With a voice that was no longer cold but carried a deep, resonant warmth, Khavan spoke his vows, promising to be the shield that protected the "Living Light" of the North. Elara met his gaze, her voice clear and steady as she promised to bring the wisdom of her people to the Southern throne. In that moment, the "deal" they had struck in secret felt like it was transforming into something much more profound.
When the Priest finally declared them husband and wife, Khavan leaned in. He placed a steady hand on her waist, his fingers brushing the fine lace of her dress, and pulled her closer. He kissed her—not with the rehearsed distance of a political actor, but with a surprising, lingering tenderness that sent a shockwave of whispers through the crowd. For a few seconds, the world of suspicious nobles faded away, leaving only the Emperor and his new Empress at the center of the sun-drenched altar.
The sudden heat of the kiss left Elara breathless and momentarily surprised, her heart racing against the fitted bodice of her Victorian gown. She hadn't expected Khavan to play the part with such convincing intensity, yet as he pulled away, she saw a flicker of genuine warmth in his usually cold eyes.
As they exited the cathedral and entered the grand ballroom for the wedding party, they held hands firmly—a silent pact to remain a united front. The doors swung open to a spectacle of gold and light, where hundreds of nobles bowed as the new Emperor and Empress passed.
They moved through the crowd with practiced grace, stopping to greet the various lords and ladies who had come from across the empire.
King Magnus and Queen Seraphina watched from the high table, their faces glowing with relief, believing their daughter had truly found a powerful protector.
Khavan leaned down toward Elara's ear, his curly hair brushing her temple as he whispered, "You're doing well, Empress. The nobles are terrified of how much I seem to like you." Elara squeezed his hand in return, a soft laugh escaping her as they began their first official dance as rulers of the united realm.