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Guy
Every floral arrangement, every centerpiece, every bottle of rare wine poured is a demonstration of the value Guy has for MC. Absolute power move on Guy's part to protect MC.
The largest church in Saligia is not spacious enough to hold everyone. Avari nobles, foreign dignitaries, and numerous diplomats spew into hallways and crowd windows outside trying to catch a glimpse of the momentous event. And right now, they see a visibly angry prince at the altar.
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- "Nervous sir?" Jasper smiles serenely.
- Guy glares at his wristwatch. A perfectly polished black shoe taps impatiently. 30 seconds late. One minute late. Guy’s hand balls into a fist at his side. “I cannot stand this.”
- Guy’s younger brothers stand nearby. “Perhaps MC got cold feet! Maybe you should have given her some of prince Lynt’s socks—” Zev’s voice is cut off as the church door opens and MC walks down the aisle.
- “She’s beautiful.” Aquia tries to soothe Guy’s jitters. Besides a stylish wedding gown, MC wears a crown adorned with rubies shining as brightly as her eyes. She walks towards the altar with dignity, a soft but confident smile on her face. Aquia frowns when he looks at his wristwatch. “She’s right on time Guy.”
- Guy scowls at Jasper. “YOU gave me this watch. An early wedding present you claimed.”
- “Oh, the watch was not properly synced. My apologies.” Jasper looks anything but apologetic. “But your heart flutters more sweetly for MC, doesn’t it?”
- Guy returns his gaze towards MC. His eyes now glow tenderly.
Guy and MC exchange wedding rings—ancient royal heirlooms--embedded with diamonds and rubies. Guy makes a slight modification to the rings—the rubies are spelled to glow brightly to detect nearby poison. This was done after an assassination attempt on MC less than a month before the wedding. Guy and MC write their own vows (Guy receives help from Jasper and Roy to ensure they would be received well by MC).
"You are tenacious. Powerful. Loyal. My priceless jewel. I vow to protect you and our future.” Guy pauses for dramatic effect, particularly at a few noble families who have implied their daughters would be viable candidates for secondary wives. “I will have no other queen or wife beyond you—no matter the cost.”
Towards the end of the ceremony, the priest asks “Are there any objections—”
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- Guy and MC: “None.”
- Priest: “I…was not asking your majesties. I was asking the audience if they—”
- Guy: “Even if they object, it does not matter. MC will be their queen. Just as she is mine.” Guy scans the crowd, daring them to contradict him.
After the ceremony, Guy spends the bare minimal time required with the throngs of people wanting to curry his favor.
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- “Guy! What about my luggage?” MC asks as Guy carries her in his arms and makes his way towards a private Avari royal villa for their extended honeymoon.
- “Luggage is unnecessary.” A smirk forms on Guy’s face.
- “But I’ll need a change of clothes—”
- “Clothes are not required. A hinderance, if anything.”
Lynt
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- “Whatever is planned, it must make MC happy.”
- “What of your preferences Lynt?”
- “Her happiness is my happiness. That is all that matters.” Lynt walks away, having said his peace. He only interjects with planning when MC’s wishes are not being considered.
The ceremony is held in the Akedian castle courtyard. White petals from an Akedian Olive tree float in the air. The petals swirl in the breeze, surrounding Lynt. A few blossoms land in the prince’s hair in a makeshift halo. It is a neck-to-neck competition as to who is crying more happy tears before the ceremony—Queen Norah or Tino.
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- "Master Lynt is so happy!"
- “I know Tino.” Queen Norah sniffles. “Our boy has really grown up.”
- “Our boy? I-I would not presume to—”
- “You have been with him since childhood Tino. He is such a dear boy thanks to your tender care. He’s as much yours as mine.”
- Cue more happy crying.
King Liam proudly walks MC down the aisle. She looks ethereal in a gauzy, flowing white dress with light green accents. A few petals from Lynt’s hair float and land on MC. The crowd gasps as Lynt’s eyes pop open and he suddenly walks to the center of the aisle to meet MC and his father.
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- “Lynt my boy, what is it?”
- Lynt removes his father’s arm from MC’s grasp, replacing it with his. “I am to be with MC for life. Let me be with her.”
