Initially met with skepticism, the repeated circulation of the same story eventually influenced public opinion. Naturally, curiosity turned to the question of why the Archduke had chosen Eileen Elrod as his bride.
Already possessing formidable power, wealth, and prestige, the decision puzzled many. Instead of allying himself with a bride from a powerful noble family to further consolidate his influence, he had apparently chosen a woman from a family he could easily control and manipulate to his liking.
Speculation ran rampant, with many assuming that, although Eileen Elrod did not possess striking beauty, she must have had an exceptionally kind and obedient nature. Whispers suggested that the man, shaped by a life on the battlefield, sought refuge in a woman who could provide him with comfort and tranquility.
The rumors, already out of control, reached their peak when Miss Ornella, daughter of Duke Farbellini, shared her impressions. At a gathering of ladies and nobles, Ornella recounted her conversation with Eileen at the Imperial Palace, conveying her concerns with visible unease.
“It seems her family is facing financial difficulties. She even asked me if she could work as my maid, and I had to gently dissuade her, reminding her of her position as a future member of the royal family. It was painful not being able to help her…”
According to Ornella, the Archduke seemed quite indifferent towards Miss Elrod.
Upon discovering that the reason for that enigmatic marriage wasn't even love, people were both shocked and even more curious. Ornella observed the women, who were fervently speculating about various reasons, and then added another possibility.
"Perhaps it's out of compassion or loyalty. I heard she's the daughter of your late nanny."
The new information about the hottest topic in the Empire spread rapidly among the noblewomen and young ladies, who eagerly disseminated it throughout their social circles. By the time the wedding day arrived, Eileen Elrod's reputation had plummeted. Cruel rumors surrounded her, and many openly criticized the Archduke's choice.
Consequently, the Archduke 's guests awaited Eileen Elrod's appearance with heightened anticipation, considering her the true star of the event.
Ornella, for her part, was stunning, resembling a lily, an image that perfectly matched the garden filled with the same flower. Some guests even whispered that the bride might feel overshadowed.
When Cesare entered the scene in his impeccable military uniform, some sighed in disappointment, lamenting that such a capable man had, in their opinion, made such a foolish choice.
But when Eileen Elrod appeared, the guests were momentarily speechless. Before them stood a woman of such dazzling beauty and grace that she seemed to have stepped out of a fairy tale, perfectly complementing the lily-adorned setting.
Her dress, adorned with intricate lace and sparkling crystals, shimmered with every step. Her blonde hair, half-up, fell gracefully with each stride. Her face, covered by a delicate veil, radiated fragility and innocence, like a flower fairy.
When the veil was lifted, revealing Eileen Elrod's radiant face in its entirety, the guests held their breath. Her most captivating feature, giving her an ethereal air, were her eyes. Sprinkled with golden fragments, her green sockets shimmered like a kaleidoscope struck by light.
Those present, already enchanted by her beauty, were even more mesmerized by the passionate kiss exchanged between the Archduke and his bride. Before they knew it, the ceremony had already come to an end.
At the reception, each guest received a bouquet of lilies and fresh flowers. It was at that moment that the realization solidified in everyone:
The marriage of Archduke and Archduchess Erzet would be remembered forever in the history of the Traon Empire.
For the official photograph, they had to remain motionless for a few seconds. Although it was an improvement over the old days, it still felt awkward. For Eileen, being photographed for the first time, the anxiety was almost unbearable. She imagined countless scenarios in which a sneeze or a small mistake could result in an embarrassing photo being published in the newspaper.
When the time came for the actual photo, she stood as instructed by the photographer, maintaining a gentle smile on her lips without moving an inch. She managed to endure the process without incident. However, as soon as the photo was taken, new worries began to torment her.
'The entire Empire will see a horrifying picture of the Archduchess.'
With everyone eagerly awaiting the wedding photo of Archduke and Archduchess Erzet, the anticipation was palpable. As soon as the photo was captured, newspapers would scramble to publish it, sending the nation into a frenzy.
The president of La Beretta, specially invited to the wedding, hurried back to the newspaper's office immediately after the ceremony ended. An editorial about the day's events, accompanied by a photo of the wedding, was to be published. All other articles had been prepared in advance, requiring only minor adjustments based on the wedding details.
Eileen could only hope that people wouldn't be too disappointed. Perhaps they would even see the Archduke as a generous man for choosing a wife regardless of her appearance.
'It's already done. Best to forget about it.'
Resigned to her fate, she bid farewell to Cesare and walked to her reserved chamber.
While Cesare entertained the guests in the reception hall, Eileen finally got rid of the wedding dress she had been wearing since morning. Although the corset wasn't too tight around her slender waist, it was still uncomfortable, and the elaborate decorations made it all feel suffocating.
Servants helped her undress, massaged her tired body, and served her light snacks and refreshments before leading her to a relaxing bath.
The grooming ritual was lengthy. A discreet attendant, wielding a small, sharp blade with dexterity, ensured impeccable smoothness, giving way to polished emerald, each nail meticulously shaped and filed to a perfect, gleaming point. No stray caress this evening would leave its mark on the Archduke . Eileen was pampered and prepared for a good while, the pampering process so gentle that she even fell asleep during it. She only awoke when the maid gently dressed her in an almost transparent nightgown.
Are we really going to do this tonight?
With trembling lips, dry with anxiety, she looked at the fabric that barely covered her. She drank water, despite the servant's insistence that she not do so.
Finally, she entered the Archduke 's room . There were no rose petals scattered on the bed as she had imagined, but rather vases filled with lilies, gerberas, lisianthus, and gypsophila, the same flowers from the ceremony.
Alone, she approached a vase and inhaled the fragrance of the flowers. Among them all, the intense aroma of the lily stood out. For Eileen, lilies were the flower that represented Cesare. However, perhaps the man thought otherwise…
Eileen, who had lost herself in the aroma, gently picked one from the vase. Caressing the fresh flower in her hand, she made her way to the bed. Carefully placing it among the red petals of the roses, it added a touch of elegance to the arrangement. As she contemplated where to position the lily on the bed, the bedroom door suddenly opened without warning.
Startled, Eileen instinctively pressed the lily against her chest, her heart racing. It was only after belatedly confirming the intruder's identity that she realized it was Cesare. Her eyes scanned his body for a moment before she spoke, a languid smile playing on her lips.
Is it enough to just cover the breasts?
A blush spread across her face, her hand instinctively reaching down to hide what the fabric was revealing too much. The thin nightgown offered little modesty, leaving the delicate outline of her breasts exposed.
Cesare, still in his impeccable uniform, chuckled softly. The contrast between their attire was striking, a silent declaration of his intention. Before a single word could be uttered, a gloved finger brushed against his exposed skin, sending an intense shiver through him.
Without ceremony, Cesare lifted Eileen from the floor and laid her on the bed, their gazes locked in a silent dance of anticipation.
To be continued…