The couples were dancing on the dancefloor within the ballroom of the Silvas. Others were at the buffet, like Charmy and Rill, guests were talking between the white marble pillars or on the balconies above, where they had a perfect view over the whole ballroom. Outside, the sunset bathed the usually silver and white hall in golden and soft red light, while countless autumn leaves were dancing as well in the wind.
It was quite a sight to witness, a royal wedding during autumn. At least, according to auntie Océane and to all the others royals she knew.
Vanessa still didn't quite understand why it was considered improper for royalty to get married during certain months of the year or during certain seasons. At least one season, which was autumn for some reason. A wedding was always great, no matter the period of the year it was celebrated. Even November weddings had their own charms.
Well, it wasn't like that those bigot royals and nobles had any choice in the first place. And they didn't dare to protest to much since Nozels ultimatum. Either royalty and nobility will accept that the Head of the royal house of Silva has chosen a witch as his wife or he will give up on his royal status completely.
Who would have thought that all those bigots from royalty and nobility would have such a panic attack from this mere perspective? King Augustus and lord Achilles Vermillion even both almost had a heart attack when Nozel had made this declaration. Were those two jerks so used to disrespect Nozel in such subtle ways that the mere thought of never being able to do it again scared them so much?
Well, in the end, Nozel kept his royal status and that direct threat would make the bigots keep the mouths shut, at least for a moment. Next time they will be bold enough to question Nozels decision considering house Silva, they will also have to deal with the new lady Silva, wife of the Head of House.
Vanessa smiled. She was happy, so incredibly happy. Well, it was her wedding day, she was married to the man she fell so unconditionally in love with… and she was already going to be a mother in roughly six months. And those were just three reasons of her current happiness, she had so many more right now.
Softly, she lied a hand on her belly. It was barely seen thanks to her empire waist wedding gown, but it was honestly not a secret. Her belly wasn't flat anymore. It was even already a bit round even, even if she was only three, four months pregnant.
Pregnant… With Nozels children.
Yes, children. According to Owen, she was expecting twins. Vanessa never knew that medicine was able to determine if a woman was pregnant with only one child or twins or more. It was quite fascinating. It had been surprising when she and her now husband learned the news. Okay, it had been a possibility since twins run in the Silva family. But still, it was surprising. A happy surprise.
Another rather unusual detail and scandalous even from nobility's perspective. That on a royal wedding, the bride was already pregnant. Oh, the gossip went wild about that one as well, but after Nozels ultimatum, nobles went more cautious, knowing better than to point this so-called "flaw" out. Vanessa knew that she had nothing to be ashamed about. Nozel even less. They were both capable adults, they were young and in love, they were both free and healing from their tragic pasts, especially Nozel. For them to already expecting children before they were even married wasn't a scandal in their books. Nozel had been of course a bit more nervous than Vanessa about it, but his joy of becoming a father was far more strong than his worries about their unorthodox situation.
Besides, Vanessa wasn't the only woman who was already pregnant before the wedding. She couldn't help but smirk when she discovered captain Yami and captain Charlotte more or less waltzing on the dancefloor. The captain of the Blue Roses was stunning in her new black and blue gown by Soie Velours. Which was also an empire waist dress, subtly hiding a baby belly.
"You will already have a little playmate when you are born, you little griffins," Vanessa giggled, caressing her womb. Honestly, Yami and Charlotte deserved that kind of happiness. They were so happy to become parents, auntie Dea was already so excited about her very first grandchild and Luck couldn't be more overjoyed to be an uncle soon. Although, it was kinda concerning how he imagined teaching his future nephew or niece how to fight already.
Vanessa made a mental note to never engage Luck as babysitter.
With their baby and her twins… those will be the first Black Bull babies. A new generation of her found family… Vanessa was actually really excited about it. Just like every other Black Bull, even the honorary ones.
Not to mention that the two little griffins in her womb were also the first Silva babies since Noelle. And the first royal babies in general since Noelle as well. So, even if they were conceived before the wedding, the birth of her babies will still be a big event for royalty and nobility.
Vanessa didn't cared that much about that, but she knew that it was of importance. After all, she didn't learned all those details and subtilities of this world of royals and nobility for nothing. Auntie Océane taught her really well and Nozel had always been there to support, to be there when it was too much or when she was doing well.