- King Liam laughs quietly. “I leave my son in your capable hands MC.”
- Aaaaaaaaand Tino is now sobbing louder.
Beyond Queen Norah and Tino, more than a few people have tears in their eyes as Lynt and MC recite their vows. Lynt's vows are based on ancient Akedian marriage vows per his book 2 ending.
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- Lynt: I will grant you and our kingdom everlasting peace. The greatest joy will be the love we share together. Underneath the green among us, I pledge to give the days of my life to you and you alone.
- MC: We will overcome anything as long as we have each other. I pledge my heart unto you, my prince, my lover, my friend.
After the ceremony, there is one request King Liam and Queen Norah have for Lynt and MC during their honeymoon. No, it’s not for grandbabies. Though, they wouldn’t mind if that happened of course…
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- It’s to test out various bedding. No, really.
- In celebration of the newlywed couple, MANY Akedian shops have produced limited time honeymoon themed bed linens, manufactured to be extra soft, comforting, and luxurious. So Lynt and MC try out a new set of bed sheets every night of their honeymoon, one from a different shop per night.
- Lynt has never been more dedicated towards a project. Zzzzzzzzzz.
Toa
Knight pulls off a miracle. He becomes the wedding planner instead of Toa’s sister Idina.
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- “It’s my wedding gift to you Toa.” Knight preens. Toa smiles at the strength of resolve Knights shows in making this happen. “It was either that or get you a cat!”
- “Correct choice, Knight,” Toa deadpans. A subtle curve of his lips betrays his amusement though.
It’s Qelsum—there are SO. MANY. TRADITIONS.
Among those traditions is that the bride is not allowed to see the groom a day before the wedding. A few moments before Toa enters the grandiose royal church, Knight is straightening Toa’s tie. Absentmindedly, Toa’s fingers graze his pants pocket. He feels something not there the previous day. Toa finds a piece of chocolate in the shape of a heart. With it is a note from MC. “Soon, love. Until we met again, may this treat satisfy you.”
Toa’s cheeks turn faintly red. He adores how MC gently pushes tradition while keeping him in her heart.
One tradition MC, with Toa’s support, gets rid of—the wedding ceremony is no longer closed to just top Qelsan nobility. The bakers, florists, and dressmakers that have helped her are allowed to witness the event. Idina scoffs that MC’s lack of pedigree and soft heart are readily apparent. A few noble families are aghast but keep their disgruntlement to themselves as King Gilbert does not oppose it. This move—though not premeditated by MC—solidifies MC as the people’s princess for Qelsum.
The wedding doubles as a royal procession—MC’s marriage to Toa certifies her as a princess and there are lots and lots of proclamations. Lots of scriptures to be read. The ceremony lasts for nearly two hours. At the 30-minute mark, MC gently grasps Toa’s hand and never lets go. As the wedding ceremony continues, Toa’s hand slowly becomes less frigid. When the officiant finally announces their union as husband and wife, Toa cups MC’s cheeks and kisses her, his hands the warmest they have ever been.
From this moment forward, Toa's fingers are never cold. The anxiety that manifests itself in frigid hands dissipates as Toa realizes MC and her love will be a permanent fixture in his life.
During the reception, Toa approaches a piano and starts playing. The song is from a well-known Qelsan opera about love thawing the cold heart of the protagonist. To Toa’s shock, MC stands next to him and begins singing. She heard Toa practicing for weeks and wanted to surprise him. She sings along as a perfect counterpoint as her wedding gift to him. When the pair end their duet, there is stunned silence. King Gilbert then steps closer and nods his head in subtle approval before leaving. The crowd bursts into applause.
When the last noble leaves the reception, Toa takes MC to his room and lays her on the bed. “I will dedicate my life to loving you. Always.”
Fenn
If any Saligian country dominates the wedding industry, it’s Luxure (why have one wedding when you can have many weddings, with multiple people!). Any floral arrangement or wedding gown can be procured at a moment’s notice. All prominent wedding vendors are vying to supply whatever is needed for Fenn.
Fenn surprises everyone though. He consults with Violet and his best friend Hardie and shops at vendors their parents recommend. People are stunned at this approach and ask his motives.
- Fenn: "My Treasure deserves the best. Who else should I ask but those who have parents that love one another best?"
