The grand stadium of Ropa was packed with citizens, their faces filled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation as they gathered to witness a historic event—the wedding of future King Ren Canahy and Princess Hazel Cheryat.
The air was thick with the scent of flowers, the hum of hushed voices, and the fluttering of banners in the breeze. At the front of the stadium, a raised stage gleamed beneath the midday sun, where Ren stood awaiting his bride.
The ceremony was to be led by a priest, his words carrying the weight of a kingdom's future, but all eyes were on Hazel as she made her way toward the stage, flanked by noble families and royal dignitaries.
Among them, Lucius Antony, the ever-smiling senator whose hand was stained with the blood of treachery, stepped forward as Hazel passed him. His lips curled into a gracious smile as he offered her his blessings, his voice low and smooth.
Hazel, knowing all too well the role Antony had played in the plot against her father, simply smiled in return, her gaze unwavering as she continued her walk toward the man who would become her king.
The priest’s voice rang out, clear and steady, as he began the sacred vows. "Do you, Ren Canahy, swear before these witnesses to honor and protect Hazel Cheryat, to rule with wisdom and strength, and to cherish her as your queen?"
Ren nodded, his voice strong and steady as he replied.
But as he spoke the words, a slight misstep slipped past him. "I do," he said confidently, before following with a fervent, "I swear to honor and pro–pro-sper with you."
The word 'pro-sper' echoed through the stadium, amplified by the magic microphones, and for a split second, the crowd went silent. Then, the awkward pause was shattered by a ripple of laughter—light-hearted and infectious.
Ren blinked, his face flushing as he glanced at Hazel, who was already biting back a grin, her eyes twinkling with amusement. Despite his slip-up, Ren’s lips curled into a sheepish smile, and Hazel’s laughter, soft and warm, filled the air.
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The joy in her heart was undeniable, her eyes shining as she looked at Ren. For the first time since they’d come to this world, she truly felt that this moment was hers. The crowd’s laughter only added to the happiness blooming within her, the weight of the moment finally settling in her chest.
She was starting to love Ren—not just for his strength or the power he commanded, but for his humanity, for the way he could make even the most serious moments feel like they belonged to them alone.
And now, she was marrying him. As her heart swelled with happiness, she took her turn, her voice unwavering as she pledged, "I do, Ren. I vow to stand by your side, as your queen, your partner, and your love, now and forever."
The crowd fell silent again, but this time, it was a quiet reverence, and all that could be heard was the soft flutter of the banners above, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for them both.
The wedding vows were sealed, the air thick with the weight of the moment, and as Ren stood with Hazel, the priest’s blessing still echoing in their minds, Ren's eyes gleamed with something more than just the pride of a newlywed king.
He turned to the crowd, the magic microphones amplifying his voice as he stepped forward, his tone carrying an energy that caught everyone’s attention. "My people," he began, his voice booming across the stadium, "today marks not just the union of two souls, but the beginning of something greater. A future together—a future for all of Aropia."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the sea of faces, feeling their anticipation grow. "But I have something more to share, something that will surprise all of you."
Hazel glanced at him, confusion flickering across her face. She had no idea what Ren was planning, but she could see the glint of mischief in his eyes, and it made her nervous.
Before she could ask, Ren turned toward the crowd again, his expression shifting into something darker, more serious.
"Many of you remember the day we were struck by tragedy. The assassination of our royal family."
The words hung heavy in the air, a shadow passing over the bright atmosphere of the ceremony.
"At that moment, it was believed that both your king and queen had perished."
The crowd fell silent, the weight of the past returning, the memory of those dark days lingering in their hearts.
Ren let the tension build before he took a step back, turning to one of the attendants who was waiting just offstage. "But I stand before you today, with a revelation. One that I know will give you all a reason to rejoice. For the former queen—the mother of queen Hazel Cheryat—has not died."