The General's Promise

Edric sat with Lyraeth in their guest room, the warm glow of the firelight casting dancing shadows on the walls. He leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched her. Finally, he broke the comfortable silence. "I’ve been thinking," he began, his tone light but filled with intent. "It’s the perfect time to have a grand wedding, one befitting you."

Lyraeth looked up, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Darling, we’ve already had a wedding," she replied with a soft laugh. "The one in the Spirit World, remember? It was perfect—intimate, just us."

"It was," Edric agreed, reaching for her hand and intertwining his fingers with hers. "But I want the world to see how much I love you. I want everyone to celebrate what we have. You deserve to be spoiled, my love."

She hesitated, her expression turning thoughtful. "The baron is still a threat. This might not be the best time for a celebration."

"That’s exactly why we should do it," Edric countered, his voice filled with conviction. "We need to show strength and unity. And perhaps, just for a moment, we can remind everyone that joy and love still exist."

They went back and forth, Lyraeth pointing out the risks and uncertainties, while Edric emphasized the importance of resilience and finding happiness amidst the chaos. His sincerity and determination finally wore her down.

"Fine," Lyraeth relented with a gentle laugh. "But nothing too extravagant."

Edric’s grin was triumphant, his joy unmistakable. "You won’t regret this. I promise."

The next morning, Edric sought an audience with King Thorne in the grand hall. The king raised an eyebrow as Edric made his request. "Your Majesty," Edric began, his voice steady but earnest, "I wish to request the use of the grand temple of the Goddess of Animals for our wedding. It’s important to me that Lyraeth’s mother’s presence is felt."

The king leaned back in his ornate chair, his expression softening. "A wedding? But aren’t you two already married?" he asked, a touch of amusement in his tone.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Edric admitted, his voice firm. "But I wanted to hold a proper wedding. Lyraeth deserves it, and I want to give her the best."

The king studied him for a moment before nodding, a smile tugging at his lips. "A beautiful idea, General. You have my full support."

Edric’s heart swelled with gratitude. As he left the hall, whispers began circulating among the courtiers. Why would General Bearhold, known for his stern devotion to the God of War, choose the temple of the Goddess of Animals? Rumors spread quickly—some admired his devotion to his wife, while others speculated about her influence over him. Edric paid the gossip no mind, but Lyraeth couldn’t entirely ignore the murmurs. The baron, hearing of the plans, saw an opportunity to exploit the divided opinions.

Edric had already commissioned the capital’s most skilled seamstress to create a wedding dress for Lyraeth. When she discovered this, her eyes widened in surprise. "You were that confident, were you?" she teased.

"I know my wife," Edric replied with a wink, his grin mischievous. "And I knew I’d convince you."

Despite her initial reservations, Lyraeth found herself swept up in the preparations. She accompanied Edric in choosing decorations, music, and other details, her sharp eyes missing nothing. However, she couldn’t shake the unease that settled in her chest whenever she noticed the baron’s spies lingering nearby. Their presence was constant, a shadow that darkened her growing excitement.

What troubled her was how often the spies seemed to hover around Princess Elara. Concerned for the young princess, Lyraeth made it a point to spend more time with her. Her presence was a deterrent; no one dared make a move with her unpredictable nature close by. Elara, for her part, adored Lyraeth. With her mother gone, her sister abroad, and her father occupied, Lyraeth became a source of comfort and companionship. Even young Prince Darius, just three years old, warmed to her, often pulling her into his playful antics.

As the wedding day approached, the grand temple was transformed. Vivid floral arrangements adorned the sacred space, their vibrant hues a tribute to the Goddess of Animals. Intricate symbols of the goddess were woven into every detail, from the tapestries draped along the walls to the petals scattered along the aisle. The sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows cast ethereal patterns, bathing the temple in a celestial glow.

Lyraeth’s dress was a masterpiece. Crafted from the finest silks, it shimmered like moonlight, with delicate embroidery resembling vines and stars—a nod to her connection to the spirit world. When she stepped into view, the collective breath of the gathered crowd seemed to catch. Edric, standing at the altar, felt his heart pound as he took her in. She was radiant, an otherworldly vision that made his chest ache with love and pride.

Lyraeth, too, felt a surge of emotion as she walked toward him. In that moment, her worries and fears faded, replaced by the overwhelming certainty of their bond.

The ceremony was a perfect blend of solemnity and joy. Their vows, spoken with unwavering conviction, echoed through the temple, a testament to their unbreakable commitment. Before their friends, the kingdom, and the gods, they promised once more to stand by each other, no matter the trials ahead.

That evening, as the festivities quieted and the temple grew silent, Edric and Lyraeth returned to their quarters. The weight of the day’s emotions lingered, and Edric couldn’t help but pull Lyraeth into a warm embrace. "The ceremony was perfect," he murmured, his voice filled with awe. "You were perfect."

Lyraeth smiled, resting her forehead against his chest. "You were right," she admitted softly. "It was a beautiful idea. I’ll cherish this memory forever."

Edric tilted her chin up, his gaze tender yet intense. "And now," he said with a playful grin, "I get to keep my other promise. Let me help you out of this dress."

Lyraeth’s cheeks flushed, but she laughed, the sound light and unguarded. "You’ve been waiting for this, haven’t you?"

"You have no idea," Edric replied, his hands already working at the delicate fastenings. The mood shifted as they shared quiet laughter and whispered words, momentarily forgetting the threats that loomed over them. For that night, there was only the two of them, wrapped in each other’s love.

After the wedding, Edric and Lyraeth prepared to return to Bearhold. The departure was bittersweet, marked by heartfelt goodbyes. Princess Elara clung to Lyraeth, tears streaming down her face. "I don’t want you to go," she sobbed, her small frame trembling.

Lyraeth hugged her tightly, her own eyes glistening. "You’ll be fine," she whispered. "Stay strong, and remember, I’m just a letter away."

Their bond had grown deep, and Lyraeth couldn’t help but feel a pang of worry. "The baron’s spies are watching her," she confided to Edric as they rode away. "I can’t protect her from Bearhold."

"The king has assigned more guards to her," Edric reassured her, his hand squeezing hers. "We have to trust them. And Bearhold needs us now. It’s our home."

Despite his words, unease lingered in Lyraeth’s heart. As the capital faded into the distance, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something ominous was on the horizon.

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