Wedding before tears

It felt extremely strange for Milena to attend a wedding after this news. It was as if she was seeing the whole scene from afar, or from outside of her own body. She was physically there, in the first row of course, and smiling happily for her brother's happiness, but her mind was far away at the Royal Castle.

The Ceremony felt very long, although she knew it was actually extremely simple for a noble wedding. The number of guests for the actual ceremony was reduced to fifty, which was nothing for a young Duke. Only relatives, close friends of the family, and Valentin's closest knights, his brothers-in-arms. Eugenie had quite a discreet life herself, and aside from her sisters, she had only invited a few more ladies. The future new Duchess was well aware that her popularity would only increase gradually from now on, but she was smart enough to know who her real friends were, regardless of her new status, and keep them close.

Rayan's presence at the wedding made quite a sensation, too. Even the De Iris Count spent an awfully long time trying to chat with him, until Milena almost had to steal her husband back for him to attend the Ceremony by her side. As expected, Anton and Raphael also showed up at the last minute before the actual Ceremony. A maid even carried baby Rowena to greet her aunt, and Milena was happy to see her adoptive niece again. Despite her recent adventure, the young girl looked perfectly fine, although a bit grumpy to be awake at such an hour. Milena insisted that the little girl should be sent back to bed quickly, as there was no need to keep her around for the actual ceremony.

Finally, the wedding officially began. Never had Milena seen her older brother so happy or nervous. He kept fidgeting in his suit until his best friend, the second young Duke Bryce De Boreal, had him stop by poking his flank and laughing at him. Even Milena found it quite cute. Standing between her father and her husband, she was trying to force her mind into this moment, and have a good time for her older brother's sake. It was quite hard, though. She just had so much to worry about...

Finally Eugenie made her entrance, beautiful in her wedding dress. She was very elegant, composed and beautiful. No doubt she would make a wonderful Duchess to the House De Crescent. Seeing her new sister-in-law walk up the aisle with her younger brother, as she had chosen to, made Milena wonder if some people were just destined to be with each other. Valentin and his bride looked simply perfect together; she couldn't imagine them ever being with anyone else. She thought those two were extremely lucky to have been born on similar, or at least compatible ranks...

The ceremony continued on, the young couple smiling at each other and blushing the whole time. Discreetly, Milena glanced at her own husband. His eyes didn't move, but a light smile appeared on his lips. She smiled too, and went back to focus on her older brother's wedding. It felt strange that it had happened after hers, the youngest, when Valentin was so much older. Of course, Ladies married younger, but if it wasn't for Eugenie's circumstances, they would have held this wedding two or three years ago already. The young Countess was unfortunate to have been sick so often, and Milena hoped she'd stay healthy from now on. Especially now that she was bearing the first blood heir or heiress to the House De Crescent...

Milena felt a little pinch in her heart, thinking about Valentin's decision, again. She had come to terms with the fact that he was right, but it still hurt to think of the future. For Rayan, too. She would be so relieved if he wasn't the one sent to War...

The Ceremony was concluded with loud applause and cheers, and the families gathered to congratulate the newly married couple. Eugenie had tears of happiness in her eyes, and Valentin's hands were still shaking for a long time after Milena and their brothers hugged him.

They then moved on to the Reception Hall, which had been decorated in a similar theme to the bride's dress. Milena sure hoped Eugenie wouldn't hesitate to bring her personal touch to the Manor's décor once she began living there. The Countess was much more skilled than her to select fabrics and flowers, and it would be a nice sight to see her input taking over the Manor each time Milena came to visit.

The dances began, and naturally, Valentin and his new wife walked to the center of the room to dance first. Those two were adorable together. They danced with ease, accustomed to each other, and exchanged many sweet smiles and secret whispers. Milena realized she couldn't recall Valentin having danced with any other lady than Eugenie, and herself. Raphael and Lucian often danced with various partners at such events, but Valentin had never had any other partner, as far as she could recall...

As per the custom, Milena and Rayan had to enter the dance scene next, as a Royal Couple. The two couples danced together, and for once, Milena truly found a connection between her couple and the other one, dancing in sync around each other. She could hear the crowd was pleased too. After that dance, they changed partners, Rayan stepping aside to let her dance with Valentin, while Eugenie switched to her Father.

"Congratulations," she said again to her older brother with a smile.

"Thank you, little sister," he said. "I'm just hoping Eugenie won't be exhausted after this..."

"Don't worry, she will let you know. You're already too worried, aren't you?"

"Can you blame me? ...Honestly, I just hope everything will be alright with her and our... blessing."

Milena smiled. It was so like Valentin, to only let the mask fall when he worried for his new bride. They chatted for a little while, but soon enough, it was time to change partners again. Milena kept wondering if they should leave early as they changed partners, but she could see Rayan waiting to the side, arms crossed and a calm expression on. Hence, she knew it wasn't time to leave yet.

