forum Royal Affairs (O/O Closed)

Started May 08, 2023 by @LolaBug

tune

Ophelia stands in front of the full-length mirror, her reflection shimmering in the ivory gown that cascades down her figure. Her heart flutters with a large dose of nerves and anticipation as she adjustes the delicate lace veil that adorns her hair.

The room is abuzz with activity, filled with the presence of her handmaidens and the sound of busy chatter. The handmaidens move around her, fussing over final touches and ensuring every detail is perfect for this momentous occasion. She’s happy to let them do what they must, wanting to ensure that everything is perfect.

As she takes a deep breath, Ophelia's gaze wanders to the large, delicate clock nestled in the corner of the room. The hands tick steadily, marking the moments that bring her closer to the beginning of her wedding ceremony. The room seems to hold its breath, as if sharing in her anticipation.

Her mind drifts to the man waiting for her at the end of the aisle, Kaillas, the king. She still can’t believe that she’s marrying him. When first informed of their betrothal, she was skeptical. Now that she’s spent some time with him, she feels better about this.

With each passing second, Ophelia's anticipation grows. As the final moments before the ceremony tick away, her heart beats so hard that it threatens to jump ship. Her gaze locks onto the doorway as she pulls herself together. She is ready. Ready to step forward, to walk down the aisle, and to join her life with Kaillas's.

Kaillas was nervous. And he never got nervous fir anything. Not anymore. He had things he like to do and things he didn't like to do. But he was nervous. This last week, her schedule had been busy enough they had barely any time to each other, at least in public. At night, he would visit her rooms so ling as she let him, and they woukd talk and kiss and hold each other until she fell asleep, then he would put her in bed and got to his own rooms.

But this wasn't like the sneaking around they had been doing. They were getting married. He was actually getting married. A part of him was still uneasy about marriage. Not because of Opehlia but because of himself and his family. Because of the risk that it was to be with him.

"Not having second thoughts now are we?" Kaillas turned his head to see Ambrose standing behind him, his crown in hand. "Because I will drag you to the altrr if you try to escape."

Kaillas couldn't have laughed if he wasn't so nervous. "You'd force me to marry a woman you don't like? Because don't think I don't know about your little conversation." Ambrose just shrugged his shoulders. "I was being cautious, nothing wrong with that."

Kaillas took the crown from him and placed it on his head. He hated wearing the thing. He turned to Ambrose, nodding his head. "Alright, let's go."

Catalina knocked on Ophelia's door before poking her head in. "Alright, my lady, it's time."

Ophelia looks up from her mirror, her hands trembling slightly. She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Thank you, Catalina," she replies, nearly nauseous from the nerves. "I'm ready."

As Catalina steps aside, Ophelia stands up from her vanity and smooths down the fabric of her wedding gown. It is a beautiful dress, adorned with delicate lace and intricate beading, but her mind is far from the details of her attire. Her thoughts are consumed by the fact that she’s about to be married and be made queen. It’s a lot to take in.

She walks out of her chambers, her heart beating rapidly in her chest. Each step feels heavier than the last, as if the weight of the world rests upon her shoulders. The corridor leading to the grand hall seems longer than usual, and her anticipation grows with every passing moment.

As she reaches the entrance of the grand hall, the doors swing open, revealing a breathtaking scene. The room is showered with flowers and filled with stunning decorations. At the end of the aisle stands Kaillas, wearing the crown that she knows he isn’t fond of.

Ophelia's eyes lock with his, and for a moment, the world around her fades away.

Catalina smiled at the princess. This would be her last day as one. "You look beautiful, Your Highness. But you're missing just one thing." She was handed a box that she opened for Ophelia. Another crown. But this was different than the last one. This was pure silver and diamond. it was beautiful, bridal, and worn by someone close to Kaillas. "This was the late queen's tiara. She wore this for her wedding and special occasion. The king would like for you to wear it."

She helped place the tiara on the princess's head, making sure it was secure before standing aside. "There, now you're ready."

Kaillas was positioned at the head of the altar. He had wanted to wear his formal army uniform. He may be king but he would never take the military out of him. But that was denied by his council. Not denied but shut down. So instead he was dressed in royal purple and black and gold. His colors. His crown was set securely on top of his head. He looked like a king. And only those that truly knew him knew he hated this.

But as soon as those doors opened and laid eyes on Ophelia, all thoughts of discomfort faded away. He sucked in a breath. She looked beautiful. She looked like a queen. He had made the right choice by giving her the tiara. A small part of him healed seeing the crown being put to use after collecting dust all those years. His sisters didn't want to wear it. it was too painful for them. But on Ophelia, it fit just right.

