Chapter 668: Wedding Ceremony (2)
As the empress walked along the aisle dressed in her wedding gown, Alaric stood dumbfounded next to the former bishop.
In just a few years since he regressed, he never would have thought that the Veronican Empress would soon become his wife.
Thinking about this, Alaric’s eyes flashed with pride and excitement.
Yskaela kept her eyes on Alaric as she walked toward the stage.
The man was several decades younger than her, but he was the only one who managed to make her heart flutter. Moreover, his power was quickly increasing, and it might not be long before he surpassed her level.
She felt that only someone like Alaric was worthy of being her husband.
As she stepped onto the stage, the stunned Sam Bartadamen immediately announced to the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, good day to all of you! We are gathered here to witness the marriage of Alaric Silversword and Yskaela Veronica. We rejoice with them in their delight of finding love with each other, and support their lifelong commitment."
The former bishop took a short pause and let out a big smile as he continued with a shout. "Let’s get this celebration started!"
With this statement, the crowd erupted into applause.
Using his hand, Sam Bartadamen signaled to the crowd to take their seats. He then motioned to the couple to face him as he began reciting the readings.
After reciting the passage, he looked at the couple with a smile before turning his head to the audience and saying.
"Sometimes, one might question whether meeting someone at some point in their life is just a coincidence. The answer is no."
Like a learned sage, he spoke with great emotion.
"Every person you meet and every encounter with someone is predetermined. Aru long arranged it."
"If two people are destined for love, then no matter how the world tries to separate them, fate will still find a way to connect them."
With a deep look, he smiled at the groom and the bride.
Sam Bartadamen recited another religious passage, one about the sacredness of a wedding.
He then faced the groom and asked in a solemn tone. "Alaric Silversword, do you take Yskaela Veronica to be your wedded wife, to live together in matrimony? Do you promise to love, comfort, honor, and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
Hearing these questions, Alaric turned his head to look at Yskaela. Staring at her beautiful eyes, he nodded. "I do."
Sam Bartadamen smiled at his response. He then moved his gaze to the empress and asked her the same question.
"Yskaela Veronica, do you take Alaric Silversword as your wedded husband, to live together in matrimony? Do you promise to love, comfort, honor, and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
Yskaela Veronica held her breath, looking at Alaric as she responded with a sweet smile. "I do."
Sam Bartadamen clapped his hands and the audience immediately followed suit. The entire venue erupted into cheers.
With a signal to stop, Sam Bartadamen, gestured to the couple. "You may now exchange your wedding rings."
As Alaric put the specially handcrafted piece that was worth a small city to her finger, he said.
"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you."
The empress felt like a young girl in love as she looked at the wedding ring on her finger.
When it was her turn to give the ring, she calmed her heart and said.
"With this ring, I thee wed, and with it, I bestow all my love and honor."
Alaric felt emotional as the wedding ring slid onto his finger.
Sam Bartadamen clapped his hands and announced with excitement. "Alaric Silversword, you may now kiss your bride."
Hearing this, Alaric grabbed Yskaela’s waist and looked into her eyes.
The audience watched in amazement as the young groom planted a passionate kiss on the bride.
Once again, the venue erupted into cheers and applause.
As the noise quieted down, the officiant, Sam Bartadamen, announced. "I now pronounce you husband and wife!"
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"
"Congratulations to the couple!"
Alaric held his wife’s hand and brought her to the guests. The guests congratulated them and offered them praise.
After introducing his wife to the guests and family, he took her down the aisle. The married couple’s entourage followed under the excited gazes of the crowd.
For the next part, the couple was asked to pose outside the church to have their portrait painted by a renowned artist in the country.
The skilled artist used an array of colors and tools to paint a perfect image of the couple. It took him half an hour to paint the portrait. He then presented it to the newly married couple.
"Here’s the portrait, Your Majesties."
Alaric was now the husband of the empress so it was no longer appropriate to call him ’Your Highness’. He was now the Emperor of Veronica, a legitimate monarch!
Alaric wasn’t used to the new title and he found it slightly unusual to hear.
"You did a great job." He praised the artist as he looked at the portrait with his wife.
The empress was also full of praise.
"Someone will give your rewards later."
"Thank you, Your Majesties!" The artist excitedly replied.
The newly married couple headed straight to the imperial palace to do the final part of the ceremony.
When they arrived at the throne room, Alaric sat on the newly created emperor’s throne which was right beside the empress’s.
Sam Bartadamen held the wedding certificate which needed the couple’s thumbprints. "Your Majesties, I humbly ask you to place your thumbprints in this document. This document will serve as proof of your marriage."
Hearing this, Alaric and Yskaela nodded.
After placing their thumbprints on the certificate, the empress took it and placed it inside a jade box for safekeeping.
"Congratulations! I pray you fortunes in life!" Sam Bartadamen congratulated the couple. He chatted with them briefly before he excused himself.
