His Majesty’s Wedding

After three days of school and intense scythe training, the long-awaited day of the Grand Duke's coronation had finally arrived. To honor this significant event, all existing schools had been temporarily suspended, allowing both commoners and nobles to gather at the royal palace in Danschen. However, lessons from the past had led to strict security measures, with most visitors being restricted to outside the palace grounds. Only those in favor were granted personal access to witness the Grand Duke's coronation up close.

Of course, they can't lose another ruler. Especially since they haven't had an heir yet.

The evening sun cast a warm glow on the honorary hall, where the Grand Duke prepared to ascend to his rightful position. His attire for this momentous occasion was nothing short of regal. He donned a capelet cloak, carefully designed for both aesthetics and practicality. The cape boasted an elegant high-low hem, ensuring it flowed gracefully during the mesmerizing dance that accompanied the ritual. Its reinforced shoulders maintained a dignified posture, while the criss-cross design added a touch of sophistication, secured behind with ties. This adjustable garment complemented the Grand Duke's slim physique and featured a stylish neck collar. A similar criss-cross pattern adorned his waist, giving the impression of a unique crop-top design.

Below, he wore loose-fitting pants that concealed the power and agility hidden within his limbs. His signature pair of earrings adorned his ears, lending an air of authority to his ensemble. His lustrous hair, now tied in a ponytail, featured two trailing braids that added to the overall grandeur of his appearance. As the Grand Duke prepared to take his place, the palace buzzed with anticipation, eager to witness this historic moment.

As the ceremonial coronation began, Elias, Ezra, and Tobias were among the fortunate few granted access to witness the event up close. They sat in the prestigious hall, occupying designated rows of seats reserved for special attendees. Elias couldn't help but notice that the gathering of royal visitors appeared surprisingly limited in number.

He whispered to Ezra, "I thought there would be more royalties attending. It seems quite exclusive."

Ezra nodded in agreement, her curiosity piqued by the modest turnout, "Yes, you'd expect a grand affair for a coronation. Perhaps the Grand Duke prefers a more intimate ceremony."

Their attention remained fixed on the proceedings as they awaited the commencement of the coronation ritual, wondering about the significance of this seemingly exclusive event.

The ceremonial hall was adorned with intricate decorations, rich tapestries, and elegant floral arrangements, creating an atmosphere of regal opulence. A hushed silence fell over the attendees as the anticipation for the Grand Duke's coronation grew.

At the front of the hall, the Grand Duke stood in his resplendent attire, the capelet cloak emphasizing his slim yet imposing figure. His pair of earrings glistened in the soft light, and his hair was neatly tied in a ponytail with two braids cascading down. Elias couldn't help but admire the Grand Duke's presence, which exuded both power and grace.

As the ceremony began, the room was filled with the solemn sounds of orchestral music. The Grand Duke's fiancee, an unknown lady, and two men stepped forward to witness the event alongside Elias, Ezra, and Tobias.

The coronation ritual proceeded with precision and symbolism. The Grand Duke, with his capelet cloak swaying gracefully, underwent various symbolic actions, signifying his ascension to the throne. Each step of the ritual held a deep significance, reflecting the traditions and heritage of the Landroich Kingdom.

Elias watched in awe as the Grand Duke's coronation unfolded before them. It was a momentous occasion, a rare glimpse into the heart of the kingdom's power.

The Grand Duke was seated in the throne hall; With a crown on his head and a scepter on his hand as the man beside the Grand Duke, known as the Royal Advisor, recited a solemn oath, his voice resonating through the throne hall. He spoke of the Grand Duke's responsibilities, his duty to protect and lead the kingdom, and his unwavering commitment to the people of Landroich.

The words held weight and significance, emphasizing the solemnity of the moment. Elias, Ezra, and Tobias listened attentively, understanding that they were witnessing a pivotal event in the history of their kingdom.

As the Royal Advisor concluded the oath, the audience erupted in applause. The Grand Duke's coronation was met with cheers and enthusiastic support from the nobility and commoners alike. It was a moment of unity and celebration, as Landroich welcomed its new leader with open hearts.

"May King Kaiser live a long life!" The chant echoed through the throne hall, and the assembly of the few nobles and royalties joined in, their voices united in a resounding chorus of well-wishes for their new monarch.