He was there for her. And she was there for him.
The softest smile appeared on Vanessas lips when she saw her husband dancing with Noelle. How they mend their bond and how close those two siblings were now… It filled her heart with so much happiness.
Near to them were Finral and Finesse, dancing happily with Joshua. The little six year old boy they have adopted just one month ago. Vanessa smiled as she remembered how Finesse told her like over one year ago how they considered adoption to have children, given Finesse's poor health.
It actually happened, Vanessa had been so happy for her best friend and his sweet wife. Although… the adoption of Joshua had been a surprising one and not very orthodox. That poor little boy had been an orphan and even worse, landed on the streets, leaving him with no more option than to steal in order to survive.
Joshua had spatial magic, just like his new father. It had been very in handy to steal from nobles. It was actually like this that he met Finral. But of course, Finral was a Black Bull. Not only did he surprised Joshua steal from him, but he also saw why he was doing it. So, Finral took the little boy in, brought him home and it didn't took long for him and Finesse to love him like their own son. It took a bit longer for Joshua to open to them, but his new uncle Langris had been a great help on that matter.
Joshua might not be the first Black Bull baby, but he was certainly the first Black Bull child of the new generation, already spoiled by his uncles and aunts. And that adorable brat knew it very well. Joshua might have a good heart like his parents, but personality wise he was also a bit like his uncle Langris.
"Don't worry, you little griffins, he's going to love you still," Vanessa giggled while caressing her baby belly again.
"Are you talking to our unborn children in public again?"
Vanessa looked up and smiled brightly as she saw her husband coming towards her. Damn, he looked so good in this dark red, almost black ceremonial suit. Especially with the burgundy one shoulder cape she had made him more than one year ago. It felt like forever… and it wasn't that long ago.
"Of course I do, you know how much I love that, honey."
She giggled and Nozel just smiled at her. Softly and full of happiness, his eyes brightening up in the process.
Oh, wasn't he just the most handsome man in the world?
Little Vanessa that just had come out of the Witches Forest and free from the cage would rather had said that Yami Sukehiro was the most handsome man. But little Vanessa had been overwhelmed by her new freedom and got a crush on the first man she met. Current Vanessa knew now that Yami was of course more like an older brother, almost a father figure for her. And that her past crush was nothing compared to her deep love for Nozel Silva.
She certainly grew so much since she came out of that cage.
Nozel came right next to her, softly stroking some curls over her shoulders. Her hair wasn't falling like a waterfall on her shoulders today. It was hold up to a complex hairdo, with a few curls falling on her shoulders. Her long veil almost reached the floor and was hold back by a diadem.
The ancient silver diadem with crystals in the shape of water lilies that once belonged to Acier Silva… The very same diadem Nozel gifted her and which she used during the Three Leaves Glory ball.
So many memories were bond to it and Vanessa cherished that diadem especially for that sentimental value.
"It does look good on you," Nozel whispered, stroking the diadem now. How many times had he seen his mother wearing it? And now, it belonged to his wife… Vanessa could very easily imagine what it meant to him right now.
"Honey, you do know that it's not the first time that you saw me wearing your mother's diadem. How do you manage to be still amazed by the sight?"
"I don't know…"
"I'm teasing you, handsome eagle husband. Actually weren't you dancing with Noelle not even five minutes ago?"
"Asta stepped in and I'll let them finish their dance. They deserve it after they helped us so much with the wedding preparations… and the pregnancy."
"Not to mention that they're still both so new to relationships in general. They're adorable of course in their innocence, but still so clueless about dating despite doing just that since not that long ago. And it took them so long to finally get together."
"Don't you think you might exaggerate a bit?"
"Maybe, but barely. Asta was dense for so long, Noelle denied her feelings for a terribly long time and they're both still oblivious to relationships. I mean, do you remember how surprised Asta was when he learned that we were getting a baby despite not being married? He was so innocent about so many relationship topics and genuinely thought that you needed to be married before you can have children. At least, they truly love each other and are determined to spend the rest of their lives together."
Nozel just nodded. It was so heartwarming to see how supportive he was about Noelle and Asta. Even though he was himself sometimes irritated about how oblivious and innocent those two could be, especially Asta.
