Free Web NovelChapter 538: The Wedding bells [2]
The Grand Sanctum Cathedral, the largest and most magnificent temple in the Holy Land, was filled to capacity.
Sunlight streamed through the towering glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the marble floors.
White and sky-blue flowers adorned every pillar and pew, filling the air with a sweet, delicate fragrance.
Thousands of guests, nobles from Empires, high priests, respected merchants, and citizens of the Holy Land sat in the hall.
At the front of the cathedral, Brandon stood at the altar.
Behind him, Rheanne was standing as a witness and symbol of divine blessing.
To the side, Freya stood among the honored guests and watched him with a soft, genuine smile.
The music swelled into a beautiful melody played by a full orchestra.
The massive doors at the end of the aisle opened.
Amelia appeared.
She walked slowly down the long aisle, escorted by her father, Emperor Valerian Bleaufort.
Amelia’s eyes were locked on Brandon the entire way.
Her cheeks flushed with a mix of nervousness and overwhelming joy gazing at him.
Emperor Valerian walked beside her with a proud but slightly emotional expression.
When they reached the altar, Valerian placed Amelia’s hand in Brandon’s hand.
"Take care of her," he said quietly. "She is my greatest treasure."
Brandon nodded his head "I will. With my life."
Valerian stepped back, joining the other dignitaries.
Amelia and Brandon stood facing each other, holding their hands.
Rheanne stood just behind them, acting as the officiant of the ceremony.
The hall fell into complete silence as Rheanne stepped forward.
"Today, we gather to witness the union of two souls. Amelia Bleaufort and Brandon Kael stand before us, ready to pledge themselves to each other under the light of the Holy Land."
She looked at both of them with soft eyes "Amelia... Kael... do you both come here of your own free will?"
"I do," they both answered in unison.
Rheanne smiled gently "Then let us begin."
Amelia spoke first as she looked into Brandon’s eyes. ƒreewebɳovel.com
"I, Amelia Bleaufort, take you, Brandon Kael, as my husband. To love you and to stand beside you through every trial and every joy. I give you my heart, my trust, and my future... completely."
Brandon’s gaze grew tender as he replied "I, Brandon Kael, take you, Amelia Bleaufort, as my wife. To protect you, to cherish you, and to build a life with you. I give you my strength, my loyalty, and my love... for as long as I live."
Rheanne raised her hands, channeling a soft wave of sky-blue ether that enveloped them both in a gentle, glowing light.
"By the will of the people and the blessing of the Holy Land, I pronounce you husband and wife."
The cathedral erupted in cheers and applause as Brandon kissed her.
Freya watched from her seat with a soft, genuine smile as her eyes glistened with happy tears.
After the kiss, Brandon and Amelia turned to face the crowd.
Rheanne stood behind them, blessing the union with a final wave of ether that filled the entire cathedral with a soft, sky-blue glow.
The wedding of Brandon Kael and Amelia Bleaufort was official.
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The celebration moved seamlessly into the grand reception hall attached to the cathedral.
Thousands of guests mingled, laughed, and raised glasses in toast after toast.
Servants moved gracefully between tables, carrying trays of fine wine, roasted meats, fresh breads, and elaborate desserts.
At the center of it all Brandon and Amelia were sitting.
She held Brandon’s hand tightly, her cheeks flushed from the excitement and the many congratulations she had received.
The first toast came from Emperor Valerian Bleaufort, Amelia’s father.
"To my daughter Amelia and her husband Brandon Kael. May your union bring strength to our families and peace to our lands. May the Goddess Rheanne bless this marriage with happiness and prosperity."
The hall erupted in applause.
Next, Emperor Aldric of Cene stepped forward, raising his glass with a big smile.
"To the union that bridges empires and faith. May this day mark the beginning of a new era of cooperation between Cene, Eurasania, and the Holy Land."
More cheers followed.
The orchestra began playing a slower, romantic melody.
Brandon turned to Amelia and offered his hand.
"May I have this dance, wife?"
Amelia’s face lit up with pure happiness as she placed her hand in his "Yes, husband."
They moved to the center of the dance floor.
Brandon pulled her close with one hand on her waist while the other held her hand.
They swayed together under the sparkling lights, lost in each other’s eyes as the guests watched with warm smiles and soft applause.
"You look beautiful," Brandon whispered as his thumb gently stroked her waist.
Amelia blushed, resting her head against his shoulder for a moment.
"I still can’t believe this is real," she murmured. "I’m really your wife now..."
Freya watched them from the side of the hall with a soft, genuine smile on her face.
She raised her glass toward them in a quiet toast. Though she carried her own emotions, she was truly happy for her niece.
Rheanne stood a short distance away, looking at the newlyweds with a calm expression.
As the first dance ended, guests began to join the floor.
Brandon and Amelia were soon surrounded by well-wishers. Nobles congratulated them, priests offered blessings, and children from the city presented flowers to the new couple.
Freya eventually approached, pulling Amelia into a warm hug.
"You were radiant up there," she whispered, kissing her niece’s cheek. "I’m so proud of you."
Amelia hugged her back tightly, "Thank you, Aunt Freya... for everything." frёeωebɳovel.com
Freya then turned to Brandon. She hugged him as well, pressing a quick kiss to his jaw.
"Take care of her. And remember... we’ll have our own celebration later."
Brandon smiled and squeezed her hand briefly before she stepped back.
The night continued with laughter, dancing, and feasting.
Brandon and Amelia shared more dances, cut the massive wedding cake together, and received countless gifts and blessings.
As the evening wore on, Brandon found a quiet moment with Amelia near one of the windows overlooking the city.
"Are you happy?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
Amelia leaned back against him, smiling brightly.
"Happier than I’ve ever been. Thank you for choosing me."
Brandon kissed the top of her head "I love you, darling."
