Chapter Thirty-Eight
Serafina
Huri was beyond talented. Twirling before the mirror, my white skirt, embroidered with cream dragons and sea serpents towards the hem rise upwards. The silk bodice wrapped tightly against my torso, smooth of any wrinkle, with short lace sleeves puffing out from my shoulders.
“A true goddess.” The dragon said behind me, holding a long lace veil.
“Only because you can make a gourd look celestial in one of your gowns.” I laughed, watching them approach from the mirror.
Huri shook their head, pinning the veil to my bun, finishing the sweep of my side parted hair with their hand. Like the hem of my dress, dragons and sea serpents bordered the veil as if in a dance.
“Take the compliment. I never say anything that is untrue.”
“Didn’t you just tell me the other day that if I went out to the lake during the full moon a unicorn would appear? I went that night and all that showed up was Elek about to have a stroke.”
Huri pressed a mocking palm to their chest.
“I didn’t say which lake. Anyone would have known that it’s only in Silvania that unicorns appear.”
“Mhmm.”
Light creaking announced the arrival of my wedding party. Filtering in, Laney, Elisa, and Jelena each wore a different shade of blue gown. Leena arrived last, in a deep purple modest dress. Despite my begging, she refused to be part of the procession. Too much pageantry she claimed.
“You’re a vision!” Elisa exclaimed.
“See? Will you call her a liar as well?” Huri pointed.
“The women in our family have always been modest. To not be is to welcome pride.” Leena said, coming to stand before me.
Her marred face lightened as a smile perked up on her lips.
“But today is special. That beautiful baby I raised is now getting married. Take all the compliments, as they are all true. Beautiful just like your mother.” She said softly, lowering the veil over my face.
I gave a small smile.
“Well, if you put it that way I kinda have to take them.”
Maleko’s castle held its own temple to Thanatos detached in the back that welcomed all travelers. With high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows depicting the twin dragons with Belinha, tall obsidian pillars etched with the dragons it was a magnificent display of architecture. Walking towards the building caused my breath to hitch in my chest.
This was it.
At the closed double-doors my family stood waiting to greet me. Zander approached first, kissing my cheek through the veil.
“You put the stars to shame.”
“So I keep being told.” I laughed.
“Well, believe it.” He smiled.
“I’ve been told to do that as well.”
“It’s natural to not see yourself as others see you.” Regina acknowledged, walking towards us.
She smiled softly.
“But flattery certainly never hurts.” She said, giving a subtle poke into my father’s side.
He jumped to attention after seeming absent-minded.
“I told you earlier that you looked nice.” He defended, placing a hand in a mocking gesture to the spot she poked.
Regina rolled her eyes.
“Not me. Her.” Her gaze pointed towards me.
“Oh.” My father sheepishly took in my appearance.
His eyes softened. Placing a hand on each shoulder, he leaned in to kiss my forehead.
“Will you be happy, my little angel?”
The corners of my mouth rose.
“For the first time in my life, I think I have found my place. With him. Yes, I do believe I will be happy.”
His eyes glazed and he gave a heavy sigh before nodding. Drawing me in, he embraced me tightly. It felt like the very last hug I would receive from him. It wouldn’t be, I told myself. But, it would be some time before the next one. With that in mind, I hug him just as fiercely.
A wail of a sound erupted from behind us. Huri audibly blew their nose and wiped their wet eyes. Waving a hand, they motioned for us to ignore them.
“Don’t mind me. It’s just all so beautiful to watch. I promise to take the best care of your daughter, Jovan.” Huri vowed.
My father appeared taken aback, clearing his throat to regain himself.
“I meant with the Drakonis boy. But I appreciate you as well.” He then smiled softly at me.
“We better go find our places. Can’t have the family of the bride be late.”
Pausing before the door, I inhaled deeply, clutching my bouquet of lilies and peonies close to my chest. Yes, we were bound. Yes, we had been living together for three months. Nearly four if I included the time we spent in Regnum together.
No, there was no regret. There was no hesitation. Just anticipation for the next chapter. Our future finally belonged to us, and after thousands of years our souls could find peace.
Peering down the slight hill, towards the cobblestone road that led into the city, I caught a distant glimpse of my project. The orphanage. A landscape of snow capped mountains just beyond it.
It was merely a shell at the moment, but would be magnificent when finished. And I was prepared to devote my life to it.
“Are you ready?”
Huri’s voice pulled at me, luring my gaze to theirs.
“Yes.”
Pushing on the double doors, an orchestra began to blare announcing my arrival. The guests stood to attention and my father had tears in his eyes. But hardly any of that registered in my mind. As my gaze met his indigo golden crowned eyes, everything else melted away.
I finally found where I belonged. I found my home.
