Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 20. The Wedding Celebration II

The royal couple walked to the two empty seats at the end of the long table and turned to face the guests.

Everyone in the room bowed, including the servants.
"Congratulations on your wedding, Your Majesty, Your Highness," they said. Their voices sounded like an orchestra, filling the room.

"Thank you," said Angel.

The others raised their heads. Their eyes remained fixed on that royal couple with their thoughts and assumptions in their heads.

Then Angel started his wedding speech.
"Good evening, everyone. First of all, I would like to thank all of you for coming here despite the short notice. This wedding and--" He turned to Rose and took her hand gently. His eyes softened and a warm smile appeared on his lips. Likewise, with Rose, she smiled happily at him.
"---Rose means the world to me even more than my victory over three kingdoms." Although to show his seriousness and his original plan required him to show his affection for Rose, he also didn't deny the truth of what he said came from the bottom of his heart.

He turned to the guests.
"When I met Rose at the Peace Alliance Meeting five years ago, I felt something different in her, something I can't put into words. Sadly, due to misunderstanding, we had to be reunited on the battlefield. It was hard for us to get through it, but I'm glad our misunderstanding has ended. I never thought that this day would come to me and I have never been happier than when she agreed to marry me or today when she finally became my wife. This marriage is not only for us but also for Euphorion and Zephyrus. I hope this wedding will improve the two kingdoms' relationship and as a message of peace to the Andromeda Continent. I cannot thank you enough for all the support. Especially--" He gestured at Chancellor Allan to stand up from his seat and the Chancellor did his bidding.
" --- Chancellor Allan who helped me organize this party in such a short time."

The chancellor smiled and bowed slightly to show his polite gesture before he sat back down.

Then he turned to Rose.
"Would you like to say something to our guest, Rose?"

"I have. But not for the guests, it's for you," she said with a smile. Her hand gripped him tightly. From the reflection in her eyes, he was the only one there.
"I want to thank you for the kindness and love that you have given me. You cannot imagine how happy I am to be your wife. How I cherish this moment. Also, I promise I will spend the rest of my life being the kind of wife you deserve. You are my king and my love, and I am honoured to call you husband," she said in a gentle tone.

The guests' eyes fell on Angel and Rose after they heard her confession. At first, they thought this was a political marriage, but the couple's words and gestures indicated something else.

The gentle smile on the cold king's face grew wider.
"Thank you." Then his attention returned to the guests.
"Once again, thank you for joining us here today and--" He extended his hand to the other side. A servant swiftly handed him a glass of champagne and he raised it slightly at the guests. So did Rose and the other guests.
"- although a little late I would like to say welcome to Euphorion," he ended his speech. Everything was according to the script and both of them were the main actors of the show, yet that sounded like a confession to them. Something that came from their heart.

He sipped his champagne, followed by another. As that richness and subtle harmonious taste of champagne flowed in his mouth, his eyes glanced at several people, especially Asteria's delegation. Even though Angel was sure the Duke wasn't a spy, he definitely had to convey what happened here to King Gervis and Ilex as well as Ophelia. And he could guess what he did would hurt Ophelia's heart, yet he had no choice since he had to make Ophelia forget him. But his main target was Ilex.

After that, he and Rose sat in their chairs and put down their glasses. Which was followed by the others.

Swiftly, the servants placed a plate in front of everyone and opened the food cloches. A well-made dish appeared in front of them. Its fragrant smell stimulated everyone's appetite.

"Please enjoy the dinner."