Bab 22: You are now wife and wife
The grand ballroom fell into an expectant hush as Seraphina and I took our places on the dais. The air was thick with anticipation, every eye in the room fixed on us as we prepared to take our vows.
The room's beauty seemed to amplify the gravity of the moment; the crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow over the gathered guests, and the floral arrangements added a touch of nature's elegance to the opulent surroundings.
I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as the officiant, an elder priest dressed in resplendent robes, began to speak. His voice was deep and resonant, filling the vast space with its authority.
"Today, we gather to witness the union of Seraphina, Queen of the Demons, and Lady Elara. This union signifies the merging of two souls, bound by love and destiny."
As he spoke, a ceremonial attendant stepped forward, carrying a velvet cushion upon which rested a gleaming crown. With great reverence, the crown was placed upon Seraphina's head, its jewels catching the light and casting a myriad of colors across her face. She stood tall and regal, her presence commanding the respect of all in attendance.
The priest turned to Seraphina, his eyes solemn and knowing. "Seraphina, Queen of the Demons, do you wish to take Elara as your future wife, to honor and cherish her for all the days of your life?"
Seraphina's gaze was steady and unwavering as she replied, her voice clear and strong. "Yes, I do."
A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd, and the priest then turned his attention to me. My mouth felt dry, and my heart raced even faster. "Lady Elara," he intoned, "do you wish to take Seraphina as your future wife, to honor and cherish her for all the days of your life?"
The weight of the moment pressed down on me, and I felt a surge of anxiety. Time seemed to stretch, the silence growing more pronounced as I struggled to find my voice. I glanced at Seraphina, whose calm, steady eyes offered a silent reassurance. Taking a deep breath, I finally managed to speak. "Yes, I do."
The priest smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes, as if he had seen countless couples go through the same emotions. "Then I now declare you wife and wife. You may kiss your bride."
I felt a wave of panic at the prospect of kissing Seraphina in front of everyone. My mind raced, but before I could overthink it, Seraphina closed the distance between us. Her lips met mine in a kiss that was both sweet and electric, a mix of tenderness and a spark of something deeper.
The warmth of her touch sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt myself melt into the moment.
The room erupted into cheers and applause, the guests celebrating our union with exuberant joy. Seraphina pulled back, a smile playing on her lips, and I couldn't help but smile back, my earlier anxiety replaced by a sense of rightness.
As the applause subsided, the music began to play—a soft, melodic waltz that filled the room with its romantic strains. Seraphina took my hand, leading me to the center of the ballroom for our first dance as a married couple. The crowd formed a wide circle around us, their eyes watching expectantly.
Seraphina's hand rested gently on my waist, and I placed my hand on her shoulder, feeling the strength and warmth beneath the fine fabric of her suit. We began to move in time with the music, our steps slow and deliberate. The world seemed to narrow to just the two of us, the music guiding our movements.
As we danced, the tension between us grew, a palpable energy that crackled in the air. Seraphina's eyes never left mine, her gaze intense and filled with an emotion that made my heart race. Her touch was confident, her movements fluid and graceful, and I found myself responding to her lead, our bodies moving in perfect harmony.
The music swelled, and so did the connection between us. Each step brought us closer, the physical contact igniting a fire within me that I couldn't ignore. Seraphina's hand slid up my back, her touch firm and possessive, and I felt a thrill run through me.
Our movements became more intimate, the dance a sensual exchange that left me breathless. I could feel the heat of her body, the strength in her arms as she guided me across the floor. The room seemed to fade away, the guests and their cheers a distant backdrop to the intensity of the moment.
Seraphina's eyes were dark with desire, and I felt a matching heat rise within me. Her touch was both demanding and gentle, a contrast that left me wanting more.
As the music built to its crescendo, she spun me out and then pulled me back in, our bodies pressing together in a way that left no space between us.
For a heartbeat, time seemed to stand still. I could feel the rapid beat of my own heart, the rush of blood in my ears, and the intoxicating scent of Seraphina's perfume. Her eyes locked onto mine, and I saw a reflection of my own desire mirrored in her gaze.
The final notes of the waltz played, and we came to a stop, our faces inches apart. The room erupted into applause once more, but it was a distant sound compared to the roaring in my ears.
Seraphina's lips curved into a slow, knowing smile, and I couldn't help but smile back, my chest heaving with the effort to catch my breath.
As the applause died down, Seraphina leaned in close, her breath warm against my ear. "You danced beautifully, Lady Elara."
"Thank you," I managed to reply, my voice barely above a whisper. "You were incredible."
Seraphina's smile deepened, a look of satisfaction in her eyes. "I'm glad you think so. But remember, this is only the beginning."
Her words sent a thrill through me, a promise of more to come. As we made our way back to the dais, hand in hand, I felt a sense of triumph. We had faced the first challenge of our union together, and it had been more than I could have ever hoped for.
The guests began to mingle, the celebration continuing with renewed vigor. Seraphina and I were surrounded by well-wishers, their faces beaming with joy and congratulations. Despite the noise and activity around us, I felt a sense of calm, a newfound confidence in my place by Seraphina's side.
Hadiah
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