Many say a wedding is the most blessed filled journey a man and woman may have. It is the joining of two souls to be tied together forever, a sacred cow that is between two, that red thread of fate aligning the stars to ensure their success. Marriage is a loyalty pledged to each other and the future to come.
Despite that, The Saturn Empire holds the views of marriage quite differently than The Venus Empire. Through the lenses of The Saturn Empire, marriage is simply a momentary act to secure ties in the Empire. It isn't out of shallowness— that's what they say to lessen the ideology that marriage, that monogamy, isn't respected in the Saturn Empire.
Though, one could say that and allow it to pass. But it holds nothing less or nothing more anyways.
Psyche believes marriage should be between two people who love each other with utter devotion. It is like a spring morning; the sun is bright but it doesn't feel too hot or cold. A chill wind in the air, but that person nearby doesn't make it feel colder than possible, but makes feels as if they are the sole sun within their life.
Being that, the wedding between the second daughter of the Saturn Empire and the sole son of the Venus Empire were united as one. Psyche Viocosmo had married Eros Aphres, now Crown Princess of the Venus Empire.
Lovely as Psyche looked walking down the aisle, the bouquet of Gardenias, Dahlias, Hydrangea, and Carnations. All of which were grown and tended to in the gardens of the Moon Empire, and delivered to the Venus Empire for the wedding. Her veil was straightened out, like that of a river flowing.
She looked truly as a princess from a fairytale, having nothing less of it either. The people of the Empire were mesmerized by the resplendent bride that was Psyche. The color of light ash brown hair was pinned into a bun, good amounts of strands of her framing her face, giving her the youthful glow a wedding shall give a bride.
Those Basil green eyes were downcasted, almost ridden with the full waves of anxiety that litters anyone on their joyous or eventful day.
“It was just yesterday that you were a child, Psyche, where does the time go?” Emperor Roslile says, staring at the side of Psyche's face. It's scary, nerve wracking to the older gentleman that his youngest daughter was getting married. If he'd preferred, neither of his children would marry, not until he was buried beneath the dirt.
“It's just a wedding, father…” Psyche responds, her chin held high as they walk down the aisle. “You were not this way with Chrysanthe when she married.” The words are said as if Psyche herself were a bit embarrassed that her father was crying as he spoke.
“Yes, I was. I didn't want her to marry, but she did. She's my oldest daughter, and you're the youngest, both of you married…!” It was as nonsensical as a rainy day that was far too sunny to hold water anywhere before it evaporated.
The youngest of the Viocosmo daughters could give a faint, light chuckle to her father's dramatic antics. He was an older man, no doubt. His age, she hopes he lives long, for his very mind was peculiar to her and to his wife and eldest daughter.
Eros was quite sure his chest would implode like that of a star. His very breath was taken away, leaving him with nothing but a constrained need to act on impulse— he was not an impetuous man by any means. Given that thought any attention has indeed caused him to look away from Psyche, hiding his gaze.
He may not know her well, besides the images of which his mind had conjured during the letter exchange, but she matched exactly as he had envisioned. Selfishlessly, Eros felt as if he could simply evaporate like water on a hot summer's day.
The very act, notion of ardor had indeed engraved itself into Eros's mind since he could first feel it. Whether it was a surface level or not, love itself was the backbone of his entire being— without that dogma, he was still Eros.
However, he only wishes to be known as a loyal husband to Psyche.
“In the faith and words of the Deity Venus I, Eros Aphres, shall forever engrave my heart upon your palm. Without your strength, I shall die if you say so.”
Breathing in, one could see Psyche's chest rise with the huge intake of oxygen, but even so, her gaze was still steadfast in being gentle. “In the faith and mind of the Deity Saturn I, Psyche Viocosmo, take your engraved heart and wish for your very act of devotion like that of Deity Venus. Under their gazes and guidance, shall we hold each other's lives.”
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With a blessing of the Deities of their respective Empires, Psyche Viocosmo and Eros Aphres had sealed the lineage of the Astral Deities to watch their marriage and lives going forward.
