Married To Darkness
Chapter 298: The Speech By The King

Chapter 298: The Speech By The King

The grand hall was now a sea of anticipation, vibrant with activity and energy.

The air shimmered with the scent of spiced wine, freshly baked pastries, and the floral arrangements that adorned every corner.

The guests whispered and chuckled among themselves, filling the space with a melodic hum that only heightened the sense of grandeur.

As the herald announced each name, the princes and princesses began to enter one by one, their steps slow and majestic, radiating the dignity expected of their station.

Each royal family member was dressed impeccably, their garments reflecting not just wealth but the artistry of master tailors.

First came Prince Alaric, his broad shoulders framed by his deep navy attire trimmed with gold, a regal presence that demanded attention. By his side, Salviana glided with grace, her emerald and brown dress catching the light with every step.

Their synchronized movements spoke of elegance and power, a duo that turned every head as they made their way to their designated seats.

Behind them, Prince Spencer followed, hand in hand with his wife, their expressions solemn but proud.

Spencer’s tunic of royal green bore the intricate patterns of his house, while his wife dazzled in a muted gold gown that sparkled subtly under the chandeliers.

The princesses, each with their own flair, entered next, their gowns trailing behind them like rivers of silk and lace.

Princess Genevieve was as commanding as ever in her crimson gown, walking with a stern composure that dared anyone to look away.

Her sisters, dressed in shades of soft lilac and icy blue, contrasted her intensity with serene beauty, their smiles gentle but practiced.

Amid the parade of nobles, a lighthearted moment drew everyone’s attention.

A young guest, Lady Ginder, entered with her playful toddler in tow—a golden-haired boy with an impish grin who refused to stay still.

As they approached their seats, the child wriggled free from his mother’s grip and ran ahead, causing Ginder to stumble slightly.

Gasps rippled through the hall as she teetered on her heels, her hand flailing to regain balance.

"Thomas!" she hissed, her cheeks reddening.

A nearby knight stepped forward quickly, steadying her before she fell. "My lady," he said politely, bowing slightly before returning to his post.

Lady Ginder managed a grateful smile, scooping up her son with one arm while whispering furiously to him. "You little mischief-maker, you almost made me the talk of the court!"

The boy giggled innocently, his golden curls bouncing as he played with the collar of her dress. "Mama, shiny!"

The brief commotion subsided as people chuckled and turned back to their conversations, the air lightened by the incident.

Children whispered and giggled from the far end of the hall, their small voices carrying as they pointed at the nobles and tried to guess their names. "That’s Prince Spencer!" one child whispered excitedly.

"No, it’s not! That’s Prince Benedict!" another corrected, poking her sibling in the ribs.

"Shh!" their nursemaid scolded, her voice low but firm as she tried to keep them seated.

The mix of chatter, laughter, and the occasional clink of goblets filled the space.

The smell of roasted meats wafted from the kitchens, mingling with the sweetness of honeyed desserts, creating an intoxicating aroma that heightened everyone’s hunger.

The nobles had mostly taken their seats now, the long rows of tables filling with brightly dressed guests.

Jewels glittered in the soft candlelight, and the sound of rustling silk and clinking metal armor echoed faintly in the background.

The atmosphere was noisy yet orderly, a beautiful contradiction of chaos and refinement that only such grand events could produce.

As the last of the guests settled, the anticipation grew.

All eyes turned toward the dais, where the king and queen presided over the festivities.

The room held its breath, ready for the celebration to begin in earnest.

’Decorum!’

A hush swept over the grand hall, like the calm before a storm.

The announcer, dressed in a deep maroon robe trimmed with gold embroidery, stepped forward to the center of the dais, his voice amplified by the high ceiling.

His tone was commanding, resonating with authority yet tinged with an unmistakable reverence.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, pausing for the echo of his voice to settle, "honored nobles, esteemed guests, and cherished family of the Velthorne dynasty, it is my great honor to announce—" he straightened, his eyes sweeping across the sea of expectant faces, "that the celebration of our most beloved King Gideon Velthorne’s grand birthday shall now commence!"

At once, the hall erupted in a thunderous wave of applause.

The clapping hands of hundreds filled the space, a harmonious roar of celebration.

Guests rose from their seats as one, their jeweled garments catching the light like waves of a shimmering sea.

"Long live King Gideon!" someone called from the crowd, sparking a wave of cheers and praises.

"Long live the king!"

The king, seated on the gilded throne at the center of the dais, rose to his full height, his hands gesturing for silence.

King Gideon was dressed in a rich crimson tunic adorned with golden embellishments, a heavy velvet cloak cascading from his shoulders.

His crown, studded with emeralds and rubies, rested majestically on his head, reflecting his years of power and wisdom.

His piercing blue eyes, sharp yet warm, scanned the room, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he acknowledged his people.

As the applause dwindled, Gideon nodded to the announcer, who stepped aside, giving the king the stage.

"My people," the king began, his deep voice resonating with strength and emotion. "Today, I stand before you not merely as your ruler but as a man who has had the extraordinary privilege of serving a kingdom filled with valor, wisdom, and unyielding loyalty."

The room was silent, save for the occasional shuffle or rustle, as everyone hung on his words.

"This day," he continued, "marks another year in my journey, a journey made meaningful not by my crown, but by all of you. The Velthorne legacy thrives because of your unwavering devotion, your courage, and your love for this kingdom." His gaze softened as it passed over his family seated nearby, lingering briefly on his wife, Queen Sansa, who met his eyes with a proud, serene smile.