3 - Fragile Steps, Forbidden Eyes

9 HOURS BEFORE THE KIDNAPPING

Lysandra

He stood apart from the others, tall and imposing in the shadows. At first glance, he almost seemed part of them, his dark clothing blending into the dim corners of the room.

But the aura he exuded identified him as the dragon of the mountains. He was magnificent, radiating power that none of the finely dressed noblemen in the hall could ever hope to imitate.

And they probably knew it, because they put distance between him and themselves.

His face was half-hidden by a hood, but I could still see the large scar that passed right in the middle of his eye. In a way, it made him hotter.

My eyes roamed his features, venturing downward. His muscular arms were crossed against his chest, and they also had scars, but strangely, there was no scar around the big dragon tattoo that was on his left bicep.

The tattoo was huge, and from the angle I was looking, the rest of the tattoo was on his back. Curiosity itched my mind, and I found myself wanting to see the remaining of the piece.

My gaze dared to venture further down, but I snapped my eyes back up almost immediately. What the heck was I doing?

I returned to stare at his face and found that he was already staring at me. Our eyes met, and I felt the heat of his gaze melt my heart and my bones into a mushy puddle.

There was something about the way he stared at me. I couldn’t understand it, nor could I decipher his expression, but I could sense something mysterious in his gaze.

My breath caught in my throat, and I found myself rooted in place. Unable to move, or look away.

He was beautiful in the way a fire is beautiful. Wild, and all-consuming, capable of warmth, but is most likely to destroy everything in its path.

A sad smile spread through my lips, unbidden. This dragon didn’t seem like he was capable of warmth. Maybe once before, but whatever warmth he had in him had been taken away.

I have been raised to stand beside powerful men, to speak with kings and noblemen, and bask in their adoration of me, invoke it if need be, but I’ve never met a man that me as unsettled as I was.

He sat there, silently watching me with a calm intensity, daring me to break the eye contact we were locked in. As if he already knew everything about me, every secret I’ve buried beneath my polished exterior.

“What are you staring at?” Amelia murmured under her breath as she handed me the silver chalice.

I took it from her, absentminded, but still somewhat aware of my surroundings.

She followed my gaze, her expression sharpening when she saw him. “Ah, the dragon of Black Mountain,” She said, her voice low.

There was a note of satisfaction in her voice. I finally broke my gaze and turned to her. “Why do you sound happy to see him?”

“I mean… It’s fitting, isn’t it, that such a man or creature would come to witness your union with Caelan?” Her smile deepened, and she lowered her voice. “Everyone will see how high the Vaelans have risen.”

I raised my brow and shook my head ever so slightly. Maybe she was right, but it didn’t feel that way to me.

“Well… Wish me luck.”

“Aren’t you a little greedy? You’ve always had more luck than the rest of us.”

I chuckled, a confident smile spreading through my lips. “Are you that jealous of your little sister that you won’t wish her luck on her big day?”

“Silly girl. You know I’m joking. Good luck, Lysa. I know you’re going to make everyone proud.”

Nodding, I took in a deep breath and looked up at the raised platform where I knew my mum, Lady Ilara Vaelan, was going to be seated. She was looking at me already, as were the other honoured guests from the groom’s family.

There was a glint of pride in her eyes, though veiled as always, by her dignified restraint. I am her youngest, best and final masterpiece.

Before the wedding, there is a traditional trial between the families. My father sees it as a performative show to enhance the family’s image.

The challenge is for me to walk the glass path–which symbolizes the fragility of the family’s status–to the altar, carrying the silver cup filled with water. Not a single drop of water should spill.

Along the way, the family members, and honoured guests from both families are permitted to test me by asking me questions and riddles meant to challenge my intellect, patience, dignity, and poise.

The trial isn’t really about the questions, but also how I react under pressure. The second part was them watching me dance the traditional dance. That was the only part I was honestly looking forward to.

I started my walk to the end of the glass path. Lady Marian Aldridge, Caelan’s mother was the first to speak. "What is more important in a union, love or duty? And how would you balance the two if they ever came into conflict."

A small smile graced my features. That was easy.

I opened my mouth and repeated the lesson my governess drilled into my head, through gruelling repetition, till I not only knew it, I understood it as well.

“Duty is the foundation, but love is the strength that sustains it. I believe the two must work in harmony; love, if pure, will drive one to fulfil a duty. But, if they clash, I would fulfil my duty first, knowing that love, in its truest form, understands and respects that commitment.”

I continued my walk as I spoke, and mentally frowned at how long the path was, but I had no choice but to keep walking.

Caelan’s father was the next to talk. Lord Aldridge’s voice boomed in the hall, his tone calm. "A ruler must sometimes be ruthless. Tell us a scenario where you believe cruelty is justified, if ever."

“Cruelty can sometimes be a necessary sacrifice if it saves more than it harms. If my family is faced with a choice where mercy would put those under my protection in danger, I would act ruthlessly to prevent greater suffering. Compassion is a strength, but it must be balanced by wisdom.”

He nodded his head approvingly, and I almost spilt the water in the cup. I managed to balance myself and continue.

Other people asked their questions, and I answered accurately, each question sharpening my mind further. I sighed in relief when I reached the end of the glass path.

I poured the water in the silver chalice into the golden bowl sitting at the altar, and then brought it to my lips, and drank the water.

Then, the melodious sound of the drums and other musical instruments playing in harmony filled my ears. I had always loved dancing.

I stretched out my hand and let the music take over the flow of my body. I was meant to dance my way back, bow towards the dignitaries, and leave.

My hips moved on their own accord. Swaying and shaking in practised movements. I stole glimpses at them and saw their faces beam with approval. It fuelled me, and I danced with more fervour.

I tried to ignore the feeling of the dragon’s heated gaze. He was watching me dance, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he liked what he was seeing.

Ridding myself of the thoughts that were forming in my head, I finished my dance. I was getting married really soon. I shouldn’t be caring about what a stranger thought about my dancing.

I bowed my head towards the dignitaries while my father stepped forward, and raised his glass of wine in the air to toast to my successful completion of the trial.

“Here is to my perfect daughter, and the beautiful union between the House of Vaelan, and the House of Aldridge!” His voice boomed, and I smiled, though they couldn’t see it.

I had made him proud, and in that moment nothing else mattered. They all toasted, and I waited for him to announce the next thing. “To the main hall! It’s time for the wedding!”

I lifted my head, but my gaze fell on the mysterious dragon that had begun to cloud my thoughts. It was brief, but I caught it. There was a hint of a smile amidst his cold expression.

“Come on now, we have to get you ready. And mother also wants to see you.” Amelia said, bringing me out of my thoughts.

I nodded and tore my gaze away from him. “Okay.”