The next day, under the brilliant light of the midday sun, the Thomas family arrived at the magnificent home of Lord and Lady Gad.
The manor was a vision of splendor, white roses and lush greenery. A line of carriages followed the Thomas', all filled with lavish gifts.
The Thomas family emerged from their carriage.
They were greeted by Lianna's parents, Lord and Lady Gad, who exchanged warm pleasantries with the family expressing their joy at the union of their families.
Daphne wore a stunning gown of soft rose silk, its flowing skirt and delicate lace sleeves making her look like a fairytale princess.
Her hair was styled in a cascade of soft curls, pinned with a single white rose, the official adornment for her role as Lianna's maid of honor.
She looked beautiful.
Her brother, Finn, looked incredibly handsome in his formal white and gold tunic, his face beaming with a joy that was truly contagious.
As the family was ushered through the crowd, well-wishers and acquaintances stopped them at every turn.
"Oh, Lady Daphne," a woman with a high-pitched voice gushed, "you look absolutely divine! So many people were talking about you after the pre-selection ceremony."
Daphne offered a graceful curtsy. "Thank you, Lady Crawford. It is a pleasure to be here."
After a few more moments of small talk, the family finally made their way to a quieter corner where Finn could speak to them. His eyes were shining.
"Lianna is waiting," he whispered, a giddy excitement in his voice. "I am the luckiest man in the empire." He then turned to Daphne, his expression softening. "I'm so glad you're here, Daphne. I know yesterday was a lot."
Daphne reached out and squeezed his hand. "Today is for you, Finn. Just focus on being happy."
"I will," he said. His smile faded slightly as he looked at her. "And remember what Prince Alaric said. What he's doing for you... it's incredible. We're all in this with you, remember that."
Before Daphne could reply, the wedding march began.
The crowd went quiet as the grand doors of the manor opened.
Finn gave her a reassuring nod and took his place at the altar. Her brother Aidan, who was serving as Finn's best man, stood beside him, a proud smile on his face.
Daphne then took her position at the entrance, her hand linked with the arm of one of Lianna's cousins.
With the music swelling, she began her walk down the aisle.
She was a vision of grace, her composure flawless as she led the way for the bride.
A moment later, Lianna appeared. She was breathtaking in a gown of shimmering ivory, her smile radiating pure happiness.
Finn's face, a moment ago so full of nervous anticipation, broke into a smile so wide it reached his eyes, a pure expression of love that made Daphne's own heart ache with happiness for her brother.
The ceremony itself passed in a blissful haze of ancient vows and solemn promises.
When the officiant finally announced them as husband and wife, a roar of applause and cheers erupted from the crowd.
Finn and Lianna then shared their first kiss as a married couple.
Hours later, after a feast and a whirl of dancing, it was time for the newlyweds to leave.
The Thomas and Gad families gathered on the front steps.
Lianna hugged her sister, her brother and her parents, tears streaming down her face as she said farewell to the life she had known.
Lord Thomas pulled Finn into a tight embrace, and a proud smile filled his face. "Be happy, son. That is all we ever ask of you."
Finn and Lianna then entered a beautiful carriage decorated with white roses and ribbons.
As the carriage pulled away, a final wave of cheers followed them.
Their destination was the House of Thomas, their new home, where their life as a married couple would begin.
Daphne watched them go, with her and her family following behind.
Her heart filled with joy. She was happy for her brother, but a part of her was also filled with a longing for a future like that with Alaric.
The Thomas family returned to their manor in high spirits. The servants had lit every lamp, and the grand hall was filled with a welcoming glow.
Lady Elizabeth and Emma had meticulously prepared the newlyweds' chambers, a suite of rooms on the second floor with a private balcony overlooking the gardens.
As Finn led a blushing Lianna up the grand staircase, his arm gently around her waist.
Elizabeth called after them, "You can both skip breakfast and lunch tomorrow, my dears! We'll have your meals sent to you."
The rest of the family shared a tired but content laugh.
They knew the newlyweds needed their privacy.
Soon, Thomas, Elizabeth, Aidan and Emma retired to their own chambers.
Daphne's exhaustion from the day, both physically from the ceremony and mentally from her new mission, was a lot.
As she reached her own chamber, she turned to her personal guard, Kael.
"I need you to go to the palace kitchens immediately," she instructed, her voice low and serious.
"The ones in charge of preparing the harem's food. For the next few days, I want you to observe. Pay close attention to who enters and leaves the kitchens, who prepares the food, and report back to me whenever you can."
Kael's eyes remained fixed on her, "Is there something you suspect, my lady?"
"I don't suspect, Kael. I know. It's a slow poison they're using to keep the women from conceiving."
The words tasted bitter on her tongue, an echo of a truth that had been whispered to her in a dying breath. The Empress herself confessed it to her before she passed away in her last life.
"This is not a suspicion. It is a fact. We must find the source."
Kael's eyes widened for a brief second before he bowed. "It will be done, my lady."
With that, he was gone, disappearing into the night as silently as he had appeared.
Inside her chamber, Daphne's maid, Elara, helped her out of her gown.
The maid chattered excitedly about the wedding, her eyes shining as she recounted the beauty of the ceremony and the loveliness of the bride.
Daphne listened and smiled, letting the simple joy of the moment wash over her.
When they were finished, Daphne changed into a simple, knee-length silk nightdress.
"I'm tired, Elara," Daphne said softly. "I think I will rest now."
"Of course, my lady," Elara replied, curtsying before she extinguished most of the lamps, leaving only a single one on a small table, its light casting a dim, orange glow in the room.
Elara then bid her goodnight and left.
Daphne settled into her bed.
She closed her eyes, ready to let the day's events fade, but a prickling sensation on her skin made her open them again.
In the far corner of her chamber, a place where the shadows should have been deepest, she noticed a shadow.
It had not been there when Elara left. She knew it.
She reached for the dagger she kept hidden beneath her pillow immediately.
She moved to attack, before the figure spoke.
"You looked so beautiful today," the figure spoke in a voice she could recognise even in her sleep.