章 12: Wilder's POV
Wilder's POV
It was finally time for the ceremony to begin and I must say, I can't wait to tie the knot with her and share our couple vows.
The Palace was filled with a vibrant energy with smiles one everyone's faces. In Nereza, marriage ceremony is considered a sign of a fruitful year. It's also the most recognised ceremony id which is tied to so many customs.
I went into the throne room, as it was the place the wedding would take place. Just as predicted, it was already occupied with officials, even father, mother and Freya were present.
"Killan" I clicked my tongue in anger. That bastard knows how to piss me off, but we won't let that ruin our special day..right?
I was dressed in a red robe, nothing like the tuxedo suite worn by the Europeans or other Kingdoms. Dad upholds Nereza's customs so well.
He insisted our wedding should be a traditional marriage. But that doesn't stop the citizens from getting wedded in the popular English way.
On the floor was placed a red carpet which I walked stealthily upon. I turned to mother who had an irritated look on her face. But when our eyes met, she smiled.
She must be pissed off with Killan not being here. I laughed inwardly because I know too well that mother won't let him off the hook.
I finally reached to throne then stood still, waiting for my bride to be summoned. As I stood to wait, mother stood up then bowed before father who looked down at her with curiosity.
"Astoria.." he coughed.
'Poor man' I thought pitiful then snikered. He'd die soon anyway- by then the throne would be mine.
"Your Highness, Killan isn't here" she rolled her eyes.
Even mother knows about how father loves him and treats him better than anyone else. But mother, with her sweet tongue and few support from the officials, father can't reject whatever request she places down.
Sometimes, I myself is often astonished, despite the weight of mother's request, father always grant them all. I find myself thinking often times that perhaps, mother cast a spell on him. But each time I do, I remember that there's nothing like spell, magic or what-not in this word.
They are just fairy tales.
I faced mother who had already grabbed the hem of father's dress, "Killan dares dishonor you"
Father had no emotion plastered on his face, he was just like Killan. They both do not show their emotions, although I find it
quite absurd, but I still envied this ability.
"Guards, summon Killan" Father said. He certainly loves his son so much.
After few minutes that the guards departed, they returned, yet there was still no sign of Killan. Even the officials mumbled curses to themselves.
That boy was really something.
"Your Highness..2nd Prince needs to be punished" one of the officials said.
In the Kingdom, there are 15 officials, who stand as advisers, opposition to any unjust leader and other tasks. But, only four are well recognised, the rest falls under the four well recognised officials.
The prime minister has the highest power among them, his decisions greatly affects the Kingdom- whether good or bad. Lord Alex, a man in his mid sixties. He's the prime minister.
Then there's the General who also withholds great power. He's in charge of the soldiers. General Wu, he's greatly feared and respected, also in his mid-sixties.
"Your Highness" mother's voice crept through my thoughts.
"What do the officials suggest?" Father asked.
"What does her highness think? She is his mother and would know what punishment suits him" one of the officials said.
These fools are very smart, it seems I'm not Killan's only anti-fan.
Mother smiled gracefully, "Let him be taken to the cold house for a week and should receive 100 lashes everyday. And lastly, his position would be stripped off him".
I couldn't help but laugh.
"Mother! You've gone too far" Freya who's been silent the whole time finally yelled.
Freya was all about peace, unity, blah…blah.
She's just too shortsighted.
Father kept his mouth sealed as he silently observed the situation until.. "Her Highness has arrived!" a guard announced.
Everyone kept silent, our gazes fixed on the entrance. My heart palpitating and my palms were covered with sweat. I was so nervous!
Poema finally stood at the entrance, her red veil shielding her face. She walked towards the red carpet then stopped.
I began walking towards her, as custom demands but my mother's voice made me halt. "Your Highness, what's your decision?" mother asked.
My hands stiffened, why did she have to ruin such a great romantic moment? "Mother, after the ceremony" I said in annoyance.
"The wedding won't hold if he doesn't make a decision" she insisted.
"Mother! You're being irrational, this is ridiculous" I yelled in anger. She walked up towards me then lashed me a hard slap.
I could bet I heard everyone gasp, even I was shocked. All I asked for was a peaceful wedding ceremony without her problems but she…
My hands held my cheek so dearly, "Astoria!" Father slammed his fist on the table close by.
"The wedding first" he added and my eyes widened. This was the first time dad would say 'no' to mom.
I couldn't help the smile, whereas mom frowned her face but I wasn't ready for her tantrum. 'Thank you father!' I thought inwardly.
My legs began to walk towards my bride then I paused as soon as I reached where she stood.
We both faced the throne, "Bow to Heaven and Earth" the guard in charge of the wedding said.
Poema and I bowed our heads slightly then stood upright, "Bow to the King and Queen" the guard added and we did so too.
After, we faced each other, my eyes fixed solely on her, but what I saw in her eyes, I couldn't quite decipher.
"Bow to yourselves" he said which we adhered to, after that, I opened her veil and my heart couldn't stop throbbing.
She looked unbelievably ravishing and I smiled to myself, this was the best decision I ever made.
It was time for the final marriage ceremony, where we would drink a cup of wine which signifies our eternal bond.
The wine cups were served on a wooden tray, we picked the cup, then faced the throne afterward. We bowed again after which we faced each other.
It wasn't just about drinks the wines, but our hands were entwined in each other's. That's mainly what signifies our bond. Lastly, "The bride and groom should now kiss".
I pulled her to myself as I smashed my lips on hers and it felt so good. All my life, I had never believed that when lovers kisses, butterflies actually flies in their belly.
But right now, I feel a thousand..no, millions of butterflies in my belly. Finallthe whole ceremony was over and I feel so tired.
As I was just about to leave with Poema, we both stopped to our tracks. I can't believe I forgot and was about to miss the whole drama but I was just too tired to even remember.
"What's your decision?" Mother asked.
"Mother, are you really insisting on this? Killan is your also your son!" Freya yelled.
"You won't speak to your mother in such manner. I have made my decision, write a decree, "The 2nd Prince disregarded me, as his punishment, he is to stay at the cold palace for a week and during these days, he is to receive 100 lashes every dad. Lastly, his position would be stripped off him for a month". He said.
Poema passed out.
週次パワーステータス
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