The palace erupted in cheers, voices celebrating the union as thousands gathered, their faces alight with excitement. Flowers rained down from above, soft petals swirling through the air like confetti, roses showering the couple in a cascade of red.
Emrys stood at the center of it all, biting his bottom lip to stifle the swirl of emotions churning within him. Agony twisted in his soft heart as he faced the crowd.
His arm was wrapped tightly around Hadeon's, feeling the firm muscle beneath the fabric of his coat. Hadeon forced a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes; they remained dark and unreadable, a storm brewing just beneath the surface.
Emrys felt a mix of admiration and fear, unsure of what lay ahead in this life he had chosen-one that was supposed to be filled with love but felt more like a gilded cage.
He had to accept that gilded cage, because he was the one who had chosen this path.
"Remember that. You're in the beast's den now, white rabbit. Watch your back."
Emrys felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him as he and Hadeon approached the royal family. Every step seemed to echo through the grand hall, reverberating with the expectations of those around them.
His heart raced, the reality of his new title settling heavily in his chest. "Emrys De Vaurac Rosenwald," he thought, the name now a bittersweet reminder of the choice he had made.
As they reached the foot of the throne, he caught a glimpse of Queen Astoria, the epitome of regal beauty and grace.
Her short, dark blond curls framed her face perfectly, and her golden dress shimmered under the grand chandeliers, gliding effortlessly across the marble floor. The emerald necklace around her neck sparkled with an elegance that contrasted sharply with the turmoil swirling inside him.
"Oh my!" Queen Astoria exclaimed. "You look absolutely breathtaking, dear!" Her eyes scanned Emrys from head to toe, admiration evident in her gaze. But beneath the compliments, Emrys could sense the scrutiny, the unspoken judgment that came with royal expectations.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Emrys replied softly.
Queen Astoria's eyes sparkled with delight as she took in the sight of the newlyweds. "Such a stunning couple! This moment feels like a dream, one I wish could last for all eternity." She glanced at King Alaric, a hint of mischief dancing in her expression. "Darling, do you not agree?"
King Alaric turned his attention to Emrys and Hadeon, his expression shifting from indifference to a calculated smile. His white hair framed a face that held a sternness softened only by the warmth in his dark blue eyes. Dressed in an elegant dark blue suit with golden embroidery, he radiated authority. The crown upon his head-adorned with diamonds and pearls-gleamed with an opulence that seemed to echo through the grand hall.
"Indeed," he replied. "They do make quite the pair, wouldn't you say?"
Queen Astoria clasped her hands together, her joy palpable. "May your union bring prosperity to both our houses, dear Emrys. We are counting on you to strengthen our ties." Her voice was sweet, but there was an undertone that suggested her expectations were high.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Emrys replied, his voice calm, but his heart beat with the weight of duty. "I am committed to fulfilling my duties." He could feel the gaze of his parents, Queen Odette and King Sebastian, heavy on him.
The expectations were always there, lurking beneath every word, every glance. Being their son-the bridge between two powerful realms-was a role he was born into.
Queen Odette approached with her usual air of grandeur, her gown shimmering like starlight in the dim chapel. Every step she took commanded attention. King Sebastian followed beside her, a towering figure of quiet authority, his presence as imposing as the crown he wore.
"My darling, Emrys," Queen Odette crooned, her voice as elegant and poised as the jewels she adorned. She reached out, brushing a cold hand against his cheek. "How beautiful you look tonight," she added.
Emrys smiled, bowing his head slightly. "T-thank you, Mother," he said.
Odette's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer, her fingers tracing lightly over his skin before pulling away. Her smile remained, though it twisted with something colder. "But it's a pity, isn't it?" she said, her voice soft. "You're leaving us now. Belonging to the Vaurac."
"I... I'm doing what's expected of me," he replied.
Queen Odette's smile didn't waver, though her eyes glittered with a kind of detached amusement. "Of course, darling. And we are all so proud of you for fulfilling your duty." She leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper meant only for him. "But make no mistake, my dear son-you will always be a part of this family. No matter who you belong to now, the crown will always come first."
Before Emrys could respond, another voice cut into the tension like a knife through silk. "How lovely, to see family unite," said Queen Astoria, her tone dripping with mischief.
She glided toward them, her gown swaying with each graceful step. Her gaze flickered between Emrys and his mother with sharp amusement.
"Indeed," Queen Odette replied smoothly, though her eyes never left Emrys. "Family is the cornerstone of everything, after all. Even when alliances change."
Queen Astoria's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Oh, of course," she said, her voice light but edged with malice. "But such alliances can be so... unpredictable, can't they? One never knows what surprises await when you're in someone else's den."
Hadeon, who had been standing beside Emrys with his usual cold indifference, shifted slightly, as if the conversation between the queens was nothing more than background noise to him.
"Excuse me, Mother," Hadeon said. "I need to see after our guests and greet them."
Without waiting for a response from Emrys or acknowledging the queens' amused glances, Hadeon turned on his heel and began to walk away.
Emrys opened his mouth to say something, anything, but the words caught in his throat. Before he could form a response, Hadeon had already left.
Queen Astoria gave a slight, almost imperceptible smirk, her fingers brushing against the hem of her gown as if none of this surprised her. She didn't comment on Hadeon's abrupt departure but turned her attention back to Queen Odette, their conversation shifting to matters Emrys couldn't focus on.
His thoughts were already following Hadeon.
"Emrys, my dear," Queen Astoria said. Her eyes gleamed with a sharp, knowing light as she tilted her head toward him. "Why don't you greet your cousins and your friends? I'm sure they're eager to meet you."
"Of course, Queen Astoria," Emrys replied. He bowed his head briefly. "I'll go at once."
"Oh, don't call me that," she said, waving a hand. "Call me mother. After all, I am your mother-in-law now, aren't I?"
"Yes, of course... Mother."
"You'll get used to it, darling. In time, you'll learn that being part of this family comes with... certain expectations. But I'm sure you already know that." Her fingers lightly brushed his sleeve, as though offering comfort, though her touch felt cold. "Hadeon will take good care of you, don't you worry."
YOU ARE READING
Shattered Light { 𝓑𝔁𝓑 }
Romance"You're hurting me," Emrys breathed. Hadeon's grip on him tightened as he leaned in. "Good," he whispered. ──────────── Emrys Rosenwald, the fragile and obedient second son of the Rosenwald family, has lived in the sign of his own quiet loyalty, hop...
