"If you are prepared for your appearance, Your Majesty, then I shall announce your arrival."
"Hmm. Open the doors."
I took a deep breath, then instructed in a commanding voice to the herald standing before the majestic doors. It was carved with gold to absolute perfection, reminiscent of ancient times. Where I could smell the intoxicating scent of lilies decorated inside.
"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 commanded, marching towards the middle of the aisle.
I had thought of it more than a handful of times, how the lilies would look adorned by white laces shining in the spark of crushed silver gemstones sprinkled across the fabric.
Beautiful!
Rustle-tish. The great doors swung open once again. A delicate figure adorned with bright jewels and fine laces, draped in a long beautiful white gown had everyone present in awe.
The reality turned out to be more astonishing than what I had thought. As soon as the bride appeared, she became an embodiment of jealousy.
Customarily I reached my hand out as she approached. When she accepted my hand, I matched her steps, leading to the sacred hall's center. There, the High Priest looked forward to seal the remaining rituals with sacred vows.
Everything was just as I had thought. 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. The name echoed like an error in a well written script, 'Seraphina'.
I glanced down at the woman beside me who looked down during the whole wedding ceremony. Perhaps she sensed the weight of my eyes because she slowly tilted her head. And our eyes met.
That's when my lips upturned mocking myself at my own tragedy as I recognised Lady Altdorf.
You...
"... I do!"
Aurelia!