บท 16: Harmonious

-Royal Palace

There were already numerous people arriving at the receiving hall of the palace. There was no separation of genders, but people had to be seated with their own families. Most of the royal family have already arrived and were seated close to the throne. Some of the high-rank officials, have also already made it and had located their assigned seats.

Prime Minister Ra was there as well, he was busy conversing with his colleagues, however, he wasn't enjoying it, one of the things he disliked the most was conversations regarding that certain daughter of his. In his younger years, he used to brag to these same colleagues about how lucky he was to be the one to wed Tria's mother, however now he is always trying to avoid the topic, to not bring shame upon himself.

"Congratulations Prime Minister Ra, I would have never known that your second daughter married the third Prince if it weren't for the confirmation made by the Emperor. How come you didn't even hold a celebratory reception?" asked one of the officials.

The Emperor had confirmed the marriage during court, and that's how most of them learned of the Union. When one's child marries, the parents would usually hold a banquet to send them off while inviting friends and other family members. Prime Minister Ra's estate didn't even have the bow of happiness on their gates, so not many were aware of it.

"It was such a hurried marriage, and it was quite a busy time for me, so there was no reception held. Thank you, friends, for your kind words, however, today's matter is of grave importance, let us focus on that." Ra tried to divert the topic away, bringing up the importance of today's summon.

However, who didn't know about Ra's 2nd daughter, she was known by most as the fool of the Ashir family. Some of these officials were glad that Ra was losing face, while others were glad that their sons did not have to be paired with the girl. If anything, some of them were hoping their sons would marry Nala, she was such a talented and beautiful girl, she would bring pride to any family.

"The Emperor has arrived, please rise!", announced a loud eunuch, and instantly all the people stood up in respect to the emperor's arrival.

"At ease, this One has arrived early, as this matter has made me anxious, we shall wait together for the others to arrive," said the emperor while sitting down on his throne, he was getting into old age, however, his vigor was still apparent.

"Long live the emperor!", the crowd chanted while taking their seats. Their bustle had died down a bit, now that the ruler was here.

"Announcing: The Jari family has arrived."

"Announcing: The Royal Grand Duke of Kirov has arrived."

"Announcing: The fifth prince has arrived."

There were many people that had yet to arrive, the summon was short noticed, therefore some had to travel from afar to make it.

"Announcing: The third prince and the third prince's princess consort have arrived."

Boom!

A commotion exploded from the quiet crowd.

"Princess consort? When did the third prince take in a wife?" Although the king confirmed it, not everyone was aware of the news, plus the couple didn't even get to complete their longing period before being summoned here.

"Why wasn't I aware that the third prince took in a consort? Who is she?" asked some of the girls who had once taken a liking to Crei.

"What is with all this commotion? Have you all forgotten where you are right now?", asked an older figure. From his questions, the people realized their impudence in front of the emperor and calmed down.

However, before long another commotion arose.

Crei holding onto his Tria's waist smilingly walked into the receiving hall. The couple both wore matching colors, a pale hue of olive, highlighting their skin tones. Crei wore a comfortable linen tunic, while Tria's dress was a long turtleneck dress, revealing only her toned arms. The pair were both wearing gold ornaments, and they complimented each other nicely, Tria's beauty did not get outshined by Crei's handsomeness at all.

The crowd was stunned, the unapproachable third Prince was smiling to his wife who was a stunning beauty, and they looked very harmonious with one another.

The emperor, the royal family, the officials, and not to forget prime minister Ra, were all made speechless by the couple's radiant entrance. The emperor was the fastest one to gain back his composure, since he knew beforehand about Crei's wedding, and had even sent out the royal decree. However, he didn't know the girl would actually match Crei's charisma so well, she even looks brighter than most of these girls.

'Didn't they say that she was a fool, which part of her resembles a fool?', the King felt dissatisfied with the Prime Minister's negligence. He now understood what Crei meant that night he informed him that he would marry Tria, she must have had a rough time at the Prime Minister's Residence.

On the Prime Minister's side, he himself was shocked to almost unconsciousness just now, okay? The daughter he almost never met with, he could never communicate properly with her, and would always be so be dirty and feeble-minded. She was an eyesore to him and so he intentionally neglected her and had her placed in the back of the estate to fend for herself. However now, he is seriously rethinking into the past to see if he missed out on something.

Crei was surprised this morning as well when he saw his wife after a few weeks. The girl was no longer skinny, her curves, chest, and behind had gained some roundness, her skin was glowing fiercely, and even her curls were looking healthier and more golden.

When he saw her cute face, he could not contain the urge to pinch her round bronzed cheeks and ended up caressing them because her skin was so soft.

Tria was startled at his sudden touch, that was the first time they had ever made skin contact; omitting that time he carried her into her room when she was unconscious. However, she liked him breaking that barrier, his hands were so warm and his touch so gentle, why would she not take advantage of this moment.

To Crei's surprise, she didn't shy away from his sudden intimate move, and even dug her little face further into his palm, as she snuggled herself into his embrace comfortably. He found her so adorable, she looked like a little kitten trying to find the coziest corner. His heart was overflowing with emotions and felt his feelings for her growing more intense.