Chương 77: A New Century

Weeks passed quickly and with them came the year 1300. With the dawn of the new century came the marriage of King Oscar Hawk and the future Queen Matilda Green. The Great Church of Virelia, its white walls as ancient as the kingdom itself, was filled to capacity. Thousands of commoners watched in silence, while nobles, Golden Knights and members of the clergy occupied the front rows.

Sunlight streamed through the towering stained-glass windows, reflecting across the marble floor and the polished armor of those in attendance. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the solemn voices of the choir. Oscar stood at the altar, motionless, dressed in his royal uniform. Upon his head rested the Crown of the Kingdom of Virelia. His expression remained unreadable, yet his posture conveyed every ounce of a king's authority. The great doors of the church slowly opened.

Matilda appeared at the entrance. She walked down the aisle wearing a magnificent emerald-green gown embroidered with golden thread. Every eye was fixed upon the future Queen. When she reached the altar, she stopped before Oscar. For a few moments, the two simply looked at one another. The priest opened the great sacred book.

"Let all those gathered here bear witness to this holy union, blessed by God and the Crown". An absolute silence fell over the church. The priest turned his gaze toward Oscar.

"King Oscar Hawk. Do you take Lady Matilda Green to be your lawful wife, to love, protect and honor her all the days of your life, in prosperity and adversity alike, until death parts you?" Oscar answered without hesitation.

"I do". The priest nodded before turning to Matilda.

"Lady Matilda Green. Do you take King Oscar Hawk to be your lawful husband, to love, support and remain faithful to him all the days of your life, in prosperity and adversity alike, until death parts you?" Matilda kept her eyes fixed straight ahead.

"I do". The priest slowly closed the sacred book.

"May these rings, symbols of eternity, seal the bond you have freely chosen to forge". A servant stepped forward carrying a small embroidered cushion. Oscar took one ring and gently slipped it onto Matilda's ring finger. She did the same with the King's hand. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it. The priest raised one hand.

"By the authority vested in me by the Church and the Crown of the Kingdom of Virelia, I now pronounce you husband and wife. May God watch over your union and grant prosperity to this kingdom". Oscar leaned toward Matilda. Their lips met in a brief kiss. The marriage was official. For a moment, silence reigned throughout the church. Then the entire nave erupted into thunderous applause.

"Long live the newlyweds!"

"Long live the King!"

"Long live the Queen!" The bells of the capital began ringing in unison. Oscar and Matilda turned toward the people, greeting them with warm smiles as the choir resumed its hymn. That day marked not only the beginning of a new century, but also the birth of a new royal family. That afternoon, and well into the evening, the royal hall hosted a magnificent banquet. Long oak tables overflowed with roasted game, fresh fish, warm bread, fruit, pastries and wines from every corner of the kingdom.

Nobles, Golden Knights, ambassadors and officials from every region of Virelia filled the hall with music, toasts and laughter. Oscar sat beside Matilda, who now wore the Queen's crown. She reached for a goblet of wine. Oscar gently caught her wrist, stopping her.

"No more drinking from today onward. You're a Queen now". Matilda looked at him in surprise.

"But we're celebrating, nephew. Drinking is perfectly normal…"

"I'm your husband now, not your nephew. And no, not even because it's a celebration. If you weren't an alcoholic, I'd have no objection, but in your case it's better to avoid alcohol altogether. I have no intention of feeding your addiction". Matilda pressed her lips together. For a moment, she looked as though she wanted to argue. Then she sighed and slowly withdrew her hand from the goblet. At that moment, a Golden Knight approached and bowed.

"Your Majesty, the guests wish to see the newlyweds open the ball". Oscar rose to his feet.

"Let's not disappoint them". He extended his hand to Matilda. She studied it for a brief moment before taking it. Together they walked to the center of the hall. The musicians began playing a slow melody. Oscar placed one hand around the Queen's waist while she rested hers upon his shoulder. The two began to dance. The guests stepped aside to admire the royal couple. Little by little, the other couples joined them, transforming the banquet into a grand celebration that would continue until late into the night.

Meanwhile, far from the festivities… Leaning on his cane, Declan slowly made his way through the palace corridors. He stopped before Teresa's chamber and knocked twice.

"Come in, Declan". He obeyed. Teresa was seated beside the window, the Green Dragon's book resting open on her lap.

"Your Majesty, aren't you attending the banquet?"

"I don't feel well". It was a lie. Declan realized it immediately.

"I understand". Several seconds of silence followed.

"Did Oscar send you?"

"Yes. But I was also worried about you". Teresa offered a faint smile.

"May I ask you something?"

"Of course, Your Highness". The Queen Mother rose to her feet, holding the old book in both hands.

"There is nothing left for me here at court. All I can do now is watch my son and my sister rule in my place". She lowered her eyes to the worn volume.

"The only thing I have left is reading. And I believe this Green Dragon truly existed". Her fingers brushed across the cover.

"I want to find it". She took a long breath.

"I'm even prepared to die if that's what it takes". Then she looked up at Declan.

"Would you come with me?" Declan remained silent. He studied the determination in her eyes.

"I understand your resolve, but…why me? I can't fight, I walk with a cane and I'm the King's advisor".

"Because you have connections. You know people. You can organize a journey better than anyone else". She paused briefly.

"And because you're the only man I'd trust to travel alone with". Declan lowered his gaze slightly.

"Because I'm a eunuch". Teresa nodded.

"Exactly…so? Would you come with me?" Declan thought for another moment. Then he smiled faintly.

"It would be an honor, Your Highness".

"But how do we explain it to the King?" Teresa slowly closed the book.

"We won't". A faint smile appeared on her face.

"We'll leave without telling him. Just give me a few days to make the arrangements". Declan nodded.

"As you wish". He bowed and left the room. The door slowly closed behind him. Teresa remained alone. She walked to the window and gazed at the lights of the palace while, in the distance, the music of the banquet continued to echo through the night. Clutching the Green Dragon's book tightly against her chest, she whispered softly,"If you truly exist…wait for me".