by N M Zoltack
Not that the dragon had reason for fear. The Vincanans would not wed before she arrived, and she was not late, besides. She arrived as Horatia was finishing dressing Vivian. Again, from the knowledge of being a dragon, Olympia knew this chore was traditionally done by the bride's mother, but Vivian's had died bringing her forth into the world.
Vivian’s bright yellow veil was made of pure lace, cut into flowers. Her gown traditionally should have been a long white robe and shoes to match the veil. Vivian wore the shoes, but she had opted to wear the ivory gown Olympia had bestowed upon her to mark her return to the land of the living, a nod that brought a tear to the dragon’s eye.
Horatia tied a belt around Vivian’s waist and knotted it, a knot that Marcellus and Marcellus alone would untie.
Horatia and Flavius, having married a week previously after many long nights of discussions, reacquaintance, and forgiveness, as well as Caelia Buca and Liviana Papius escorted Vivian across the sand toward the forum. Vivian did not enter the bottom of the tiered bowl-like structure until after Caelia handed the princess a distaff and spindle.
Marcellus stood there, at the door, to receive her. The soon-to-be king wore a white robe with his family crest upon it, that of a red helmet with a spear and arrows on either side of it. Yellow sandals that tied up his muscular legs completed the look, and he wore no crown upon his head, as he would wear a new one as king.
Marcellus accepted the distaff and spindle and handed them to Flavius. All of this must be symbolic, but Olympia wished they would hurry up already. The prince handed the princess keys.
“To our home,” he whispered, and he leaned forward to steal a kiss, much to Olympia’s amusement, but the vicar waiting to wed them was clearly appalled.
The entire forum was filled with Valkyries and Vincanans to witness the union and the coronations. Hand in hand, Marcellus and Vivian made their way to the vicar. They gave their blessing for the union and exchanged vows, chanting them. An offering was made to the Fates, that of the finest bison in all the kingdom. Immediately, the animal was set on a spit, and Olympia herself lighted the fire to cook the meat.
Rings were exchanged, but Marcellus gave Vivian two. “We became engaged rather quickly, and I hadn’t time to prepare.”
“And we married immediately,” Vivian said. “Oh, no, wait…”
Marcellus chuckled, as did many of the guests. "You deserve more than two rings."
“I have all I could ever want and more,” Vivian said softly.
They kissed and were pronounced man and wife, and the vicar immediately stepped to the side and blessed the crowns.
Olympia was curious. Would Marcellus have elected to have Jovian Decimus, his father’s main advisor, crown them? Or Flavius Calvus, the Commander of the Vincanan army?
The blond commander strolled forward. Oh, an excellent choice. As Flavius chanted the coronating words, the dragon examined the crowd, looking for the man with piercing gray eyes and a jagged “X” scar beneath his left eye. Jovian was absent. Odium had come to Vincana and blasted much of the land with fire after the Vincanans had slain Aporiatio. Mayhap the advisor had been killed then.
At last, Flavius placed the crown upon the king’s head, and then, much to Olympia’s delight, Horatia placed the crown upon the queen’s head.
“Arise, King and Queen of Vincana!” Flavius and Horatia called for all to hear.
All around, applaud and cheers rang out, and Olympia gave three blasts of fire toward the skies.
“Now, we feast!” Marcellus said to even more cheers.
“I get the first bite of that bison,” Olympia said, and she dove down and took a large bite.
Some blood dripped onto the fire, and ashes were already forming. How fitting, Olympia thought. Blood and ashes had been split all over Dragoona, and not only she and Vivian had been reborn. All of Dragoona had, and the future looked as bright as the flames.
This series is one I am so proud of. I hope you enjoyed the conclusion of In the Eye of the Dragon!
If you loved Blood and Ashes, please write a review. Thank you!
Next up will be the Battle Among Crowns trilogy!
Until the next book,
N. M. Zoltack
Other Books By N. M. Zoltack
In the Eye of the Dragon
A Time of Turmoil
The Deceit of Tongues
Keepers of the Flames
The Triumphant Return
When Claws and Swords Collide
The Might of Magic
Blood and Ashes
Battle Among Crowns
Valor
Honor
Glory
About the Author
N. M. Zoltack loves epic fantasy more than life. Game of Thrones is amazing, and George RR Martin really needs to finish the last books. More than willing to talk theories and it’s up for debate which is better—the books or the show.
For more information:
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