Her expression was an impenetrable mask. He reached out for her hand and held it with a feather-light grip. He bowed, showing his respect, and replied in a low tone,
"Eric Leonardo. The first prince of Zenith greets you. I had a safe journey here. I appreciate your concern. I…."
Nashia cut him off in mid-sentence, "Before this union proceeds, I shall make one thing clear: this is only a political alliance- nothing more."
"Never expect love from me, Prince Eric. You might not be accustomed to such bluntness, but I suggest you grow used to it - quickly. I do not make exceptions."
She added coldly, as if none of it mattered to her. Eric just looked down with no choice to protest against her. Saying no was a luxury he couldn't afford. He simply inclined his head.
He walked alongside her as she started to lead him toward the wedding venue. Her gaze was sharp, observing every move made by him. A satisfied smirk played on her lips, pleased by his obedience.
She observed him, while wondering, Did he grow submissive by being treasured? How pitiful.
Her mind pushed the thoughts aside once they reached the aisle.
While Eric's skin was burning with humiliation. All eyes bore into him as though he were some rare beast paraded for their amusement.
A predator veiled in silk and charm. A nightmare cloaked as a daydream. Every step forward with her felt like a taunt for Eric.
They moved down the long aisle, lined with crimson and shadow like the traits of vampires. The moment their feet touched the dais, the hall fell silent.
As they reached the aisle, the ceremony started with the affiliated witnesses. The imperial family and nobles of the Zenith Empire were sitting on the left side, while the nobles of the Rosett Empire were seated on the right.
Uncertainty weighed down on Eric. What do I expect from a vampire other than this? I'd better focus on surviving instead of seeking love from a heart that doesn't bleed.
As they saw them entering, everyone stood from their seats and curtsied appropriately. A round of loud applause covered the wedding hall.
As Eric and Nashia stood in front of them, Nashia raised her hand and dropped slowly, permitting them to sit as she spoke with elegance.
"Noble guests, esteemed allies, and subjects loyal, I stand before you not as ruler alone, but as one bound by duty to forge peace from the embers of war. Today, with this union, two great empires entwine their destinies. Let none mistake this moment for mere ceremony—it is a pledge of stability, a promise of unity."
"After a long fight of 15 years, we are here standing together, looking forward to a future together. May peace embrace us once again."
As she was done with her words, a round of applause filled the air while anticipating his speech.
The announcer then called Eric to convey his wedding speech. Eric forced a dry gulp as he kept his composure. His back straight, eyes locked on the crowd before him.
"It's an honor to stand beside a ruler as formidable as Her Majesty. This day marks a turning point in our history, but it is a hope for a shared future. May peace be the legacy we forge- together."
The hall remained silent as his voice wavered, each word hanging heavy in the air. The sound of a clap was from Nashia herself. A sarcastic grin hung in the corner of her lips.
Her mind filled with unspoken thoughts. Do your best to be my companion? Try hard, prince. I want to know how far you can go.
Others followed her lead and applauded. The ceremony officially started. At the end of the ceremony, they both stood to exchange their rings and say their vows to each other.
"I vow to have and to hold you in my arms from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."
Nashia vowed, her tone plain and straight.
"I vow to honour you, stand beside you and uphold my duty as your consort- from this day forth, until death do us part. My life shall be dedicated to you."
Eric replied reluctantly, his tone low and uncertain. The priest spoke up as they stood facing each other hand in hand while facing each other.
"Do you take Nashia Rosario, the empress of the Rosett Empire, as your wife and companion to death?"
"I do," a round of claps filled the air as Eric gave his consent.
"Do you take Eric Leonardo, the first prince of the Zenith Empire, as your husband and companion to death?"
"I do."
A big round of applause filled the wedding hall. The priest declared that they were now married. And they exchanged matching rings. The cold surface grazed his finger - a heavy reminder.
Both were completely black and with a red ruby stone engraved in them. The ritual finished with the priest saying the words.
"You may now kiss the bride".
Eric's gaze shifts up to meet her gaze as the priest's words ring in his ear.
Noticing his gaze, she simply leaned closer like a normal bride with a mild smile, hiding her sarcastic intention.
He doubted her sudden softness, but went along anyway. He leaned in as well.
I wonder how much humans will like it when they see their prince in an advantageous position that he can't accept or deny. Tsk.
She thought, a smirk forming at the corner of her lips, before pressing her lips against his.
As their lips pressed together for the kiss, her right hand held the back of his neck, preventing him from pulling away.
She deepened the kiss instead of letting him go. He steadies himself, his hand settling at her waist. She didn't end it with the brief formality humans favor at their weddings.
Instead, her fangs grazed his inner lips to bite on. A sharp sting - then warmth. She drank in the taste, the faint trickle of blood like a vow of dominance.