The ceremony
It didn't take long for everyone to show up, and the ceremony was about to start. The incident that occurred in the dining room was not brought up by King Larson because he assumed it had to do with marriage. They were then taken inside the room, where the guests were seated on seats set up in the room, and a lovely podium was decorated. The sound of soft wedding music signaled the commencement of the royal event. Ezekiel, who was shaking uncomfortably, was seated next to King Alaric, who was also the best man. Ezekiel, who had maintained a straight face throughout the day, expressed nervousness for the first time. The bride and her father, King Larson, were expectantly awaited by the guests and the groom. A short while later, the door to the aisle opened, and a few young girls entered wearing lovely pink dresses and showering flower petals all over the ground. With every second that passed, Ezekiel's nervousness grew. As the best man, King Alaric turned to face him and put his hand on Ezekiel's shoulders to calm him down. The guests grew silent as the bride was about to walk down the aisle. Savannah, the princess, appeared before the guests in a stunning white satin gown that shimmered brilliantly in the lights. Prince Ezekiel's heart began to rush as soon as he laid eyes on the bride. The white cloth fitted her waist nicely, and the flare out below the hips made her look even more beautiful, as if the dress was custom-made for her. And the silk lace veil that concealed her beautiful rosy cheeks. The bride and her father took their time as they made their way down the aisle. The guests sat silently as the prince extended his hand to take the princess's hand and escort her to the podium. Every second seemed so lengthy as the priest read from the script. Meanwhile, Kind Alaric silently thanked the almighty for restoring peace between the two kingdoms. He recalled when his father and King Larson were planning his wedding.
"I need to talk to her." Alaric exclaimed, followed by a heavy sigh. Ezekiel, who was sitting across from him, quietly nodded in agreement, taken aback by the wedding announcement. And he couldn't stop his father because he didn't know if Princess Savannah liked him at all.
"But, what about father?"
"I'm afraid I can't do it, Ezekiel." Alaric took a brief break. "I'm going tomorrow." He made his decision and went to bed.
For them both, the night seemed to last longer. Alaric was resolved to tell Princess Savannah the truth—that he wasn't prepared to get married—and to clear the air. And since he was aware of Ezekiel's emotions, his heart prevented him from saying yes because he had always thought of Savannah as his little sister. Meanwhile, Ezekiel pondered about his tragic fate. What if the commitment is made? What happens if Princess Savannah wishes to wed Alaric? His life was on edge the entire night, with what ifs racing through his mind.
The following morning, Ezekiel's father kept asking him questions nonstop. Alaric was nowhere to be seen, suggesting that he left unannounced early in the morning. The king, however, had discovered everything and had marched to the room that Ezekiel and Alaric shared. No matter how much pressure the monarch applied to the helpless young Ezekiel, nothing came out of him. The little boy's only response was to stare down at the floor and claim he had no idea where his elder sibling had gone. Hours passed in weird silence around the castle as the king waited for his elder son in the courtroom, but he was nowhere to be seen. The king became concerned and dispatched men to look for him. Then came the night, but his army returned empty-handed. Ezekiel felt horrible for concealing the truth but lacked the guts to tell his father where Alaric was. The night passed as the king rested on his throne, waiting for his son to arrive. The following morning, Alaric walked softly in the direction of the castle, but his father heard his small steps.
"Where were you?"
"I... I." As the king engulfed him in a strong hug, Alaric's words became caught in his throat. The hug was full of worry and love, as if he was frightened of losing him. Alaric held him back as a single tear rolled down the king's cheek. "I'm sorry, father."
"You are not injured. That's all I'm looking for."
Alaric turned to face his father as he prepared to share some important news in order to gather the strength to do so. "I called off the wedding." There was a brief pause in the conversation as he said that. Alaric remained silent while the king studied him in shock and searched for an explanation. Alaric had made decisions and taken actions that could not be changed when the king's fury overcame his worry and he started to question his oldest son.
Alaric shook his head and thanked himself for having called off the wedding years earlier. Even though he let his father down, he was glad that two kind souls were finally uniting despite the obstacles. That nearly brought back the moment he married Diona, the moment he had unexpectedly fallen in love for the first time. Half of the ceremonies were completed quickly since he was so engrossed in his daydream, and a young girl soon approached the bride and groom to present them with the royal wedding bands. The prince was requested by the priest to say his vows while holding the bride's hand.
Take thee, Ezekiel Josen. Take the Savannah Myrtle.
to be my lawfully wedded wife,
From this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health, to love and cherish,
According to God's holy law, til death do us part,
In the presence of God, I make this vow. "
"I, Savannah Myrtle, take thee, Ezekiel Josen," she says.
to be my lawfully wedded husband,
From this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health, to love and cherish,
According to God's holy law, till death do us part,
In the presence of God, I make this vow. "
They let go of their hands after the oaths, and the priest blessed the royal bands.
"Bless this ring, O Lord, and grant that whoever presents it and whoever wears it will be faithful to each other, abide in peace and favor, and live together till their lives end." The bride and groom exchange rings, and the new pair is blessed by the priest. "I may pronounce you a man and a wife at the same time." Those present during the royal engagement clapped joyfully, pleased for the new couple. "You may kiss the bride." Ezekiel nervously chuckled at the priests' final order for the rite before lifting the veil with his hands. It was now his turn to see his wife, the one he had waited years to see. He gave thanks to God for everything and gradually lifted the veil to see Savannah's shy smile. Ezekiel was briefly in a state of disbelief as he gazed in awe at his wife's smiling face. Ezekiel soon moved to cup Savannah's face and drew her in for a tender kiss. Everyone applauded for them and threw flower petals at them, including the observers. The newlyweds received congratulations. King Larson praised King Alaric while crying with joy. People dancing in the street to rejoice during the ceremony made it feel especially lovely. Delicious food was served to the visitors, and free food was given out all across the kingdom. And everything went off without a hitch as planned. King Alaric grinned despite his suffering and wished his wife were present. But what was waiting ahead for them was unexpected.