novelxo Chapter CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
THE UNION...
“Oh, Noelle! You look beautiful!” Lyrah exclaimed clasping her hands together and placing them on her cheek. “You make a beautiful bride.”
Noelle felt her cheeks redden as she took a look of herself In the mirror. The white grisal dress made from the finest grisal found in the Realm of Light was perfect. The Light Fae always love the fine stuff and the grisal was almost like A-class human silk. It was found in the Anon Plains of the Fae. It was as light as angel wings and it was beautiful and enticing. It was strapless gown with a hard bodice that had small black crystals sparkling like stars in the light and the skirt of it flowed down her body like a waterfall. The gown accommodated her wings that were buzzing out of control!
Esmira had magical fingers and plaited a beautiful braid on Noelle’s head and twisted it around expertly pinning it down with crystal headed pins. They looked like tear drops on her head. Because black was the royal Mage color, Noelle had a black tirk sash around her waist that was tied in a bow and its tails ran down the train of her gown.
Lyrah got her beautiful pieces of jewelry that hung on her ears and around her slender neck, complimenting both her skin and the gown. Lyrah also got the heels she was wearing underneath all that fabric. At first when she saw the stilettos she was skeptic but now that she put them on, she discovered they were very comfortable.
Makeup was put to a minimum because she didn’t want to look in the mirror and not recognize herself.
“Is it too much?” Noelle asked nervously even though everyone was beaming happily at her. Even Elder Magnolia was there to see her. Noelle could have sworn the elderly woman had tears in her eyes. Three more helpers were there wooing and ahhing like school girls. “I think it’s too much.”
“What are you talking about?” Lyrah giggled. “You are the Queen Mage. This is your union to Lord Mage. It is supposed to be too much! Just breathe and keep calm.”
Noelle took a deep breath but she felt that the bodice was hugging her chest too tightly. “I think I’ll pass out.”
Lyrah grabbed her shoulders and shook her lightly. “You will not! It’s not like you and Lord Mage are strangers.” She winked and more color bloomed on Noelle’s cheeks.
“Alright, ladies, let’s not keep the High Priestess waiting.” Magnolia clapped her hands together, shooing the helpers.
“It’ll be alright.” Lyrah assured her and grinned. “You’ll be alright.”
Noelle nodded vigorously. She was going to be alright. She was going to walk on her own two feet all the way to that sacred chamber, sit in front of the High Priestess and get herself the proper union with the Lord Mage. “Alright, let’s go.”
Lyrah walked ahead of her. She looked beautiful in her royal black gown, strapless like hers with a full skirt that was dragging at the back. Her pale hair was also done by Esmira--bless her little soul for her incredible talent—and instead of white crystals, she had black and blue ones. Noelle couldn’t get her legs to move until she felt her hand being taken into someone’s. She looked up and felt tears in her eyes.
“Father.” She whispered through her thick throat.
“There, there, daughter of mine. Don’t cry now, you’ll ruin your makeup.” He patted her hand.
Noelle choked out what sounded like a laugh and a sob at the same time. “You’re right.”
“Come on. The Lord Mage is waiting.” Alston ushered his daughter forward.
As she passed the hallway towards the back door, the helpers, the workers and even the warriors littered the fortress grounds wishing her the best.
“Long live the King and his Queen!” Someone cried out.
“Ahey! Ahey!” The chorus rang.
As she passed, everyone fell to their knees to show the highest respect to her. The warriors thumped their chests and also bowed to her. Noelle felt like she was about to die.
“Open your wings like the true queen you are.” Alston whispered to her.
Noelle nodded and let her wings open at full length as she got out. She heard the gasps behind her and when she turned her eyes widened with shock when she discovered that her wings shone iridescently in the sun. They were amazing!
“Now, that’s the secret to a Fae’s pride...her wings.” Alston winked at her as they walked down the black carpet laid down towards the sacred temple. Everyone followed behind. Even some of the residents were allowed to see it. For the ones that were not there, Noelle imagined they were watching it on television or something.
Noelle gasped when she saw her unicorn among the warriors. “Steel! Tatiana!” she exclaimed.
