Chapter 44 ~ Empress Luca
Luca and Belinda sat in the King and Queen's seats. The guests were gathered around and chatting with each other. Enjoying the entertainment. A typical Ravis dance and song. Belinda had no idea that there was such a tradition for entertainment here. All the Ravis enjoyed the entertainment very much.
Luca looked at Belinda with a wide smile, his eyes shining in the brilliant light emitted by the torches lit around them. “This is one of the oldest traditions in our kingdom,” he said proudly. “The dancing and singing is our way of celebrating unity and happiness.”
Belinda watched as the dancers moved swiftly, dressed in colorful, sparkling costumes. Their hands waved gracefully, while the sound of singing pierced the crisp night air. She felt alive in the moment, mesmerized by the beauty and culture that was entirely new to her.
“Did you like the show?” asked Luca, scrutinizing Belinda's reaction.
“It was amazing! I've never seen anything like it before,” Belinda replied, delighted. “All the guests seemed so happy.”
Luca nodded in agreement. “Now, as king and queen of the evening, we must join in the celebration. Come on, let's join the dancers!”
“Huh? I can't?” protested Belinda.
“I'll direct you slowly. Come on,” invited Luca, who had stood up from his seat.
Without hesitation, Luca extended his hand to Belinda. In an instant, they both stepped from their seats, mingling with the crowd. Belinda felt the flow of the music blending with the beating of her heart, and before she knew it, she was dancing, following the free movements of the dancers.
Laughter and joy filled the night, and Belinda felt as if she had forgotten everything that had ever happened before. Here, in the midst of Ravis culture, she found new freedom, and had never felt so alive.
“You enjoyed it, didn't you?” said Luca.
“Yes, we have it here too. It's a kind of dance or tango. I've learned a little,” Belinda replied.
She moved her body nimbly by holding Luca's hand, which was not so rigid in performing her dance, which was elegant and still showed the dignity of a king.
That night, under the soft moonlight, Belinda felt every beat of the music as if it flowed through every fiber of her body. Luca, with his graceful and confident movements, made her feel as if they were flying on a never-ending stage. Their clasped hands gave her a sense of security, as if the world outside disappeared, and they were alone in this magical moment.
“If you like ravis dancing, I'll teach you some new moves,” Luca said excitedly, his eyes sparkling.
Belinda smiled widely, “Of course! I want to learn from the best dancers in Ravis.”
Luca laughed, “The best dancer? I'm just a lucky ruler to have the opportunity to dance with you.” Luca smiled there. Their gazes were locked on each other.
The sound of the music flowed, filling the darkness of the night with joy. They both began to follow the rhythm, moving in harmony. Belinda felt a priceless sense of freedom, step by step, she forgot all the burdens in her heart.
In the center of the crowd, as Luca spun her up into the air as if defying gravity, Belinda felt a surge of adrenaline. She now not only felt like a queen in the palace, but also like a star in a show that would never end.
They danced in the moonlight that highlighted their every move. It was like a fairytale, a magical night, where the only thing that existed was them and the music filled the soul.
As the music died down, Luca pulled Belinda closer, their faces facing each other.
“I don't want this night to end,” he said softly, making Belinda look deeply into the eyes of the man she had just met.
“Neither do I,” Belinda replied sincerely. In her heart, she knew this night would forever remain as the most beautiful memory of her life.
As the dance ended. There were cheers from the audience who were amazed at their dance. Luca and Belinda looked at each other and carved beautiful smiles.
At that moment, the guests began to mingle and dance there.
Then Luca handed Belinda a drink and they drank with a toast.
“To our wedding celebration, my Queen...” Luca raised his glass with a sweet smile.
“Yes, for our wedding,” Belinda replied.
With the glass in hand, Belinda felt her heart pounding. Luca's words flowed softly, as if from his heart. “Our wedding,” she murmured to herself, feeling the meaning of it deeply, even though it all felt lightning fast.
The cheers of the guests warmed the atmosphere, as they joined in the celebration. Hearing Luca's words, Belinda couldn't help the smile that bloomed on her face.
She raised her glass replying, “To our marriage!” and instantly they were sipping drinks filled with sweetness and hope.
As their glasses touched, the surroundings seemed to stop for a moment, and it was just the two of them. Belinda looked at Luca gratefully. This party was not just about dancing or drinking; it was about the meeting of two souls who seemed destined to be together.
Just then, Zepon walked up to the two of them.
“Congratulations on your marriage,” Zepon said. “You do look special, Bell. No wonder Luca was immediately seduced by you,” Zepon said.
“Bell, Zepon is the number one ruler of Ravis. And he's also my Uncle,” Luca said, introducing Zepon.
“It's a pleasure to meet you, Empress Bell.” Zepon bowed his body slightly in respect to Belinda.
Belinda smiled with relief and nodded graciously, feeling the warm atmosphere brought about by Zepon's presence. “Thank you, Uncle Zepon. It's nice to meet you too,” she replied, trying to look calm despite her trembling heart.
Luca watched their interaction with pride. “Zepon was indeed a great help in the preparations for this wedding. Without him, it probably wouldn't have been as beautiful,” Luca said, complimenting his uncle.
“Ah, that's only a small part of my happiness. Seeing you two happy is enough to make me feel satisfied,” Zepon replied with a grin. He watched the young couple carefully, as if to scrutinize every detail of happiness on their faces.
“Bell,” Zepon continued, ”I hope you can remember one thing. In Ravis, the power of love is something that is highly valued. Treat this love wisely, and you will find many wonders in your life.”
Belinda nodded, remembering how important those words were. “I will guard this love, Uncle. I promise,” she replied firmly. She felt Zepon's sincere support, and it gave her extra strength.
Luca then took Belinda's hand, and felt the warmth between them. He was determined to take care of Belinda and give his best, even though the challenges ahead would probably be tough.
The two men exchanged glances, and Zepon nodded in understanding, realizing how much Belinda meant in Luca's life. With small talk and laughter, the atmosphere grew warmer, and the party resumed the sweet music that radiated joy.
Zepon then stood up a little straighter. “Let us join the other guests. Welcome those who are coming!”
Belinda and Luca nodded in unison, happy for their new adventure as a couple, accompanied by the support of their families. The three of them moved to the center of the crowd, where the cheers and music overcame all doubts, making the night one of the fondest memories of their lives.