Chapter 93: A Small Wedding

Victor pondered his grandfather's question for a moment. He had never fully come to terms with Veronica and Jacque's relationship, but due to the pregnancy, he had to do whatever he could to protect his sister's reputation and the prestige of the Luxenberg family. With a short sigh, Victor began to voice his opinion. 

"Truthfully, grandfather, I wish for Veronica's happiness. She is my only sibling and my closest family member. Her relationship with the newly appointed Duke Reuss may have been inappropriate and put her reputation at risk, but it is clear that she loves him."

"He may not be from a noble bloodline, or he may be a bastard of Duke Cruyff, but regardless of heritage, she loves him. If we forbid them to marry, she will despise us for the rest of her life, and quite possibly run away with him. I am sure neither of us wants to push her away, hence why I have done all I can to make this situation work."

Duke Cassell nodded at his grandson's words, he made valid points as to why he has tried to do everything he can to ensure her reputation is not sullied by this situation. Veronica was tearing up, due to her brother's supportive comments. Stroking his chin, Duke Cassell finally discussed his thoughts on Veronica and Jacque's relationship. 

"I shall trust your judgement, grandson. You are not only my liege lord, but you are her guardian. Admittedly I am not comfortable with this relationship, but if it means I risk never seeing the only reminder of my daughter, then I will try and accept it. My only wish is that she is more sensible in the future."

Veronica who was a whirlwind of emotions, hugged her grandfather and sobbed. She did not want her grandparents to remain angry at her, for it was they who helped her escape the torment of her step-family. Having their support would mean the world to her, but them merely accepting her choices was enough to make her content.

Shortly after their discussion Jacque was invited to the lounge and made introductions, with each member of the Cassell family. At first, the awkwardness was palpable, but with the lobbying of Larys and Harys, the atmosphere soon simmered down. By the end of the day, everyone was at least amicable with one another.

And so another 3 weeks had passed and the wedding of Jacque and Veronica began. Unlike Victor's wedding, the size and extravagance of Veronica's wedding was toned down significantly. It was a more intimate ceremony that had slightly over 70 people. Like Victor's wedding, it was held in Luxenberg Palace Gardens.

The same officiant from Victor's wedding oversaw the ceremony as both Veronica and Jacque entered matrimony. As he did last time he gave the exact same opening. " We are gathered here to celebrate and witness the union between these 2 people. Jacque of Reuss, and Veronica of Luxenberg, are you 2 ready to proceed with this ceremony?

Both nodding enthusiastically the officiant began his monologue. Still a composed and natural orator, the officiant delivered yet another beautiful speech that pulled on the heartstrings of all the guests in attendance. During the monologue, Veronica and Jacque did not break their eye contact, both beaming with bright smiles, counting down the seconds until they were man and wife.

After the monologue, Veronica and Jacque both recited their vows. Both sets of vows, were equally as sappy as each other, making many in the audience slightly cringe at their extreme confessions of love.

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

Without any hesitation, the newlywed couple shared a passionate kiss, while the audience applauded. Victor even began to feel sentimental, his precious younger sister was no longer a Luxenberg, but now a Reuss. His role as her protector was complete, it was now Jacque's duty to protect Veronica.

The ceremony was now concluded and the wedding reception began in the palace ballroom. 

All the guests congratulated the happy couple. General Bertrand and Marshal Bessières were quite sincere in their congratulation, both men had come to know Veronica well through their years of service and wanted to show her their support. Even if they were sceptical of this relationship at first.

The apex of the night came when the freshly married couple shared their first dance. With everyone gathered around them, the couple began their dance. While many in the crowd watched as they flawlessly waltzed around, Victor was impressed by Jacque. His lessons with Florence had proved fruitful as he showed a refined side of himself that Victor had never seen.

With many eyes on them, the couple danced, oblivious to all who were spectating. In the heat of the moment, all that mattered was the two of them, or three if you count the baby growing inside Veronica's belly.

Veronica was overwhelmed with an infectious feeling of bliss, she had married the man she loved and had all her family there to see it happen. It might not have been the most glamorous wedding, but it was perfect. Jacque really impressed her by showing a noble and refined side to him, which she had never seen, this in turn was thanks to Sebastian and Florence grooming him to be a respectable noble.

 As the night came to a close, she was finally able to comfortably sleep in the same bed with the man she loved. No more did he have to skulk through the night, nor did they have to fear being caught by Victor's soldier. For the first time ever, they could find peace and comfort without the judgement of others.

Soon after their marriage, the newlyweds and General Vandamme ventured off to Sardia. With Veronica's whole situation resolved, Victor could now focus his efforts, to the last remaining threat on the Bulgar Continent. 

The Fontaine Faction.