Chapter 404: Little Breaks Like This
Somewhere towards the end of the hall, some of the members of Ravens Grave, the one not living in the Dragon King’s Castle that is, had gathered at a table.
As usual, they had found a way to seclude themselves from the larger crowd.
But it wasn’t just Ravens Grave, both Syra and Lysandra were on the same seat.
Surprisingly, Lysandra had a smile on her face while being engaged in conversation with Elena.
The gathering had come to an end, and people were beginning to head to Rhyos’ gateway so that they can be transported back to their Kingdoms instantly.
Aiden at this point had made his way toward the Ravens Grave table.
"So, guys," Aiden began. "I’d like to invite everyone here to a little something at my place."
Curious expressions spread across their faces, but they all seemed to have been in agreement.
A few moments later, space warped around them. The hall of Eden dissolved, and when the world reformed, they were standing before the Dragon King’s castle.
Varac, the dragonoid butler, moved through the front halls, directing the placement of decorations. Flowers lined the archways, and banners of deep purple and silver hung from the pillars.
Aeris was in the middle of it all, pointing and gesturing as she gave instructions. Rin stood beside her, holding a bundle of white flowers and looking slightly exasperated.
"No, not there!" Aeris said, waving her hand. "Move it to the left. The left!"
Rin sighed. "This is the third time you’ve changed your mind."
Katherine appeared from one of the side corridors, carrying a tray of small candles. The moment she spotted Elena, her face lit up.
"Oh, good, good, you’re here!" Katherine said, hurrying over. "Come on, I need your help with something."
Elena smiled and walked over as Katherine grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the corridor.
"What’s going on?" Kayden asked.
Aiden, who had just walked past him, stopped and turned back with a grin. "You see, I’m getting married."
Kayden’s expression didn’t change for a momen. "Haven’t you done that already?"
Aiden the replied. "The third."
Kayden shook his head, and Aiden laughed as he walked deeper into the castle.
Lysandra watched Aiden go with a little smile on her face. The relationship between them had been strained over the years and they didn’t talk much anymore.
-
Aiden walked up the stairs toward the main hall when two small forms suddenly flew toward him from above.
Tristan and Andrea giggled as they floated through the air, their tiny hands reaching out.
Aiden caught them both, holding one in each arm. Tristan laughed and grabbed onto Aiden’s collar, while Andrea cooed and pressed her face against his chest.
"Now, where are your mothers?" Aiden asked, looking at Tristan.
Tristan made a series of baby sounds, his little hand motioning forward as though trying to say "over there."
Aiden smiled. "Thank you, my boy."
He carried them both toward the upper hall and stopped outside a set of double doors.
Inside, he could hear voices.
He pushed the door open gently and stepped inside.
Laela and Arianna were standing around Uriel, adjusting her dress and placing a delicate flower crown on her head.
The moment Aiden stepped inside, Arianna turned and pointed at him.
"Go away, Aiden!" she said. "The groom isn’t supposed to see the bride!"
Aiden shook his head, a smile on his face. It was funny to him how he was the most powerful person in this universe, yet he still had to observe these rites.
Uriel looked at him, her expression softening. "Is this entirely necessary?"
Laela turned to her and said gently, "In your eternal lifetime, you should experience a wedding at least once."
Uriel didn’t respond, but there was a little smile on her lips.
Aiden then looked down at Tristan and Andrea in his arms and said, "Let’s go."
—
A short while later, the ceremony began inside the castle’s main hall.
The hall had been transformed. White flowers lined the aisle, and soft light filled the space while guests were seated in simple chairs.
No one was overly dressed as this wasn’t a grand spectacle.
At the front of the hall was Piers, dressed in a dark coat.
Aiden stood beside him, dressed in a simple overcoat, white shirt beneath, and trousers.
Then the doors at the back of the hall opened.
Uriel stepped through, walking slowly down the aisle with Laela and Arianna holding her hands on both sides.
Uriel’s white dress flowed behind her, and the flower crown on her head caught the light. Her wings were folded gently on her back, and her expression was serene.
When she reached the front of the hall, Laela and Arianna stepped aside, and Uriel took her place beside Aiden.
Their eyes met, and Aiden smiled a bit more.
Piers cleared his throat. "So," he began. "Once again, I am officiating the wedding for the most powerful being in the universe."
He paused, then added, "I think my name has to go down in history for that."
The hall erupted into laughter.
Piers let it settle, then continued;
"You know what? I’m going to keep this short," he said. "Because honestly, we’ve all been through enough speeches lately."
There was more laughter from the others.
Piers looked at Aiden and Uriel. "Aiden and Uriel. Even though our universe is under threat, and even though we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, it’s good to know that every once in a while, we can catch small breaks like this. Moments where we can just... be."
He smiled. "So I’m not going to drag this out. Aiden, Uriel, do you love each other?"
They both nodded and Piers continued; "Good. Then kiss already before the universe tries to end again."
The hall erupted into laughter and applause as Aiden leaned forward, cupped Uriel’s face in his hands, and kissed her.
—
Later that evening, Aiden was standing on the balcony overlooking his compound, his hands resting on the stone railing.
He seemed to have been lost in thoughts, but then heard footsteps behind him.
"Hey..." Lysandra’s voice said softly.
Aiden didn’t turn. Instead, he moved to the side and tapped the stone pavement beside him, as though asking her to come closer.
