The wedding everyone had been eagerly anticipating finally came to pass.


    This morning, luck was on their side, with the sun shining warmly, and not a cloud in the sky.


    The castle was a sight to behold, adorned with vibrant, fragrant, and beautifully blooming red roses along every stairway, stretching out from within its walls all the way to the quaint little chapel behind it.


    It was like something out of a fairy tale.


    Family and friends from both sides were dressed to the nines, glowing with happiness as they gathered outside, eagerly awaiting the bride''s entrance.


    "Herees the bride!"


    Evadne''s bright and cheerful voice echoed through the castle''s grand hall as she, along with Camille and Nydia, apanied Mari. Dressed in a stunning white wedding gown, Mari looked as pure and beautiful as an angel, slowly stepping into view.


    At this moment, all the men were already at the chapel, leaving mostly the women from both families present, except for Thaddeus, Jason, and Bet who had no role in fetching the bride.


    Mari, with her delicate features and serene beauty, looked breathtaking in the simple yet elegant wedding dress designed by Camille, which highlighted her understated elegance without overshadowing her natural beauty.


    She shyly lifted her clear, doe-like eyes, smiling sweetly.


    Next to her, the roses in the castle seemed to have lost their luster, paling inparison.


    Only she stood out, radiant and unmatched.


    Despite her diligent efforts to take care of her health, eating well, taking her medications, and resting with Jareth''s support, the winter chill of Bastan still made


    her shiver slightly, even under the warmth of her thick, white fur shawl.


    "Careful, Mari," Evadne quickly steadied her, with Nydia and Camille also showing concern.


    Mari looked up at Evadne, her beautiful brows knitting together in a moment of self-reproach.


    It was heartbreaking for anyone to see.


    Mari had once been tormented by mental illness, faced cold stares, and endured hardships. Now, just as she was about to embrace happiness with the love of her life, fate seemed cruelly intent on taking away her health.


    Evadne''s eyes welled up with tears, but she gripped Mari''s hand tightly, smiling softly, "It''s alright, our Mari is just a bit nervous, being a bride for the first time."


    "We''re here for you, Mari, don''t be scared!" Camille chimed in with a heartyugh, though her eyes too shimmered with moisture.


    Stepping outside, a vintage, luxurious carriage awaited, ready to whisk away its princess to her fairytale wedding.


    Mari blinked her clear eyes, taking in her surroundings.


    "Sorry, sorry! I''mte!" Aaron arrived, out of breath and sweating.


    "You little rascal, why are you only just getting here? Everyone''s been waiting; you''re thest!" Suri rushed forward to straighten her son''s crooked bow tie and button up his suit jacket, her tone a mix of annoyance and concern. "Your sister, the firstdy, traveled all the way from Helgen, arriving the night beforest. What could possibly be so important that you couldn''t escape in time? Making everyone wait just for you, do you have any shame?"


    "Sorry, Mom, the flight was dyed. My fault, my fault," Aaron wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking genuinely remorseful.


    "Mom, don''t scold him. He''s been working so hard on his casestely, barely has time to sleep. Go easy on him," Debby said softly, always the peacemaker.


    Aaron, seizing the opportunity, pleaded, "Yeah, Mom, show me some love." "Love my foot!"


    Suri couldn''t help butugh, even as she poked her youngest son in the chest, "Your sister and brother have spoiled you rotten, treating you like a prince. You''ve grown up without a clue, no sense of propriety. You deserve a spanking!"


    At the mention of Hubery, Aaron and Debby fell silent, their hearts heavy.


    Suri''s eyes too filled with tears, but she quickly changed the subject, "Aaron, look, isn''t the bride beautiful?"


    Aaron turned, his gaze finding Mari. Their eyes met in a an, pure exchange devoid of romantic entanglement.


    Mari''s smile brightened, waving a red rose in his direction.


    Aaron smiled back, his eyes growing misty. The sight of the beautiful bride became a blur through his tears.


    He couldn''t deny his regrets, but he harbored no resentment, nor did he wish to


    rectify what was lost. All he wanted was for her to be happy.


    Standing beside the carriage, Thaddeus, in a sleek ck suit chosen to avoid overshadowing the groom, looked dashing enough to make anyone''s heart skip a


    beat.


    As her brother, it was his role to escort his beloved sister to her new life. Watching Mari approach, Thaddeus'' heart swelled with emotion, his eyes moistening, but his smile was full of joy and pride for his sister.


    Mari, her cheeks flushed with excitement, ced her hand in her brother''s.


    This moment, watched quietly by Evadne from behind, filled her heart with aplex mix of emotions.


    From the moment she fell in love with Thaddeus, she had dreamed of their wedding day, yearning for a grand celebration that would be the envy of all. She was a simple woman at heart, desiring a love that was loud and proud.


    Because she was Evadne, her love was the most fervent rose among these sprawling hills.


    Yet, reality was often harsh and full of twists.


    Still, she had faith in him. Everything woulde in time.


    "Wait, wait a minute!"


    Just as Thaddeus was about to help Mari into the carriage, a sweet, urgent voice called out-


    Everyone turned to see Ste, daintily running towards them with a delicate ck velvet box in one hand and her dress''s hem in the other, rushing to Mari''s side.


    True to her princess demeanor, every motion was graceful andposed, a sight worthy of being immortalized in a painting.


    Her most unguarded, chaotic, and disheveled moments, like her first kiss, were all given to Bet.


    The two stunningly beautiful girls faced each other, Mari blinking in surprise. Ste pressed her lips together, opening the box in her hands-


    A crown of purest silver, adorned with a constetion of teardrop diamonds, suddenly made its grand entrance, casting enchanting shadows across Mari''s astonished visage, radiating an air of opulence.


    It was captivating, utterly intoxicating.


    This was no mere piece of jewelry; it was a beacon of royal brilliance, a testament to majesty and power!


    From the back of the room, Bet''s heart skipped a beat as his eyes widened in


    awe.


    In the Helgen royal family, each female member is bestowed a unique crown at birth, a family heirloom to apany her throughout life. These crowns are worn only on the most solemn and significant asions.


    And yet, here was this youngdy, boldly bringing out such a treasure. Such audacity!


    "My goodness. Is that a royal crown? It''s stunning!" Nydia couldn''t help but gasp, covering her mouth in amazement.


    "Could you imagine the price this would fetch at an auction?!" Camille, no stranger to high society, was equally mesmerized.


    "This is a crown of the Helgen royalty, a symbol of power and status. It''s passed down through generations, never to be auctioned. To do so would be beneath their dignity," someone remarked.


    Evadne couldn''t take her eyes off the crown, even she, a top-tier jewelry designer, was subdued by its allure.


    Just then, Ste lifted her bright, smiling eyes, her voice brimming with joy:


    "Mari, this is my wedding gift to you. Wishing you all the happiness in your new


    life."