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Chapter 21 - The Wedding of Fire and Scales

The Dragon Kingdom brimmed with life and joy. Brightly colored banners fluttered

in the wind, and the streets were alive with music, dancing, and the laughter of its

citizens. The war was over, and with it came the celebration of the Dragon King

Zareth's union with Elira, the woman who had captured his heart and whose

courage had earned the respect of the entire kingdom.

Elira stood in her chambers, gazing at her reflection in the mirror. The women of

the castle bustled around her, fastening delicate jewelry to her wrists and neck,

and weaving intricate braids into her hair. She wore a flowing gown of crimson

and gold, its fabric shimmering like molten fire. The gown was adorned with scales

embroidered into the fabric, symbolizing her bond with the Dragon King.

"Perfect," said Lady Myrra, the castle's elderly caretaker, who had taken on the

role of a mother figure for Elira. Her eyes glistened with tears. "You look radiant,

my dear. If no one else will, I will stand as your family today. Let me be your

mother."

Elira smiled, touched by the woman's warmth. She hugged Lady Myrra tightly.

"Thank you," she whispered.

In another chamber, Zareth stood tall as his trusted attendants prepared him for

the ceremony. He wore ceremonial armor that gleamed like obsidian, with accents

of gold and crimson. His crown, forged from dragon scales, rested lightly on his

head, a symbol of his unmatched power.

"You look every bit the king," Roderic, his minister, said with pride.

Zareth nodded, his gaze distant. His thoughts were on Elira, wondering if she was

ready for the life she was stepping into.

The Dragon Rituals

The grand hall of the castle had been transformed for the wedding. The walls

glowed with the light of enchanted torches, their flames dancing In hues of red,

gold, and blue. The centerpiece of the hall was a towering brazier filled with

sacred dragon fire, a flame said to symbolize the eternal bond between two souls.

The rituals began with Zareth and Elira standing on opposite sides of the brazier.

The Dragon King recited an ancient vow in the Draconic tongue, his voice echoing

with power:

"By the flames that forge us,

By the scales that shield us,

By the fire in our hearts,

I bind my soul to yours.

Elira, guided by Lady Myrra, repeated the vows, her voice trembling but

determined.

Next, a golden necklace, shaped like a dragon's coiled tail, was presented. It was

the Necklaingam, a sacred artifact symbolizing unity and protection. Zareth gently

placed it around Elira's neck, sealing their bond in the eyes of the kingdom.

The final act of the ritual involved the couple holding hands and stepping into the

dragon fire together. The flame swirled around them, warm but not burning, as

though recognizing and blessing their union.

The crowd erupted into cheers as the fire flared brightly before settling back into

its brazier. The Dragon King and his queen were now one.

As the celebration reached its peak, the grand doors of the hall swung open with a

loud creak. All eyes turned as two figures entered: a regal woman with sharp

features and an air of authority, and a younger man who bore a striking

resemblance to Zareth.

The room fell silent. Zareth's expression hardened, his golden eyes narrowing.

"Mother. Brother," he said, his voice cold.

The woman, Queen Eryndra, smiled faintly, though it didn't reach her eyes.

"Congratulations, my son," she said, her tone as sharp as her gaze. "A grand

celebration, indeed."

The younger man, Darion, clapped his hands mockingly. "A wedding without

inviting your own family? How thoughtful, brother."

Zareth stepped in front of Elira protectively,his stance unyielding. "Your presence

is neither needed nor welcome here," he said, his voice like steel.

Eryndra's eyes flicked to Elira, her lips curving into a smile that was anything but

kind. "And this is the new queen? How… charming."

Darion smirked. "It seems you've been busy, brother."

Elira felt a shiver run down her spine, but she stood tall, refusing to cower. Zareth,

sensing her unease, took her hand in his and squeezed it reassuringly.

"This is not your kingdom anymore," Zareth said firmly. "You may leave."

But Eryndra only smiled wider. "Oh, Zareth, my dear, we're not here to disrupt

your festivities. We're here to… celebrate."

Zareth's jaw tightened, his protective instincts surging. He would not let anyone,

not even his own family, threaten Elira or the peace of his kingdom.

Would you like me to elaborate on the conflict with Zareth's mother and brother,

or proceed with the celebrations and their aftermath.

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