Just like that, the wedding was done, over in minutes. It was a sacred cow, a union that Empires were aware would always hold strength in future tapestries as the world evolved and grew.
*****
“Lady Psyche, your hair is as soft as silk.” Psyche's lady's maid, Allium, said. Allium's fingers gently brushed and parted strands of light ash brown, ensuring no tangles were there.
“No thanks to you, Allium. Without your help, I am quite sure I would have been like that of a frugal witch.” There is a gentle tone of mirth within her voice, especially as her eyes stare at the reflection of Allium through the vanity mirror.
The very room they inhibit isn't her bedroom, but it is part of the temporary wing of the Aphres Palace that was leased to the Viocosmo family for the wedding. Psyche and Allium were the only two who were in the wing.
The consummation of the marriage. Many a time, part of history, it has happened to ensure the marriage is thorough and legitimate, and it would be quite hard to rid oneself of the coitus.
Psyche didn't mind too much, since it was natural to have these urges and to find a sensational release. However, the thought lingered that although she may enjoy it, Eros was the one who would do the most work. And thus, how would he enjoy the preposition of sex with her?
“You are a beautiful woman, Lady Psyche.” Allium says gently, brushing her hair to the side. Psyche had changed into a nightgown, one that was as old as time. The entirety of it was with lace, only around the neck, the hem of the skirt and sleeves where the wrists were. It were long sleeved and went close to the ankles.
“I don't believe so, Allium.” Psyche says, her own fingers rising and touching the lips that will soon be kissed by another. Fervent and tender, the hands of another would caress her skin, would take away all inhibitions and allow her to settle in being worshipped.
Appealing how far Psyche's mind had painted a blank canvas into an image that is pure bliss from a natural want and need. “But, I suppose our eyes hold different opinions than our own mind may think.”
Allium chuckled, “The Crown Prince will be very lucky to have you as his wife. A lady as bright and brilliant as you indeed compliments him far more than we all realize through our shallow eyes.”
Indeed, in different eyes we look different. One may say we're beautiful but we think otherwise because of how we view ourselves, even if things aren't as bad as we assume. It's natural to despise our own looks, we see them everyday all day— any mirror or reflection has given us this.
Despite that, in the gazes of another, we may be the most breathtaking, most ethereal woman or man that has existed to be captured for centuries to come and go.
It simply takes progress and healing to see ourselves as the work of mother nature. Even if we see ourselves as something like a goblin, there is someone out there who will help you realize just how beautiful your soul or personality or looks really are. These emotions may seem like a drowning thing, but they come and go like the seasons.
So, even if Psyche found herself to be imperfect, Eros may see her as the most divine lady out there.
*****
The commotion of the Venus Court and Saturn Court were still partying, enjoying the festivities of the wedding Eros and Psyche had made possible. He was sure they would continue until the early sun rose and the animals were back to their lives— even then they'd perhaps continue until midday.
An exaggeration, but not uncommon either way. The Venus Empire was an empire that did not thrive on being cruel towards joyous occasions. Besides, Psyche and Eros would not be in the empire anyways; the Capitol.
A resounding knock on the private quarters had caught his attention, he looked over. His rouge colored eyes stared at Psyche, gazing intently upon the changed attire.
No longer was she wearing the wedding dress, or her hair pinned up. Rather, she seemed more relaxed in the lace nightgown— a thought had occurred, one he didn't realize was as odd as ever.
peculiar… I did not realize my body could fire into sole flames for her. Eros thought, removing his asymmetrical cake and tossing it carelessly aside. It landed on a chair, hanging there as he removed the vest and his boots.
Even then, her eyes alone could set me fire… not that I would mind much. His lips curved upwards the silly thought he had. Psyche could do much more to her than set fire to his being.
“We do not need to consummate the marriage if you are afraid, Psyche. I would rather know you first and foremost than anything else.” Eros admits softly, standing before Psyche.
Silly as it is, he would do anything she would want. Her comfortability came first before desires and lust. Needs are only a moment of vulnerability, but the crack upon a heart is lasting.
Eros didn't wish to set either of them into a spiral of self-loathing.
“Ah…”