Adrian Leichell, prince of the Kingdom of Aldoria, awoke to the sound of muffled voices drifting through the corridor. Sunlight streamed through the windows and cast golden patterns across the wooden floor. The room was warm and peaceful, yet a strange sense of unease pressed against his chest.
He pressed a hand to his forehead and tried to shake off the remnants of a dream. A voice had echoed in the darkness, low and desperate, calling his name again and again with a tone filled with pain and pleading.
"Adrian… help me…"
He shook his head quickly, letting out a quiet sigh. Whatever it was, it had only been a dream. He told himself it was probably just fatigue from the previous day. There was no time to dwell on it. Today, he was expected to welcome his bride-to-be, Princess Liveta de Orlanne. The ceremony was a moment of national importance, and there could be no mistakes.
"Your Highness, your attire is ready," said Karl as he entered the room. The servant spoke with respectful cheer, and his voice carried the weight of anticipation. "Everyone is waiting for you."
Adrian forced a polite smile. "Thank you. You may go. I will join you shortly."
He walked to the wardrobe and dressed in the ceremonial attire prepared for the occasion. The navy cloak and gold embroidery matched perfectly. Each time he wore it, he felt the heavy truth of what it represented. This was not merely about himself. It was about duty to the crown, the family, and the people.
When Adrian stepped into the great hall, he found the court assembled and ready. Outside, the sound of distant drums and cheers rolled in through the windows. Something stirred in him as he gazed through the glass at the horizon.
"Your Highness, the princess has arrived," a guard reported breathlessly.
Adrian's pulse quickened. He straightened his shoulders, inhaled deeply, and walked toward the grand entrance.
The crowds outside erupted with excitement as the royal carriage arrived. At the sound of the wheels on the stone, officials bowed low and announced his name. Adrian returned the gesture but kept his eyes fixed on the approaching carriage.
It rolled to a stop. Dust shimmered in the sunlight as the curtain parted. Attendants stepped forward and helped a young woman alight. She wore a gown of ivory and gold. Her face carried a quiet glow, and her presence was as striking as the first light of dawn.
When Adrian saw her, something inexplicable pulsed in his chest. A strange familiarity washed over him, as if they had already known each other in another time. The sensation was so strong that he looked down and touched the crystal pendant resting at his chest. It felt warm against his skin and glowed faintly with a soft blue light.
"Your Highness, welcome to our kingdom," Adrian stepped forward and offered a courteous bow. His voice was steady, though emotion stirred beneath it.
Liveta raised her eyes, her smile soft but confident. "Thank you for your warm welcome. I had heard that your land was beautiful, and now I know the stories did not exaggerate."
Her voice was clear as water. Something about the way she spoke made it difficult for Adrian to look away. He smiled in return. That curious sense of recognition grew stronger.
The two exchanged glances. In that moment, the weight of expectation and tension seemed to dissolve in the spring sunlight.
After they returned to the palace, the wedding ceremony officially began.
The great hall had been transformed into a place of grandeur. A long red carpet led to the altar. Tall golden candelabras stood on either side. The air smelled of flowers and spices, soft and sweet, like a sacred offering to the gods.
The guests sat in hushed anticipation. Nobles in their finery watched with expressions of joy and approval. All eyes turned toward the couple at the center of it all.
The priest stood at the altar and raised his hands as he recited the sacred rites. His voice rang out clearly.
"Today, in the presence of all, we gather to witness the sacred vows of this union. May it be blessed by heaven and last for eternity."
Adrian stood at one side of the altar. His gaze rested gently on Liveta. His heart beat faster, and everything else seemed to fade away. Liveta stood calmly at his side. Her eyes shone with emotion. She looked like the most precious jewel in all the realm.
The priest turned to him and continued, "Adrian Leichell, do you take Princess Liveta de Orlanne as your wife? Will you love her and honor her, in good times and in hardship, for all your days?"
Adrian lowered his head and placed a kiss on the back of Liveta's hand. "I do. I promise to protect you and love you, always. Whatever may come."
Then the priest looked to Liveta. "Princess Liveta de Orlanne, do you take Prince Adrian Leichell as your husband? Will you stand beside him, care for him, and walk with him always?"
Liveta smiled and answered clearly. "I do. I will walk with you for life, never apart."
Their words were met with reverent silence. The ceremony had become something transcendent, held in a moment suspended in time.
The priest handed them the rings. Adrian slid the ring gently onto Liveta's finger. He then held out his hand for her to do the same. The exchanged bands shimmered faintly under the light. They were symbols of their eternal vow.
"May the blessings of heaven rest upon you both," the priest said solemnly. "You are now husband and wife."
Applause filled the hall. Cheers echoed from the balcony, and flower petals rained from above. Adrian and Liveta looked into each other's eyes. The love they shared was quiet, but it was unmistakably real.
Adrian felt as though he were the luckiest man alive. Yet beneath the joy, something else stirred. A shadow deep in his heart lingered, something he could not name. It felt like a presence watching from afar, a memory not his own, yet not entirely unfamiliar.