The morning sun bathed the capital of Eldoria in golden light, signaling the start of a day unlike any other.
Today, Cedric Ashford, former Royal Advisor, was getting married.
The grand halls of the palace had been transformed for the occasion, filled with hanging silken drapes of deep crimson and gold, glistening chandeliers, and the scent of fresh roses.
But despite the grandeur, there was an air of finality about it.
Because today, Cedric was not just marrying Lady Eleanor Belmont, a noblewoman of esteemed lineage—he was also walking away from politics forever.
---
The Ceremony Begins
The cathedral was packed with nobles, guards, and royal figures. Every seat was taken, and every eye was watching.
King Aldric, still frail from illness, had insisted on attending, though his presence was kept discreet.
Evangeline and Lucian stood near the front, their gazes unreadable.
Tobias and Isolde sat beside each other, a quiet tension between them—one that had not yet been resolved.
Even Gareth, the battle-hardened commander, looked almost… reflective.
Cedric himself stood at the altar, his expression unreadable, his usually confident stance rigid.
He was a man used to playing games, manipulating hearts, and controlling fates.
But today, for the first time in years, he felt uncertain.
Because this was real.
And he couldn't control it.
Then, the doors swung open.
Lady Eleanor stepped in.
The moment Cedric saw her, his breath hitched.
She was stunning.
Dressed in a gown of soft ivory lace, embroidered with golden thread, she looked every bit the noble bride.
But it wasn't just her beauty that struck him.
It was the way she carried herself—poised, elegant, unshaken.
She knew exactly what she was doing.
As she approached, Cedric felt something shift inside him.
This was it.
His past was over.
His future stood before him.
---
The Vows
The ceremony was solemn, heavy with meaning.
Cedric stood perfectly still as Eleanor reached him, her dark brown eyes locking onto his.
"I take thee, Lord Cedric Ashford, to be my husband," she said, her voice smooth, unwavering.
Cedric swallowed hard.
He had never expected to feel… nervous.
"I take thee, Lady Eleanor Belmont, to be my wife."
His voice was steady, but his heart pounded.
The rings were exchanged.
The vows were sealed.
And when the priest finally declared, "You may kiss the bride," Cedric hesitated for the briefest moment.
Because for the first time in his life, he was bound to someone in a way that wasn't part of a scheme.
Then, as Eleanor lifted her gaze, something flickered between them—a silent understanding.
So he leaned in, pressing a soft, deliberate kiss to her lips.
And just like that—
Cedric Ashford was no longer his own man.
---
The Celebration
The wedding feast was held in the grand ballroom, where laughter, music, and wine flowed freely.
Cedric sat beside his new wife, watching as dancers twirled across the floor and nobles drank themselves into oblivion.
But despite the celebration, there was an undercurrent of something bittersweet.
Because this was goodbye.
Not to his wife—but to everything else.
To power.
To intrigue.
To the very life he had built.
---
A Moment with Evangeline
As the celebration wore on, Evangeline approached him, her blue eyes shining with something unreadable.
"I never thought I'd see the day you'd leave politics," she murmured, sipping her wine.
Cedric smirked. "Neither did I."
"But you did." She tilted her head. "Why?"
His gaze flickered to Eleanor, who was laughing quietly with a group of noblewomen.
"She was the only thing left that I didn't have to manipulate," he admitted. "And I was… tired."
Evangeline studied him for a long moment before smiling.
"I think you'll be happy," she said softly.
Cedric exhaled. "I hope so."
---
A Final Goodbye
The night grew late.
The guests began to depart.
And for the first time in years, Cedric felt… free.
No more secrets.
No more lies.
Just him, and Eleanor, and whatever their future held.
He turned to his wife, offering her his hand.
"Shall we?" he asked.
Eleanor smiled—genuine, unguarded.
And as they stepped away from the ballroom, leaving behind the palace, the politics, and the past—Cedric knew.
This was the beginning of something real.