The morning sun climbed higher into the sky, casting an ethereal glow upon the royal palace of the Midnight Kingdom. The marble walls shimmered under its golden light, and the dew across the gardens sparkled like scattered diamonds.
"Is it morning already?" Ailaria murmured as the sunlight struck her sapphire-blue eyes. Her voice carried the softness of fatigue. She dragged herself upright, her long dark hair spilling across her shoulders. With half-open eyes, she scanned the empty room.
"Zackary and the children aren't here," she whispered to herself.
Before she could rise from the bed, the door burst open. A group of maids entered with hurried steps.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," they greeted in unison.
Without a word, Ailaria followed the morning routine she had once known by heart—one she had not followed in years.
In the Castle Gardens
Elsewhere, in the tranquil garden bathed in sunlight, Zackary sat across from Sylas and Herald. The three of them drank tea in silence, the quiet hum of the wind brushing against the white roses nearby.
"Now that you've changed into appropriate clothing, shall we continue our conversation?" Sylas asked, recalling how Zackary had delayed their talk to get dressed.
Herald smirked. "You really are something, making us wait an hour just to get ready." His eyes wandered over Zackary's attire—white and gold with silver embroidery—his silver hair gleaming beneath the morning light.
"I'm here now," Zackary said, his crimson eyes locking onto theirs. "Let's continue."
Without wasting another moment, Sylas leaned forward. His expression was stern. "Marry my daughter in the next four days."
Zackary froze. He stared at him, speechless for a moment. "Is there… a reason you want the marriage to happen so soon?" His voice trembled slightly, a mix of curiosity and unease.
"Do you not want to marry my daughter?" Sylas' tone sharpened, irritation lacing his words. Both Zackary and Herald were taken aback.
"That's not what I—"
Before he could finish, Sylas cut him off. "You had children with her. Because of that, she was branded a traitor. You were absent for years while your children were born in a cell. Are you saying you won't take responsibility?"
"Sylas, calm yourself," Herald intervened with a firm tone. "Don't project your regrets of not being there for Ailaria onto him. We all know the legend—the Demon King and his forces were sealed. That's probably why he was gone. We have no right to judge."
"I'm not refusing," Zackary replied, trying to steady his voice. "I'm only asking why you're so adamant about the marriage happening so quickly."
Herald sighed and looked at him seriously. "The Emperor has decided to execute all traitors. That means Aila's life is in danger. Since you have children with her, we've made a plan. If you marry, you and your children will officially enter both the Midnight and Dusk Kingdoms' family lines. That would mean if the Emperor attacks, he would be declaring war against two of his most powerful kingdoms—including the Twilight Domain."
As the words sank in, Zackary couldn't help but smile faintly. Despite the danger, he could feel how much they cared for Ailaria he felt somwhat envious.
"Now that you understand the reason," Sylas said, "what is your answer?"
Zackary straightened his back, meeting his gaze. "If it concerns Ailaria and my children's safety, then my answer is yes. I'll marry her in four days."
A flicker of relief crossed Sylas' stern expression.
"We'll start planning immediately," Herald said with enthusiasm. "We'll hold a meeting later today. You may bring anyone who can assist with the arrangements."
As the two men rose from their seats and left, Zackary exhaled softly.
From afar, Ailaria stood hidden behind a row of rose bushes, her hands covering her flushed face. Her sapphire eyes peeked through trembling fingers.
"Your Majesty, are you all right?" a maid asked.
"I'm fine," Ailaria said softly. "You may go. I'd like to be alone for a moment."
When the maid departed, Ailaria knelt before a bed of blue roses, her ears and cheeks red. A shy smile bloomed across her face. "I'm… getting married," she whispered, tears gathering in her eyes.
Later That Afternoon
Zackary and Vlad teleported back to the Twilight Domain. The moment Zackary materialized in front of the Vermillion mansion, chaos filled his ears—people running back and forth, shouting instructions.
"What's happening?" he muttered as he approached the entrance. The door swung open before he could touch it.
"Your Grace, welcome back!" a line of maids greeted in unison.
"Why are there so many maids here?" Zackary asked, brow furrowed.
A familiar voice echoed from the staircase. "So you've finally arrived. Took you longer than I expected."
It was Lance, leaning lazily against the railing.
