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Each breath within her corset was a struggle, the metal bodice a perfect fit to her curves and heavy bosom. Mounting her drake would be a challenge. Reahlain stood atop the mounting block, her stomach churning. As if able to feel her excitement and anticipation, the okanira stepped forward, placing gentle hands on each of Reahlain’s shoulders.
“All will be well child, fret not.”
The okanira, a revered holy priestess, was the one who would perform the ceremony that would commence in a matter of moments. She had bathed, dressed, and prepared the princess for her tembolo, and it was she who would weave their heartstrings together as one.
"I feel as if I might vomit. I was so sure, so excited, until today—now that everything is actually happening."
The okanira laughed softly and kissed the princess on the cheek. "Lucky for you, your parents have chosen my services rather than a full-blown tembela. This handfasting will serve as a bond to strengthen both you and your betrothed. In time, your passion will grow, and with each other's grace, you shall one day be joined in holy tembela."
"That is what terrifies me. I will become a wife, which means I will soon be someone's mother. I am not certain I am ready for such a responsibility. There is still so much I have yet to learn."
“Your mother did not know everything when she gave birth to you. That is the beauty of tembolo, you have the chance to leave if you wish it. You today can deny him if he does not please you. Fear not, you are your mother’s child and because of this all men shall quake in their boots before you.”
Rehalain smiled and placed a palm over her belly. Her breathing shoved her breasts into her collarbone and suddenly she felt faint. She leaned onto the okanira to steady herself.
“I am my mother’s child. You are right. I will not shame my family, not today.”
The princess held her head up high and took several long moments to regain her composure. She mounted her drake and got situated in her saddle.
"I am ready. But promise me you will not rush us down the aisle. I want the masses to see this beautiful gown. It took me long enough to have it adorn me, and I would hate for it to pass by my parents' eager court too hastily."
“Oh’fami ku ra de. I swear it.” The okanira replied.
The double doors of the castle swung open, revealing the okanira in all her splendor. Her teal robes flowed like a majestic sea, rippling down the aisle. The golden armored corset she wore gleamed like sunlit coins, while her elaborate headdress of diamond and silk shimmered, swaying gently in the breeze.
In her hand, the Okanira held the reins of Reahlain's steed. With her guidance, the princess and her mount emerged, a vision of grace and majesty. The crowd erupted in cheers, rising from their seats as Princess Reahlain made her way to the grand altar.
It had taken hours to prepare her, especially her locs that trailed almost to the ground. They shimmered in hues of blue and red, mirroring her eyes, which now sparkled with tears. As she locked gazes with her mother, Queen Xolani, emotion welled within her, the connection between them palpable in that shared moment.
As they reached the altar, Reahlain dismounted gracefully, her long, colorful locs trailing behind her like a vibrant cloak. She ascended the steps, her eyes catching sight of the gargantuan white wyvern bellowing several hundred feet away, its iridescent scales glinting in the sunlight.
With a slow, reverent bow of her head to both her parents and their esteemed guests, Reahlain took her seat beside Queen Xolani. The audience gasped at the sight of her golden gown, symbolizing purity and strength. Both Revalatious and Vulferam found their eyes misting over, moved by the sight of the princess resplendent in her regal attire.
"How the gods favor our son with such a goddess as you, Princess Reahlain," proclaimed King Paraxious, his voice filled with admiration.
King Paraxious descended to one knee before his future daughter-in-law, his regal demeanor unwavering as he kissed her hand in a gesture of respect and greeting. Ephelia followed suit, though with deliberate grace, her every movement measured as she slowly knelt, her eyes never leaving Reahlain's.
“It is my pleasure to meet you both and soon my future husband. I pray your journey here was kind?”
The pair rose and returned to their seats before Ephelia finally found her voice.
“The journey here was kind to us all, thank you for your concern,” Queen Ephelia said with a gracious smile. “I am eager for you to meet our son. I am certain he will captivate the crowd as much as you have today.”
"I am quite excited to meet him," Reahlain replied, her voice poised and elegant. "If his portraits do him any justice, I must confess I am a very fortunate young woman. However, I hope his kindness surpasses even his looks, for I hear he is quite the charmer."
Revalatious smiled and pointed toward the sky. "Behold, here he comes now."
