The Wedding -2
Violet and the Emperor stood before the High Priest and faced away from the audience.
"Please repeat after me , Your Majesty and Lady Vanidestine."
"I, Emperor Marcelo Adelmo Schmidt ( Violet Rossaria Vanidestine) , take thee, Violet Rossaria Vanidestine ( Your Majesty Marcelo Adelmo Schmidt), to be my wedded wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith."
" You may now exchange your rings of promise."
Violet and the Emperor exchanged rings and turned to face the crowd. The Emperor still had his cold look while Violet showed a diplomatic smile.
She just could not showcase a genuine smile no matter how hard she tried.
This loveless marriage .
Being the Empress.
She never had a choice. It was a responsibility that was given to her regardless of whether she wanted it or not.
Power and fame.
She never desired such things.
She just wanted to love and be loved.
A life not restrained by rules and regulations. Freedom. That was happiness to her.
In the empire of Iretonia , woman had little to no freedom nor choice.
Violet was blessed because she had parents who did not see her merely as a tool for marriage but loved her sincerely as a daughter.
But there was only so much they could do as the laws of the Empire prohibited the maiden's family in having any significant power in the matters of marriage.
" Blessings to the Emperor and the Empress of Iretonia . Prosperity and blessings of health to you."
The audience bowed their heads and repeated .
" Blessings to the Emperor and the Empress of Iretonia. Prosperity and blessings of health to you."
"You may rise ", said the emperor.
The Emperor and the Empress headed towards the greenhouse where refreshment was served.
All the nobles followed suit.
Emperor Marcelo and Empress Violet took their seats and the nobles did the same.
"Congratulations , Your Majesty!"
" May Your Majesty be blessed with health and wisdom."
"Congratulations , Your Majesty. May the Emperor and Empress be blessed with abundant princes and princesses."
'Children?? With this ice -cold man? I don't think so ' , thought Violet as she smiled stiffly.
The Emperor simply replied with a 'Hmm.'
"Thank you for your blessings , Marquess Johanson and Count Silva."
" Congratulations , Your Majesty. Please take good care of our daughter. May she be as precious to you as she is to us." , said Duke Vanidestine.
Duke Vanidestine had ebony black hair and violet iris just like his daughter Violet.
While Duchess Charlotte Celestina Vanidestine had silver hair with emerald green eyes.
Violet looked at her dad gratefully. She silently mouthed " I love you , dad. Thank you."
" I will treat the Empress well."
The Duke looked at the Emperor and his daughter with slight concern at the vague reply of the Emperor.
Nevertheless , he couldn't voice out his complaints.
The one he was addressing was the Emperor , and he was just a lowly subject.
The Duke hoped that even if the Emperor could not love his daughter , he would respect her as a woman and his Empress.
He truly hoped that the Emperor would not break his precious daughter's heart and she would be the only woman in the Palace.
Though monogamy was practiced in the empire , some high ranking nobles , including the previous Emperors had Mistresses.
The Duke truly hoped that the Emperor would not keep any Mistress in his Palace.
The Duke did not know at this moment, but all his fears would come true in the near future.
Everyone left the Palace after the tea-party. The Duke and Duchess bid farewell to Violet and left.
Luis (21- years old): If you have any difficulties , write to us. Don't keep it to yourself. You have us.
"Thank you , Brother Luis . "
Luis Claude Vanidestine had emerald green eyes with silver hair like the Duchess.
Matthew (19 - years old): If that bastard (whisper) treats you unfairly , let me know. I'll whisk you away from this wretched place.
"Hehehe , Brother Matt. My Knight in shining armour. Don't worry. I'll be alright. Who am I?"
Matthew Grey Vanidestine has violet eyes with silver hair.
"You are Violet. The only daughter of Duke Vanidestine."
"Besides , I'm a representation of beauty with brains."
Stefan (17-years old): Be happy , Violet. That's all we wish for you.
"I will be. "
Stefan Caleb Vanidestine was blessed with ebony black hair and emerald green eyes.
Violet silently wiped her tears as her brothers left.
Usually, royal weddings would last for 3 whole days .
But because the empire had recently mourned for the demise of the previous emperor and the new Emperor had just suppressed a revolt and many provinces in the empire were suffering from drought and famine, a simple royal wedding was held.
' Pheww! All the guests have left.
Though I feel deeply for those suffering outside , I'm feel so relieved that the wedding celebrations lasted half a day only.'
' How can anybody interact and smile diplomatically for 3 days straight. I would rather die. ' , Violet mused.
Violet left for her chambers led by her lady-in - waiting, Lillian and her personal Knight Xander.
The Emperor left for his chambers after informing Violet that he would grace her with his presence tonight.
'Grace me with his presence? Bleh! I rather you not come at all. ' , Violet silently thought to herself.