"Why are there so many people here?" Zackary repeated.
Lance chuckled. "You really thought we wouldn't know? Aisha already told us about the wedding."
From behind him, Sofia appeared, smiling. "Why don't you tell us about your future wife, Your Grace?"
With no way to escape, Zackary sighed and followed them into his office.
Meanwhile, Vlad returned home through the dark corridors of his manor. He pushed open the office door to find Klein buried under a mountain of paperwork.
"So you've returned," Klein said with a grin, not looking up. "Here to invite me to help plan the wedding on Lord Vermillion's behalf?"
Vlad blinked, caught off guard. "How did you know?"
Klein smirked. "Aisha's already told us. She's been in an uproar for the past six hours, trying to organize everything. You don't need to ask—I've already agreed to help."
Vlad exhaled. "Our sister's still in human territory. She might not make it."
"She'll make it," Klein replied confidently. "She always does."
The two shared a quiet sigh beneath the dim glow of the candles.
The Demon King's Castle
An hour later, everyone gathered in the Demon king's castle garden under the blue sky. A long table was set beneath a raised platform where Zackary sat at the head.
"So someone's finally found himself a bride," Xoraxys teased.
"The wedding's in four days? I can't wait to meet your in-laws," Maximilian said, amused.
"I was surprised when Aisha told me," Luciferus added with a grin. Zackary gave a small, embarrassed smile.
"When are we leaving?" Leon asked.
"I'm not sure if we should go immediately," Sabastian mused.
"What do you mean? Our friend's getting married—we should celebrate!" Lysander chimed in, earning nods of agreement.
Before the excitement grew, Aisha approached, bowing slightly. "Lord Sabastian is correct. However, you'll depart tomorrow. We advisors are leaving today to help plan the wedding."
"Very well," Luciferus said. "We'll wait."
Aisha turned to Zackary. "Your Grace, it's almost time."
Zackary rose from his seat, and before he left, his friends called out in unison—
"Congratulations!"
He smiled faintly and followed Aisha into the shimmering portal.
Back at the Midnight Palace
Afternoon sunlight poured into the royal hall where Sylas, Herald, and several nobles sat around a long table.
"Your Majesty, we're ready to begin the planning," said Phillip, an elderly noble, holding his papers eagerly. He remembered preparing Prince Ashley's wedding years ago—one that never came to be—and now, this was his second chance.
"Phillip," Sylas said calmly, "we're still waiting for one more person."
"I don't know where he is," Ailaria sighed, glancing toward the door.
Before Sylas could speak, the doors swung open.
"I announce His Grace, Grand Duke Vermillion!" Aisha's voice echoed as Zackary entered, followed by Klein, Aisha, and several dragon and demi-human maids.
As Zackary walked toward his seat beside Ailaria, the nobles' eyes followed him with silent awe. Sylas exhaled deeply as Zackary took he's seat.
"Well then," Herald said, snapping everyone from their daze. "Shall we begin?"
Phillip cleared his throat and stood. "Your Majesty, I've prepared a budget for the wedding. It should suffice." He distributed the papers across the table.
Ailaria felt everyone's gaze shift to her. Her hands trembled slightly as she tried to remain composed.
"What's wrong? Are you cold?" Zackary asked quietly beside her.
"I'm fine," she said softly.
"Aila," Herald called, "what do you think of the budget?"
Zackary glanced at the paper.
Wedding Budget:
10 platinum coins – Clothing expenses
2,000 gold coins – Floral arrangements
600 platinum coins – Decorations and ceremonial décor
Total: 610 platinum coins, 2,000 gold coins
"It's not cheap," Zackary thought. "But it's fair."
Feeling the pressure, Ailaria spoke before she could stop herself. "I think this budget will suffice." Her voice was small but firm.
Zackary leaned back, then turned slightly. "Reinhardt," he called to his attendant.
"Yes, Your Grace?"
"How much can we contribute to the budget?"
Reinhardt bowed. "We've already prepared a fund for such an occasion."
"And how much is that?" Zackary asked calmly.
"Two hundred thousand diamond coins, Your Grace."
The room fell silent. Every noble froze in disbelief. Even Sylas and Herald were speechless.
"Two hundred thousand diamond coins…?" Herald muttered.
