The Selection: Bride Of The Dark Dragon

MIRA

The days in Agnegard fly fast. Especially now that we know that dragons are going to help us in the upcoming war. So much had to be done but in the end, we found a way that made everyone happy.

Well, if I am completely honest, it was Agnes who solved the puzzle. Agnegard would remain closed. And mated dragons, the ones who already found their happiness in life, would stay here together with the king. But younger dragons, the ones who want to test life, to see the world… they would be able to leave if they want to. No one would be forced. And only volunteers would join our war. Which worried me at first… I was afraid that they would just fly away and forget about us… Yet after the announcement, they started to shout two words. Agnemir and Agnelind.

Later, I found out that Agnemir is another god of theirs. He is actually the husband of Agnelind, and also the ruler of the Underworld and the supreme warrior. This creeped me out at first but Derrien said that it seems fitting since he is the first Dark Dragon. And if he is not worried then neither am I.

So many dragons volunteered that now we have a second army at our disposal. And considering their abilities, it would be more than enough to have the upper hand and put an end to the war we are facing. So, we raised the stakes and decided that we would try to make it a war with us little losses as is only possible! The plan was born on the spot and the aim now is to have minimal casualties.

“What are you thinking about, Agnelind?” a maid who does my hair asks me and I am back to reality.

“Do you have to ask, silly,” another giggles, “On a day like this she is definitely thinking of her husband-to-be! I’ve heard Agnemir was flying high in the skies since early morning breathing out fire! Someone’s impatient!”

They’ve been braiding my hair for the past two hours, creating an intricate hairdo. Some of my hair is up and some of it is cascading in waves down my shoulders. Golden pins with flameflowers (they are popular here in Agnegard) hold the whole thing together.

“Of course he would be impatient!” the third maid chimes, “He hasn’t seen his Agnelind for three days according to the traditions! He must be dying!”

They giggle some more and my cheeks flush red. No one knows that, of course, Rien didn’t stay away from me for three days! They locked him in one of the royal chambers, forgetting about his gerdian b***d. And every night dark flames appeared right before my bed, my dark dragon hungry… hungry for me.

It’s funny that since our love has become forbidden again, we both started to long for each other even more! I missed him during the days. I so got used to spending all my time with him that this seemed…new. And I didn’t like it.

So when he arrived to take me, I embraced him with all that I had… And tonight…he hardly left before the maids arrived.

Dragon weddings have to be done according to their traditions. So I spend the morning in the huge marble bath, where the dragonesses were throwing different herbs and flowers, as well as adding nicely smelling oils. I sat there for a while, soaking in the warm water while they were singing songs…about the love between Agnelind and Agnemir… And some love that was! They both sacrificed everything just to be together. And, luckily, their union brought many children and many happy years together.

When I was out of the bath, they rubbed me with something else that brought a sweet aroma and silkiness to my skin. And then they finally took me to my room and also took care of my nails. When a girl was finishing her job, I had to touch her forehead with my hand. They say that this would bring the girl luck for the foreseeable future. And there were many girls eager to help me today.

And now finally I am with the last three standing. One busy with my hair, another does my make-up while the third prepares my dress.

We didn’t have time to prepare anything special so my wedding dress is rather simple. The fabric is traditional Agnegard lace and it is beautiful on its own. Back at home, I would probably add some details to it… But right now I am just happy that I can finally marry the man I love. And this is more important than any dress.

When I am ready and blessing the three maids before they leave, Agnes enters the room. She is wearing a golden gown today. No one else except for me can wear white today.

“You look beautiful,” she smiles, “Like first sunrays in spring!”

“Thank you,” I smile at her.

“Ready?” she asks and I nod.

We walk together to the spacious balcony and she shifts into her dragon. The most important thing of today – the wedding has to take place on top of the highest peak. And it’s so high that the clouds are below it. You cannot reach it on foot. Dragons fly there. And since I am not a dragon, Agnes agreed to take me there.

