Book 2: Wedding Bells

Azula

I was being helped to dress into the wedding gown. Even though the ceremony was going to be just us in the throne room with the judge and some of the kings, the party was already set and ready to go outside. Many of the elves, including Nox and his husband were here to see as well.

“You look so nice. Congratulations.” Said Mary.

“My hope is that all of us find our happiness…” I said honestly.

“Didn’t you hear?” She said placing the veil over my face as Sister Trish came in.

“What?” I asked.

“The King freed us….. technically, since we’re servants of the castle, we can marry, or move out if we wish… Haven’t you noticed so many of us in the arms of our husbands or future husbands?” She smiled.

“No… I’ve been too focused on the happenings of the kingdom…but that…” I teared up. I got hugged by Sister Trish.

“Shh… The only tears that should be shed on a wedding day should be ones of Joy dear. Let me walk you to the throne room… your parents can’t do it... but I can.” She smiled kindly.

“Do you know anything about them?” I asked.

“Other than the war… no… you were one of many orphans given to the Light’s Church to tend…” she said sadly. “So many good men and women were killed trying to rise up from the iron fist of the dragons, but that’s the past… All of you have bright futures now.” She smiled.

She held my hand, but to be fair… I was the one kind of holding her up… She was slow as she walked, but she held her head high.

Sister Trish always spoke highly, and nobly, so I knew she was from a high house… but from which one or even her home country, I couldn’t say… She never told us anything about herself. She only told us about the tenants of the Light, and to be better than the evil that surrounded us.

But as she walked, it was I who walked a little slower… my husband stood there with a passive stance of alertness, then surprise when he saw the long white and red gown. It was actually kind of heavy, since it was 5 layers of lace and bone ribbing to keep it an hourglass shape… but I filled out the bust area on my own. It was mostly white, with the dark red accents in the lace overtop, and the veil I could barely see out of over that.

“May I?” He asked, holding out his hand.

“I hereby release my daughter to you, King Drozakrahth. Continue to treat her well.” She smiled.

“Always.” He said taking my hand, holding both of them, while the judge stood there firmly. He looked to be a high elf with raven blue hair and yellow eyes, being about my husband’s height. He looked firmly at us both before he began, though the stern look was mostly at Drozo…

“When I was asked to come to the castle, at first, I laughed. Surely, I thought, that the mighty Dragon King would not care if his marriage was official… I thought he would simply do as he pleased, being below none but the gods… but with that said, let us begin…” He said clearing his throat.

A book appeared before him out of thin air, and it floated on its own.

“Greetings all.” He said stiffly. “I am Humbold Arcanum. As Grand Magistrate of Bonding, this book holds All pairs. I presided over all bonds in this world…. Under the Light of the Sun, and the benevolence of the Lord Unity, I will say my verses of the matrimony bylaws, and you are free to read and sign your vows.” He said clearing his throat. “By the law of marriage, you, the husband, are to love and cherish your spouse. You are to be the provider, as our world does not have many jobs a decent woman can do, You are to be faithful, gentle, and care for your wife and little ones she will produce one day under All circumstances. Do you vow this?” He asked with a raised brow.

“I do.” He said firmly.

“And you, little Azula, by the law of marriage, you are his wife, to love and cherish him, to run your house, and nurture your children, to be faithful, gentle, and care for your husband. Your role as wife is not to only be under him, but to complement each other… Mortals get this wrong so often in pairings… Be his strength when he has none… be his compassion when his is gone… that each of you work together… Can you vow this?” He asked. “I know this paring is unconventional… but your roles do not really change.” He smiled.

“I do.” I said firmly.

“Then state your feelings before the court.” He motioned for Drozo to go forward.

“I don’t have much to say… in my past life I was not a good King, nor a good man… especially not a good husband… I turned from that for You… I hope we can have a peaceful rest of our lives together… because I don’t think I ever Loved a woman before… I can’t see tomorrow without you little Azula. I vow I will be a Good husband.” He said holding my hands a little tighter.

