Chapter 65

• From the palace to the Commander-in-Chief’s estate, the bride price lined up in carriages. All the people in the capital were shocked and confused at this symbolized marriage announcement. When they saw the king and the general paraded in their red wedding robes and gem-filled golden headdresses, perched on an open carriage from Daramir’s estate toward the palace, there were gasps and murmurs. The stupefaction turned into a chorus of well wishes for them both.
• The king still held his bride’s hand and gazed at her unmasked beautiful face. Xedarri ensured that her scar was completely covered by makeup. He didn’t mind his bride’s scar on the forehead, as it reminded him of how she saved his life and vice versa. Their oneness in the battlefield at the time.
• The wedding was attended by all the magistrates in the kingdom, not to mention the Commander-in-Chief, court officials, concubines, servants, and the elated Crown Prince Xaderrius. They all waited for them at the palace gates. A platform was already set up there for the king and his new queen to perform the ceremony in front of their subjects. The royal bodyguards surrounded it and were alert more than ever. So were the soldiers from the Northern Border. They were armed to the teeth, with their eyes fierce as if they were going to war.