Chapter 16: Royal Promises

Dawn broke over the Valemont Palace, painting the sky with soft pink and gold. It was a special day—one that would see the union of two souls linked by love, fate, and a rewritten history. Aria stood before the grand mirror in her chamber, dressed in an exquisite silk gown embroidered with gold threads, a masterpiece created by the kingdom's finest artisans. Kendalina fastened the delicate pearl necklace around Aria's neck, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"You look breathtaking," Kendalina whispered, stepping back to admire the bride.

Queen Erieana approached with a velvet box. "This belonged to me on my wedding day, and now, it belongs to you." She opened the box to reveal an intricate gold and emerald crown set with tiny sapphires. "It's not just jewelry—it's a symbol of the strength and love that holds this family together."

Aria's throat tightened with emotion. "I don't know if I deserve this."

The Queen gently cupped Aria's face. "You deserve the world, my dear. My son is lucky to have found you."

Tears welled in Aria's eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. "I just wish my parents were here to see this."

"They are with you in spirit, Aria," Queen Erieana reassured her. "And they would be proud."

Meanwhile, in another chamber, Adrian stood before a mirror as Rogers adjusted his ceremonial cloak. The dark blue tunic he wore bore the royal crest, and his golden cuffs shimmered under the morning light.

"Nervous?" Rogers smirked, folding his arms.

Adrian exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "A little."

"Just a little?" Rogers teased. "You're about to be married. And then there's the first night—"

Adrian shot him a glare, making Rogers chuckle. "Relax, Adrian. You fought battles. This should be easy."

Adrian sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It's different, Rogers. This is... forever."

Rogers patted his shoulder. "And you love her. That's all that matters."

Across the hall, Leisha, now human, oversaw the final wedding preparations. She stood beside Rogers, her mischievous smile making his pulse quicken. "You look dashing today," she remarked, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeve.

Rogers smirked. "And you look—well, let's just say if you keep looking at me like that, I might have to kiss you."

Leisha tilted her head. "Would that be so bad?"

Before Rogers could respond, the ceremony began.

The grand wedding took place in the palace courtyard, which was adorned with cascades of white roses and golden drapes. The citizens gathered to cheer for their beloved prince and future queen. Aria's heart pounded as she walked down the aisle, escorted by King Henry. Adrian's eyes never left hers, full of love, reverence, and unspoken promises.

"You're giving away your most precious treasure today," Queen Erieana whispered to King Henry.

The King, for the first time in years, smiled genuinely. "Yes, and I couldn't be prouder."

As Aria reached Adrian, he took her hands gently, his thumb caressing her knuckles. The priest began the sacred vows.

"I, Adrian Valemont, vow to protect, cherish, and stand by you until the end of time."

Aria, her voice steady despite the overwhelming emotions, replied, "I, Aria Bennett, vow to love you, to challenge you, and to walk beside you in all that life brings."

The moment their lips met, the kingdom erupted in cheers. The coronation followed immediately, the golden crowns placed upon their heads as Adrian and Aria were officially declared King and Queen of Valemont.

That evening, the celebrations continued with grand feasts, lively dances, and joyous laughter. Kendalina led the entertainment, while Leisha found herself drawn into Rogers' arms as they swayed to the music.

"You dance surprisingly well for someone who spent years as a goat," Rogers teased.

Leisha laughed. "And you flirt surprisingly well for someone who pretended not to like me."

"Who said I was pretending?" Rogers murmured before leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to her lips.

The night was perfect—until the monk arrived.

"The time has come," the monk announced, his voice echoing through the great hall. "There are gifts waiting for you in the cave, but they must be claimed before midnight."

Aria exchanged a glance with Rogers. "Why us?"

"You both are from another time," the monk explained. "Only those from a different era can retrieve them."

Adrian clenched his jaw. "I'm coming with you."

The monk shook his head. "You cannot. The energy will not permit it."

Despite their reservations, Aria and Rogers set out. As they entered the dark cave, a strange force enveloped them. The air shimmered, revealing two ornate boxes bearing their names in Greek letters. When they touched the boxes, a dizzying sensation overcame them.

"Rogers... something's happening."

The world spun. They felt weightless, voices distant.

Then, silence.

When Aria and Rogers opened their eyes, they were no longer in the cave. They were in the familiar, dusty basement of the library.

The same library where it all began.

Everything appeared to be the same as it was before they travelled back in time. The bookshelves, dim light, and silence remained unchanged.

Rogers scrambled to his feet. "No... this can't be."

Aria's hands trembled. "We're back."

They rushed upstairs. Everything— their clothes, the world outside—was as it had been before. As if nothing had ever happened.

Or had it?

Their chests rose and fell in unison, as realisation dawned on them. The door to the past had vanished. But were the love, friendships, and history that they had rewritten truly lost?

Or had they simply altered the course of time itself?

The answers were beyond their comprehension. Aria rushes to find the book. It didn't look the same as before. But it contained something extremely useful. It stated that Adrian did become King, and Queen Aria was the queen prior to her sudden disappearance. Despite this, the King continued to rule and serve the people and spent his life in her memories...

When she read these words, she hugged Rogers and cried her heart out. "I have lost him forever..."