Chapter 270: A Handsome Groom And A Beautiful Bride
Inside the King's chamber, his personal servant, Orion, was helping his king get ready together with two other servants after Drayce had a bath. Slayer and Jasper, the King's personal knight and his royal adviser were already present there. The two young men were dressed in a sharp fashion, with Slayer wearing ceremonial clothes meant for the commander of the royal knights, while Jasper was donning a formal attire bearing the crest of the Candace Family, which meant he would be attending as the young lord representing Duke Candace..
Jasper looked at Drayce who was almost ready in the groom's attire. He could not help but let out a happy sigh. "After hearing of Your Majesty's sudden wedding in Abetha, I was regretting not being able to see Your Majesty's special day. Now, my eyes and my soul can rest in peace—"
Slayer's remark caused the young aide to pause. "You sound like you're dying."
Drayce just smiled lightly while Jasper looked slyly at Slayer, "Speaking of someone dying, weren't you also too ill to stand that time? Finally, you can accompany our Majesty on his important day in a good condition. You must be feeling happy, huh?"
"It's an important day for His Majesty so how can I not?" Slayer replied coldly. "At least, I am able to witness both of His Majesty's weddings, unlike a certain someone."
Jasper was about to retort when he saw Drayce turn around as he adjusted the cufflink on his sleeve. His servants had all stepped away, indicating that their king had finished getting dressed.
"Such a handsome groom," Jasper commented and Slayer gave an approving nod.
The tall royal was wearing the traditional long robe of a groom in accordance with the style of Megaris, which was crimson with elaborate gold designs embroidered on the expensive fabric. The crest of the Ivanov Royal Family could be seen on the jewel in the center, clipping his cape in place over his broad shoulders. His attire was similar to the one he wore back in Abetha, but this one was more elaborate; after all, this groom's attire was created with the grand wedding in mind, and the royal tailor took special care as he was allowed more time to work on the royal wedding clothes. Drayce's long jet black hair was brushed aside to hold in place the ceremonial crown made of pure gold and embedded with jewels rested on it.
As he stared at his two friends, his face with well-carved features looked cold, but his red eyes held visible warmth and excitement in them despite him pretending to be casual. Both Jasper and Slayer smartly decided not to point that out.
After having a short meal, it was time for them to leave for the wedding venue. Drayce, Jasper, and Slayer walked together, with the two young men only a step behind their king while all the other knights and servants followed behind.
On the way down towards the entrance of the residence, Jasper said in a low voice to Drayce, "Dray, not even in my dream would I think you would ever get married. But you proved me wrong and kept my hope alive of seeing little devils around."
Drayce smiled lightly. "Don't worry. Your wish would be fulfilled sooner or later."
Soon, their entourage reached the entrance between the Queen's and the King's residence. Outside the large double doors, the decorated royal carriage could be seen waiting for the groom and the bride to be brought to the Grand Palace, which was where the wedding ceremony would be held.
Drayce did not have to wait long as Seren and her ladies-in-waiting were merely waiting inside the drawing-room by the entrance. Drayce, who was facing the carriage, sensed that she had stepped out of the room and turned to look at his queen.
'My Queen.'
Though Drayce had seen Seren before as a bride, he would not mind getting his breath knocked out again a second time. The purple eyes held his gaze, and he was unable to look away.
During their wedding in Abetha, Drayce was more excited to see her reaction after she realized the identity of her husband-to-be. That wedding was done in such a hurry, and amidst people, he had no affinity as well, that it was more like a formality for him to lawfully take Seren away.
This time, it was different. The two of them had gotten to know each other, and he was a groom waiting to see his bride in his own kingdom, their union something to be witnessed by the people important to him. It was more meaningful not only to him but for both of them.
Though Drayce could not see her entire face because of the veil, the young woman in front of him looked mesmerizing in that red wedding dress. Her purple eyes were like the rarest of gems, looking at him with such tender warmth, it made him forget there were people around them. Seren looked like a crimson flower who had bloomed, no, a flower fairy who had graced the lands...No, even those words seemed unable to fully explain the beauty of his wife at this moment.
Sharing knowing glances with each other, Jasper and Slayer left their hypnotized friend alone and moved towards their symbolic white horses as the two of them were meant to lead the wedding procession of the royal carriage.
The moment Seren saw Drayce waiting for her by the entrance, the anxiety inside her chest seemingly exploded, and it was as if her legs were going number and number with each step she took towards him. She did not want to miss a step, nor did she want to step on her skirt and fall flat on the floor. But her knees were shaking, and it was taking a toll on her body to stay upright.
Inhaling deeply, she continued to walk towards her husband, trying her best to not look at those piercing red eyes of his, but she could not deny that the man in front of her was looking devilishly handsome. It was difficult for any woman to not look at him. Though the ladies stopped a few steps away, she was sure that if she were to turn around, all her ladies-in-waiting and servants had their gazes pinned on her husband.
But this handsome man's eyes only sought for her. Of that, she was sure as well.