The wedding takes place in the palace gardens. Bright green topiaries and marble statues of beautiful couples dot the landscape. Fenn stands underneath a gazebo adorned with twirling wisteria, lilacs, and blue hydrangeas. The gazebo makes today seem real—it reminds Fenn of the gazebo in the secret garden where he proposed to MC. Fenn wears a white linen coat with a lavender vest and waistcoat. He jokes with the priest officiating the wedding, people in the audience. Fenn drinks a glass of Luxuran blue wine, giving off vibes of one who is completely relaxed, even nonplussed despite the hundreds of people watching him.
And then, Fenn sees MC.
Violet walks MC down the aisle—Fenn did NOT want his father to have that privilege. Violet stuns in a deep V plunging neckline dress made of dark purple silk (Violet has no lack of dancing partners after the ceremony).
But Fenn doesn’t notice Violet. He is completely overwhelmed upon seeing MC. Nearly chokes on the blue wine he’s drinking*
- *MC could be wearing a burlap sack and Fenn would have had the same reaction.
MC wears a pure white dress with her back mostly exposed. The dress has long gauzy lace sleeves with flowery patterns mimicking the wisteria hanging over Fenn. Her hair is in an elegant updo, held by a lavender hydrangea hairpin. But it’s her crimson eyes that entrance Fenn. They’re moist with barely held back emotion. Fenn pulls MC flush to him when she approaches the altar.
- “A thousand years could pass, a thousand partners offered to me, and I would still only desire you Treasure. This I swear before all.”
- MC cradles Fenn’s face. “I will always love you Fenn, no matter what attempts to shake it.”
Patience is a virtue—except for Luxuran weddings. Fenn passionately kisses MC before the ceremony truly begins. The priest quickly blurts out “Man and wife! I pronounce you man and wife!”
Fenn pulls back after the kiss, murmuring in a low tone to MC. “Luxuran ceremonies are quick affairs. We must save our energy for the honeymoon after all.”
Speaking of honeymoon, it happens immediately after the wedding ceremony. Very immediate. Fenn pulls MC towards his chest, winks at the crowd, and spirits away with her.
The first few days are spent at a cabin in the woods recommended by Hardie. Oh no, there’s nothing to do in their cabin but each other over and over again…Fenn is DEVESTATED. (MC…is thoroughly wrecked). The second half of the honeymoon Fenn takes MC to every ballet, art gallery, and high society event he can to show his precious MC off.
Roy
"Oh, they look so happy."
This phrase, and various iterations of it, are repeated by those watching Roy and MC. Though the couple are in a crowded Castle ballroom, surrounded by dignitaries, princes, and Invidian townspeople, Roy and MC barely register those around them. They dance slowly, twirling on the ballroom floor as if no one is watching them.
Throughout the wedding reception, Roy and MC are always close together: an arm around the other’s waist; lips whispering endearments; eyes sparkling in delight. Roy and MC wear matching wedding rings made of Invidian silver. The rings are etched with a twirling vine and rose motif, with yellow diamonds interspersed to look like flower buds. The ring engravings are enchanted to glow a faint but brilliant white.
An entire ballroom wall is covered with flowers—wildflowers in hanging pots; single stemmed roses tied to nearby trellises; ivy crawling up towards the ceiling and nearby columns; countless pots with beautiful blooms litter the floor and are given to the happy couple in celebration of their marriage. While pink and yellow roses are the official flowers of Invidia, wildflowers from the countryside are nearly as prominent. This touches MC’s heart. The wildflowers are equally beautiful to her and remind her of the freer, secretly uninhibited side to her prince.
- Roy and MC walk towards the flower wall. Roy puts a vibrant pink rose that shines like a jewel on the wall. He explains that the flower is a Titan rose, a rare Invidian blossom that represents an eternal love between partners.
- MC smiles back. She then reveals her own Titan rose, a red one. Her rose is placed next to Roy’s and the two roses magically entwine together. Roy holds her close in response, with a grateful, awestruck look on his face.
Something else people notice—joy. It is subtle but unrestrained. Roy stands taller than normal, face beaming, body relaxed. It is as if the weight of the world has been lifted from his shoulders now that MC is there to carry it with him. MC too is quietly elated: her hand freely grasps Roy’s, her gaze never waivers, her laughter unrestricted. She no longer doubts her worthiness of being with him.
