The grand hall fell silent as the heavy doors opened.
All eyes turned toward the entrance where Gina appeared, radiant in her gown of shimmering white. The golden veil caught the light as she stepped forward, her hands trembling slightly against the bouquet she held. Each step echoed softly across the marble floor, her breath shallow — the weight of every gaze pressing on her shoulders.
Duke Rnzo stood at the altar, tall and regal in his ceremonial robe, his dark eyes fixed on her. He could see her trembling from where he stood.
Then, with a sudden spark of warmth, he lifted his hands and began to clap — a steady, confident rhythm that echoed through the hall.
The guests, startled at first, quickly joined in. The sound grew louder, swelling like a wave of joy — laughter, applause, and cheers filling the air until the entire hall came alive with celebration.
Gina's trembling eased as the sound washed over her. By the time she reached him, she was smiling — tears of relief shining in her eyes.
Rnzo reached out and gently helped her up the final step. For a brief moment, the hall grew quiet again as they stood face to face.
He leaned closer, a playful glint in his eye, and blew a soft breath toward her face.
Gina blinked in surprise. "What are you doing?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the murmur of the crowd.
A small smile tugged at Rnzo's lips.
"You're too hot right now," he murmured. "It's burning me."
Gina blushed, lowering her gaze as she tried not to laugh at the corny remark. Still, her heart fluttered — the simple jest calming her more than words ever could.
Then, the wedding priest stepped forward, his voice firm and solemn as he began the ancient chant. The laughter faded, replaced by reverent silence as the ceremony of vows began.
When the priest's final words faded into the hush of the hall, a gentle melody began to play.
Gina and Rnzo turned together, their hands still joined, and slowly walked down the steps of the altar. The soft rustle of Gina's gown followed them like a whisper as they approached the two women seated before the grand throne — Queen Raina and Lady Misha.
First, they bowed before Queen Raina, their heads lowered in deep respect.
Raina's eyes shimmered with warmth and pride. She reached forward, laying her hand gently on Gina's head.
"May your union be blessed with peace and understanding," she said softly. "And may love never flee your home."
Rnzo bowed deeply beside his bride, his expression steady yet touched by emotion.
Then they turned to Lady Misha.
Misha's composure wavered as she looked upon her daughter — her only child now a bride. Her lips trembled into a smile as she rose from her seat, cupping Gina's face with both hands.
"You have always been my joy," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. "Now go and build a home where laughter will never cease."
Tears welled in Gina's eyes, and she leaned into her mother's touch. Misha brushed a thumb across her cheek, then straightened and looked to Rnzo.
"Take care of her, my lord duke," she said. "For she carries the heart I once held within me."
Rnzo bowed once more, solemn and sincere.
"You have my word, Lady Misha," he replied softly. "I shall treasure her all my days."
The hall was quiet, the moment tender and heavy with emotion. Then, the sound of music swelled again — signaling the next stage of the celebration.
The hall suddenly filled with a booming voice from the royal announcer.
"By decree of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Arvin of Èvana, I present to you—the Duke and Duchess of Magili!"
Cheers erupted through the great hall, echoing off the gilded pillars and crystal chandeliers. Applause swept through the crowd as petals rained down from the balcony above. Gina turned slightly toward Rnzo, her cheeks flushed, and he offered her his arm with a proud yet gentle smile.
"Shall we, my Duchess?" he whispered.
Gina nodded, her lips curving into a shy smile as they walked together toward the banquet hall.
The vast chamber glittered with light — long tables draped in ivory silk, golden goblets brimming with wine, and dishes that filled the air with the scent of roasted herbs and honeyed fruits. Musicians played soft melodies from one corner as noblemen and ladies rose from their seats to bow and congratulate the newlyweds.
Queen Raina and Lady Misha sat side by side, exchanging a rare, peaceful smile. Misha looked visibly proud, though her eyes shimmered with motherly tears she refused to let fall.
At the high table, Emperor Arvin raised his goblet and said with a calm yet regal tone,
"To the Duke and Duchess of Magili — may your union bring strength, peace, and joy to the Empire."
Everyone lifted their cups in unison.
"To the Duke and Duchess!"
The music grew livelier, laughter filled the air, and the banquet truly began.
The music swelled, a lively rhythm of drums and flutes filling the grand hall. Laughter rippled through the guests as couples took to the dance floor — silks twirling, jewels glimmering beneath the candlelight.
Kaisen extended his hand to Kanha, who accepted it with a proud smile. Together, they joined the others in the center of the room, their movements graceful and practiced.
Kanha felt warmth flood her chest — finally, she thought, he's happy… and it's because of me. She looked up at him, her smile soft and full of meaning.
But Kaisen's mind was elsewhere. His gaze drifted unconsciously across the floor, to where Mirha sat quietly among the other ladies, a faint smile on her lips as she clapped to the rhythm. The dead rose she once wore was gone, but the image of it still lingered in his thoughts.
Kaisen forced his eyes back to Kanha, smiling faintly to mask his wandering mind.
Kanha blushed under his gaze, believing it was meant for her.
"You're smiling," she said teasingly. "Is it because you missed dancing with me?"
Kaisen gave a low chuckle, one that carried no answer.
"Perhaps…" he murmured, spinning her under his arm as the music quickened.
To Kanha, it was the happiest moment she'd known in a long time.
To Kaisen, it was a dance with borrowed joy.
