Chapter 33: Wedding Night

Pagkatapos ng Wedding Ceremony ay sumakay na sa iisang carriage sina Levi at Serene pabalik ng palasyo. The security was very tight. The knights while riding their horses surrounded the carriages where the two royal families are riding.

Napangiti si Serene habang kumakaway sa mga tao sa labas. Si Levi naman ay nakangiti lang din habang nakatitig sa kaniya. Magkatabi sila sa carriage kaya hindi na mapigilan ni Levi ang kunin ang kamay ni Serene. He intertwined their fingers before kissing the back of her hand. Dahil doon ay napaharap sa kaniya si Serene.

"I'm so happy I could die, what should I do, Serene? Hm?" Levi mumbled before looking back at Serene's eyes.

Serene chuckled sweetly, "I'm so happy too. Everything paid off. I can finally call you my husband now," aniya.

Napangiti lalo si Levi at dinikit ang noo sa noo ni Serene, "I lack at being a husband. I neglected you in the past. So now that we are finally married, let me fulfill those gaps. Is it all right?"

Serene caressed Levi's cheek before closing her eyes, "Let's fill each other's gaps, Levi, okay?"

Tumango naman si Levi at hinigpitan ang hawak sa kamay ni Serene. Humiwalay si Levi kay Serene at tinitigan ang mukha ng asawa.

I made countless of decisions in the past. Pinagsisihan ko ang iba, naging kontento ako sa resulta ng iba, mayroon ding kinagalitan ko, but all those decision I have made in past never felt right.

Now I understand the feeling of making a decision not for someone else's but for myself. I had a choice to ignore and push her away but I never did. Because I chose to let her stay by my side, and I think, that was the best decision I've made. The right choice that I took.

I have always believe that the crown I'm bearing is also the weight of my responsibility as this kingdom's next King, and one of those responsibility is selecting my next Queen. But now that I have thought of it, it wasn't just the crown who chose Serene, I am one with my crown. Therefore, both the crown and me chose Serene.

"I now present to you, His Highness the Crown Prince Vesper Levirence Lockridge and the new Crown Princess, Her Highness Serenity Everleigh Christenson-Lockridge!"

Levi and Serene smiled at each other before going out of the Main Palace's huge terrace. Mahlia, Theodosia, Estefan and Luther welcomed them on the terrace with their smiling faces as Levi and Serene made their way to the front.

Katatapos lamang ng inauguration ni Serene. Wearing her new regalia and crown, together with Levi, they greeted their people with huge smile on their faces. Levi and Serene waved their hand as the crowd cheered them.

"Long live the Crown Prince and Crown Princess!" the people screamed.

After the interaction with the people of Zarcaiah, the festival in the capital commenced at the same time with the banquet in the palace. The nobles and envoys who attended the wedding are all present at the banquet. The guests, especially the envoys, greeted the royal families. Nakaupo lamang sa kanilang throne chair ang dalawang hari at reyna, ganoon din sina Levi at Serene bilang Crown Prince at Crown Princess.

After greeting the nobles, Levi stood up from his seat and went in front of Serene and held out his hand in front of his wife. Napatingala naman sa kaniya si Serene.

"Can I have my wife's first dance tonight?" ngiting tanong ni Levi.

Napangiti si Serene at ipinatong ang kaniyang kamay sa nakalahad na palad ni Levi bago tumayo. The people on the dance floor went to the side to give the whole floor for the both of them. Nang makapwesto ang dalawa ay nagsimula nang tumugtog muli ang orchestra. A slow and soft music produced by the instruments filled the huge hall of the Main Palace.

Ngunit sa kabila ng laki at lawak ng hall, at sa gitna ng mga bisita, tila walang nakikita ang dalawa kung hindi ang isa't isa lamang. Levi who's smiling gently while admiring how beautiful his wife tonight and Serene who also can't take her eyes off of Levi. They are dancing like nothing matters around them. But despite that, they still managed to maintain their grace every move they make, leaving the audience in awe.

After a graceful dance, they slowed down a bit. Ipinatong ni Levi ang isang kamay ni Serene na kaniyang hawak sa balikat nito saka ibinaba ang kamay sa baywang ng asawa.

"I am so happy," Serene said before resting her head on Levi's chest, still dancing slowly.

Marahang dinampi ni Levi ang kaniyang bibig sa noo ni Serene, "Me too. We started in a bad way, I didn't treat you the way you deserve. That's why from now on, now that we're married, I will try even harder to become a good husband to you. It may not be easy because of the weight of our crowns, but I will try my best, Serene."

"Then, I'd have to try harder too," ani Serene sabay tingala kay Levi.

Tumango naman si Levi sabay haplos sa pisngi ni Serene, "All right."

