The Dragon's Mate

Chapter 69

Emerald thinks, 'they must be bowing for Hunter.' Emerald is about to bow when Hunter stops her saying, "No, Emerald, rise." Emerald says stunned, "What?." Hunter says, "they are not bowing for me, they are bowing for you." Emerald says, "me? but I am not royal, I'm not you." Hunter says, "your power exceeds that of any Dragon King as does your heart." Lily says, "he's right, Emmy we are bowing for you." Hunter says, "as am I." Emerald says, "H-Hunter-." He takes her hand bowing saying, "you were the only one to see the light through all the darkness, you found the answer none of us could... you called for peace and unity... and this is what I want with you." Emerald has tears in her eyes as Hunter rises looking at her with his purple eyes as she flashes them too as her mark thrums. Emerald says, "Hunter...do we...." Hunter nods saying, "yes, we have split the power I once solely possessed, we share it Emerald, and you want to know something else? I think it was always meant to be shared." Emerald hesitates saying, "but Hunter I don't know what to say...." Hunter takes her hand saying, "say yes, to the crown and to marrying me." Emerald feels her heart pounding as Hunter puts a firm hand on her back and a soft smile on his lips. He says, "you have been through hell, walked through the flames and survived it all. You are the promised one, Emerald and you have brought a new world for all of us... you saved my life, and I only want to move through this world and live this new life if you are in it... stay by my side, baby... rule as the first equal to the Dragon King." 

Emerald says, "as you...equal?." Hunter nods saying, "yes, as our Dragon Queen and as the love of my life." Emerald says, "Hunter I will be your Dragon Queen." Hunter was surprised saying, "you do?." Emerald wraps her arms around Hunter as he holds her waist looking deeply into her eyes as she says, "yes Hunter, I have spent my entire life so alone, no freedom and shown no kindness but you have given me all of that and more... you have given me a purpose and a reason to live for, you were brave enough to love me." Hunter nuzzles his nose against her saying, "you are the brave one, Emerald." They share a kiss as the crowd cheers in delight. A few weeks later Emerald finds herself roaming the volcanic ruins of the old place preparing for another crowning. Lily comes over saying,"today's the day, how are you feeling bestie?." Emerald replies, "I feel calm and ready, Lil." Lily says, "I can imagine, it has been a long time coming." Emerald says, "it really has," light spills in over the crumbling castle walls on the perfect cloudless day as she breathes in the fresh and floral air. Emerald asks, "so tell me how are things going back home? any word?." Lily replies, "Rowan's started construction on the town and right at the base of the castle." Emerald smiles saying, "that's good news, now we can all live as one." Lily nods saying, "thanks to the Dragons, our people hauled out the last of the rubble a few days ago." A voice approaches them saying, "at this rate, a town twice the size of the last one will be built before we even return." Emerald and Lily turn as Josh approaches and Lily blushes when he smiles at her. Josh says, "it's time, my Lady." Emerald says, "we've been over this, Josh call me Emerald." Josh apologises and says, "of course, Emerald." Emerald heads out with Josh and Lily as later that evening she wonders 'can I live up to the crown I am going to wear?,' she makes her way down into the mystical cave-carved bedroom which she once shared with Hunter as she dips her feet into the warm pool. She thinks, 'god, so much has changed since we were last here.' A voice comes behind her saying, "yes, so much has changed." Emerald turns around to find the High Dragon Priest at her back, his face calm with an unreadable smile on his face. Emerald thinks stunned, 'did he just read my mind?.' Emerald says, "my Lord, you startled me what are you doing here?." The High Priest says, "I only wanted to offer my congratulations on your coronation, promised one." Emerald asks, "tell me, how far into my future were you able to see back then? Did you know this would all happen?." The High Priest shakes his head answering, "if you want the truth... I foresaw something else." Emerald says, "you did?." The High Priest says, "I saw two paths; one written for Dragons, another for humans but you... you forged a third path, a path where both Dragons and humans grow together." Lily comes in saying, "I have your dress, Emerald." Emerald turns to see Lily however as she turns back the High Priest has gone. She thinks, 'why am I not surprised?.' Lily hands Emerald a simple-handmade gown that she had chosen earlier as Lily notices Emerald in deep thoughts. Lily asks, "are you sure you don't want a massive wedding?."

Emerald replies, "no because that would be unnecessary... having Hunter's love is enough and I don't need anything more than that." Lily says, "I hear what you are saying but you only get married once, right?." Emerald says, "we have both been so busy especially Hunter with his duties that I have barely seen him and there's just too much to do so I will perform my duty, get crowned and we will exchange our vows quickly without fanfare." Emerald unwraps the dress as she then finds two more inside saying, "hold on, are theses-." Hunter says, "wedding dresses, yes." Emerald sees Hunter leaning in the doorway every beautiful inch of him adorned in rich royal finery. He comes over asking, "you didn't think I was going to let you get away with not having a wedding, did you?." Emerald says, "Hunter this is so thoughtful." Hunter says, "Shh, can't have anyone know I've got a heart." Emerald giggles saying, "I think that ship may have sailed, my King... you know it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding." Hunter rolls his eyes saying, "a silly human superstition, I rebuke it." Emerald says, "Oh? And what do Dragons believe?." Hunter pulls her closer saying, "that their mates should only wear the best, go on I had these made for you to capture the beauty and strength I see in you." Emerald asks, "how can I choose from these?." Hunter replies, "you'll know when you try the right one on, it will feel like the dress you want to walk down the aisle in." Emerald blushes before turning over to the gowns and choosing a beautiful white lace with silver pearls on it.Hunter has his back turned as Emerald says, "what do you think?." Hunter replies, "I think I may have fallen in love with you all over again." Emerald says, "what a coincidence, I did too." Hunter says, "we'll save that for our vows, are you ready?." Emerald replies, "yes just stay with me." Hunter smiles saying, "always." They head out as the sunsets over the sparkling mountainside when they soon reach the highest peak there overlooking a majestic volcano, an aisle has been formed by everyone they hold dear as Hunter is waiting for her with a smile on his face.