Her dragon is similar to that of the king’s. Although she is smaller than him, she is the same shiny golden colour, her scales shimmering in the sunlight. She lowers her wing and I use it as a step to get on top of her. It’s really uncomfortable in my wedding dress but luckily she has spikes just like Rien and I can hold for them when I need them. She flies carefully, remembering that she is carrying me at all times. We rise higher and higher and I have to use my fire element once again not to get cold. But when I see where we are heading, I gasp with joy.

The top of the mountain consists of many sharp spike-like rocks. And on top of the highest one, I see Rien, waiting for me with the king beside him and a few people at the back. Wearing all black again, his cape flutters in the wind and the hair is messy as it’s pretty windy here. Other spikes are occupied by dragons. Yes, most of our witnesses are in the form of their beasts, clinging tenaciously to the rocks at the sides or sitting on top of them.

I try to hold myself with pride – back straight, chin high. Even in spite of the wind playing with my hair and dress. And as soon as the dragons see me they start giving out loud roars. Some even breathe fire as they acknowledge my arrival.

But I am not paying too much attention to that. I have my eyes on my groom. I am so happy to see him and only one thing starts bothering me slowly. There is definitely no place for Agnes to land safely. How are we going to do that?

But in just a moment dark flames appear around me. Not mine, I haven’t mastered that yet. Rien’s. The dark fire surrounds me and the next moment I am in his arms, looking into the brown eyes with a reddish tint that I love so much.

As always, he holds me for longer than it is required. And let’s go of me with a heavy sigh.

I take just one step back, seeing the steep cliff behind my back. But it doesn’t bother me. Even if I fall… he would catch me.

But what happens next surprises me… My dress starts to change… Out of simple lace real flowers start to bloom. Pale, but so beautiful… Flameflowers… I look at Rien and he smiles with so much sincerity! His little gift touches my heart. I remember how a few days ago I just mentioned that I am not entirely happy with my wedding gown. And here we are…

“Today we gathered here to witness the union of this son of Agnemir, Derrien Derwood Darmerion, and this daughter of Agnelind, Miradora Freyn”, king Orion starts the ceremony, “Their souls have already been connected by the dragon gods! And today the Flames of Agnegard would confirm this union! Say your oaths now or refuse! This is your time!”

“Mira,” Rien starts, “From the moment I saw you both me and my dragon knew that you are ours. And today I promise to you that this would never change. I will be with you forever, I will protect you until my last breath, I will cherish you every day, I will love you even after I die and I will do everything to make you happy! Under the eyes of all the gods, I swear this to you today.”

My eyes get teary, so when I start speaking my voice is slightly broken, “Rien, during the light days and the dark, I accept you as my husband. I promise to give you my love and respect, I promise that I will become the best wife for you but I also promise to be your partner, to follow you wherever you go, and to help you whatever you do. You and I are two parts of the same whole. And I swear to you that this would never change!”

We hold our hands, silently looking into each other’s eyes, no more words needed. The king next to us smiles and gives us a dry twig each into our hands. We both light them up with our magic. Still holding hands we come to a huge golden wedding chalice, which is mounted in the rock. It is empty from what I can see… Rien and I throw our burning twigs inside and first, nothing happens… But just in a few moments flames appear out of nowhere, purple flames of dark fire… They are taller than us and soon the dragons around start to give out loud roars that shake the mountains themselves. The fire appears here and there as the dragons celebrate.

I feel how my bracelet gets hot and look at it getting darker on my hand, its patterns changing since this is not an engagement bracelet anymore. It’s the marriage band.

“The gods and the witnesses bless your union. From this day forward you, Miradora, and you, Derrien, are husband and wife!” the king says and without waiting for any kind of permission, Rien pulls me into his embrace and covers my lips with his. I don’t even notice how my hands curl around his neck and another wave of roars surrounds us!

“I haven’t thought that dragon weddings are so…loud,” I giggle, brushing his face with my palm and he catches my hand into his. We both look at our beautiful matching bracelets and can’t hold back a smile.

Finally! I am his forever! And he is mine!

Usually, the dragons celebrate their weddings for weeks. Yet we got only two days. However, they were good days, filled with happiness and love. Rien and I were surrounded by friends and family. And although I felt a bit sad not to share this moment with my parents and brother, I knew that everything is for the best.

And on the third day…It was time to put armour on!