Again, I would like to dedicate this to the writer of this chapter, a_magical_myth and give all the credits to her.

Thank you once again for doing this part for me.

.....

Raffy's POV

3 hours later...

Osvaldo and Yuliana had successfully turned the space into a Royal banqueting place, quite nicely put up together. From the decoration, food, and music. From the royal guests down to a several Pushkin's citizens. 

The Palace's security was doubled and tightly guarded, my father had made sure, the tragedy on their wedding won't happen again.

I could tell mom and dad were weary about this wedding though they tried hard to put up a happy facade.

It was a bright, sunny day. Perfect for a garden wedding.

The ceremony was held at the Rose Anne's garden. She was our great, great grandmother. Roses surrounded the vast garden in different hues; Red, pink, purple, white, and even black. There's also a maze of rose hedges. We pay lakhs of Rubel each year to maintain this garden.

Rose held a lot of meaning. In Russian mythology, it brings a lot of love and togetherness. Russian weddings are also incomplete without the rose in it.

There was a square centerpiece embellished with different colors of roses. The whole aisle covered with rose petals.

I was waiting here for the last 20 minutes for my bride, and I'm growing impatient. This is why I love minute weddings.

In an hour, Raffy. She'll be yours!

The thought comforted me for the moment.

I can't wait to have her all for myself. A few more hours to hold on, she'll be mine completely.

Well, the consummation of the honeymoon will have to wait because according to her, this damn monthly cycle lasts for about three days to a week. 

Well, I've waited for long years. A few days is just like minutes. I tried to convince myself. Oh, hell! It felt years to me.

But today, whatever happens, she was going to be mine.

Oh yes! Forever mine!

I unconsciously smirked at the thought.

The music started playing, taking all my attention. The "Thousand years" song filled the air. All the guest stood up, and all heads turned in the same direction including mine. Shifting in my feet impatiently as I waited for her to come out.

First of all, there was little Colleen who just turned 2 and nine months, Elle and Nico's daughter. She was looking so cute in her pink dress while throwing flower petals on her way. She occasionally stops and looked behind her. There was a worried look on her pretty face. Thank God for candies. Yuliana was waving it to her, and that got her attention, but instead of resuming her little task, she dropped the basket full of petals in different hues and scampered towards the candy like a puppy.

The guests laughed at the scene.

I can't wait for the day when Natalia and I would have our mini ones. They are going to be as cute as their mother. I am going to be a good father as I could be to them but first, I have to be a good husband and a good lover for my Pumpkin. 

My train of thoughts was interrupted when I saw Iya's maid of honor, Ember walking slowly. She's beautiful in her own way, but nothing can compare to my only Pumpkin. 

My gaze found her. 

Finally, there was she. The one who I wanted to see since hours and hours ago. 

Time froze and my heart stopped from beating. I felt the tears brimming my eyes. I swallowed hard, holding back all the mixed emotions that clothed my whole being. 

I willed myself not to close our gap. Natalia was walking ever so slowly, sheepishly stealing glances at me. My gaze was locked on her, and in a slow motion, I saw just her. The whole crowd, our surroundings suddenly faded in my vision. Even her father who was walking beside her, he disappeared in my line of vision. Just like the rest, he blended with the white and black background. 

As she gets closer, my heart resumed beating, and in a full force. I thought it's going to pop out of my chest. 

I took her in. The white flowy princess grown, with small flower designs all over it in blue color, it enhanced her beauty. The dress was perfect. I couldn't take my eyes off her. She looked like a true Duchess and I believed in a heartbeat that she'll be one. 

My beautiful and sexy Duchess. A dangerous combination. 

 Finally, after what it felt like hours, she stood in front of me.

"I am giving you a piece of my heart. She is the most precious thing in the world and in our life. Take care of her," Uncle Nicolas' word fall on my deaf ears. 

I didn't move, and all I could do was just stare at her, so lost in her beauty. I didn't blink either, thinking she might disappear, that all of these was just a dream. 

Natalia stomped on my foot. 

"Oh, yeah!" I started, giving Iya an apologetic grin before turning my gaze to her father.

"She is my heart, Sir," I replied.

" It's dad, son," before giving me a small smile. I felt a little relieved to finally see him casual instead of murderous. He placed her hand on mine and I took her with all my heart, giving Uncle Nick a look of respect, appreciation, and a promise. 

When I looked at Iya, she smiled at me sheepishly, but in the depth of her beautiful Sapphire orbs, there was mischievousness lurking in them. 

I felt like a bike of hornets had been displaced in my belly. 

