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According to ancient tradition, they were not supposed to meet before the wedding day, and that was indeed the case—one was conducting electrical experiments at the Florence Academy until midnight, and the other was holding an all-night meeting with officials from both houses of parliament to review and amend legislation.
—Can’t you two just rest a little before the wedding?!
—Do you even know you're getting married?!
Leonardo couldn't escape a few reproachful words from Botticelli. His best man, ever the cynic, still managed to ensure his hair was styled to perfection.
Raphael, along with another young girl, played the role of the flower girl, their basket filled with red and white rose petals.
Hedy was escorted out by Mr. Rucellai.
She appeared like a goddess of the sun, her smile serene and composed.
The genius painter had designed the most magnificent wedding gown for her, even more luxurious than the one from Genoa.
From the hem of the skirt to the flowing sleeves, it seemed as if countless stars were scattered within, her every movement shimmering with light.
Golden thread wove intricate embroidery, with the wings of a phoenix intermingling with the fabric, so that when she lifted her sleeve, it resembled the soaring wings of a bird.
She smiled as she walked toward him, the jewels in her earrings and necklace gleaming brilliantly.
The sun, moon, and stars seemed to surround her hands and feet, yet they couldn't compare to the hue of her pale blue eyes.
Her gently curled black hair fell over her shoulders and down her back, as classical and noble as a Roman aristocrat.
The man gazed at his beloved from afar, as though time itself had stopped with his breath.
—This was his love.
The only one, the one who belonged solely to him.
"Whether poor or rich."
"Whether poor or rich."
"Whether in health or in sickness."
"Whether in health or in sickness."
"I will love you, respect you, and cherish you."
"I will love you, respect you, and cherish you."
Their fingers were tightly intertwined as they gazed at each other, their eyes imprinted with each other's light and shadow, their voices blending like the resonating notes of a violin.
"—Until death do us part."
CHAPTER 26
When Hedy woke up, she realized that there was a man lying next to her.
She blinked, coming to a realization.
From today on, she would be a married woman.
Having slept alone for decades, now that she could truly sleep soundly beside her lover, she found it a bit surprising.
The morning light spilled across Leonardo's face, casting a faint golden glow on his long eyelashes.