After that, the joyous banquet continues. Sandali ring naghiwalay sina Levi at Serene upang makipag-usap sa mga bisita. Si Perry na pinapanood si Serene habang kinakausap ang mga kababaihan ay pangiti-ngiti rin sa nasasaksihan.

Sumimsim siya sa kaniyang wine habang nakahalukipkip. Sunod na hinanap ng kaniyang mga mata ay ang kaniyang kapatid. Ngunit habang iniikot ang paningin sa banquet hall ay nasagip ng kaniyang mga mata si Grand Duke Fraser, may kausap itong babae na nakatalikod mula sa kaniyang direksyon.

Lady Savannah? No. Lady Savannah's hair color is pine green like her mother's. But that girl's... Wait, why do I feel like that woman's hair and physique is kind of familiar?

Kumunot ang noo ni Perry habang hindi pa rin inaalis ang tingin sa dalawang nag-uusap, lalo na at mukhang seryoso ang kanilang pinag-uusapan. Higit pa roon ay nasa pinakasulok sila ng hall nakapwesto, kung saan malayo mula sa tingin ng mga tao.

Come to think of it, I did hear a rumor that the Grand Duke adopted another daughter. Is that her?

"There you are. I've been looking for you, Your Highness."

Napaiktad si Perry nang marinig ang pamilyar na boses. Agad siyang napatingin sa kaniyang kaliwa. Napamaang siya nang makita ang captain ng elite unit ng Second Order of the Knights, Lysander Humker.

He's wearing a combination of maroon and white suit. Just like every bachelors inside the hall, he looks decent and handsome tonight, enough to make Perry almost drop her jaw.

Napakurap si Perry at pumeke ng ubo nang matauhan, "W-Why are you looking for me, Sir Lysander?"

Lumaki ang ngisi ni Lysander at mas lumapit pa sa dalaga sabay lahad ng kaniyang palad dito. Napatingin naman doon si Perry.

"I would like to dance with you, Your Highness. Would you please grant me the honor?"

Inangat ni Perry ang kaniyang tingin sa mukha ni Lysander. Seeing that enticing smile, she couldn't even say no to the man.

"Suit yourself," tanging naisagot ni Perry sabay bigay ng kamay kay Lysander at patong ng hawak na wine glass sa katabing table.

The two of them went to the dance floor. The nobles that are watching started to talk about them. Kahit si Serene na abala sa pakikinig sa mga babaeng nobles ay napatingin din sa dance floor. Sandaling umawang ang kaniyang bibig sa nakita ngunit kalaunan ay napangiti rin.

Would you look at that? I had no idea that Perry could blush like that.

"Ah, isn't that Second Order Elite Knight's captain? Sir Lysander Humker? I heard there is something going on between him and Princess Peressia, I guess that rumor was right."

Sandaling bumalik ang tingin ni Serene sa babaeng noble na kausap niya kanina. Kasama niya rin ang iba pang mga babaeng nobles. They were talking about the high society just a while ago after congratulating Serene on her wedding and inauguration.

"It is. Didn't you attend last year's Hunting Event? Sir Lysander was the champion, he caught a huge bear and offered its fur to Her Highness Peressia. Iyon marahil ang naging dahilan kung bakit nagkaroon ng usap-usapan sa relasyon nila."

"Well, choosing Sir Lysander to be her betrothed is a good choice. Sir Lysander came from the noble house of Humker. His father is a well-known Marquess with a good track record and reputation. He is also one of the capital's eligible bachelor. Ladies who don't have a fiancee or husband yet are totally eyeing for him."

Bumalik ang tingin ni Serene sa dalawang sumasayaw sa dance floor matapos marinig ang mga iyon. Napatitig siya kay Lysander.

Their compliments are not exaggerating, he's indeed handsome. Maaari pa siyang ipuwesto sa gitna ng mga prinsipe kung tutuusin. He looked like a decent man too. Perry and him looks good together. Oh well, kung sinuman ang pipiliin ni Perry na makasama ay depende na iyon sa kaniya. I am actually glad that King Luther and Queen Theodosia are nothing like those monarchs who values power more than their children.

Ever since I was young, tanggap ko na ang katotohanan na may mga ganoon talagang monarchs sa mundong kinagagalawan ko. I also accepted the idea of entering a fixed marriage for political benefit. I guess, I was just lucky that my parents and Levi's are not like that.

Nang tuluyan nang lumalim ang gabi ay nagpaalam na si Serene sa kaniyang pamilya. Nauna na ring magpahinga sina King Luther at Queen Theodosia dahil hindi sila maaaring mapagod masyado. Lumapit sa kaniya si Levi habang kausap sina Perry.

"You're gonna take a rest first?" tanong ni Levi.

"Yeah, my feet feels like they're going to fall off because of the heels."