Ophelia's eyes widen with astonishment as Catalina presents her with the box containing the late queen's tiara. The delicate silver and diamond tiara shimmer in the light, exuding elegance and regality. She knows the significance of this heirloom and the honor bestowed upon her to wear it. She’s surprised that Kaillas wanted her to wear it.

“Thank you for everything, Catalina,” She says sincerely, deeply appreciating everything the woman has done for her this past week.

With the tiara gracing her head, she feels a profound connection to the past and a sense of responsibility to carry on the legacy of the late queen. It is truly an unexpected honor. She straightens her posture and takes a breath. "I will wear it with pride, and I will do my best to honor the late queen's memory."

As she approaches Kaillas at the head of the altar, she could see the genuine admiration in his eyes. His presence, despite his initial discomfort, exude regality and power. Ophelia can’t help but feel a surge of pride knowing that she would stand by his side as his queen. The tiara seems to enhance her confidence, as if it carried the memories and blessings of those who wore it before her.

She soon reaches her place by his side, offering a small but genuine smile.

Catalina felt proud as she watched the princess hold her head high. The tiara suited Ophelia. It was about time that some wore it and what better time than now. "You already have. She woukd have wanted you to have it."

Tears came to her eyes. She missed the late queen. She had been a wonderful woman and Cat had loved working with her. She would always mourn her death. She knew if she was here, the queen would be proud of her son. She would have taken Ophelia in line one of her own and loved her like a daughter. But the queen wasn't here. She was smiling down at them from the heavens.

Cat slid into the back of the room after the princess had entered. She was going to watch this for the queen.

Kaillas descended the couple small steps to meet Ophelia. He held out his hand, helping her up the steps. "You look beautiful," he whispered to her, keeping his words just between the two of them. He took her other hand, holding both of them as the officiant stepped into place.

"Lords and Ladies, we are gathered here today for the holy matrimony of King Kaillas and Peincess Ophelia."

Ophelia smiles warmly at Kaillas as he holds out his hand. She gratefully takes his hand, allowing him to help her up the steps, and squeezes his hand gently in return. Just seeing him standing here brings her comfort. She’s able to forget about all of the people around them, watching this.

"Thank you, Kaillas," she whispers back, a small blush on her face from the compliment. She looks up at him, her eyes shining with happiness, before she turns her attention towards the officiant. It’s crazy to think how fond she is of him despite the fact that they’ve only known each other for a week.

Their nightly ritual of talking in her room has really put her to ease about this. Its always innocent. They talk and maybe kiss a little and then she falls asleep in his arms. Despite its simplicity, it’s something she finds herself looking forward to each day.

As the officiant begins the ceremony, she tries her best to focus on what he’s saying but her mind keeps wandering. Everything has been so crazy lately and it’s all led up to this moment. It won’t be long until she’s officially a married woman and a queen.

Kaillas offered her a small smile as his thumbs gently stroked her knuckles. Despite how they had gotten here, he was happy that he was marrying Ophelia. He hoped their marriage went as smoothly as this first week had gone. He hoped he would come to love her as his parents had learned to love another.

At the thought of his parents, he glanced up at the tiara once more. His mother would be proud, he thought. She would have wanted this. And she would have loved Ophelia. She would have taken her in like her own daughter. And the crown fitted Ophelia perfectly. Almost as if it had been made for her and not his mother.

Kaillas blinked back into reality as the officiant spoke to him. "Do you, Your Majesty, take unto yourself as husband to Princess Ophelia and pledge before god and these witnesses to be her protector, defender, and sure resort, to honor and sustain her, in sickness and in health, in fair and in foul, with all the worldly powers, to cherish and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as you both shall live?"

"I do," he said.

The same vow was spoken to Ophelia, waiting for her to respond with her own.

Hearing Kaillas say ‘I do’ makes all of this feel so real. She’s standing at the alter, her hands in his, and it’s not until he’s actively agreeing to marry her that she realizes that this is actually happening. Everything before now has felt like some sort of dream that she’s just been floating through. Now the fog has cleared and she feels awake and present. This is happening.

As she speaks her vows, her voice was steady, something that surprises herself . "I do. Princess Ophelia, take unto myself as wife to Your Majesty, Kaillas, and pledge before god and these witnesses to be your faithful partner, to support and stand by you, to honor and cherish you, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, for as long as we both shall live."

