Chapter 432 Only Light Remained
Chapter 432 Only Light Remained
The royal gardens of the palace bloomed with vibrant life under the warm spring sun. Nightshade flowers intertwined with white roses along stone pathways, while ancient oak trees provided gentle shade for the gathered guests. Colorful banners in crimson and gold fluttered from temporary poles, and a delicate wooden arch stood at the end of a petal-strewn aisle, woven with ivy and wildflowers. It was a perfect day for a wedding.
In one of the private chambers, Elara sat before a polished silver mirror, her hands trembling slightly with nerves. Augustine, her mother, carefully adjusted the flowing sleeves of her pale green gown embroidered with silver thread.
Camilla worked on braiding sections of Elara’s fiery red hair, weaving in small white flowers. Faye, one of the royal nursemaids, pinned a delicate veil into place.
“You look like a forest spirit,” Camilla said softly, stepping back to admire her work. “Ryker won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
Elara smiled nervously, touching the intricate betrothal necklace Ryker had given her. “I still can’t believe this is happening. A year ago I was hiding in our little cottage, and now…”
Audrey stood nearby, gently rocking little Tia in her arms. The baby cooed happily, tiny fingers clutching at the fabric of Audrey’s gown.
“You deserve every bit of this happiness,” Audrey said warmly, her voice full of affection. “After everything you did for us, fighting Mistress, protecting my children. Ryker is lucky to have you.”
Elara’s eyes misted over as she looked at Audrey. “And I’m lucky to have all of you. If it weren’t for your kindness, I might still be hiding in fear.”
Augustine stepped back, wiping her own tears. “My girl… you’ve grown into such a strong woman. Your father would be so proud.”
Faye finished with the final touches, stepping away with a satisfied smile. “There. You’re ready, my lady.”
Elara stood and turned to face them. The gown hugged her figure elegantly, the green fabric shimmering like sunlight through leaves. She looked radiant.
Audrey shifted Tia to her other arm and reached out to squeeze Elara’s hand. “Remember to breathe. Ryker has been pacing the garden for an hour already. He’s just as nervous as you are.”
A soft laugh escaped Elara. “That somehow makes me feel better.”
The women escorted her down to the gardens. Music from lutes and harps floated through the air as they approached. Guests turned, murmuring in admiration. Darius stood near the front, holding Am securely in one arm, looking every bit the proud king in his formal tunic.
Cordelia and the Oracle sat among the nobles, both smiling. Ryker waited beneath the floral arch, dressed in a dark green doublet with gold accents, his usual gloves replaced by fine leather ones for the occasion. His eyes widened the moment he saw Elara.
Audrey took her place beside Darius, still holding Tia close. The baby reached out toward the colorful scene, gurgling happily. Darius leaned over and kissed Audrey’s temple.
“Our family keeps growing,” he whispers to her.
The ceremony began as the sun reached its peak. An elderly priest, robed in white and silver, stepped forward under the arch.
“Today we witness the union of Lord Ryker, loyal guardian of the realm, hand of the king, and Lady Arya of House Rosenthal, brave protector. May the goddess bless this bond as she has blessed our kingdom.”
Ryker took Elara’s hands, his voice steady but thick with emotion. “Elara… rosebud. From the first moment I saw you, I knew my heart had found its home. You brought light into my darkness. You stood beside me when fire consumed my past. Today, I promise to protect you, to cherish you, and to love you for every day the goddess grants us. No flames will ever burn what we build together.”
Elara’s voice trembled at first, then grew stronger. “Ryker, you taught me to be brave. You saw strength in me when I only saw fear. You gave me a family and a future I never dreamed of. I promise to stand with you through every battle, to hold you when the weight feels too heavy, and to love you with all the fire in my heart. You are my home.”
The priest smiled and bound their hands together with a ribbon of green and gold. “Then by the power of the goddess and the kingdom, I pronounce you husband and wife.”
Ryker pulled Elara close and kissed her deeply, one hand cupping her cheek. The guests erupted into cheers and applause. Flower petals rained down from baskets held by servants, showering the couple in white and pink.
Audrey wiped happy tears from her eyes as she watched. Tia clapped her tiny hands, as if understanding the joy around her. Darius wrapped his free arm around Audrey’s waist, pulling her and their daughter closer.
“Look at them,” he murmured. “They remind me of us.”
After the ceremony, long tables were set up in the garden under silk canopies. Music played as servants brought platters of roasted meats, fresh bread, honeyed fruits, and spiced wine. Ryker and Elara sat at the head table, hands intertwined, barely able to stop smiling at each other.
Augustine and Camilla sat nearby, beaming with pride. Camilla raised her cup. “To my sister and her brave husband. May your flames always burn together, never against each other.”
Laughter rippled through the guests.
Ryker stood, pulling Elara up with him. “Thank you all for being here. Especially to Their Majesties, King Darius and Queen Audrey. Without your kindness, none of this would have been possible. You gave us shelter, safety, and hope when we needed it most.”
Darius raised his own cup in response. “To Ryker and Elara. May your marriage be as strong as the bonds that saved this kingdom.”
Audrey smiled, bouncing Tia gently. The little girl reached toward the couple, babbling excitedly. Elara laughed and came over, taking Tia into her arms for a moment.
“One day I hope to have a family as beautiful as yours,” Elara whispered to Audrey.
“You already have one,” Audrey replied, squeezing her hand. “We’re all here together.”
As the afternoon stretched into evening, lanterns were lit along the garden paths. Couples danced on a cleared stone area while musicians played lively tunes. Ryker spun Elara around, her laughter ringing out freely. Even the Oracle joined in one dance, moving slowly but with genuine joy.
Later, as the sky turned orange and pink, Audrey found a quiet moment with Darius on a stone bench beneath an oak tree. Am and Tia were both asleep in a nearby cradle tended by Faye.
Darius pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her. “This is what we fought for,”
he said softly. “Moments like these. Peace, love and family.”
Audrey rested her head against his shoulder. “I’m so grateful. For all of it.”
They sat in comfortable silence, watching Ryker and Elara dance one final slow song as the stars began to appear. The couple looked completely lost in each other, the world fading away around them.
When the music ended, Ryker scooped Elara up amid cheers and carried her toward their chambers, both of them laughing. The guests sent them off with more petals and well wishes.
Audrey and Darius remained a while longer, enjoying the peaceful night air. The palace gardens, once a place of quiet reflection, now felt full of new beginnings.
As they finally rose to return inside, Darius kissed her gently. “Thank you for giving me this life, Audrey. For healing more than just my curse.”
She smiled up at him, heart full. “Thank you for choosing to live it with me.”
Hand in hand, they walked back toward the palace lights, their children safe, their friends celebrating, and their kingdom at peace.
The darkness was gone and only light remained.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐃!
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠! ♡♡
𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭 ❣