Valerian, The Legendary

135 The Royal Procession (2).

Valerian extended his elbow for the lady to hold. He had grown taller in the past month and almost caught up to full grown males in the world. As Fragrantia hooked her arm with his, the child asked, “Will the wedding be held inside the palace?”

Vertex responded to him before Fragrantia, “Nope, we will be heading to the eastern end of the city, there is an old temple of mercy, where a priestess will be guiding the couple through it.”

Valerian was confused, although the reason was explained he still did not know what was the necessity of it. Fragrantia sighed and said, “It is because the temple is a sacred place. The order of mercy forbids violence until it is for self-defense, and they pray to Vita.

It is said that if a marriage or any relationship is made under the eyes of the deity, it will last longer and the people will stay happy.”

Valerian nodded, and the family of six walked out of the reception hall. Today was the wedding of the eldest prince, and important people had come over from all over the country. They were waiting for the Emperor and the rest in the eastern lobby.

This place was designated to be the meeting and greeting venue for the day. This lobby was also open to the public, as it led to the Royal Court, where the citizens would come and watch some important and critical cases being bought forward.

Valerian and Fragrantia walked in the middle, while Azula and Libra(the emperor) were behind them as Vertex and Ignis led the group through the palace. Today everything seemed to have been painted in the colors, blue and white.

The palace maids were wearing white uniforms. Usually, the servants were not allowed to wear the same colors as the royal family. However, as Fragrantia had said, earlier, these were the colors of the empire and all the citizens were allowed to put them on.

The virtues of the Lumen empire were different from the rest of the countries in the western continent. This was also the reason, that they were called the most prosperous empire here. Valerian looked around and found that the decoration of the palace had also changed for the event.

.....

He wanted to say something when the fur ball on his shoulders meowed. Fragrantia glanced at her and said, “You will get the food in a bit, my dear. Be patient.”

Fortuna calmed down and turned herself into a ball again. She was clear in her actions, if you do not give me food, then I will sleep. Valerian could not help but shake his head at this.

They arrived at the eastern lobby, when the bellman said in a sonorous voice, “The royal family has entered the lobby.”

The people fell quiet. Valerian knew this was a way to show respect for the Emperor and the royal family, and this made him sort of uneasy. Fragrantia sensed his muscles tightening and said in a gentle voice, “Deep breaths, Val. You are a prince, you must not let people see that you are affected, it will make them think of you as a weakling. Do you know what they do to weaklings?”

Valerian was surprised by her words, but then he recalled the things she told him and calmed down as he left a deep breath. He said, “Yes, Your Excellency.”

They both talked with hushed tones and did not look at each other. Their steps were slow, yet steady. Valerian subconsciously fell into a state as if he was walking through a cave filled with snakes. He could not make any sudden movements or the snakes will attack.

He became cautious but firm. Libra was gazing at this from behind and nodded. The family headed directly to the center of the lobby, where the princes moved away. Valerian also let go of the Empress and came to stand beside Vertex. Azula followed them and stood next to Valerian.

Libra took the hand of the lady beside him and while looking around he said, “I, welcome you all over to the wedding ceremony of the first prince, Ignis Verus. I hope you all bless the prince with your good wishes.”

Then, there was no more. Libra had fallen silent. As the dignified emperor, he will not be showing his gratitude to the guests with his words, but through his actions. He waved his hand and a queue of palace staff walked in with trolleys filled with wine chalices.

Libra said, “Before we proceed, let us seek the blessings of the forefathers, and bless the First Prince.”

He picked up a wine glass from the plate offered to him by his attendant, and then passed it to Fragrantia before taking one for himself. The princes and the princess were also given a wine glass each.

Valerian looked at the liquid and said, “I am too young for this.”

Vertex chuckled and said, “You have to drink it either way. Might as well do it with a smile?”

Valerian rolled his eyes at the young man and walked said in his hushed voice, “Just a small sip and then it will disappear.”

The second prince said, “You coward.”

Azula said, “Can you stop goading him? He is not an adult yet. Val, do not learn from him.”

Valerian nodded forcefully. He agreed with Azula. He did not wish to learn from Vertex. This man had some trouble with his brain too. Ignis said, “Valerian, just a sip will do. Do not worry.”

Ignis had this big brother vibe about him today that no one could tell that this guy was a certified goof. His sharp eyes had another story to tell. Valerian nodded to him and kept his silence. He had no knowledge of the place, so he did not wish to embarrass himself in front of these big shots.

Libra said, “I wish my son a happy married life. May the couple live together and grow old together.”

The crowd cheered the crowd and they all repeated the words as he raised the wine glass and shoved the contents down his throat in a gulp. Fragrantia chuckled and then she also did the same.

A lot of young people from the crowd came forward to greet the Emperor and the Empress and then they raided Ignis with goofy smiles. These people were all those who knew the first prince for a long time. This process lasted for an hour, and then the Emperor said, “A reception will be held for him and the daughter-in-law of the family, to welcome and let her know the rest of you.”

The atmosphere was very cordial, and after a few minutes, the people came outside the palace. Today, they will be sitting in the open head carriages. These carriages were used in public ceremonies. It was to interact with the citizens and let them feel closer to the royalty.

Valerian was walking beside Azula, and asked, “Do I also have to sit in the carriage?”

Azula said, “You can ride on a beast along with Vertex if you want to.”

The kitten on his shoulder raised her head as soon as this suggestion was made. She wanted to see what this guy will do. Valerian saw her and recalled how this little one almost scared the big bird the last time to death. He shook his head and said, I will take the carriage if it can accommodate me.”

Azula smiled and said, “Fine.”

She thought this child wanted to integrate into the family, well, we all make mistakes. They came closer to the carriage and found that the place inside was enough for the five of them.

The Empress and the Emperor sat down first in the seats facing the front, while Ignis, Valerian, and Azula sat in front of them. Valerian was asked to sit on the side, while she sat in the middle. The child was confused and asked, “Why can I not sit in the middle?”

Azula patted his head and said, “The people would love to see you from a closer vantage point.”

Valerian figured it could be that he was the newest member of the Royal family, so he accepted. Libra watched the two talk amiably and said, “Sir Quies, you may proceed.”

The royal family was in the back of the procession, while the front was occupied by various city lords and nobles. A guard of honor was in place today, with soldiers wearing shiny armor and holding spears diagonally inclined towards the inside of the road.

The silver armor paired with a blue short cape made the soldiers look majestic and elegant. Valerian was in awe of the whole setup. The streets had white and blue banners erected all over the sides and the walkways were filled with citizens who were looking at the procession with awe.

They all were showering the procession with white and blue flower petals. Valerian suddenly caught a sound, “Look, that is the fourth prince.”

This voice was so loud that it quickly gathered the attention of the people in the crowd, and they all began to praise his appearance.

Valerian felt embarrassed and a faint blush crept up his face, he said to Azula, “You tricked me.”

Azula chuckled and so did the rest, suddenly Fortuna stood up on his shoulder and cast a gaze into the crowd, her fur stood on the end. Valerian noticed this and followed her gaze, and said, “Stop!!!”