We'd been traveling for three days, stopping only briefly to rest before setting off again. My back ached from sitting so long, and the road seemed endless.
At last, I saw villages dotting the landscape—children playing in the streets, laughter filling the air, and everything bursting with vibrant life.
"We're almost at the Capital," he said. A knot tightened in my stomach at the thought of marrying someone I barely even knew. The unease settled deep within me.
After an hour, we finally arrived at the massive gate. Beyond it, a crowd had gathered—cheering and shouting with joy at my arrival.
The carriage came to a halt. The knight stepped out first and extended his hand toward me. I took it and climbed down from the carriage.
The palace was enormous—far grander than the one our Emperor had.
A tall man stepped forward, his presence commanding yet calm. His sharp, chiseled features caught the light— piercing dark eyes, and a confident, almost gentle smile that held both strength and kindness.
He wore an impeccably tailored deep navy coat embroidered with silver threads that shimmered like starlight, the royal crest—a majestic silver dragon—prominently displayed on his chest. The fine fabric flowed elegantly as he moved, blending power with grace.
For a moment, I found myself caught off guard by how handsome he was—far different from the cold rulers I had imagined.
I quickly looked away before he could notice me staring.
"Finally, you're here," he said with a calm smile. "Let's get you inside so you can rest."
I gave a small nod and followed him into the palace. The grand doors opened before us, revealing a vast hall adorned with crystal chandeliers, polished marble floors, and towering pillars etched with silver and blue.
Each step echoed softly as I walked behind him, the weight of everything settling deeper with every breath.
The palace was bigger inside, we walk for a couple of minutes and we stop infront of a huge door.
"This will be your chamber for the night," he said, gesturing to the ornate doors. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll be heading to the temple."
"Only for the night...?" I asked, instantly regretting the question.
He glanced at me, a faint smirk playing at his lips. "Yes. After the wedding tomorrow, we'll be sharing a bed."
I gulped. I nodded and opened the door.
The room was breathtaking—far more luxurious than anything I had ever known. Velvet drapes in deep blue framed tall windows, where moonlight spilled in, casting a silvery glow across the polished stone floor. A grand canopy bed stood at the center, its frame carved from dark wood, draped in soft white and navy silks.
Golden candle sconces lined the walls, their gentle flames flickering like stars. A small table held a crystal pitcher of water and a silver tray of fruit and pastries. Everything was pristine, quiet, and... peaceful.
The Emperor also stepped inside the room.
"Remember.. this marriage isn't about love or titles—it's a statement."
He paused before continuing, "The Morgant Empire lost its Saintess—my previous wife passed away," he said coldly. "We needed a new Saintess, and the Empire needed an heir. You were the perfect fit."
"I... I understand," I said softly, though a part of me couldn't help but wonder how his previous wife had died.
The question lingered on my tongue, but I held it back—for now.
"Good. Then I'll be going," he said, turning away. He closed the door behind him with a soft click.
As soon as he was gone, I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding and flopped onto the bed, the soft sheets swallowing me whole.
"Not for love, huh?" I whispered to myself, staring up at the canopy above me.
"I suppose that's better than being killed..."
Before I even realized it, exhaustion claimed me, and I drifted into sleep.
_________________________
I woke to find darkness had fallen outside. Still dressed in the clothes I'd arrived in, I decided to take a warm bath on my own. Afterward, I chose a more comfortable outfit from the wardrobe—something simple, yet soft against my skin.
I never had this much clothes in a wardrobe before..
I grabbed a shawl to cover my arms against the chill. I wanted to take a walk outside—I'd never really explored the palace before, and I needed to familiarize myself with my new home.
As I stepped outside the door, Knight Laxus was standing there, waiting.
"My lady, where are you off to?" he asked. I was surprised—I'd never had a knight guarding my my room before.
"I.. wanted to take a walk outside.." I said softly.
"at this hour?" he asked again. I just nodded.
