Page 54 of Fire and Fate
Alessia
We're settled in the throne room with all four of us occupying our designated seats when the council members begin filing in. I can already tell this is going to be overwhelming for Kaia. She's sitting straight-backed in her throne, trying to project confidence, but I can see the tension in her shoulders and the way her hands grip the armrests a bit too tightly.
The royal physician Elara enters first, followed by several council members I've worked with for decades. They arrange themselves in a semicircle before us, and I can see them assessing Kaia and Solace with undisguised curiosity. Most of them are trying to be subtle about it, but dragons have never been particularly good at hiding their interest.
"My queens," Elara begins with a respectful bow. "We need to discuss the preparations for the official mating ceremony. There are traditions that must be observed, protocols that need to be followed."
"Of course," Zara says, her voice measured. "What do we need to know?"
One of the older council members, a dragon named Theron who's been advising the throne since before I was born, steps forward. "The ceremony itself will take place in the grand hall, as is tradition. All four of you will be presented before the kingdom, your bonds will be blessed by the elders, and then the claiming will occur."
Kaia shifts slightly in her seat, and I can see color rising in her cheeks. "The claiming will be public, right?" she asks, her voice coming out higher than usual.
"It's always been public," another council member, Lyra, explains. "The people need to witness the completion of the bond, to see that the prophecy has been fulfilled properly. It's how we've done it for centuries."
"But there are specific elements that must be included," Theron continues, pulling out a scroll. "First, you'll need to wear the ceremonial robes, which are quite beautiful but also quite revealing. They're designed to show off your marks once the claiming is complete."
Kaia's flush deepens, spreading down her neck. Solace reaches over to take her hand, offering silent support.
"Then there's the ritual bath beforehand," Lyra adds. "All four of you will be cleansed by the temple attendants, anointed with sacred oils, and prepared for the ceremony. It's meant to purify the body and spirit before such a sacred joining."
"And during the ceremony itself," Elara picks up, "there are specific words that must be spoken, oaths that must be given. Kaia, as the Omega, you'll need to present yourself to yourAlphas formally, offering your submission and trust. Zara and I, as your Alphas, will accept that offering and pledge our protection and devotion."
"What about me?" Solace asks quietly. "I'm not an Alpha or an Omega. Where do I fit in these traditions?"
The council members exchange glances, clearly uncertain. "That's what we need to determine," Theron admits. "Having a Beta as a primary mate in the royal bonding is unprecedented. We'll need to adapt the ceremony somewhat."
"The physical claiming must happen in a specific order," Lyra continues, apparently undeterred by the complication. "Alphas first, then the Beta. Each claiming must be witnessed to be considered valid. And the marks, of course, must be visible, temporary as they are. They're proof of the completed bond."
Kaia's breathing has gotten shallower, her eyes wide. I can see panic starting to edge into her expression even though she's trying to hide it.
"There will also be the matter of the nest," another council member chimes in. "Traditionally, the Omega builds a nest in the ceremony hall, using items provided by their mates. It's symbolic of creating a home together, a safe space for the new bond."
"And the consummation must last until all parties are satisfied," Theron adds, consulting his scroll. "Which for dragons typically means several hours at minimum. The people will wait outside the hall until you emerge, newly bonded and marked."
"Several hours?" Kaia repeats faintly. "In front of everyone?"
"Well, the hall will be cleared for the actual consummation," Elara clarifies. "But the initial claiming, the marking, that happens before witnesses. It's tradition."
Kaia's hands are trembling now, her knuckles white where she grips the armrests. I can see her trying to maintain composure,trying to be the princess she was raised to be, but this is clearly too much too fast.
"You'll need to practice the ceremonial positions beforehand," Lyra continues, oblivious to Kaia's distress. "There are specific ways you must present yourself, specific responses you must give. It's all very choreographed to ensure the ceremony flows properly."
"And of course, there's the matter of dress during the feast afterward," Theron adds. "The newly bonded quad traditionally wears minimal clothing to display their marks, to let everyone see the completion of the bond. It's a point of pride, showing what you've gained."
"Stop," I say suddenly, my voice cutting through the discussion. The single word rings with authority, silencing every council member immediately. "Everyone out. Now."
The council members stare at me, shocked. I'm a bit surprised myself. I’ve never really spoken up like this before, haven’t used that commanding tone that brooks no argument. I glance at Solace and see a small smile on her face, like she expected this.
"My queen?" Theron ventures cautiously. "We still have much to discuss—"
"Out," I repeat. "All of you. We'll continue this conversation later. For now, I need the room."
The council members bow and file out, casting confused glances back at us. Elara lingers for a moment, her violet eyes assessing Kaia with something that looks like approval, before she too exits. The heavy doors close behind them with a resounding thud, leaving the four of us alone in the vast throne room.
Kaia immediately slumps in her throne, the rigid posture collapsing as she covers her face with her hands. "It's too much," she says, her voice muffled. "I can't... that's too much."
Zara stands and crosses to Kaia's throne, kneeling beside it so she's at eye level. "We don't have to follow tradition," she says gently. "You come from a different kingdom, different customs. We can adapt the ceremony to make you comfortable."