The Grand Duke, now officially a King, looked out at the few faces before him, his expression a mix of gratitude and determination. He raised his scepter, a symbol of his authority, and nodded in acknowledgment of the people's cheers.

Elias, Ezra, and Tobias joined in the jubilant celebration, their voices blending with those of the crowd. It was a moment of hope and optimism, as Landroich embraced a new era under the leadership of the King.

"Your Majesty," The Royal Advisor stated, "We shall proceed to The Royal Ancestral Dance of Dämonisch." 

The King sighed expressionlessly and placed the scepter down. He led the group to the Royal Garden. These gardens are not only aesthetically pleasing but also symbolize the kingdom's commitment to growth, both in nature and as a society. They are often the backdrop for important events and ceremonies.

In the Royal Garden, torches were lit around the serene garden, casting flickering shadows on the trees and bushes. The guests were seated nearby as the King walked in front of them a few distances, the King stood there, his face stern with a hint of coldness. Not long enough, the servant came with a pot, which seemed to be filled in ink, with a long stick and a slim needle from a plant. 

A man walked in the scene, his face was covered in a veil, his identity seemed to be Confidencial. He held the long stick and kneeled in front of the King.

"To honor the ancestors of the Dämonisch and its country: The heir must be tattooed with the The Dämonisch Crest." Declared the Royal Advisor.

The Dämonisch Crest: The royal crest is a symbol of great importance. It features a crown, a shield, and a rose intertwined with a hawk's wing. Each element represents a different facet of the kingdom's values: sovereignty, protection, beauty, and strength. 

The heir should have two crests in their abdomen and back. The crest in their abdomen represents their mother who bore them, while the crest on the back represents the hardship of their father. 

The veiled man dipped the slender needle into the pot of ink, carefully coating the tip. His hands were steady as he approached King Kaiser, who stood with unwavering resolve. The crowd watched in hushed anticipation, knowing the significance of this moment.

With precision, the man began to tattoo the Dämonisch Crest onto King's abdomen. Each stroke was deliberate, and the ink glistened in the torchlight as it marked the King's skin. The process was intricate and symbolic, representing not only King's royal lineage but also the sacrifices and responsibilities that came with his position.

As the tattooing continued, King's face remained composed, a testament to his strength and determination. He understood the weight of the crown he now bore, and he was willing to embrace it fully.

After the abdomen's part, the King undo his cloak, his half-naked figure was exposed to the audience as he kneeled, and put his arms on the ground.

The process was repeated on King's back, the second crest taking shape with the same precision and care. It was a ritual that connected him to his family's past and the kingdom's future.

Once the tattooing was complete, the veiled man stepped back, and the crowd erupted into applause. King's expression remained solemn, but there was a sense of pride in his eyes as he turned to face his people. sweats trickled down to the side of his face as he stood up, the servants helped the King to wear his capelet cloak.

The Royal Advisor stepped forward once more and addressed the assembly, "Let it be known that King Kaiser has been marked with the Dämonisch Crest, binding him to the kingdom and its people. May his reign be just and prosperous, and may Landroich thrive under his rule."

The advisor continued, "It is time for The Royal Ancestral Dance of Dämonisch." 

The servant appeared on the scene with a scythe on their hand, enveloped with a clean garment. They stretched their hand for the Grand Duke— no, the King to receive it.

The King removed his gloves first, wielding the scythe with gloves on will be hard and dangerous. He received the scythe and held it up high to honor his success on ascending on the throne as a King.

In Dämonisch culture, the Royal Ancestral Dance is a revered tradition that pays homage to the spirits and ancestors of the royal bloodline. This dance is performed only by those with direct royal lineage, like the Archduke, who is now King, and is considered a profound symbol of their connection to their noble heritage.

In the enchanting ambiance of the Royal Garden, King Kaiser's presence was nothing short of mesmerizing. As he prepared for the Royal Ancestral Dance, the torchlight cast sensuous shadows upon his form, highlighting every sinuous movement and accentuating the contours of his regal attire, which bore the emblematic Dämonisch Crest.

With the emblem of the kingdom adorning him, King Kaiser began the dance, each graceful motion imbued with a unintentional seductive allure that seemed to draw the audience deeper into his embrace. His body moved with the fluidity of a seasoned dancer, and the torchlight played upon his skin, casting tantalizing flickers of light and shadow across his chiseled physique.

