My Lady Chef

Ezran's POV:

She was overwhelmed.

but in a positive way.

I can tell as the priest from the Temple recited the vows of marriage, his sonorous voice carrying over to the crowd of people who were witnessing our wedding.

The day when I dragged her to the small town parish in Orza was still clear in my mind. She was scared but she endured as we were tied together for life.

This was in exchange for her father to live and come home alive...

Back then, I admired her guts when it was evident that she was frightened.

It was funny how contrasting my feelings towards my bride made me want to be someone that she can depend on and trust. I gave her nothing to hold on to when we first married and dumped her at my estate But now I want to set things right.

Set a new beginning for our married life.

"The vows between the bride and groom will now be given. Shall we start with the bride?" the priest looked to Alaina took a deep breath and smiled.

"It was not love at first sight when we first met. I was intimidated when I laid eyes on you but you proved me wrong when you honored your promise to me and continued to show me a different side of you no one has ever seen. By then....it was too late for I began to develop feelings for you and it still continues to grow. Please continue to stay with me no matter what." Her voice were spoken in soft tones and I was sure not everyone heard her but....

Her words were filled with love and hope that I wanted to kneel and promise her the world but a loud cough from the priest made me remember that it was my turn.

I memorized a short marriage vow for this but as I looked into my wife's blue-green eyes. Something resonated with me when I saw flashes of our future selves and blurry images of people I have yet to encounter, the smell of dragon incense, and then...

A vision of children....each with a mark on their necks and they have her hair color and my....eyes.

My second heart started to pound and echo throughout my whole body. This has never happened before.

A Dragon's second heart beats for two things only. It helps to control my blood flow during dragon form.

The last one is when I have found...my true mate, the missing half of my soul.

Astonished and amazed, I suddenly knew what words I was to recite in front of my wife.

"The goddess has spoken and my hearts now beat for one soul for eternity. I will be your sword and your shield from harm, your shield, and solace from the cruel whims of the world. Whoever tries to harm you will be met with fangs and dragon fire. I pledge myself to you. Alaina Beaucamp, my only and only mate. "I ended my vow as I pulled her into my arms and hid her from everyone's view as I bit her shallow on her exposed neck, the pounding resonance vanished but the connection has been established even as my wife submissively let me mark her.

As a male dragon would do for his female.

A sense of wonder deep inside me welled up like a gushing fountain coming to life after a dry spell. This sensation was unlike anything I have encountered but the dragon blood in my veins knew... She is not just a female I would love in this life but the only one I will cherish for a thousand lifetimes as I straightened and covered her neck with the veil, feeling triumphant that I marked her successfully. My vow and actions shocked everyone in attendance except my wife who looked touched as the stunned priest recovered and pronounce us as husband and wife with trembling hands and a voice full of awe. Alaina surrendered willingly enough as I kissed her in front of everyone. Her soft lips seem sweeter and her body more plaint and receptive as she returned my ardor with her own.

As everyone started clapping and applauding the end of the ceremony. I held my wife close to me as my hearts continued to beat for her.

Legends among the Dragonkin were often born from truth. Among these numerous tales were the tales of "True Mates".

They are rare occurrences amongst my people and the last true mate was a priestess born 150 years ago to the Wind Dragon Lord. a Dragon's true mate is said to have rare and unique abilities that will change the world.

But there has never been a recorded True Mate for my ancestry, The Wyvern Lord in the past thousand years.

Until now.

I kissed my wife's hair, wondering if she knew just how much more she means to me now.

and the impact our wedding will have on the rest of the Holy Kingdom.

Since only those loyal to me are here, they will keep my secret but I am sure that the nobles I have invited would not resist the temptation to tell their peers what they witnessed here.

It is only a matter of time before it reaches the King.

Time for me to make sure my allies do not breath a word of it to anyone.

Anneal's POV:

"They say that the Duke has organized a parade and festival in honor of his wife! Duke Ezran never liked such frivolous things but he did them for that woman!" Lady Margaret threw a vase at the pillar where was concealing myself. "He never want to do such a frivolous and showy sign of feature to any of his lovers! Why now?"

"That will not matter. My connections are now working to spread how the pitiful duchess blackmailed the Lord Aisenburg into throwing an expensive parade and festival." A voice I know so well spoke with confidence.

"This little embellishment just might work then. Duke Ezran values his honor as a noble and if his wife becomes even more steeped in scandal..." The malicious glee and Margaret's voice was evident. " He will divorce her."

"Yes. The proud Dragon Lord should be paired with someone of equal stature and prestige. Not some trollop from the back woods of the North." contempt and anger colored my sister's voice

I peeked at the two women who were behind it all....

Lady Margaret and the First Princess Miranda. The duke's scorned lover and his shunned marriage candidate.

News travels fast and it seems that their plans to besmirch Duchess Alaina was being even more difficult for them.

As the two left the powder room, I smoothed out my skirts and straightened my spine.

These two were only here at a party I secretly organized because they heard that ducal couple will be attending it after their parade festival event is over.

I swallowed my saliva as I washed my hands on the sink. Fear and Anxiety warred within me but I have already cast my lot in with the duchess.

All I have to do is believe that she would fulfill my promise her promise to me.

Nobody said you could get a reward without risking something....☐☐☐☐☐☐