The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 406: Tying The Knot

Chapter 406: Tying The Knot

"Emily, Emily!" Noah gently called out to the young woman, lightly patting her shoulder. Her bowed head lifted instantly, and her closed eyelids fluttered open.

They were riding on a horse trotting down a gentle hill, the surroundings cloaked in darkness save for the glow of a few streetlights. Ahead, dim light emanated from the windows of clustered buildings.

"Where are we?" Emily inquired, her body swaying lightly with the horse’s movements as she scanned the area to her left and right. Noah’s strong hand securely held her waist, preventing any chance of her falling.

"We’re nearing Oldmie, on the outskirts of Gantz. We could have arrived sooner, but I slowed our pace when you fell asleep," Noah explained.

"Oldmie? Isn’t that Sir Mill’s hometown?" Emily asked.

"Exactly."

"Wouldn’t it be risky? We’re not far, and the knights could easily track us down!" she exclaimed, alarmed.

"No. I chose this place precisely because they were unlikely to expect us here. They probably assume we fled through the forest to another kingdom," Noah revealed his strategy.

"That’s why you kept our destination a secret from me!" Emily realised.

"The best hiding spot is often where they least expect. Plus, I know someone at the registry office here," Noah said.

"Registry office?" Emily inquired.

"To marry officially, we must first gain approval there. Once registered, our union will be legally bonded, making it harder for anyone to separate us," Noah clarified.

Emily beamed. "That’s clever of you! I should have thought of that!"

"It’s my duty now to prevent further complications," Noah said, smiling. "There’s an inn in the town centre where we can rest. The office will open in a few hours. We have time to prepare," he added.

"All right," Emily agreed with a nod.

The warhorse continued its steady trot until they reached the inn. It took some time for the innkeeper to rouse from his slumber and attend to the new arrivals.

Initially gruff at being disturbed, the innkeeper’s mood brightened considerably when he received a pouch of Durrham coins. His demeanour shifted, and he warmly welcomed the couple, offering them the best suite.

Emily and Noah entered the suite on the inn’s ground floor, and Emily sat on the edge of the bed. Having fled in haste, she carried only her identification letter issued by the steward, a mandatory document for those leaving the mansion. She had taken it with her upon attending Alex and Meredith’s wedding.

"Rest now. When the sun rises, I’ll go out to get clothes, food, and other necessities for you," Noah told her.

"I’ve already had some sleep. I don’t need anything much besides a change of clothes," Emily replied.

"Still, I must make some preparations. It’s a husband’s responsibility to provide for his wife," Noah insisted.

Blushing at his words, Emily pondered. Although they were not yet married, Noah had already assumed the caretaker role.

"I think you should rest. You’ve been up all night. You must be exhausted," she gently advised.

"I’m used to this travel routine. I’m not that tired," Noah remarked.

"Your eyes might betray you with dark circles. You wouldn’t want to look worn out on our wedding day," she teased.

Noah chuckled. "All right, I’ll take a short nap if you insist. Pass me the pillow," he requested, reaching out to her.

"Why do you need the pillow?" Emily inquired, puzzled.

"I intend to rest on the floor so you can have the bed to yourself," Noah explained.

"Why go to such trouble? Just come and lie beside me. It’s uncomfortable on the hard floor. Resting on the bed would be much better," she suggested.

Noah hesitated, his gaze fixed on Emily, who seemed unfazed by the idea.

"Emily, we’re not married yet. I should maintain decency," he stated.

Emily let out a soft laugh. "What difference would it make? We’ll be married in a few hours. Besides... we’re not doing anything."

"It matters. You’re the woman who will be my wife and the mother of my children. I hold you in high regard and won’t treat matters of your virtue lightly. Sharing a bed holds significant meaning in Cassian tradition, implying intimacy even if it’s not the case," Noah explained.

"But we’re already sharing a suite. People might assume we’ve crossed that line," Emily remarked.

"I don’t care what others think, as long as God knows my intentions are good, and we stay true to ourselves. I thought about getting another suite, but I worry about your safety in this unfamiliar place. So, I’ll stay here, but let’s keep our distance until we’re officially married."

Emily nodded in agreement as Noah stood by his decision. She handed him the pillow and duvet, which he accepted, and settled on the floor, making himself comfortable.

Initiating a casual conversation, Noah remarked, "I can’t believe we’re here right now. Honestly, I never imagined I’d be getting married one day. Tonight is quite an adventure, isn’t it?" he asked, a smile lighting up his face.

His question was met only by silence.