"All right. I'll follow you immediately. I still need to have a word with the envoys from Astraivell."

"Hey, Kuya! Don't make sister wait that long. This is an important night," nakasimangot na untag ni Perry sa kapatid.

"It's fine, Perry. Levi can take his time," agap ni Serene.

"What do you mean he can take his time? Tonight is... Oh my gosh, don't tell me...?" napatakip sa kaniyang bibig si Perry nang mapagtanto na tila may nakalilimutan si Serene.

Nagkatinginan sina Adelaide at Perry, tila naintindihan agad ang isa't isa. Napailing na lamang si Mahlia habang napapangiti dahil wala man lamang kaide-ideya ang anak. Sina Constantine at Rolfo, mga kapatid ni Serene, ay tulad niya ring hindi maintindihan ang tinginan ng dalawa. Levi, being able to catch faster than anyone else turned his gaze away somewhere, his ears turned red.

"Forget the banquet, you need some preparations. Let's go!" hinawakan ni Perry and kamay ni Serene, "And you, kuya, you can take your time," turo ni pa ni Perry sa kapatid.

"Please take care of my naive and innocent sister, Princess Perry. I can't run because of my womb, as you can see," ani Adelaide.

"Leave it to me, ate!"

"Huh? W-What...?" tanging naiusal na lamang ni Serene habang hinihila ni Perry palayo.

It was only later that night, after Perry helped her with her "preparations" Serene realized what was going on. Napamaang si Serene habang nakaupo sa single sofa, katapat ang isang round coffee table na may mga wine, dalawang wine glasses, cheese at grapes. Nang muli niyang ikutin ang kabuuan ng kwarto kung saan siya ngayon ay napahalukipkip na lamang siya sabay hawak sa kaniyang noo.

How could I ever forget? Of course! After the wedding, there's a... Wedding night!

Thank goodness and Perry helped me with the preparations. Pero ang mas inaalala ko ngayon ay ang katotohanan na wala akong experience. What should I do? I don't have any idea at all!

And on top of that, I am so embarrassed. I thought I was ready for this kind of matter, but now that I am actually in the actual situation, I don't know what to do.

Napatingin si Serene sa double door ng bagong kwarto nila ni Levi sa Centaurus Palace. It is one of the biggest rooms in Centaurus Palace . The furnitures and ornaments in the room are grand and luxurious. It is two times better than Levi's and Serene's room. Halatang pinaghandaan talaga ito ni Levi.

Levi is not here yet, but I heard from the maid who prepared the wine just a while ago that Levirence have already arrived here. Nagsabi lang siya na maliligo raw muna sa dati niyang kwarto bago ako puntahan. What now?!

Serene sighed before reaching for the bottle of wine. Binuksan niya ito at nagsalin nang kaunti sa kaniyang baso.

I should calm down first. Let's read a book while waiting for him.

Hinawakan ni Serene ang wine glass at tumayo sabay lapit sa book shelves. Kumuha siya ng isang novel doon. Sumimsim muna siya sa dalang wine bago buklatin ang hawak na libro.

She was scanning through the pages of the book for how many minutes when the door of their room creaked open. Napaiktad si Serene at agad na nilingon ang pintuan. Bumungad sa kaniya si Levi. Tulad niya ay naka-robe na lamang din ito.

"Oh, were you reading a book?" tanong ni Levi nang masulyapan ang hawak ni Serene.

"Uh... Yeah," tanging naisagot ni Serene sabay tiklop ng hawak na libro.

"Sorry. Did I make you wait long?" paumanhin ni Levi habang naglalakad papunta sa single sofa kung saan ang mga wine. Agad niyang napansin ang isang wine na nakabukas na.

"Hindi naman. It's fine, no worries," Serene calmly responded.

Inabala ni Serene ang kaniyang atensyon sa book shelvse habang yakap ng isang kamay ang wine glass na wala nang laman. Her heart was beating so fast. Levi immediately noticed Serene's attitude, he bit his lips before sitting on the arm rest of the nearest sofa.

Just like her, I am nervous too. I can't shake this indecent thoughts in my mind whenever I think about this night. But one thing is for sure, Serene is the only woman that I want to hold. If this keeps up, I don't think we'd be able to open matters like this between us.

Levi sighed before looking at Serene, "Wife... Can you please come here?" he said using his gentle tone.

Sandaling natigilan si Serene habang nakatayo lamang doon. Maya-maya ay ibinalik niya na ang hawak na libro sa shelf sabay harap kay Levi. Nakayuko siya habang naglalakad palapit kay Levi. Nang makarating siya sa tapat nito ay napatingala sa kaniya si Levi.

"Do I make you uncomfortable?" Levi asked softly before reaching Serene's cheek with his right hand.

Umiling naman si Serene.

"Then, can I see my wife's face?"