The unicorns neighed and bowed down low for her.
She waved at them and continued forward. Just outside the sacred temple in the white canopy stood Tyran, Drake and the other commanders. Noelle drank her male in. His hair was neatly in place, his face dark and brooding—as usual—but darkly handsome. The leather royal attire that he had on made him look untouchable. It made him the king and the warrior that he was. He stood out from everyone else. He was the male that the heavens chose for her and she gladly accepted it. When he laid his eyes on her, she saw the way his shoulders stiffen as if in shock. She saw the raw hunger and possession deepen the color of his eyes until they shone dark and dangerous. At that moment, nothing else mattered...just the look in his eyes as he looked at her. She didn’t care about everything that was happening around them. She didn’t care about Ron, the Dragons, the sorcerers or the mer-people. She only cared that in a few hours she was going to be one with this male in front of her.
“Queen, Noelle, you look lovely.” Drake bowed to her.
“Thanks, Drake.” She grinned at him then turned to the other four commanders standing on one side, each beaming mischievously at her.
“She actually cleans up nice.” Ruvin scratched his chin pensively.
“Shut up, mutt boy.” Zach shot out then grinned at Noelle. “It’s not too late to head for the hills again, Queen Noelle.”
Noelle giggled and turned to Tyran. She didn’t miss the slight wariness as he extended out his hand to her. Did he believe that she would run for the hills again? If he did, he was an idiot. “Not this time.” She took his hand and squeezed it lightly. “This time, I’m all in.”
Alston bent down to her and placed a kiss on her cheek. “I’m very proud of you, Noelle. And so is your mother in the afterlife.”
Oh how she wished her mother was there to see her off!
“Well, we better get started then.” Lyrah suggested and all the witnesses entered while the others waited eagerly outside.
The High Priestess was seated on what looked like a marbled podium. The room was cozily lit with low burning scented candles and their scent burrowed deep inside the soul to calm it and cleanse it of all the bad vibes. The moment Noelle entered the chamber, she felt at ease.
“Come on in.” The High Priestess echoed, her face hidden behind a lacy white veil. Her robes flowed down the podium. She mentioned for them to take their place and Tyran and Noelle sat down on the two blood red cushions right in front of her while Alston took one on the side of Noelle and Drake and Lyrah took the ones on Tyran’s.
“This union is to be witnessed by those of blood and those of brotherhood. And with the highest respect, it is to be witnessed by the heavens. Tyran, son of Gregor and Lord Mage, name your witnesses.” The High Priestess turned to him.
“I name High Lady Lyrah, daughter of Gregor and High Lady as my first witness. I name Drake, Son of Kruk and Second Hand commander as my second witness.” Tyran answered.
“Very well—Noelle, daughter of Alston and Princess of Fae, name your witness.” She turned to Noelle.
“I name King Alston, Son of Norel and King of Fae as my witness.” Noelle said softly.
“Very well.” She reached up and unveiled her face then looked down at them intently. “A union is the most sacred of events in the enchanted world. This is when mates become of one body, one heart and one soul. It is unbreakable to both the beings and the heavens. It survives even in the afterlife and that is why it is only done to mates and not otherwise. Lord Mage, Princess Noelle is your truthful mate, is this true?”
“Ahey.” Tyran nodded.
“And Princess Noelle, is Lord Mage your rightful mate?” She asked.
“Yes.” Noelle nodded.
The High Priestess smiled. “Then repeat the following words after me...”
I stand before you, let the world witness my union to my mate,
I lay my heart, my body and my soul to the one who completes me,
I will be forever faithful and I’ll support you where I need to,
I’ll shine the light for you and guide you where you’ve wronged,
With this union, I shall never part by your side,
And I will wait in the afterlife
For you stand as my other half,
In this world and in the next...
The words sank deep into Noelle’s heart as the High Priestess continued with the ceremony. Throughout the ceremony, Tyran had his hand tightly tangled with hers. He was as nervous as she was, she could tell. She didn’t expect him to because she obviously showed him that she was with him all the way. Even though at first she wanted the union simply out of duty and she believed that her unity with him was beneficial to the Fae as well, she was never going to run away again.