"Emily?" Noah raised his head, his gaze falling upon her motionless form, now curled up in a fetal position, still and quiet.

Rising to his feet, he approached her, finding her peacefully asleep, worn out from their journey. Noah tenderly covered her with the duvet, tucking her in gently.

Kneeling beside her, he admired her adorable, innocent, sleeping face and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Rest well, my dear," he whispered, caressing her cheek. "I’ll take good care of you from now on. You won’t regret it."

***

Noah glanced at the young lady, voicing his concern.

"Isn’t it considered bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony?"

The young lady, who appeared to be the bridal boutique owner, responded with a bright smile. "Well, since you two will go to the registry office shortly, I think it’ll be fine."

Noah sighed. "I wish we could have a more elaborate wedding, but since we’re already here, there’s not much we can do about it."

"Oh, this is already wonderful!" the boutique owner reassured him. "The most important thing is that you two love each other." She looked upon Noah, admiring his appearance. "And you look so handsome in your wedding attire. I’m sure your bride will be thrilled to see you."

"Yes, you are such a lovely couple," chimed in the boutique owner’s husband, who had helped Noah with his suit fitting. "And you look just like a prince!"

"I’ll go get the bride. She was a little nervous and asked me to check on you before coming out. Oh, this is so exciting!"

The boutique owner hurried behind the screen.

Noah stood anxiously, his heart racing, as he waited for Emily. That morning, the couple had gone to the jeweller for their wedding bands and the nearest bridal shop to get their outfits.

At first, Emily was hesitant, saying it wasn’t necessary, but Noah insisted, wanting to make the day memorable for her, even though their wedding would be small and private.

Noah’s eyes fell upon Emily as she emerged – a vision in a flowing gown of fine silk, exquisitely decorated with beading, embroidery, and lace.

Her long brown hair was styled in an elegant bun adorned with a flower crown and veil. The light makeup delicately enhanced her features.

Noah’s expression softened as Emily approached, her hand held by the boutique owner lady.

"You’re beautiful," Noah breathed, his smile widening.

Emily blushed at the compliment. "And you look handsome, too," she replied.

Noah was a striking figure in his black doublet, similarly adorned, paired with long pants and heavy boots.

The boutique owner couple beamed at the couple.

"Now, you’re all set!" the young lady exclaimed, handing Emily the flower bouquet. The registry office is probably open now. Go get your marriage officially registered!"

"Thank you for your help," Emily said gratefully. "We couldn’t have done this without you."

"Nonsense!" the boutique owner dismissed. "You should thank your future husband. He spared no expense on your dress. He loves you dearly."

Emily’s cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of red.

"I hope these outfits are to your liking, Sir," the boutique owner’s husband told Noah.

"They’re perfect," The knight assured him. "I’m grateful you could find us such nice clothes on such short notice."

"I’m glad you are happy with it."

Noah turned to Emily, extending his arm. "Shall we, my dear future wife?"

Emily smiled, linking her arm with his. "Absolutely, my dear future husband."

The boutique owner couple watched, giggling, as the couple headed out the door.

"Wait!" the young lady suddenly exclaimed. Emily and Noah halted their movement upon hearing her.

She reached out to a glass jar containing folded coloured papers and took out a paper crane.

"This is a good luck charm. I’ve been folding them for my family’s fortune, but I feel this one should go to you as our good wish for your wedding. Marriage is wonderful, and I pray every obstacle you face will fade away, leaving only happiness for you both. You’re such a lovely couple, and we are thrilled to have played a part in making your dream come true," she said as she passed the crane to Emily.

"Oh, my! Coloured papers are expensive and not easily obtained. This must have been hard for you to make," exclaimed Emily, admiring the delicate origami.

The boutique owner couple smiled.

"My husband made and dyed the papers himself. It would have cost even more if we had to buy them from the market."

"This is amazing!" said Emily, turning over the crane in her hand. "I didn’t know we could fold the paper to make it look like a bird!"

The boutique owner smiled. "It’s something that I have liked to do since I was a child. It brings good fortune to us whenever we make it."

"Thank you for your kind wishes. I appreciate your gift, and we will keep it with us," said Noah. "But we should be going now."

"Yes, of course! Carry on!" the boutique owner replied.

Her husband slightly bowed, acknowledging the knight’s remarks. The couple then headed out of the boutique and mounted Noah’s warhorse. They trotted towards the registry office not far from the bridal boutique.

Once they arrived, Noah helped Emily dismount and led her inside. As it was still early, few attendees were waiting, and the officer at the counter quickly attended to them.

