"Franz Barielle Aetherion, do you vow to take Olivia Heinrich as your wife, to love and cherish her, in strength and in weakness, in the eyes of the Empire and in the name of the Holy Goddess Lumine?"
Franz met Olivia's gaze and answered calmly. "I do."
A murmur of approval passed through the pews.
The Empire's nobility sat draped in silks and jewels, witnessing history in the making.
The coronation of unity before the crowning of a king.
The priest turned to the bride.
"And Olivia Heinrich," he said. "Do you vow to take Franz Barielle Aetherion as your husband, to honor and support him, and walk beside him in the eyes of the Empire and in the name of the Holy Goddess Lumine?"
"I do."
The ceremonial bell tolled above them. Once, twice, thrice, as the priest raised his staff.
Ding— Ding— Ding—
"Then by the will of the Goddess Lumine and by decree of the Empire, I pronounce you Emperor and Empress of Aetherion. Let the light guide your union.