She locks eyes with Kaillas, her hand still entwined with his, a smile gracing her lips. This is never how she thought her wedding would be and yet this feels right. The only thing missing is her parents. Alas, they are unable to leave the kingdom unattended. Though she knows that even if they could leave, they wouldn’t have bothered.

The officiant smiles warmly, satisfied with their responses. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the officiant declared, and the guests erupt in applause and cheers. "You may now seal your vows with a kiss."

Ophelia feels a surge of joy and relief as she hears the officiant pronounce them husband and wife. The sound of applause and cheers fill her ears, but her focus remains on Kaillas.

Blocking out the world around them, she leans in towards Kaillas, glad that their first kiss isn’t right now. Keeping her hand securely in his, she lifts up on her toes and kisses him.

(Ugh, thank you so much for finishing that. Weddings are not my strengths haha. They make me a little uncomfy.)

Kaillas almost felt like he was in a fever dream. He couldn't believe this was happening to him. He, getting married, much less with a wonderful woman such as Ophelia. He had always expected to be saddled down with someone who was after his title or money. But Ophelia wasn't. She was here because she wanted to make a difference and be a wife to Kaillas, not the crown.

He let go of one of her hands and placed it on her cheek as the officiant told them to kiss. He bent his head halfway to meet her lips. He kept it soft and sweet and very short. The court didn't need to see this any longer than they already were. Their kisses were to remain in privacy only. No one else needed to witnesses these things.

The cheer filtered into his ears as he pulled away from her. He gave a smile to the crowd and raised his hand in a small wave. He looked down at Ophelia, guiding her down the steps and down the hall. They had a ball to get to and their honeymoon home.

The walk from the palace cathedral to the ballroom wasn't a long walk. But for the husband and wife, they were ushered to a different location as everyone else entered the ballroom. There was another door for the royal family to enter through. It would take them straight to the thrones placed in the ballroom. Not only would it allow them to get in, it let them get out quickly in case of an emergency.

Elora and Katya were waiting for them in front of the entrance. Katya couldn't contain her excitement and she threw her arms around Kaillas who barely caught her in time. He let out a quiet oomph as he caught her, pretending she weighed a thousand pounds. "My, you're getting heavy. I don't think I'm going to be able to carry you around much more."

Her laughs made him smile. "No I'm not," she countered. "You'll still carry me when your seventy." And Kaillas likely would if he was still alive by then.

(Not a problem! Writing weddings always feels so awkward lol)

Ophelia feels her heart flutter as Kaillas gently places his hand on her cheek, his touch sending shivers down her spine. The kiss, though short as to not make things strange in front of such a large crowd, is wonderful. She cant help but smile against his lips, feeling an overwhelming sense of joy and relief that the stress of the actual wedding is now over.

As they pull away, the cheers of the crowd filled the air, and her cheeks flush with a rosy hue. Turning to look at all of the people cheering, she puts a smile on her face and offers a wave, wanting to keep up appearances despite the fact that she’s ready to leave.

She glances at Kaillas and gratefully takes his hand as he guides her down the steps and through the hall, glad that it’s time to move onto the ball. Knowing that they have no responsibilities tomorrow means that she’s actually going to relax and have fun during the celebration.

Walking alongside her new husband, she takes a minute to reflect on this last week. Everything has been such a whirlwind. She’s barely had a minute to breathe. Now that the wedding is over with, she has a full week to relax and not stress about the matters of the court or the expectations that have been put on her now that she’s queen.

To her pleasant surprise, Elora and Katya are waiting for them at the entrance. She’s always happy to see the two.

Kaillas gently set Katya down and looked at both of his sisters. They were dressed in their best with small tiaras weaved into their hair. Standing next to each other, looked almost identical. They wore the same royal purple, even if the designs of the dress were different. They both had a very similar tiara. They looked beautiful and they looked like their mother. They were the spitting image of her.

Elora hugged her brother next, whispering the smallest of congratulations in his ear. Their hug did not last as long as Katya's had. Speaking of the younger princess, she was engaging Ophelia in a hug.

"Welcome to the family," Elora said to Ophelia. She pulled her into a gentle hug before parting.

Catalina hustled over to them. "Alright, everyone is ready for you. Kaillas and Opehlia will walk out first, then the two princesses. You'll say a few words, thank them for coming and how happy you are for this marriage and then invite for the ball to start. After that, you are free to do as you wish."

Ophelia happily hugs Katya back, glad that she has ‘sisters’ now. Shes always wanted sisters and though they aren’t related by blood, blood isn’t the only thing that makes a family. She feels so lucky to have married into a family where everyone is so amazing and kind.

