In truth, Eileen's prayers had rarely been answered by the Gods. However, if they were to grant only one request, she hoped it would be today's. It was a special day, and she dared to believe that, perhaps this time, the Gods would hear her plea.
After the exchange of vows, the flower boy approached, carrying a tray with a small box of rings. Cesare took the small red velvet case.
Although she had never received an engagement ring, it hardly mattered. Just receiving a wedding ring from Cesare filled her with happiness. With her heart pounding with anticipation, Eileen eagerly awaited the ring he would place on her finger.
When the velvet box opened, she could hardly believe what she saw. Before her lay a ring she had never seen before, but which somehow seemed strangely familiar.
It was the ring that Eileen had secretly drawn in her diary as a child. The childhood design was transformed by skilled hands into a dazzling work of art. A platinum band adorned with generously sized diamonds and emeralds that surpassed her wildest dreams. The detailing of the piece, studded with smaller diamonds, made each stone shine intensely in the sunlight. The extravagance of the jewel was such that it was almost intimidating to imagine its value.
'What…?'
'How did he know about the ring I sketched so secretly in my diary?'
Cesare visited the brick house very few times, going upstairs only once. Although it was possible she had shown him the drawing in childhood, Eileen remembered each encounter with the prince with such clarity that this possibility seemed improbable to her. It defied all logic, but at the same time, there was a strange feeling of… destiny. Her perception of reality seemed to waver, as if she were floating on a cloud.
The man then knelt, their eyes met as she extended her trembling hand. A smile blossomed on her lips. Her golden-green irises locked onto her fiancé's intense crimson gaze; she could barely breathe.
Gently, Cesare took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger. The cold metal slid smoothly until it fit perfectly at the base of her ring finger.
Against the delicate lace of the glove, the ring gleamed, casting a mesmerizing glow. Eileen gazed at it, her heart overflowing with joy. With a serene smile, she took the box containing Cesare's wedding ring from the flower boy. A single, smaller diamond adorned with a piece of jewelry, it exuded simplicity and elegance, perfectly reflecting the man's nature.
While admiring the jewel for a brief moment, Cesare stood up, removed his left glove, and extended his hand to her. Even though it was only the exchange of rings, her body trembled inexplicably. She took a deep breath, steadyed herself, and took his hand. It was a beautiful and striking hand: large and masculine, yet graceful, with veins that stood out beneath the skin. Almost without realizing it, Eileen lightly ran her fingers over it before sliding the ring onto her finger. Her trembling made the gesture slow and awkward, but Cesare waited patiently, without a single sign of displeasure.
Seeing the rings gleaming on both hands, Eileen was overcome with overwhelming happiness. Cesare also admired the pair of rings, his gaze slowly shifting to meet hers. Shyly, Eileen smiled timidly.
— …
Cesare held his breath as he watched her smile, as beautiful as a blossoming bud. The scent of lilies filled his lungs, numbing him for a moment. Observing Eileen, now his wife, radiant as a flower in full bloom, he suppressed a melancholy smile.
This was his first and last chance.
The man had long since accepted that perfect happiness would never be his. The path he chose was one of sacrifice, driven by an unwavering desire to ensure Eileen's survival, even if it meant subjecting her to moments of sadness. But this did not diminish his burning desire to see her happy. Nothing was more precious to him than her smile.
Unable to contain his emotions, Cesare pulled his fiancée into a tight embrace. Holding her tightly, he supported her back with one hand and took her lips in a passionate kiss.
— Ah…!
Eileen gasped, her eyes wide like those of a frightened rabbit, clutching his uniform in shock. Cesare let out a low, deep laugh, a shiver running down her spine.
The intense, devouring kiss continued, his eyes fixed on her. It wasn't the chaste gesture of a marriage vow, but rather a raw display of desire. Yet, before the high priest and numerous guests, Cesare seemed completely indifferent to the mockery.
Marked by years of trials, the man had become immune to the judgment of others. He kissed Eileen with the same fury as a warrior in battle, his crimson eyes burning with a dangerous intensity, reflecting his inner storm.
At that moment, an unusual thought crossed his mind. He wanted to consume her completely, keep her safe inside himself, protected forever from the cruelty of the world. The dark idea overwhelmed him; only he, and no one else, could cause the pain he wanted to spare her from feeling.
Cesare, a master of self-control, channeled all that voracity into the kiss. His tongue explored her palate with calculated slowness, dissolving the initial shock into a delicious torpor. In Eileen's misty eyes, there was only room for him. Perhaps she had already lost her mind in the face of that absolute surrender.
A dark laugh vibrated in his chest before dissipating. He lightly nibbled at her soft tongue, leaving a trace of possession, a silent seal that he was her guardian in this new world.
Everything was and always had been for Eileen. He belonged only to her, body and soul, a living weapon to be wielded for the protection of his little girl.
The supposed "yes" turned into a scandalous display of intimacy. The Archduke 's passionate kiss , far beyond the bounds of a vow, made every guest present blush. The scene only ceased when Eileen, flushed and trembling, almost gave way in her legs. Then, the couple parted, greeted the astonished audience, and retired inside the mansion.
Inside, a flurry of activity awaited them. Photographers buzzed about, capturing images that would soon grace the pages of Imperial newspapers. Soon, Eileen would be taken away to prepare for her wedding night, while the Archduke, the lovestruck groom, would assume the role of host, ensuring the celebration was memorable for all.
The mansion staff moved efficiently, guiding the still-dazed guests to the banquet hall. Flowers that had decorated the ceremony were skillfully repurposed into beautiful bouquets distributed to the guests, spreading a fresh fragrance throughout the room.
Gradually, those present, previously stunned, regained their composure. In moments, the hall vibrated with lively conversation, everyone commenting on the historic wedding they had just witnessed.
Archduke Erzet 's ceremony gathered only a select elite: members of royalty and the highest nobility of the Empire. Accustomed to luxury, they were still amazed upon entering the mansion's garden, transformed into a floral paradise.
The space, richly decorated with expensive fresh flowers, especially lilies, exuded an exuberant yet refined ornamentation that conveyed an air of sophistication that transcended any material value.
Settled in their elegantly arranged seats around the decorated setting, they eagerly awaited the arrival of the bride and groom. As they took their places, whispers circulated about Eileen Elrod, the recent protagonist of the imperial rumors.
The daughter of a simple baron, Eileen possessed neither wealth, power, nor prestige. Yet, to everyone's astonishment, Archduke Erzet chose her as his wife. Initially, it was speculated that the bride would be of unparalleled beauty.
But the rumors soon dissipated. Those who knew her before assured that, in reality, she was a simple young woman, without any striking appearance, lacking the charm expected of a bride of such high standing.
To be continued…