Alas, as much as the Queen tried to do her petty little protests... she still couldn't stop the inevitable.
For the wedding was still set to take place... just a few days after the welcoming feast.
With all the lords and ladies trickling into the capital in shockingly rare completeness.
None were absent, to take part in the proceeding activities and to witness what was about to happen.
On this supposedly auspicious occasion... wherein the morning was cool and the air crisp... in favor of the many, many guests that assembled in the accommodating halls and spaces of the Sept.
Candles flickered along the walls, banners snapped in the breeze… bronze shields and three-headed dragons were positioned under the seven-pointed stars.
Which meant that a Targaryen and a Royce were about to wed, under the blessing of the Seven.
Accordingly, in the Sept's greater hall, was where the first proceedings happened.
Officiated by a grand septon in white and gold, standing before the high altar. While all around... lords, ladies, and knights in their finery filled the pews.
To oversee the bride and groom... the Princess and her bronze knight standing side by side... with the cloaks of their corresponding Houses draped behind them.
As prayers were prayed for them.
Songs were sung as well.
And when the septon was finally satisfied with these rites, he bowingly gestured to the awaiting King... who took this chance to take the black Targaryen cloak off of the Princess...
So, that Ser Royce can then take off his bronzen own and drape that as the replacement on her shoulders.
Meaning that the bride has been passed from her father's protection... into her dear new husband's.
But such a symbolic gesture was not enough... as vows still had to be said.
With the Princess and bride stating that. "With this kiss, I pledge my love… and take you for my lord and husband."
"With this kiss, I pledge my love… and take you for my lady and wife." Was what the groom responded in kind.
With the both of them eventually kissing… to keep true to their words of conviction.
After which, the officiating septon proclaimed that. "Under the eyes of the Seven, I seal your souls... as one flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever."
A proclamation that let loose a rush of reactions from the congratulating crowd... but for Alicent, it was haunting...
Even worse was the fact that it was only the beginning.
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Since it still wasn't time for a pause.
For a marriage under the New Gods was far from making this royal marriage special.
After all, Rhea was far from satisfied.
As she had requested this union to appeal to the Old Gods as well.
So, from the Sept... they eventually proceeded through the Keep's stone halls... and into the narrower space of the Godswood. Under the shade of its lone heart tree.
The carved weirwood at the very center that will stand as a looming witness.
This was where the second ceremony was to happen. With no priest, only kin and a few witnesses.
And after the identity of the bride, of the groom, and of the person giving the bride away was established through a ceremonial conversation.
The King then escorted his daughter to stand before the groom, who awaited by the tree.
And as per tradition, the King asked. "Do you take him as husband, my daughter?"
"I take this man." The Princess said and so, Ronan took her to his side.
Together, the two of them knelt before the heart tree.
Under its tearful gaze, they bowed their heads and joined their hands.
As a token of submission.
All the while that another prayer was to be done. This one, in silence and in mere moments.
And when that quickly finished, they rose... but the cloaking exchange need not be done, for they already did it much earlier.
Still, there were other traditional acts that could be accomplished...
So, under Rhea's tearful watch... her son lifted his bride... carrying her to their supposed wedding feast.
As First Men marriages should be.
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Then again, last but not least... the duo actually had to go somewhere even more private than the last... for the Valyrian rite to begin.
The third identity to appease. The third process to get married under...
And while fire kindled wood... and the broad sky watched... the twice-married bride and groom moved closer to each other...
The Realm's Delight and Bold Bronze face to face.
Whilst words in High Valyrian were being chanted by a chosen overseer.
And under this overseer's watch, blood was drawn... cuts were made with dragonglass... in their lips and palms.
The bleeding couple then touched said lips and clasped said palms together.
Merging the fires in their blood as one. Unifying their bloodline.
Markings of blood were also made onto each of their foreheads.
And in High Valyrian, the both of them pledged, promising to be of...
""Va anar, va g'la, va sōp, dēma ar a dēma.""
Of one flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever.
To circle back to their first wedding rite... and close this loop of weddings in a manner more personal and altogether.
As husband and wife of three ceremonies.