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"Ah, a subject most dear!" the duke exclaimed, and Eloise couldn't help but admire Bernard's deft handling of the old man.
They continued their rounds, laughter their constant companion as they engaged barons and bishops alike. Bernard's wit was a gentle rapier, parrying any stiffness out of the room, while Eloise's warmth acted as the sun that coaxed smiles from even the most reserved courtiers.
"Your highnesses, may your lives together be as filled with joy as this evening," toasted a duchess, her glass raised in tribute.
"Thank you, Duchess Catherine," Eloise responded. "We hope to serve and inspire as much as we are served and inspired by everyone."
"Indeed," Bernard added, raising his glass. "And perhaps with a touch less formality, if you'll forgive the occasional slip from protocol."
Amidst the throng, Princess Eloise and Prince Bernard shared a look, their private promise glistening brighter than any crystal overhead. With a nod almost imperceptible to the merry onlookers, they signaled each other; it was time.
"Shall we?" Bernard whispered.
"Yes," Eloise replied, the corners of her lips curving with mischief and mirth. She was more than ready for their wedding night.
Hand in hand, they made their way through the crowd. Chuckles and cheers swelled around them like a rising tide as the assembly realized the couple's intent.
"Long live the newlyweds!" a baron shouted.
"May your love flourish like the kingdom's endless fields!" a countess called out.
"Remember, not too many heirs at once!" quipped a viscount.
"Try to save some champagne for us common folk!"
Eloise felt warmth bloom in her chest, a sunburst of joy ignited by the affectionate revelry. She squeezed Bernard's hand.
"Thank you all, truly," Bernard managed to say over the din, his grin as wide as the palace gates. "Your blessings are more valuable than gold!"
With a final wave, they crossed the threshold of the great doors, leaving behind the echoes of their friends and family chanting their names.
"Finally," Eloise said.
"Definitely," Bernard agreed, his eyes alight with anticipation. "The stars have conspired to grant us this moment."
As they strolled through the moonlit corridors of the palace, the portraits of ancestors seemed to nod in approval.
"Your room or mine?" Bernard teased.
"Whichever is closer," Eloise retorted, her laughter mingling with his, a duet that needed no audience.
They reached the doors to Eloise's chambers, the heavy oak carved with the intricate crests of her lineage. Bernard leaned close, his breath a warm caress against her ear.
"May I carry you over the threshold?" he asked.
"Only if you vow not to drop me," Eloise answered, her tone laced with feigned severity.
"Perish the thought," he proclaimed, lifting her effortlessly. "For tonight, we write the first chapter of our forever."
As the door closed behind them, the world outside faded into insignificance, leaving only the whisper of silk, the clasp of hands, and two hearts eager to beat as one.
Chapter Eleven
Bernard's fingers, gentle as the touch of a master painter, traced the delicate embroidery of Eloise's wedding gown. Eloise, her heart aflutter like a captive bird yearning for the skies, watched him with eyes wide and shimmering with unshed tears of joy and trepidation. “I’m nervous,” she admitted softly.
"We can always wait if that’s what you want,” Bernard whispered, his voice a tender caress against the weight of silence that filled the room.
"Nervous doesn’t mean I don’t want to make love with you," she replied, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions within her.
