Free Web NovelChapter 379: The Eternal Vow
[Music recommendation: MATTIA CUPELLI - Love Lost (Piano Version)]
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Beneath the gentle afternoon sun, rows of armoured knights rode forward at a measured pace, their polished armour gleaming as they carried high the banner of the Kingdom of Versailles, a dragon emblazoned upon it, proudly heralding their arrival.
Trumpets rang out, drawing the attention of everyone in the kingdom as they watched with shining eyes the grand spectacle of one of the most powerful vampire kingdoms that would soon become their strongest ally.
A sleek, luxurious carriage, escorted by rows of guards, moved forward, a crimson flag bearing the royal crown marking the presence of the vampire king within.
Cheers rose instantly from the crowd.
Magical white petals began to fall from the sky, drifting gently as the procession neared the palace. While many were delighted to witness the arrival of the vampire king, their attention soon shifted behind the carriage, searching for the crown prince.
But he was nowhere to be seen.
Whispers spread through the crowd.
"Where is the crown prince?"
"Is he not with them?"
"That cannot be..."
Before the murmurs could grow louder, someone suddenly exclaimed, "Look there! Is that the crown prince?"
"Where?" another voice asked.
"There... on the white horse!"
A collective gasp followed. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
"Oh my God... he’s so handsome!"
Some of the women squealed in delight while others were simply tongue-tied, witnessing the god-like beauty of a man who exuded such immense power that it made their hearts race.
The Ivan who usually dressed in all black was nowhere to be seen today.
He was clad in regal elegance, his fitted black high-collared tunic accentuated with fine gold embroidery. Deep red gemstones adorned his chest in an intricate design, marking his royal stature. His shoulders were covered in engraved golden armour, while a rich crimson cloak draped over him, adding to his commanding presence, making him look like every bit of a king that he was born to be.
As if to further amplify that presence, his eyes shifted into molten orange as they fixed upon the Palace of Light, knowing Eve must be watching from within those white walls.
He raised his hand, and in an instant, his aura flared with fire.
A blazing sphere shot into the sky before transforming into a magnificent fire dragon, which burst into countless glowing crimson sparks that began to drift down like fireflies, blending beautifully with the falling white petals.
The entire scene turned so otherworldly that gasps of awe rippled through the crowd as they witnessed such a breathtaking display of power.
Behind him, Damien, who was riding a black horse, chuckled. "Wow, brother, you really know how to make a flashy entrance, don’t you?"
"My bride requested it to be so," Ivan answered, his gaze still fixed on the palace.
Alex and Caleb, riding on either side of Ivan, smiled in delight. They shook their heads at their Prince, who was clearly head over heels for his bride-to-be, yet they felt nothing but joy for the long-awaited union.
Damien chuckled again. "Do you think she is watching, or is she too busy getting ready? I know women, brother, and trust me... they love to take their time, especially on such a special occasion." Damien imparted his "expert wisdom" once again, leaning back in his saddle with a smug grin.
A small smile curved Ivan’s lips at his brother’s words. He replied with absolute confidence, "I am certain she is watching."
And he was not wrong.
In a room where a beautiful woman, adorned in an exquisite white gown, stood by the window.
Eve watched the grand procession with a smile that reached her eyes, while the maids around her continued to adjust the delicate folds of her dress.
"He really does not disappoint," Eve whispered softly.
"He is like a peacock, showing off his finest feathers," Cece chuckled, a bright smile lighting up her face as she stood beside her.
That earned a soft laugh from both Eve and Ruth, while the maids struggled to hide their own smiles.
After making the final adjustments, the maids stepped back, straightened, and bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, it is all done."
The words drew the attention of all three women back into the room.
Cece and Ruth stepped forward to stand before Eve, their eyes already glistening with emotion.
"Heavens... I am looking at a goddess," Ruth breathed, her voice laced with pure awe.
"Oh, Eve... you look absolutely breathtaking." Cece wiped the corner of her eye before taking Eve’s hands in hers.
"I am so glad this is finally happening. You two... have endured so much. I just... I just wish you both a lifetime of happiness."
Eve’s vision blurred as her eyes filled with tears.
"Thank you... for always being there for me," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Before the moment could deepen further, a soft knock echoed through the room. A maid stepped in and announced Septimus’s arrival.
Eve quickly composed herself, brushing away her tears before allowing him to enter.
Septimus stepped inside and stilled.
For a brief moment, he simply looked at her, his eyes widening before softening, as though time itself had folded, and he was looking not at a princess, but at a little girl he had watched grow.
