Chapter 15
Processional drums resounded through the forests and gardens, rising to deafen as the ceremony crept closer. They reached their zenith as the palace doors yawned open for Aihi to commence her march down the wisteria path in her colourful warrior’s attire; hundreds of drums shook the ground as though a thousand elephants paraded alongside her.
Columns of fuchsia blossoms hung overhead. Luck was in her favour to have a ceremony as grand as this. Many young women did not have the opportunity to choose their spouses, let alone marry someone they favoured, yet Aihi had mustered herself two. Two whom she adored as they adored her.
Ekiken’s energy ballooned in the atmosphere as he descended over the palace’s rooftop and beside her on the pathway, rustling Aihi’s long, dragon-printed