"Okay then, I'll escort you," he said. I gave a small smile, though I felt a bit uncomfortable having someone follow me—perhaps because I was simply not used to it.
Stepping outside the palace, a chill hung in the air, making me pull my shawl tighter around my arms.
"Here." Laxus offered me his coat. I hesitated for a moment, then accepted it.
I suppose I have to get used to kindness—this place is nothing like my empire.
"Aren't you His Majesty's personal knight? Why are you guarding me?" I asked.
He glanced at me with a hint of a smile. "Even the Emperor's personal knight has duties beyond the throne. Protecting you is part of ensuring the future of the empire."
"Hmm, I see," I said, managing a small smile. Honestly, I hadn't smiled like this in a long time.
Part of me wanted to ask about the first Empress, but he was the Emperor's personal knight—asking might make him suspicious. So, I kept my questions to myself... for now.
We walked until we reached the palace garden. I was amazed by the vibrant variety of flowers in full bloom and the sheer size of the garden—it stretched far beyond what I had imagined.
"I've never seen these types of flowers before," I said softly, not meaning to start a conversation. To my surprise, he responded without hesitation.
"These are Spider Lilies," he said. "Only our empire has them. They're known as the Imperial Flower." Laxus said. They look so beautiful. I wanted to pick it but the Emperor might get mad.
Laxus leaned down and carefully picked one of the lilies.
"W-wait, we might get scolded," I said, a bit panicked. He handed me the flower, and I accepted it quietly.
"Well, I can always say I have the Empress' permission to pick it," Laxus chuckled. I stared at the flower that Laxus gave me.
"Thank you" i said.
"You can call me Laxus," he said calmly.
"T-then you can call me Luna," I stammered.
He smiled politely but shook his head. "Ah, that I cannot do. You're the future Empress of this empire—I must address you with respect."
I frowned, a little disappointed. "Oh, right..."
Just when I thought we were close enough to be on familiar terms, the reminder hit me—I'm still the Empress-to-be tomorrow.
"But if the Empress says so," he said with a small smile, "then we can call each other by our names when we're alone."
I can feel my cheeks expanded to a smile. I'm glad i made one good friend here.
"It's getting late. You'll need to get up early tomorrow to prepare for the wedding. Let me escort you back to your room," he said.
I nodded quietly and followed him back.
We got back inside the palace and saw Lucan the Emperor just got out of his office. He looked both of us.
"Good evening, Your Majesty. I escorted the lady because she wanted to take a walk in the garden," Laxus said respectfully.
The Emperor nodded coldly in response and then turned away, his expression unreadable as he walked off. We continued on our way back to my room.
"Thank you for tonight, Laxus," I said with a soft smile.
He nodded quietly, and I stepped inside my room, closing the door gently behind me.
I went directly to my bed, laid down and placed the flower on my bedside drawer.
I stared up at the ceiling as I lay down, my mind wandering. This was probably the first night I'd spent sleeping without worries. Today was... a good day.
_______________________________________
I woke up to the sound of knocking on my door.
"Come in," I called softly.
The door opened, and five maids stepped inside.
"Are you excited for your wedding, my lady?" one of the maids asked, her eyes shining with excitement.
They all looked genuinely happy for this big day.
I stood up and walked over to the window, gazing outside. Servants bustled about, preparing decorations and arranging fresh blossoms for the wedding ceremony. In the distance, the city buzzed quietly, the first stirrings of a new day echoing softly through the air.
"I'm actually kinda nervous.." I said.
"Don't be! Weddings are so romantic—a once-in-a-lifetime event! Unless... you get remarried, of course," the maid teased with a wink.
The others busied themselves, preparing my wedding dress, shoes, and running a warm bath.
The only problem was... I was marrying a handsome stranger, and there were no feelings involved. This wasn't how I ever imagined my wedding would be.
________________________________________
After hours and hours of preparation, everything was finally ready—or rather, I was ready.