"That's a whole kingdoms annual income" one of the other nobles said in disbelief.
"Silence," Sylas commanded, and the murmurs stopped instantly.
"Ailaria," Sylas said, "do you accept Zackary's contribution?"
Ailaria hesitated, guilt flickering in her chest. "Is it really all right to give that much?"
Zackary met her gaze with a gentle smile. "Of course. It's our wedding."
Ailaria took a deep breath. "Then… I accept Zackary's contribution."
"Good," Sylas said with a nod. "Let's move on to the next matter."
As discussions of paperwork began, Zackary's thoughts drifted. Every mention of marriage, husband, wife, and family sent waves of unease through his chest. He kept his replies short, his mind spiraling quietly while Ailaria, Vlad, and Reinhardt handled the rest.
That Evening
Under the fading dusk, Vlad stood outside with Klein.
"It took longer than expected," Klein sighed, stretching. "But that's what happens when nobles marry—complications."
"She came by earlier," Vlad added, gazing at the horizon.
"She did," Klein replied. "Does this have anything to do with your new servant?"
"Maybe," Vlad said softly.
Later That Night
Ailaria made her way to Amelia and Gray's room. After giving the children their goodnight kisses, Sofia and Lance shooed her out with playful grins. They were more then happy to take care of her children through the night so that she could rest.
As she walked the dim corridor, she replayed Zackary's expression from the meeting—how his eyes darkened every time words like marriage, wife, or family were mentioned.
She reached their new shared bedroom, the door creaking open. A cool night breeze drifted in through the open balcony. Zackary stood there, bathed in moonlight, his silver hair glinting faintly.
"Why are you outside?" she asked softly.
"I needed some air," he replied, still facing the stars.
Her chest tightened. "Do you… not want to marry me?"
Zackary's body went rigid.
"So my father is forcing you," she whispered, tears forming. "I knew this was too soon…"
Before she could walk away, his hand caught her arm.
"I think you're misunderstanding something," Zackary said, turning toward her. His crimson eyes glowed in the dark.
"What are you—" Before she could finish, he pulled her into his arms.
"You don't have to force yourself," she said, her voice trembling. "If you don't want this—"
"Like I said," he interrupted softly, "you're misunderstanding."
"Then why are your eyes red? They're crimson when you're agitated or you look at something your not fond of. They only turn blue when you look at something—or someone—you love or care about."
"I saw your expression whenever words like marriage-husband-wife and family came up." Ailaria said on the verge of tears.
Zackary tightened his embrace. "You're right. I did feel something earlier when I heard those words. But not what you think."
He paused, his voice lowering. "In my past life, my parents despised each other. They fought, tried to kill one another in front of me. I never knew what a real family was. So when I heard those words—marriage, husband, wife—I remembered everything. I feared I wouldn't know how to treat you once we were married."
Ailaria looked down, her tears falling silently. "Then why are your eyes still red? Are you still angry? Do you… not like me?"
Zackary gently released her and lifted her chin. "If you think that, then look at my eyes."
Before she could react, his irises shifted—from deep crimson to sky-blue, glowing softly in the moonlight.
"I remember," he whispered. "When you kissed me at the Eclipse Tower to unlock my memories… I remembered a few things. You love moon roses. You dream of seeing the stars up close. And you love your family."
Ailaria's eyes widened in disbelief as he took her hand.
"I remember your warmth. Your embrace. You dragged out emotions I thought I'd buried forever," Zackary said, his voice unsteady but sincere. "I may be broken. I may still be piecing myself together. But I know this—the reason I agreed to the marriage is because of you."
Her lips trembled as he continued. "The urge to know you better… to hold you… to protect you—I've never felt that before. I want to learn how to be a good husband. A good father. I just need you to teach me."
Ailaria couldn't hold it in any longer. She threw her arms around him, crying openly.
The moon emerged from behind the clouds, its light washing over them. Ailaria's black hair shimmered into silver, and when she looked up, her sapphire eyes had turned the color of moonlight.
"We'll learn together," she whispered, smiling through her tears. "To be good husband and wife—and good parents."
Before Zackary could reply, she leaned forward—but he was already pulling her close, their lips meeting under the pale glow of the moon.
For the first time in a long time, both their hearts felt whole.