The pawn's second life

Chapter 12 - Imperial Wedding

"Sister!"

Vercil exclaimed on Valentina all dressed up.

Vercil - You look like the loveliest bride ever!

Valentina - ( *Smiled* ) Hmm? Do I?

Vercil - Yes!

Vercil - But sister do you really have to go? ( *Teary eyes* )

Valentina - ( *Hugging him* ) Don't tear up on a day like this. And didn't I tell you that I'll frequent the duchy?

Vercil - ( *Droop* ) If you say so... I'll be waiting for you...

The whole empire was decorated beautifully because of the wedding. The venue was filled with innumerable flowers and lights brightening up the place. It was an extravagant ceremony befitting of being called the wedding ceremony of the Imperial family and the most powerful family of the empire.

The ceremony started soon and Valentina was called for. She walked down the aisle and at the end, was greeted by Feliz.
Both in contrast to the past life where Valentina kept saying a thing or two during the ceremony while Feliz kept quiet, this time none of them uttered a word.
A while later, the ceremony was officially over and the priest declared them husband and wife.

Priest - With this, the new empress shall be given all the rights and duties of the empress consort.

According to the tradition, Valentina bowed her down head infront of the goddess's statue and accepted the sceptre and a sword which signified that she would protect the empire which was now hers as well for the rest of her life.

Valentina - I vow to protect this empire with everything I have. I shall go to any extent to protect my people and I will not waver in sacrificing my life if that's what is required for the prosperity of my people and my empire. May the goddess keep her blessings upon us.

With that, Valentina officially became the empress consort and all the power of the empress consort was entrusted onto her.

The ceremony went pretty well. Everyone congratulated both of them. Athena had succeeded in making Alexis not keep a sorrowful face throughout the ceremony and in the end, though grudgingly Vercil let go of Valentina.

Valentina - ( *Sighing* )( *Thinking* )I really thought Vercil was going to scratch the emperor the way he was glaring at him. Thank goodness nobody seemed to notice it else he would have gotten into trouble.

Valentina - ( *Chuckled internally* ) He really behaves like a kitten at times.

Feliz - Your brother seems to really love you. He didn't want to let you go probably.

Valentina - ( *calm* )It's only natural for siblings to share a good bond your majesty.

Feliz - Oh is that so? Good then...I hope he continues to support the lady in the future.

Valentina - ( *Smiled* ) Ofcourse he will.

Soon they reached the Imperial palace and preparations were done for them to sleep in the same room on their first night.

Feliz's plan was to walk out on her on the first night, this would cause her insult as a result degrading her position in the high society and giving her a hard time. And since it was a matter between the couple, duke Isidor wouldn't be able to protest either.

But Valentina had other plans...

In their room :

Feliz looked quite annoyed looking at Valentina. With a stern expression, he smirked and started walking towards her.