Another reason for Roy and MC being relaxed. This is not their first wedding.
Today’s reception and wedding is for the Invidian people. Last week, Roy and MC had a private wedding ceremony, reserved for family and closed loved ones, in a small garden at Roy’s family chapel within the Invidian Castle grounds. This wedding is the one enshrined in their hearts. Their vows encapsulate this:
- MC: “The world is comprised of darkness and light. For years, I struggled in the dark. But then, you arrived. Thank you for being my light—my source of inspiration and joy. I vow to give you the same love and happiness you’ve given me.”
- Roy: “The world may be comprised of darkness and light, but you brought color to my life. You are my anchor, my saving grace. Please be my companion in this life and beyond. I vow to cherish and love you as you deserve.”
“You had two ceremonies? Sounds rather tiring,” murmurs Lynt.
“Yes, but there are advantages.” Roy smirks, twirling a wildflower between his fingers as MC speaks with his sister Sherry. His eyes blaze with heat. “Such as having two wedding nights.”
Rio
Rio and MC want their wedding to be one where smiles are brought to everyone's faces, not just their own. As such, they decide to have their ceremony inside Voleri's main orphanage. Several of the orphanage's children serve as wedding ushers.
Rio’s little sister Nica is the world’s cutest flower girl. She skips down the aisle at a rapid pace, speeding towards the altar to give Rio a hug. In her enthusiasm, she forgets to sprinkle the flower petals.
“Did I do well brother?”
“Of course you did!” Rio tussles her hair affectionately.
“YAY!” Nica throws the entirety of the flower basket’s contents in the air, showering Rio and the wedding officiant in petals.
Because Rio admires the loving relationship his parents have, MC decides to wear Rio’s mother’s wedding dress, with some alterations to make it more modern. The dress is cream colored and free flowing, with minimal adornments. Rio adores the simplicity, as it allows him to focus on the brightness of MC’s smile and her adoring face.
MC and Rio have their hands interlocked with one another throughout the entire ceremony. When they exchange rings, Rio’s dad, King Aiden, laughs ecstatically, his voice booming. “My lad, you have to let go of her hand for a moment to give her the ring!”
The wedding reception is the equivalent of a backyard BBQ—except with royals. And everyone from Voleri is invited. It’s not like you could miss the celebration—it takes place in town square, with the vibe of a joyous fall festival.
Rio and MC refuse any official wedding gifts from the princes. Instead, they ask for gifts to benefit Voleri. Roy, Lynt, and Fenn work with their respective kingdoms to find potential families to adopt children from the Voleri orphanages.
With LOTS of convincing from Jasper, Aquia, and Roy, Guy allows himself to have his face painted by local children during the reception.
Well, allow is not the right word. Guy is scowling horribly.
- Toa: "Maybe the children can paint a smile on Avari’s face."
- Voleri children: "CAN WE PAINT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE TOO PRINCE TOA?!"
- Toa: "Excuse me?"
- Voleri Children: "PLLLLLEEEEASE?"
- Rio: "PLLLLEEEEASE?"
- Guy: "Heh, heh."
- Voleri Children: "Oh you CAN smile Prince Guy!"
A scene of hilarity and princely chaos emerges as the last of the wedding guests leaves the reception and Rio and MC prepare for their honeymoon.
- Rio: "Fenn, thanks for the honeymoon clothes! I gotta say, MC’s nighttime dress had a lot of holes in it!"
- Fenn: "That’s the point Rio! Besides, MC forbade me from giving you any special honeymoon books."
- Rio: "No worries ‘bout that! Roy gave me a book he especially recommended."
- Roy: *Blushing* "Rio, that was to be our secret."
- Sherry: "Oh, THAT book. Yes, it’s quite informative!"
- Roy: *Looks temporarily speechless at his younger sister*
- Rio: "And Toa gave me some romance books to enjoy."
- Toa: "Ahem. That gift was from an anonymous source."
- Rio: "Why yes, but the gift wrapping had paw prints on it, so I assumed Knight wrapped it on your behalf—"
- Toa: "KNIGHT!"