Alright, we can talk about this on the way, or later. But we need to get back, and get you ready for the wedding. Fergus said, physically pulling me up and grabbing me around the waist. I wanted to throw him down onto the table and screw his brains out. He always knew how to get me hot for him. He was still completely clueless to the effect he had on me.
We walked, the whole long way back. The effects of the Soberus spell were wearing off a little, and I was feeling a touch buzzed, we reached the Academy gate.
“Hestia, for the Goddess’ sake, make sure to get me to the quad on time,” I said quietly.
“Yes, my Queen,” Hestia replied softly.
I thought I saw the shadow move. Why did I get so drunk? I never let my guard down like this.
We returned to the dorm and my ladies ganged up to get me ready for the wedding. We made it to the quad, and my adopted father walked me down a long carpet to the podium that had been set up for the wedding. The quad was packed with royals, and nobles, and commoners. We could have filled a stadium. There were even people in the buildings looking out from the windows, and on the roofs.
At the podium stood the High Priestess. What the Hell was she doing here? She only officially performed Royal weddings? I climbed the stairs to the wedding platform, and took my place. Then High Priestess Aisling said,
“Deirdre Ní Qin, The White Queen, do you here and now choose Aodhán Mac Ferdiad third son of Duchess Ealadrien as your Mate to Love, to Honor, to Defend and Protect, to Cherish against All Threats and Trials, in Success and Failure, In Abundance and Scarcity, to Heal and never Wound, until the Thread is cut?”
Gasps were heard from every quarter. I shot a look at the Priestess, the crowd, and the Queen. The Queen nodded. I did a double take, and the Queen smiled and shrugged.
Sigh
I reached mentally for the Sceptre’s power. My skin transformed to white pearlescent scales, and my hair also became white and pearlescent. The entire audience gasped.
“I do!” I said.
“How shall we know?” Aisling asked.
“I swear it upon the One Truth! May Tiamat, Mother Goddess of Dragons be judge,” I said.
Aisling, smiled, and let the crowd recover before continuing the ceremony.
“Aodhán Mac Ferdiad, third son of Duchess Ealadrien, do you here and now choose Deirdre Ní Qin, The White Queen, as your Mate to Love, to Honor, to Defend and Protect, to Cherish against All Threats and Trials, in Success and Failure, In Abundance and Scarcity, to Heal and never Wound, until the Thread is cut?”
Aodhán was staring in disbelief and wonder at me. There was sheer adoration shining out from deeper inside as well. I huffed at him and the warm breeze stirred him,
“I do!” he said, and his smile was enormous.
“How shall we know?” Aisling asked.
“I Swear it upon the One Truth! May the Goddess be judge,” Aodhán said.
“Having seen your oaths, I, Aisling High Priestess of the Goddess, hereby pronounce you wife and husband. You may now mix your mana,” Aisling pronounced.
When we kissed and our mana mixed, my aura surged high and surrounded us both. It shimmered in a barely visible sparkling, pearlescent, light, green color shimmering with the wind in shades of rose, and gold, and teal. Aodhán’s natural aura was grass green from his Earth affinity. Not that many others than myself could normally see it. Aodhán was already extremely aroused, and it was amazing he didn’t burst through his clothing with the apparent strain. Not that the crowd was noticing that.
At the conclusion the crowd went wild. Servants of the various nobles and visiting royals ran off to spread the news. Every noble and foreign royal looked at me with hungry eyes. I don’t know what happened to reveal all this now, but I knew it meant nothing but trouble ahead. Sheilagh was in the stands with the nobles, standing, staring at me with her mouth open. I smiled and waved at her, and she jumped and recovered. She smiled and waved back.
Aodhán and I were whisked away to the Dew Drop Inn. We were brought in and seated before the guests, as the wedding party had at least noticed Aodhán’s state of excitement.
“I want to thank you all for being a part of our Marvelous Day! Now let us Feast and Drink to our hearts content!” I said.
We sat and enjoyed dish after dish of a magnificent feast. The drinks flowed in a river of a delight. Poor Aodhán was struggling fiercely. Then carts of desserts rolled in, and we took the opportunity to slip out, and make our way to the wedding suite, where I helped Aodhán fully release his tension. I had only days earlier dropped my egg, and stored it. The timing was horrible, and fortunate at once, and luckily worked out. It was apparent our interlude had been detected, as my roar was probably to blame. The celebration went on for hours. We retired shortly after having received everyone and danced the necessary dances.