"Your Highness... I hope I am not interrupting," he said gently, though his voice carried a weight he could not quite hide.
Eve offered him a soft smile. "Not at all, Septimus. You are always welcome."
He stepped closer, but his usual composure faltered. The words sat heavily on his lips, and Eve noticed that.
"What is it, Septimus? Is there something you wish to say?"
He exhaled slowly, gathering himself, "Princess... I was wondering if it is truly all right for me to be the one to walk you down the aisle... to give you away. To the world, King Solan is your-"
"Yes," Eve answered softly, before he could finish.
There was no hesitation as she continued. "To the world, I may be his daughter... but to me..." her voice was certain, her eyes carried years of truth, "...that place has never truly been his to hold. And he knows it. That is why he did not stop me."
Septimus lowered his gaze briefly, still unsure. "But Your Highness... society may not-"
"What society thinks has never protected me," Eve said quietly, but firmly. "And it will not decide this for me either."
She stepped closer to him, "To me... you have been more of a father than the one who was meant to be."
Her voice softened, "So, Septimus... I am not asking as your princess. I am asking as your daughter. Will you... walk me down the aisle?"
Something broke in his expression.
He shook his head faintly, emotion overtaking him. "No... the honour is mine. I have always seen you as my daughter, and that will never change. To stand beside you today... is more than I could ever ask for."
His eyes glistened as he bowed, attempting to hide them.
But Eve did not let him, she closed the distance and wrapped her arms around him. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
"Thank you... for everything," she whispered against his shoulder.
For a moment, Septimus stood frozen.
Then, slowly, his hands rose, one resting against her back, the other gently on her head, holding her as though she truly was his own.
And perhaps... she always had been.
....
Standing before the grand, decorated double doors of the Temple of the Goddess of Light, Eve held onto Septimus’s arm, not out of nervousness, but sheer excitement. She knew that beyond those doors awaited the man she would give everything for, and she could hardly wait to see him.
At the signal, the guards stepped forward and slowly pushed the massive doors open.
The pristine white interior of the temple was revealed.
Guests were seated on either side, forming a perfect aisle lined with a rich red carpet, waiting for her to walk down it.
Eve and Septimus exchanged a quiet smile before stepping inside, where they were greeted with soft music playing by the musicians at the corner.
A soft chorus of gasps rippled through the temple.
And at the altar, Ivan, who had been waiting with quiet impatience, felt the breath leave his lungs the moment his eyes fell upon her.
Evelyn looked nothing short of divine, as though she had stepped out of a dream woven from light itself.
The gown flowed around her in layers of soft ivory and champagne hues, its fabric shimmering delicately with intricate floral embroidery that seemed to bloom across the entire dress. The bodice was exquisitely fitted, adorned with lace and fine beadwork that traced her form with elegance, before cascading into a voluminous skirt that moved like a whisper with every step.
The off-shoulder neckline revealed her collarbones gracefully, while sheer lace sleeves wrapped her arms in delicate patterns. A long, ethereal veil fell from a finely crafted tiara resting upon her head, trailing behind her like a halo of light, catching the glow around her and softening her presence into something almost otherworldly.
In her hands, she held a bouquet of white roses, their gentle tones perfectly complementing her attire. Her hair was styled into a low bun, with white roses carefully nestled within it, with a delicate veil over her.
And yet, it was not just the dress.
It was the way she carried it, graceful, radiant, and breathtaking, like a bride who was not merely walking towards her future... but stepping into a destiny that had always been hers.
As Eve walked forward, she saw no one else.
From the very first moment, there was only him.
Ivan.
He stood tall and regal in his princely attire, a crimson cloak flowing behind him, his raven-black hair swept back to reveal his sharp, striking features. But it was his molten red eyes that held her completely captive.
And she moved towards him, drawn like water to its source.
When she finally reached him, Septimus gently placed her hand into Ivan’s already extended one.
The moment her fingers touched his, something shifted.
Ivan did not hesitate and pulled her closer, as though even that small distance between them was far too much to bear.
Only to be stopped by a very deliberate, throat-clearing "Ahem."
The sound came from Iskara, a silent but clear instruction for his son to control his royal impulses.
A wave of soft laughter echoed through the temple as Ivan seemed to snap back to reality, realising he had already leaned so close that he was practically ignoring the priest.
"Forgive me, I simply could not help myself," Ivan spoke quietly.
