Mira's fingers worked with practiced precision, adjusting the ceremonial robes across Rayan's shoulders. The silver-threaded fabric caught the morning light filtering through the great oak's canopy, casting ethereal patterns across the room.
"There," she murmured, smoothing the collar with gentle care. "Now you look like the prince our people can be proud of."
Rayan watched her reflection in the mirror, the soft light passed through the curtain reflected on his silver buttons. His pulse quickening as she leaned closer to adjust his ceremonial suit. At four hundred years, he was still young teenager by elven standards, but grown up enough to be charmed by the mature beauty of Mira. The woman who had raised him and the other kids possessed an elegance that made his breath catch—especially when she moved like this, unaware of how the morning light played across the curves beneath her thin dress.
"I can hardly believe today is finally here," he said, trying to keep his voice steady as warmth crept up his neck. "Princess Elena must be even more beautiful than the stories say."
Mira smiled, the same warm expression she'd worn when praising his archery form or healing his training wounds. "She is lovely, and more importantly, she's intelligent. I'm sure she'll grown up into a great queen just like her mother." She stepped back, hands on her hips as she surveyed her work. "Though I suspect you're more nervous about tonight than the ceremony itself."
Heat flooded Rayan's cheeks. "Mira..."
"Oh hush. I raised you, remember? I know that look." Her laugh was rich and knowing. "Just remember what I taught you about patience and consideration. A good man thinks of his partner's comfort first."
She might have continued but a soft knock saved him from further embarrassment. "Brother?" His sister Lyra peeked through the doorway, her face bright with excitement. She had grown quite lovely girl despite being just 300 far younger than most of the other women in their small clan.
"Elena looked radiant when I saw her preparing," Lyra whispered conspiratorially. "Though she seemed a bit overwhelmed by all the attention. Mother says half the kingdom would have wanted to marry her if circumstances were different."
Rayan straightened, adjusting his ceremonial circlet. The simple silver band felt lighter than the responsibility it represented. He gave a nervous smile."Then I suppose I should count myself fortunate."
"The others are waiting outside," Lyra added, glancing meaningfully at Mira. "They wanted to offer their congratulations before the ceremony."
"Before he becomes officially spoken for," Mira corrected with amused understanding. "Go on, let them have their moment."
His closest friends had gathered in the hallway—Vera, whose skill with a bow was legendary even among their people; Toha, gifted in healing magic; and Natasha, whose quick wit had gotten them through countless adventures in their youth. They'd all grown up together, shaped by the same losses, bound by shared childhood.
"Look at you," Vera said, though her smile carried a hint of wistfulness. "All formal and royal."
"Don't let the fancy clothes fool you," Natasha teased, but her usual sharpness seemed softer today. "We all know you're still the same Rayan who used to fall out of trees trying to impress Mira."
Toha stepped forward, pressing a small charm into his palm. "For luck and wisdom," she said quietly. "Though something tells me you'll need both in the days to come."
He could see it in their eyes—the mixture of pride and something … else. They were happy for him, for their people's future, but there's some sad feeling in their heart . He was their friend, their companion, and after today….. who knows.
"The ceremony begins," Elder Marcus called from the village center, where the Great Tree's massive trunk formed the natural altar for their most sacred rituals.
Rayan took a deep breath, imagining Princess Elena waiting for him beneath the ancient branches. By all accounts, she was everything their people needed in a queen—beautiful, wise, and strong enough to help rebuild their half-extinct race. The thought of their wedding sent anticipation coursing through him, mixed with the nervousness.
As he walked toward the petal-strewn path that led to his bride, Rayan would have to carry the hopes and dreams of every survivor in their hidden village along with his future wife. Today marked not just his marriage, but the true beginning of their people's restoration.