Chapter 7: Same Shade of Light

The doves carried olive leaves to shower the newly wed. The sound of cheerful clap and singing echoes. The Lyres and trumpets boast the royal union of a reliable household for century. Lehi can't help but release a small and gentle smile because the whole El Oathniel Kingdom are blushing joyously that it made the atmosphere warm. Ophir gently rub Lehi's white laced back.

"Are you alright? Your cheeks are now pinkish? "

Lehi strecthed her white laced wedding gown. Her viel brushes her cheeks that causes slight irritation.

"I honestly feel hot and heavy. This gown prevents me to move. Can I excuse myself and change to something lighter?"

She said using her hands to fan her now reddish face due to the heat. Ophir really does not agree because it really look wonderful on her. In his eyes it felt like that she is born to wear it but if it makes her feel uncomfortable then that can't be helped.

"Aww, it even looks great on you . It's okay, go wear something comfortable."

he complented and encouraged as he signaled Eyel to accompany her.

Lehi look back at him but he mouthed a soundless "go, I'll wait for you. " His white turtle neck adorned with golden vest made him too cute for a groom. His white pants trace his slender long legs. The stone between his eyes make it seems that he is a gurdian for cute creatures.

Hexel and Kiel congratulates Ophir. The two look more handsome with thier white formal wear with golden vest. "So, how does it feel to get chained for a lifetime?" Kiel teased Ophir as he rub his elbow in circular motion to his stomach . " Well it's not that bad. Your highness," Ophir replied as he grin widely. Hexel tried to follow up the tease coming from the prince. "But I am sure, you are more excited for later. " the young duke wink.

Ophir tried to play innocent and rub on "what do you mean?" as he wink back at him.

Ophir already knew that this kingdom have different practice and tradition than others but this is insane. It's the first time he felt regretful since coming here. El Oathniel Kingdom have a wedding tradition that during wedding night there will be a artistic tent prepared for the honeymoon.

Mem explained that it is a sacred tradition that when night fall after the wedding vows, the groom and bride are to make love inside the tent known as Linen but the elders of the Kingdom are outside the tent waiting for it to be done. The reason is that to find out if the said couple never commit sexual immorality before marraige. After the said passionate exchange the groom should wave that there bed sheet has blood, but if there's none then the couple will be stoned to death by the whole kingdom before morning.

And that is right! The stars are shinning brightly and the moon is full but Ophir and Lehi inside the tent are pressured by the crowd outside this tent. Ophir is flustered and would not know how to approach Lehi about this because she is sitting at the other side of the bed feeling akward and suppressing her cries. Ophir move unto where she sat and kneeled infront of her.

"Lehi, we should not do this outside the context of love. So if it's alright with you, I suggest that we should prick your palm or heel for blood then you can heal it with oil, but first let's mess you up. " Ophir implied trying to make her feel at ease and secured.

Lehi can't help but feel devastated to how this wedding tradition gets more complicated and outdated. Their era is more librated and hideous but getting witnessed as you engage in such intimate act is awkward. As a woman when inside the bed chamber, we should feel the safest but this situation right now makes you feel exposed. Lehi was wondering why was the garment readied for her is so silky and quite thin comparing to this kingdom's fashion.

This silky and thin purple dress adorn with butterfly printings make her look mature and sexy, it flaunt her curves. Lehi just sat at the bed side dumbfounded. She knows that Ophir is more burdened than her but she felt touched when Ophir suggested that they should wait and put on some act. Right after his suggestion.

Ophir excused and asked for permission for his following actions. His long and wide hand gently remove her hair ornament and disorganized it. Ophir insturcted Lehi to mess his hair and unbutton and crumple his clothes. Ophir undo his belt . "Are you ready? " Ophir asked as he is about to prick her heels with a neddle. They are not allowed to use their gifts because the elders outside will sense it. So they have to do it manually. They decided to prick Lehi's heels so that they can bandage it lightly and her coal shoes will cover it. Lehi gulped and nod.

" Tell me if it hurts you." Ophir said before pricking her. As the needle dig deeper unti her soft skin. Ophir look at Lehi wearily asking for a sign if he can pull the needle out. She nod at him then the moment he pulled out the needle the blood slowly poured out. He immediately grab the vase remove the flowers and scooped the blood to mix it in water. The water turned red then Ophir sprinkled it on the sheet.

Before waving it from the tent door for everyone to see. He removed his turtle neck and waved the stained sheet half naked. It hit his self esteem to the bottom. Plus he felt violated and stupid at his current state right now. The crowd started to clap and recited

"May our God bless you in fruitfulness. "

After the humiliating event at the tent there is more. The Myrrh Cinnamon Library arranged their bed chamber. Lehi's room was given to Urchin. Ophir's room got rearranged for the two of them. It's been a week since Ophir and Lehi started to adjust and get used to being a married couple.

The color of the room is a lovely black and white with the touch of ash muave. No maids to dress them up and buttler to open the curtains, just the two of them. It was awkward at first, then it became comfortable until they got used to each others company. They set a rule, They made sure to talk things first.

They maintained certain distance and respected personal spaces and relations. Fight?! Not yet, they both tried to blend not to fit in. If the whole kingdom would choose the couple of the year Ophir and Lehi would be one of the best candidates.

The people envied and appreciated how they match their clothings except for Ophir's colorful turtlenecks. Thanks to that Lehi can maintain her blouse and long skirts not the elegant and heavy dresses. Their fashion sense said to be extraordinary but for both of them it felt home.