Even though the red carpet leading to the bridal chamber stretched on and on, Arthur carried Ashley without the slightest strain. After a while, Ashley couldn’t help whispering, “Why don’t you put me down? I can walk on my own.” The palace was vast, and the distance from the banquet hall to their room was long. She worried he might tire himself out. Arthur only chuckled. “You’re so light. As your husband, how could I not carry you?” Then, all at once, his steps faltered. Ashley looked up at him, puzzled. “What’s wrong?” Lowering his gaze to her exquisite face, Arthur couldn’t resist brushing a kiss across her cheek. She startled, glancing nervously around and lowering her voice. “There… there are still people around.” Arthur grinned. “You’re my lawful wife now. Why should I hide from kissing my own wife?” The word “wife” sent a rush of heat to Ashley’s cheeks. She still wasn’t used to it, but the sweetness in her chest was impossible to deny. Arthur suddenly grew serious. “I just remembered—when we were at the altar, you addressed everyone else properly. But you never addressed me.” His tone was so solemn that for a moment, Ashley blinked at him, not quite following. “I want you to officially address me. Right now,” he said with mock gravity. She finally caught on, and laughter spilled from her lips, her face flushed pink. “This is serious!” Arthur insisted, though the sparkle in his eyes betrayed him. Matching his tone, Ashley composed herself, then spoke the word she had secretly rehearsed countless times. “Husband.” The instant the word left her mouth, her face went crimson—her neck and even the tips of her ears glowing hot, like a shrimp freshly dropped into boiling water. Arthur’s grin was triumphant. Throwing back his head, he laughed loud and long before kissing her flushed cheek again. “Wife!”Ashley, overwhelmed, buried her face in his chest, but the corners of her lips curled no matter how she tried to stop them. Her heart felt sweeter than honey. Arthur was so elated he nearly skipped with every step. And, in fact, he did—bounding lightly as he carried her toward their room and the life ahead of them. Inside the carefully prepared bridal chamber, he set her gently down by the bed. The red candles flickered in the dim light, the air thick with a subtle, intimate warmth. Under the glow, Ashley looked even more delicate and beautiful. Arthur’s pulse kicked at the sight, but he still asked, “Do your legs hurt?” She shook her head, her cheeks still pink. “No.” He leaned in and stole a quick kiss from her lips. She swatted him lightly, whispering, “It’s still daylight. You should be out there with the guests.” “They’ll manage without me. I’d rather be here with you,” he replied. Glancing toward the bright sky outside, she pushed him gently toward the door. “Go on. I want to rest for a bit.” What she didn’t say was that if he stayed, it would be as good as announcing to everyone outside that they… well, in broad daylight… Seeing her insist, Arthur relented, reminding her to rest before slipping out to attend to his guests. The new heir to Heaven’s Cult was, unsurprisingly, the center of attention. The moment he reappeared, people flocked to toast him and cement connections. Spencer and Nancy, as the groom’s in-laws, were equally surrounded by well-wishers. Mr. Hugo, Devon, Toby, Tricia, Taylor, and Natalie all found themselves swept into the tide. Even guests who had come purely as friends—Ryder, Mia, and Sage—weren’t spared from the crowd’s enthusiasm.