“Are you sure it was a good idea to invite her?” Taiga asked again, glowering at Velcorna Alodan as she stood by Ruena’s side.

  Ruena glanced at the woman, pleased to see that there were cracks in her elegant facade that gave away how unsettled she was. “If she was going to come anyway, why not let her take part?” Ruena replied, giving the same answer as she had before, but this time she added onto it, “She wants to play mother and daughter so badly, I should give her one last chance before I cut her off for good.”

  "Even if she tries to object, Soral won't allow it," Bastion added, "Having experienced it myself, I can guarantee Soral's ability to disrupt thoughts is unmatched."

  When had this happened? No, it didn't matter. Even without using any magic or abilities, Soral was an extremely distracting presence. He would demand plenty attention with his natural charm, not to mention that all of the refreshments provided were his recipes again. What really bothered Ruena was the way Velcorna kept looking at Bastion. Like she knew something, or at least suspected.

  "Do you still intend to talk with her?" Ruena asked Bastion. This was the part of the plan she was nervous about, "I told you before, she is a dangerous person. She murdered my father, and she won't hesitate to do the same to you."

  "That is exactly why I must speak with her," Bastion pointed out, "Why has she let you, who knows all of her dark secrets, live all this time? You have neither been obedient or quiet, so she must need you for some greater goal. That or she truly believes she loves you as a mother should."

  The last suggestion made Ruena shudder. The idea that Velcorna had kept her alive all this time out of love was sickening. "She needs me to take Alodan so she can target the throne," Ruena replied, nipping any other ideas in the bud, "She told me this herself. I don't know what she intends to do once she has the throne, but it doesn't matter. Velcorna can never become Queen no matter how hard she struggles."

  "If you already knew that, why doesn't she?" Bastion asked.

  "I didn't know until I met the Queen in person," Ruena admitted, spotting Soral enter from the other side of the room, "Looks like it's time. I will be by Soral's side for the rest of this. Be careful."

  Bastion waved her onward. It was hard for Ruena to comprehend how carefree he was. Sure, he was powerful, but her father had been far from weak himself. Soral wrapped his arm around Ruena as soon as she came close.

  "Don't worry. He will be just fine," he whispered, "Let's focus on enjoying the ceremony. The happier we are, the more miserable our enemies will be."

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  "Well, I can't let our enemies be happier than us at our own engagement," Ruena replied, somehow able to relax from Soral's words. If Soral was certain everything would be fine, it would be.

  Soral was grinning as he looked around at the crowd. "They're jealous. They think I stole their chance to move up the social ladder."

  "So they think I am an easy mark who would fall in love with just anyone?" Ruena deduced, "In that case, it is time to show off how impressive you are so they get it in their heads they never had a chance of meeting my standards."

  "Oh yeah? I was already planning to show off quite a bit, though. You are the one who made me hold back," Soral reminded.

  Ruena scoffed, glancing back out at the crowd, and more especially Velcorna. "I changed my mind. Make this engagement the most spectacular show. We even got permission to host it in the palace, so we should take advantage of it while we can."

  Of course, being in the royal palace meant Densooth was present as well. He had already returned to his usual smug self now that he was certain everything was going to plan. What would he do when he heard the custom vows she had written together with Soral?

  The original vows were full of promises, like a contract. Since fated prophecy had been what brought them together, they decided to focus on that instead. Both accepting fate, and defying those who tried to rule over it. In other words, it was a declaration of war on the Black Wolf hidden under flowery words of romance. Ruena had to admit, this kind of engagement vow suited them perfectly.

  Crystal, who was officiating the ceremony, had already approved them. Her alliance with the Queen and Crystal had been one of the best fortunes Ruena had since arriving in Altea. Especially since Velcorna seemed to despise Crystal nearly as much as she did Densooth.

  As Soral and Ruena approached the center stage hand in hand, all eyes turned to them and a hush fell over the crowd. After all this preparation it was time. Ruena felt an odd shiver of nervousness. She had never once doubted her relationship with Soral, but something about standing in front of the crowd made her wonder. Should they really be doing this? Wasn't it too rushed?

  No, there wasn’t time to worry about this now. Ruena met Soral’s gaze and felt her nervousness die down in the face of his reassuring smile. He was full of confidence without a shred of hesitation. The next thing she knew, he began to speak his part of the engagement vows.

  “I, Soral Voila, fully embrace the fate that brought us together. From this day forward I vow to stand by your side no matter what trials may try to tear us apart.”

  It was her turn now. Ruena took in a deep breath and focused on Soral’s warm smile.

  “I, Ruena Alodan, fully embrace the fate that holds us together. I refuse to acknowledge any fate that would stand between us.”

  There was a pause from the crowd as the two held hands on the stage, staring into each other’s eyes. Then an applause slowly rose, growing into a roaring cheer. Ruena was so wrapped up in the joy of the moment she forgot to check the reactions of their enemies.