Noah presented his knight’s badge and Emily’s registration document to the officer.

"Both of you are serving under His Highness the Grand Duke. Have you obtained his approval for this marriage?" the officer asked, examining their identifications.

"No. His Highness is away on an expedition under the king’s orders," Noah replied. "There’s no telling when he’ll return, so we decided to proceed with the marriage."

The officer raised a brow. "Shouldn’t you wait for His Highness’s return?"

"We’ve waited, but like I said, we don’t know when he’ll come back. As you know, it’s best to expedite the marriage once a couple intends it," Noah responded.

The officer nodded slightly, acknowledging the statement. However, a trace of concern was still visible on his face.

"Didn’t His Highness assign a representative to oversee matters in his absence? Can’t you get approval from him?"

Noah’s expression shifted slightly at the question. Suddenly, another officer appeared at the counter, and his demeanour changed upon seeing the officer.

"Is there any problem here?" the second officer asked, his eyes fixed on Noah.

"Ah, nothing. This knight is applying to register his marriage," the first officer answered.

The second officer seemed surprised by the response.

"Marriage? He wants to get married?" He looked the couple up and down.

"Yes, I am. Is there a problem with that?" Noah asked, his tone measured. I’m determined to have my marriage proceed today, so I hope you can help me get this done," Noah added.

The second officer was silent momentarily, still appearing surprised. His expression indicated that he recognised the knight from somewhere. Emily remained quiet, trusting that her soon-to-be husband would handle the situation.

"Don’t they need to get approval from the representative since His Highness, the Grand Duke, is not around?" the first officer asked as he turned to his colleague.

"We’ve come a long way. Returning to the mansion and going through the process would be a hassle. So... please," Noah asserted.

Understanding the knight’s eagerness, the second officer quickly responded, "He’s right. There’s no need to go through that. Just approve his request and assign a monk to perform the solemnisation ceremony. We can expedite this as you wish."

Relief washed over the couple, but the first officer’s following words caused their anxiety to resurface.

"We can do that? Wouldn’t that be against the procedure?"

"It’s not against the procedure," the second officer explained. "His Majesty the King is His Highness the Grand Duke’s brother. According to the law, in the head of the household’s absence, another next of kin could take over his responsibilities. They are siblings, and His Majesty’s authority precedes the others in the kingdom. So, it’s not wrong to get married under the provisions of the registry office, which is directly under the royal order."

"Ah! That makes sense!" the first officer agreed.

Noah and Emily sighed in relief once more.

"I’ll process your request now. We have two monks stationed here, and they are idle this morning. Would you like to have your wedding here or elsewhere?" the first officer asked.

"Here!" Noah and Emily responded in unison, their voices loud with excitement.

The second officer smiled.

"They are already in their wedding attire. Obviously, they want to get married as soon as possible." He turned to his colleague. "Let me take over and speed up this process. This won’t take long."

He took the documents from his colleague and started scribbling. After stamping some papers, he instructed the couple to the wedding hall, available in the registry office, and escorted them along with his colleague, who would serve as the couple’s witnesses.

A monk was quickly assigned to perform the solemnisation.

"Thank you for your help," Noah whispered to the second officer, who appeared to be his acquaintance.

The second officer smiled.

"I’m just returning a favour to my old friend," the second officer said. "Though knowing that you want to marry this lady is totally mind-blowing. I hope the lady, too, makes the right decision in choosing you."

Noah smiled proudly. "I won’t disappoint her. Thanks to her, I’m already a changed man."

The officer nodded.

"I see... Then, all the best to you." He gestured toward the altar. "Please take your bride and proceed."

Noah took Emily’s hand, and the couple approached the waiting monk. The recital began with prayers, followed by the oath of marriage.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the monk announced. "Lady Emily Brooks, you are now under the care of your husband, Sir Noah Brooks, and Sir Noah Brooks, you are now fully responsible for your wife, Lady Emily Brooks’s well-being. May you cherish each other and have your marriage last till the afterlife."

With the proclamation, Noah exchanged the wedding band with Emily. Lifting her veil, he gently kissed her lips, his arm encircling her waist as he gazed down at her with love.

"Thank you for marrying me, Emily. I will love you till the day I die," he whispered.

Emily’s eyes shone with affection. "I love you too, Noah, for better or worse."

Noah smiled, their shared promise echoing in his heart.

"For better or worse," he repeated.

Their lips met in a tender embrace, sealing their affection again.

Another union of souls had formed, solidifying their bond and paving the way for a future filled with love and devotion.

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