"And they're obviously just so cute together. Nebra and Zora have their own idea of being romantic. Although, it's quite entertaining to watch them and wondering if they're flirting or arguing."
"You find them entertaining. I just risk to lose my mind if I have to watch them for longer than two minutes."
"Awe, aren't you cute."
"How is this supposed to be cute?"
"I don't know, but we are married now and have the rest of our live and marriage to find this out, right my handsome eagle husband?"
Nozel just sighed in response. A happy sigh. Vanessa remembered how he looked back in Spade, during their first talk. So broken, so self-sacrificing, denying himself any kind of happiness.
But today, he was happy and embracing it to the fullest. He didn't change his personality, but he wasn't trapped in a cold cage anymore. Nozel was now able to care openly, to move on from his trauma, to live the life he should always have lived. And Vanessa loved him every day for it.
Nozel stood now in front of her, his hands on her waist, looking deeply in her eyes. Vanessa smiled at him, putting her hands on his shoulders. They both deserved this happiness, to be together and they would certainly hold onto it.
"You're beautiful, Vanessa."
"Thank you, honey. You look quite dashing as well."
"I'm relieved that your dress isn't tight, for you and the babies…"
"Of course not, Soie Velours did a marvellous job, like always. And she told me that empire-waist is a perfect kind of dress for pregnant women."
Vanessa loved her wedding gown. It was long and rather wide, white but slowly changing into purple at the bottom, with subtle silver embroideries which looked like feathers.
Soie Velours hadn't been surprised to learn about the pregnancy when Vanessa came to order her wedding gown. Well, after years of having noble costumers, she must have seen maybe countless hidden scandals already. But she congratulated Vanessa immediately. In fact, her exact words were, "You two are young and in love, what other excuse do you need? Now, lady Vanessa, we shall rather focus our energy on making sure that you're going to have everything a bride needs."
She had something new, her dress. She had something ancient, Aciers diadem. She had something blue, her Silva earrings. She had something borrowed, the silver necklace Nebra was kind enough to give her for the day and which had that adorable rose quartz pendant in the shape of a rose. And she had a husband she loved and who loved her back.
According to Clover's ancient beliefs, she had everything a bride needed.
Well, Vanessa couldn't tell if this belief was true or not – not to mention that coming from many nobles, it could sound very contradictory – but it didn't matter. She was happy today, Nozel was happy as well, their friends and families were happy. This was important.
Who would have thought that a mere coincidence, a simple talk right after the raid in Spade would have lead on a path within which she became the beloved wife of a royal and the captain of the Silver Eagles?
She certainly wouldn't have imagined her life to go that way and if she had known back then, maybe she would have had doubts about it. But today, Vanessa was glad it went like this. After everything, she had no regret about loving Nozel.
"How is the wine, honey?"
"Vanessa, you know very well that I can't handle my liquor. I don't know how the wine is, but according to Fuegoleon, today's wine is excellent, especially the one from the Heart Kingdom. I apologize that I don't like wine at all and that I can't give you a proper answer about it today."
"Are you really apologizing that you don't love wine? Aren't you adorable?"
"Will there be ever an occasion that you won't find me adorable or cute every five seconds?"
"I fear not. And I'll have more reasons to find you adorable in the future. I can't wait to see you as a father, holding our babies."
Nozel sighed. Happily, but Vanessa could tell that her husband was also a bit worried about being a father. He was so determined to be a good dad to his children and at the same time, he feared to become like his own.
But Nozel won't be another Lac Silva, Vanessa was more than certain of it.
"Don't worry, honey. You told me that you hope to become a parent like your mother was to you and your siblings. And I'm sure you will. Because you want it and you're doing already everything for that. So, don't worry."
Nozel looked at her, a bit surprised and smiling softly. Why does he sometimes looked at her as if she was the solution to all his problems, the embodiment of all his hopes and wishes? She didn't know. But if she was one of the reasons why Nozel finally became happy after everything he went through, it made Vanessa filled with immense joy.
Her now husband leaned a bit towards her, touching her nose with his own, rubbing them softly. Nozel was such an expert with simple, yet most tender romantic gestures.
