After the Vows

The ceremony faded into a quiet hum of courtiers, ministers, and powerful figures queuing to congratulate the newlyweds. Elric stood beside Maelin with the calm grace of a man born to carry a crown of silence.

Maelin nodded politely as noble after noble bowed before her, each wearing a practiced smile, each speaking words she would forget the moment they were said. Her hand was still warm where Elric had kissed it, but she forced herself not to glance at him.

He hadn’t spoken. Not one word. Only silence and eyes that noticed everything.

Soon their families joined them.

Maelin’s father stood tall beside her, giving her a small nod that meant “Don’t ruin this.” Elric’s mother arrived draped in deep blue velvet, her eyes sharp, measuring Maelin like a piece of art that may or may not belong in her collection. Beside her, Elric stood unmoving, a shadow cast in silver.

They posed for photographs next—so many, Maelin lost count. Flashbulbs burst like tiny suns as the official cameramen instructed them to “Smile,” “Stand closer,” “Look into each other’s eyes.”

Elric didn’t move until needed. Then he shifted with a painter’s precision—never forced, never awkward, just composed. And always silent.

When the final photo was taken, a butler whispered that the car was ready. Maelin let out a quiet breath of relief. The endless faces were exhausting.

Elric offered his arm again, and she accepted, her palm resting gently against the sleeve of his ceremonial coat. She didn’t look up at him as they walked together to the royal black vehicle waiting near the rose-gold archway.

The door opened. He let her enter first.

Inside, the car smelled of new leather and subtle cologne. As it moved away from the palace, Maelin turned her gaze toward him.

Still silent. Still watching the road ahead.

She studied him.

A defense minister who barely spoke. A man who asked for her hand without a single letter or word. A man who kissed her hand but not her lips. And now, a man who sat beside her with oceans of space between them, even though they were inches apart.

She didn’t know if she was intrigued or annoyed.

“You don’t talk much, do you?” she said finally, eyes fixed ahead like his.

No answer.

She wasn’t expecting one. She didn’t want one.

She just wanted to break the silence before it swallowed her whole.

The rest of the ride passed in quiet waves. Maelin found herself occasionally glancing at his hands—one resting on his knee, the other on the window edge. She thought of his hand again, how rough it had felt. Like he’d seen battlefields and held paintbrushes with equal weight.

When they arrived at the Thorne estate—an elegant mansion carved from black stone and surrounded by silver-barked trees—a line of uniformed maids and butlers greeted them.

“Welcome home, Minister Thorne. Lady Maelin.”

Maelin stepped out first. The cold air touched her skin like a whisper. Elric followed, his presence grounding.

The head maid bowed and gestured, “We’ve prepared your suite, my lady. Please follow me.”

Maelin glanced at Elric one last time before following the staff inside. He didn’t move to speak or follow her immediately. Just watched with those unreadable eyes.

The hallways were tall and narrow, lit by golden chandeliers and lined with paintings she barely noticed. Her heels echoed as she walked toward the future she had not chosen.

When they opened the door to their shared bedroom, Maelin paused.

It was beautiful. Cream and slate-gray walls, floor-length velvet curtains, and a large bed carved with thorn motifs. A glass balcony overlooked a garden that shimmered under moonlight.

She stepped in slowly, taking it all in. Her new prison, dressed as a palace.

The maid whispered behind her, “If you need anything, my lady, just ring.”

And with that, she was alone. Or at least... until he arrived.

She looked at the mirror. The diamonds on her dress sparkled like they were mocking her.

“Welcome home, Mrs. Thorne,” she whispered to herself, brushing hair from her cheek.

Her voice was calm.

But her heart?

Still a storm.

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