Chapter 136
The palace chapel stood in complete silence.
Hundreds of nobles filled the seats.
Kings.
Queens.
Dukes.
Duchesses.
Knights.
Commoners.
Everyone had gathered to witness history.
Lucian stood at the front beside the altar.
His hands were clasped tightly behind his back.
Theo leaned closer, "You look nervous."
"I am."
Theo smiled, "Good."
Lucian looked at him, "It means you understand how important this is."
The great doors slowly opened.
The orchestra began to play.
Every guest turned.
Conversation disappeared.
Silence spread through the chapel.
Aurora stepped inside.
Gasps echoed throughout the room.
The sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows caught the delicate embroidery of her gown, making it shimmer as though woven from starlight itself.
She looked...Almost unreal.
Lucian forgot how to breathe.
Every sound faded.
Every face disappeared.
Only Aurora remained.
She wasn't simply beautiful.
She was everything he had been too blind to see.
Kind.
Gentle.
Brilliant.
Brave.
The woman who had carried an entire duchy upon her shoulders without asking for recognition.
The woman who had taught children to read.
Who had comforted grieving families.
Who had saved lives with her own hands.
The woman he loved.
His eyes slowly filled with tears.
Theo quietly smiled beside him, "Told you."
Lucian barely heard him.
He whispered to himself, "My angel..."
Whispers spread quietly among the guests.
"Is that truly Lady Aurora?"
"I hardly recognize her."
"She's radiant."
"I remember when she used to follow the Crown Prince everywhere."
"She's changed so much."
"No..."
An elderly noble smiled warmly.
"She didn't change. We simply never took the time to truly see her."
Several ladies quietly wiped away tears.
Even those who had once mocked Aurora found themselves smiling.
She walked with quiet confidence.
Not seeking anyone's approval.
Not chasing anyone.
Simply walking toward the future she had chosen herself.
Every step reflected the woman she had become.
When Aurora finally reached the altar, Owen gently lifted her hand.
He looked at Lucian.
There was no anger.
No resentment.
Only the solemn expression of a father entrusting his greatest treasure to another man.
"If you ever make her cry..."
His voice remained calm.
"I'll remind you why everyone fears Duke Owen Ambrose."
Soft laughter rippled through the chapel.
Lucian smiled, "I wouldn't expect anything less."
Then his expression became serious.
"I give you my word. I will spend every day making sure she never doubts how deeply she is loved."
Owen searched his eyes.
Looking for hesitation.
For uncertainty.
He found neither.
Only sincerity.
Slowly...
He placed Aurora's hand into Lucian's.
For a brief moment...
Neither Aurora nor Lucian spoke.
They simply looked at one another.
Then Aurora smiled.
A genuine smile.
The kind that reached her eyes.
The kind born not from perfection...
But from hope.
And in that moment...
The entire kingdom witnessed something far more beautiful than a royal wedding.
They witnessed two people...
Choosing to build tomorrow...
Together.
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