Chapter 10 - Wedding Preparations

Peace reigned over Fred and Victoria's domain as wedded bliss knew no bounds. Their woodland kingdom swelled with bountiful harvests, nourished by love nourishing all within its gentle rein.

All rejoiced in the couple's happiness, save those whose darkness refused illumination. One bitter morn, Victoria found an icy note slipped beneath the manor door:

_'Miscegenation will not stand. Leave or suffer our wrath, mongrel lovers.'_

Fear gripped Victoria's heart yet she dared not trouble Fred. At sunset's end though, shadows deepened and a ragged scream tore the quiet. Rushing out with servants, they found the stables ablaze, horses and tack destroyed by uncaring hands.

Despite the shock, Fred soothed Victoria's tears with promises of increased patrols until the monsters were found. "Dearest, let no terror dim the light within you. Our love protects and outlasts all trials."

Still Victoria worried, hoping the threats weren't forerunners of worse evils. Fred held her tight through the night, warming fleeting anxieties with passionate reminders of their bond's power.

Dawn broke colourful as promised, restoring hope that goodness' vibrancy cowed darkness' tantrums. Attention returned to more glorious matters - finalizing their woodland bower's ornate details amid joyous weeks swiftly passing.

In a 'Fit for Royalty' feature, the Chronicle lavished praise on Miss Victoria's impeccable wedding planning. Her creative vision crafting an ethereal wonderland where souls could lose themselves in love's eternal embrace gained international acclaim.

All social strata flocked to pledge to their cause, offering aid from handcrafted floral centrepieces to gold-plated cutlery. Victoria accepted each gift with heartfelt gratitude, transforming them into a wedding transcending mortal imaginings.

At long last, the eve of vows' renewal arrived. Tucked safely in Fred's arms after making passionate love, Victoria sighed in contentment. "My darling, every blessing is but a reminder that souls who lift each other conquer all darkness."

Kissing her brow, Fred smiled. "Then let the morrow be our greatest triumph yet, my blossom - a celebration of all the light and hope we've breathed into this world simply by being."

Peace followed Victoria into slumber, reinforced by Fred's stalwart love banishing final doubts. On the morrow, their bond would be cemented before heaven and earth for eternity, a beacon of joy defying tribulation's desperate plaints.,,,,