Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 94: The Wedding, Part II

Chapter 94: The Wedding, Part II

As the doors of the greenhouse swung open, Aideen felt a refreshing gust of wind brush over her face and chest. The princess discerned the enchanting scent of blooming flowers mixed with the pleasant coolness and the peculiar smell of falling snow. She could not help but smile again –– Ahspid’s touch; the mage undeniably had a soft side to his cold and cunning antics.

With each step that led her inside the vibrant greenhouse, the woman’s mana reacted to her surroundings right away, painting a mesmerizing picture of white and blue as its interior imprinted in her mind.

Nothing seemed to have changed, and yet, everything was entirely different.

Because everyone was there. Without exception.

As Aideen walked inside the greenhouse, in an instant, as if thoroughly rehearsed, everyone present turned their heads towards her.

To her left stood the mighty order of Raven Knights, their solemn figures towering like a powerful wall. To her right stood everyone else –– every member of the kitchen staff, the maids, including Safie, Sir Stanis finally dressed in something other than his regular knight’s attire, and, of course, young Kin Yuraon Davoor, who, too, was dressed properly in a suit that did not reveal his skin to the usually inappropriate level.

As they all caught sight of Aideen, their faces beamed in unison, wide smiles gracing their lips. Safie, a simple girl as she was, unable to contain her emotions, began to cry, prompting Sir Stanis to offer her a comforting word and his white handkerchief for her falling tears.

The lady did not expect anyone to become so emotional, especially since their sentiment was spreading to her like a contagious disease, making her heart contract in painful fangs of overwhelming affection.

At last, as her eyes moved to the center of the greenhouse, she saw him –– Duke Tillian Valentine. While she could see his outline perfectly clear even without magic, Aideen still focused as hard as she could and forced her mana to flow towards him and envelop him in its thick white veil.

One would not blame her; she simply wanted to see him better. He was the one she wanted to see the most.

And it worked. She really did.

A light blue stream, like a thread on a pristine canvas, began to paint his picture for her –– the powerful outline of his robust figure; the intricate details of his new wedding attire, which only shaped his strong contour even better; his long hair cascading over his shoulders; and his beautiful, unforgettable features.

As she paused to admire the handsomeness of the Duke, Aideen could not contain another happy smile. She had not seen many people throughout her life, but once she finally "saw" Tillian, all of them faded into the background.

’He is truly the most handsome man in the world... I am marrying the most handsome man in the world...’

While everybody was struck by the stunning appearance of the princess, King Yuraon finally noticed the dogs proudly holding the lady’s veil. Arching his eyebrows for a second, he suddenly started laughing, instantly breaking the magic of the moment.

Not willing to let that little outburst turn into something worse, Stanis nudged the young man on the side and covered his mouth with his large hand, offering him a warning look to which Yuraon replied with a timid and guilty glance.

Ignoring that disruption, Tillian couldn’t move his eyes away from his bride. As Aideen made her way towards him, he felt his heart turning into a frantic bird desperately trying to break the confines of its ribcage.

He could not believe it. He could not believe that she could look even more beautiful. And she was to become his wife.

Tears started welling up inside him, but he made an effort to compose himself. He couldn’t allow his only weakness to ruin such a precious moment.

It was perfect. And he wanted to remember it that way.

As the princess approached Tillian and the couple stood before Ahspid, the mage, his voice resonated with ancient wisdom, began the sacred ceremony.

"Duke Tillian and Princess Aideen, today you stand before me and before each other, ready to embark on a journey of love and unity. Do you pledge your hearts to one another, to honor and cherish each other for all the days of your lives?"

In unison, they answered,

"We do."

"Then let your love be as enduring as the mountains, as steadfast as the stars, and as boundless as the ocean. May it guide you through the darkest of nights and illuminate your path with the brilliance of a thousand suns."

Duke Valentine turned around to face Aideen, gently took her hands in his, and continued,

"With all my heart, I vow to stand by your side, to support you in times of joy and sorrow, and to cherish every moment we share together."

In a trembling voice, Aideen added,

"And with all my soul, I vow to love you unconditionally, to honor and respect you, and to walk hand in hand with you through life’s journey, come what may."

"May your love be a beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness, a sanctuary of peace in a tumultuous sea. And may you find solace and strength in each other’s arms, now and forevermore."

With these words, Ahspid invoked the ancient blessings upon the couple, sealing their vows with the power of his magic. And as Tillian and Aideen exchanged a tender kiss, their hearts swelled with gratitude and joy, knowing that their love was blessed both by the heavens above and those standing beside them.

"How are you feeling, Your Highness?" Tillian tucked a dark red lock of the princess’s hair behind her ear, his red gaze firmly fixed on her glowing eyes.

Aideen blushed, utterly consumed by her emotions as she answered,

"Happy, Your Grace. I feel happy."

"Then I shall see to it that this feeling never leaves your heart, My Lady."

The Duke leaned in, desperate to kiss his wife again but was promptly interrupted by Ahspid, who stood right in front of them and cleared his throat.

"Ahem. I know you younglings cannot take your hands from one another but there is one thing that still needs to be done."

Tillian furrowed his eyebrows,

"What are you talking about? What thing?"

With a sly grin gracing his reddish lips, Ahspid snapped his fingers completely removing the roof of the greenhouse. Shocked and confused, everyone present raised their heads to look at the exposed night sky, shuddering as the cold air enveloped them in its chilling embrace.

"Don’t look up, you fools! Look at Her Highness!"

Startled a well, Aideen widened her eyes while the rest simply froze in awe. Tillian took a large step back, his eyes wide in perplexity.

"Your Highness... Your dress!"

Touched by the cold air, the princess’s dress began to shimmer with an ethereal, frost-like pattern that spread across the fabric like delicate frost crystals. As the temperature dropped, the dress transformed even more, emitting a soft, enchanting glow that bathed Aideen in a mesmerizing aura of icy radiance.

Bella covered her mouth with both hands and whispered,

"Goodness... She truly belongs here. She is the true lady of The North!"