Rayan's fingers trembled as Mira adjusted the silver-threaded robes across his lean shoulders. The fabric shimmered in the morning light filtering through the oak's canopy, but his mind was elsewhere—flashing to the day humans torched his home, his brother's scream echoing in the flames. It's been a hundred year since the war ended but the painful memories of the past still lingering. Especially today when he's about to take the biggest step of his life. At 400, he was young for an elf, but old enough to carry scars that burned deeper than any wound.
"There," Mira murmured, her mature curves brushing close as she smoothed the collar. Her elegant smile held that nurturing warmth he'd known since childhood. "Now you look like the prince we can brag about ."
His pulse quickened, ocean blue eyes meeting her brown ones in the mirror. "I can hardly believe it's today. Princess Elena...I can't believe you're marrying such a beautiful girl?"
Mira's laugh was rich, knowing. "Lovely but sharp as a blade. You'll see yourself." She stepped back, hands on hips. "Though you're more nervous about tonight than the vows, aren't you?"
Heat crept up his neck. "Mira..."
"Hush. I raised you and know that look all too well." Her eyes twinkled. "Patience, Rayan. Think of her first."
A knock saved him. "Brother?" Lyra peeked in, her 300-year-old face bright with excitement, still a kid by elven standards. "Princess Elena's looking like a Goddess . I'm really jealous how fortunate you are"
Rayan straightened his circlet, the silver band heavy with duty. Straightening his posture he gave a wry smile,"Fortunate me, then."
"The others are waiting," Lyra added, glancing at Mira. "To congratulate before Princess could captivate you with her charm."
His friends crowded the hallway. Natasha with her teasing grin, Toha clutching a charm, Vera eyeing him wistfully. "Look at you, all royal, maybe we should call you 'Your Highness' from now on" Vera said softly.
Natasha snorted. "Still the klutz who fell from trees to impress Mira." But her voice softened, eyes lingering.
Toha pressed the charm into his palm. "I can't believe how lucky you are. Though it's sad we won't be able to meet each other often." Her face showed genuine sadness.
They felt pride about their friend but there was some sad feeling underneath.
____
"The ceremony shall now begin," Elder Marcus called from the village center.
Rayan stepped onto the petal-strewn path, heart pounding. The Great Tree loomed, its trunk wider than twenty elves arm-in-arm, adorned with silver ribbons and white flowers. Crystal chimes sang in the breeze, the air thick with forest scents—pine and blooming jasmine. The village gathered, women of all ages circling the sacred space, faces alight with hope. Their numbers had dwindled after the wars.
And there she was Princess Elena beneath the canopy, golden hair cascading like sunlight, woven with tiny flowers. Her ceremonial gown hugged her graceful form, silver threads matching the Tree's carvings. At 500, she carried wisdom in her black eyes, meeting his with a small smile that stole his breath. They'd known each other but not intimately, the marriage rushed by necessity.
He approached, the chimes falling silent. Elder Marcus raised his staff. "Under the Great Tree's watch, we bind Rayan and Elena. For legacy. For life."
The vows came fast, words blurring in Rayan's ears. "I, Rayan, take you, Elena, as my soulmate,will always be by your side to rebuild what was lost." His voice steadied.
"I, Elena, take you, Rayan, as my husband, to forge our future." Her tone was pragmatic, eyes steady.
Elder Marcus declared, "Under the watch of Great Tree, I, Marcus, hereby Declare Rayan and Elena as husband and wife. May the blessing of Great Tree bestow upon them."
He continued, "From now on Rayan will be called Prince Rayan."
Queen Maria stepped forward, her regal presence commanding. "Drink the sacred water, blessed by the Tree." She handed them a crystal cup, the liquid sweet and cool as it passed their lips.
A tingle spread through Rayan, like magic awakening. Maria's voice lowered. "Your union seals our hope. But remember the prophecy, your heirs will wield power to end the shadows, tying our fate to the Tree's roots."
The crowd cheered as they kissed, Elena's lips soft, a hint of warmth promising more. Rayan's hands on her waist, her fingers in his black hair. It was brief, but electric.
Maria leaned close, whispering with a mischievous wink. "enjoy your night…."
Elena's cheeks pinked. "Mother..."
The queen laughed.