The Prince's Arranged Marriage
Chapter 59: Union of two hearts

Chapter 59: Union of two hearts

The first light of dawn crept over Valtoria Palace, painting its ivory stone in a soft, rosy glow. A crisp breeze stirred the banners that lined the drive, the deep blues of Veridia woven seamlessly with Avalorian gold. In the quiet moments before ceremony began, the world seemed to hold its breath. Birds sang hesitantly from the treetops, and even the palace guards—normally so vigilant—exchanged furtive smiles as they readied the gates. Today was not merely the culmination of a royal tour or a political alliance: today was a celebration of two hearts, joined together beneath the eyes of two kingdoms.

Lucien Damon stood in the private antechamber just beyond the chapel’s heavy oak doors, his hands clasped behind his back. The chamber’s high windows looked out onto the palace gardens, where roses and lilies were still wet with dawn dew. He took a long, steadying breath, feeling the weight and warmth of his ceremonial coat settle around his shoulders—deep cobalt embroidered with threads of gold that traced the double-eagle crest of Veridia. His mother’s sapphire pendant, a gift from Queen Alicia, lay against his chest, its cool surface a reminder of Veridia’s steadfast heart.

Yet it was the heirloom ring—Alexander’s family treasure of entwined silver and gold—that held his attention now. He slipped it onto his right hand, alongside the simple wedding band that waited on his dresser. The heirloom’s interlocking metals felt like a silent promise: two bloodlines, two legacies, bound together. He closed his eyes, picturing Alexander’s face—soft, determined, filled with that gentle joy Lucien had seen so often in his eyes over the past months.

This is no longer just duty, Lucien reminded himself, but a promise of shared strength and trust.

A soft rap at the door broke his reverie. Elara slipped inside, her emerald gown glowing in the morning sun. "Ready?" she asked, offering him a small, reassuring smile.

He nodded, exhaling slowly. "As ready as I’ll ever be." He allowed her to guide him to the chapel entrance, where the last of the attendants adjusted his coat and smoothed a stray lock of hair from his forehead.

---

Outside, the procession marshaled itself. A vast crowd thronged the steps and spillways of the hilltop chapel, a sweeping stone edifice built centuries ago to honor both Avaloria’s ancient faith and Veridia’s own traditions of devotion. Reporters jostled for position behind royal guards, cameras and microphones raised. Each lens captured the flutter of banners, the nods of dignitaries, and the waves of charming curiosity from common citizens who’d traveled miles to see the princes wed.

At precisely ten o’clock, the chapel doors opened. A hush fell over the assembly. In that instant, every eye turned inward, hearts beating in unison. A single trumpeter sounded, and the organists in the choir loft struck the first notes of a stately Veridian march blended with an Avalorian hymn—an aural emblem of unity that resonated through the vaulted nave.

Lucien and Elara moved into the doorway. His pulse thundered in his ears as he glimpsed the kaleidoscope of color inside: sunbeams filtering through stained glass, illuminating the tapestries that depicted Veridia’s founding hero and Avaloria’s greatest monarch in a single, seamless panorama. The pews were draped in pale blue and gold ribbons, and the aisle was carpeted in a soft, ivory cloth sprinkled with white petals.

Elara took her place among the bridesmaids—Veridian and Avalorian ladies entrusted with guiding Lucien’s steps. He bowed his head in silent prayer, giving thanks for the journey that had led him here. Then, as the music swelled, the doors at the rear opened again.

First came the Veridian court: King Christopher and Queen Alicia, moving with regal composure yet unmistakable pride. Queen Alicia’s purple gown, trimmed in silver, swayed gracefully as she descended the steps. King Christopher, in his navy coat and gold sash, walked beside her, his gaze flicking to Lucien with a warmth that reached his eyes.

Next, King Theron and Queen Lyra of Avaloria followed, their white-and-gold attire gleaming. Their faces were serene, supportive, fully aware of the historic weight of the moment.

A brief, respectful bow from each royal couple, and the congregation’s applause rippled through the chapel like a welcome wave.

---

Then, the time came. The organists shifted to a joyous, rolling melody. Alexander Silver appeared at the back of the chapel, in ceremonial robes of midnight blue embroidered with silver griffins—a bold, elegant contrast to Lucien’s cobalt coat. His stride was unhurried, confident. Each step down the aisle brought a fresh burst of cheers and flashes of light.

When he reached the center, he paused, bowing his head to the gathered guests. Lucien, standing at the altar’s edge, felt his breath catch. Their eyes met across the distance—the familiar spark of recognition and affection that had grown bright over their months of travel.