Aodhán was to make his new home with my adopted father on my future Viscountess domain. Quite a severe drop from a duchy, and yet, he was now a queen’s consort. So he both lowered and rose in rank. Morgrim though suggested he set up in a villa in the capital, so he could be close to me. So we purchased an old villa of an extinct House, and Aodhán managed that as an official branch house of the Viscount.
Less than a week later, an entourage of seven Red Dragons approached the city.
The Red Queen sends her salutations to the White Queen, and a harem of male suitors to choose as her mate per the ancient pact of peace between the White and the Red. We request entry to the city and escort from the White Queen.
Queen Matilde sent a message to the guard, to grant them access, and request time to alert the White Queen. To please arrive at the Queen’s Courtyard, and await the White Queen there.
“We send Greetings and Salutations, to you Ancient and magnificent Red Dragons, you are most welcome. Please proceed to our Royal Courtyard. Please allow us time to alert her Royal Magnificence the White Queen, and await her arrival,” said the Captain of the Guard.
The dragons flew in and landed one at a time, transforming to their battle form. Each landing in the traditional one-fisted kneel before the Queen, and then rising to wait for my arrival.
I didn’t need to be alerted. Everyone in the city heard them. I quickly left class. Called up my connection to the White Sceptre, blinked into the air and transformed to my full dragon form. My White Dragon form was always larger than my Red. I would have to ask Fergus later what he thought my White dimensions were now.
Greetings and Salutations dear suitors. We were not expecting your arrival so soon, I said.
The Red Queen was not expecting to send suitors so soon either. All were surprised when you laid your claim to the throne at your human marriage, White Queen.
We did not reveal it, but information was discovered and our secret revealed. Others chose to make the announcement in our place. For what purpose we do not yet know. Why have you chosen to arrive here at our place of learning? We are ill-equipped to receive you here. Our own capital is better suited, although still being restored to a livable place, I said.
Because you are here. Not there, White Queen.
Very well. Shall we continue here? Or travel to the White City, my prospective mates? I asked.
It would interrupt your learning were we to leave this place, for another. We can continue here.
The seven dragons took dragonkin forms. I took a dragonkin form, retaining my white dragon features.
“I am inexperienced in this ritual. How am I to choose? How do we proceed? I ask for your guidance and patience with me as we proceed,” I said.
“You choice by picking the one, or more than one, with whom you judge to be the best mate for your goal,” said the elder dragon.
“Can we take this to a less public place? I need to know what is expected of me through this whole process. We can perhaps, continue this in my dorm at the academy,” I said.
“If, I may suggest, White Queen, the training hall, attached to the barracks for your squad would be a superior place for a more private meeting, with the guard the Red Queen has provided for you,” Queen Matilde said.
“That would be acceptable,” the elder dragon said.
“Very well, then,” I said.
“Please follow me,” I said, as my full guard surrounded me.
We left the courtyard and went to the meeting hall at the barracks.
“I do not know where to begin, but perhaps we should start with introductions. I do not even know any of your names. I am Deirdre Ní Qin,” I said.
I am Valenor, said the elder dragon.
I am Ignatus.
I am Volcarius.
I am Kouen.
I am Kazan.
I am Rory.
I am Aidan.
Is there some process, for me to do? How do dragons normally chose their mates? Please help me to understand what I am supposed to do? I do not even know how the dragonkin choose each other, I said.
Hmph, Valenor huffed.
Your majesty has been taught nothing of our customs. I wonder what your Academy classes taught you. The Red Queen gave direct instructions on what you were to be taught, your majesty, Valenor said.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Very well then. Many dragons enter into arranged marriages where the head of the houses meet and negotiate to join two individuals. For those that are not joined in this way there are annual gatherings, and those looking for mates partake in games and competitions, and select their mates on performance of those in the games, and other events, Valenor said.
In this case, the Red Queen has arranged with our families, for one, or more of us to become your mate. All that is left is for you to choose which of us you will take as your mate. It is very unusual for either the bride or the groom to have a choice. There is no ritual, or ceremony, or custom to follow, Kouen said.