"The garden paled in your presence, Pumpkin," I whispered in her ear. She blushes so beautifully. "I am so lucky. I've got the most beautiful bride in the whole wide world!" I grinned.

Her smile broadened, her cheeks turned pink. 

The ceremony started.

"Today we are here at the wedding ceremony of His Grace Rafael Valiente and Natalia petropoulis." The priest began. 

As the priest continued, my thoughts wandered. Truly, a beauty can make any man lost his mind. 

My gaze glued on her. 

I still wonder how lucky I am. 

She's a stunner, not to mention she has a hot body, too. And then she has a kind heart. Who can resist such beauty? 

I just love her so much. I'm glad she ditched my ass otherwise, I would never realize how much she meant to me. 

"Your Grace, do you have your vows?" The priest asked, snapping me out of my trance.

I nodded, without tearing my eyes off my Iya. Holding her gaze, I said the vows that given to us. "I, Rafael Valiente, take you, Natalia Petropoulis, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part." I said my vows.

Then Natalia continued with hers." I, Natalia Petropoulis, take you, Rafael Valiente, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."

"Do you, Rafael Benedict Valiente take Natalia Petropoulis as your w—" 

"I do," I said proudly and excitedly, unintentionally cutting the priest. I heard the faint laughter from the guests.

The priest made a fake cough which I think is a warning. "Do you, Natalia Petropoulis take Rafael Benedict Valiente as your husband?"

"I do," she said with tears in her eyes.

"By the power vested in me by the Royal Court of Pushkin, I pronounce you as husband and wife." The priest said.

"You may now kiss the bride, Your Grace." The priest ended.

Yeah! Here comes my favorite part. 

I brought her closer and lifted her veil. And then I leaned down and kissed her. 

God! I missed this so much. 

I put my hands around her waist and pulled her even closer than possible. I nibbled her lower lip and she gasped. And just then I slipped my tongue past her lips. I massaged the corners of her mouth and she moaned, curling her hands around my neck and clung onto me.

"You are corrupting innocent eyes here." I heard Nicolai said as I pulled away. I saw him and Elle covering the eyes of their little children. 

I chuckled. 

Everyone congratulated us. 

After the wedding was over it was time for the coronation ceremony. Luke came and informed us that everything was ready and it was time for me and my duchess to go and meet the people of Pushkin. We walked through the garden all the way to the great hall. As we reached the door to great hall, it opened to reveal the beautifully decorated great hall with the grand staircase in front. A red carpet ran along the center of the hall up to the top of the grand staircase. The whole thing was looking like the set from the Disney movie. Like we have come to a fairy tale book. There was the sound of drums welcoming us. As Iya and I took a step forward, everyone in the hall stood up. The people in here were mainly the ministers and their families and some of the important people who help me in the administration of Pushkin. And also the common people of Pushkin. As Iya and I walked further everyone bowed their heads down in total respect. We carried our journey, walking slowly like we are some notable celebrity. They gave us all their respect and love. I always knew she is the perfect duchess. Perfect for my people.

We climbed the grand staircase. There stood all five priests from the royal church of Pushkin. We turn around, facing the people of Pushkin. The father came forward and hand us a candle and lit the candle while uttering some prayers. He sprinkled some holy water on us.

They all started the process of the coronation ceremony. They first said some prayers in Russian and then asked me "Budete li vy torzhestvenno obeshchat' i klyast'sya upravlyat' lyud'mi etogo Tsarstva Pushkina, i vladeniya tam za prinadlezhnost', soglasno ustavam v parlamente, soglasovany, a zakony i obychai togo zhe?" Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the people of this Kingdom of Pushkin, and the dominions they're belonging, according to the statutes in Parliament agreed on, and the laws and customs of the same?

"YA torzhestvenno obeshchayu eto sdelat," I solemnly promise so to do. I said, promising myself to be loyal to this vows I made today, and follow them wholeheartedly. 

I looked at lya, I know she doesn't understand Russian. So she just kept quiet, but I know she'll make the same promises just as I did.

"Primete li vy k svoyey vlasti zakon i spravedlivost' v miloserdii vo vsekh vashikh sudakh?" Will you to your power cause law and justice in mercy to be executed in all your judgements?

"YA budu." I will. Iya and I said at the same time.

"Budete li vy po maksimumu svoyey vlast'yu soblyudat' zakony Boga, istinnuyu professiyu Yevangeliya i protestantskuyu reformirovannuyu religiyu, ustanovlennuyu zakonom, i budete li vy khranit' yepiskopov i dukhovenstvo etogo Tsarstva i tserkvey, predannykh ikh Vse takiye prava i privilegii, kak po zakonu, prinadlezhat im ili prinadlezhat im ili komu-libo iz nikh? " Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the laws of God, the true profession of the gospel, and the Protestant reformed religion established by law, and will you preserve unto the bishops and clergy of this Realm, and to the churches committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges as by law do or shall appertain unto them, or any of them? The father asked me again.

