Page 60 of The Dragon Maiden

“I wish there was a better way to tell you. I had a whole plan, but the timing just hasn’t lined up,” he said, shifting slightly from foot to foot. “But my feelings for you? You’re mydragaria.”

Ronan gasped at his words, and I nodded, having felt it deep within me. Since returning, Borthen’s explanation had stuck with me and I realized that I had been most afraid of being wrong, that I was not Dracul’sdragariaand that my feelings were one-sided. But now, knowing that he felt the same way for me, it was impossible to ignore.

“Do you know what adragariais?” Dracul asked.

“Borthen said that it means I’m your mate,” I said.

“And… how do you feel about that?” Dracul was hesitant. I could tell he was nervous about my answer.

“Well, how much of our feelings has to do with that bond rather than our own true feelings?” I asked.

A smile slowly crossed over his face when he heard my question. “‘Our’ feelings?” he asked. “You feel the same way?”

“Even if my arrival here wasn’t what I wanted at the time,” I said, “you have shown me such kindness. It would have been so difficult not to fall in love with you, Dracul. I’ve felt this pull to you, this connection, and I’ve tried to fight it.” My voice dropped. “I’ve tried to fight it for so long.”

“And why is that?” Dracul asked, his brow furrowing in concern.

“Because you’re the High Dragon Lord,” I whispered. “And I’m a human. I didn’t think something like that was allowed. I thought it was a foolish hope to have.”

“Valora, listen to me.” He put his hands on either side of my face, his eyes molten silver. “Adragariais the most sacred bond in our society. To refuse or reject yourdragariais seen as a grave sin. While you being human may have… difficulties, once others find out you’re mydragaria, they’ll have no choice but to accept you. This isn’t something I take lightly, I want you to know that.”

“But how do I know you really care for me and not just because of thisdragariabond?” I asked.

Dracul came forward and kissed my head. “Lora, I think even without the bond, I would have fallen for you,” he said. “You are so full of spirit and somehow always manage to surprise me.”

Tears filled my eyes as I embraced him, holding him tightly to me. I could hear the rhythmic thumping of his heart, and my chest felt like it would burst. His arms wrapped around my upper body and he patted my head, smoothing my hair.

“So what happens next?” I ask.

“Next, we officially introduce you to the clans as mydragaria,” he said. “Although those who fought alongside me against Borthen all know.”

“What?” I pulled back from him, my voice rising in pitch. “What do you mean?”

Dracul rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, I might have accidentally let it slip rather loudly when Lord Fangburn said that you being captured wasn’t a big deal. I pummeled him pretty good.”

“And he wasn’t mad?” I asked.

“I told you, adragariais one of our most sacred bonds,” he said. “More than anything, everyone was happy that I found my mate.”

Something finally clicked in my mind. “Is that why everyone has been bowing to me since we returned?” I asked.

He let out a chuckle. “Yes, I would imagine that would be why,” he said.

“If you are Lord Dracul’sdragaria,” Ronan said, “then I guess I have no choice but to give you my blessing. That’s a lifelong bond.”

“But Dracul’s still going to outlive me,” I pointed out. “Being a Dragon Maiden elongates my life, but nowhere near the lifespan of a dragon.”

“Lord Hiram has been doing research,” Dracul said. “He has found in cases where a dragon has had an exceptionally long life, theirdragariahas lived a similar lifespan as well. I don’t know how it works, but I would assume it may work the same for you.” He pulled me to him. “In any case,” he said, resting his head on top of mine, “that is not something we need to worry about for a long, long time.”

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Valora

Announcing that I was Dracul’sdragariawent more smoothly than I expected. The Maidens were shocked—rightfully so—before congratulating me, and most of the dragons from the Shadowvale and Twisturn clans were already aware. What remained of the Starfire clan did not seem to care—they were too busy dealing with the aftermath of the attack and assimilating with the Twisturn clan. Notices were sent to the Lords of the Hysta and Grathal clans, who swiftly replied with their congratulations. To my continued surprise, there was no vocal opposition to me being Dracul’sdragaria.

“Now that everyone knows, what happens next?” I asked Dracul shortly after the announcement was made. We were on the couch together, each reading different books. Dracul’s head was in my lap and once in a while, I would play with his hair.

He set his book down on his chest, looking up at me. “Typically, there’s a ceremony, similar to a human wedding,” he said tentatively.

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