"My beloved…"
Vanessa couldn't help but blush happily at this nickname. Nozel might not call her by sweet names like she did so often, but beloved slowly become his personal nickname for her. He didn't always called her that, but each time it made Vanessa love him even more.
She was forever grateful for the talk they had back then in Spade…
"Would you dance with me?"
"Goodness, honey, that came somehow really out of the blue. Just like that or is there a specific royal tradition that groom and bride shall dance in this very moment?"
Vanessa always was amused to make fun of the most stupid traditions of royalty. Even more since Nozel just let her and always smiled when she was doing it. One more reason for her to make fun out of the most stupid royal traditions.
"No, I just want to dance with you."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that."
"Well, I have no reason to refuse to dance with my handsome eagle husband, thank you."
Vanessa put her hands in Nozels and he lead her softly towards the dancefloor, like a princess. Well, she was a princess and a royal now. It didn't change who she was, she never needed to adapt herself into a role, to chain herself into another cage. Nozel would have never allowed it in the first place and there were so many things that was unlikely for corrupt royalty. Their wedding wasn't arranged, it was out of love. She was a pregnant bride. She never changed who she was, she had no intention to use house Silva for her own goals. Why would she even need to do that? Vanessa didn't even care that much about the house. Her interest was mostly her family, be it Black Bulls or Silvas.
She heard the whispers of some of the noble guests – those nobles they couldn't not invite, but thankfully Nozel made sure that no arranged marriages had to be discussed on their wedding – but Vanessa just shrugged it off when she took position with Nozel and they started to dance.
It was a slow waltz. Of course, given her current state they couldn't allow themselves any tango or other extreme dance like that. But as much as Vanessa loved tango like dances or slow dances a lot, somehow she always preferred a waltz with Nozel. It had something very romantic and her husband was a romantic deep down, how could she not love it?
She saw the Black Bulls looking at them, Noelle, Asta, Finral and some others very happily, while others were stunned. Seriously, Vanessa had told them about Nozel and her a bit more than one year ago and some of the Black Bulls were still somehow surprised that Nozel Silva, captain of the Silver Eagles and proud Head of the royal house of Silva, wasn't just cold and distant. Well, maybe Noelle was right and there weren't many braincells among the squad most of the time.
Captain Yami didn't really smiled, but he still looked content. He was still making fun of Nozel, but less than before. Since the ball. Vanessa was glad that they somehow bonded over more than just respect. Charlotte, on the other hand, smiled brightly.
Finesse was smiling as well, auntie Dea even gave her a thumb up, auntie Océane looked very satisfied while having her arms around Kirsch and Mimosa, Lital and captain Fuegoleon had a proud, happy look on their faces, the present Silver Eagles were practically cheering them up, little Rosette Vitrail nodded with some mysterious satisfaction, the Hino guests were happy too…
But no one seemed happier than Nozel. Vanessa smiled as she remembered the famous nuptial vows of the Clover kingdom they claimed during the wedding ceremony. It had been quite easy for Vanessa to tell them by heart.
Faith. Hope. Love. By the three leaves of the Clover, I, Nozel Silva, take thee, Vanessa Enoteca, as my wedded wife. I will have Faith in thee, with thy life and trust thee mine. I will have Hope, helping thee to all hardships and happiness of life. I will Love thee, cherish thee in sickness and in health, be it forever.
Faith. Hope. Love. By the three leaves of the Clover, I, Vanessa Enoteca, take thee, Nozel Silva, as my wedded husband. I will have Faith in thee, with thy life and trust thee mine. I will have Hope, helping thee to all hardships and happiness of life. I will Love thee, cherish thee in sickness and in health, be it forever.
No truer words had been spoken today…
"What makes you smile, beloved?"
"Just this whole day. We're married, still so much in love, we're going to be parents… Have you realized how many reasons we have to be happy about?"
"I do, Vanessa… I do."
Of course he did. Now that he was more free and allowing himself to be happy, he was able to recognize better little joys of life, as well as big ones.
And Vanessa felt one more time how lucky she was to love Nozel and to be loved by him.
Maybe it hadn't been such a good idea. To get married while still being pregnant. Maybe Yami and Charlotte should have listened to Orchideas suggestion and waited the birth of their child before they could have their dream wedding.
