Cassian felt out of place. The temple, adorned with white flowers, seemed to overwhelm him with its sweet perfume and silent grandeur. He, in a dark suit, nervously adjusted his gloves, feeling the weight of responsibility that this moment brought. Under the watchful eyes of fae from various courts, he was about to become part of something greater than himself—a link between realms.

His eyes wandered high above, seeking refuge in the vaulted ceiling, where sunlight danced in colorful stained glass windows. Each beam seemed to tell stories that were not his, but now included him. He took a deep breath, fingers fidgeting with his tie. The presence of the guests, especially those from his future wife's court, was overwhelming.

Then the doors opened.

Cassian caught his breath when he saw her enter. The white dress seemed to float with a magical lightness. She was small, remarkably small, even for a fae, and it made something inside him twitch between curiosity and apprehension. Her hands, slightly trembling, held the bouquet, while the veil hid her face, shrouding her in mystery.

The ceremony passed in a blur. Words were spoken, vows exchanged, and Cassian repeated them mechanically, while a part of his mind still tried to absorb the surreality of that moment. He was a warrior, someone used to commanding armies, but lifting that veil seemed infinitely more difficult.

And then the moment arrived.

With hesitant fingers, he lifted the veil. The world stopped. Her face was almost unreal, as if shaped by divine forces. Her skin glowed in the soft light, and her eyes carried a mix of nervousness and strength that disarmed him. Cassian felt the smile appear before he even realized it, genuine, filled with admiration and something deeper.

He leaned in, his lips touching hers in a simple gesture that sealed not just an alliance, but something he still didn't understand. As he walked away, still smiling, he murmured:

"What a beautiful wife I have."