Chapter CXLI: Oath
Throughout the kingdoms—reaching even the distant lands beyond the vast territories ruled by the Dragon King—a tale spread like wildfire. It was the story of a fierce woman who had defied the mightiest king of them all. They whispered that the Dragon King's favorite concubine had broken free from his harem, claimed her father’s crown, and waged a relentless war against her former captor. She had gathered an army, tamed a dragon, and refused to yield until he knelt not as her lord but as her equal.
Now, this woman, known as the Red Queen, was returning to the heart of the Dragon King's realm with her children—the Dragon heirs. But this time, she came not as his enemy. The Dragon King, bowing to her strength and defiance, had surrendered to her will and resolved to make her his bride.
A grand celebration ignited across the lands. Feasts were held in every village and town; banners of crimson and gold fluttered above, and music filled the air as the festivities spilled over into days and nights of revelry. Tournaments drew knights and warriors eager to prove their mettle in honor of the union, with champions from far and wide competing for glory and recognition.
The grand wedding of the Dragon King and the Red Queen drew kings, queens, and nobles of the highest ranks from far-flung realms, each eager to witness the union that had already become legend. This was not just any marriage—it was a promise of peace, strength, and the binding of two powerful forces that would reshape kingdoms.
The Temple of Fire, renowned for its ancient, towering stone columns and sacred flames that never died, was transformed for the occasion. Red roses from Allendor, symbolizing the Red Queen's heritage, adorned every street and wall of the capital. The deep crimson blooms cascaded down from balconies and lined the path to the temple, creating a striking contrast with the city’s white stone architecture. Their fragrance filled the air, carried by gentle breezes, adding a sense of timeless beauty to the city.
As the royal guests gathered, the streets overflowed with citizens who had come from every corner of the kingdom to witness the union. Musicians played soft, ethereal tunes that echoed through the crowd, adding to the solemn yet celebratory atmosphere. Inside the temple, an air of reverence prevailed as the nobility took their places, waiting for the arrival of the bride and groom.
The Dragon King stood tall and imposing in the Temple of Fire, draped in a dark velvet cape that flowed with each powerful step. His silver crown gleamed under the temple’s eternal flames, casting a regal, commanding aura over the entire hall. As he reached the center of the temple, the priestesses approached, whispering blessings over him, their voices rising and falling in a sacred chant. When they finished, he turned to face the gates, his expression steady yet filled with anticipation.
The music faded into silence, and the guests turned as the great gates of the temple slowly opened. The Red Queen appeared, resplendent in a dress of shimmering gold, her figure cloaked in an intricate golden veil embroidered with diamonds that caught every flicker of firelight, transforming her into a celestial vision. The long, flowing tail of her dress and veil was carried by eight handmaidens, each dressed in Allendor’s crimson colors, adding a striking contrast to the golden glow surrounding the queen.
The musicians resumed, their melody tender and grand as Isabella began her walk down the aisle, her steps slow and graceful. Alaric’s breath caught as he looked upon her; she appeared like a goddess incarnate, ethereal and almost otherworldly. Months of anticipation, of longing, of battles both in the field and in their hearts, had all led to this moment. She reached the end of the aisle, standing before him with a soft radiance.
With reverent hands, Alaric lifted her veil, revealing Isabella’s face beneath. Her beauty struck him anew—delicate, fierce, almost unreal, like an angel descended to earth.
Alaric took Isabella’s hands in his, his gaze fierce with devotion as he began his vows.
“Before the gods and this sacred fire, I vow my life, my strength, and my spirit to you. I pledge to shield you as long as I breath, to stand by you through shadow and light, and to be the hand that steadies your steps and protects you from any harm. In this life and the next, I am bound to you, as fire is bound to air.”
Isabella held his gaze, her voice unwavering, resonating with a quiet strength.
“By my blood, by words, I bind myself to you. I offer you my loyalty, my crown, and my heart, to be a light through all darkness and a voice in your every silence. I vow to honor you, to guard your legacy, and to serve by your side in life and in death, until the stars fall from the sky.”
At the priestess’s gesture, Alaric and Isabella extended their palms. The priestess made a small cut on each hand, and as blood welled, they joined their hands, letting their mingled blood drip over the eternal flame. The fire roared brighter, licking up toward the ceiling, its heat and light a testament to their oath.
“Bound by blood, bound by fire,” intoned the priestess, her voice ringing clear. “You are now one—your fates sealed as the flame is eternal, your loyalty shall become stronger than steel. May you reign together in strength, as king and queen, sovereign and sword, in this life and beyond.”
As they turned to face the crowd, now husband and wife, king and queen, the temple erupted in cheers, and cries of “Long live the Dragon King! Long live the Dragon Queen!” filled the air.
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