27 The Black Dragon's Bride in a Black Wedding Dress

Naria stood in front of the mirror, gazing at herself in awe. Her green eyes were sparkling with happiness, reflecting the light that bounced off the crystals on her blue tiara. She couldn't help but smile as she admired her reflection. Her hair cascaded in natural, long waves down her back, framing her face perfectly.

But it was the veil that caught her attention the most. It was delicate and sheer, with intricate patterns of lace and beading that seemed to shimmer in the light. As she looked closer, she noticed the way it draped elegantly over her shoulders, adding a touch of softness to her overall appearance.

Naria couldn't believe how beautiful she looked. She felt strengthened by the bright lipstick on her lips, which accentuated her feminine power. She was ready to conquer the day, and nothing could stand in her way. She continued to smile at herself in the mirror, lost in the moment of pure joy and self-love.

"Shall we depart, my lady." One of the maids bowed before Naria. Reluctantly, she tore her gaze away from the mirror that had filled her with such confidence and joy.

She returned the bow with a nod of her head. "Thank you all for making me look so beautiful today," she said, taking a moment to look at each of the maids.

As Naria was about to leave, a knight with broad shoulders entered the room. His eyes widened upon seeing Naria in all her fairy-like glory, and his cheeks turned red. "This way, please," he whispered, leading her out of the room. Naria bowed once more to the maids and followed the knight into the hallway, delicately holding onto her dress.

The hallway was cold and elegant, with polished marble floors and high ceilings adorned with chandeliers. "This is it," Naria whispered to herself, taking a deep breath. "There's no turning back now." She tightened her grip on her dress as she walked, mentally preparing herself for what was to come.

After a few minutes, they reached a towering entrance constructed of lustrous gold. The door was adorned with an awe-inspiring depiction of a massive black dragon, skillfully crafted onto the surface. The dragon's imposing presence seemed to emanate from the door, with its intricately detailed scales glinting in the light, and its fierce eyes and menacing claws seeming to challenge anyone who dared approach.

She couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine as she stood before it, ready to enter the ceremony that awaited her on the other side.

Her heart raced as the knight's words cut through the silence like a sharp sword. "It's time, my lady," he said, his voice echoing in the grand hall. Naria took a deep breath and clutched the bouquet of red peonies tightly, feeling the coolness of the flowers against her trembling hands.

As she entered the wedding hall, the creak of the door echoed loudly, and the air grew tense.

"…"

All eyes were drawn to her attire, causing a collective gasp of surprise. Jaws dropped open, and the room was filled with whispers that echoed off the walls. The king, in particular, seemed displeased, as he furrowed his eyebrows and balled his fists. Despite his obvious frustration, he attempted to force a smile through gritted teeth.

Naria one more time looked at her long, black dress that hugged her curves and trailed behind her like a river of shadows.

The long black sleeves that covered her elbows, leaving her slender shoulders tantalizingly exposed. The sleek fabric hugged her arms closely, emphasizing their shape and adding a touch of elegance to her appearance.

The way the fabric stretched over her arms hinted at the smoothness of her skin, adding to the intrigue of her already alluring presence. The contrast between the covered elbows and the exposed shoulders only served to heighten the sense of mystery surrounding her, leaving those around her curious and captivated.

The shiny black veil that covered her face shimmered under the light, adding an air of mystery and intrigue. It was a dress fit for a queen, but not one getting married. Naria knew the king was angry that she wasn't wearing the white dress he had chosen for her. She was supposed to be a symbol of purity and innocence, but instead, she looked like she was going to a funeral, not a wedding.

"…"

"What is this?" Someone commented.

"I can't believe it," another one gasped.

The whispers of the guests filled the room like a gentle breeze. They commented on her dress and the way she held herself with quiet confidence. Naria could hear their hushed words, but she didn't care. She was done with living up to their expectations. This was her day, her destiny, and she would not let anyone control her.

"They can't take away my freedom," she whispered to herself as she took another step forward.

While walking down the aisle, Naria's eyes scanned the room. She noticed the shiny altar, with a dark blue color that looked like it was made of the night sky itself. High ceilings made the room feel larger than life, and you could see flying dragons through the windows. Four dragon riders stood at the sides, watching her take her steps towards the altar. They stood proud, a testament to the authorisation that she was about to gain.

Naria's heart fluttered as she caught a glimpse of the king's face. He looked furious, and his eyes burned with anger. She knew he would not be happy about her dress, but she didn't care. She was not his puppet to control. The queen, on the other hand, had a small smirk on her face. It was a sign that Naria had made the right choice in wearing black… 'So this is what you meant when you told me to surprise him,' the corners of Naria's lips lifted on their own.

As she reached the altar, Naria felt a sense of empowerment. The blue butterflies that emerged from her body filled the room with a magical aura. They fluttered around her, a symbol of her newfound strength and power. The guests gasped in wonder, and Naria could feel their eyes on her. She was no longer the weak and poor dancer who was forced into marriage. She was a woman who had taken control of her own destiny.

With each breath, she felt more confident, more in control. She knew that her fate was in her own hands now, and she was ready to embrace it.

She lifted her head and noticed how the room was enraptured, the eyes of the cloud prince and everyone else fixated on the ethereal gracefully dancing creatures. Even the fierce dragon raiders couldn't help but glance over in wonder. Princess Reina and Reido followed the fluttering insects with eager eyes, reaching out in an attempt to catch them. As the butterflies rose higher into the air, their wings seemed to transform into a sparkling dust that settled on the king's attire. His eyes blazed with fury as he stood up, feeling his anger rise at the sight of Naria's stunning display.

"…we shall begin!"