Chapter 14

^A FEW DAYS LATER^

KIRA

As my eyes blinked open, I found myself alone. The bed next to me was empty. I stirred awake and sat up—the room was empty too. Today was the day of the ceremony. Cerion must be using another room to ready himself before the festivities started.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back at me. It had only been a few days, but I felt like a completely different person.

~I’ve become a slave to his desires—and my own~, I thought, my cheeks flushing. I never imagined this would be my reality, but here I was, accepting that I would be his queen, body and soul.

I couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment I had submitted to him—or to my own desires. But I think it all started the first time I laid eyes on him, when he looked at me like I was the only person in the room.

Even before he chose me, some part of me knew I belonged to him. ~It is like my heart has recognized its other half~.

I’d tried to deny it, of course. My mind and body were begging me to give in, but memories of my past life held me back, whispering fears I knew all too well.

But the walls I’d built around my heart were crumbling. The truth was becoming impossible to ignore: I’d hoped he’d choose me all along.

I could see it in his eyes too. He wanted me—not just physically, but all of me. I’d watched him struggle with his feelings, and I knew Verion was right: I’d affected the king like no one else ever had.

A dozen maids bustled around me, preparing my bath and laying out my makeup and gown for the ceremony. As I sank into the warm water, I couldn’t help but think about what the evening would bring.

I closed my eyes, imagining the final bond between myself and the Dragon King. My stomach fluttered with a mix of excitement and nerves.

Cerion’s words drifted through my head. ~I presume you’ve heard parts of what the ceremony entails by now. We’ll mate at the Dragon’s Entrance—it’s where the Danis release their dragons. The ceremony is several hours long. We mate until the sun rises, and when it does, the ritual is completed. Once the sun’s up, you’ll see my dragon for yourself. Don’t be afraid when you do.~

I was nervous for him to see me—I mean actually see me.

My thoughts drifted to the scars on my lower back, and worry crept in. ~What if he thinks I’m ruined when he sees them~? I sank deeper into the bubbles, determined to hide them for as long as I could.

The maids helped me into a red satin gown with a tight bodice and a full skirt. It reminded me of the dress I wore before I was queen, but this one was more elegant—fit for a crowning ceremony.

I took a deep breath as I smoothed down the fabric, taking one last look in the mirror. ~Queen Kira~, I thought, the words still feeling foreign in my mind.

My makeup was glamorous, with smoky eyes and red lips. Glitter dusted my cheekbones, catching the light. Gone was the innocent girl I used to be—in her place stood a woman, mature and regal.

A bell rang, signaling the start of the ceremony. My heart raced as I made my way to the top of the red velvet-covered staircase.

I scanned the crowd below, searching for Cerion. When I finally spotted him, my breath caught in my throat.

He looked incredible in formfitting black clothing with a black cape draped over his shoulders. His thick brown hair and beard framed his face, and an elaborate jeweled crown sat atop his head.

His fiery eyes locked onto mine, and I felt my face heat up. An announcement was made, but I couldn’t hear it over the pounding of my heart.

I descended the stairs slowly, never breaking eye contact with Cerion. With each step, the butterflies in my stomach multiplied.

Finally, I stood before him, close enough to feel the heat radiating from his body. The crowd’s applause faded into the background as we gazed at each other, our hearts beating in sync.

He reached for my hand, and I swear my heart skipped a beat. I thought I saw a smile flicker across his lips, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared when he turned his attention to the crowd.

He guided me toward the dais, where our thrones awaited. As we approached, a council member stepped forward with a crown.

I couldn’t hear a word they were saying—I was too busy staring at Cerion. There was a softness in his eyes as he watched the crown being placed on my head, a contentment I’d never seen there before.

The weight of the crown settled on my head, and combined with Cerion’s intense gaze, it made my pulse race.

A man stood over us holding a brown leather-bound book titled ~The Dani Dynasty~.

My eyes flickered toward the book then back to Cerion.

The room fell silent. The man stood between us and placed both of our hands on the leather cover.

“May dragon blood unite the Dani and Valon Dynasties and bring us our next dragon heir.”

Cerion didn’t speak, and neither did I. I just stared at him in further wonder.

I felt something inside me awaken, flutter through my insides, and send ice through my veins.

The words replayed in my head. ~May dragon blood unite the Dani and Valon Dynasties and bring us our next dragon heir.~ I wouldn’t even know what it was like to have a dragon, but something inside me said otherwise. Something had awakened in my veins.

I shoved the feeling away and stared back at Cerion, fixated on his lips.

He caressed my cheek, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips before pulling me in for a kiss.

For a moment, the world around us disappeared. I melted into his embrace, forgetting about the hundreds of eyes watching us.

The crowd’s applause brought me back to reality, and I turned to face them. The words “My queen” echoed through the air, first from the crowd, then in Cerion’s deep, rumbling voice.

He led me to the ballroom floor, his hand resting on the small of my back. I flinched instinctively but managed to give him a soft smile.

We twirled around for what felt like hours but was probably only minutes. Finally, a genuine smile graced Cerion’s full lips.

When the song ended, he kept hold of my hand and guided me through the room. We met dozens of important people whose names I’d never remember.

Finally, I spotted a familiar face—my sister, Raya. Her smile faltered when she saw Cerion, and I couldn’t help but laugh at her expression.

“How are you?” Raya all but whispered, glancing between the two of us.

“He’s not so bad,” I said, smirking as I glanced between Cerion and Raya.

Cerion frowned at my comment, while Raya looked concerned.

“None of that from either of you!” I laughed again, watching as their expressions softened. ~God, this is awkward~ I thought.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, my king,” Raya said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I hope you appreciate how wonderful my sister is.”

“Raya!” I scolded, but I couldn’t hide my smirk. ~That’s my girl~ I thought proudly.

To my surprise, Cerion replied smoothly, “It’s lovely to meet you, Princess Raya.” I raised an eyebrow at him, impressed by his diplomacy.

“Has Father given any thought to you staying with me for a bit as part of my court?” I asked Raya, hope creeping into my voice.

She shrugged, looking defeated. “He doesn’t want me to leave Valon.”

“And how has he been?” I almost whispered, aware of Cerion’s surprised look. ~Please say he’s been kind to you~, I silently pleaded.

“He’s been fine. Thank you, Kira.” She smiled, then added with a playful curtsy, “My queen!”

Cerion surprised me again by saying, “Your father shall not deny my request—don’t worry.” He glanced between Raya and me, his expression unreadable.

“Well, I’ll see you soon, Raya. We have to make our rounds to speak to the other guests.” I pulled her into a tight hug, wishing I didn’t have to let go.

“My king, my queen.” Raya bowed dramatically before scurrying away. I watched her go, already missing her presence.

Cerion turned to me, his steel gaze intense. “What did you mean when you asked your sister how your father was to her? Does he treat you both badly?”

I saw the colors flicker beneath his eyes, yellow seeping in as his shades of fire orbited around his pupils. ~Shit~, I thought. ~How do I answer this?~

“Hopefully not,” I replied, trying to brush off the uncomfortable topic. “I tried to direct his hatred toward me instead of Raya. He’s always favored her as the obedient daughter.”

“All right,” Cerion said skeptically. “My queen.” The way he said it made me shiver, and not entirely in a bad way.

We spent the rest of the night entertaining dozens of important people. The council was particularly thrilled that the king had chosen a queen, and everyone seemed excited about the prospect of heirs.

As the evening wound down, I realized there was only one thing left—the final ceremony. The one that would lead to the production of those heirs everyone was so excited about.

~Oh boy~, I thought, my stomach doing somersaults. ~Here we go~.