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“We should finish up,” he says when the water is completely cold. “We have a long day tomorrow.”
“What is happening tomorrow?” I ask him sleepily.
“We have a mating ceremony to plan. And my mother will be absolutely feral about this. But I am sure it will be a great bonding session for us all.”
28
DENVE
The big day has finally arrived. After a few nights debating over where to host the ceremony, Salina and I realized we were standing in the perfect venue all along. As such, we’ve mutually decided to hold the wedding right here in the royal gardens of my family manor.
I personally oversaw the renovation for the venue, designing a floor plan of sorts for the set up. The altar sits just in front of the fountains, where statues of four worgs spit water in all directions through their mouths.
The altar itself stands high, its height just a few inches lower than the fountain. White in color, the overhanging arch is accessorized with flowers picked out by Salina. Mirrors sit on each side, taking their place behind where Saline and I will be standing facing each other.
Rows of chairs host our guests, with an aisle centrally between them. I keep my eyes glued to the aisle entrance, concealed by two hedges on either side. The whole set up is placed in the center of the garden, surrounding us with nothing but nature. On a day like today, we only want family and friends to be here with us.
“A mighty fine job you’ve done with the design,” remarks Shonak, a high priest overseeing our vows.
“Thank you,” I reply, my eyes still on the aisle entrance.
“Are you nervous?”
“Who isn’t when they’re getting mated?”
Shonak lays a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I look at him, seeing in his eyes the look of a gentle paternal figure, a calming energy oozing from his demeanor. He needs not say anything for me to take control of my nerves.
“I just want everything to go right for Salina,” I tell him.
“Well if you ask me, she seems pretty happy,” he chuckles, gesturing behind me.
I spin around, spotting Salina as she appears at the start of the aisle. Our guests spin around to face her, audibly gasping at the sight of her. My knees almost buckle and give out from me when I see just how beautiful she is in her white dress.
The silhouette is just about see through, showing off her lean and toned muscles from her years of training. The waistline has been stitched to fit perfectly around her, with the dress gradually opening up as it transitions through the bodice to the neckline and sleeves.
Her decolletage shows, grabbing attention from the males in their audiences, but most of all from me. I can see her trying to conceal a giggle as I eye her up, likely with a gaping mouth.
“Don’t worry, honey,” she says as she takes her place across from me. “You’ll get to undress me later.”
Shonak checks if we’re both ready to go. We give the signal, prompting him to raise his arms to the sky. Our guests rise from their seats, all eyes darting our way.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the Thuvrol residence to come together in the presence of loved ones with the intention of mating.”
As the high priest speaks, I lose my focus, hypnotized not only by the way Salina looks but the glint in her eye, her gaze hooking me like a caesin. Only when Shonak clears his throat do I snap back to reality, causing my mate-to-be to smirk.
“Now then,” booms Shonak, he himself smiling at my distraction. “Have the both of you attended this ceremony through the freedom of choice, with no coercion? I ask this so that the strength of your union will be enhanced by the Thirteen Who Sleep.”
“I have,” say Salina and I simultaneously.
“Given the inevitable hardships of life, are you prepared to stand willingly by each other’s side through them all?”
“We are.”
“In that case, I ask Salina and Denve to take hold of each other’s hands.”
As I take her hands into mine, I feel the hardness of her usually strong demeanor melt in my grip. Her cheeks flush red as her eyes look elsewhere, seemingly in embarrassment.
“I ask you both to declare consent to The Thirteen.”