The judge put a small rope bracelet around his gold cuff, and it melded into it, becoming a golden roped rim around the edges.

“I will hold you to that.” He warned. “Go ahead, what are your vows?” The judge asked me.

I kind of froze… there was so much formality in this, but I would speak my peace. “I have felt the love and truthfulness of my husband… and I must admit that even now, so much of this is still… a little overwhelming. I vow to be a good wife and Queen… I never thought I’d be anything more than my initial station…. But with such great change comes the responsibility of these titles. I vow to uphold them… and I also vow that I’ll try my best to keep his majesty from burning down the town.” I chuckled a bit.

Even the stern magistrate got a small laugh from my corny joke. He wrapped the rope around my wrist, and the same happened to my cuff… now it had a lifelike gold rope around the edges as well…

“You two may kiss to seal your vows.” He smiled.

We did.

“Mr. and Mrs. Crimson, my work here is done.” He said vanishing.

The royal family as well as the kings who came clapped… and the reception area was outside… Music played, and there were tables set up, filled to the brim with food. I could see that the orphan children were out there running around. That had to be Drozo’s doing. I knew Sister Trish probably told him she wouldn’t come unless she knew they were being tended.

“Come little wife…” He said holding my hand, taking me to the little dancing area in the grass.

“But the dress.” I whispered.

“It’s only fabric my love….” He whispered.

We danced the first dance, and I kept up with him now. All the District Lords and their wives were here… and they too congratulated us, and gave wedding gifts of gold and silk. I cut the cake… and his father pulled him to the side to speak with him…

“You looked so perfect on the dance floor.” Said Yulanya.

“Thank you. I heard you’re betrothed. I congratulate you too.” I said happily.

“Rudi is a fine purple drake…. I’m already pregnant.” She beamed. “The doctor says I’ll lay in the next 2 months!”

“That’s So Fast!” I hugged her.

She giggled. “Thank you! Breeding season will be here next month or so too… so I hope you’re ready.”

“I’ve heard of that.” I said keeping a smile, but hiding the horrors I’d heard and seen for myself. The Rut was a time for hiding, though now with the King’s laws, if a dragon breeds a human, they Must marry them if they aren’t a registered brothel maiden at the brothel During the time of breeding.

There were no more loopholes. Humans were not toys or pets now in Any part of Any kingdom… the punishment of castration was also a possibility now as well…

“Damnit… forgive me… I didn’t mean to-never mind.” She said about to leave, but I grabbed her hand.

“No harm is done. Come on, I want to meet your husband.” I smiled.

“Really?” She said excitedly.

“Yes Really.” I beamed.

Rudi was a dark purple skinned man with dark purple hair. I could see why she would pick someone like him… he also had purple eyes. He bowed, holding his wine as a gentleman. He kissed Yulanya’s hand. “I will drink whatever you don’t my dear.” He said as a joke.

“Rudi, this is her highness.” She said happily as he bowed.

“Nice to meet you my lady.” He smiled wide. “I am Rudi, Head of House Flashscale.”

“I’m Azula, Head of House BloodScale.” I said with a curtsy… it felt really nice to say that, even though technically Drozo was the only true member of his house…. “Treat her with care. She’s not only the daughter of the Crimson King’s Advisor, but I also see her as a personal friend of mine.” I smiled.

“I do as well.” Said Drozo, shaking his wrist…. Rudi looked mortified. {If I see her sad or her Elvish, I will Elvish your Elvish on my floor like an egg.} He said in elvish with a warm smile.

He said it so politely I thought he was complimenting him if not for me knowing better.

“Your Majesty!” I chastised. I didn’t catch it all, but I think he said something about cracking his head like an egg… or maybe some other body part. It didn’t matter. “No threats.” I huffed.

“Shit… I mean… Welcome to the family.” Drozo smiled sheepishly.