Because now, Charlotte was getting married while she was eight months pregnant. They really didn't thought that trough. Just because both of them had been so impatient to get married and because they wanted a December wedding. Somehow. Frankly, Charlotte now couldn't remember that much why they absolutely wanted to get married in December, out of all twelve months of the year.
To be fair, after the proposal (okay, she proposed and with some toilet paper, it was already unorthodox from the start), it went rather smoothly at first, as smoothly it can go with Black Bulls being Black Bulls and the Blue Roses being so overdramatic about anything romantic. But it went well, more or less according to plan.
The pregnancy, though… that wasn't according to plan. An accident, but Charlotte didn't like using that word. Because she couldn't consider her unborn child an accident, even more so since it was Yamis child as well.
A happy surprise was a more fitting description. A huge surprise even, since it took them some time to realize that she was with child. Charlotte sometimes still couldn't believe that Yami had been unable to realize that she was pregnant despite his Ki reading. While he had knew very fast that Vanessa was pregnant.
In a way, could this be considered as insulting or not?
Well, long story short, they pulled it through and still decided to marry at the planned date. Even though it was during the eight month.
As if this wedding wasn't already unorthodox, since she and Yami would take both Clover AND Hino vows. Now, the bride was heavily pregnant, she was brought at the altar not by her father – that was a really complicated story with lots of cursing words and Charlotte didn't want to think about her jerk of a father on her wedding day – but by her younger bastard half-brother and she had needed to beat up some of her ancient suitors who came yesterday to the Roselei Villa hoping to change her mind. While being pregnant.
The gossip is going to be wild, that was certain. And nobles still thought that the wedding of Nozel and Vanessa was the most unorthodox?
Vanessa had been pregnant as well at her wedding, but not during her eighth month! More like third or maybe already fourth. This wasn't so bad. But getting married while being pregnant for eight month, this hadn't been the best idea she had. She and Yami, but Charlotte was the one pregnant.
But of course, Charlotte was happy, even very excited to become a mother. She loved her unborn child so, so much already. Yami too, he was already planning so many things for their baby. He even did the crib all by himself. Okay, the Blue Roses helped a lot as well, but her soon to be husband had a talent for any kind of craftmanship with wood. Another trait she loved about him.
The Blue Roses were excited, the Black Bulls were excited, Dorothy and Rill were excited, the rest of the captains were at least happy for them. Her dear mother was overjoyed to become a grandmother.
Charlotte couldn't help but smile when she thought about Orchidea, how far she came, how happy she had become since they opened to each other one year and a half ago. Her mother not only adopted Luck as her son, she practically also adopted the Black Bulls the same day, later the Blue Roses who loved her dearly. She also was now close to the Silvas and since that journey to Hino, Orchidea had practically made Ryu and the Ryuzen her newest children, especially Ichika.
And now, she's going to be a grandmother in roughly one month. Her dear mother had happy life and was enjoying to the fullest. Like she always deserved.
"I think it's our clue soon," Charlotte said to Luck who was jumping with excitement next to her, as the music changed again, for her bridesmaid to enter. Her first choice would have been Vanessa, given how close they became. But just like Charlotte, she got pregnant. Vanessa was also near the end of her pregnancy today, so Charlotte choose someone else.
Ichika, soon her sister-in-law. They became rather close during that investigation in Hino. One year already…
"Can I fight those who will protest about you marrying captain Yami during the ceremony? Can I? Can I?"
"I don't think that this would be a good idea. And your main duty today is to bring me at the altar, don't forget."
"Can I at least ask them?"
Goodness, what had she done to have a brother that loved THIS MUCH to fight anything and anyone? And why wasn't she even frustrated by it?
"Why do you even ask for permission? You would ask them even if I say no," Charlotte sighed with affectionate resignation. Luck squealed happily. Oh, how cute he was in the ceremony suit Orchidea ordered for him especially for the occasion. Steel blue with some black garments and short cape in the same shades.
He looked like a little noble lord and so adorable with his still untamed hair.
