As the applause gradually subsided, Theodora and Riz exchanged a glance, fully aware that their next step was to head to the mansion's garden where the awaiting guests were eager for their appearance.
Riz was mindful of tradition. He knew the guests wouldn't start eating until he and Theodora showed up.
It was a rule etched in custom and he had no intention of breaking.
To keep things moving, he linked arms with Theodora in a straightforward gesture.
They then began their stride toward the garden, with family members falling in behind them.
Amidst the calm surroundings of the mansion, they gradually reaching the garden, an area that has been transformed for the occasion.
Round tables were placed across the expanse, each adorned with crisp white linens and simple centrepieces of fresh wildflowers. Clusters of cushioned chairs encircled each table, their soft hues blending seamlessly with the natural backdrop.
The tables themselves stood as a testament to precision and care. Plates, gleaming in the gentle sunlight, were meticulously positioned. Polished silverware lay ready, while crystal glasses sparkled in readiness for toasts and conversations that would soon fill the air.
As Theodora and Riz advanced, they could see the extensive spread of food prepared for the celebration. Platters of delectable appetizers beckoned, boasting an array of flavours that catered to various palates.
The main courses promised both traditional favourites and innovative dishes, promising a delightful culinary journey. Sweet treats, displayed temptingly, rounded off the menu.
The awaiting guests swiftly redirected their focus as Riz and Theodora came into view.
A collective awareness spread through the gathering, and everyone rose from their seats, breaking into applause that resonated with genuine enthusiasm.
The clapping echoed in the garden as warm smiles and congratulatory gestures conveyed their genuine joy for the couple.
Theodora gracefully released Riz's arm, turning her attention to greet the noble ladies who had gathered. Her exchanges were marked by polite smiles and respectful nods.
"Congratulations, Riz," Nelson, the King of Naharog approached and spoke up to him.
"Thank you, Nelson," Riz replied, his eyes briefly scanning the crowd in search of a familiar figure that usually stood beside the King. "Where's Priest Gliibious?"
"He suddenly had to return to Turtevekesia," Nelson explained, his tone carrying a sense of significance. "He said he had an urgent report to deliver to his superiors."
"I see," Riz responded, a flicker of curiosity igniting within him about the matter that caused his departure. "Anyway, it's good to see you here, Nelson. Please enjoy the meal."
"I will gladly take up that offer," Nelson replied with a gracious nod. He then excused himself and began to make his way through the gathering.
As Nelson departed, Riz's gaze scanned the venue, a subtle sense of anticipation in his eyes.
However, despite his efforts, his search proved unfruitful.
Disappointment flickered briefly across his face.
"So they didn't come, huh?" Riz mused aloud. What he meant were Baldwin and his sister, Reina, notable absences that hadn't gone unnoticed.
As his eyes swept across the venue, he noticed his stepmother, Josephine, also scanning the crowd as well.
It was apparent that she was engaged in the same quest as him.
But there was a difference.
While Riz had anticipated their absence, Josephine's demeanour told a different story. Disappointment seemed to hang subtly in the air around her.
It was etched across her face, the faint crease between her brows and the slight downturn of her lips revealing her inner thoughts.
Clearly, she hadn't heeded his prior words and had a lot of expectations for their presence.
"Your Majesty," another guest approached him causing him to abandon the act of gazing at the crowd.
Alexander Lucas, a diplomat sent by the Inverloch Empire to negotiate the release of their captured prince, Kaelio, and soldiers, came into view.
The ongoing negotiations had seen some progress, with Riz's terms for release more or less accepted by Inverloch.
There had been some modifications made, particularly regarding the captured soldiers.
Until the agreed-upon payment from Inverloch arrived, Riz had no intention of releasing the detained soldiers.
This predicament left Alexander with little choice but to remain in Bideford, facilitating the process until the end.
Periodically, Alexander made trips to the prison island where Prince Kaelio was held captive.
However, Riz ensured Alexander was accompanied and closely monitored during each visit.
To prevent the development of any potential friendship, different individuals were assigned to accompany Alexander on each visit.
"Alexander! How's your trip to the prison island?" Riz inquired.
Alexander's expression, initially cheerful, shifted to a more sombre one. "I'm not satisfied with how you treat our prince," he stated plainly.
Riz responded, his tone measured, "I've already addressed your concerns. He's been moved from the lowest cell to an upper one, granting him more sunlight and improved conditions. You should consider this a concession from me. Things could get even worse."
"I suppose you have a point," Alexander conceded.
Alexander's mind briefly recalled the first time he had been escorted to Prince Kaelio's cell.
It had been the lowest and most secluded one in the prison.
The condition in which he had found Prince Kaelio was haunting.
Scars crisscrossed his body. Malnourishment had emaciated the prince's frame, a stark contrast to the healthy figure Alexander had remembered.
Most importantly, the prince's mind teetering on the edge of a precipice, sanity hanging by a fragile thread.
The prince's eyes, once filled with life and vitality, had been reduced to vacant orbs devoid of light, mirroring the torment he had suffered.
"Shifting to another topic, have you seen anyone from Inver?" Riz asked, his gaze briefly flitting towards the empty seat reserved for the delegate from the Kingdom of Inver.
He hoped for a face-to-face explanation from King Issac himself, or at the very least, a letter detailing the incident involving the Inverloch soldiers.
The earlier he could clear up the accusation pinned on him, the better.
"Like you, I've been searching as well," Alexander responded, his tone carrying a sense of shared disappointment. His reaction indicated his lack of success in locating the Inverloch delegates.
"Can we see this as if they are the ones responsible?" Riz posed the question, his tone veering more towards suggestion, attempting to deflect the blame to Inver.
"Hmm... I can't say for sure," Alexander responded cautiously.
He didn't want to make abrupt alterations to the existing scenario that Inverloch had established. "Let's wait until your wedding week is over."
"Well... let's wait, then," Riz acknowledged, a tinge of disappointment evident in his voice.
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