She feels a surge of warmth as Elora embraces her, welcoming her into the family. She returns the hug with equal gentleness. “Thank you, Elora," She says softly, her voice filled with gratitude. "I am truly excited to be welcomed into your family.” She’s grown to really like everyone over this last week.

She takes a moment to study the three siblings, just now realizing the striking resemblance between them. It helps that they’re all dressed in that beautiful shade of purple. It really brings it all together in her opinion.

Turning to look at Catalina, she smiles weakly before nodding. Great, more speeches. She’s had to make so many in the last week that she’s grown sick of them. Unfortunately, this is necessary so she’s going to have to suck it up. She thanks Catalina and then turns to Kaillas so they can get going.

Elora beamed at Ophelia. "And we're excited to have you." They may have lost half their family all those years ago, but now they have gained a member and woukd soon regain their numbers. The Enair family could not be eliminated so easily.

Kaillas took Ophelia's hand, squeezing it gently. "This is the last one and then we're done for a while week." And he could do this speech. He already had a few words he had memorized to say. Ambrose, of course, had coached him. His counterpart was much better with words than he ever would be.

With a silent nod, he pushed the door open and led her through it. The lights blinded him momentarily. It had been dimmer in the halls but all the chandeliers and lanterns on the walls had been lit. He blinked his eyes as his vision came to him again.

They were standing on a balcony, their thrones situated behind them. Everyone was down below, looking up at them, clapping and cheering for the married couple.

Kaillas raised his hand, silencing the crowd. "Thank you everyone for coming on this joyous day." These were certainly words that he would never utter himself. Not without someone writing a script for him. "Today is the start of a new Era. One that I cannot wait to share with all of you. Now please, we invite you to join us for this ball. Dance and dine for this is a happy day."

Walking through the open door, Ophelia finds herself momentarily taken aback by the brightness of the lights. She blinks a few times, allowing her eyes to adjust to the change. The sight that unfolds before her is breathtaking. The grandeur of the ballroom, illuminated by chandeliers and lanterns, fills her with awe. This is the first time she’s seen it all decorated.

Standing on the balcony with Kaillas, she can feel the energy emanating from the crowd below. Everyone is excited and full of energy. It’s a little overwhelming but she can take relief in knowing that within a few hours it’ll calm down since everyone will be drunk and staggering around.

A soft smile graces her lips as she feels the squeeze of his hand. With a soft hum, she squeezes his hand back, finding comfort in his touch. It has been a whirlwind of emotions leading up to this moment, but she knows deep down that everything is going to work out.

“I look forward to spending a week relaxing with you,” She whispers back. A whole week of being with him is something she’s definitely looking forward to. They’ve had to steal private moments since the moment they met but now they can fully interact without fear of causing a scandal.

As Kaillas begins his speech, Ophelia's eyes scans the crowd below, taking in the sea of familiar and unfamiliar faces. The cheers and applause filled the air, resonating with warmth and love. Knowing that speeches aren’t something he enjoys makes her appreciate him being the one to speak even more.

Kaillas smiled down at Ophelia, giving her a small kiss on the head in this time of privacy. Or at least as private as it was going to get until they left for their honeymoon home. It was only his sisters and Cat to witness and they all turned their heads away as he gave her some affection.

The two princesses had walked in behind them and listened as Kaillas spoke. When he dismissed the court, he gestured for Opehlia to take a seat on the throne, sitting next to him. Elora and Katya were seated on a bench for the two princess on Kaillas side.

"Would you like something to eat or drink? They will bring us a tray or glass." He looked at Ophelia before down at the crowd.

Catalina stepped forward to murmured in the Queen's ear. "We'll let them dance and mingle for a little while before you two will join them on the floor for you first dance. You'll stay as long as you'd like and when you're ready the carriage will be waiting to take you to your honeymoon home."

Ophelia briefly closes her eyes, enjoying the kiss he places on her forehead. A slight blush taints her cheeks as his sisters and Catalina turn away, giving them some privacy. The moment is completely innocent yet she still appreciates having it to themselves.

As Kaillas gestures for her to take a seat on the throne next to him, she carefully sits down, wanting to ensure that she doesn’t mess up her dress. It really is a beautiful thing and she would like to preserve it. In a few years she’ll be able to look at this dress and enjoy the memories that stem from it.

Turning her attention back to Kaillas, she gives a small nod. “A drink would be wonderful, thank you.” Her stomach is still churning a bit from the nerves so she doesn’t want to eat anything quite yet. Him asking is certainly appreciated.

