The church in the Rothschild territory was one of the grandest in the area, owing to the family's close proximity to the Holy Nation. After an hour-long journey from the Rothschild estate, the carriage carrying Roxanne and Vivianne pulled up before the impressive structure.
The building itself was an exquisite blend of ornate Gothic and Baroque styles. Towering spires and ornamental pinnacles reached towards the sky, their intricate details and gleaming gold accents catching the light to create an almost ethereal impression.
The façade was adorned with delicate arched windows, ornate sculptures, and intricate filigree work that evoked a sense of grandeur and reverence. The central tower, the tallest of the three, rose majestically, its spire tapering to a point and seemingly piercing the azure sky above.
The white stone walls, polished to a pristine shine, gave the cathedral an almost marble-like quality, reflecting the sunlight and creating a luminous, radiant appearance. Ornamental buttresses with their elegant flying arches provided both structural support and visual interest, adding to the overall sense of architectural harmony and balance.
As Vivianne stepped out of the carriage, she couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence wash over her. This was the very church where her parents had been married, and now she would be able to have her own ceremony blessed within its hallowed halls.
Unlike her previous life, where her marriage to the Emperor had been a grand but hollow affair, her marriage in the past with Dietrich was very grand and attended by almost all the nobility in the Empire, but none of them are pleased with her marrying the emperor. She's an illegitimate daughter of the count in the empire, no matter how beautiful she is.
The memories of her previous ill-fated marriage threatened to resurface, haunting Vivianne's mind. She remembered how the ceremony had been abruptly cut short, the presence of so many unmated alphas in the grand cathedral triggering her unexpected heat.
The chaos that had ensued, with the alphas' primal instincts unleashed, mated, and the unmated one was eagerly trying to devour her. The unique pheromone she had, her condition, and what made the chaos in her past life were not things she ever wished to relive.
A shudder ran through her delicate frame as those unwanted recollections threatened to overwhelm her. "What are you afraid of?" Roxanne's gentle, reassuring voice cut through the haze, snapping Vivianne back to the present.
"Eh, uh, I—" Vivianne faltered, the words catching in her throat. She feared that her unique condition might make Roxanne reluctant to proceed with their marriage, and the thought of being forced to marry Dietrich again was simply unthinkable.
But as Vivianne gazed into Roxanne's deep crimson eyes, she saw only steadfast determination and a fierce protectiveness. "Don't worry, my lady," Roxanne said, extending her hand. "Nothing will happen with me around. Trust me."
Roxanne's confidence and the warmth of her touch quickly dispelled Vivianne's lingering doubts. Taking a deep, fortifying breath, the young omega placed her delicate fingers in the Grand Duke's strong grasp.
"Let's officiate our marriage," Roxanne said, her words carrying a weighted finality that left no room for hesitation.
Vivianne's delicate features blossomed into a radiant smile as she responded, "Yes, your Grace." With a newfound confidence, she stepped out of the carriage, her lilac gaze shining with anticipation.
As Vivianne and Roxanne approached the church, the priests were already waiting for them. Behind the two of them, the knights of Grand Duchy Borgia walk closer to follow them; they will be the witnesses of the wedding between the Grand Duke and their soon-to-be Grand Duchess of Borgia.
The air inside the hallowed halls was thick with a weighted silence, the towering stained-glass windows casting a warm, ethereal glow over the proceedings. Vivianne couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves as she took in the austere yet reverent atmosphere.
Roxanne moved with a regal grace, her crimson gaze sweeping over the gathered dignitaries. Vivianne marveled at the Grand Duke's ability to command respect and attention, even in such a solemn setting.
As they approached the ornate altar, the Cardinal stepped forward, his weathered features etched with a solemn dignity. "Your Grace, Lady Rothschild," he intoned, his voice carrying a weighted gravity. "You have come before us today to join yourselves in the sacred bonds of matrimony."
Vivianne felt Roxanne's hand tighten around her own, a silent gesture of reassurance. With a steadying breath, she met the Cardinal's piercing gaze, her own lilac eyes shining with a mixture of trepidation and resolve.
The ceremony unfolded with a reverent solemnity, the words of the Cardinal echoing through the vast cathedral. Vivianne found herself lost in the moment, her focus solely on the woman standing beside her.
