Page 63 of His to Claim
Tha'ashil stands up. "I shall return shortly." With that, she leaves the temple and heads toward the center of the village. I look after her and then head back to Hexal.
When I arrive at the center of the village, I see that Hexal has already prepared everything. There's a small altar set up and a platform with torches lit nearby. On top of the altar is a pile of flowers and candles.
"Ask the servants to prepare Aila for the ceremony," I say to Hexal. "But before you do that, bring her to me."
Hexal nods and goes off to find the servants.
I walk to the altar and arrange the flowers on top of it. Then I light the candles and place them around the altar. When I've done that, I wait.
After a while, Hexal brings Aila to me. I can tell she's nervous because her hands are shaking slightly.
"Aila, you'll have the honor of becoming my mate... today," I say to her gently.
She looks at me with wide, excited eyes. "Do you find me worthy of such an honor, my king?" she asks in awe.
"Absolutely! You shall make a wonderful Veerhala for the people of Bellaria."
Aila beams with happiness. "I feel honored to be chosen by you, my king," she whispers to me. I should be happy but in reality, the pain I feel inside is excruciating. Memories of my human start flashing through my mind, of when I first fell in love with her. Emma was beautiful and sweet and so loving. And now I'm going to marry someone just like her. I close my eyes and try to block out the thoughts.
I turn back to Aila. "Go now. Prepare for the ceremony," I tell her. She nods and walks away. I watch her leave and then go to the platform. I stand on it and look out over the village.
I am sad because my heart wants to be with Emma. But I know that I have a duty to my kingdom, to my people. If I don't marry Aila, and if I don't produce heirs, then there is no future for the people of Bellaria. I need to find a way to help them without sacrificing my own happiness.
I open my eyes and see that the sun has begun to set over the horizon. The sky is filled with purple and pink hues. It seems as though the entire world is bathed in a rosy hue. I stand up and bow deeply to the gods.
"I thank you for this opportunity which you have given me," I whisper. "I hope I can fulfill your wishes."
I begin the ceremony. I start by reciting some hymns to the gods. Then I go on to recite the story of how I came to be here, how I met Aila, and why we were destined to be together.
As I speak, the flames from the candles sparkle all around me. I finish speaking and kneel. Aila comes over to join me on the platform. "Now it is time to unite you," I tell her.
We both stand up and face the Gods. I take a deep breath and look into Aila's eyes. "Aila, I welcome you as my mate," I say to her. "I vow to protect you, keep you safe, and love you forever."
She looks at me lovingly. "I too, swear to serve you, my husband," she says with a smile.
"Dhakar, stop the ceremony right now. I have something to tell you," Torr shouts. I jump off the platform and run over to him. He's standing in front of the temple entrance, looking furious.
"What is it? What's wrong?" I ask him. His face is red and his fists are clenched.
"I have news about Emma. She did not choose to be Anil'ha's mate. She is forced to do it," he says to me. I gasp.
"How dare they force her!" I shout. "They must not touch her. They can't hurt her."
Torr shakes his head and grabs my arm. "You must get back to Valkrya right away. Tonight she becomes Anil'ha's mate in the mating ritual."
"What? How could they do that to her? How do you know all this?" I scream.
He looks at me. "I received news from my informer on Valkrya. He told me what happened."
"That bastard! I'll kill him!" I shout. He looks at me seriously. "Torr, I won't let anything happen to her. I promise."
"Do you think you can save her?" he asks me.
I nod and walk toward the altar again. "The ceremony shall not continue," I speak to the priestess. She bows low and leaves.
"I will go with you to Valkrya," Torr tells me.
I nod.
