The Prince's Arranged Marriage
Chapter 47: Wedding Bells

Chapter 47: Wedding Bells

I remember the day clearly. The palace corridors in Valtoria were bathed in soft morning light, and I was both nervous and determined as I made my way to meet Queen Lyra—Alexander’s mother, the woman who would soon become my mother-in-law. This meeting was not only a formal obligation; it was an opportunity for me to express my preferences for the royal wedding and to get to know the person behind the regal façade. I had long heard of Queen Lyra’s grace and wisdom, but nothing had prepared me for the delicate warmth I felt when I saw her in person.

I was led into a grand sitting room, its walls adorned with portraits of Avaloria’s storied past and its furniture arranged with impeccable taste. In the center of the room sat Queen Lyra, dressed in a gown of deep indigo that shimmered with subtle silver embroidery, her eyes kind yet discerning. As I stepped forward, my heart pounded in my chest—not out of fear, but in anticipation of what this conversation might bring.

"Welcome, Prince Lucian," she said, her voice smooth and gentle. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you properly."

I bowed slightly, striving to appear composed. "Your Majesty, the honor is mine. I have long admired your wisdom and the way you lead Avaloria with such grace."

She smiled warmly, and in that moment, I sensed that beneath her regal exterior lay a woman who understood the burdens of duty and the complexities of the heart. "Alexander speaks highly of you, Lucian. I trust that our union will bring prosperity not only to our kingdoms but to our families as well."

I hesitated for a moment, then gathered my courage. "Yes, Your Majesty. I truly believe that our union holds great promise. However, I must confess that as the wedding approaches, I have many thoughts and preferences that I hope we can discuss." I paused, gauging her reaction. Her eyes sparkled with interest as she inclined her head. "Please, do share your thoughts. I would like to know you better, not merely as a prince bound by duty, but as the man you are."

Taking a steadying breath, I began. "I have always valued honesty and simplicity. I feel that our wedding should reflect both our traditions and a sincere celebration of unity—not just a grand display of opulence. I would prefer a ceremony that is warm and genuine, where the focus is on the blending of our two families and the hope for the future rather than on pomp and ceremony alone." I spoke slowly, each word weighted with the hopes and fears I had harbored for so long.

Queen Lyra listened intently, her gaze never wavering. "You speak with a clarity that is refreshing, Lucian. Our traditions are indeed rich, but they must evolve to reflect the hearts of our people. Tell me, what is it that you envision for your wedding?"

I considered her question carefully. "I would like the ceremony to incorporate elements from both our cultures. Perhaps a setting in a beautiful, natural venue—a garden or a grove where the air is filled with the scent of blossoms. I dream of simple, heartfelt vows, and a celebration that is intimate, where the focus is not on elaborate ceremonies or extravagant displays, but on the genuine connection between two people and the joining of our families." My words were earnest, and I could feel the vulnerability in my voice as I admitted the depth of my desire for something real.

Queen Lyra’s smile grew warmer. "That is a beautiful vision, Lucian. I have seen many weddings in my time, and while the grandeur can be impressive, it is the love and sincerity behind them that truly matters. I appreciate that you want a ceremony that speaks to the hearts of our people. It is a sentiment that is sometimes lost in the pomp of tradition." She paused, her gaze softening. "I, too, value honesty. I believe that a wedding should be a joyous union that not only celebrates two individuals but also brings families together as one."

Her words struck a chord deep within me. For so long, I had felt burdened by duty, by the expectation that I must be the stoic leader and the unyielding prince. But here, in the gentle light of Queen Lyra’s understanding, I felt a small part of me begin to breathe freely. "Thank you, Your Majesty," I said quietly. "I never imagined that my thoughts would be received with such openness. I have often worried that my desire for a simpler, more heartfelt celebration might seem too... unconventional. Yet, I believe that such an event could mend the fractures between our peoples—a bridge built not on extravagance, but on genuine emotion."

Queen Lyra reached out and rested her hand lightly on mine—a gesture both tender and reassuring. "Lucian, life is too short to be defined solely by duty. Our people deserve to celebrate love, in all its forms, with all its imperfections. I want nothing more than to see you both happy and united, not just as a matter of state but as a true bond of the heart."

I felt tears prick my eyes at her kindness. "Your words mean more to me than you can imagine, Your Majesty. I have always carried a heavy burden—the expectations of a nation, the sorrow of a divided people—and sometimes, I fear that in all the grandeur, I lose sight of what truly matters. With you and Alexander, I have begun to see that there is hope for something different. I want our wedding to be the beginning of healing, not just for our families but for all our kingdoms."

For a long moment, the room was filled with the quiet, unspoken understanding between us. Queen Lyra’s eyes shone with unshed tears and deep empathy. "I promise you, Lucian, that I will do everything in my power to help make your vision a reality. Your happiness is not only important to Alexander and you, but it is a beacon of hope for the future of our united peoples."

At that moment, I felt as though a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders—a burden shared between family and duty. Our conversation continued in gentle cadence as we spoke of traditions, of dreams, and of the possibility of a future built on genuine connection rather than mere obligation.

Later that afternoon, as the palace corridors grew quiet and the bustle of the day receded, Alexander joined me in a private sitting room. I sensed that he, too, had been moved by the conversation with his mother. "Lucian," he said softly, "I heard your words today. And I want you to know that I share your vision. I’ve always dreamed of a wedding that isn’t just a political formality but a true celebration of us—a celebration of love, however unconventional it might be."

I looked into his eyes, and for the first time in so long, I felt a warm sincerity that transcended the usual guarded distance between us. "Alexander, I’ve carried so much doubt," I confessed, "and I’ve been so afraid of what our union would mean, not just for our kingdoms, but for us personally. But hearing you say these things... it makes me believe that maybe we can build something real together."

He moved closer, his expression earnest and vulnerable. "I want that too, Lucian. I want to break free of the masks we wear. I’ve admired you from the start—your strength, your compassion, your unwavering dedication. And I... I like you. More than I ever thought possible."

In that moment, the formalities of our roles and the weight of our responsibilities seemed to fade into the background. There was only the raw truth of two souls reaching out to one another. We sat there for a long while, our words a soft murmur in the quiet of the palace. Our conversation turned to laughter, to shared memories of childhood and moments of unexpected kindness. It was a time of healing—a moment where the future seemed a little less uncertain, a little more promising.

As dusk fell, I found myself reflecting on the day’s events. The meeting with Queen Lyra had been a turning point for me—a moment when I felt that perhaps I was not alone in my hopes and fears. The gentle kindness of my soon-to-be mother-in-law, the heartfelt discussion about our wedding, and the raw vulnerability shared with Alexander had begun to mend the fractures within my heart. I no longer felt the crushing weight of isolation that had haunted me for so long.

That night, in the quiet solitude of my chamber, I thought about the future. The royal wedding was drawing nearer, and with it, the promise of a new beginning not only for our union but for the two kingdoms we represented. I vowed to embrace the changes ahead—to let go of the doubts that had once held me captive and to trust that love, in its many forms, could be the foundation of a brighter tomorrow.

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