I wore a white gown that hugged my body perfectly, delicate lace sleeves tracing my arms. The fabric shimmered softly in the light, making me feel both fragile and regal.
The maids just added hair accessories.
"Do you like your hair? I decided not to tie it up, silky black hair deserves to be shown off," the maid said, adjusting the hairpin on my head.
"Yes, thank you," I said with a soft smile.
This was the first time anyone had ever complimented my black hair.
"Sir Laxus Viremont will be escorting you to the Temple. Everyone is already there and you are the last person to arrive my lady" the maid said.
"Yes.. I got it" I said. I stepped out my room and saw Laxus. He was dressed for the occassion. He looked at me in awe.
"You look good in white," Laxus said, his tone calm but sincere.
I smiled and thanked him softly.
We walked out of the palace together, and he helped me into the carriage with a quiet, gentlemanly grace. Moments later, the coachman snapped the reins, and the carriage rolled forward—heading toward the Temple where everything would change.
Everyone—and I mean everyone in the empire—had gathered around the Temple. Only the invited nobles were allowed inside to witness the ceremony, but the crowds filled the temple grounds, cheering and waiting for a glimpse of their new Empress.
I still feel nervous about the whole thing.. especially spending a night with someone i barely even know.
I still felt nervous about the whole thing… especially the thought of spending the night with someone I barely even knew.
As the carriage came to a halt in front of the grand Temple, the coachman opened the door. Laxus was already there, offering his hand once again.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my heart, and stepped down onto the white marble steps. Trumpets sounded in the distance. Flower petals rained down from above, thrown by temple maidens standing along the path. Cheers erupted from the gathered crowd as they caught sight of me.
Despite the nerves, I kept my head high, walking slowly down the aisle that led to the temple doors. Nobles lined the interior like stone statues, all eyes on me. For once, no one was whispering about my hair. No one looked at me like a curse. Today, I was a Saintess… and soon, an Empress.
At the far end, standing tall in dark ceremonial robes trimmed with silver, was Emperor Lucan Morgant. His eyes met mine—cold, unreadable, yet powerful enough to make my steps falter for a split second.
I reached the altar and stood beside him, the silence heavy with tradition and expectation.
The High Priest stepped forward, holding a gold-bound tome. "Today, we witness the union between His Majesty, Emperor Lucan Morgant, and Saintess Luna Merivale…"
As the High Priest continued his preaching, his words blurred into the background. My thoughts were elsewhere, lost in the weight of what was about to happen. I glanced at the man beside me—Lucan Morgant, the Emperor of this empire. The man I was about to marry. The one I would be bound to for the rest of my life.
He stood tall and composed, a figure carved in elegance and power. His face betrayed no emotion, unreadable and cold. And yet… this was the man I would dine with, sleep beside, and rule alongside.
For a lifetime.
The thought sent a shiver through me—not entirely out of fear, but from the uncertainty that came with surrendering everything to a stranger.
Why am I thinking about all this on my wedding day?Maybe because deep down, I still can't believe this is real...
"By the power vested in me and under the watchful eyes of the heavens, you may now honor your bond with a kiss," the High Priest declared solemnly.
My heart pounded—I've never kissed anyone before.
Lucan Morgant leaned in slowly, his presence commanding yet gentle. I closed my eyes, surrendering to the moment, and let him kiss me.
As Lucan's lips met mine, a rush of warmth spread through me, unlike anything I had ever felt before. His mouth was firm yet tender, claiming me with a quiet intensity that left me breathless. I felt the subtle press of his hands as they gently cradled my face, anchoring me in this moment. The world outside faded away, leaving only the sound of our breathing and the steady beat of my racing heart. I melted into him, my hands trembling as they instinctively found their way to his chest.
When we finally pulled apart, the air between us still hummed with electricity. My eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze.
It felt like it was long..
The High Priest raised his hands, and a radiant light burst forth from his palms, ascending to the heavens. It was a sign—holy power blessing our union, sealing our wedding in the eyes of the gods.
I still can't believe I got married..