Unti-unting inangat ni Serene ang kaniyang mukha upang makita nang malinaw ni Levi. Levi smiled before gently pulling Serene's face closer to his. He planted a soft kiss on Serene's forehead, napapikit naman si Serene dahil dito.

"We can just rest tonight. You don't have to force yourself," Levi said.

Muling binuksan ni Serene ang kaniyang mga mata at tinitigan si Levi. Ilang sandali siya sa ganoong posisyon nang umiling siya saka pinulupot ang kaniyang braso sa leeg ni Levi upang yumakap. Levi was taken aback, unable to move for a second.

"It's fine. I... I want this night to be special," mahinang usal ni Serene.

Ilang sandali pang hindi nakagalaw si Levi dahil sa gulat. Ngunit maya-maya ay napangiti rin siya nang bahagya at niyakap pabalik si Serene.

She smells nice. As always.

"Alright. I want this night to be special as well."

Inangat ni Levi ang kaniyang kanang kamay papunta sa leeg ni Serene. Hinawi niya ang nakaharang na buhok nito sabay dampi ng mga labi sa leeg ng asawa. Serene immediately shut her eyes off before biting her lower lip to prevent herself from making a noise while Levi continues to plant soft kisses on her sensitive neck.

Bahagyang dumistansya si Levi upang tingalain si Serene, "Don't hold back. You'll hurt your lips. It's fine," aniya sabay haplos ng labi ni Serene gamit ang kaniyang hinlalaki.

Napayuko si Serene sa kaniya. Serene released her lips, that's when Levi claimed it. Serene was hesitant at first but since Levi was taking the lead, later on, she was able to kiss him back with the same mild intensity.

Wall lights lamang ang mga nakasinding ilaw sa kwarto, it was dim. Because of this, their shadows was visible on the floor because of the ray of the full moon that's reflecting on the huge windows of the room. They became more aware of their warm breaths, intoxicating touch and restless thump of their chests.

They continue kissing until Levi stood up and carry Serene without breaking the kiss. He walked towards the broad bed of their room, he gently lie Serene down on it causing for them to see each other's face. Hinawi ni Levi ang mga nakaharang na buhok sa mukha ni Serene habang nakapaibabaw pa rin sa kaniya.

"So pretty. What am I going to do with you? Hm?"

Serene chuckled before holding Levi's hand and gave his palm a peck, "Do whatever you want with me tonight. I won't even complain."

Ilang sandaling napatitig si Levi sa asawa bago siya umismid sabay dikit ng noo sa noo ni Serene, "You really..."

Levi started kissing Serene again. His soft kisses went down from her lips to her jaw, down to her exposed neck. His hand also began to untie her robe and made their way on Serene's bare waist. Levi also planted bite marks on Serene's shoulder that was exposed after the robe came to loose. Serene cannot contain her voice and moans anymore which made Levi turn on even more that it became almost unbearable for him.

Her voice is making me crazy. Damn it.

Levi took a glance on Serene's face as if asking for permission before started kissing her breast. Humigpit ang hawak ni Serene sa balikat ni Levi dahil sa nararamdamang sensasyon. Levi also started untying his own robe and shove it off from his body. Serene can't help but to admire her husband's body. There are visible scars from his previous battles but it just made him even more attractive.

That night, Serene and Levi did not think of anything. They held each other like there's nothing could break them apart. Their touch, their kisses and even the slightest move of their body was in rhythm. Their pain, pleasure and breaths are one.

"Does it hurt a lot? I'm sorry," Levi asked before planting a soft kiss on Serene's cheek.

"Ugh... I-It's fine. I c-can bear with it," sagot ni Serene, hinihingal at kayakap sa leeg ni Levi.

"Tell me if it's too much. I'll move slow," dagdag pa ni Levi sabay hawi ng buhok ni Serene sa likuran ng kaniyang tainga.

"O-Okay..." tango ni Serene.

Serene winced a bit when Levi started to move, both in pain and pleasure. Levi can't help but to watch Serene's reaction under him as he move slowly.

It's her first time... I feel like my lower body is going to melt because of her warmth. I'm going crazy.

When they both reached their climax, Levi was slightly taken aback when he felt a sudden rush of something cold inside his body along with pleasure. He couldn't utter a word anymore when Serene kissed his lips. When they parted, he planted another kiss on Serene's forehead. Their body's damp of sweat but their scent remained in the air, mixing with their breaths.

"I love you... I love you..." paulit-ulit na bulong ni Levi kay Serene.

Serene who was about to be pushed into a deep slumber smiled at her husband before she whispered the words that made Levi chuckle.

"I love you too, but save the rest of your 'I love you's' for the days to come."

"My bad. Alright, good night, my wife."

Author's Note:

It's not that detailed, I know. Hahaha bleh.