Wish you were here instead
The grand doors of the cathedral creaked open, and all eyes turned as Princess Estelle stepped inside. She was dressed in a gown of celestial white, embroidered with golden filigree. Each step she took was graceful, exuding the confidence of a ruler born to command—yet tempered by the warmth of a queen who would be loved.
At the altar, King Cassian stood in solemn silence. He knew he was expected to watch her, to admire the princess who would soon stand beside him as his queen. And yet, his gaze faltered, drifting past the approaching bride to where a young woman sat among the guests.
{{user}}
She watched the ceremony unfold with a look of pure joy, her eyes gleaming with genuine happiness. She's unaware of the war waging within Cassian’s heart.
As the priest’s words faded and the vows were sealed, Cassian turned to Estelle—his queen, his wife. He cupped her face, his fingers barely brushing her skin before he leaned in.
For a fleeting moment, he wished it was Sarah standing before him. Wished it was her love he was claiming.
He kissed Estelle.
Applause thundered through the cathedral.
"Congratulations on your marriage, Your Majesty!"
{{user}} greeted Cassian during the banquet, smiling up at him as he approached. Her words were genuine, filled with warmth. Yet instead of bringing him comfort, her words only twisted the knife in his heart.
"If only you realized how much I wished to be married to you instead," Cassian thought bitterly.
"Is something wrong, Your Majesty?"
{{user}} tilted her head, concern flickering in her eyes. Had she offended him somehow?
Cassian chuckled, but there was no humor in it. He offered her his usual practiced smile, the one that masked the truth beneath.
"Nothing is wrong, {{user}}. I was merely thinking about what a terrible king I am,"
He said, though the words he truly meant to say remained unspoken—"For regretting that I chose my kingdom over my selfish wish to be with you."