The long-awaited wedding day had finally arrived.
The Ashford Estate had been transformed for the occasion. White marble pathways led guests through carefully trimmed gardens filled with blooming roses, while silver candelabras decorated the entrance, each carrying ivory and deep-red flowers. Velvet drapes hung from the balconies, and enormous crystal chandeliers illuminated the grand ballroom, their light reflecting beautifully against the polished marble floor. Tables had been arranged around the edges of the hall, covered with fine silverware, crystal glasses, pastries, roasted meats, fruits, and bottles of wine. Musicians played softly in the corner as nobles arrived one after another, filling the estate with conversation and laughter.
Duncan arrived with Skender and Zayn, the three of them serving as Marion's best men. Marion was already waiting near the altar, dressed in a perfectly tailored grey suit embroidered with subtle silver patterns. Silver cufflinks and a matching watch completed his appearance, while a ceremonial sword rested against his left hip. His dark hair had been styled neatly, though a few strands had fallen across his forehead, giving him a relaxed appearance despite the importance of the day.
"You're looking rather serious for a man about to get married," Zayn teased.
Marion glanced at him. "Perhaps I'm beginning to understand what I've gotten myself into."
Duncan laughed. "It's too late to run now."
"Exactly."
Before Marion could say anything else, the sound of carriage wheels echoed outside.
The conversations around the ballroom gradually faded as everyone turned toward the entrance.
Nathaniel had arrived.
He stepped through the doors dressed in a simple indigo noble coat fitted neatly around his broad frame, paired with dark trousers, polished boots, and a belt resting around his waist. His long obsidian hair was combed backward, revealing his golden-brown complexion and sharply defined features. But it was his eyes that caught everyone's attention.
Electric green.
Bright and intense.
His gaze seemed almost unnaturally penetrating, while the slight glimpse of his pointed canines gave him an eerie quality that made it difficult to look away.
Several unmarried noblewomen immediately began whispering among themselves. A few even sent him subtle smiles and gestures, clearly hoping to catch his attention.
Nathaniel acknowledged them politely, but none of their attempts lasted long.
He had only one woman on his mind.
Maya.
The sound of trumpets soon announced the beginning of the ceremony.
Marion walked toward the altar and knelt before King Alexander. The King drew his ceremonial sword and gently touched the blade against Marion's shoulders before giving him his blessing.
"You may rise."
Marion stood and took his place before the altar.
A few moments later, the grand doors opened once again.
Clara appeared beside her father, dressed in a magnificent white gown embroidered with delicate silver patterns. Her veil flowed behind her as she walked slowly down the aisle to the soft music of the string quartet. Every eye followed her until she reached the altar.
She bowed respectfully before King Alexander, who blessed her with his sword before she turned to face Marion.
The priest stepped forward.
"Today, the Kingdom of Valtheris gathers to witness the union of Duke Marion Griffin Ashford and Lady Clara Kai Ravenshire."
The crowd applauded warmly before settling into silence.
The ceremony continued with the traditional vows, and when the priest finally asked whether either of them objected to the union, the ballroom remained silent.
"Then, by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
A smile spread across Clara's face.
"You may kiss the bride."
Marion leaned forward and gently kissed his new wife as the ballroom erupted into cheers and applause.
Moments later, Clara tossed her bouquet into the crowd.
Several ladies reached for it, but Sandra caught it first.
The room erupted into laughter and excited screams as her friends gathered around her.
With the ceremony over, the celebration truly began.
Music filled the ballroom, servants moved between the tables with food and drinks, and guests crowded the dance floor. Maya tried to remain among her friends, hoping she could enjoy the wedding without being approached by one particular person.
"Miss Maya."
She closed her eyes briefly, of course, she turned around.
Nathaniel stood behind her with a familiar smile.
"Good afternoon," he said. "Are you enjoying yourself?"
"Yes, I am." Maya gave him a polite smile. "And you?"
"Much better now."
Maya raised an eyebrow.
Nathaniel extended his hand, "I'd like us to spend some time together. Shall we?"
She stared at his hand for several seconds. The last thing she wanted was to spend another afternoon dealing with his strange behavior, but refusing him in front of so many nobles would only attract unnecessary attention.
Reluctantly, she placed her hand in his, Nathaniel smiled and led her toward the dance floor.
From across the ballroom, Duncan watched them.
Nathaniel moved with effortless confidence, guiding Maya through the crowd, but Duncan noticed the slight stiffness in her shoulders and the way she avoided meeting Nathaniel's eyes for too long.
She didn't look comfortable.
Duncan's gaze remained on Nathaniel.