Like a bolt of black lightning, Prince Ephesious Paraxious streaked through the sky atop his wyvern, Baskari. The pair moved as one with the wind, a sight of awe and grace, like two seasoned warriors. To their left soared the younger prince, Eighranon Paraxious, and to their right, Sir Oraquis. In perfect unison, they descended, casting torrents of fire over the pit below until it was encircled by a blazing ring. The crowd gasped, their eyes wide with amazement at the display of power and precision.
With the circle of fire now cast, the musicians began to play their drums, the seductive, serpentine rhythm rising into the wind. The beat was hypnotic, compelling, and Reahlain felt an irresistible pull. Her hips swayed to the melodic cadence, the music seeping into her very soul. Unable to resist, she rose from her throne and gracefully moved to the center of the altar stage, every step in sync with the enchanting melody. The crowd watched in awe as she became one with the music, her presence commanding and ethereal.
The black wyvern circled the garden once more before landing, feet crashing into the sand with a force that sent a dust storm billowing across the space. Unlike his father’s mount, Ephesious and his wyvern exuded a proud, showy demeanor. The beast leaned forward, unleashing a roar that echoed through the daylight, its power reverberating in the hearts of all who watched. Between the revolutions of the wyvern's mighty wings sat Ephesious, his lake-blue eyes locked onto Reahlain, gleaming with determination and pride. His presence was commanding, a perfect blend of regal confidence and raw power.
“He is absolutely stunning.” Reahlain thought to herself.
His hair cascaded like a river of long black waves, a striking contrast against his pale flesh, as white as the driven snow of winter. The difference between him and his dark, formidable mount was stark and mesmerizing. His eyes bore the look of a beast, focused and intense, as if he were a predator fixated on its prey, ready to consume. As the princess stood before him, her thighs grew wet with anticipation and lust, her body responding to the primal energy emanating from the prince. The air between them crackled with unspoken desire, a potent mix of anticipation and raw attraction.
Revalatious rose from his seat, one hand resting behind his back while the other gestured grandly before him. "Allow me to humbly present to you, Princess Reahlain Dos’Soma of Varo, my son, Prince Ephesious Aznar Paraxious."
Xolani rose from her seat and moved to stand beside her daughter, as tradition dictated. Ephesious dismounted his mighty wyvern, his form concealed beneath intricately engraved steel armor bearing the sigil of his clan. Towering four inches above his father, he shared the same handsome features but with an added intensity.
Through the roaring flames he strode, unburned by their fury, a figure of power and grace. The fire seemed to part before him, acknowledging his dominance. Behind him, his brother, Prince Eighranon, and their councilor, Sir Pailor Oraquis, landed, their presence adding to the awe of the spectacle. The ground trembled beneath their arrival, a testament to the might of House Paraxious.
Xolani wrapped her arm around her daughter's, and together they descended the stage steps to meet Ephesious halfway. As they moved, a quick and hushed conversation transpired between them.
“Mother he is surprisingly handsome.”
"Beauty will fade over the years, my darling. Keep your wits about you."
"I don't mean merely his physical appearance. His strength, his power, his confidence—it's all so thrilling."
As they closed the gap between them, Xolani leaned in slightly. "Were we not standing before all our guests, I would wipe your mouth for you," Xolani jested softly.
"Oh, Mama, stop it. Don't worry; I have yet to accept him."
Xolani smiled, and at last, they stood before the prince, who seemed even more imposing up close. Reahlain craned her neck upward, her gaze locking with Ephesious's intense blue eyes. Xolani released her daughter’s arm and stepped gracefully to the side, granting Reahlain the space to make her choice.
The young prince fell to one knee, bowing his head. When he spoke for the first time, his voice was deep and suave, resonating with authority and charm.
“Greetings, Princess. My mount and I are yours to command and to cherish, should you wish it so.” He looked up at her, his lips curling into the slightest smile, revealing a charming dimple. “I am Prince Ephesious Paraxious of Morgeidaine, and I seek your hand in marriage to bring peace to our people and our territories. In accordance with the customs of your tribe, I ask: will you accept me as your life partner and husband?”
Reahlain let him kneel a moment longer, her expression thoughtful. The crowd held its collective breath, the air thick with anticipation. Finally, Reahlain extended her hand toward his lips. He kissed it reverently, holding her hand firmly, his eyes locked onto hers as he awaited her response.
“Prince Ephesious of Morgeidaine, I accept your offer and hereby claim you as my own.”
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