The King's Lover Chapter 524: My Queen

A smile graced Rose's lips as Caius gently lifted her chin. His touch on her face was tender, as if she were a delicate blossom he feared bruising.

More than anything, his eyes held her captive. Rose doubted anyone had ever gazed at her with such profound love.

He held her gaze for a beat before inclining his head and pressing his lips to hers. Rose closed her eyes as their mouths met, a wave of warmth surging through her entire being.

It wasn't until the priest cleared his throat that they broke apart. Thomas, stifling his own amusement with a cough, looked away, the tips of his ears flushed and his face slightly red.

The priest presented a goblet to Rose. "Take a sip," he instructed, "and then pass it to your husband. Sharing from one cup will cement your bond."

Rose nodded, accepting the goblet. She took a small drink before offering it to Caius. He took it from her hand and, without a moment's hesitation, drained its contents, consuming every last drop.

He returned the empty cup to the priest just as Thomas stepped forward, holding out a small box to Caius. It was enveloped in red velvet, and Caius snapped it open with a distinct sound.

Within the modest box lay two golden rings, one noticeably smaller than the other. Caius selected the smaller one and passed the box to Thomas, who remained nearby.

He extended his open palm towards her, and Rose fought to contain her burgeoning joy as she offered her left hand. The cool metal of the gold band felt alien as Caius slipped it onto her finger.

It fit with uncanny perfection.

Rose attempted to avert her gaze from the ring adorning her hand, but her efforts were in vain. Were they not in the midst of the ceremony, she surely would have been giggling like a child.

Thomas approached her and, instead of offering the box, simply held it so she could select Caius's ring. His was a bit thicker and slightly wider.

There was no need to request his hand. The instant she chose the ring, Caius presented his palm, ready – impatience flickering in his eyes. Rose smiled as she slid the ring onto his finger.

He seized her and kissed her once more, disregarding the priest's cues.

"Your Majesty," the priest coughed again. "The documents. We require the witnesses."

Caius reluctantly drew away from Rose, but he maintained his grip on her hand. He guided her down the steps, towards a table positioned not far from where the procession had occurred.

Rose suddenly realized she hadn't registered it upon her entrance. She had been far too absorbed by Caius and the sheer reality of their impending marriage.

Correction!

They were married.

Rose inwardly shrieked, fervently wishing her elation wouldn't betray her. She strove to maintain a composed expression as they approached the table, yet internally, she was ecstatic.

Caius halted before the table, where thick parchment lay. It appeared at least five times as substantial as the paper she was accustomed to, and the script upon it seemed etched rather than written.

It was a royal marriage contract. Rose felt a surge of pride that she could decipher it. She pondered if this was what Caius had meant about their secret marriage carrying significant weight.

"I will require you to sign your new name," Caius stated, taking the quill.

He inscribed his name at the document's conclusion with a single, fluid stroke, forming each character with the precision of a master. Though she had witnessed his penmanship countless times, its elegance never failed to impress.

After signing, he turned to her and offered the quill. Rose accepted it, her hand trembling slightly as the realization dawned that without Caius's tutelage in reading and writing, she would be incapable of signing her name at this crucial moment.

She met his gaze momentarily, and he gestured towards the table, encouraging her to proceed. Rose nodded and stepped closer. She dipped the quill into the ink and brought it towards the parchment.

She heard Caius inhale sharply as she let the quill fall. He caught her arm and pulled her close.

The priest nodded his approval. Then, lifting a substantial seal, a larger iteration of Caius's signet ring, he imprinted the documents.

Rose clutched Caius's hand. It was all she could do to prevent herself from throwing herself into his arms before the assembled guests. The witnesses affixed their signatures, using the signet rings of their respective houses.

Finally, the proceedings concluded, and Rose assumed they could depart. However, Caius appeared far from finished. Thomas reappeared, carrying a box. This time, it was crafted from gold and considerably larger than the ring box.

The golden box gleamed in the candlelight as Thomas presented it to the King with a deep bow. Yet, he did not immediately retreat but lingered nearby, as if his services might still be required.

Caius lifted the lid of the golden box, and Rose found herself holding her breath.

Inside rested an exquisite circlet adorned with a red gem, seemingly fashioned from the same stone as the one embellishing Caius's crown. Adjacent to the circlet lay a signet ring.

A shocked gasp escaped both the priest and Rylen simultaneously. Thomas, however, displayed no surprise, though as the one who presented the box, he likely harbored some foreknowledge. It remained unclear if Maximus had been privy to this beforehand or if such a revelation was simply impossible to faze him.

Caius retrieved the circlet, then passed the still-open box to Thomas. Rose’s gaze shifted from his hand to his face, her anticipation building for the unfolding events.

"These once graced my grandmother," he stated, drawing nearer to her. With deliberate care, he placed the circlet upon her forehead. "...and now, it shall crown you."

Rose fervently wished she possessed the regal bearing of a dignified Queen, for uncontrollable tears streamed down her face. The rapid succession of events made it difficult to process, so she simply nodded, fumbling to wipe her eyes.

Caius gently cupped her face, his thumbs tenderly brushing away her tears. He met her gaze, holding it until he was assured the tears had ceased before looking away.

He then took the signet ring, its surface bearing the engraved crest of the royal family. Thomas stepped back, carrying the now empty box, as Caius’s attention returned solely to Rose.

Lifting her hand, Rose braced herself, fearing another wave of emotion, but she bit her cheek, sternly reprimanding herself.

Caius’s finger traced the ring finger of her right hand before he slowly slid the signet ring into place. "With this seal, you speak with my voice."

Despite its seemingly delicate design, the ring possessed a considerable weight, mirroring the immense duty it represented.

Rose could no longer contain her emotions. The moment Caius released her hand, she lunged into his embrace. He pulled her close, his arms tightening around her, and bestowed a kiss upon her head.

"My Queen."