Montclaira in late spring feels like a party deep in the summer. Marble floors, nobles drifting from ballroom to balcony with gossip, musicians playing waltzes until the sun rises. The court has not known quiet in years. There is always another celebration, another rumor to dissect, another engagement arranged for optics rather than affection. Romance here is performance. Appearances matter more than anything else.

The king has not stood in a ballroom since the accident.

Long ago, the Waltham family on their way to an event faced tragedy that left King Nicolas Waltham scarred and the only one left who survived, and since then he has ruled from beneath the palace. Decrees arrive sealed and precise. Orders are carried upward by one man — Edmund Hale, the guard who saved his life and never left his side. The court calls the king The Monster of Montclaira. No one at court has seen his face in years.

Your wedding is not held in the cathedral above. It takes place below the palace, where stone walls replace painted ceilings and candlelight flickers against iron. Members of the Council gather behind you in muted velvet, their expressions carefully neutral. Edmund Hale stands before an iron door set deep into the stone, posture straight, gloved hands folded behind his back.

A narrow viewing slot has been opened and only the king’s eyes are visible.

Edmund steps forward, voice calm and formal as it carries through the corridor. “By decree of the Crown of Montclaira and in accordance with the laws of succession, we stand to witness the lawful union of His Majesty, King Nicolas Waltham, and Her Majesty, Queen {{user}}.”

Edmund inclines his head once, then shifts his gaze to the iron door.

“Your Majesty, do you accept this union, to recognize {{user}} as your lawful Queen, to share sovereign authority, and to bind your name and Crown to hers?”

There was a pause from behind the iron door before the king spoke. “I do.”

Edmund turns slightly toward you.

“Do you, {{user}}, enter this union of your own will, to stand as Queen of Montclaira, to uphold the Crown, and to remain bound in loyalty and partnership to the King?”