I, ... understand, I said with some confusion.
So, the Red Queen is trying to give me some choice. However, since I did not grow up in the Dragon Realm, I know nothing about any of you. Very well, then I will take each of you out on a date. We will get to know one another some, and then I will make my choice. This will take several days or a week at least, maybe longer. You will need safe places to live during that time. There is an Inn on the Academy grounds, or someplace connected to the Palace or the Military complex. What sort of lodgings would you prefer. The other option is places within the New White City. That would mean relocating there and missing some school, I said.
You must remain in Academy. You need all the education you can get! Your Majesty. Valenor said.
We would prefer dragon nests, or the closest thing to it. We would need two, but preferably three, or four, Kouen said.
I will see to it that four nests will be built for your use here. The roofs of these buildings should be sufficient for three nests. This entire area is restricted, and you will not be disturbed while staying here. These are the barracks of my squad, and we are all staying on campus at the academy, so these barracks are currently empty. In the meantime, you can all relax here as you see fit, I said.
Thank you, your majesty, Valenor said.
“Now, I will return to classes, for the day. When classes are over, I will return, and I will take you, Valenor, on our first date. Enya and Kamara, please stay here with my suitors to assist them if they need anything or wish to contact me, or anyone,” I said.
“Yes, my Queen,” Kamara and Enya said.
On our way back to class,
Oh, my Goddess! What a nightmare. I have to pick one of them? As my mate for life?
They seem rather ... stoic, my Queen, Hestia said.
Stoic!? A stone has more emotion! I said.
I doubt any of them are enthusiastic about being paired with a halfblood, my Queen, Hestia said.
That’s true, I suppose their etiquette is containing them. I am a wretched failure at etiquette, I said.
You are too hard on yourself, my Queen. You are just very passionate, which is uncharacteristic among dragonkind, Vulcana said.
We entered class, and I was instantly flooded with questions.
“What was all that, Deirdre? Are you getting married, again? To a dragon, now?” Sheilagh asked.
“The Red Queen has given me a choice of seven dragons to choose as my mate. I may choose one or all of them. Or any combination of them. But I must choose one for the peace of Dragonkind,” I said.
“Are the Dragons coming back to these lands?” asked a classmate named Clarissa.
“My realm is to the south, in the lands of the former White Dragon Empress. My mate will likely take up residence there. It is highly unlikely the Dragons will move there, or anywhere else in these lands,” I said.
“Are you really the White Dragon Queen?” asked a student I didn’t recognize.
“I am recognized as such by the Ancient Mother, the Red Queen, Queen Matilde, and the Sceptre of Hakuryuu no Jotei, the White Dragon Empress’ own sceptre. Whether I truly am will be seen with the birth of my first dragon child,” I said.
“When will you have your first dragon child?” Sheilagh asked.
“When the Weavers decide,” I said. Laughter from many of the girls, at this common reply to mothers asking daughters that very question. Sheilagh, merely pouted at my response. She was a good actress. I suppose a necessary skill for a proper spy.
Many more questions came at me. Then I was saved by the professor coming in and starting class. The rest of my day was a rinse, and repeat of this. By the end of classes, I was actually anxious for my date.
“Shall we begin our date, Valenor?” I asked.
“What is involved in this ‘date’?” Valenor asked.
“It can be many things. We can walk around the Academy, or the City. We might be able to take to the air, even. We can visit shops, inns, and pubs. There are places in the city and Academy designed for lovers to be somewhat alone, and yet still out in public. Conversation is a big part of any date. It is really all I am interested in. Although the ability of my mate to at least be able to interact with humans and beastkin must be considered. My realm will inevitably have them as subjects and equals. We can forego that part for now, as our interaction with each other is essential. We cannot hope to mate if we cannot abide each other’s presence. Our date must remain inside the confines of the City. As a student I am restricted from leaving the City without consent. Which can be easily enough obtained, should it be necessary,” I said.
“Yes, that is logical. Let us take advantage of these more private places for lovers, where we can converse, then,” Valenor said.