"Vse eto ya obeshchayu,." All this I promise to do. I said.

Then we gave the candles which we were holding to one of the helpers standing aside. Then the father brought the holy bible. We kept our hand on it and repeated what the father said. "To, chto ya zdes' ran'she obeshchal, ya budu ispolnyat' i khranit' Tak pomogite mne Bog."The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep: So help me God.

After we both were done with our oaths, Grandpa came forward carrying a sword. Seeing it, Iya and I bowed down. Grandpa started "This sword of The great Alexander Pushkin, the founder of this city may bless—" He took a pause, and then first kept the sword on my right shoulder and then left, "The Duke of Pushkin." And then repeated the process with Iya. "And the Duchess of Pushkin. May you both always stay together and rule Pushkin with all your kindness." 

Then the priest said, "Your Grace, you may now kiss the bride."

This is my favorite part! 

I turned to Iya and then bent down to kiss her. Our lips touched, and just like always, a spark of passions gripped me. The kiss became a little aggressive. Our lips moved perfectly together, and then I realized, we are in front of our people. I reluctantly pulled myself, letting out a disappointing groan, and I smiled at her. Happiness is written all over her face matching mine. Her glistening eyes filled with overwhelming emotions mirroring mine. 

Then we turned to the people.

"Here we present the Duke and Duchess of Pushkin," Osvaldo announced, and there was a loud round of applause. Finally, I can present my Iya as my official Duchess. 

The Duchess of Pushkin.

....

Natalia's POV

Well, that was whew! A lot to take in, but I can't complain. Finally, I'm Mrs. Valiente, officially in the eyes of my family and the people of Pushkin. 

I am the epitome of happiness. I felt like I'm floating in heaven. The wedding, the place, everything is so grand. Everything that a woman dreamed of, right here, in front of me. 

A ball wedding, and here I am today. Married to the most desirable Duke on earth. 

My Duke. 

I was just an ordinary girl, who dreamed of marrying my dream man, —well, obviously my husband now— and the wedding is the most important part of our life, to every woman. Most awaited moment of our life. Whatever is our age, we always dreamed to get married to the love of our life. I am very lucky in that case. Each and every girl wants her big day to be perfect and this day is more than perfect. Having such a beautiful ball wedding. I felt like I was Cinderella, with a white gown, it feels like I am taken back to that old fairy tales. I still can't believe any of this. That I am married to Raffy. The love of my life. Everything is just so perfect. Sometimes, it feels like a dream. But hey, l am living the dream.

The decoration is so beautiful and extravagant. And the biggest thing that stunned me was my dress. 

When Yuliana told me that my dress was going to be beautiful, I didn't expect it to be this beautiful. 

It looked fabulous. White and off shoulder gown. There was a very nice and intricately designed sapphire blue and white bodice over my chest.

 The waistline was a little bit tight, it showed my slim curve, and then it flowed downwards. It was long and with a train dragged behind me. And I wore the necklace that Raffy gave me. It complemented the dress very well. It took all 4 hours to get ready. Makeup, hair, dress, and all. 

And the result of sitting at one place for this much time was worth it. I look like a princess. Every girl wants to look beautiful on this day whatever to the completion, size, color. Afterall this is her day. She dolls up only for her man. She wants to look beautiful just for her groom. One compliment from him and all of it is worth it. And Raffy couldn't stop looking at me. That's all it takes, everything was worth it.

The wedding and the coronation went well, too. During the coronation, although I didn't understand the Russian words they spoke, but still I promised myself that I will always be a real duchess to Pushkin and to its people. I will do everything, fill each and every duty of a real duchess.

After the coronation, there was a short engagement ceremony for Luke Nicolai and Maria. Maria looked incredibly beautiful, but her eyes held some sadness as if she was forced into it. Perhaps, I was just imagining things. I could be wrong. I just wish them happiness. 

I know, if they are meant for each other, no circumstances can ever separate them. 

Maybe one day, they will find their happily ever after, just like Raffy and me.

I met Raffy's high school friends. They were all damn crazy, but I love them. Raffy proudly introduced me, calling me his. He said he didn't want any men to think that they have a chance with me. As if they have! 

They all complimented how beautiful I was and how lucky Raffy is. I was smiling like a lunatic the whole time, enjoying all the attentions, the compliments thrown at me. They even Flirted with me just to make Raffy jealous. And Raffy being Raffy. He was being so paranoid.