The dance was an intoxicating blend of elegance and eroticism, a dance of power and passion that transcended mere tradition. King Kaiser wielded his scythe like an extension of his own body, each twirl and flourish an alluring invitation to explore the depths of his soul. The scythe itself seemed to sigh in harmony with the dance, its dark, obsidian-like blade glistening as it caught the torchlight.

As King Kaiser danced, his eyes locked onto those of the fortunate onlookers who were witnessing this private spectacle. His gaze was a magnetic force, drawing them into his world of desire and devotion. The dance conveyed emotions that words could never express, a language of longing and yearning that left hearts racing, along with the deep responsibility as a ruler.

With each sensuous step, King Kaiser honored the spirits and ancestors who had shaped the destiny of the Dämonisch bloodline. The dance was a journey through time, a passionate tale of love, loss, and resilience. His body moved with such intensity that the spectators could feel the heat radiating from his form, a testament to the raw sensuality that coursed through his veins.

As the dance reached its climax, King Kaiser's movements became more fervent, the scythe in his hands an extension of his own goals. Beads of sweat adorned his skin, glistening like precious gems in the torchlight. It was a performance that left the audience not only breathless but also filled with a burning desire, an irresistible allure that seemed to transcend the boundaries of mere admiration.

When the dance finally concluded, King Kaiser stood in the center of the garden, his chest heaving with the effort of the passionate performance. The crowd erupted into rapturous applause, their admiration mingled with a newfound desire that hung in the air like an intoxicating fragrance.

As King Kaiser's eyes scanned the assembled crowd, they inevitably found their way to Elias. It was as though a magnetic force had drawn his gaze toward the young man who had become a significant presence in his life.

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, it felt as though the world around them had faded into obscurity. In that singular, electrifying instant, King Kaiser saw beyond the sea of faces and felt a connection that transcended the boundaries of their respective roles.

Elias, seated among the privileged few who had been granted access to the Royal Ancestral Dance, felt a shiver of recognition. The intensity of the King's gaze bore into his soul, and he could sense the unspoken emotions that passed between them.

It was a moment of profound significance, one that hinted at a deeper connection between them, unrequited. As the applause and admiration of the crowd swirled around them, Elias and the King shared a silent exchange.

And now I know, Elias thought, His Majesty's name is Kaiser..

***

The coronation has concluded, now it's the wedding of the King and Queen. 

There is no wonder why they haven't seen Luxe in the coronation earlier, and that is, she was preparing for her wedding. Luxe was in a white wedding dress, with a long veil that trailed behind her. Her long hair glooped down in curls, tied up by a gold tiara. She was as stunning as a goddess, and Kaiser was equally graceful in his black and gold suit, with his crown sitting proudly on his head. 

The wedding was held in a large ballroom, decorated with flowers, candles, and beautiful chandeliers. The guests were a mix of high-ranking nobles, important officials, commoners and foreign dignitaries. Kaiser was dressed in his finest black and gold attire, with the coronation crown on his head.

Luxe was a stunning bride, her long hair styled into an elegant updo, with a small tiara on her forehead. Though she could still keep the act, she never hated Kaiser's presence. She also loved the attention; every female and male guest praised her beauty while some were softly giggling when they saw the king in the finest attire.

On the other side, Elias couldn't help but feel jealous.

Since Luxe's parents were away, there's no one else to assist her at the altar but all by herself. And Kaiser was standing there, his cold eyes looking at Luxe. 

He also admits to himself, Luxe was beautiful.

Luxe couldn't see him clearly through the white veil, but her joy is beyond measurement, because she was finally able to be Kaiser's wife, have more power than she has, and she finally can sit on the throne. 

The wedding proceeded smoothly, with Luxe playing the role of the perfect bride to Kaiser's perfection as the groom. As the queen started to walk at the center of the red carpet, her eyes fixated on the king, the whole guests hushed in a solemn silence with the soft music playing for momentum. The couple were too beautiful, some even cried before they even exchanged vows.

They're too perfect.

Way too perfect.

That Luxe's acting seemed real.

Kaiser outstretched his palm, reaching for Luxe's soft hand, assisting her in front of the priest. The Dämonisch family has their own culture, however, this 'priest' is based on their own beliefs which were made by the very ancestors of the dynasty. The Dämonisch dynasty doesn't believe in god, or any religious type of stuff, they have their own culture.

