chapter 38

The day of the long-awaited wedding arrived, and the realm buzzed with excitement. The Great Hall of the Red Keep had been transformed into a breathtaking scene of opulence and grandeur. Silk banners bearing the sigils of House Baratheon and House Targaryen draped the walls, interwoven as a symbol of the union between William and Rhaenyra.

Guests from all corners of the realm had gathered to witness this momentous occasion. Lords and ladies, knights and common folk, and of course otto HighTower all came together to celebrate the joining of two noble houses and the love that bound them. 

The Septon's voice carried over the crowd, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of two souls, brought together by the bonds of love and the threads of fate," he began, his gaze shifting between the bride and groom.

Rhaenyra's eyes met William's, and a soft smile passed between them, a silent exchange of the promises they were about to make. As the Septon continued, their hands found each other's, fingers intertwining as a physical affirmation of their connection.

"Rhaenyra of House Targaryen," the septon addressed the radiant bride, "do you take William of House Baratheon to be your lawfully wedded husband? To honor and cherish him, in times of joy and sorrow, in victory and defeat, as long as you both shall live?"

Rhaenyra's voice rang clear and unwavering as she replied, "I do."

Never had William imagined he was going to get married. And to Rhaenyra, nevertheless. 

The septon turned his attention to William, his eyes crinkling with warmth. "And do you, William of House Baratheon, take Rhaenyra of House Targaryen to be your lawfully wedded wife? To honor and cherish her, in times of joy and sorrow, in victory and defeat, as long as you both shall live?"

William's gaze never wavered from Rhaenyra's, his voice strong and resolute. "I do."

With the exchange of vows complete, the septon produced two rings, symbols of eternal commitment. As he handed them to the couple, Rhaenyra and William's eyes met once more, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Place the ring on her finger," the septon instructed, his voice a gentle guide.

William slid the delicate band onto Rhaenyra's finger, his touch gentle and sure. "With this ring, I thee wed," he murmured, his voice carrying the weight of his love.

Rhaenyra mirrored his action, placing the second ring on William's finger. "With this ring, I thee wed," she echoed, her gaze unwavering.

And as the final words of the ceremony were spoken, the room erupted in applause. The sound filled the air like a thunderous wave, a collective celebration of the love that had united two individuals and two houses.

As the newlyweds descended the aisle, petals of red and gold were thrown in their path, a symbol of House Baratheon's strength and House Targaryen's fire. The celebration continued into the night, with feasting, dancing, and merriment that echoed through the castle.

Amid the revelry, Rhaenyra and William stole moments together, their eyes locked in a silent exchange of love and happiness.

In the midst of the celebration, King Viserys who was sitting beside Alicent Hightower stood at the side of his daughter and her new husband, a contented smile on his face. He raised his goblet in a toast, his words carrying a weight of pride and hope for the future.

"To love, and to my heir. To unity, and to the strength that comes from joining two houses as one," he proclaimed.

The crowd echoed his sentiment, raising their goblets in unison and offering their well wishes to the newlyweds. 

However, the Hightower daughter and her father were furious about a statement Viserys made during his speech. Which was that Rhaenyra would remain his heir even after her marriage and him having a son.

Nonetheless, the wedding festivities carried on, Rhaenyra and William took to the dance floor. While they danced, William found himself captivated by her enchanting purple eyes.

He knew that he would have to change the outcome of the dance of the dragon. Even if he has to go through hell to do that.

But first he would have to claim her in bed. As when they had their secret sessions, they had never gone all the way.