Nineteen years ago, in a kingdom not too far from Rokrans, itself, where Derek would be competing in order to save his daughter, the kingdom celebrated one of its greatest achievements since so

long; Adagis had endured many drawbacks during those days and an impending catastrophe.

All of this was thanks to the tireless efforts of the nobility to prevent the country from falling into chaos and the tireless efforts of their Monarch. Macrani had formally become a county under the rulership of her royal majesty, Queen Nicolette. Their fears of the economy suffering a terrible blow had been quashed. What many did not know was that had it not been for the destabilization of Aragonsha, such would never have been possible.

Despite this, many in the higher ranks of the nobility knew why that was the case and they all appreciated the work of the queen’s spymaster. A plan well executed. With such a grand gesture being undertaken in the name of the queen, the Baron of Nightingale had the audacity and now the prestige to boot to profess his love for the queen.

Such a move that many would have deemed controversial given his lowly title but, after the recent events, many in the upper classes seemed in agreement alongside the queen who, herself always fostered secret feelings for the Baron.

Mariner had not wasted any time. There had been no better moment for such a daring move, he had requested to marry the queen right after the formalization, giving a much grander narrative to their marriage.

✽ ✽ ✽

Mariner smiled as he looked towards the halls of the church. His clothes were the same as he often wore. He could not have the luxury of being lavishly dressed back then. Then again, no noble could, not even the queen. He was still elegant, nonetheless. The riches of the kingdom would take time to recover. At least it would now that Macrani was part of Adagis. He thought to himself while standing atop the altar with a priestess by his side.

“Feeling tense, Baron?”

“Oh please, Nizagal. I could not be any happier.” Mariner said with a smile.

“Nonchalant as ever.” she said, smirking. As per the spymaster’s agreement, the morticians had now become an integral part of their society. As if to further prove their commitment, the Queen had requested that Nizagal be at the head of the proceedings.

He had to admit, quite the genius idea if not at least controversial. Yet with spirits so high, Mariner appreciated the wit of his beloved who also seized opportunities without a second thought. With a loud thud, the doors to the cathedral swung open as the conversing guests went silent and stood up. The queen had arrived, followed by an entourage of escorts, throwing very pretty petals. Music filled the air as an orchestra came to life, playing a multitude of notes to enhance the atmosphere for those gathered.

Nicolette was dressed just as humbly as Mariner. Charitable as she had always been. The dress she was wearing was a most courteous one, the veil being a simple yet elegant addition to her outfit. She felt uneasy, but this was not the first time she had walked down the aisle.

Her cheerfulness was irradiating. Those present were in awe at how elegant their monarch looked in such an ensemble. Mariner, himself, could barely keep his mouth closed with the excitement he felt.

She was as magnificent as a painting. Their eyes met halfway as she walked down the aisle. Endearing smiles could be noticed from their shared merriment.

Syvis was at the forefront of the escort, carrying the circlets that would formalize such a union. Much to Mariner's delight, he could notice she was just as cheerful as he was. Having always been an apprentice to the queen and now having her as a stepmother was something she also seemed to appreciate.

They were finally atop the pedestal of their ceremony, looking at one another. Nizagal proceeded with the rites common to the marriages in Adagis. Both stared into each other's eyes and time seemed to pause.

“Do you, Queen Nicolette Grecia V accept Baron Mariner Nightingale II as your King and Consort, ‘til death do you part?”

“Yes.”

“Do you, Baron Mariner Nightingale II accept Queen Nicolette Grecia V as your Queen and Consort, ‘til death do you part?”

“Yes.”

“People of Adagis, friends and family alike. I thus coronate The Baron of Nightingale as King Mariner. I, with the power vested in me by the kingdom and the clerics, I now consecrate this wedding. Let all who disagree remain silent for this is a worthy occasion of two who deeply respect and appreciate each other.”

Bringing back her gaze towards the royals.

“You may now share a kiss.” With those words uttered, it took little time for the two kissed. The Crowd present cheered with utmost enthusiasm.

“Long live the Queen! Long live the new King!”

The fireworks shook the skies in a magnificent show of pyrotechnics and color.

“LONG LIVE ADAGIS!” shouted the crowd, the celebration lasted the entire day, the final act in a long since developed play.

“Just as planned…” Mariner menacingly thought to himself.