Chapter 617: The King’s Marriage 8
Chapter 617: The King’s Marriage 8
Inside the richly decorated golden hall, the royal musicians played vigorously, and the melodious music echoed through it.
“Earl Price Parker – here!”
……
“Earl Pearson Abbott – Present!”
……
The ceremonial officer standing at the door kept singing the name.
One by one, the nobles of the Aldo Kingdom entered the golden hall.
Even though they were all big shots who ruled this country, most of them still couldn’t contain their inner excitement as they entered this sacred hall.
Some had a solemn face, some were very formal, some looked around, and some even had tears in their eyes.
The Kingdom of Aldo’s land was very vast, and with many lords divided in various places, there were not many opportunities for the lords of the country to gather together.
Not all of the lords had seen such a big scene, and some had never even been to the royal capital in their lives.
Most of the lords were automatically divided into groups according to their regions.
But there were some who seized this rare opportunity to expand their relationships.
On the Northwest Bay side, Duke Henry Ferdinand looked at the mysterious smiles on the faces of Price Parker and the others with a puzzled expression.
Poor Henry, when he set out on the boat with the big guys, he had to return to the harbor due to severe seasickness and then arrived at Jingyao by land.
So he had just arrived here.
The Lord Duke asked curiously, ”I think you guys are hiding something important from me. Also where did Paul go? How come I haven’t seen him.”
Derek Heller was holding his tongue and he whispered quietly as he attached himself to the Duke’s ear, “Actually, it’s like this ……”
“Father in heaven!”
Henry Ferdinand’s eyes were wider than an ox’s after listening to Derek’s words with a look of incredulity.
—
In a side room off the hall.
The main protagonist of this gathering, King Rodney XVIII of Aldo, was doing the final touches on his attire.
Several court servants surrounded him, their eyes fixed on the king, checking where there was still something wrong.
Of course, there was more than just the king here.
There were several other core members of the royal family who were to be present with Rodney XVIII.
The King’s wife, also known as Queen Emily Rodney.
The king’s father, Prince Jasim Rodney.
The King’s two younger brothers – Eurico Rodney and August Rodney, who are now also Princes.
The King’s sister – his uncle’s daughter – Princess Catherine Rodney.
And there was also Count Paul Greiman, soon to be the King’s brother-in-law.
Former Queen Phyllis and another Princess, Irene Rodney, were not present, as women other than the Queen were not required to attend such occasions according to Aldo tradition.
Catherine was here, partly because she was a figure of great influence on the politics of the kingdom, and partly because the king was preparing to announce her marriage here to the lords of the country.
As for Paul, yesterday afternoon he was invited into the royal palace to meet Catherine and Irene’s mother Phyllis, and his future mother-in-law was still satisfied with him, keeping Paul for dinner and staying in the palace for the night.
This morning, Rodney XVIII asked him to attend the audience of the lords with himself.
Paul came to the side hall, except for the king Rodney XVIII he is a little familiar, other people he is not familiar with one, including the soon-to-be his fiancée Catherine.
He was slightly uncomfortable here.
“Your Majesty!” He asked softly next to Rodney XVIII, “Shouldn’t I go into the hall and be with the other Northwest Lords.”
After all, his own marriage to Catherine hadn’t been announced yet. “Oh! No no! Paul.” Rodney XVIII said with a smile, “You are my soon to be brother-in-law, how can you be with anyone else, of course you should be with me …… and us.”
His eyes turned to Catherine, “We are family, aren’t we?”
Catherine turned her face away with little expression, making Rodney XVIII laugh.
“Lad!”
A voice sounded from behind, while Paul felt a tap on his shoulder.
He turned around and realized it was Prince Jasim Rodney, the king’s father.
“Oh, His Royal Highness!”
The Prince had a smile on his face and a kind look on his face, “Just call me Uncle Jasim, just like Catherine.”
“I’ve learned a lot about you from His Majesty, you’re a fine boy and I’m sure you’ll take care of Catherine.”
Paul nodded with determination on his face, “Please don’t worry, I will do my best.”
“Woo!” Prince Jasim surprisingly choked up, he had tears in the corners of his eyes and had to pull out a side handkerchief to wipe his eyes.
Prince Jasim said sadly, “How good it would be if my poor brother was still alive, he would definitely cry for joy when he sees you.”
Two of his other sons–Jurico and Auguste–came up to comfort him.
“Don’t be sad, father; he will be happy in the arms of the Lord of Light.”
“Yes, I think uncle will be comforted in heaven when he learns of this news.”
Urico looked to Paul, “Paul!”
He was supposed to be a very self-effacing person.
“We’re all glad to have new blood in the royal family.”
What the hell? I’m not entering the family haha!
Paul mentally spat out a smile on his face and responded, “I am also honored to be family with you.”
His eyes stole a glance at Catherine, wondering if he should have a word with her.
Catherine, however, just stared at a mirror in a daze.
At that moment a courtier entered the side room.
He respectfully bowed to King Rodney XVIII and reported, “Your Majesty, all the lords have gathered in the hall, please go over!”
“Alright! Gentlemen!”
Rodney XVIII shouted, “It is time for us to go over, all are waiting for us.”
At that moment Catherine approached Paul and stood side by side with him, supposedly wanting to walk out with him.
August smiled towards them both, “You will be blessed by all.”
Paul’s instincts told him that August’s words were sincere, more so than his father and brothers.
He smiled and nodded his thanks toward August.
To Paul’s slight surprise, Catherine actually smiled at August as well, albeit a bit stiffly.
Rodney XVIII took a step toward the Golden Hall.
The members of the royal family, including Paul and Catherine, followed him one by one.
As soon as the king made his appearance, the music in the hall suddenly became sharper from its original soothing, becoming more high and grand.
Rodney XVIII walked over to the throne and slowly sat down.
(End of chapter)