His other friends were also as crazy as the others. They even made us drink the wine in the same glass and made us kiss till the taste of wine was off from our mouth. It was the craziest thing I ever did, but we enjoyed it very much.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time to have our Duke and his Duchess to have their first dance." The host announced

Oh my god! First Dance.

Raffy and I were with his friends when Yuliana came over.

"Your Grace." She bowed a little addressing us both.

"His Grace wants to see you. It's time for the first dance."

"Yes, we will be there. Come, Pumpkin," Raffy said offering his hand for me to take. I placed my hand in his and I smiled at him. He smiled back and then we made our way towards the ballroom following Yuliana.

As we reached the ballroom, Osvaldo announced our presence. We walked with laced hands, and all the people around bowed down in synchrony. 

The ballroom was as extravagant as the other rooms. The ceiling went high up. All the walls were a color of gold with beautiful carvings on them. In the center hung an enormous chandelier of crystals, lights, and candles. Everything had a theme of gold. It was so beautiful.

We walked and reached the center of the ballroom were Grandpa was standing.

"Grandpa!" Raffy called out. Grandpa turned his attention towards us. "Oh, son. It's time for yours and Natalia's first dance."

"Yes, Grandpa," Raffy replied and led me to the dance floor.
Everyone else gathered around us leaving space in the center, below the huge chandelier.

When we reached the center, 
Raffy said," May I have this pleasure of having the first dance with you, My duchess." He asked bowing down.

"Sure, My Duke," I agreed, beaming cheekily at him, and then bowed down, too. A little clumsily. I'm just glad I didn't fall head first. 

He smiled and put his hand around my waist and pulled me closer. A soft gasp left my lips at his slight aggressiveness. He smirked, and then I felt my cheeks grew hotter. I could feel all the hundred pairs of eyes staring at us.

A soft music started playing and we gently sway back and forth. Then he took my hand, and we started circling slowing along the space. Raffy was looking straight into my eyes. His gaze was intense, filled with adoration and pride. I felt so much love. It engulfed me. 

God! This is heaven. 

I was so lost in his gaze, my body seemed to have its own mind, moving along in rhythm with the music. He pushed me back a little, and then pulled me into his arms again.

And then suddenly my feet were off the ground. Raffy lifted me and twirled me around. And all the while, I was giggling. He put me down on my feet, and then we continued to move slowly with the music. 

It felt so special.

With a final twist and lift, we ended our dance and then bowed to each other. 

After the dance, a few other couples joined us on the dance floor.
 My hands went around his neck while his curled around my waist possessively. We were moving back and forth gently. 

I leaned my head against his chest, where his heart is. His evened heartbeat was so peaceful to hear. He placed a kiss on my head and I looked up.

"I love you, My Duchess. Thank you for trusting me again. I'll promise with all my heart to remain faithful and will only desire for your happiness," Raffy murmured with his eyes full of determination and love. "Please, stay always by my side," he said. 

The overwhelming emotions took over me. I felt like choking, my heart cavorting with his promises. "Always, Raffy. I love you, too. And I promise to be there with you, always." Tilting my head back so I can meet his gaze, he leaned down and captured my lips. 

Again everyone faded around us and it was just him and me, in our 'happy bubble.'

Everyone was dancing, singing, and drinking. 

I must say that this is one of the grandest weddings Pushkin must have witnessed. I looked to my left to see Amber dancing with William. 

What's going on?

"Pumpkin where are you looking at?" Raffy questioned me, I could hear the jealousy in his tone.

Snapping my head back to him, I shook my head. "Nothing," I smiled as we moved slowly with the music.

Burning feelings blossomed in my soles and calfs. "I think you are tired." Raffy noticed my discomfort. "Let's go and sit." He suggested and I nodded my head vigorously.

My feet were hurting badly by wearing the high heels. 

We arrived this morning and got busy with the other chores. We both suffered from jetlag, and are extremely sleepy. I can't wait to be alone with him. To have him all for myself. I know Raffy was growing impatient, too. He has waited for so long for this moment, and so Am I.

Just a few more hours, lya! Just a few more hours. Then we will be alone together.

I was looking at him with unhidden adoration. Whenever he caught me, he beams at me, and occasionally give my nose a soft pinch, then murmured me his I love yous.

After dinner, everyone gave a toast, to our married life.

"It's time to go, babe. Come." Raffy murmured very seductively in my ear. We got up, and head towards the door. He turned towards the right.

I was confused, but he gave me a reassuring squeeze. We reached a door, and it opened. We walked in and then I took in my surrounding. It was a balcony facing the main doors of the palace. When we walked further in, I saw two helpers from the palace holding a lantern. I walked forward towards them and took a closer look at the lantern. My name Natalia Petropoulis was written on it.

