip. Her regal red Victorian ball gown spread magnificently across the back seat. Today, there was a strange, primal sense of possession in Viktor's eyes.
Viktor: (In a somber yet enchanting voice) "Alia, do you think this red dress is just a garment? No, it is the first step of our reunion. It is an inseparable part of our Engagement today."
Viktor pulled a small velvet box from his pocket. As he opened it, a massive diamond ring shimmered from within, its brilliance outshining the darkness of the car. Before Alia could utter a word, Viktor pulled her left hand toward him and slipped the ring onto her ring finger. As soon as the ring settled, Viktor leaned in and pressed a long, warm Forehead Kiss against her brow.
An unknown shiver raced through Alia's body. Her golden anklets let out a soft chime, as if announcing this new bond.
Viktor: (Staring into her eyes) "The engagement is complete. Now, we have a long road ahead. First, there will be the Bride Price—the most valuable gift in all of Russia will be settled in your name today. Then, our Wedding Ceremony in this ancient church."
The car came to a stop in front of the church gates. Viktor looked at Alia and began to outline his future plans one by one.
Viktor: "Immediately after the wedding vows, we will have our Photo Session. Framed by the blizzard and candlelight, you will be captured as the most beautiful Queen on Earth today. And finally... our royal Reception Party. There, our Toastmaster (Tamada) will be waiting to share the story of our long journey with everyone."
Alia listened, stunned. After being a mother of five children, this sudden return to forehead kisses, diamond rings, and such a grand wedding felt like a dream-like nightmare. She realized that Viktor didn't just want her as a wife; he wanted to re-establish her as an inseparable pillar of his empire.As the first light of a snow-white morning pierced through the massive palace windows, Alia looked less like a being of flesh and blood and more like a Snow Empress stepped out of an ancient fairy tale. Today was dedicated to the "Bride Price" ceremony, and Alia had been styled in an otherworldly fantasy theme.
Her royal wedding gown was, in a word, unbelievable. The bodice featured a sweetheart neckline that fit her perfectly, merging seamlessly with her silhouette. The entire gown was adorned with intricate silver thread and crystal embroidery, shimmering like diamonds in the dawn light. Large, brilliant star-like patterns cascaded from the waist down to the massive hem, giving her a celestial aura.
The long, sheer sleeves were decorated with a lattice pattern of crystals, looking both modern and aristocratic. Around her neck, several layers of expensive pearl necklaces with a massive central locket elevated her elegance to a new height.
The most striking feature was the "Halo" style crown upon her head. Extending behind her head like a circular wheel, this silver crown featured fine, spiked points radiating outward. Expensive diamonds set at the base of each spike glowed like sparks of fire. A small teardrop stone dangling onto her forehead gave the crown a traditional yet fantasy-royal look. A pale blue, transparent veil flowed from behind the crown, creating a mysterious, fairy-like ambiance.
As Alia stepped slowly toward the mirror, her golden anklets chimed in a regal rhythm. Viktor stood by the door, watching her with unwavering intensity. His own royal attire and the deep obsession in his eyes reminded Alia once again that today, she was not just a captive, but the sole Empress of an invincible empire.
Viktor: (Stepping closer and whispering into her ear) "Today, all of Russia will see that my Bride Price is no ordinary treasure. What I settle in your name today is something no king on Earth has ever dared to imagine."
Alia stared at her reflection in the mirror. Resembling a character created by the artist Hwara, she looked so beautiful she could hardly recognize herself. Even after being a mother of five, this enchanting transformation made Viktor's "primal sense of possession" grow even more intense.