The wedding was a spectacle like no other. Luxe was a vision in her pure white dress, her beauty enhanced by the delicate lace that adorned its every inch. Luxe's long hair was styled into an elegant updo, with a small tiara on her forehead, and her eyes sparkled as she took Kaiser's hand in hers. Kaiser, in his finest black and gold attire, with the coronation crown on his head, looked regal and commanding, his eyes fixed firmly on Luxe.

While Luxe adjusted her position in front of the priest, she heard Kaiser whisper to her, saying, "You look beautiful." 

She felt her heart leap and blushed immediately. She wasn't sure why this was her reaction despite Kaiser being the coldest chunk of ice she had ever met, perhaps it's because she loved flattery? Or, is it because it's different when it's Kaiser?

 Luxe had never felt so nervous or excited before, and she was having a hard time keeping her emotions in check. The thought of marrying Kaiser, the man she was forced to be with, was weighing heavily on her mind. As she stood there, Luxe couldn't help but feel disappointed in herself.

Out of all people; why does it have to be Kaiser?

The man who made her life a living hell, the man who made her look like a fool, the man who belittled her before. And not to mention, it's her own cousin. 

It was ridiculous to think of, but because of the damned culture, she had to do it, otherwise she was an incompetent heir. The thought of spending the rest of her life with someone who is far worse than an average man was unbearable. Despite her doubts and fears, Luxe knew she had to go through with the wedding. She couldn't let down her family, her kingdom, or Kaiser - even if it meant putting her own happiness and freedom aside.

She knew that she had been fooling herself for far too long. She didn't love Kaiser, not even a little bit. In fact, she knew to herself that she had never truly loved anyone before.

Her heart is cold as steel.

As the priest began to speak, Luxe felt like she was going through the motions, disconnected from what was supposed to be one of the most important moments of her life. Kaiser stood before Luxe, his eyes fixed on her as he began to speak. His voice was steady and calm, but there was a hint of emotion in his eyes as it looked at Luxe.

"I, Kaiser, take you, Luxe, to be my wife, to love, cherish and protect you. I pledge to uphold your honor and integrity, to support you in your endeavors, and to guide and lead you with respect and honor. I commit myself to this union, to the legacy of our family, and to our duty, now and always." As he finished speaking, Kaiser placed a gold ring on Luxe's finger, sealing their vows with the symbol of their commitment to one another. He looked at her with a slight hint of emotion in his eyes, but it quickly disappeared as he retrieved his own hand, letting it fall to his sides.

And then it was her turn.

Her mind raced as she tried to find the right words to say. She couldn't bring herself to say that she loved Kaiser; it felt like a lie. But she also couldn't bring herself to say that she didn't love him; that felt like a betrayal of her duty.

She settled on saying something neutral, something that wouldn't be a lie but also wouldn't be a betrayal.

"I, Luxe Dämonisch, take you, Kaiser, to be my husband, to live together in mutual respect and trust. I pledge to honor and cherish you as my partner, to support you in your endeavors, and to be faithful to you always." Then, Luxe did the same as well.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of these two souls, Luxe and Kaiser, in holy matrimony. As each makes their promises to one another, we pray for their love to deepen, their bond to strengthen, and their connection to remain unbreakable. May they lead a life filled with love, devotion, and blessings, until the end of their days. And with those words, it is with great joy and honor that I pronounce you husband and wife; you may kiss the bride."

Kaiser lifted up the veil, Luxe was slightly fidgeting as she felt her veil being lifted. Does she really need to kiss this monster? 

With the veil finally lifted, sitting atop her tiara, she saw Kaiser's eyes at her very first sight.

Why does it shine with fondness?

She knew to herself, Kaiser hated her. He always shoo her away, he never bat an eye to her, as if she was non-existent.

But why?

Was it because he's also acting too? in front of the priest? in front of the audience?

Kaiser gently took Luxe's face in his hands and leaned in towards her, his eyes locked on hers. Luxe could see the emotion in his eyes, and for a moment she felt a sense of warmth and love from him that she had never expected.