"Pumpkin, fly this lantern away. It means you are giving your name away. It means now you will accept your new name." Raffy explained.

Natalia Petropoulis. My name. My identity. And today, I give it away.

"Hurry up, Mrs. Valiente," Raffy nudge.

I will be Mrs. Natalia Rafael Valiente!

I took the lantern, and then gently raised it up, and I let it go. It started going up slowly, then it goes a little higher and higher, then away.

We came out into the garden. Trees lined both the side of the road.

After everyone bid us goodbye and cheered for us, we both sat inside the limo. The automobile moved and I looked behind, several was still waving at us, including my parents and family friends.

I turned to face Raffy. "Where are we going ?" I asked.

"It's a surprise, Pumpkin." He gave me a determined and mischievous look.

After what, twenty minutes, we reached a church. 

A church? Why are we here?

"Raffy, why are we here?" I asked, a little impatient. I thought we were going to sleep soon? I can't wait to hit our bed.

"In Russia, every couple should start their married with the blessing of God" He explained patiently.

We both entered the church in silence. I followed him and he kneeled down at one of the pews.  Following him, I kneeled down beside him and prayed for our happy married life.

Raffy and I were behaving like a couple who had just found love. We couldn't stop stealing glances at each other. We couldn't stop touching each other.

When we stepped out of the church, Raffy took the keys from his driver. We both sat again in the car, this time, Raffy drove the car and I rode shotgun.

" Where are we going?" I asked.

" It's a surprise," Raffy said, yet again.

Argh!

He drove the car with a maximum speed.

"Raffy babe, I am tired," I moaned, leaning back.

Raffy gave me a glance as he slowed down, "I know, love," then he took my hand and gave it a kiss.

Raffy took the left turn instead of right. I thought we are going back to the Palace.

"Babe, you took the left turn. Palace is towards the right." I remembered where we came from, and there's an arrow sign showing where the Palace is.

"Pumpkin, we are not going back to the palace," he replied as he kept on driving ahead.

"Then where are we going?" I snapped, my patience growing thinner.

" It's a surprise." His tone were patient, glancing at me occasionally and flashed me a grin. 

Argh!

I looked out the window until I fell asleep.

"Pumpkin, we are here." I heard Raffy muffled voice. 

Where are we? 

I opened my eyes to found the car is standing at the front of a huge villa.

What is this?

"Where are we, Raffy?" I questioned.

"This was the place where I go when I feel tired with all the responsibilities on my shoulders. I bought this place when I was seventeen." —He rubbed the back of his head— "It's my wedding gift to you. I know it's not as big as the palace but..." he trailed off.

I beamed at him. My heart soared high with happiness. "It's perfect." I hugged him tightly. 

I pulled away, can't wait to see the inside of the villa. "Let's go!" I said.

We both got down of the car. Raffy picked me up and I let out a startled shriek but soon morphs into giggles. He carried me in bridal style until the threshold of the house.

He puts me down when we reached the master's bedroom and pulled me closer by my waist.

"We have a lot of privacy now. Let's make use of it," he murmured in a hoarse, needy voice. Then he started kissing me with passion. Pouring all his emotions into it. 

I felt the warm sensations gushing out between my legs. 

Well, not the cream of pleasure you think it is.

Damn, I need to change my pads. 

Pulling my lips away from his, he groaned in disappointment. "Raffy, I need to change," I murmured. His dark blue eyes gazing at me lustfully.

I bit my bottom lip when his eyebrows pressed tightly in confusion. "My pad is full. I need to change it before it seeps and leave red stains in my gown," I explained further, and his face grew red. 

The crease on his forehead slowly smoothened, then he nodded. 

"The fucking, bloody period." He uttered in disdain.

I chuckled as I nodded my head. Then, his face lit up. 

"I know. There's a solution for that," he grinned. A wolfish grin plastered on his face.

Now, it is I who was confused. 

"What is it?" I asked. 

He shook his head. "It's a surprise!" he chuckled, shaking his head.

I grumbled under my breath. Now, I hate surprises!

He wriggled his eyebrows suggestively. 

I frowned. 

"Stay here!" he warned before slipping out of the door. 

My hands dug into my hips, watching the door. He seriously has lots of surprises. 

Oh, I married a Duke with surreptitious ways alright!

.....

Epilogue 2 and the last chapter will be coming soon...

Please let's all give thanks to a_magical_myth for this lovely chapters. She'd done well, don't you think? Thank you, love. I appreciate it deeply.

ENJOY!!