The couple sat side by side at the high table, their chairs slightly turned to watch the swirling dancers below. The hall was alive with movement — laughter, twirling silks, and clinking glasses — but for Rnzo, none of it mattered. His eyes were fixed on Gina.
Gina, catching his gaze, tilted her head with a teasing smile. "What are you staring at?" she asked, her voice soft but playful.
Rnzo didn't answer immediately. Instead, he leaned slightly closer, his lips curling into that signature half-smile. "Did I lie?" he murmured.
Gina arched an eyebrow. "About what?"
"About marrying you," he said simply, his tone both earnest and teasing.
Gina paused, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. Then, jokingly, she replied, "You were far too persistent, and I was getting tired… so I said okay."
Rnzo chuckled, a low, smooth sound that made Gina's heart flutter. He leaned closer, the warmth of his presence brushing against her. "You and I were getting impatient," he said, his voice dropping just enough to be seductive without overstepping, his hand lightly brushing hers on the table.
Gina swallowed, her eyes meeting his for a heartbeat too long, and then she smiled — a little shy, a little amused — knowing exactly the effect he had on her.
Rnzo's gaze softened as he watched her reaction, noting the way her lashes fluttered when she looked away, the faint warmth coloring her cheeks. He didn't press, only let the quiet linger between them, the music and laughter of the hall fading into a gentle hum around their private bubble.
Gina tried to focus on the dancers below, but her attention kept drifting back to him. "You know," she said, her voice lighter now, "you're impossible. You knew exactly what you were doing, didn't you?"
Rnzo's smile deepened, his fingers subtly brushing against hers again. "Perhaps," he said, his tone teasing yet soft. "But you… you didn't resist for long."
Gina's heart skipped. She shook her head slightly, trying to hide her smile. "I didn't resist… I was just tired," she said, though the slight laugh in her voice betrayed her.
"Ah," he murmured, leaning even closer so his shoulder brushed hers. "So that's my excuse too? You were tired… and yet here you are, looking radiant enough to make everyone else forget how to dance."
Gina turned her gaze to him, pretending to look away, but the warmth in his voice made her falter. "You're ridiculous," she whispered, almost to herself.
"Perhaps," Rnzo said softly, "but at least I'm a ridiculous man who married you." His fingers tightened lightly around hers, a gentle, grounding pressure. "And I don't plan on letting you forget it anytime soon."
Gina's lips curved into a shy, happy smile, and for the first time that evening, she felt a quiet certainty settle over her — that this union, though sudden, was theirs, and the teasing, persistent man beside her would make it all the more memorable.
The music swelled beneath them, dancers spinning like threads of gold, and Rnzo leaned back slightly, content to watch her smile, knowing that tonight, the world could wait — they had this moment, perfectly theirs.
Mirha stepped into the garden, grateful for the quiet and the cool night air. The noise from the hall faded behind her, leaving only the rustle of leaves and the faint scent of night-blooming flowers. She sank onto a wooden bench and removed her shoes, sighing as the soft earth pressed against her tired feet.
A sudden voice made her jump. "Mirha."
She turned sharply, bowing slightly. It was Lord Kaisen. Before she could retreat further, his hand gently tilted her chin upward. "It's alright," he whispered, his voice low and steady.
Mirha hesitated, her heart racing. Kaisen noticed her guarded stance and simply sat beside her on the bench, the quiet intimacy between them stretching the moments longer than any words could. "Did you like these flowers?" he asked, nodding to the fading blossoms around them.
With a small laugh, Mirha replied, "I love them… even if they're dying."
Kaisen chuckled softly, and soon they were laughing together, the tension slowly melting into warmth. Mirha twirled lightly on the spot, caught up in the simple joy of being near him, and Kaisen's eyes followed every movement.
Finally, he stood and offered his hand. "Dance with me," he said.
She placed her hand in his, and they moved together in a slow, silent rhythm, the faint music from the hall barely reaching them. Kaisen's gaze darkened with something more as he guided her closer. Her back pressed lightly against the wall, and he leaned just enough for their breaths to mingle.
Mirha's pulse thundered in her ears. Kaisen's hand lingered at her waist, firm yet careful. Then, without breaking eye contact, he lowered his head, brushing his lips softly against hers. It was a kiss brief and electric, leaving them both startled and flushed.
Mirha's eyes widened, and she instinctively took a small step back, but Kaisen's hand gently held her in place. "Mirha…" he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
She could only manage a shaky breath, her cheeks burning, her heart caught between fear and desire. For a single suspended moment, the world felt as if it had stopped, the garden around them a secret just for the two of them.
Finally, he eased back, just slightly, resting his forehead against hers. "You… are incredible," he whispered.
Mirha's lips parted slightly, but she said nothing, her mind still reeling from the intensity of that brief kiss.
Back in the hall, just as the music and laughter swirled around the newlyweds and their guests, an unexpected hush fell over the room. One of General Kain's men stepped forward, holding two neatly wrapped boxes and a folded letter.
"To My wife and daughter," he announced, his voice steady yet carrying a weight that made everyone pause. "These are gifts from Sergeant Rin Tiavan."
A ripple of surprise ran through the crowd. Misha's eyes wide with shock. Even Gina froze mid-step, her curiosity and emotion battling inside her.
Mirha, who had just returned from the garden, slowed as she approached, her gaze fixed on the man and the letter. Her heart skipped a beat—she could feel the significance of this moment.
No one spoke. The hall seemed to hold its breath, the chatter and music fading into silence as all eyes turned toward the mysterious packages from a father long gone.