“Wonderful, come along then. First off, I’d like to know your age, and do you have any mates, or children? I am eighteen and have two human mates at this time, and no children,” I said.
“I am one-hundred-one and have neither mates nor children. So it is true, you have used a ritual to force ending your cycle to prevent true mating. So you have as yet no true mate?”
“Well, it is true, I have chosen not to have a child, and taken precautions to prevent that, but I have mated with my mates,” I said.
“That is not considered mating among dragons,” Valenor said.
“Yes, I suppose I can see how that would be the common belief. Next question, I am curious why you have no mate at your age?” I said.
“I have not found one I found worthy, or interesting enough to take as a mate,” Valenor said.
“Do you find me worthy, or interesting? If not for the Red Queen’s command, would you have ever considered me? Be honest please, I care not for etiquette preventing an honest answer. I will not be offended by any answer you give, except one void of honesty,” I asked.
“Probably not. You are a halfblood. Yet you will be queen. Still your offspring, will not be of pureblood. At least not close enough for many generations. You are uneducated, but that can be fixed with time and effort. That said, you are quite interesting, and mildly entertaining. What of you? Would you have considered me, had I not been chosen by the Red Queen?” Valenor said.
“Probably not. At least at my current age. You are too much of a father figure to me at this time. In time that might change. The fact that it matters as a factor in your decision that I am a halfblood, is another strike against. It was expected, and I suspect, all my suitors will feel as you do. It is likely one thing I will have to accept, although I cannot deny, it hurts a little knowing it. There is something, I do wish from you. Would you consider being my teacher? Teaching me proper etiquette for a dragon, and proper history of dragons. I am sure I can find such a teacher among the dragonkin, but there are none of them teaching at the Academy. If I am to be a proper White Dragon Queen, I truly must know what a true Dragon Queen would know,” I said.
“I would be willing to teach you how to be a proper Dragon Queen. Have you then decided you will not choose me?” Valenor said.
“No, that would be a rash decision. You may well be my best choice for a mate. I am not so foolish to decide on so little information. I have many more questions for you, teacher and suitor Valenor,” I said.
“I see,” Valenor said.
We continued on, until the Curfew warning bell rang.
So ended my first date with a true dragon. Every day after classes I chose another dragon to date. Then on Friday I met up with Kazan.
“Salutations my suitors, Kazan, shall we begin our date?” I said.
“Yes, I am ready, White Queen. I am 25, and I have neither mate nor children. I would also like to begin our date on one of your human lovers trails,” Kazan said.
“Thank you, Kazan, then please come with me,” I said taking his hand and leading him toward the closest city park favored by lovers.
“So, I imagine you are all familiar with my initial topics of conversation. Would you have considered me as a mate if not for the Red Queen’s order?” I said.
“I volunteered for a chance to become your mate. I already considered you a wonderful choice as a potential mate. Ever since you stormed in to meet the Ancient Mother with the White Queen’s Sceptre, I have been fascinated with you, my Princess and I hope my Queen,” Kazan said. I felt a spark of excitement at his words.
“Oh my!” I said, and I noticed he was surreptitiously observing the various lovers on benches and in alcoves.
“May I ask, what is it these humans are doing? They are not mating, but their mana indicates mating rhythms. Some more intense than others. Even most of those just talking display mating rhythms,” Kazan said.
“Those are in all in various stages of foreplay. Some will wind up mating before the night is over. A few may end up mating where they are. Most that will choose to mate tonight will find private rooms to mate in. Most will not be for the purpose of producing a child. Many, mate merely for the pleasure and closeness it brings. Some will become lifetime mates, and others will move on to another mate,” I said.
“So many will only perform these foreplay portions of mating without actually mating tonight? For what purpose?”
“Part of it is the process of finding a mate, and this foreplay is a part of the choosing, or signals to indicate their interest in perhaps mating in the future. The process of choosing can take years,” I said.
“Years!? Isn’t that very frustrating?” Kazan said.
“For some. Some are quick to choose, and quick to separate. Mates can be very fleeting among humans,” I said.
“What a strange species. So is there an order to these foreplay methods? I see they are using many different actions. The most frequent being mouth to mouth contact, of various durations,” Kazan said.