Though his words were meant for Eve, they carried clearly through the silent temple, eliciting another round of amused chuckles from the guests.
From behind him, Damien added with perfect timing, "Oh, we are all painfully aware of that, brother."
Damien, who was behind Ivan, commented, "Oh, we know you never do, brother."
Eve chuckled at the comment, a beautiful colour rising to her cheeks.
Her blush only deepened when Ivan, completely unbothered by his brother’s teasing, took her hand and bent down to place a lingering kiss on her fingers.
Her heart fell into rhythm with his as Septimus finally stepped forward, taking his place before the couple and beginning the ceremony. The soft laughter in the temple gradually settled into a reverent silence.
"We are gathered here not just to witness a treaty of kingdoms," Septimus began, his voice resonating, "but a union of spirits. Prince Ivan of Versailles, Princess Evelyn of Luminear... do you come here of your own will, bound by a choice that transcends crowns and blood?"
Ivan did not even wait for the Priest to finish.
His eyes remained locked on Eve, his thumb tracing a slow circle over the back of her hand. "I do," he said, his voice dropping into a low, gravelly tone that vibrated through the silent hall.
Eve smiled and followed, "I do."
Septimus nodded, then took out a silver knife and made a small cut on each of their palms before joining their hands together. He stepped back slightly, signalling for them to speak the vows they had prepared.
Ivan stepped a fraction closer, his crimson cloak pooling around their feet like a shadow protecting a flame.
"Evelyn," he began, "I have spent my life as a weapon... a prince of darkness who knew only the weight of power and the edge of a blade. Then I found you... and you became the only light I ever chose to follow."
His voice softened, "Today, I do not just give you my kingdom or my protection. I give you my life, my soul, and every breath I have left. I will be your shield when the world turns cruel... and your shadow when the light grows too harsh. You are my queen, my heart, and my home. I love you with everything I am... and everything I will ever be."
A profound silence fell over the temple. Even Damien’s usual grin had faded, replaced with something far more genuine.
Eve’s heart swelled, her fingers tightening around Ivan’s as she looked up at him.
"Ivan," her voice soft yet unwavering, "I was a girl who believed she had lost everything... only to discover that the world was waiting for me to reclaim it. You did not just stand beside me... you fought for me, even when I did not yet know how to fight for myself. Today, I give you my light to guide your path, and my heart to keep yours warm. I promise to stand as your equal, your partner, and your peace. Across every lifetime, across every world... it has always been you, and it will always be you."
A shy smile touched her lips, "I am ready to be the luckiest girl in the world... just like you asked me when we were children. I love you with everything I am... and everything I will ever be."
As her words faded, a soft golden-crimson glow began to pulse where their hands were joined, a living manifestation of the bond sealing between them, deeper than blood, stronger than fate.
They then slipped the same rings, they once wore in the past, that was lying in the museum of Dartmouth.
The Priest smiled, sensing the ancient magic at work. "Then by the grace of the Goddess and the laws of the Old Blood, I pronounce you husband and wife. Prince Ivan... you may finally kiss your bride."
A smile bloomed across both of their faces, so bright that those watching felt nearly blinded by their joy. Finally lifting her veil, Ivan stepped closer. One hand cupped her cheek while the other supported her back, finally sealing their lips as husband and wife.
The crowd cheered with utter delight as applause resonated through the temple.
Just then.... something extraordinary happened.
The statue of the Goddess of Light, Theia, began to glow with a soft golden light. Moments later, delicate golden petals started to fall from above, drifting through the temple and leaving the entire gathering in stunned awe.
As a single petal brushed against both Ivan’s and Eve’s cheeks, they slowly parted and looked upwards.
Septimus spoke softly, reverence in his voice. "The Goddess is offering her blessing."
Their eyes softened as they continued to gaze above, before slowly turning to look at their loved ones as the cheers grew even louder.
Their gaze found Iskara, Solan, Regulus, Professor Dante, Seira, Leo, Headmaster Charles, Oliver, Aden, Alex, Caleb, Edward, Cece, Damien, Ruth, and the entire squad of Ignis Blades, every one of them smiling wide, celebrating the union with unrestrained joy.
Emotion filled their eyes as they took in the sight, realising just how deeply they were loved.
Then, their gaze returned to each other.
It was Eve who spoke first, her voice soft and filled with warmth. "Shall we, my husband?"
A devastating smile curved Ivan’s lips as he took her hand, placing another gentle kiss upon it.
"Yes... my wife."
...The End...
