Ch 02
Chapter 2
The bride’s procession, befitting the power of the Biantica Empire and the Rosana family, was grand and magnificent.
High-ranking officials from Biantica, including the crown prince and Duke Howard, accompanied the bride, astonishing many.
Inside the carriage, Eliano’s green eyes were filled with tears.
Seeing this, her nanny comforted her gently.
“Miss, don’t be too sad. I’ll be with you.”
Eliano was deeply grateful that her nanny, who cared for her like a mother, was accompanying her to Zacadoor.
Yet she couldn’t shake off her fear of marrying into an enemy nation.
“May the Fairy of Fortune guide your future.”
Eliano tried to calm her sadness by recalling the fairy statue at the temple, but it didn’t help. The carriage heading to Zacadoor felt like a ride to hell. Would fortune really be with her?
To distract Eliano, her nanny took something out of her pocket—a small portrait about the size of two palms.
“Miss, would you like to see your groom’s portrait? The seventh prince of Zakador is a very handsome man.”
The portrait depicted a dazzlingly beautiful young man with golden hair.
However, Eliano, known as the “noble flower” of Bianteca’s social scene and having received countless proposals from handsome men, was unimpressed.
“These portraits are always exaggerated. If someone painted my portrait, I’d look as beautiful as the Empress herself. My husband probably isn’t that remarkable in person.”
She pushed the portrait aside, grumbling.
Still, her nanny smiled faintly, seeing that Eliano had stopped crying.
The carriage pressed on.
When Eliano reached Lynsgen, Zacadoor’s territory, her face was composed, though her eyes remained damp.
Unlike the bride’s somber mood, the atmosphere among the dignitaries of both nations was cheerful.
A Zacadoor noble proudly spoke to Eliano.
“What do you think of the honeymoon house? His Majesty ordered renovations for you and the Seventh Prince. I’m sure you’ll be pleased.”
The mansion in Lynsgen was indeed picturesque, and Eliano’s expression brightened slightly as she took in its beauty.
Perhaps she could live happily after all—with a handsome prince and such a lovely home.
Forcing herself to be optimistic, Eliano responded kindly.
“It’s truly beautiful. Please extend my gratitude to His Majesty.”
“Of course, Lady Rosana.”
Despite being in an unfamiliar environment, Eliano maintained her composure as a graceful noblewoman.
Her every movement—from her steps to her gestures—radiated elegance.
Her voice, carrying Bianteca’s distinct refinement, was both innocent and dignified.
Even when she excused herself early due to fatigue from the journey, her actions were so graceful they seemed like part of a painting.
Zacadoor’s officials praised her, marveling that she lived up to her reputation as Bianteca’s finest bride.
“She’s truly elegant and dignified, even by Zacadoor’s standards.”
“The Seventh Prince is truly lucky.”
“I hope she grows fond of him. As the symbol of peace, they must have a harmonious marriage.”
“The prince is handsome enough; she’ll surely like him.”
Their conversations, initially filled with compliments and hopeful wishes, eventually turned to quiet gossip about the Seventh Prince’s low status within the imperial family.
“Why did His Majesty choose someone so insignificant to marry Lady Rosana?”
“Because of his good looks, of course. His Majesty is still charmed by his appearance.”
Some nobles couldn’t hide their disdain for the Seventh Prince until a senior noble silenced them.
“Enough. Show respect for the prince. Remember where you are.”
***
The bride from Bianteca was dazzlingly beautiful, with black hair and green eyes that exuded grace as she walked on the red carpet.
Her groom, Zacadoor’s Seventh Prince, was even more handsome than his portrait.
Yet Eliano was too preoccupied with holding back tears to notice.
Tears fell silently from the bride’s eyes.
Eliano knew how to suppress her sobs but not her tears.
“Your tears are as precious as jewels,” her groom remarked when they first met.
“There is no one in Zacadoor who cries as beautifully and gracefully as you do.”
True to her reputation in Bianteca’s social circles, every gesture Eliano made was elegant and refined.
Even her tears enhanced her beauty, making her look more delicate and enchanting.
“I’ve fallen for you at first sight,” said the Seventh Prince, Marcell Zacadoor.
While Eliano’s beauty wasn’t earth-shattering, it was enough to captivate her groom completely.
The Seventh Prince fell deeply in love with his bride from the enemy country, as everyone had expected.
Seeing the prince so smitten, both sides were pleased.
Smiles adorned the faces of everyone present, from Zacadoor nobles to Bianteca’s crown prince and Duke Howard.
***
Eliano adapted quickly to her new life as the Seventh Prince’s wife, earning widespread praise for her kindness and grace.
She became a symbol of peace and harmony between the two empires.
With her husband’s open displays of affection, the couple’s harmonious relationship became a source of admiration.
“Eliano, you’re so stunning today that I can’t take my eyes off you.”
“Oh, Marcell, you flatter me.”
“To have a wife like you makes me the luckiest man alive.”
Marcell’s unrelenting affection gradually melted Eliano’s heart. Though she had received countless proposals before, the fact that Marcell was her husband made all the difference.
“I love you, Eliano. I’ll protect you forever.”
“I love you too, Your Highness.”
Eliano began to find solace and joy in her new life, far from the oppressive gaze of her father.
Under her husband’s care and love, she started to grow and change.
However, Marcell was not content with his newfound status.
When an unexpected stroke of luck—being adopted by the Empress—brought him closer to the throne, he seized the opportunity.
The Seventh Prince got devoted followers as his ambition grew.
Lynsgen became a hub for talented individuals, all pledging their allegiance to him.
“You are truly guided by the Fairy of Fortune, Your Highness,” his supporters would say.
Though hesitant at first, Marcell’s resolve to reach the throne only grew stronger.
His wife, Eliano, supported him unwaveringly, believing that their love and her fortune would lead them to success.
“Marcell, I’ll always be by your side. The Fairy of Fortune will guide you to the throne.”
The path to becoming emperor, however, was fraught with danger. Both Marcell and Eliano faced countless trials, including the devastating loss of their children and attempts on their lives.
Despite these hardships, their love for each other remained steadfast, giving them the strength to overcome.
In the end, Marcell crowned Eliano as his empress, fulfilling their shared dream. But the journey had been anything but easy, as Eliano’s Bianteca heritage continued to cast a shadow over her position.
“Your Highness, you must take Lady Bain as your empress instead,” his advisors insisted.
Yet, Marcell’s love and loyalty to Eliano remained unwavering.