The capital never looked more radiant.
From dawn, the streets buzzed with music, fluttering silk banners in hues of red and gold, and fragrant garlands strung across every post and gate. The wedding of Prince Shinomi and Prince Ren was not only a royal affair—it was the dawn of a new era. For the first time, the kingdom was celebrating a same-gender royal marriage. And the people? They weren't just witnesses. They were part of the heartbeat of change.
Ren sat near the open window of the dressing chamber, the morning sunlight warming his face. His robe was already half-done, elegant layers of pale ivory and soft rose wrapped around his frame, embroidered with silver phoenix patterns. His hair, longer now, was braided gently by his sister, who kept fussing with loose strands while hiding her teary smile.
"You're crying again," Ren whispered with a grin.
"I'm not," she sniffed. "It's just… my baby brother's getting married. And look at you. You're… beautiful."
Ren's cheeks turned crimson. He muttered, "It's not me. The robe is doing all the work."
Outside the room, Shinomi was refusing help from every servant. He stood shirtless in front of a mirror, wearing nothing but dark red trousers, arms crossed stubbornly.
"I don't want anyone else to do it. He promised he'd tie the last knot of my sash," Shinomi said.
"Sir, it's tradition to be ready before the bride—or groom," the head steward said nervously.
"I am ready. I'm just not complete until he ties it."
The moment Ren finally stepped into the room, Shinomi's gaze latched onto him like he hadn't seen him in years. The tension, the nerves, the chaos—they all dissolved.
"Don't look at me like that," Ren murmured, walking closer.
"Then stop looking like a dream," Shinomi said, voice low. "Come here. Finish me."
Ren tied the final knot of Shinomi's sash slowly, their fingers brushing, eyes meeting. Shinomi leaned in, resting his forehead against Ren's.
"Ready?" Ren whispered.
"Only if you are."
---
The grand palace courtyard was alive with joy.
Decorated in hues of crimson and gold, with glowing lanterns floating in the air and petals raining softly from the balconies above, the atmosphere was nothing short of magical. The crowd filled every inch of the courtyard, nobles and commoners alike, whispering with excitement and wide smiles. This day was historic—two royal weddings were to be held side by side: Prince Cassian and his chosen bride, and Prince Shinomi with the love of his life, Ren.
First, Shinomi was called.
He walked down the carpeted aisle, wearing his ceremonial robe of deep red embroidered with golden phoenixes. His expression was proud and composed, yet his eyes sparkled—searching, waiting. Every step was for Ren. The people whispered fondly, admiring how devoted he looked, how radiant the day was. A true prince in love.
Soon after, Cassian was summoned. The crowd erupted in more cheers as he entered, dressed in elegant ivory and royal blue. With firm steps, he stood beside Shinomi, offering him a short nod of support.
Cassian's bride entered next, accompanied by soft music. Dressed in flowing white with a veil over her face, she stood beside Cassian with grace, hands clasped nervously but eyes warm. All the elements were falling into place.
Now, all eyes turned to the palace doors.
They waited for Ren.
The music played on. The petals kept falling. But no one entered.
Seconds turned into minutes.
People began whispering again, this time not out of joy—but uncertainty.
Shinomi's gaze was fixed on the entryway, a smile still frozen on his lips, trembling at the edges. His fingers tightened at his sides.
The head steward ran in, bowing quickly before whispering urgently to the officiant.
More murmurs.
Then came a flurry of movement—servants dashing to and from the palace. Soon, a group of them ran up to Shinomi, their faces pale.
"Prince Ren is not in his chamber," one said, nearly breathless. "We've searched every corner… his robe is untouched, the bed not slept in—he's gone, Your Highness."
A collective gasp ran through the crowd. Cassian turned sharply. The bride covered her mouth in shock. Shinomi's world began to sway.
He blinked, once. Twice. Slowly.
Then his smile broke. A breath left him—not one of surprise, but the painful kind, where your heart gives up a little.
He said nothing for a long moment. Just stared at the palace doors that never opened.
Whispers turned harsh.
"Did he run away?"
"Did he change his mind?"
"Was this all a lie?"
Cassian placed a hand on Shinomi's shoulder, but Shinomi didn't react.
Finally, Shinomi took a single step back. He closed his eyes, a fragile calm covering his face like thin ice over deep water.
With a broken voice, he said, "It's alright… Continue with Cassian's ceremony. Don't let my bad luck ruin this day."
"But—Shinomi—" Cassian began, but Shinomi held up his hand gently.
"I thought I had found a love worth keeping. Maybe it was never real. Maybe I was dreaming too hard."
He turned to walk away. His boots echoed on the marble, each step heavier than the last.
"I guess I was never meant for a happy ending."
He left the aisle, his back straight but his shoulders trembling. Behind him, the music halted, the air heavy. Cassian clenched his fists, watching Shinomi disappear into the shadows of the garden beyond.
The wedding that was supposed to be a celebration of love had turned into a haunting silence.
But fate had not yet spoken its final words.
---