章 14: A Boring Reception

The lively wedding reception went on and many guests from other kingdoms, mostly the allies of Esriven approached the newlywed couple while revealing the gifts they brought to congratulate them.

Rizelle and Nicien had to deal with each one of them and the process repeated in a cycle. Once they were done with that, they even felt as if a huge burden was lifted off their shoulders.

Even when it was way past dinnertime, the guests were still having a good time, drinking to their hearts' content. King Hamon and Crown Prince Alerone also spent a lot of time with the guests from their ally kingdoms while Supreme Selova was mostly with the ladies of Esriven.

It was why most of the time, Rizelle was alone with her aloof husband who rarely said any word to her. She just kept her silence because of that. She wasn't that intent on talking to him anyway. Like she said to Fina, it would be best for her to distance herself from him.

He was so mysterious and... dangerous.

Nevertheless, she won't have an idea about how possible dangers were what still occupied the Prince's mind. He was glad that the wedding ceremony passed without a problem but... the reception still wasn't done. It's safe to say that he was alert in every way possible.

Seeing some of his people from the Varian Guild inside the hall put him a bit at ease and he also knew that the reception was almost over.

Will this day really pass without a problem? He struggled to believe it.

Was there another plan for later instead?

While Prince Nicien was thinking of these, he happened to see the face of his wife who was sitting right beside him. The look on her face told him that she was bored.

If he wasn't on alert all the time, he will surely find the reception boring too.

"If you are bored, we can leave this place," he said to Rizelle and when the latter turned to her, she appeared to be surprised.

Surprised that he finally talked to her... but Nicien Vamieres had no idea of the reason.

"We already stay enough and even if we leave now, no one would deem inappropriate," the Prince continued. He also realized that it would be better if they leave.

Anywhere would be safer right now.

While Rizelle seemed to be debating in her mind, Supreme Princess Selova came to them. "Is something wrong?" She asked the couple in a calm yet concerned voice.

"Princess Rizelle appears to be bored and I wonder if we should leave now," the Prince promptly said to his mother. "Dinner is long over anyway."

Supreme Princess Selova glanced around the large hall and noticed that many of the guests had also left now. Then she turned back to the couple with a smile. "Go ahead." Her gaze was on Rizelle when she said, "You must be tired, Princess."

Rizelle slightly smiled at the Supreme Princess when she heard her. "Will it be okay to leave?"

Selova Vamieres briefly glanced at her son before she turned back to Rizelle and said, "There is no problem, Princess. Instead, the new couple leaving this kind of reception early is a norm. After all, a big night is awaiting you."

Rizelle understood what the Supreme Princess was saying and she glanced at her husband. She was flustered when he turned to her at the same time and their gaze met. However, she quickly turned away.

What the Supreme Princess just said... Rizelle had no intention to let it happen. She was also convinced that the Prince would feel the same. And just like that, the newlywed couple made their way to the Candor Palace where they were escorted to the chamber prepared for them by the servants. Rizelle had already heard that the chamber will be hers from now on.

Awkward silence occupied the spacious chamber when the servants left as the couple found themselves alone. They were alone in the chamber a few times but this time, it was different.

They were now married and... it was their wedding night.

"My mother moved to the Baville Palace yesterday," Prince Nicien informed Rizelle when they were standing opposite each other. "I was the one supposed to move out but she insisted to move instead."

Nicien wondered if it was because his mother was aware of the secret path in his chamber in the Candor Palace. He wanted to know the answer but... he can't bring himself to ask her.

"The Baville Palace is right next to this Candor Palace, so there isn't much difference. I hope you won't be bothered by it," he continued.

If the Supreme Princess wasn't here... Rizelle realized that she and the Prince will be the only ones residing in the Candor Palace! Won't that make things more awkward?!

Nevertheless, she nodded as saying it won't change a thing. Then once again, the chamber was awkwardly quiet but... Rizelle's gaze was on the bed from time to time. It seemed like the servants prepared everything for them.

Why did she feel like everyone else was excited, except for her and the Prince?

She didn't even know that the Prince noticed her glancing at the bed several times. Then Nicien Vamieres spoke up.

"I know what you're worried about." His voice was very calm again and Rizelle promptly looked up at him. "You don't have to worry about it." He briefly glanced at the door and thought of how the servants and guards would be on standby right outside.

"It's our wedding night and if I go and sleep in my chambers, the rumors might become out of control," he started. "You go and sleep in the bed. I will just sleep on the couch for tonight."

Rizelle didn't expect the Prince to suggest this but... she realized that she was right when she thought that the Prince was feeling the same as her. And though it will still be uncomfortable to spend the night in the same room, she knew that it was a lot better than their other choices. So, she could only accept.

Nevertheless, it will surely be a long night.....

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