Catalina's murmurs catch her attention, and she nods in understanding. The idea of giving the guests a chance to dance and mingle amongst themselves before their first dance sounds like a good idea. It’ll give them a chance to sit and relax for a moment before being ushered back into the spotlight.

Kaillas gestured for the maid to bring forward two glasses of red wine for them both. Ophelia was handed the first and he took the second. He took a deep sip of his glass, having it refilled right after. It helped with the nerves, or at least that's what he told himself.

The only gestured he allowed for him to do here in the open was hold Ophelia's hand when she allowed it. It was the one small gesture he didn't mind. Especially up here on this balcony. They couldn't be seen the best either. Who knew, perhaps they couldn't see him holding her hand after all.

After a certain amount of time passed, the two sisters bid their good yes and joined everyone else on the dance floor. A moment more and Kaillas turned to Ophelia. "Are you up for some dancing, wife?"

Thanking the maid, she accepts the glass of wine. She, as per usual, doesn’t plan on drinking too much but tonight she’ll let loose a bit more than is typical for her. Sipping at her drink, she watches as Katya and Elora abandon them for the dance floor, not that she can blame them. Of course they’re going to want to have some fun.

She turns her head to look at Kaillas when she hears him. The term wife hasn’t quite settled with her yet. She can hardly believe that they’re married but the thought is starting to grow on her. While she has enjoyed their private moment on the balcony, away from prying eyes, it’s time to join everyone

The wine has helped calm her nerves, and she feels a warm buzz in her veins, making her more willing to join the masses. “I would love to dance with you, husband," Ophelia replies, her tone ever so teasing as she addresses him as her husband. She stands up and takes Kaillas's hand in hers, leading the way. The soft music fills the air, an enticing invitation.

Kaillas takes one final sip, draining his second glass before handing it to the waiting maid. He stood, offering his hand to help Ophelia up then offering her his arm as they began to descend the steps from their little balcony down to the main floor. As they took their last step, the dance floor cleared and all the spectators gathered on the outskirts. The orchestra had come to a halt as they waited for their king and queen to get in position for a waltz.

He held her hand and had his other on her waist, holding her as close as her skirts would allow. One thing he did not like about all the layers was how much they kept him separated from her. And the risk of stepping on them. That was a lesson he learned the hard way.

The music started a soft, slow waltz for their first dance as husband and wife. Kaillas took the lead, moving them both across the floor with ease and grace. She was a wonderful dance partner and they made a good couple. He spun her once, twice, before bringing her back into the dance. The crowd watched with supposed glee as the couple danced. There were a few looks of envy at the beautiful couple and there were a few mixed whispers amongst the crowd.

Kaillas noticed none of it. How could he when he had his beautiful bride in his arms? She was radiant. He couldn't look anywhere else but her. Her tiara sparkled as the light hit it just right.

Ophelia looks up at Kaillas with a content smile as they sway to the gentle rhythm of the waltz. The warmth of his hand in hers and the firmness of his touch on her waist has her practically melting into his touch. She admires how effortlessly he leads them across the dance floor, his movements strong yet graceful.

As he spins her, her gown billows around her, its layers creating a soft, ethereal effect. The gown, as stunning as it is, restricts her movements more than she would like. Between the corset and all of the layers of fabric, it makes it a little difficult to dance as freely as she’d like. She can make it work but she’s eager to change into something more simple.

The whispers and envious glances from the crowd are completely lost on her. In that moment, it is as if they were the only two people in the room. All of her focus is on her new husband. How could it not be? The way he’s looking at her has her completely captivated.

Lost in the enchantment of the dance, Ophelia leans closer, getting as near him as she can while still being proper. Their affections aren’t meant to be shared with a crowd. It’s something private between the two of them.

As the waltz reaches its conclusion, the crowd erupted into applause, their joyous cheers filling the ballroom.

As the song came to an end, Kaillas dipped Ophelia low, smiling gently down at her. The music ended, the applaud came to his ears. He stood up, helping Ophelia stand straight.

The orchestra started up another waltz, this one a faster beat and the rest of the court was invited to join them. The two princesses came forward first with their own suitors. Ones that Kaillas was craning his neck to look at. He didn't like it when any boy have his sisters any attention.

"How does it feel?" He asked Ophelia, "to be a married woman? Any regrets?" Of course, that would likely come later down the line as they faced the hardships of marriage.

"The tiara suits you. It's yours to do with as you please." He couldn't imagine it sitting on anyone else's head than hers. Not his sisters, though it was there's if they asked for it. The only other image of it was the portrait of his mother on her wedding day.