Chapter 14 - The Coronation of the Underworld Queen
The cathedral of St. Patrick was closed to the public for the event of the century.
Over five hundred dignitaries, ambassadors, syndicate heads from Italy, Japan, and Russia, and high-ranking officials filled the grand pews under heavy private security.
The organ roared with a triumphant hymn.
The massive bronze doors opened.
Mara walked down the white-carpeted aisle. She wore a custom royal wedding gown of hand-stitched ivory satin, encrusted with ten thousand Swarovski crystals, trailing a twenty-foot cape of pure Venetian lace.
She carried no fear. She carried herself with the majestic grace of a woman who had fought her way out of the ashes and claimed her throne.
At the altar stood Dante Marcel.
He wore a formal military-cut tuxedo of black velvet, his eyes locked onto his bride with an intensity that made the entire cathedral hold its breath.
When Mara reached the altar, Dante took both of her hands into his.
"You came into my house as a shadow," Dante said before the assembled monarchs of the underworld, his voice echoing through the vaulted stone arches. "And you became my light. I give you my empire, my loyalty, my life, and my eternal soul."
Mara looked into Dante’s eyes, tears of absolute joy shining on her cheeks.
"I found you in the dark, Dante," Mara whispered. "And by your side is where I will rule forever."
The cardinal blessed their union.
Dante slid a second platinum band, encrusted with rare pink diamonds, onto Mara’s finger beside the billion-dollar ring.
May you like
"I present to you," the cardinal announced, "Dante and Mara Marcel. Emperor and Empress of the Eastern Realm."
The entire cathedral rose to their feet in a thunderous, standing ovation, bowing their heads in profound respect.
