The Offering
Aurelia let a hand drift over the dress on the stand, admiring the exquisite beadwork. It was perfect. It was in the Argenthor colors of silver and blue and beside it sat a tiara, delicate and made with sapphires and diamonds. This was a dress worthy of today of the Offering.
If only they could get her sister, Aurianne, to put the dress on.
Aurelia could hear her mother and father trying to talk sense to her.
Six Months. Six months of partying, bragging and using the prestige of being chosen. Now that the time had come, Aurianne didn't want to step over the threshold. Aurelia wishes she had known her sister would back out once she realized that the Brides do not come home. You are either chosen as a Bride, or you become a Handmaid. Faithfully serving dragonkind and the Brides for the remainder of their lives.
"Aurelia, honey, Please get the dress on. The wedding carriage will be here any moment. You wanted this, begged for it, filled out the application yourself." Her mother said pleadingly.
Their father crossed his arms. "Our family honor is on the line. Every royal and noble house must send a daughter. You wanted this, you will do this"
"Daddy it's not fair!" Aurianne shouted "I don't want to do it anymore. I want to stay here with my friends and my life. I don't want to be some dragon's nun"
Aurelia frowned. Her sister was beautiful, intelligent and charming when she wanted to be. She would very likely be a bride. Her sister's brown hair was intricately braided, her makeup already done, but threatening to be undone by the tears from her tantrum, I moved to the windows outside. The streets would be lined with people praising those going to Ephyrios Field.
Then she saw it. The Carriage.
Magnificent in Silver and Black coming up the street. This argument would have to end. She turned to her family.
"I'll do it" Aurelia said, turning from the window to look at them. It is clear they didn't hear her over their own arguing.
"I"LL DO IT" She says louder, causing them all to pause. When she saw them all looking at her she lowered her voice. "I wanted to do it to begin with. Let Aurianne stay here and have the life she wants. I'll put on the dress. The carriage will be here in minutes. There is no more time"
Even as she spoke, she was undressing, not leaving anyone a chance to refute her claim. Aurianne said nothing, her mouth agape, then she went into motion, helping her sister to undress, then dress. Their mother coming to join while their father politely looked away. "Aurelia, You know what this means right? Are you sure?"
"Yes, Daddy. I know more than anyone else. Who has studied with the Dragon Handmaids since she could leave the house. I have studied lore, history, language. The only thing left to do is go" Aurelia says as her mother works to braid her hair tightly and get the tiara in place. Her raven locks looking beautiful, her silvery eyes alight with anticipation and intent. Aurianne finally speaks "Thank you. I should have known better than to ask for something I didn't know anything about."
I look at my sister. We are only a year apart. "I can't save you from your decisions forever, big sis. This time though, I will do this with pleasure." Then the knock at the door came, and our butler came to get us. I looked at my parents. "I can return for my possessions once I am chosen. I will tell you about it then." I hugged them all one last time. "I won't ask you to go to the field with me. I know it would be too much. I love you"
After the hug, Aurelia followed their butler to the door where the footman awaited her. Upon seeing her in the royal dress, he turned to escort her to the magnificent carriage. A cheer going up outside as the people saw Bride appear and be escorted to the carriage. I smiled and waved as I had always been taught to do before i entered the carriage. The door shut behind me and I heard the driver get the horses moving. I was heading to a new life. One I had always wanted.
Would that life choose me?
