Chapter 1256: Sacred Vows Beneath the Tree ( 1256 )
Chapter 1256: Sacred Vows Beneath the Tree ( 1256 )
Javier narrowed his eyes toward Athine and whispered in a low voice.
“Oi. Control yourself, Athine. The whole nation is watching.”
“What?” Athine smiled and glanced up at Aelius’s eyes, her gaze soft and adoring. “I’m just looking at my soon-to-be husband.”
“Don’t ruin the wedding yet. Wait for the blessing to start before you start melting into his arms.”
“Hmm?” Athine tilted her head, her smile innocent. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, little brother. I’m just being my usual self.”
“Yeah, yeah. Like I don’t know you were about to rush over and hug him the moment you got close. Duh.” Javier rolled his eyes.
Athine’s cheeks flushed a soft pink. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Heh… like I don’t notice your feet shifting, your body leaning forward, and the way your fingers are twitching. You two haven’t seen each other for only a few days, and you’re already like this.”
Javier shook his head with a faint smile.
“I wonder what will happen after you’re married and your belly grows bigger, and you won’t be able to join Aelius on his duties overseeing the merchant guilds, managing the economy, and handling the trade negotiations. You’re going to be stuck at home, and he’ll be out there handling the economy. You’re already this clingy now, how are you going to survive then?”
Athine exhaled and rolled her eyes before glaring and puffing her cheek at Aelius.
Aelius just chuckled softly, his eyes filled with warmth and affection.
Just as Athine was about to say something, Javier interrupted.
“Alright, alright. You two, control yourselves. The High Priest of Armand is here, Father and Mother are watching, and delegations from all of Armand’s allied nations are present. Let’s finish this wedding properly so you two can enjoy your time together~” Javier said with a teasing grin.
Aelius smiled and glanced at Athine, his eyes full of love and anticipation.
Javier interrupted again with an eye roll and an exaggerated exhale.
“No… no… don’t look at each other like that. Not yet. At least wait until after the vows, you lovesick fool.”
“Ugh… little brother, can you stop ruining the moment?” both Aelius and Athine hissed together, glaring at Javier from Aelius’s side.
“What?” Javier rolled his eyes again. “What I said is true. Can’t you two wait until the blessing is finished before you go wild at night? At least you’re getting married in…” Javier glanced at his mana watch, “…about a few minutes. Duh. Control yourselves now, and go wild after the ceremony.”
Aelius exhaled. “Fine.”
Athine bit her lower lip and gave Javier a glare. “Hmmph! You’re lucky you’re our little brother, and you’re the one who…” She glanced at Aelius and then at her wedding outfit, her expression softening. “…who crafted this for us.”
“Of course.” Javier puffed his chest proudly. “This wedding attire, if we were to evaluate its worth, would cost more than the entire treasury of any noble house in the other human kingdoms.” He wiggled his eyebrows with a smug grin.
The High Priest of Armand arrived, his white and gold robes flowing gracefully as he stepped onto the altar beneath the ancient tree. He carried a sacred staff adorned with glowing crystals, and his presence brought a sense of solemn reverence to the ceremony.
He stood at the center of the altar, his gaze warm and wise as he looked at Aelius and Athine.
“Prince Aelius. Princess Athine. Please step forward and stand together before the blessing.”
Aelius and Athine moved closer, their hands finding each other naturally. Athine gently wrapped her hand around Aelius’s arm, her fingers resting warmly against his sleeve.
The High Priest smiled, opening the sacred scroll to begin the ceremony. But just as he was about to speak, Athine interrupted softly, her cheeks flushed.
“Your Holiness… would it be possible to… skip the long speech and proceed directly to the blessing and vows?”
Novelnice∙comThe High Priest paused, then chuckled warmly, shaking his head. “Ah, young love. Very well, I suppose we can…”
He was about to agree when Javier’s voice cut in from the side.
“No, no~ Do it properly.” Javier narrowed his eyes at Athine. “And you, Athine. Don’t just skip the important ceremony of your life because you’re impatient. The whole nation is watching.”
Athine pouted and stuck her tongue out at Javier, while Aelius simply shook his head with a fond smile.
The High Priest smiled warmly and nodded toward Javier. “As you wish, Your Highness. We shall proceed with the full ceremony.”
The ceremony began, the High Priest’s voice resonating through the garden as he recited the sacred vows.
Meanwhile, inside a certain room.
Liana let out a long exhale, glancing at Gracelle, who was now lying down on a specially prepared bed. Her eyes were fixed on the Holo TV screen, wide with awe and wonder.
“Liana! Liana! Look!” Gracelle pointed excitedly at the screen, her voice filled with childlike excitement.
Liana glanced around and let out another long exhale.
Why do I have to be here just because this girl insisted I accompany her?
Sigh…
I was supposed to be with Young Master…
Gloria arrived with several maids, pushing a trolley loaded with food from the kitchen toward the room. Several maids followed behind her, arranging the food on a nearby table.
Gloria noticed Liana’s silence and smiled as she watched her sit on a chair near Gracelle’s bed.
“Ara~ Liana? Looks like you’re having a hard time keeping up with your new responsibility~”
Gracelle heard the comment and glanced at Liana, pursing her lips and pretending to look sad.
“Liana… am I a burden to you?” she asked in a soft, pitiful voice, her eyes wide and pleading.
Liana narrowed her glare at Gracelle. “I don’t know… maybe yes, maybe no.”
Gracelle’s lips trembled, her eyes shimmering with fake tears. “I’m… sorry…” She glanced up at Liana with wide, pleading puppy eyes.
Liana exhaled again. “Stop giving me that look and just focus on the screen!” she hissed.
Gracelle’s voice trembled. “A… are you going to leave me here alone?”
“Ugh! What an annoying girl. No, I won’t leave you. And besides, if I did, there are plenty of Armand maids or healers who could accompany you.”
“B… but…” Gracelle pursed her lips, her eyes glistening. “I want you here.”
Liana opened her mouth to retort, but no words came out.
Gloria let out a soft laugh, watching Liana’s frustrated expression as she found herself completely unable to refuse Gracelle’s clingy demands.
( End Of Chapter )
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