“These are your union rings, forged from the Rubios crystals, the most rare crystals in the realm. I did a little research on the both of you and found that the energies in this crystal best fitted you two. The Rubios crystals are mostly used by Mage who practice the art of healing and cleansing. Also the Rubios has deep love and compassion energies. They will draw you two together—not that you’ll need anymore coaxing since you are mates.” She handed the smaller one to Tyran.
Tyran didn’t waste time. He took Noelle’s shaky hand and slipped the black-violet crystal bend onto her finger. It glimmered in the dimly lit room as if it were alive. It was finely carved and it was just beautiful.
Noelle took the larger ring from the High Priestess and slipped it onto Tyran’s finger then bent down and placed a kiss on it. “For now and always.”
The High Priestess smiled fondly. “The heavens are happy with this union too. There will be obstacles in the future. Not every moment will be happy but this union will thrive for a long time. You may kiss your mate, Lord Mage.”
Noelle turned to him and suddenly she was in a bone-crushing embrace as Tyran gathered her up and gave her a good one on her lips. Heat bloomed on Noelle’s cheeks when she caught her father looking away with a smile on his face.
Drake jumped to his feet and raced to the door. “It. Is. Done!” he shouted.
There was a chorus of cheers as everyone celebrated the union between their king and queen. From afar, Noelle could hear horns being blown and music playing. The celebrations were on!
“I love you, Mage Queen.” Tyran breathed hard, his eyes shining with happiness and love for once.
“And I you, spell-binder.” She giggled.
“Lord Mage...” he growled as he picked her up as it is customary and headed outside.
It was customary to carry the bride all the way to the fortress and settle her down on the threshold of the front door. Everyone followed behind, from young children having flowers in their heads to their parents and guardians. They threw flowers at them and cooed. Young unmarried females stared dreamily at them wishing that one day it was them that this happened to. For once everyone forgot about all the troubles that were surrounding them and joined in the celebrations.
All the nobles were there together with their families. Noelle caught a a glimpse of Lionel and Ethinia. Lionel had his hand on Ethinia’s crook. He was a handsome young male and though he couldn’t see, he still held his head up and smiled. When Ethinia saw her, she jumped up and waved excitedly.
Once Tyran reached the threshold, Noelle learned just how strong or how light she was. He went down on one knee with her still in his arms and said. “Welcome to your humble fortress, Mage Queen.”
Noelle feet were softly placed on the floor and Tyran remained in that position, bowing to her. She had no idea what to do. Everyone fell into silence as they watched her--holding their breaths and waiting for her to do something.
Noelle panicked and turned to Drake who mouthed help him up.
She quickly nodded and bent down to Tyran then helped him up. Again there was roaring of cheers from everyone.
“You should have warned up about that.” She muttered to him.
“I wanted to see you panic a little bit.” he muttered back.
“Jerk.”
“Pixie.”
Noelle punched Tyran on his chest then lifted her gown up and fled away.
Drake moved over next to Tyran and muttered. “You better chase her before we do, my king.”
Tyran turned to his second in command and growled before dashing after his female.
Her giggles echoed through the hallway as everyone laughed and watched her and her king chasing after each other.
It was a match made in heaven and finally Noelle had to admit that she was indeed possessed by the Lord Mage.
“Whatever you are thinking, High Lady Lyrah, I suggest you abandon it.” Drake approached the quiet High Lady standing watching her brother and sister in law.
She turned to him, her eyes shining with untold secrets. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”
Drake narrowed his eyes at her and before he could say anything, she was gone, rushing after the King and Queen.
“Come on, scales.” Ruvin slammed a heavy hand on Drake’s shoulder, distracting him from what he wanted to do. All the commanders were surrounding him. “Free drinks and females for the night. We need this guys before we head off to damnation.”
Storm rubbed the back of his head. “Ruvin’s right, I need good booze and a great fuck!”
They all laughed and followed the nobles towards the dining room.
The celebrations went on and at night, fireworks lit up the skies. Even though they were still uncertain of what was to come tomorrow, that evening brought warmth through that cold period and it were things like those that brought hope for a better day for both the Mage and the enchanted world.
THE END