The Dragon Bride

The Ball

After we landed we both shifted back into our human forms. Although most people might say we look more elf than human simply because of our slightly pointed ears and defined faces. I walked back over to where I set my gown for the ball and started to get changed. When I was done Ryujin tightened the bodice for me and helped me to make sure that my hair was in place before we entered the castle. We talked as we walked towards his room so that he could change for the ball tonight as well. We had only about an hour left.

“Do you remember those stories about mates?”

“Yeah, what about it Ryoko? You’re not still dreaming of a mate are you? You started that when we were nine. Mates don’t happen anymore. It would be nice if they did, but they just don’t. Look at Mom and Dad. If anybody deserved to be considered mates it’s those two. You can have love and a good relationship without the other person being your mate.”

“I know that. I just.. it would be nice you know. To know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you were meant to be with that person and that they aren’t going to leave you because of some stupid little mistake, you know?”

He turned and grabbed my shoulders with a sigh. “Roko,” it had been a while since he called me by my childhood nickname. “If someone truly loves you then you don’t have to worry about that. Tonight, choose someone you feel like you’ll fall in love with. Not someone who just catches your eye.”

I looked down and smiled shyly. “Thank you Ryu.” I used his nickname in return. “I needed the pep talk.”

He smiled. “Of course. I’m always here for you.”

I returned the smile as he led the way into his room. I sat on his bed while he went behind a changing screen.

“What type of girl do you want to be with Ryu?

“Well a dragon..”

“Duh.” I sighed.

“Anyways, a dragon. She needs to be kindhearted, want children and be strong in order to help lead a kingdom. Other than that I’m not sure. What about you?”

“Well, I’m kind of in the same boat. I want a dominant male so that I know he will be able to lead our family, but not too much. And he needs to know when to be kind and when to be firm with our kids. Other than that I just want someone who will love me for me. Not because I’m a princess.”

“Yeah. At least I get to choose which ball to go to. You just have to choose who to court out of whoever shows up. Do you even know the list of suitors?”

“It was just a bunch of names. Nothing really stood out. A lord from here, a prince from there. There’s a few Fae coming as well. Which is surprising.”

“Usually they stay out of our affairs. I mean I would expect a wolf more than I would a Fae.”

“I know. It’s weird. There are a couple wolves too.”

He walked out from behind the screen. “So a full house. I still think it’s weird that Fae are coming. They are usually so high and mighty yet all they can do is magic.”

Um..Ryujin, that magic can be very powerful.”

“Roko, we also have very powerful dragons.”

“I know that. Anyways, we better get going.”

“Yeah, we better.” He straightened his suit jacket. His suit was black, a major contrast to his white hair, but the button up underneath was a dark violet like his eyes. His eyes were a darker shade than mine, but they were both violet.

He then held out his arm and I took it gently. Ryujin led the way to the ballroom where there were already a few of the guests. My father was at his place in a small (meaning smaller than the regular) throne. It was made of gold fashioned into an intricate pattern along the back, arms, and legs of the regal chair. The cushioning was a deep violet since the sign of our family’s royalty is the violet color of our eyes. My mother was standing at his shoulder on the right. They looked like a portrait. The classic look of a king and his queen. As my brother and I approached my father stood and held his arms out in a wide open gesture.

“My lovely children! I’m glad you’re here.” He patted Ryujin on the shoulder. “Taking good care of your little sister I see. Soon enough you won’t have that job anymore.”

“With all due respect Father, I am proud to look after Ryoko.”

I smiled. I was only younger by just over a minute and we stuck together. We watched each other’s backs. It’s just who we were.

“Yes well,” my father went on, “the rest of the guests will be here shortly.” He then addressed the guests that had already gathered. “Welcome everyone! Today is in honor of my beautiful daughter!” He gestured for me to step forward; I complied. “Princess Ryoko is now eighteen and as such she is now able to choose from her various suitors to start a courting relationship with that will hopefully have the result of a marriage. Now, let the ball begin!” With that he threw his hands into the air and at the same moment the band started playing some music.