Since Kaiser was taller than Luxe, he lowered his head and leaned in, sealing their vow with a gentle kiss. As their lips met, Luxe felt a sudden wave of emotions wash over her. There was a sense of duty and responsibility to this kiss, but there was also a sense of warmth and desire that she had never experienced before.

Kaiser's lips were quite thin as hers, but when their lips made contact, Luxe felt like her whole body was going to melt. Despite Kaiser's usually aloof demeanor, his lips were surprisingly soft and tender. It was as if the cold exterior he had built up over the years melted away, revealing a warm and caring side that Luxe had only ever seen glimpses of before.

It was soft, tender, and full of unexpected warmth. She could feel his breath on her face, as her own breathing became more rapid. And, he was also likely to be experienced in kissing, making Luxe's knees soften within the moment.

The kiss lasted for only a moment, but Luxe felt like she was on cloud nine. She never thought she would feel such a sensation with Kaiser, who was always so cold and distant towards her.

But as quickly as it came, the feeling was gone, and Luxe felt the coldness and distance return.

***

The grand doors of the royal palace swung open wide, ushering in a wave of excited chatter and anticipation. Commoners and nobles alike streamed into the opulent ballroom, their eyes wide with wonder as they took in the splendor of the grand event.

Elias, dressed in his finest attire, stood at the threshold of the ballroom, his heart pounding with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. It was a momentous occasion, the first time commoners had been invited to a royal ball in Landroich's history. The atmosphere was charged with the palpable sense of history being made.

As he stepped into the ballroom, Elias couldn't help but be awed by the grandeur that surrounded him. The chandeliers overhead cast a soft, warm glow over the room, their crystals glittering like stars. The walls were adorned with tapestries that told the stories of Landroich's history, and the marble floors gleamed underfoot.

Elias's eyes darted around the room, taking in the sea of elegantly dressed guests. Nobles in resplendent gowns and finely tailored suits mingled with commoners in their best attire, and there was an air of unity and celebration that was both exhilarating and heartwarming.

He spotted Ezra across the room, her eyes sparkling with delight as she chatted animatedly with a group of friends. Elias couldn't help but smile at her infectious enthusiasm. This was a night to remember, a night that symbolized the bridging of divides and the promise of a more inclusive future for Landroich.

And then, his gaze wandered, and his heart skipped a beat as he saw King Kaiser at the center of it all. The King stood tall and regal, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. Dressed in resplendent attire, he moved with a grace and elegance that was mesmerizing to behold.

Their eyes met, and Elias felt a jolt of recognition. He knew now, with absolute certainty, that the King's name was Kaiser. It was a name that held a deeper significance, a name that was intertwined with his own destiny in ways he was only beginning to understand.

Elias approached the King and kneeled, he leaned forward, his lips gently brushing against the back of the King's gloved hand as he kissed it with a reverence that spoke of respect and admiration. His voice, though soft, carried with it a hint of longing as he made his request:

"Your Majesty, may I ask you for a dance?"

NAPPEN'S EXTRA:

Nappen: [laughs] Well, well, well. Look who finally tied the knot! Kaiser, Luxe, congratulations on becoming Mr. and Mrs. Stoic and Mrs. Two-faced. How's married life treating you so far?

Kaiser: [stiffly] It's none of your business, Nappen.

Luxe: Oh, darling, don't be so cold. [smirks] After all, we wouldn't even exist without our beloved author.

Nappen: [laughs nervously] True, true. Now, Elias, my dear commoner, how are you feeling about all this wedded bliss?

Elias: [grumbling] Bliss? More like torture. I can't believe he married her. I thought... well, never mind.

Nappen: [grinning] Elias, my son, it looks like you're about to make your move. A dance with the king, huh? How bold.

Elias: [blushing] It's not bold, it's... it's just a dance. Besides, it's a historic night. Commoners and nobles dancing together. I thought, why not take the chance?

Nappen: [winking] Spoken like a true romantic. But, you know, not everyone might see it that way.

Elias: [nervously] What do you mean?

Nappen: [leaning in conspiratorially] Well, some might interpret it as a commoner trying to get too close to the king. Jealousy can be a powerful force, my friend.

Elias: [looking around nervously] Jealousy? But I'm just... I just want to dance.

Nappen: [laughs] Well, let's hope King Kaiser sees it the way you do. Here's to hoping the dance floor doesn't turn into a battlefield.