After the grand banquet, the newlyweds were escorted to their chambers.
The moment the door closed, an awkward silence settled over the room.
They stood there, neither one brave enough to look at the other.
The traditional wedding-night garments made everything worse. Ceremonial clothes worn only for this occasion, layered with bows, ribbons, and religious symbols.
Lydia was the first to break the silence.
"This is ridiculous."
Loui agreed immediately.
"Completely ridiculous."
Before they could continue, they heard a faint creak from the other side of the door.
Then another.
And another.
Loui crossed to the wall and peered discreetly through a small gap.
He returned a few seconds later, barely holding back a smile.
"We have an audience."
"What do you mean?"
"Distant relatives. And a few servants."
Lydia's eyes went wide.
"They're — listening?"
"They're waiting to confirm the marriage has been consummated."
She pressed both hands to her face.
"I hate traditions."
Loui sighed.
"Unfortunately, if they don't believe we spent the night as husband and wife, the whole kingdom will be talking by morning."
They looked at each other for a long moment.
Then Lydia smiled — slow and a little wicked.
"I have an idea."
Loui raised an eyebrow.
"I don't think I want to know."
"We just need to make some noise."
A few minutes later, the curious listeners gathered outside the door heard furniture scraping across the floor, cushions hitting the ground, and a series of very dramatic exclamations.
"Ow!"
"Watch it!"
"You almost hit me!"
"That was not part of the plan!"
The relatives exchanged satisfied nods.
"Sounds like the marriage has been consummated…"
Inside the room, meanwhile, Lydia and Loui were struggling to keep from laughing after accidentally knocking over a small side table.
"I think we convinced everyone."
"At least something went right today."
For the first time since they'd met, the two of them laughed together.
Without realizing it, that small moment of shared mischief would be the first step toward the friendship that would change the fate of Cawpember.