The morning of the wedding arrived without ceremony.
Ellora stood before the tall mirror in her chamber, her reflection framed by pale silk and soft candlelight. Alina moved quietly behind her, adjusting the fall of the gown with practiced care.
"You look as though you were born to wear this," Alina said softly.
Ellora met her eyes in the mirror. "I was raised for it."
The dress was elegant rather than extravagant, ivory fabric falling cleanly against her frame, embroidered lightly at the sleeves and hem. A future queen's attire, chosen not to impress, but to endure.
As Alina reached for the veil, the door opened.
Amellia entered without hesitation.
"There you are," she said warmly, her smile immediate and familiar. "I was worried I'd miss you."
Ellora turned slowly. "I wasn't informed I would receive visitors."
Amellia's smile did not falter. "We are friends, Ellora. And His Highness asked that I assist you moving forward."
Alina's hands paused briefly.
"His Highness?" Ellora repeated.
Amellia inclined her head. "It seemed appropriate."
Ellora studied her for a moment, searching for something beneath the gentle expression. She found nothing she could name.
"I see," she said simply.
The bells rang soon after.
Ellora walked through the cathedral doors with measured steps, her veil light against her shoulders. The air was heavy with incense and expectation, rows of nobles rising as one.
At the altar stood Aster.
He smiled when he saw her, warm and practiced, offering his hand as though nothing between them had ever changed.
Ellora accepted it.
His touch was steady. His expression flawless.
They spoke the vows required of them. Promises shaped by tradition rather than desire. When the ring was placed upon her finger, applause filled the cathedral.
Amellia stood nearby, eyes lowered, expression serene.
Only Ellora noticed how closely she stood.
When the ceremony ended, Aster leaned close, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
"You did well."
Ellora met his gaze. "So did you."
They smiled for the court.
And beneath the silk and ceremony, something unspoken settled quietly between them.