#59
One step, then another.
The two walked side by side down the only empty central aisle. Those lined up on both sides watched them. Though the distance wasn’t long, it felt unusually so. Their hearts pounded, and the dazzling lights made their minds scatter.
Finally, the two arrived before King Shamier, seated on the throne.
An elderly minister from Ruben stepped forward and recited a congratulatory speech. It wasn’t particularly important, and with their scattered minds, not a word properly registered.
“I hereby declare these two married!”
At last, as those words fell, applause and cheers erupted simultaneously in the previously quiet central hall. As if blocked ears had suddenly cleared, surrounding sounds poured in all at once.
Flower petals scattered by pages floated down onto Anture and Enrique’s heads.
Anture reached out and pulled Enrique by the waist. Black eyes filled with pure joy drew closer. Enrique received Anture’s kiss as if it were their first. As the warm, soft lips touched, their head spun.
“I love you, Enrique,” Anture whispered softly after the brief kiss. Instead of answering, Enrique returned a short kiss.
A grand wedding feast followed. Anture and Enrique now sat side by side next to King Shamier, enjoying the celebration. Elaborately dressed nobles danced across the hall, and the sound of clinking wine glasses echoed everywhere.
“Lord Zeros, envoy from the Monta Kingdom,” a servant announced. One of the congratulatory envoys waiting in line stepped forward and bowed.
“On behalf of our King, I congratulate you on your marriage.”
The envoy greeted them and gestured behind him. At that signal, a servant behind him stepped forward, respectfully presenting a tray. The envoy took the tray and approached the seated couple. He then extended the tray covered with red cloth towards Enrique.
“This is a special wedding gift personally chosen by our King for the Prince. We would be grateful if you would accept it.”
On the red cloth lay a ring with a large blue sapphire.
“A ring as a wedding gift? What does this mean?” Anture asked, staring at the envoy with dark eyes. He was openly displaying his displeasure.
“This is both a wedding gift and a token of promise for a future fiancé,” the envoy said nonchalantly. Enrique firmly grasped Anture’s hand under the table to prevent him from standing up abruptly. Though the envoy must have noticed this action, he continued speaking in a natural tone.
“Our King wishes for harmony and happiness to fill the Prince’s four years of married life. He also asked me to convey that he is eagerly awaiting the wedding ceremony with the Prince that will take place in four years.”
The envoy’s eyes, as he extended the tray with his chin lifted, were filled with scrutiny. This wasn’t simply to provoke Anture. It was to confirm whether Enrique still intended to keep the marriage agreement.
Enrique casually reached out and picked up the ring from the tray. He held it up to the chandelier light and smiled with satisfaction.
“I like it. Please convey my gratitude to the King of Monta.”
Seemingly satisfied with Enrique’s reaction, a pleased smile spread across the envoy’s face. Enrique handed the ring to Pol, who was standing behind him, instructing him to keep it safe.
As the envoy retreated, envoys from other countries approached. Until then, Enrique had been gripping Anture’s hand with all his might. Glancing to the side, he could see Anture’s profile, gritting his teeth with dark eyes.
“You did well holding back, Anture,” Enrique whispered, bringing his lips close to Anture’s ear. At the gentle whisper, Anture’s tense jaw relaxed a little. Enrique felt inwardly relieved.
The couple received envoys from various countries one by one. The eyes of those offering congratulations all shared a common scrutiny. No country was unaware that this was a contract marriage with a set term. They were likely more interested in whether this marriage would successfully fall apart rather than whether it would be maintained successfully.
After the congratulations from foreign envoys ended, they could finally catch their breath. Outside the windows, the sun had already set, and darkness was falling.
“Now then, let the newlyweds retire and rest!” a Ruben envoy called out loudly. Everyone burst into cheerful laughter.
“Go and rest now,” King Shamier said. The couple rose together without objection.
Anture took Enrique’s hand. Enrique didn’t refuse. Cheers and applause erupted as the two exited hand in hand.
A servant led the way. A new residence for the couple’s married life was already prepared in the Shamier palace.
Walking side by side with Anture on the red carpet, Enrique felt his sense of reality slightly dulled.
Finally, they arrived at their quarters, and the door opened.
This was the residence where the Prince of Ruben and the Prince of Shamier would live together.
The interior, both luxurious and appropriately classic, showed signs of having been meticulously renovated.
Centered around the main reception room, on one side were Anture’s personal reception room, study, and bedroom. On the opposite side were Enrique’s personal reception room, study, and bedroom.
Though they appeared to be on completely opposite sides, the bedrooms were connected by a single door, allowing movement to the other’s bedroom at any time.
“Then we shall assist with your bath,” Pol’s voice announced as servants approached.
“Wait,” Anture spoke, stopping them. He waved his hand at the hesitating servants. “Everyone leave.”
“But the bath preparations…”
“I said everyone leave. I’ll take care of it myself.”
Anture cut them off sharply. Pol glanced at Enrique, checking his reaction. Enrique nodded, indicating to follow Anture’s orders.
Under Pol’s direction, all the servants withdrew.
They were left alone in the central reception room. Enrique saw Anture’s shoulders slump slightly. Then he was suddenly embraced by strong arms.
Anture’s body, as they embraced, was still tense.
“You did well holding back,” Enrique said, stroking Anture’s back understandingly.
“The King of Monta seems on edge, worried you might not keep the agreement,” Anture said in a stiff voice. Enrique didn’t respond. He absolutely didn’t want to discuss that subject with Anture.
“We just got married. We’ll have excellent, healthy children and be happy. Just think about that for now.”
“Enrique, do you love me?” Anture asked abruptly. Enrique bit his lip while still embracing Anture.
“Even if it’s not much, I wonder if you love me just a little bit. That’s what I want to know.”
Anture’s repeated question held no confidence at all. Rather, it was full of anxiety. Enrique couldn’t bear to see Anture struggling to find even a small love from him.
“Anture…” Enrique just called his name. Anture loosened his embrace and cupped Enrique’s cheeks with both hands. Then, as if to prevent Enrique from avoiding his gaze, he fixed his face and met his eyes.
“As you said, we just got married and became an official couple. So now, tell me the real truth. It doesn’t have to be the answer I want. I just want to know. Enrique, do you love me?”
“I…”
As Enrique began to speak, Anture hurriedly added,
“Even if it’s just a little bit. Even if it’s just a tiny bit, do you love me?”
Anxiety swirled in his dark eyes. The usually confident, smug demeanor was nowhere to be seen. Before him was just a man begging for love.
Enrique let out a soft sigh. He raised his hands to cup Anture’s cheeks. Hope and anxiety simultaneously appeared in those dark eyes. Looking directly into them, Enrique confessed.
“Yes. I love you. But that’s…”
“Stop,” Anture quickly cut off Enrique’s words.
“I don’t want to hear the rest. There’s no need to. It’s enough. It’s enough that you love me.”
Anture seemed somehow desperate. Enrique couldn’t bear to see Anture like this; it upset him.
Fortunately, they still had a few years. Anture’s love would probably wear out and erode in a few years. The same would be true for this small love beginning to sprout in his own heart. Then, it would be easier to part than they thought now. So there’s no need to worry.
Enrique reminded himself, as if to emphasize it.
“This is our real first night. Won’t you kiss me?” Enrique smiled faintly, playing with Anture’s ear. At the blatant seduction, Anture’s gaze gradually changed. Enrique wrapped his arms around Anture’s neck and pulled him down. Then he brushed his lips against Anture’s, who had willingly been pulled down.