The Duke suddenly looked across the room.
Their eyes met.
Nathaniel smiled.
Duncan's expression hardened before he turned away and took another sip of wine.
There's something about that man.
He couldn't explain what it was, but every encounter with Nathaniel left him feeling as though he had missed something important.
The celebration continued, and eventually Duncan stepped away from the crowd to get another drink.
"Lord Duncan."
He turned and found Nathaniel standing behind him, his electric-green eyes fixed on him.
Nathaniel was standing nearby, "I caught you staring at me earlier," Nathaniel said calmly. "May I ask why?"
Duncan straightened. "Nothing, Your Grace. I wasn't looking at you."
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And here I thought you had fallen in love with me."
Duncan stared at him, completely caught off guard, what kind of man says something like that?
Nathaniel suddenly laughed. "I'm joking."
Duncan exhaled, almost relieved. "That's better."
Nathaniel's amusement faded slightly.
"I heard you were poisoned. I'm sorry I didn't visit earlier. I had several matters to attend to, but I'm glad you're recovering."
"I'm fine now," Duncan replied. "Although I still don't understand why I was the only one poisoned."
Nathaniel's expression remained calm. "Neither do I."
Duncan studied him, "I intend to find out who did it."
"I'm sure you will."
Duncan's voice became firmer. "Whoever did it will eventually be exposed."
Nathaniel's eyebrow lifted. "What does that mean, my Lord?"
"Nothing."
Duncan stepped back, "But sooner or later, the truth will come out."
He turned and walked away.
Nathaniel remained where he was, watching him disappear into the crowd. His expression became thoughtful.
"What an interesting conversation."
Before he could think any further, a sudden metallic crack echoed through the ballroom.
Several guests looked upward.
One of the enormous crystal chandeliers hanging above the dance floor had begun to sway.
The chain supporting it groaned.
Then it snapped.
The chandelier plunged toward Gabrielle, who was standing directly beneath it.
"Look out!"
Nathaniel reacted instantly.
Chairs scraped violently against the marble as he pushed away from the table and sprinted forward. Guests screamed and scattered as pieces of crystal broke loose and rained onto the floor.
"Gabrielle!"
Nathaniel reached for her, but another figure came rushing from the opposite direction.
Duncan.
He threw himself toward Gabrielle and shoved her out of the chandelier's path.
Both of them crashed onto the marble floor.
CRASH!
A deafening crash shook the ballroom as the chandelier shattered behind them, sending fragments of glass across the floor.
Nathaniel raised his arm to shield his face, but one of the jagged pieces caught the back of his hand.
He winced as blood immediately began running down his fingers.
For a moment, everyone stood frozen.
Then the ballroom erupted into chaos.
"Is everyone alright?"
"Get the healer!"
"Lady Gabrielle!"
Maya rushed toward Duncan, "Duncan!"
She knelt beside him, her face filled with worry, "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," he assured her, slowly getting to his feet.
Gabrielle was shaken but unharmed.
The surrounding guests quickly gathered around Duncan, praising him for saving her.
"You were incredibly brave."
"Thank goodness you reacted in time."
"You saved her life."
Duncan smiled awkwardly, insisting that he had only done what anyone else would have done.
Nathaniel stood several feet away, quietly watching, blood continued to drip from his injured hand.
No one seemed to notice.
For a brief moment, his expression was unreadable. He looked down at his hand, then toward Duncan, who was still surrounded by people.
A faint smile touched his lips, he turned away.
As he began walking toward a quieter part of the estate, Gabrielle noticed the blood.
"Your Grace?"
Nathaniel stopped.
She approached him with concern. "Your hand is bleeding."
Nathaniel glanced down, "It's only a scratch."
"You're still bleeding."
She gestured toward the wound. "Come with me. We should clean it."
Nathaniel studied her for a moment before giving a small nod.
"As you wish."
She led him away from the ballroom, where a servant brought water and a clean cloth. Gabrielle carefully cleaned the cut while Nathaniel remained unusually quiet.
"Does it hurt?" she asked.
"Not much."
She returned the smile before finishing the bandage.
"Thank you," Nathaniel said.
"You don't have to thank me."
He glanced toward the ballroom where the music had already begun again. The wedding celebration continued as though nothing had happened.
Nathaniel looked down at his bandaged hand, then toward the ballroom once more.
His eyes settled briefly on Duncan, and their gazes met. Duncan frowned, but Nathaniel only smiled before looking away.
For some reason, that smile bothered him more than it should have.
A/N
What do you guys think about, Nathaniel Clifford?