The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 302: Civil Wedding

Chapter 302: Civil Wedding

Dahlia admired her own reflection in the mirror, her heart brimming with joy. Krisha and Zaila helped her get ready and fix her hair, while Dani was busy outside handling all the arrangements for the simple civil wedding she wanted. They chose to hold the ceremony in the enclosed pavilion of their new residence.

Just the previous day, Dahlia and Zoran had moved into the south wing of the Corvus Palace, a generous gift from King Nikolai himself, for which she was deeply grateful.

"Stunning, Dahlia, simply stunning," Krisha remarked. "Even in such a simple gown, your natural beauty shines through, and it’s clear how deeply in love you are.".

Dahlia blushed at her friend’s flattery. She was in bliss at that moment. She couldn’t wait to be bonded with the man she loves in all possible ways.

The doors to the room swung open, and Dahlia’s mother entered.

"Oh my daughter," her mother whispered, enveloping her in a warm hug. "I never thought I’d see this day... The day I send you off into marriage. But why is it happening so suddenly? We could have arranged something grander for you," Rosa Bennett said.

Dahlia held her mother’s hand and said, "Mother, things are still quite complicated right now. I want something simple and serene. I want it to be private, with only those dearest to me witnessing it, including your mother. You know that Zoran’s situation right now is still uncertain, so a quiet, private union like this is what we need."

Rosa sighed heavily and said, "I understand, my daughter. Your happiness is what matters most. Besides, Zoran did everything for you and I’m just glad that you and Zoran share a deep and mutual love. Given what you’ve told me before, I am confident that you’re in safe hands with him. That puts my heart at ease."

"Ready?" Dani’s voice from the open door interrupted their moment.

Dahlia replied with excitement, "Oh, yes. Let’s go, Mother." She took her mother’s hand, and Rosa chuckled softly and said, "Look at you, beaming with excitement. Let’s not keep your groom waiting any longer."

With a nod, Dahlia and her mother made their way towards the pavilion where Zoran eagerly awaited her. The doors swung open, revealing the selected guests already seated inside. The interior of the pavilion was decorated lavishly with her favorite flowers, creating a breathtaking ambiance.

Dahlia felt her heart skip a bit as her eyes met Zoran’s eager gaze. He was waiting for her at the other end of the makeshift altar. Her lips stretched into a wide smile to which he responded with a radiant smile of his own. He looked absolutely dazzling in his elegant attire, a tailored white cloak accentuated with gold and silver silks and linens, just like hers.

She slowly walked towards him with her mother by her side.

"Lady Rosa," Zoran politely greeted Dahlia’s mother with a curt bow.

"Call me, ’Mother’ from now on, as Dahlia does, because I already consider you my son," Rosa said warmly.

"Mother," Zoran timidly responded. Dahlia had a content smile as Zoran took her hand. Together, they bowed courteously to Nikolai and Mineah.

Then, at Nikolai’s signal, Dahlia and Zoran turned to face Minister Laura, who would officiate their marriage.

"We are gathered here today to witness the civil marriage between Lord Zoran Kent and Lady Dahlia Benett, in accordance with the Valcrez’s laws and customs for human Valcrezian weddings. If there is anyone present who objects to this union, now is the time to speak up. Well given the silence and the small number of people, I believe nobody objects to this marriage, so I will make it short..." Laura began, injecting a touch of humor into the proceedings.

Laura turned her attention to Zoran and said, "If you have prepared any vows, you may now say it before exchanging the rings. If not, you may repeat after me... Let’s begin with the groom."

Zoran took a deep breath and reached for the rings in his pocket. He handed her a pair and took Dahlia’s hand and placed the ring on her finger.

"Dahlia, please accept this ring as a symbol of my everlasting love for you," Zoran stated, his gaze locked onto hers. His voice was steady, filled with emotion.

"I know that our journey together may not always be smooth, but I promise to keep you safe and shield you from harm. My love for you will remain constant. I will stand by your side through all the challenges life may bring – for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. I love you, Dahlia Benett." Zoran declared, his words heartfelt and resolute.

With a radiant smile, Dahlia took a deep breath to control her tears and looked into Zoran’s eyes. She gently took his hand and slipped the ring onto his finger. "Zoran, please wear this ring as a sign of my undying love for you, " she spoke with sincerity, her voice quivering slightly with emotion.

She admired the rings, their matching design in shimmering gold. They were a perfect fit, just like their love.

"No matter what challenges come our way, I will always stay by your side and never leave you, Zoran. You have showered me with unconditional love that I sometimes feel like I don’t even deserve. I’m not just grateful for everything you’ve done for me, but because I love you with every fiber of my being. I want to give you all that I am, all that I have."

Mineah smiled as she bore witness to them signing documents and sealing their marriage. The joyful moment peaked perfectly with Laura’s words: "You may now kiss your bride."

Amidst the cheers of everyone gathered, Zoran leaned in and sealed the marriage with a tender kiss on Dahlia’s lips.

"Long live the newlyweds!" The small crowd erupted in joy, and lively music filled the air. Mineah’s eyes widened as she turned to Nikolai.

"Lai..." she gasped, her voice filled with concern, her gaze flickering towards Dahlia and Zoran. She then scanned the surroundings, trying to see where the music was coming from.