Page 62 of The Dragon Maiden

After fixing my hair into a smooth twist at the back of my head, Alonsa had the honors of affixing my veil. Tears entered my eyes as I saw everything together. It was absolutely breathtaking,Iwas breathtaking. Our eyes met in the mirror, and there were tears in her eyes as well.

“You look beautiful,” Alonsa said, leaning to give me a warm hug.

The other Maidens gathered around to hug me, as well, echoing similar sentiments. I felt so lucky and grateful to have such a warm group of women surrounding me on this special day.

Ronan entered, stopping short when he saw me. “You look wonderful,” he said. “Lord Dracul is going to be speechless.”

I blushed at the compliment, looking forward to my groom’s reaction.

Ronan stepped to my side, offering me his arm. “Shall we?” he asked.

I took his arm, taking a deep breath. Unlike my Dragon Maiden ceremony, I was not nervous this time. “I’m ready,” I said.

The Maidens led the way to the ceremony chamber. Along the way, dragons of the Shadowvale clan lined the hallways, everyone bowing as I passed. I had to hold back my tears at the sign of respect, the sign that they approved of me. Ronan squeezed my hand in encouragement.

At last, we were at the room. The Maidens entered first, lining up by their Lords. I could see Lord Hiram and Dracul at the end of the room, waiting for me. And now it was time.

Lord Firenze played beautifully as I walked down the aisle. As soon as the music started, Dracul turned to look at me. Immediately, I could see his deep intake of breath and blushed. He was in his human form, wearing a formal, light-gray suit that matched his eyes. My breath caught as our eyes met and I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. Ronan escorted me down the aisle, placing my hand in Dracul’s outstretched one. Together, we stepped onto the dais, facing Lord Hiram, who smiled broadly.

Lord Hiram looked around the room. “Thank you for joining us here today,” he said. “Today, we celebrate the joining of High Dragon Lord Dracul Shadowvale and Valora Marchton as soul-bondeddragaria.Dragariais a special bond between a dragon and their mate, a bond that no one can break. Dracul and Valora, please turn towards each other to recite thedragariavow.”

Dracul and I faced each other, holding hands. He squeezed mine lightly and I squeezed his back, feeling the warmth from our connection spreading throughout my body.

“Dracul, please repeat the following: ‘I, Dracul, take you, Valora, to be mydragaria. I will remain yours now and forever, letting no others forsake us. I will be your fire in the cold, warming you during your lowest times, and the wind beneath your wings, lifting you up to your highest moments. You are mine and I am yours, today, tomorrow, and forever more.’”

Dracul repeated the words with a giant grin on his face. Next, it was my turn, and I repeated the same vows, mirroring his smile. Speaking my love and vowing to be his forever made my chest feel like it was about to burst—it was a magical moment.

Next was the exchanging of rings.

“Dracul, please take your ring and place it on Valora’s finger, reciting the following.”

This part of the ceremony was not standard, but Dracul had worked with Lord Hiram to add the human tradition of wedding rings into the script. Dracul repeated the words, slipping the ring on my finger. It was a beautiful silver with a deep-navy sapphire, reminiscent of his scales.

“This ring is representative of my never-ending love and commitment to you. I will love and cherish you for all of eternity.”

I took his ring, made from a black meteor with light-blue sapphires lining the band. He had insisted on sapphires to match my eyes. Carefully, I slid it on his finger, reciting the vow. When I was done, he clutched my hand tightly and when I looked up, I could see tears in his eyes.

Lord Hiram gave us permission to kiss, sealing our vows to each other. Dracul wasted no time in pulling me towards him, crushing our lips together. I wove my fingers through his hair, pulling him closer to me while his hands clutched my waist as if I would fly away if he did not hold me tight enough. After several moments, we broke apart, smiles on both of our faces.

Cheers erupted now that the ceremony was complete. We were now bonded together—forever and always.

Dracul leaned towards me, whispering in my ear, “You look breathtaking,” he said, his voice husky.

I blushed at the compliment. “And you look very handsome, too,” I said, pulling his head back down for another kiss.

The rest of the night passed in a blur filled with feasting and dancing. My dancing skills were much improved from the last banquet. Dracul and I had practiced for hours over the past few months. I wanted to dance with my husband and not make a fool of myself.

He held me close the entire night. We always had at least one part of our bodies touching the whole time. It was as if we were magnets, drawn to each other.

When we both fell into bed afterwards, the night was filled with sweet lovemaking. It was the first time for both of us and I was extremely nervous, but Dracul was patient and caring as always. We focused on each other’s bodies, how they would react to certain caresses and kisses. We remained busy until early into the morning, unable to get enough of each other.

Before falling asleep, I thought with a smile on my face that he was mine forever and I was so happy that we had chosen each other.

Kessland had been right after all—the future was bright and promising, one I was sure to enjoy.

Epilogue

Dracul