The Dragon's Mate

Chapter 33

He places a few options down by the bed as Emerald sees the lace and fabric of the gowns. Hunter says, "usually I would say fuck tradition, but I am not the leader here, as you have already seen, it would be wise for you to play the part, and-". Hunter stops before he finishes his sentence as Emerald says, "what? say it." Hunter shakes his head saying, "it's nothing, I was just going to say...." Emerald takes a deep breath before Hunter says, "you will probably look magnificent in any of the gowns." Emerald thinks, 'does he... want to see me in one of these?.' Emerald grabs one of the gown and heads into the bathroom before soon coming out saying, "wow, this is...." Hunter looks at her before inhaling deeply saying, "Emerald..." His eyes dance over the straps that braid over the swell of her breasts, the thin metal chain hanging from her torso as Emerald asks, "is this traditional enough, your Highness?." Hunter replies, "yes, I would say you'd blend right in but... I think you will have a hard time not standing out in this." A new feeling washes over Emerald as Hunter pulls her closer as they stare into each other eyes before she breaks the silence saying, "I do not want to distract you from your bride, my lord." Hunter looks at her saying, "too late." He slips his hands around her small waist as his fingers brush against her bare skin with Emerald gasping in surprise; however, before things can go further they hear the sound of cannon being fired as Emerald realises what time it is. 

Emerald says, "Hunter, Dragonfire, another announcement?." Hunter nods letting her go saying, "yes, the feast is starting we should go." Hunter opens the tent and gestures Emerald to follow him out. Emerald walks right behind Hunter as they make their way over to the feast as he mutters under his breath. Emerald thinks, 'there is nothing more than I wish I could hold his hand right now.' Hunter says, "very good, stay close to me Emerald." They soon reach the banquet outside as dozens of Dragons dine by the warmth of a big bonfire overlooking an ancient, ruined castle. Annabelle comes over saying, "you are late, my King, is it because you had to dress this slave? she certainly looks... the part." Hunter says, "I agree." Emerald smiles feeling the jealousy pour off Annabelle as she fights back a grin before bowing. Annabelle says, "why don't you take a seat, Emerald... beneath our table." Emerald thinks angrily, 'ugh damn it, she is always testing me.' Emerald remembers Hunter's word before saying, "that would be an honour, mistress." Annabelle says, "yes, next to the dogs and the dirt you will feel right at home." Emerald sinks down beneath their table, out of sight as she is able to get a better look around as she sees the Dragons tearing meat from the bone, their eyes bright and listless, far wider than Hunter's have ever been. Emerald thinks sadly, 'and the slaves here have no light in their eyes, they look like zombies, like they don't even know how to talk.' A shiver runs up her spine as she wonder if they were ever taught the language or anything at all however suddenly food slops from the table above right onto her shoulder. Annabelle says, "I am sorry, it seems I have spilled my food..." Hunter says, "Annabelle-." Ignoring Hunter's warning, Annabelle leans under the table titling her head mockingly towards Emerald. She says with a smile, "it's for the best, darling the poor thing has not been able to eat." Annabelle looks at Emerald before winking saying, "lick it up pet, enjoy your dinner." Emerald slowly gets up as she stares in horror at the foul goo that is dribbling down her dress as the smell alone is enough to make her gag with disgust. Hunter says, "you do not have to do this, Emerald." 

Annabelle turns to Hunter saying, "what are you talking about, babe? she is clearly hungry." Emerald feels anger and rage boiling up within her as she feels the Dragon's mark burning too thinking, 'I can feel Hunter's anger, this is too far even for her.' Emerald takes a deep breath before saying politely, "I am not hungry, mistress, but thanks for the offer." She walks away to wipe the revolting slop from her dress before coming back over and wiping the goo onto Annabelle's shoe which gives a small squelch as she says, "you absolute roach-." Enraged Annabelle attempts to stand but Hunter puts his hand on hers stopping her saying, "a respected future Queen will not cause a scene here, Annabelle." Shaking with anger, Annabelle forces herself to sit again as Emerald rubs the food deeper into her shoes saying, "I thought you would enjoy a nice foot massage, my lady." Annabelle looks at Emerald with fury in her eyes saying, "get your hands off me!." Emerald smirks in delight at Hunter who says, "my kind and generous slave, how nice of you to attend my betrothed." Annabelle gets up and slams her hand on table as everyone stares at her before she smiles saying, "to thank you all for celebrating our upcoming union, I have arranged some entertainment... please, follow me."