It’s finally that moment everyone has been waiting for.
Every corner of the vast chamber was filled with nobles, lords, and ladies dressed in their finest robes.
Guards in ceremonial armor stood in perfect formation, their silver-plated spears gleaming under the light.
Today the whole territory of the four realms is open, the two most powerful realms are about to tie a knot and it’s a great pleasure to everyone and assurance that there won’t be war between the two realms.
A hush settled over the crowd as the deep voice of the palace herald rang out.
"Presenting His Highness, High King Aden of Drakonia, and Her Highness, High Queen Sephora of Drakonia."
The doors opened and King Aden and Queen Sephora entered side by side, their robes trailing long behind them.
When they reached the dais, everyone showed their courtesy and they had their seats. Then the herald’s voice rose again.
"Presenting His Majesty, King Ryker of the Celestial Realm, and Her Majesty, Queen Mireya of the Celestial Realm."
Just like King Aden and Queen Sephora they entered with the dignity of their people, their garments a flowing cascade of silver and white, woven with faint threads that shimmered like starlight. The kings clasped forearms in greeting, and the queens exchanged a brief, formal nod.
Once the rulers had taken their places, the herald continued.
"Presenting His Highness, Crown Prince Adam of Drakonia, heir to the throne."
The tall figure of Adam entered, his posture straight, his robes richly embroidered in red and gold. Applause rippled softly as he made his way to stand before his father.
"Presenting His Highness, Prince Ashen of Drakonia, last prince of the realm."
Ashen entered at a measured pace, his dark hair catching the faint glow of the lanterns, his silver-embroidered cloak brushing the floor with every step. His eyes were steady, his expression unreadable.
"Presenting Her Highness, Princess Rhynera of the Celestial Realm, betrothed to His Highness the Crown Prince of Drakonia."
Rhynera also appeared, her gown a masterpiece of Drakonian style. Her mother had made sure to help her get the best designer for her dress.
It’s fitted bodice of red velvet, embroidered with golden threads shaped like dragon scales, the sleeves trailing in fine lace.
A long veil of sheer crimson fell from her hair, concealing her features. The jewels on her neck caught the light, and the crowd murmured in admiration.
She walked with slow steps, aware of every pair of eyes fixed upon her. The pride of her finally becoming the crown princess washed through her thoughts and a wide smile appeared on her face.
When she had reached her place beside Adam, the herald’s voice lifted once more.
"Presenting Her Highness, Princess Lumina of the Celestial Realm, betrothed to His Highness, Prince Ashen of Drakonia."
Everyone turned to the door after all her names had been ringing all over the realm.
But no figure appeared at the door. Murmurs bubbled through the hall. Queen Sephora’s eyes narrowed, her voice harsh. "Where is she? Is she keeping us waiting?"
Ashen glanced at Ero who also had that confused and anxious look on. He had reached out to Lumina in the morning so he didn’t expect her not to be attending or having any kind of issues.
Rhynera’s lips curved in a faint smirk, her thoughts as cold as her smile.
Recalling how her maid had told her they got the job done, her smile was short-lived when the doors opened.
Lumina stepped forward, her figure holding this powerful aura.
She was veiled in layers of soft silver gauze that caught the light like morning mist over water.
Her gown was unlike anything in the room, the fabric shimmered faintly with the blue-white hue of moonlight, embroidered with silver threads shaped like the wings of dragons in flight.
The wide sleeves fluttered as she moved, and the train of her dress spilled behind her like a stream of stars.
Even with her face hidden, there was an elegance in the way she carried herself that made the hall fall into silence.
Her every step was steady, unhurried, her presence commanding without force. Queen Sephora’s eyes flickered, caught between surprise while Ashen’s mouth curved slightly, a rare, knowing smirk.
He had chosen this gown for her himself, after she had told him that she wanted something that would make her stand beside any queen without being overshadowed.
He had gotten it for a heavy sum of money and also stress, but seeing it on Lumina made his heart go limp.
Seeing how she gently counted her steps with Stella beside her made him so proud. She is going to become his legal wife and seeing everyone look astonished at her and also admire her because he had gotten the best outfit for her makes him so proud.
Just then murmurs rose around.
"I have never seen such work before,"
"This fabric is woven only once in a decade."
"Even her veil is finer and more expensive than the crown princess’s gown."
Rhynera’s hands tightened in the folds of her skirt, her jaw rigid beneath the veil. The praise was like salt against a fresh wound.
She had wanted to disgrace Lumina, not direct attention to her side, she couldn’t help but wonder how Lumina had gotten the fabric for her dress in such a short time.
Lumina reached Ashen and stood beside him. He leaned slightly toward her, his voice low.
"You have them all holding their breath," he murmured.
"And you seem far too pleased with yourself," she replied softly.
"Why should I not be? My wife-to-be should never walk in any shadow but her own."
Her lips curved faintly beneath the veil.
The high priestess now stepped forward, flanked by two high priests.
Her robes were of deep gold, and she carried a staff crowned with a crystal orb. Her voice was clear and strong.
"Today we bind not only couples, but two realms. Let the blood of the chosen enter the earth of Drakonia, that peace may be rooted, and let their vows be sealed by the light of the heavens."
Servants brought forth two shallow bowls, one before Lumina and Ashen, the other before Rhynera and Adam.
A small silver blade was placed in each groom’s hand. "You will have to prick the thumb of your brides to bind her and make her become one of the dragons."
Ashen looked at Lumina and then whispered. "It will not hurt much,"
"I am not afraid," she answered quietly.
He made a small cut on her palm, just enough for a drop of blood to fall into the bowl.
He followed with his own, their blood mingling over dark stone.
The high priestess chanted words in the old tongue, calling upon the dragons of the mountains and the stars of the Celestial sky to bear witness.
The ritual was nearly complete when the doors opened once again.
Then a woman stepped in, her gown cut in a style eerily similar to Rhynera’s, though the fabric was darker, richer, almost mocking in its resemblance.
Jewels glittered at her throat, and her lips carried a faint, knowing smile. She even stands out more than the crown princess and this led all eyes toward her wondering who she is.
Ashen’s eyes flickered briefly toward her, as he recognized her. A big smile played on his lip while Adam’s face held that of pure horror.