82: 82 Engagement

82 Engagement

Alen’s pov 0

Even though it was just an engagement, according to royal traditions, the ceremony was highly grand. Because of the dreadful curse, every Lycan king would die at a young age. Therefore, the royal engagement ceremony was of great importance as it declared a new marriage and a new king, and most importantly, a new heir.

In short, according to tradition, the engagement ceremony would commence from the palace. Delia would walk out of the palace surrounded by numerous handmaidens. Guided by Susanna, she would be escorted to the temple where Crown Prince Kral awaited her for the formal ceremony.

The engagement ceremony would take place under the watchful eyes of the Moon Goddess. All the noble werewolves would attend, considering it the highest honor. After the ceremony, Prince Kral would return to the palace with Delia, or rather, the future queen. At that time, the entire city would celebrate and congratulate them.

Now, as the security chief for the ceremony, I led the royal guards dressed in golden armor and adorned with the red royal emblem, waiting for Delia's arrival.

"How much longer do we have to wait?" A younger member of the guard team asked.

"We can't be late; otherwise, His Highness will be angry," another man replied, while his horse on the right side started to neigh impatiently.

We arrived here at noon and have been waiting for a long time. The guards on the team were starting to get restless.

"Quiet!" I furrowed my brow. The members of the guard team were personally selected by me and Prince Kral. They accompanied us to the Red Moon Pack to find Delia. They knew Delia's situation in the Red Moon Pack better than anyone else. So, although they were extremely loyal to Kral, I knew they also aligned more with the Elder's thoughts. Delia was too weak, both in terms of her status and abilities. Catherine, indeed, was a better match for the prince.

"Watch your behavior, gentlemen!" I shouted sternly, scanning the few individuals who were expressing their complaints. They all lowered their heads under my gaze.

The entire team regained its composure and quieted down once again.

I was also puzzled. Why isn't Delia ready now? I furrowed my brow and glanced at the position of the sun. It was gradually nearing the peak of the western mountains. The designated time for the ceremony was approaching.

"Creak~" Finally, the palace gates slowly opened.

Susanna was not wearing her usual favorite gray dress but instead had changed into a light yellow gown. The royal emblem was embroidered on her golden cape.

"Alen," Susanna lifted her gray eyes, scanning me and the guards, "we can go now."

Behind her, a carriage drawn by three pure white horses appeared, surrounded by numerous handmaidens. The carriage had silver wheels and was adorned with thick velvet curtains. Each curtain was embellished with the royal emblem, composed of pure gold gemstone combinations. As a gentle breeze blew, the brass bells hanging at the corners of the carriage jingled. The curtains fluttered, creating shimmering waves, and a faint fragrance of flowers filled the air.

Anyone who lays eyes on this prestigious and magnificent carriage would understand that a highly esteemed individual is seated inside. The handmaidens were dressed in similar light yellow dresses as Susanna. They held large bouquets of lilies and maintained a smiling expression on either side of the carriage. It was evident that Susanna had taught the maids about etiquette. Suddenly, I felt that our wait was worthwhile.

"Let's go!" I drew my longsword and shouted loudly.

All the guards raised the red royal flags and swung their horsewhips.

Under the setting sun, the yellow sunlight illuminated the ground. The soldiers holding the flags shook off their red cloaks and rode their horses out of the palace. The white steeds pulled the grand, the carriage slowly forward. The crisp sound of bells accompanied our footsteps. The maidens in yellow gowns cradled golden lilies, leaving a trail of fluttering golden petals along the path the carriage passed. The air carried a faint, sweet fragrance.

The sun sank below the horizon, leaving behind a trail of splendid colors as darkness gradually rose. Finally, before the moon emerged, we arrived at the entrance of the temple.

"Who are you?" The temple guards wore special armor adorned with purple patterns. Their spears gleamed coldly in their hands.

"I am Alen. Today is the engagement ceremony of Crown Prince Kral and Delia. I am here to escort Delia as agreed," I shouted at them.

"In the name of the Moon Goddess and His Highness the Prince!" I raised my arm, and threw the flag towards the guards.

The guards with purple-patterned armor unfurled the flag and nodded in acknowledgement. They took a step back and said, "Open the gate."

With a heavy creak, the towering purple and gold gates slowly opened. Unlike the solemn air around the temple guards, the atmosphere inside the temple was joyous and warm. It was filled with nobles conversing and laughing.

The sound of the opening gates startled the gathered nobles. The lively banquet abruptly fell silent. Crown Prince Kral, seated alone on the throne, raised his golden eyes and, scanning through the crowd, locked his gaze precisely on the carriage behind me.

"Your Highness! Delia has arrived!" I dismounted gracefully and bowed.

The guards behind me took their positions, and under Susanna's guidance, the carriage slowly entered the hall, drawing the attention of the crowd. The sound of brass bells echoed through the hall, and the flower-bearing maidens followed suit. Moonlight streamed through the windows, adding a touch of sanctity to the illuminated temple.

Tap, tap. The rhythmic footsteps of Crown Prince Kral resonated throughout the hall. His black hair was neatly groomed, accentuating his handsome features. His golden eyes were even more captivating under the glow of the candles. His tall figure exuded an imposing presence, emphasized by the crimson ceremonial robe. Today, Crown Prince Kral resembled a proud male lion, its mane flowing gracefully.

Now, this arrogant lion descended from his lofty throne, crossed the long steps, and approached the delicate flower with the patience of a hunter. He slowly drew closer to Delia's carriage.

Susanna had already positioned herself by the carriage. As Kral stood beside the carriage, she quickly opened the red velvet curtains.

"Delia, it's me," Prince Kral's deep voice resonated, his gentle tone capable of captivating any woman. He extended a gentlemanly hand, his broad palm resembling a resting perch, patiently awaiting Delia's response.

A beautiful hand emerged from behind the red curtain, like a white fish caught on a hook.

A perfect smile formed on Kral's lips. Then, with his support, Delia slowly emerged from the luxurious confines of the carriage.

In the next moment, I heard gasps from the onlookers. My Moon Goddess, it felt as if I had witnessed a lily blooming under the moonlight.

I knew Delia was beautiful, but her beauty often blossomed solely for Prince Kral. However, in this engagement ceremony, almost everyone was captivated by her beauty.

Delia wore a magnificent pure white off-the-shoulder fishtail gown that trailed gracefully along the floor, accentuating her slender waist. Behind her shoulders, two delicate lace pieces cascaded down like the beautiful wings of an elf. Her chestnut hair was meticulously styled, with numerous tiny pearls interwoven through the strands, emitting a warm radiance. A large round pearl hung delicately between her eyebrows, and her skin was even more exquisite than the pearl itself. Her lovely face resembled the moon, and the spark in her eyes shone like moonlight, illuminating the entire resplendent hall.

"My Moon Goddess, does our future queen possess such extraordinary beauty?" murmured a nobleman who had arrived from afar, unable to contain his awe.

Kral held Delia's hand as they ascended the steps slowly. As they passed by the guests, everyone bowed deeply in reverence for the couple.

They did it not only because of respect for Prince Kral's majesty, but for admiration of Delia's beauty.

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