After the ceremony, the newlyweds were led to the grand hall where a magnificent feast was held.
Just like the church, the reception area was absolutely stunning, with a white and rose gold theme that was carried throughout the entire space. The tables were elegantly decorated with rose gold tablecloths and white flower arrangements, which perfectly complemented the white drapes with rose gold accents that hung from the ceiling.
The candles were all white, which added a touch of romance to the already beautiful space. The overall effect was one of pure elegance and sophistication, and it was clear that no detail had been overlooked in creating this breath-taking reception area.
The couple had their first dance together followed by the guest joining them after they were finished and they all danced away to the sound of the orchestra, and the happy couple was surrounded laughter and wishes.
It's been almost 3 and half hours since the event started. Claire's family already left as they have to leave for Mowsbury soon. Killian had refused to leave Claire alone once they got to the hall and so they have been beside each other all night.
The herald at the entrance tapped his stick end on the floor, gaining everyone's attention.
"Presenting His Majesty, King Ezlyn, ruler!!"
Behold, his Majesty, King Ezlyn of House Delroy, Ruler of Deerich, Sovereign of the Realm, and Protector of the People and her Majesty, Queen Reannon, of House Delroy, Ruler of Deerich, Beloved of the Nation, and Keeper of Grace."
Almost instantly, everyone stopped what they were doing and bowed down to greet their king and queen. The king and queen walked in wearing extravagant clothes. Killian and Claire walked forward and greeted the King and Queen.
"You may all rise. Congratulations Duke and Duchess. Today, on this sacred day, myself and my queen are gathered here to celebrate the union of two heart." King Ezlyn said, his voice steady and commanding
"Yes, it is with deepest joy that the king and myself have been able to attend the day of your union" Queen Reannon said, her voice warm and soft
"Your majesties, we are honoured to have you attend our special day today. We thank you." Killian spoke up
"Duke Killian, Duchess Claire, your marriage is the most important topic of the time and we hope you enjoy your honeymoon"
"Thank you, your majesty!"
"These are the gift myself and the Queen have prepared for you both to enjoy and I hope you like them."
"Thank you for your thoughts and blessing, your majesty."
Soon after greeting, the king had asked for a few minutes of privacy with Killian and Claire was left with the Queen. The friendship between the King and the duke was not a secret or mystery and people are well aware of their friendship. The friendship between them was said to be one born out of the whispered conspiracies inside the court and twisted cruelties outside the court. Very few knew that it was the King that once pulled back Killian from the brink of madness when he had lost everything he held dear to his heart, which had nearly consumed him.
While King Ezlyn was steady and commanding, Queen Reannon soft yet unafraid of the fact that an entire room full of people stood to wait for her to be wrong or act wrong. Her eyes grazed over the hall full of her subject, all ready to kiss her ass to get favours at the same time waiting to knock her down a peg or two. Her gaze was cutting when she wants it to be.
As time went by, Claire and the queen talked about themselves or anything they could find themselves talking about.
"My Lady!! My- My Lady!!" Dani came rushing forward to Claire.
"Dani, are you alright? Calm down. What is wrong?" Claire said. She noticed that her panic has caused nearly everyone to look in her direction
"Th- the estate the viscount and your sib- siblings were staying in.. the estate is on fire, my lady!" Claire's heart dropped as she processed the words Dani had told her. Her body had turned into some kind of self-ran machine as she turned around and sprinted outside. From the reception hall to the estate, it would only take 10 mins maximum and she didn't see any reason for her siblings to be in there as they should already be on their way back but she would only rest once she knows if her siblings are safe.
Her breathing was erratic and heart out of control as she got hold of a horse, mounted it and rushed to the estate where her family stayed. The fire Dani talked about, could be seen from a distance and it made Claire throat run dry to see how big it is. As she neared though, she could feel the scorching heat on her skin.
"No.. no no no.. Please no. Raymond! Dave! Stephan! Hannah! Raymond!" dismounting the horse, she ran and she screamed into the wind as if someone will hear her and respond back but Claire could only hear the crackling of the fire. The fire has consumed the whole estate and she knew that if anyone was to stay in there, they wouldn't survive.
Claire was fully prepared to run into that blazing furnace to check for any sign of life left but before she was fully able to run in, someone caught hold of her waist and pulled her back. Her back hit the front of someone. Her breathing began to grow narrow as she saw the estate slowly crumble. She tried to get out of the hold but she couldn't escape.
Helpless, she struggled against them and begged them to let go of her but they wouldn't budge. Claire looked almost hysterical, and who wouldn't when they see their whole life literally crumbling in front of you. Suddenly, whoever was holding her turned her around and Claire was able to see the person keeping her trapped.
"Why? Why would you do this? I agreed to marry you! I have married you! So, why.. why did you do this?" Claire asked him, tears streaming down her face.