The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2186

Under a canopy of stars, six ethereal white orbs descended gently from the heavens.

Each of the six grooms, as if on cue, reached out to catch the falling stars. A simple touch of a hidden switch, and voilà—a ring box tumbled into the palms of their hands.

At this moment, Swift felt a lump in his throat, his eyes brimming with emotion. His voice, rich with feeling, echoed through the crowd.

"To the beautiful couples standing before us," he began, "are you ready to place these rings upon each other's fingers—symbols of your eternal love and commitment?"

In unison, the couples declared, "We do."

The screens flanking the stage lit up with a wedding ode, and the guests recited in harmony: "Today, we bear witness to these unions, to love in equality and respect. May your paths be woven with grace and your futures bright with promise."

As the last words fell away, the exchange of rings was complete.

"With these rings, you shoulder the dreams and duties of a shared future," Swift announced, his voice now filled with pomp and ceremony. "And now, it is my honor to declare—you may kiss your brides!"

The couples kissed—a tender, lingering embrace—as the music swelled around them.

Leia, seated among the audience, watched Sean and Ophelia kissing on stage, her eyes shining with tears, her lips curling into a smile as she clapped for them.

Caden, too, had eyes glistening with emotion, his applause ongoing as he watched Romeo and Arabella wrapped up in their heartfelt kiss.

Across the venue, Derrick, Timothy, and Jeffery watched the pair, their hearts swelling with joy for their friends' happiness and yet, tinged with a sense of longing.

The couples' kisses were reluctant to end, but as the music gave way to a new tune, they began to dance on stage, lifting the energy to a crescendo.