The Wedding -1

Sprawling acres of manicured lawns and plentiful rose gardens and fountains enamoured the vast garden.

A large oak tree with two rows of willow trees at the side of the garden could be seen.

Extravagant tables with tea sets and varieties of cakes , macaroon , pudding , tarts and pies were available in the greenhouse adjacent to the wedding hall .

A selection of fresh jams , scones and tea sandwiches filled the table.

The tablecloth was embroidered with pansies, hyacinths , stephanotis and orchids to evoke a romantic atmosphere.

Flowers such as daisies , freesia and gardenia adorned the wedding hall which was built in the garden.

The place was brimming with antique laces and vases filled with romantic blooms.

At the altar stood the groom , 6ft tall dressed in a claret coloured frockcoat, with a double-breasted waistcoat and grey striped trousers.

He had pure black hair with a beautiful pair of black eyes.

He was expressionless so one couldn't identify if he was displeased or excited.

The music from the violin played as the bride entered the wedding hall.

The bride walked in wearing a long A-line Tulle wedding dress with heavy embroidery and a tiara adorned with orange blossoms and gilded pearls with a mid- length veil attached to its base.

Violet Rossaria Vanidestine walked down the aisle , approaching the man she had been engaged to since her birth.

She was the only daughter of Duke Lucas August Vanidestine and Duchess Charlotte Celestina Vanidestine , much loved and adored by her parents and three elder brothers – Luis , Matthew and Stefan Vanidestine.

Since she was three , she had started learning etiquette and knowledge required of a Crown Princess and the future Empress.

She was to wed the 22- year old Emperor Marcelo Adelmo Schmidt today.

Emperor Marcelo was newly crowned as the Emperor of Iretonia five months ago.

His Royal Father , the previous emperor passed away due to sickness six months ago.

The sun illuminated her face that was filled with life, energy and strength.

Her violet eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky.

Her wavy raven black hair was tied in a bun. She had a shapely figure , glossy skin , slender eyebrows and velvety eyelashes.

A sculptor could not have fashioned her delicate ears and dainty nose any better.

She was the epitome of beauty.

Filed with perfection.

Violet was slightly nervous as she walked down the flower adorned aisle.

Taking a deep breath , she told herself

' You've been practicing for this moment since you were 3. You can do this , Aria! Calm down. Just as you practiced. '

Violet saw her mom silently wiping her tears with an embroidered handkerchief.

Her dad looked solemn.

Her three brothers did not look too good either.

Violet's family was not too thrilled about her marriage to the Emperor.

After all , she just turned 15 years of age.

Though most noble girls got married at the age of 15 , Violet's parents had hoped that Violet would be able to enjoy her freedom as a maiden for at least another 5 years.

But they did not have a choice as the previous emperor bestowed the marriage between Violet and the then Crown Prince Marcelo.

The Vanidestine family had always been loyal to the Empire.

They were a neutral house.

Their loyalty was not to the Royal Faction nor the Aristocratic Faction.

Violet reminisce as she thought of the times she met her groom to be.

Just 5 times!

And every time they met , he was always cold and overbearing to her.

Yes , he was handsome.

With hair and eyes as black as midnight.

A sight for sore eyes.

But that was it.

After all , true beauty was not in the face but in the heart.

Violet believed that a person with a beautiful heart was the most stunning person in the world.

And that was who Violet strived to be.

To have a beautiful heart.

Violet reached the end of the aisle and the Emperor took her hands and led her to the altar.