Bound by Fate

The grand hall stood as a testament to Valoria’s ancient might, it’s towering stone pillars rising like silent sentinels, holding up the vaulted ceiling with a solemn grace. Rich tapestries draped the walls, woven with scenes from the kingdom's storied past, their once-vibrant colors softened by the golden light spilling through the stained-glass windows. The scent of lavender and roses mingled with the warm glow of flickering candles set in gilded sconces, filled the air with a comforting, nostalgic warmth.

James and I paused at the entrance as the heavy wooden doors creaked open. Beyond, the hall was filled with nobles, their finest silks and velvets shimmering beneath the fading light. The collective murmur of the crowd hushed at our arrival, and I could feel the weight of their eyes on us. They were not just here to witness a wedding. They were here to witness history.

The first notes of a harp floated through the air, soon joined by the resonant hum of a cello. The music was hauntingly beautiful, it’s melody threading through the room and drawing everyone deeper into the moment. The aisle stretched out before me, lined with tall candelabras and scattered rose petals, seeming longer than I had ever imagined. James's steady presence at my side grounded me, reminding me that this was more than just duty. This was a choice we had made together.

Ahead, the raised platform awaited us, draped in banners of royal blue and gold—the colors of Valoria. The high priestess stood in the center, her silver robes shimmering in the waning light. Behind her, the kingdom’s crest: a soaring eagle clutching both a sword and an olive branch, loomed large on a tapestry, a potent symbol of the strength we hoped to embody.


With each step down the aisle, the weight of my gown tugged at me, a luxurious garment adorned with delicate lace and silver thread. The bodice hugged my form, the skirt cascading around me like ocean waves. It was a gown fit for a queen, yet today it felt like armor, each stitch a reminder of the role I had to play.

We reached the platform. I glanced briefly at the familiar faces in the crowd. Some smiled warmly, others calculated, their expressions measuring the political implications of this union. In the back of my mind, I could not shake the feeling that some unseen force watched me from the shadows, waiting. Still, when James guided me up the steps, his hand in mine, the tension eased. He gave me a look of quiet reassurance, of love, and of an unspoken promise. Whatever lay ahead, we would face it together.

The high priestess raised her arms in a gesture of blessing, her voice filling the hall like a distant echo of ancient times.

"Today, we gather not just to witness the union of two hearts, but the joining of two souls in purpose," she began, her words carrying the weight of tradition.
"Isabella of Valoria, a woman of strength and compassion.”
“James, a man of loyalty and honor.”
“Their bond is not only a vow of love but a pledge to the kingdom, a union that will strengthen us all."

James took my hands in his. His grip was firm yet tender. The soft light streaming through the stained-glass windows bathed us in hues of red, gold, and blue. For a moment, the hall and all its people faded, and there was only us.

The priestess lifted a silver chalice filled with sacred water and dipped a sprig of lavender into it. Stepping forward, she sprinkled the water over our joined hands, her murmured blessing resonating like a forgotten prayer. The droplets touched my skin. It felt as if time itself slowed, the moment suspended in the sacred space between us. All the dangers, all the threats waiting outside these walls, felt distant, irrelevant. Her voice softened as she addressed me directly.

"Isabella, before your family, your kingdom, and the gods, do you vow to stand by James in love, in loyalty, and in strength through all trials and triumphs?"
"I vow to love, honor, and protect you, James.”
“I will stand by you through darkness and light, for you are my heart, my hope, and my strength."

The priestess then turned to James.

"James, do you vow to stand by Isabella, to protect her, to honor her, and to love her, no matter what trials may lie ahead?"
"I vow to love you, Isabella, with all that I am.”
“I will stand by you, protect you, and fight for you, always.”
“You are my princess, my equal, and my home."

The priestess smiled, stepping back and lifting her hands once more.

"By the power vested in me by the gods and the kingdom of Valoria, I pronounce you bound in love, in loyalty, and in purpose.”
“Let no man, nor beast, nor force of nature break this bond."

A soft cheer rippled through the crowd as the priestess stepped aside, leaving James and me to face each other. His eyes shimmered with emotion, and when he leaned in, our lips met in a kiss that felt less like a ceremony and more like a promise. A promise not only to each other but to the kingdom we were bound to serve and protect.

The music swelled. The guests rose in applause. With our hands still clasped, we turned to face the gathered nobility. Together, we descended the platform steps. Outside, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in shades of deep violet and orange. The grand hall doors swung open to reveal the moonlit courtyard beyond. Torches flickered along the stone pathways, and the sound of distant laughter and celebration filled the air, mingling with the cool night breeze.

This was the beginning—of our union, of our fight, and of the uncertain path ahead. We had waited a long time for this moment. I could barely believe that James was now my husband. The man that I should have been married to in the first place.