Charlotte looked down at her dress. Honestly, Soie Velours had made another masterpiece with her wedding dress. An empire waist shape of course, given her pregnancy and very wide, given her huge baby womb. There were embroideries at the bottom and at the famous empire waist. Black roses and blue vines, each of them flowed with subtle golden threads. Oh, how much she hoped that Yami would love the dress. And how much she hoped he would love her whole appearance in general.
She had something new, her dress. She had something ancient, her grandmother's diadem, out of gold and sapphires in the shape of roses, Primrose Roselei wore it at her own wedding. She had something blue, her veil. She had something borrowed, a traditional bracelet from Hino belonging to Ichika.
And she was finally getting married to the father of her child, to the man she had loved for over a decade and who loved her back. What else would Charlotte need?
The music changed, it was their clue. Luck took her softly by the arm, Charlotte hold her bouquet of white and blueish roses tightly and they entered the church.
Of course, all of the eyes were now on them, to be precise, on her. This was really something Charlotte wasn't finding comfortable, being the centre of attention. But she was the bride, it was her wedding, of course everyone would look at her.
This was normal for a bride. But she was a pregnant bride. A heavily pregnant bride. Her dress was of course perfect, because it wasn't tight neither for her nor for her baby. But given how she was near the end of her pregnancy, it didn't hide her baby belly. For anyone who still wasn't aware, now the whole kingdom nobility would know.
Damn gossip kitchen, it was always like a sport within royalty and nobility. Even the gentry, the commoners and the peasants happened to hear rumours more often than anyone would think.
Charlotte still smiled. Let them talk, let the gossip flow. She was not ashamed of her choices, of her wishes and of her decisions. Even though marrying with an eight month baby womb hadn't been the best. But for the rest, she had nothing to be ashamed about.
There were happy faces during her march towards the altar. Mostly due to their closest family and friends, hers and Yamis. The Black Bulls actually managed to stand still more or less, which was probably due to Finesse sitting in their middle. And the Black Bulls loved Finesse so much that they would never do anything to overwhelm her. Her and Finrals adopted son, Joshua, sat between his parents, looking a bit bored, but still smiling. He really fit perfectly in this family.
The Blue Roses were all somehow crying out of happiness, even Sol. Charlotte couldn't help but felt her heart filled with pride and affection at the sight. Her dear knights always got her back, especially anything concerning Yami. Of course, all of their attempts didn't always got the expected result, but everything they did came from their hearts, because the Blue Roses cared about their captain. Charlotte was so lucky to have them.
Her mother was smiling brightly as her two children passed her. Orchidea looked absolutely lovely in her spring green kimono with the pale pink butterfly patterns. A gift from Ryu himself. Orchidea Roselei truly won the hearts of Ryu and his Ryuzen fully. Maybe this had been her mother's secret talent, one she never got the chance to live through before they opened up.
Her cousin Josephine sat right next to Orchidea, smiling and looking lovely in her orange dress. It was from Soie Velours newest collection, dresses heavily inspired by the fashion of the Land of the Sun, the Eastern Grace. Josephine had been very shocked at first about her cousin dating someone out of noble circles, but to Charlotte biggest surprise, she had been quite happy for them. Despite being rather a typical noble girl, Josephine Roselei still had her heart in the right place.
The rest of house Roselei was either smiling kindly – those were the most open minded members – or were rather neutral about the whole ordeal… or were pouting. Like her father. But Charlotte was certain that lord Fidel Roselei had it coming from him. First, Orchidea had faced him about the whole Luck situation, threatened him that she will divorce him if he will try to do anything to Luck and if it would be the case, she would make it so that she would still keep the Roselei name and that it will end up badly for him. It wasn't even a bluff, since Orchidea had been clever to have the Wizard King and the Magic Knights got her back just in case, and even more, she got some kind of authority since she had a diplomatic journey to Hino. Which also meant that she had the Ryuzen having her back.
Charlotte was so proud of her mother.
So, Fidel Roselei had pouted and protested and almost disowned Charlotte, but it had been empty threats. He still refused to take Charlotte down the altar, which was okay for everyone. Besides, having his bastard son bringing his legitimate daughter to the altar had been another humility lesson for Fidel Roselei. Too bad that he still hasn't learned from them.
