246: Love beyond traditions

Love beyond traditions

"Let us give the young couple some privacy then," Kaiser said with satisfaction before leaving the guest chambers. The Archduchess and Leopold von Conradie followed suit, and Adela's eyes followed them until the door was pulled, leaving a slight crack of space between it and the frame.1

When she turned to face her beloved, who was still lying on the bed next to her chair, Egon seemed lost in thoughts again.

"…Are you worried about Bastian?" She asked, concerned about the distant expression on his face.

His eyes drifted her way and softened. "Not with that witch with him. No."

Adela pressed a fist to her lips, trying to stifle her laughter.

"Why are you laughing?" Egon asked, amusement evident in his voice.

"You said 'witch' instead of 'warlock'," she managed to say, her amusement bubbling through her words.

His expression of amusement lingered. "It suits him." He took her hand in his and brushed a thumb over the promise ring. "But let us not talk about him."

She sighed, feeling the weight of the day's events settling on her shoulders.

"I wished for some privacy with you, but it seems that circumstances had other plans..."

"We will have all the time in the world to be alone, love. I have the capacity to wait for just a short while longer." He brought her hand to his lips, igniting a dull fire in her insides. "Just a little more patience. Are you all right?" he asked softly, his thumb caressing her cheek.

"I am... just a bit overwhelmed."

"You performed a miracle," he said with a concerned tone. "Don't you want to sleep for a while?"

She shook her head, leaving him was the last thing she wanted to do now.

He smiled. "Let us look forward from now on, the farewell ceremony is approaching."

She bit her lips. "Tell me all about that. I have only read about it in books."

He licked his lips as he thought about that for a moment, and what that did to her stomach made her flush.

"The Kolihsan farewell is about sacrifice. Women there value their freedom, and they make a ceremony out of giving it up for their life partner." His eyes twinkled, "It's a profound expression of commitment."

Adela looked up at him, her curiosity piqued. "Tell me more."

Egon's hawk-like eyes remained fixed on hers as he explained, "In the Kolihsan tradition, the farewell ceremony serves as a way for the royal family to wed their daughters or sons during times of grief. It is a solemn public declaration of their matrimony, rather than a joyous celebration."

He gently pressed his thumb between her eyebrows when she frowned, trying to ease her tension.

"The Kolihsans believe that a marriage ceremony can withstand difficult times, as long as it is founded on deep emotions. During the ceremony, you would wear a red veil that covers your face, and it is expected that tears would flow. In fact, the more a bride sheds tears in Kolhis, the more successful the ceremony is believed to be."

She listened intently, her heart fluttering at his words. "But why the red veil? And why do I have to cry?" 

Egon's fingers tenderly brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

"Legend has it that the first ceremony of this kind took place when an Empress lost the love of her life in a fierce battle. To continue ruling over her people, she had to wed his brother and make a sacrifice for the greater good, even while covered in the blood of her fallen love."

He let out a disapproving click of his tongue as her eyes welled up with tears.

"In honor of their Empress's selfless act, Kolihsan women began the tradition of wearing the red veil. The tears are a symbol of mourning, just as the Empress mourned when she married her beloved's brother."

"What do they mourn?" 

"Now? Well... Kolihsan women shed tears to mourn the loss of their freedom. The more a bride cries, the more it signifies that she is a free spirit who values her independence, but love surpasses that, and she willingly ties herself to one man." He finished with a playful smirk.

Adela couldn't resist the urge to touch him, her fingertips gently tracing the outline of his jaw. "It seems so different and dark, very far from Emorian traditions," she whispered.

His eyes held a deep sincerity as he spoke, his voice low and serious. "I only suggested it out of respect for your father, who is mourning his brother. Otherwise, I truly planned on following whatever makes you comfortable... You do want to get married as soon as possible too, right? I am not the only one."

Her heart warmed at his adorable eagerness to marry her. She nodded, her eyes shining with affection. "Yes, you are not the only one. I want to be with you, Egon, as soon as we can make it happen."

He held her hand tightly and kissed the ring on her finger, his lips lingering there. "You are the light of my life, and I will cherish you always," he whispered affectionately. "Now, let's discuss the location of the wedding." He lowered her hand and waited for her answer.

"As per the Baroness's suggestion, a neutral location would be best."

"...It won't be a grand celebration. I feel like a fool now; I should have consulted you before planning everything on my own."

Adela reached out and touched his cheek, the muscles of her stomach contracting when he planted a soft kiss on her wrist. "A grand celebration has always been an expectation rather than what I would want."

"And what would you want?" he asked, genuine curiosity in his eyes.

She smiled lovingly. "You."

His eyes widened slightly before melting into an expression of pure joy. "That is good to hear. I will plan a celebration that will not disappoint you." His gaze drifted to the window, where the half-moon shone bright in the sky. "Twelve days for the farewell ceremony, and fourteen for our wedding," he murmured, then frowned. "Too long."

Adela couldn't help but giggle at his impatience. The preparations were already behind schedule, and the mansion was bustling with activity. Still, the excitement in her heart outweighed any concerns.

His hand gently caressed her cheek, and his thumb brushed against her lower lip. "You have no idea how much I adore you," he whispered huskily.

She gave him a shy smile in response, "I can't wait to be your bride." 

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