Vivianne's purple gaze shone with a mixture of trepidation and reverence as she turned to face the Grand Duke; in this life, she had to be happy. With a steadying breath, she spoke, her voice soft yet firm, "I pledge to you, Roxanne de Borgia, my unwavering devotion, my heart, and my soul. I will stand by your side, through triumph and tribulation, and together, we will forge a bond that transcends the boundaries of our stations. This I vow, before the Cardinal and all who bear witness."
Roxanne's crimson gaze burned with an intensity that made Vivianne's breath catch in her throat. The Grand Duke squeezed her hand gently, then spoke, her rich, commanding voice filling the grand cathedral, "I vow to cherish you, to protect you, and to love you unconditionally for as long as we both shall live. No matter the trials we may face, I will remain steadfast in my devotion, my heart forever entwined with yours."
The Cardinal, his weathered features etched with solemn dignity, raised his hands, commanding the attention of Vivianne and Roxanne. "Before I bestow my blessing upon your union, I must ask—do you, Roxanne de Borgia, take this omega, Vivianne de Rothschild, to be your lawfully wedded wife and your mate for life? Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish her in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?"
Roxanne stood tall, her crimson gaze unwavering as she responded, "I do." Her voice rang out with a quiet strength, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation.
Turning to Vivianne, the Cardinal continued, "And do you, Vivianne de Rothschild, take this alpha, Roxanne de Borgia, to be your lawfully wedded wife and your mate for life? Do you promise to love, honor, and obey her, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
Vivianne's delicate features blossomed into a radiant smile as she answered, her lilac eyes shining with a profound joy. "I do."
The Cardinal nodded solemnly. "Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you wife and wife. May the Almighty bless this union and guide you both in the years to come."
As the Cardinal's words echoed through the grand cathedral, Roxanne reached out, gently cupping Vivianne's face in her strong, calloused hands. Leaning in, she pressed a tender, lingering kiss to her beloved's lips, sealing their vows with a reverence that left Vivianne's heart racing.
As Roxanne's and Vivianne's lips met in a tender, reverent kiss, sealing their union as wife and wife, a joyous cheer erupted from the gathered retainers of the Grand Duchy's Borgia knights.
Their calculated and cold-hearted Grand Duke finally found her mate; this is a happiness they have been waiting for. To have someone calm their Grand Duke, rather than going to war almost every day, even when the Borgia territory has been peaceful for years.
-
In the gilded halls of the Rothschild estate, Valdemar's eyes gleamed with a malicious glee as he pored over the details of the extravagant dowry brought forth by the Grand Duchy of Borgia. The wealth and status that this union would bring to his family knew no bounds, and he reveled in the knowledge of their impending triumph.
Genevieve, the icy matriarch of the Rothschild clan, surveyed the opulent proceedings with a calculating gaze. The marriage with Grand Duke Borgia can elevate the Rothschild family's influence and secure their position within the imperial court.
"The Grand Duke has outdone herself this time, hasn't she, my dear?" Genevieve purred, her tone dripping with false warmth. "To think, our illegitimate little Vivianne has managed to secure such a prestigious alliance. How... impressive."
Valdemar nodded eagerly, his greed barely contained. "Indeed, Mother. With this dowry, we shall be the envy of all the noble houses. Our family's standing will be elevated beyond measure."
Genevieve's lips curled into a cruel smile. "And to think, Vivianne had the audacity to request that we not attend the wedding ceremony. How very... considerate of her."
She waved a bejeweled hand dismissively. "No matter. She's not that important anyway. What is important is that we secure the alliance and reap the rewards." Genevieve's eyes narrowed, her expression hardening. "Now, ensure that you send a reply to the emperor about his marriage with our Liselotte." We shall soon be in-laws with the imperial household."
Valdemar's grin widened, his greed and ambition etched into every feature. "At once, Mother! This is a triumph for the Rothschilds!"
Genevieve nodded, her cold, calculating gaze betraying a glimmer of satisfaction. "And do be sure to mention that our dear Vivianne has married the Grand Duke of Borgia in the missive to the Emperor," she purred, her voice dripping with false affection. For the Rothschilds, there was no greater triumph than the acquisition of wealth, status, and influence, no matter the cost.