Gradients of apricot and violet adorned the dawn sky. The morning of the wedding enveloped the palace of Talrakia in the fragrant scent of desert flowers and festivity. The atmosphere in Talrakia had never felt this beautiful. In the east wing of the palace, Entya sat transfixed before a large bronze mirror, surrounded by busy handmaidens.

  They combed her long charcoal hair, which now flowed straight down to her lower back. Several strands were woven into intricate braids, encircling her head like a natural crown. Tucked within the braids was a golden hair ornament shaped like a deer, a personal gift from Nashr. It was a touch of beauty nestled amidst her dark tresses.

  The makeup was applied lightly, intentionally highlighting her natural beauty. Long lashes framed her shimmering larimar eyes, while a natural rosy flush on her cheeks rivaled the damp hue of her plum lips.

  Entya felt both nervous and awestruck by her own appearance. Her developed body was draped in a white and gold peplos gown, the soft fabric hugging her curves and creating an elegant silhouette.

  However, the most striking detail was the non-permanent gold tattoo etched onto her skin. It was a traditional wedding mark of the stone kingdom. Like the flow of a river, the golden lines swept across her slender neck, encircled her arms, traveled down her body, and faded at her feet.

  Each second seemed to flow slowly, drawing Entya toward the reality that she would soon be the Queen of Talrakia.

  Entya looked at her reflection. She looked magnificent, like a goddess newly awakened from her slumber, yet nervousness and awkwardness flickered in her gaze. She was not yet used to her new identity.

  A selfish question crossed her mind.

  If Yul saw her now, how would he react?

  She offered a bitter smile, her eyes reflecting a sadness she could not share with the world.

  Gerel, standing beside her, understood the doubt and loneliness Entya felt amidst all this grandeur. As if reading the storm in her heart, she squeezed Entya's hand firmly. Entya looked down, feeling the warmth of her friend’s grip.

  The change in her body had real consequences.

  Soon, she would be someone else's wife.

  The sacred ceremony was held on a magnificent outdoor altar in the middle of the vast palace gardens. Amidst the arranged stones, desert flowers bloomed beautifully. Elders and important guests had gathered. A gentle breeze carried the sweet fragrance of the flowers, mingling with the whispers of the guests and the prayers of the elders.

  Entya stood at the altar, her back to the main path, her heart pounding wildly. She waited. To her, every second felt like a century.

  Suddenly, the whispering vanished.

  Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

  A profound silence fell over the courtyard.

  Only one sound remained. It was the sound of firm footsteps walking across the stone sand, drawing closer.

  Entya slowly turned, and her breath seemed to catch in her throat.

  The King of Talrakia stood there, dressed in sacred attire similar to her own gown. The garments were white and gold with patterned black velvet accents that radiated luxury. His broad chest and powerful arm muscles, usually hidden by a cloak, were clearly visible. A golden crown sat gracefully upon his head, emphasizing his maroon hair that looked as wild as a lion’s mane.

  He looked majestic, like the sun descending to greet the earth.

  With burning amethyst eyes full of conviction, Nashr walked toward her. His aura vibrated strongly, filling the entire open space as if the universe itself bowed to his presence. His eyes were fixed solely on the silhouette of the young woman in the white and gold gown standing before the altar.

  Entya.

  When Entya turned, the elegance radiating from her was palpable.

  A young goddess stood at the altar. The goddess he was to marry.

  His gaze was fixed, unwilling to spare even a single second of the beauty of his woman, now laid bare before him.

  Under the gaze of the vast desert sky, Nashr reached for Entya's hand. His strong fingers gently grasped her slender hand.

  The Elder guided the sacred marriage vows.

  "I, Nashr, protect you from the sandstorms and the darkness of night," he said, his voice low and steady, meant only for Entya's ears. "I will be the rock upon which you lean, as long as Talrakia still stands."

  Entya swallowed hard. She saw an unshakable conviction in those amethyst eyes.

  With a clear voice that trembled slightly, she replied, "I, Entya, accept your protection. I will be the source of life in your land, healing wounds, and growing with you in the heart of the desert."

  They then drank sacred water from the same chalice, their hands still intertwined. Entya felt overwhelmed by Nashr’s gaze, which seemed to pierce into her very soul. She felt a powerful surge of energy radiating from the man before her. Her face flushed.

  The earth had finally met the sun.

  With this, they were officially husband and wife.

  For Entya, the world seemed to stop with that sip of sacred water. But for Nashr, the world had only just begun.

  He looked at his wife, the goddess who was now officially his, and felt happiness overflow in his chest. He was no longer a mentor, but a husband. A king beside his queen.

  Nashr’s face drew closer, and Entya could feel his breath against her cheek. Instinctively, she closed her eyes tight. A vibration of energy was felt as Nashr pressed his forehead against hers. A warm feeling surged in her chest, full of affection and adoration. It was a feeling flowing from the king.

  "This is only the beginning," he murmured.

  Holding Entya’s hand firmly, Nashr led her toward a high podium overlooking the people of Talrakia gathered below the cliffs. From here, he would announce his happiness to the entire world.

  With a jolt of energy, Nashr vibrated his power, signaling to the crowds filling the courtyard to welcome the new Queen of Talrakia. He raised their joined hands with pride.

  "She is a blessing to this land!" he cried, his voice thundering to every corner of the city. "The Queen who has served to purify the dead land, secured the city from earthquakes, and flowed the water of life to us all! Welcome the Queen of Talrakia!"

  The cheers of the people erupted, welcoming their queen with joy, accompanied by a grand celebration that created a wedding atmosphere of heavenly beauty. Sunlight illuminated the altar, the rhythm of desert music flowed, and laughter rang out everywhere.

  In the midst of the commotion, Nashr looked at his wife once more. He had set an unshakable goal. Beside him now was a precious gem that could not be traded for anything. A queen with limitless potential, the owner of an energy intertwined with his own.

  Within Nashr’s heart, a conviction grew. Even if he were to be reincarnated, he would never find a bond as deep and special as this.

  The bond that now tied him to Entya, his queen.