Vanessa was waving at her when she and Luck passed the royal seats. Nozel was beside his wife, an arm around her shoulder. Charlotte was still taken aback that Vanessa baby womb look a bit bigger than her own. How big was her baby going to be? Yami had mentioned that the Ki seemed a bit strange, but he mostly didn't care. Nozel and Vanessa mentioned nothing being strange about the pregnancy but each time someone asked them if they wanted a son or a daughter, they never answered and looked at each other like accomplices or something.
Where they keeping something a secret? It certainly wasn't something bad, because both of them seemed pretty content.
But Nozels and Vanessas future baby wasn't on Charlottes mind right now. Her eyes were mostly on the altar. Where Yami was waiting for her. He was so good-looking in his black kimono with blue and golden patterns. Goodness, he even shaved! He put so much effort for today, showing how important it was for him.
How could Charlotte not love this wonderful man?
Yamis best man was William. Ryu had been the first choice, but given his position, he would lead the ceremony for the Hino vows. Nacht had also been an option, but he declined. For reasons Charlotte didn't know, but Yami and Nacht had talked it out, coming to an understanding. And William had been Yamis friend and rival for so many years.
Ichika looked lovely in her black dress, with the same golden and blue patterns like her brother's kimono. She was one of the three Ryuzen invited. Well, all of them had been invited, but of course they couldn't leave Hino without any protectors. Those present were Yosuga – Charlotte suspected that it might be also to see Mereoleona Vermillion again – and Komari, who so excited about Clover since the first time she heard about it.
Charlotte couldn't wait to be finally at the altar, to be finally standing at Yamis said, to be finally married to the love of her life. But she couldn't go faster. On one hand it was because of her pregnancy. The other reason was Luck, who truly seemed wanting to stop at every noble guest with a sceptical look. He would have asked each of them for a fight right here, right now, if it wasn't for Charlotte subtly pulling him forward. If she'll let him, they would be still walking towards the altar after the birth of the baby.
"Geez, was about time, Prickly Queen," Yami whispered smugly when she finally arrived, not at all paying attention to Luck who gave him a menacing, cheery gesture.
"Would you have preferred that I let Luck fight everyone that dares to doubt our bond at our wedding? Because then, you wouldn't be talking to me right now and we might be only get married after the baby would be born."
"Good point, Prickly Queen. How's the little brat in there?"
"Calm for now, but I can't guarantee anything. If I'm going to make a face during the vows, you will know-"
"That it's not you having second thoughts, but our girlie feeling like kickin', I know."
"How are you still so sure that is going to be a daughter? A son is also a possibility."
"It's going to be a little rose like you, just with horns. A little horned rose, a mini Prickly Queen… But let's get married first, I'll explain to you later why it's going to be a mini Charlotte."
Charlotte just rolled her eyes as she turned towards the priest, who started a speech she barely paid attention to.
She seriously had no idea how Yami took the certainty that their baby would be a girl. Even Ichika, Nacht, Ryu and Julius couldn't explain it to her. But well, at least was for once on the same wavelength as Sol about that matter. Both were so certain that it was going to be a girl. The bets were truly running wild between the two squads.
As for Charlotte, she knew that she would be happy with either a son or a daughter. Boy or girl, it was already a child of love, born to her and Yami. She loved her child already so much… At this point, she really couldn't wait to finally hold her baby in her arms.
Maybe, just for that, it wasn't so bad that she was getting married during the eighth month of her pregnancy. Because then, she wouldn't need to wait too long for the birth after the wedding.
Of course Charlotte was nervous about it. The birth and everything. Especially since she wouldn't do the whole noble status quo about raising children, as Yami and her took the decision to raise their child themselves.
Again, she was so grateful for her mother's support. When she learned the pregnancy and after calming down from her overjoyed excitement, Orchidea had made sure that Charlotte get to know EVERYTHING she needed to know about childbirth, pregnancies and every so little detail that belonged to that specific topic.
Ichika must have read her nervousness from her Ki, as she put a reassuring hand on Charlottes back. Charlotte turned around and couldn't help but smile at her. They had a bumpy start when they first met, but now they were really close friends.
Not to mention that Ichika was not dense like her older brother, as she realized immediately that Charlotte was pregnant. Plus, she was a perfect bridesmaid, teaching Charlotte anything about Hino weddings and learning every detail about Clover weddings.
