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BELLS echoed as white pigeons took off into the clear blue sky, drawing a beautiful arc.
They were all gathered at St. Jules Cathedral, east of Egdiel Castle. Inside the magnificent cathedral, watched over by a large crowd, the Blue Rose of Heilland was united with the man she loved.
“Do you vow to love your wife, Alicia, and walk together with her from now until the end of time?”
The vows read by the priest echoed loudly off the high ceiling.
“I do,” Clovis answered confidently.
The elderly priest nodded at his response and then turned his head towards Alicia.
“Do you vow to love and care for your husband, Clovis, until the end of time?”
Alicia glanced down at their hands held tightly together and the violet gaze looking down at her.
“I do.”
Clovis squeezed her hand.
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After the exchange of vows, the pair turned to face the crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the wedding of their next queen and her husband. Everyone erupted with cheers that resounded throughout the cathedral.
The beauty of the couple, dressed in pure white and bathed in sunlight shining through the stained-glass windows, appeared almost divine. Alicia was the princess who saved the kingdom, and Clovis was the man who aided her victory. No one could make a finer pair.
“Bless this union!” the priest continued from behind them. “A vow has been made, and man and woman have become one. May the divine protection of the guardian star shine and guide them to eternity.”
“In times of happiness and in times of misfortune, I am yours forever.”
As the pair answered in unison, the crowd burst into cheers and applause. Her hand still in Clovis’s, Alicia looked over the crowd again.
In the front row were the nobles of the Privy Council, including the Duke of Geras, the Marquis of Haber, Attorney General Adams, and District Commissioner Dreyfus. Riddhe was seated near Dreyfus, looking slightly annoyed but resigned as the bearded commissioner slung an arm over his shoulder.
Further back were several merchants from the Mercurius Company, led by Jude, of course. Alicia couldn’t help but smile as she spotted him amongst his comrades instead of with the other nobles.
There were also huge crowds of citizens waiting outside the cathedral in the streets. Though she couldn’t see them, she was sure that the church folks and Edmund were among them.
So many smiles gathered in one place.
They were able to have this moment because of everyone’s efforts.
“Alicia, Clovis, my children.”
King James, who had been watching nearby, stepped forward as the couple turned to face their king. Behind him were Chief Adviser Nigel and Imperial Guard Robert.
Nigel’s smile was strained as he looked at the pair as if about to burst into tears. On the other hand, Robert, dressed in a knight’s formal attire, had his usual grin as he drew Alicia’s attention and glanced behind him.
Following his gaze, Alicia giggled as she caught sight of Annie and Martha hidden behind a pillar, sobbing as they held onto each other. Next to them was Chief Lady-in-Waiting Lady Fourier, who couldn’t stop dabbing at her eyes with her sleeve. The maids offered a handkerchief before turning back to Alicia and nodding vigorously.
The priest withdrew as King James took the stage. Looking up, Alicia saw her father’s almond-colored eyes squinting in happiness as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“Be happy, my sweet Cia.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“You too, Clovis.”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
After a brief hug, King James took the royal scepter from Nigel. Encrusted with countless jewels, it was the true symbol of the king. Showing it to Alicia, King James winked at her as if asking if she wanted to take it.
Alicia smiled and shook her head. Though the king had already appointed her as the official heir of Heilland, it would be many years before she inherited the throne. Until then, she had lots to learn and things to do.
She would walk on with Clovis and everyone else whose lives were intertwined with hers in this reprise of life. Looking up at her partner with determination, he smiled back at her.
Behind them, the king raised his scepter and proclaimed:
“Blessings be upon Heilland!”