The truth was, Milena was glad to have a little bit of party to enjoy before returning to the Royal Castle. Even if it was for only a short time. She was still Royal Princess Milena De Crescent, at least for now, she was also Milena, Valentin's younger sister, and the Duke's one and only precious daughter… she took the time to enjoy a dance with her Father, too. She and Eugenie were actually the only ones who got the opportunity tonight, and even dared to request it. The Duke seemed worried to have left Milena so upset at her brother's new decision. When she realized this Milena told him about their discussion and about her own feelings, so her Father would refrain from worrying any longer.

Once the dance was over, however, Rayan stepped forward clearly meeting her eyes, and she knew that meant it was time to go. Milena quickly excused herself from Eugenie and Valentin, congratulating them again, but explaining she and Rayan had to leave. They tried to do so discreetly, as to not alarm people, but Milena knew people would talk regardless. 

Only inside the carriage did she relax. They didn't talk. Rayan closed his eyes, visibly tired since he had woken up early, and she simply leaned her head on his shoulder. It was once again snowing outside. Winter was truly upon them now. The Army would probably have to leave at the worst time possible, too...

Their Royal Carriage finally arrived back at the Castle, and they got down slowly. Milena was feeling nervous now, and she locked her arm around Rayan's the whole way to the Royal apartments.

She knew the King was sick, but she hadn't prepared herself for that moment, and everything that would inevitably befall afterwards. It could mean a hundred things for this Kingdom. To each new monarch, a new era, for better or for worse. Once they arrived in the corridor, Ellias was already standing there pacing frantically, while his wife was seated to the side, fidgeting with her hands, looking just as nervous.

"Princess Milena!" Exclaimed Philomenie, standing as soon as she spotted the two of them. "Prince Rayan, Your Highness..."

Milena was surprised to see Philomenie bow a bit to her husband, and even more, Ellias to glare at her for doing so.

"Finally," he said. "Better late than never, I suppose?"

"Aren't you in a hurry, Ellias?" Retorted Rayan, very calm and cold.

The double-edge of his sentence escaped no one around, not even the servants who were standing outside of the King's bedroom. The two exchanged a glance and bowed again.

"His Royal Highness the King is still with his doctor, Your Royal Highnesses, if you can just wait a couple more m-minutes..."

That sentence was enough to annoy Ellias even more, but Milena wasn't interested. She sighed, still holding Rayan's arm, nervous. What were they supposed to say? She knew this was mostly about the Princes, but still… she felt nervous seeing a dying man.

As if he had felt her nervousness, Rayan gently kissed her forehead. Milena nodded silently, and waited by his side, not sparing a glance towards her in-laws. Philomenie was sitting again, helpless and probably as nervous as her.

Finally, the doctor stepped out and turned to the Princes with a bow.

"My apologies, Your Royal Highnesses... I wish I had better news. However, our beloved Monarch isn't doing any better, and his heart has become very weak. I suggest you keep this... meeting as short as possible, please."

Both Princes agreed, and the doctor left.

"Are you sure we should come?" Asked Philomenie, looking worried.

"...She's right," whispered Milena. "Maybe it would be better for us to leave you alone with your father..."

"He's your father too now," retorted Rayan. "And he asked for the four of us. Let's go and not waste any more time."

The ladies nodded, and Ellias pushed the doors first. 

The Room was surprisingly dark, which shocked Milena. The curtains had been almost completely drawn, and the candles burning on one side of the room was a bit overwhelming. This already felt like a funerary... 

Milena couldn't let go of Rayan's hand. As composed as she may have looked outside, internally, she was very tense and conflicted. She approached the large bed just as they did.

Silverius was lying there awake, but looking very weak as expected. The King had his hair lying around his face, but other than that, it was obvious he had been prepared and properly cared for. His crown was even on the bedside table, as if he was going to get up at any moment. From what Milena could see, it was very unlikely.

"Father," said Ellias, stepping closer to the bed, frowning.

Rayan slowly bowed, but Milena could see the tension in his shoulders. It was his father lying there, in such a state.

"Sons, finally..."

He extended his arms, and together Ellias and Rayan helped him sit up. For once, the pair of brothers really looked like twins. They had the same worried expression on, the same look in their eyes. They genuinely loved their father, and all angst about his succession was put in pause just for now.

"I... won't last much longer," said the King. "I'm sorry I couldn't... be stronger."

"You've done all you could, Father," said Ellias.

"No… this is a decision I should have taken sooner. You two were raised to reign, and you each took your own path. I never wanted this to be any competition between you two, but... Lyriana thought it would be unfair to decide on the Crown Prince too early. Now, I realize this was a mistake, and a weakness of mine. I would have spared you and your wives a lot of trouble perhaps, if only I could have made up my mind sooner..."

Ellias quickly glared at his brother, but Rayan was all focused on his father. Milena put a hand on his shoulder, gently. It ought to be hard. Even she was feeling this terrible knot in her throat. The King was a good man, and he had been a good ruler to his people all his life. He had been a poor husband, but this wasn't something he was entirely faulty of either. 