“That is called kissing. It is the first sign of affection. Well other than holding hands, which is the first sign of a couple dating. Simple kisses are not a sign of foreplay. The ones whose mouths are open while kissing are in the first level of foreplay. It is often called mana kissing, since it is hard to prevent sharing mana when the tongues are thus entwined,” I said.
“That’s kind of gross. Why do they do that?” Kazan asked.
“It can be quite pleasurable, some even find it arousing,” I said.
“I want to try it. Let’s kiss and mana kiss!” Kazan said.
“Whoa! Whoa! Hold on. We are not lovers. That’s something only lovers do,” I said.
“We are mating candidates, is that not what lovers are for humans?” Kazan asked.
“Human lovers are a couple with mutual feelings of desire considering becoming mates,” I said.
“Are we not considering becoming mates? Have you decided not to choose me?” Kazan asked.
“You make a valid point. Fine, I see no harm in kissing. Let’s try not to share mana. I’m not sure if it’s actually possible for me not to. It’s fairly overflowing these days,” I said, as I put my hands on his face and leaned in and kissed him. There was a spark between our lips. Strange.
“That’s a kiss,” I said, as I pulled him in with an open mouth, and extended my tongue into his mouth and caressed his tongue. I could feel the mana flowing between us as I feared would happen. It was more exciting than I thought. I pulled away, and said,
“That’s a m...”
He pulled me in and fiercely kissed me back. We kissed for minutes, and I finally pulled away.
“This is exciting!” Kazan said and pulled me into another kiss. This was really feeling very good. I was getting rather warm. He pulled me into an embrace, and kept kissing me, one after another. I embraced him back. I needed to push him away, and stop this.
Finally, I got us separated.
“That is amazing,” Kazan said panting, and he looked around at the various couples.
“Let’s sit. What’s the next stage?” Kazan said as he pulled me into the bench we were standing next to.
“We are not doing the next stage! I will explain them, as long as you promise to not try to do them,” I said.
“How will I learn if we don’t practice?” Kazan said.
“If you move on in the selection process, I’ll consider it then,” I said.
“I don’t understand,” Kazan said.
“Ugh. Fine. Just listen and don’t do. The next phase is mostly for the guys only. Females don’t get much from it. It’s about skin contact on the upper body. While it can be stimulating for females, we don’t really get to do the equivalent as guys aren’t usually very stimulated by the skin contact in that area. The next stage is stimulating each other’s sexual organs, often to the point of climax. As you can imagine those reaching that stage often wind up mating,” I said.
“Do you find the next stage stimulating? Is it pleasurable? I would like to try it and see how it pleases you,” Kazan said.
“Yes, it is stimulating and pleasurable, as is quite obvious from looking at the couples doing it. It is not something respectable ladies do on a first date. Would you like to see couples enjoying a romantic dinner? It is another form of mating selection among humans,” I said.
“Yes, I find the human rituals fascinating! Can we try doing the romantic dinner?” Kazan said.
“Yes, we absolutely can. Let’s go. I know the perfect place, but you have to let go of me, so we can get up,” I said.
“Oh! Yes, of course. But you didn’t say what this was, where we wrap our arms around each other. It’s a nice feeling. I get a warm feeling, beyond the shared body heat. Your body heat is elevated, since we’ve done these things,” Kazan said letting me go and getting up.
“It’s called hugging. It’s not part of the mating ritual, but does have similar effects among lovers, and gives warm feelings among many species to more than just mates,” I said.
We went to the Dew Drop Inn, and had a fine dinner, and Kazan was equally enthusiastic about it. He wanted to do more walking along lover’s retreats and more kissing. I ended the night before we got too worked up. We managed to get some normal conversation going. Then over the next two days I finished up my first dates with Rory and Aidan. Kazan was the only one who said he was actually interested in becoming my mate.
Salutations my noble and magnificent suitors. Valenor, Kazan, and Aidan, I will choose one of you to be my mate. Ignatus, Volcarius, Kouen, and Rory, I release you from your obligation as my suitor, and you may return proudly to the Red Queen for having nobly performed as proper suitors, I said.
Greetings and Salutations, White Queen. Thank you for considering us as a mate. May the Goddess Tiamat smile upon you and your future, said the dragons I dismissed, and they returned to the Dragon Realm.