Together, they walked the final few paces side by side, hands brushing ever so lightly before settling on each other’s arm. Arm in arm, they approached the altar: two prisms of royal lineage merging into one. Elara stood just behind Lucien, her supportive presence a silent benediction.

---

The high priest, his robes a mixture of ancient Veridian patterns and Avalorian symbols, raised his staff. "Beloved guests, we are gathered to witness a union of hearts and kingdoms. May this ceremony be a testament to unity and love."

First, Alexander faced Lucien. "Prince Lucien Damon," he began, his voice clear and resonant, "from this day forward, I pledge to stand by your side. I promise to honor your heart, to share in your burdens, and to celebrate your joys. Together, we will serve our peoples as one. Will you marry me, as my husband and equal, in this partnership of life?"

Lucien’s chest swelled with emotion. As he listened to Alexander’s heartfelt words, he felt the supple strength of the heirloom ring at his finger, the sapphire at his breast, the crisp truth of this moment anchoring him. "I will," he replied, voice steady despite the tears glistening in his eyes. "I will marry you, Alexander, as your husband and your partner. I promise to share in your burdens and your joys, to stand together in duty and in love."

A warm murmur of approval rose from the chapel.

Then, Lucien recited his vow: "Prince Alexander Silver, in your eyes I have found trust, in your heart I have found strength. Today, I give you my hand and my heart. I promise to honor your dreams, to support your hopes, and to walk by your side all the days of our lives. Will you be my husband and my equal in this union?"

Alexander’s smile was luminous. He took Lucien’s hand, lifting it to his lips. "I will," he vowed. "I will be your husband, your equal, and your truest companion."

At these words, the priest declared, "By the power vested in me by both Veridia and Avaloria, I now pronounce you husband and husband."

---

Alexander retrieved the slender heirloom ring from Lucien’s right hand and raised it for all to see. "Place this ring on his right hand," the priest intoned. Lucien slid the entwined silver-and-gold heirloom onto Alexander’s finger. Then Alexander did the same with Lucien, whose plain wedding band he placed on his left hand.

As every eye in the chapel followed, Lucien blinked back tears. Afterward, in a brief moment of private humor, he turned to Alexander and asked quietly, "What is this ring? It feels... ancient."

Alexander leaned close. "It is. A family heirloom, passed down through generations of Avalorian kings. May it remind you that our pasts are honored, and our future is forged together." His voice was soft, and Lucien felt a rush of gratitude for this personal gift buried within the formal ceremony.

---

The priest’s final words hung in the air, "Seal your vows with a kiss." Lucien stepped toward Alexander, their foreheads touching briefly in a whisper of intimacy. Then, amid the hush of the congregation, they shared their first kiss as husbands—a gentle, heartfelt seal upon the promises they had made.

Cheers and applause broke out, and reporters’ shutters clicked like a celebratory drumroll. The chapel resounded with joyful noise as guests rose to their feet, offering blessings and congratulations. Children waved small flags of both kingdoms; nobles embraced, and even the stoic palace guards allowed themselves small smiles.

---

As the ceremony concluded, Alexander and Lucien remained arm in arm beneath the arch of the altar. The organ began another triumphant flourish, guiding them back down the aisle. Lucien’s heart soared with each step, every cheering face a testament to the love and support they had won.

At the chapel’s grand entrance, a black carriage with polished silver wheels awaited. The drivers in royal livery stepped aside as the crowd gathered tightly. Thousands of citizens—Veridians and Avalorians alike—lined the cobblestone courtyard, their cheers forming a jubilant wall. Banners fluttered overhead, and petals showered down like confetti in a storm of celebration.

Together, Alexander and Lucien climbed into the carriage. The door closed with a soft click, and the horses’ hooves began to move. As the carriage rolled forward, the crowd pressed in close, waving and shouting:

"Long live the princes!"

"May Veridia and Avaloria prosper!"

Lucien pressed his hand against the glass, eyes shining at the sea of faces illuminated by midday sun. Alexander sat beside him, still holding his hand, and for a moment, neither spoke. Their shared smile said everything.

In that carriage, bound for the palace reception, Lucien felt a serene joy unlike any he had known before. Though the union had begun as a political necessity, it had evolved into something precious: two hearts learning to trust, to support, and to love one another. The miles of ceremony, the weight of expectation, the shadow of duty—all of it had led to this triumphant moment of unity and hope.

And as the carriage turned the corner toward Valtoria Palace, Lucien knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them as one. The wedding ceremony behind them, the reception awaiting, he allowed himself to bask in the light of this new promise—a marriage not just of crowns and kingdoms, but of two hearts resolved to build a shared destiny.