The servants and the butler, standing on one side of the room, all looked deeply affected as well. This was in no way going to be easy...

"My sons. All this old father of yours wishes... is for you both to remain happy, and together. You need each other. I do not care what any prophecy says. You two are... twins. You were bonded together by one of the most sacred bonds. If one shall reign, the other shall be his shadow, his supporter. Do not be divided by greed, I beg you. Do not let others blind you, turn you against each other. You are... brothers."

Milena clenched her fist.

This was too hard to watch. Was the King clueless about his sons' relationship? Or was that merely the wish of a dying man? It was hard to tell. Still, Silverius was obviously using all his strength to say this, and was very serious. In each hand, he held one of his sons' hands tightly. After a while, he took a deep breath.

"Ellias. You are a good man, and a wise person. You know people's desires, and you know how to make the people happy. You know how to read others. You know how to please them. You are cut for politics, and for appealing our people. You and... your wife, are to be the face of the Royal Family."

Ellias' chest suddenly inflated, and a smile appeared on his face, as he nodded frantically.

"Of course, Father! You can count on me, I will be the best..."

"Rayan," suddenly called the King, turning to his older brother.

Ellias' expression sank, staring at his Father and Rayan, but the King was already focused on his other son.

"Rayan. You are a lonely soul, but you are brave, and you are calm. You know how to keep a cool head, and read people. You will be fair, and loyal to our Kingdom. I know you nourish the least ambition, unless they are motivated personally, but this is what we need. A fair, impartial King."

"Father!" Protested Ellias.

Silverius sighed, and turned to Ellias.

"Ellias, my son. Do not resent this decision. You know this is for the best. Your brother is least liked by the nobles, but a King doesn't need to be liked. He needs to be fair, and respected. After a human King, a vampire one should re-establish the balance. If you stay by Rayan's side..."

"By his side? Father, you know I'll be sent to War!"

"And you'll make a wonderful leader for our people. You are good at heartening the soldiers, and the Kingdom will follow you, as a War Hero. We..."

The King suddenly began coughing loudly, and an old maid rushed over to help him, tissue in hand. Milena was almost trembling. This was a heart-wrenching scene, and at the same time, overwhelming. In his last moments, the King only cared about their Kingdom's future. Their future...

"We need the two of you, my beloved sons, for this Kingdom to go on. My only hope is that I've prepared you enough, my only regret is that it'll never be enough. I want to think that when I leave this life, it will be because I can confidently pass it on to my children. I want to rest in peace, the peace to know you'll live until the next generation takes over."

The King took a deep breath, and turned to his butler. The droops of sweat on his forehead spoke volumes about how hard it was for him to still be talking like this. The poor man was really ill. Terminally ill...

"Let it be known," he said. "That I am naming Rayan, my first-born son, as the official Crown Prince, and heir to the Throne. I name his brother, Ellias, my second-born son, as the Commander-in-Chief for the upcoming War, and Supreme Leader of our Army."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The look of defeat in Ellias was bottomless. Milena glared at him. He couldn't even feel more sorry for his father than he was for himself. He was truly determined to be selfish to the end...

"Now, my daughters. Lady Milena. Lady Philomenie."

"Yes, Your Highness," said the girls in unison.

"Please... lead my sons on the right path. They will need... strong, and loving partners. A King's heart can be filled with solitude and... it is... truly too horrible to die alone..."

Milena's heart broke at those words, for the King. She didn't know enough about this man, but the sadness and loneliness in his eyes was so hard to look at. Despite his sons and daughters-in-laws by his side, the King was really... dying alone. She took a deep breath, trying to control herself. Philomenie was already sobbing on the other side of the bed, unable to hold back.

"Yes, your Majesty," she mumbled.

"You will be... good Princesses to our Kingdom. Good mothers... Ah, I wish I had lived enough to see all the... smiling faces of my... grandchildren... Surely, they'll be so... beautiful. All of them..."

His eyes closed, and suddenly, Milena feared that was it. The King wasn't moving anymore, his sons' hands on his. The butler, frowning, stepped forward.

"...His Highness is exhausted, it seems. Your Highnesses, my deepest apologies, but I'll ask you to leave the room as the Doctor comes back. I promise we will notify you if... if anything happens."

Milena sighed in relief, learning he was only asleep. Still, it was hard to leave. She held on to Rayan's shoulder, but Ellias turned around brutally, and left the room first, slamming the door. Milena and Rayan exchanged a look. The Vampire Prince's eyes were burning with anger. Without saying a word, Milena let him leave first, and she walked around the bed, to go and gently grab Philomenie's shoulders.

"Come on," she whispered. "Let's leave him."

Philomenie leaned on Milena's shoulder to cry, and the two Princesses left the room together. One was crying, and the other was getting ready for a fierce fight...