People milled about all around the room. Although this was a ball for me to choose from my suitors there were still some noble girls in attendance. The reason simply being for dancing and aesthetic appeal. No one can have a ball purely of men. Besides, whoever I don’t choose may find some daughter of a lord or someone that they have some interest in and would like to marry.

I walked down the few steps from the throne and made my way to the sidelines. I wanted to watch before I started interacting with anyone. I wanted to get an idea of what kind of people these men were when they didn’t think I was watching. Several men came up to ask me to dance and I politely declined. Most of them seemed to act like gentlemen, but that’s what they were here for. They were meant to present themselves as the best possible person that they can be.

One man however caught my eye. He was probably about six feet tall and had an athletic build. His hair was blonde, but dark, almost like a light sandy brown. He wore an emerald green suit with a black button up underneath. He turned and looked at me, caught my gaze, and winked. I blushed slightly. I didn’t want to be noticed staring at someone. I glanced up just as he started walking towards me. Oh great. Now what do I do?

“Hello.” He bowed. “Princess Ryoko, correct.”

“Yes.. and you?” I eyed the man. He had dark brown eyes. I took a deep breath. He was Fae. That explains the green suit and the hair and eye color.

“Prince Trevan Aspendale of the Fae Kingdom.” He bowed to me and then held out his hand. I took it and curtsied. “May I have this dance?” There was something about him. His voice was soft and smooth. Almost like velvet. I was cautious of him because Fae were capable of magic. So who knew what they could be up to. I had done my research on spells so that I could protect myself against them, but Fae also had nature magic. Which meant they didn’t have to cast spells. They can manipulate the elements whenever they please.

“You may.” I figured it had been long enough of me standing on the sidelines, and this man intrigued me. I wanted to know more about him and who he was. He led me onto the dance floor and put his hand on my waist. I followed his lead and put my hand on his shoulder. I watched him closely. Making sure to keep up my guard. His movements were smooth, like silk. Trevan almost glided across the stones that made up the ball room floor.

He leaned in close, next to my ear, and whispered, “have you any ideas on who you are going to choose to start a relationship with?”

“Why do you ask? Are you so desperate for my hand, or is it what my hand comes along with?” Being a princess, I had plenty of money and jewels. My brother was technically older and so he got the right of the throne, not me. However, what I would be entitled to could still definitely bring in some attention.

“What about the magnificent creature you are? My people don’t get to spend much time around yours. You intrigue me. I want to know what you enjoy, what makes you upset, what you love, what makes you mad. I want to know everything about you. I want you.”

My cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. I didn’t know what to think about what he had said. I wasn’t used to people talking in that way or saying those things. I had no words to respond with. And by the time I was about to try, the song had ended. He let go of me and held my hand at arms length as he gave a bow.

“A pleasure, Princess.”

I nodded slightly and curtsied in response before making my way back over to the sidelines. It wasn’t long before someone else was asking me for a dance. I accepted one offer after another, but I couldn’t focus on them. All I could think about was those velvet words that came from a Fae prince telling me that he wanted me and what it would mean for me if I were to choose him. He was handsome, a prince, and he would most likely take care of me, but there was no way to know for sure. As for right now my head was in the clouds and by the time the ball ended I realized that I had not noticed or even remembered anything about any of my other suitors. And so it seemed that he was the only one I could choose.

I watched as the ballroom slowly emptied and there was no one left aside from my family and the castle’s servants. In a daze, I started to head for my room. I felt a hand on my back and turned to see Ryujin standing at my side.

“So? Do you have any ideas on who you’re going to choose?”

“I....I think so...”

“You don’t sound so sure Ryoko. Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. I must just be exhausted.”

“I see. Well get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight sister of mine.”

“Goodnight Ryu.” I put my hand on the door knob to my room and stepped inside. As I walked in I started to slip off my dress and when I was down to my chemise I got in bed. My mind was still reeling. How could I possibly tell my father as well as my brother that the only person I can think of choosing is a Fae? And a Fae prince at that! I didn’t know what to do. I laid there awake and staring at the ceiling for half the night before finally falling into a fitful and restless sleep.