Married To The Dragon Prince Against My Will

The wind whispered gently across the sacred grounds of the Celestial Realm, rustling the banners adorned with golden sun and silver moon symbols of unity. 

The Terrace of Departure, a wide marble scaffold, was crowded with emissaries from each territory, gathered to witness the historic crossing. This moment marked a rare occasion when the realms could cross without conflict.

Lumina stood at the edge, her head slightly bowed, fingers gripping her cane tightly. Despite her composed exterior, a storm raged within her. 

Stella stood beside her, offering quiet support, her lips pressed into a thin line. Lumina's blind eyes seemed to hold a weight invisible to others.

In contrast, Rhynera shone like a jewel, her sapphire and gold gown shimmering in the sunlight. Her hair was styled high, adorned with ornaments, and her eyes sparkled with joy and anticipation as she awaited the Crown Prince.

The territory gates creaked open, filled with magic. The two Princes of Drakonia emerged, drawing gasps and murmurs from the crowd. 

Crown Prince Adam walked with confident strides, his cloak flowing behind him like dark shadows. Beside him, Prince Ashen moved with quiet strength, his presence commanding attention.

Ashen's golden eyes locked onto Lumina, unreadable and unwelcoming. 

He stopped just a few steps before her but didn't extend his hand. His jaw was tight, and his gaze burned with something between hatred and restraint.

He didn't want her and Lumina could immediately feel that.

Still, she bowed her head, keeping her expression empty. She was not here to beg for his acceptance. 

Adam offered a hand to Rhynera, and she eagerly took it, her smile radiant. Her dream was beginning, and she could taste the power on her tongue.

From the side, King Ryker approached, his face lined with forced calmness. He looked first at Rhynera and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"My daughter," he said, smiling faintly, "you have been raised to be a queen. Now walk with pride, and remember grace must always follow ambition."

Rhynera beamed. "I will make you proud, Father."

Then he turned to Lumina, then his smile faded into something more genuine, almost pained.

He reached for her hand and held it gently between his.

"Lumina," he said softly. "This journey you take… It is more than marriage. Whatever awaits you in Drakonia, face it as you have always done with silence, strength, and soul."

Lumina scoffed, in her heart what a joke! It wasn't supposed to be her marriage. Why make it seem like it was also arranged?

No words could express the bitterness and grief resting in her heart.

"I will face it," she said quietly. "Even if it breaks me." Her words triggered Ashen that he needed to glance her way, he knew nothing about her but her response wasn't one thing he was expecting.

King Ryker squeezed her fingers. "Let it make you, not break you."

Then Queen Mireya stood a few steps behind, arms folded over her silk gown. She hadn't moved an inch toward Lumina. Her eyes sharp and unkind rested only on Rhynera.

"My daughter," she said with a fond smile. "You are the light of this realm. Shine as you were born to."

Rhynera walked up to her, and the Queen embraced her tightly. "Make them love you. Make them need you."

"I will, Mother." Not once did the Queen spare a glance toward Lumina and ignore her.

Lumina didn't expect care and she didn't want it. All this time Ashen didn't miss one of these actions.

The ceremonial horn blew in the distance, a deep, vibrating note that echoed across the skies. 

Prince Adam guided Rhynera to the center of the scaffold while Ashen stood at Lumina's side, still not touching her.

In the center of the marble circle stood an ancient staff black as midnight, with a glowing red crystal suspended above its head like a floating ember.

The Aether Spire is an ancient relic of the Drakonia people.

When dragons roamed freely, the spire was only a ceremonial symbol. But now, with the dragons gone and their power dormant, the spire served a new purpose helping them cover the loss of their dragons.

 It was the only remaining portal that could open the ancient path, the Vein of Fire, a hidden magic that led directly to the heart of Drakonis.

Prince Adam stepped forward and gripped the staff with both hands. His voice rang out clearly.

"By blood, by bond, and by oath, we awaken the passage." The crystal pulsed and Ashen's voice followed.

"By flame, by ash, and by silence, we accept the chosen."

The moment both princes spoke, the ground beneath them began to shift.

With a deafening rumble, the marble parted at the center, revealing a spiral of molten light, a pathway shaped like a dragon's spine, glowing red and gold. 

The heat was intense, but not unbearable. Magic shimmered in the air like drifting embers.

This was the Vein of Fire alive, sentient, forged by the last breath of the original flame dragon.

Rhynera stared in awe while Lumina didn't flinch, not like she could see it.

"Step forward," Adam commanded.

He led Rhynera down the glowing path, their silhouettes swallowed by the light.

Ashen paused beside Lumina, she waited for him to speak but he never did.

Instead, he turned and began walking. Without hesitation, Lumina followed him along with Stella.

The moment both princesses were on the path, the scaffold began to seal behind them.

King Ryker watched them go, emotion carved deep into his face.

He turned to his queen. "It's done."

Mireya scoffed and turned her back, clearly uninterested especially because of Lumina.

As the marble sealed, the magical winds settled, and the people of the realm dispersed

Still in the vessel, Lumina felt it in her bones, with the pain ms pull. Ashen said nothing the entire walk, while Stella just gripped Lumina's hand filled with fear. 

Until the final arch came into view the blazing gateway that marked the end of the path and the beginning of Drakonis soil.

Adam and Rhynera moved out of it first now leaving Ashen and Lumina still in the scaffold.

Ashen finally moved and then he stopped abruptly and Lumina almost ran into him.

He didn't look back, but his voice was cold. "You are not welcome in this realm nor in my life. So stay out of my way, and we won't have a problem." 

Lumina was the only one who could hear him and she just tilted her head, her voice calm.

"That's fine. I didn't come here to be wanted." And then she stepped past him.