Chapter 592
The eighth of August was Kiera’s wedding day.
Unlike typical noble ladies, Kiera and Helen returned to the palace the night before, with Carissa naturally accompanying them. Henrietta and Meredith stayed close, hoping to ease Kiera’s nerves about her wedding and share some secrets about navigating life with a prince consort.
Henrietta said, “The Quinton and Young families are among the most distinguished scholarly families in Starhaven. They have a reputation for being harmonious, though they do have their rules. But honestly, how could their rules compare to those of the royal palace?
“Besides, you’re a princess with your own estate. You don’t need to worry about their opinions. Your mother–in–law and father–in–law are both kind–hearted people. Your father–in–law is almost childlike. If you ever want to visit the Quinton family for a bit, no one would dare give you trouble.”
Kiera was well awar
of these details. Her father–in–law had suffered a head injury at a young age, and her mother–in–law, having known him since childhood, had still married him without caring about his shortcomings. Together, they had Logan and his sister, Crystal. They were all easy to get along with. In truth, Kiera didn’t feel nervous at all. She wasn’t sure why everyone assumed she would be. She decided to play the part of the anxious bride. It felt more fitting for the occasion.
After all, if it made everyone happy, why not? Life was but a play.
Dressed in her bridal finery, the intricate phoenix crown perched atop her head framed her dainty face. Her features were delicate, and her eyes shone with a bright and honest sparkle. There was nothing sharp or regal about Kiera’s demeanor. Instead, she radiated warmth and tranquility.
Kylie arrived with the eldest prince and the second princess. After all, Kiera was marrying Kylie’s cousin. As Kiera’s cousin–in–law, she had to help with the preparations.
The king’s favored concubine, Sylvia, dropped by briefly. She delivered a few congratulatory words before leaving, her demeanor still as haughty as ever. As she walked away, she cast a glance at Carissa, leaving her somewhat bewildered. Dealing with Sylvia was no easy task.
When it was time, officials from the Ministry of Protocol and the Heritage Bureau announced the edict at the eastern steps of the ceremonial gates. Logan knelt before them to receive it. His heart was brimming with joy as he absorbed every word in the edict. He didn’t care much for the royal customs regarding what a groom should do. All he wanted was to cherish Kiera, just like his father and mother did each other.
Accompanied by Kylie and Carissa, Kiera first went to the family chapel to bow in farewell, then proceeded to greet her mother and the queen dowager
Tears welled up in Victoria’s eyes as she embraced Kiera. Standing nearby, Helen struggled to comprehend why mothers cried when sending off their daughters. It wasn’t like their daughters were heading into a den of dragons and tigers.
However, seeing Victoria cry made Helen instinctively join in. Though she couldn’t squeeze out any tears, she dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief..
Victoria held Kiera close, her voice choked with emotion as she said, “I still remember the day you were born. You were a rosy little bundle, and you cried so loudly! You’ve always been such a good child,
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Chapter 592
charming everyone. Even those who might not like your mom adored you.”
Dakota and Josephine exchanged awkward smiles, clearly the subjects of Victoria’s remarks. It was true. They hadn’t cared much for Helen back in the day, but her children were simply delightful–especially Kiera. That little girl had a sweetness about her, bounding towards them with her tiny legs and calling them “aunt” with such endearing innocence.
Reflecting on those times made their eyes misty as they realized that little girl was now grown up and getting married.
Soon, officials from the Heritage Bureau and the Royal Management Department came to urge Kiera onward. She took her time, bowing to the queen dowager, her mother, and the other concubines in farewell.
As the white veil was placed over Kiera’s head and the palace attendants guided her out, a sudden wave of sadness washed over Helen, and tears spilled from her eyes without warning. She finally grasped that her daughter, who had always clung to her side, was about to become someone else’s wife.
The days of Kiera calling her “Mom” and staying by her side were coming to an end.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Helen felt Carissa’s hand grip hers. The tears she had tried to hide spilled under her daughter–in–law’s gaze.
Carissa sighed softly. She couldn’t bear to see women cry. It made her heart ache.
