Chapter 143: An Intimate Friend
The entire capital was bustling with the news of the royal wedding that was about to commence. Every single person was encouraged to celebrate such an important event regardless of their status, and thanks to King Ruan’s grace, the wedding day was announced as a national holiday. Even the commoners were invited to a joyous celebration arranged for them in the form of an outside fair.
The fair was directly supplied by the Royal Family, its generosity offering free food and drinks for everyone, culminating in the celebration with a carnival and dancing until morning.
The wedding ceremony itself was a very exclusive event held inside the sacred walls of the Holy Church; only the members of the Royal Family and their closest friends were allowed to be present, leaving much to the imagination of curious nobles who never missed the opportunity to speculate and gossip, especially when it came to the still-mysterious figure of the foreign princess from Lafad.
Once the wedding ceremony was over, the proper celebration was to be held in the Royal Palace, precisely in the largest banquet hall, and the noble families of every rank were invited to join the festivities.
The grandiose banquet hall shimmered with opulence as guests flooded in, their gowns and suits a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Nobles, dignitaries, and esteemed guests from far and wide mingled, their laughter and chatter filling the air with an air of anticipation and joy.
The hall itself was decorated with luxurious draperies of rich velvet and silk, in hues of royal black and blue, cascading from the high ceiling to the marble floors below. Gilded candelabras flickered with a warm, inviting glow, casting a soft radiance over the scene. Tables were draped with pristine white linens and adorned with elaborate floral arrangements of roses, lilies, and orchids, their sweet fragrance mingling with the tantalizing aroma of the feast to come.
The banquet spread was a sight to behold, a feast fit for true royalty. Towering pyramids of fresh fruits and berries glistened enticingly, while golden bowls overflowed with exotic delicacies, from spiced olives to marinated cheeses––a generous gift sent from Melania’s homeland by her parents who, unfortunately, were not able to share the happy day with their daughter.
As guests mingled around, crystal goblets were filled with fine wines and bubbling champagne, their effervescence a symbol of the joyous occasion. Servers moved gracefully among the tables and guests, offering trays of delicate hors d’oeuvres and dainty pastries, each bite a symphony of flavors and textures.
The atmosphere was alive with music and merriment, as musicians played lively tunes and dancers twirled gracefully across the polished dance floor. Toasts were raised in honor of the happy couple, their love celebrated with each clink of glass and heartfelt sentiment.