The morning of the wedding arrived sooner than Aria had expected.
She woke to the distant sound of bells echoing through the palace.
For several seconds, she remained still beneath the soft covers, staring at the ceiling.
Then reality returned.
Today was her wedding day.
Aria slowly sat up.
Her heart began beating faster.
She was getting married.
Not someday.
Not months from now.
Today.
A gentle knock came from the door.
Before Aria could answer, it opened.
Nia stepped inside with a bright smile.
"Good morning, bride."
Aria groaned and pulled the blanket over her face.
"Please leave."
Nia laughed.
"Absolutely not."
She walked toward the bed and pulled the blanket away.
"Come on. Everyone is already awake."
Aria sat up reluctantly.
"How early is it?"
"Early enough."
Nerina entered behind Nia, carrying a small box.
She smiled when she saw her daughter.
"My beautiful girl."
Aria looked at her mother.
"Mother, I don't think I'm ready."
Nerina placed the box down and walked toward her.
"You don't have to be."
She gently held Aria's face between her hands.
"Just remember that whatever happens today, you are still my daughter. Nothing can change that."
Aria's eyes softened.
"Thank you."
Nia cleared her throat dramatically.
"Can we have the emotional moment after we get her dressed?"
Aria laughed despite herself.
"You're impossible."
"And you're getting married."
Nia grinned.
---
The bridal chamber had been transformed.
Several palace maids moved around the room, arranging fabrics, jewellery, flowers, and other wedding accessories.
At the centre stood Aria's wedding gown.
For a moment, she simply stared at it.
The dress was breathtaking.
The rich burgundy fabric flowed from the fitted bodice into a long, elegant skirt that swept gently across the floor. Delicate golden embroidery covered the edges, forming intricate patterns inspired by the ancient symbols of Valmyr.
The sleeves were long and graceful, narrowing slightly at the wrists.
A thin golden belt rested around her waist, bearing a small royal crest.
The gown was regal without feeling overly extravagant.
Aria reached out and touched the fabric.
"It is beautiful."
Nerina smiled.
"It suits you."
Nia walked around her.
"Wait until you see yourself wearing it."
---
It took nearly an hour for the maids to finish preparing Aria.
Her long hair was carefully brushed and arranged so that most of it flowed freely down her back. Small golden ornaments were woven into a few sections, catching the light whenever she moved.
But nothing drew more attention than the golden strands Ignara had left behind.
They remained among her dark hair like thin threads of sunlight.
The maids had chosen not to cover them.
Instead, they carefully arranged her hairstyle so the strands remained visible.
Aria stared at herself in the mirror.
For a moment, she barely recognized the girl looking back at her.
She looked different.
Not because she had changed completely, but because everything about her life had changed.
A few days ago, she had been a university student worrying about her classes and her future.
Now she was dressed as a bride preparing to marry the future king of Valmyr.
Nia stood behind her.
"Wow."
Aria glanced at her reflection.
"What?"
Nia smiled.
"You actually look like a princess."
Aria laughed softly.
"I suppose that's what happens when you marry one."
Nerina approached from behind.
She placed a hand gently on Aria's shoulder.
"You're beautiful."
Aria looked at her mother through the mirror.
Her eyes became slightly glassy.
"I wish Father were here."
"He is with you in his heart," Nerina said.
Aria nodded.
She took one final breath.
Then the doors opened.
A palace attendant stepped inside.
"Lady Aria. It is time."
Aria's heart pounded.
She looked at her mother.
Then at Nia.
"Let's go."
---
Across the palace, Adrian was preparing for the ceremony.
He stood before a large mirror while a servant adjusted the final details of his royal attire.
His wedding coat was deep black, fitted perfectly across his broad shoulders and chest. Gold embroidery traced the collar and cuffs, while the royal crest of Valmyr rested proudly over his heart.
His dark hair had been carefully styled, though a few strands refused to remain perfectly in place.
His sharp features gave him a commanding appearance, while his steady eyes held the same calm intensity that seemed to follow him everywhere.
Adrian studied his reflection.
He looked exactly as a future king was expected to look.
Calm.
Composed.
Untouchable.
Yet beneath that calm expression, his thoughts were restless.
Today, Aria Fleur would become his wife.
A girl he had barely known for days.
A girl chosen by Ignara.
A girl he had once considered rejecting.
He exhaled slowly.
There was no turning back now.
A servant bowed.
"Your Highness, it is time."
Adrian nodded.
"Let's go."
---
The wedding hall was filled with people.
Nobles from powerful clans occupied the front rows, while representatives from different territories filled the remaining seats.
The royal family sat at the centre.
King Darian looked every bit the monarch, dressed in a magnificent dark-purple ceremonial robe decorated with gold.
Queen Mira wore an elegant ivory gown with golden embroidery, her dark hair styled neatly beneath a delicate crown.
Queen Elena wore a deep emerald gown that complemented the royal jewels around her neck. Her expression remained calm, though her eyes occasionally drifted toward the entrance.
Queen Dowager Mara sat beside them.
She wore an ivory-and-gold gown, her silver hair gathered neatly behind her head.
Her expression was peaceful.
But her eyes carried the knowledge of secrets that few people in the kingdom understood.
Aria's family sat among the honoured guests.
Nerina clasped her hands together nervously.
Nia leaned toward her.
"Mother, breathe."
"I am breathing."
"You're holding your breath."
Nerina gave her a look.
Nia smiled.
Then the music began.
The entire hall fell silent.
The great doors opened.
Aria appeared.
For a moment, nobody moved.
She stood at the entrance beside her family, one hand resting gently against her gown.
Then she began walking.
Slowly.
Gracefully.
Her burgundy gown swept across the polished floor behind her, while the golden embroidery shimmered beneath the light.
Her dark hair flowed over her shoulders and down her back.
And among it were the unmistakable golden strands.
The mark of Ignara.
Adrian looked up.
And for the first time, he truly saw her.
His expression changed.
Only slightly.
But enough for Queen Elena to notice.
Aria wasn't the frightened girl he had seen at the palace days ago.
Today, she looked confident.
Beautiful.
And strangely unfamiliar.
Adrian's eyes remained on her as she approached.
Aria eventually looked at him.
Their eyes met.
For a moment, the noise of the entire hall seemed to disappear.
She continued walking.
One step.
Then another.
Until she finally stood before him.
Adrian extended his hand.
Aria hesitated for the briefest moment before placing hers in his.
His fingers closed gently around hers.
"You're beautiful," he murmured.
Aria's eyes widened slightly.
She hadn't expected that.
"Thank you."
The ceremony continued.
The royal officiant stood before them and began reciting the ancient words of the Valmyr marriage tradition.
Aria listened carefully.
Adrian remained beside her.
Their hands stayed together.
When the final words were spoken, the hall became completely silent.
The officiant raised his voice.
"Before the people of Valmyr, before the royal house, and before the ancient traditions of our kingdom, I declare Prince Adrian Veyr and Aria Fleur joined in marriage."
For a heartbeat, nothing happened.
Then the hall erupted in applause.
Nia immediately hugged Nerina.
Her mother laughed through tears.
The King smiled.
Queen Mira looked relieved.
Even Dowager Mara allowed a faint smile to cross her lips.
Aria stared ahead.
She was married.
She was now the wife of Prince Adrian Veyr.
Adrian looked down at her.
Aria looked up at him.
Neither of them knew what the future would bring.
But for the moment, they stood together.
Husband and wife.
And somewhere beyond the palace walls, the ancient power that had brought them together remained silent.
Watching.
Waiting.