Chapter 44: The Ceremony

4 and a half months breezed by in moments. The news of the Luxenberg Duke's marriage had the entire continent of Bulgar in an uproar. Noble young ladies wept as another desirable bachelor was swept off the market. Dukes of the Bulgar continent were angry at missing the chance to secure a promising new son-in-law. 

The wedding was so talked about that it caught the attention of all 3 Grand Dukes. A certain 1 of the Grand Dukes was ripe with bitterness, while the other 2 were intrigued with the rising star of the south. The 3 Grand Dukes and their factions held each other in equilibrium, maintaining a wave of peace while secretly praying for their downfall. 

The Luxenberg wedding was shaping up to be a massive event that saw droves of people come from all across the continent. The city of Hannover was booming with business due to the horde of visitors gracing their walls.

Victor was extremely nervous. He had hoped to have a small intimate wedding but now, the wedding has evolved into a grand and lively spectacle. Veronica may have gone overboard inviting every duke, grand duke and prominent guild leader in the continent to such an occasion. 

Inns were overflowing and the streets were overcrowded, even the harbour was seeing an abnormal amount of traffic coming into it. The Dukedom's coffers and food storages were being emptied for this magnificent-sized celebration. Many different coats of arms were spotted in and around the city. Green, blue, yellow, purple, red, and any colour on the colour wheel could be seen displayed as a family sigil.

The Luxenberg Palace was more of the same as many people had gathered in the spacious garden for an outdoor ceremony, the celebration would move into the ballroom for the reception.

Many seats were perfectly organised with a beautiful white pavilion in front of them. As guests began to be seated, Victor's nerves skyrocketed. 'Why are there so many people here?! I thought it was meant to be an intimate and smaller ceremony,! not this,' Victor internally screamed trying not to freak out. Trying to contain his stress Victor took long deep breaths, trying to stabilize his breathing and calm him down.

Everyone was now in their seats and Sebastian walked into the centre of the pavilion."Now introducing the groom, Duke Victor Luxenberg!" He Bellowed. Everyone turned down the aisle to see Victor standing at the start of it in his white suit.

Trying to act cool and collected Victor began to strut down the aisle. Hundreds of eyes watched as Victor made his way to the pavilion. He thankfully did not embarrass himself and maintained a dignified appearance.

Shortly after Sebastian began to bellow again, "Now introducing the bride, Lady Clarisse Dupont and her father Marquis Cedric Dupont!" All eyes were once again drawn to the start of the aisle.

A calming silence filled the air as a beautiful and slender woman in a white wedding dress began her walk down the aisle. Accompanied by her father, the duo gracely made their way to the pavilion. With each step, Victor's heart began to flutter. Although Clarisse's face was hidden by a veil, she looked stunning. 

No one could take their eyes off of her, they were all ensnared by her elegance. It gave off an angelic aura, something that a saintess would possess. Victor could feel his breath being taken away by her. In a matter of moments, the couple were now face to face.

Unveiling herself to Victor and the audience, Victor's eyes trembled at the sight of her gorgeous face, her enchanting sapphire blue eyes met Victor's. She gave a shy but playful smile before facing the alter. Following suit, Victor did the same and thus the ceremony began.

A tall young man in a black suit stood confidently as he officiated the ceremony. His voice was smooth and he had a charisma that captivated the entire audience. "We are gathered here to celebrate and witness the union between these 2 people. Victor of Luxenberg, Clarisse of Dupont, are you 2 ready to proceed in this ceremony?"

Both nodding in unison the officiant began his monologue. A natural orator, the officiant delivered a beautiful speech that pulled on the heartstrings of many guests in attendance. During the monologue, Victor could only focus on his future wife. He barely knew her but was keen on the idea of getting to know her. 

Minutes passed and the monologue had finished. With that out of the way, it was time for the vows. Deciding to write their own vows the couple each pulled out a piece of paper. Like any traditional wedding, it was the groom who would say his vows first. 

"In the name of my dukedom, I, Victor Luxenberg, take you, Clarisse Dupont, to be my wife, 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, until parted by death," Victor said trying to maintain his composure.

Clarisse blushed at such a simple yet romantic vow. It touched her heart that Victor put some effort into his vows for a girl he barely knew. The spotlight was now on Clarisse for her to do her vows.

"In the name of family, I, Clarisse Dupont, take you, Victor Luxenber, to be my husband, to love and to cherish from this day forward until my dying breath, from this day forward, I am yours, and you are mine," Clarisse said warmly. It was a passionate vow that left Victor stunned. He did not expect such a fiery and lovely vow from Clarisse. 

With the vows completed the officiant began to speak. "Victor, Clarisse, having witnessed your vows of love to one another, it is my honour to present you to all gathered here as husband and wife. Victor, you may kiss the bride." 

With slight hesitation, the couple leaned and shared a brief, but proper kiss. Sealing their union with a kiss the ceremony was now complete and the reception was to begin in the ballroom.