The priest rambled for a long while, but not for as long as during a royal wedding. Charlotte was now entirely focused as it was the time for the rings and the vows.
William gave Yami the wedding band and Ichika did the same with Charlotte. Both bride and groom put the golden rings on each other's fingers.
And now, it was time for the Clover nuptial vows.
"Faith. Hope. Love. By the three leaves of the Clover, I, Yami Sukehiro, take thee, Charlotte Roselei, as my wedded wife. I will have Faith in thee, with thy life and trust thee mine. I will have Hope, helping thee to all hardships and happiness of life. I will Love thee, cherish thee in sickness and in health, be it forever."
"Faith. Hope. Love. By the three leaves of the Clover, I, Charlotte Roselei, take thee, Yami Sukehiro, as my wedded husband. I will have Faith in thee, with thy life and trust thee mine. I will have Hope, helping thee to all hardships and happiness of life. I will Love thee, cherish thee in sickness and in health, be it forever."
Charlotte could have sworn that she heard Ichika sniffle a little.
This concluded the Clover side of the wedding ceremony, now it was time for Hino. The priest stepped aside and Ryu took his place. He started a little speech in the language of Hino. Charlotte had been learning it, but she still didn't understood everything. But that little speech Ryu was claiming, Ichika had explained it to her so many times.
It was apparently that in Hino, the one who fulfilled the wedding ceremony was telling first a small fairy tale about love, mostly about two lovers in the stars, crossing the milky way in to see each other. Charlotte loved that tale, it was such a more beautiful tradition than the priests speeches in Clover.
Ryu finished the tale rather quickly and now asked Yami and Charlotte to take each other's hands. Ichika gave him a huge ribbon, embroidered with colourful threads typical for Hino, in patterns of roses, bulls and anything that symbolized Yami and Charlotte.
That ribbon was part of the Hino ceremony, made by the closest family members of the wedded couple. In their cases, Orchidea and Ichika. It was also a tradition that Ryu was now rolling that ribbon around their hands, while Yami and Charlotte were now somehow singing a little traditional song. From what she could understand, it talked about love, moonlight, dreams and butterflies. It was really beautiful, Charlotte wanted to learn more about the language of Hino. So that she could understand those songs and tales better in the future. She loved the culture of Yamis homeland.
The priests came back to finally claim rather quickly, "I may now declare those two souls, in the eyes of the world, Husband and Wife. You may now kiss the bride."
"Yeah, I know that, you stupid priest, I don't need your permission."
Charlotte just had the time to let out a giggle before Yamis lips crashed on hers with impatience. It wasn't actually that surprising that the poor priests said this last part rather quickly. Since Nozel kissed Vanessa before the priest had even been able to say You may now kiss the bride, it seemed that this part was now said in a fast way, so that the priests can finish their role before the groom could take initiative.
But Charlottes mind now was only focused on Yami, on his lips on hers, on the presence of the man she had loved for over ten years, who was the father of her still unborn child and who was today finally her husband.
They barely took notice of the priests offended scoff, of Ryus amused laugh, of the cheer of the crowd, of Vanessas "Get in it with tongue!" paired with Nozels amused laugh. Only Charlotte and Yami existed in this very moment.
They came from far and reached an important step of their life together. Their child can now be born.
This year finished in happiness and the next already started with new joy. At the 27th day of January, a boy was born, with his father's dark grey eyes and his mother's sunlight blonde hair. To honour his father's home country and in a way also an old friend who died too young, the boy was named Asahi.
Asahi Roselei-Yami.
A bit more than two weeks later after Asahis birth, on the 14th day of February, the royal house of Silva welcomed two new princesses, the first royal babies since their aunt, princess Noelle Silva. The twin girls had their mother's gorgeous amethyst eyes, one had inherited her father's silver hair and the other a brighter shade of her mother's rosewood hair. The silver haired girl was named in her late grandmother's honour, Nymphea just like Acier Silvas favourite flowers. Her sister got the name Valentina, a name which meant strength, something that her parents had, determined to be together.
Nymphea Silva and Valentina Silva.
The future of those three newborn babies was something no one could knew yet, but they had their parents love.