Chapter 34 #3
“Thank you all for coming on such short notice to celebrate this momentous occasion,” Alric started in a loud, booming voice that carried to the very back of the room.
He lifted both hands in the air. “We are gathered for the bonding of Nikki Bos, child of Jan and Anika Bos of the most esteemed Bos Clan, to Gunter Burkhard, only son of Erik and Odessa Burkhard of the great fire dragons.”
Gunter sucked in a breath at the sound of his parents’ names.
He hadn’t thought of them in years. They’d both died during the Dragon War, lost with so many other mages and dragons.
His mother had been a member of the Mylonas Clan, a Greek major clan destroyed by the Jaeggi.
He had to wonder what they would think of the mage standing at his side right now. Odessa would have doted on them.
“As King Alric Burkhard of the Fire Dragon Clan and representative of the four kings, I offer our most profound blessing on this couple. May the fires of their love burn brightly all through their days, filling their home with happiness and the laughter of children. May their heartaches be brief, softened by the love of family and friends.”
Nikki gave a little start when the three other kings said in unison, “May they be blessed.”
A new snap of magical energy filled the air, blanketing and protecting all who were gathered. The proceedings had just gotten the stamp of approval from all the dragon kings.
“Turn and take each other’s hands,” Alric instructed.
Gunter turned to his right and smiled when Nikki slid their smaller right hand into his left.
The butterflies that had buffeted his stomach as they’d walked to the throne room were suddenly gone.
So were all the gathered people. There was only Nikki in his world, and he was going to make Nikki his forever.
His vows swam to the forefront of his mind, as if they’d been waiting for Nikki to unlock them from his heart.
“I, Gunter Burkhard, vow to always love you with all my heart and my soul. I vow to devote my life to your happiness and the happiness of our children. I vow to lay down my life to keep you safe and protect you always. You are my happiness, my heart. You are the fire that keeps me warm, and the light that guides me home again.”
Tears slipped down Nikki’s cheeks one after another, but their smile never wavered. They then leaned over to Alric and asked in a somewhat loud whisper, “You’re gonna help me with this part, right? He didn’t give me time to memorize vows.”
A titter of laughter ran through the room, and even Alric looked like he was struggling to keep a straight face. “I’ve got your back,” Alric murmured. He then fed Nikki the vows line by line, but Gunter didn’t hear Alric’s voice. Only Nikki’s.
“I, Nikki Bos, vow to always love you with all my heart and my soul. I vow to devote my life to your happiness and the happiness of our children. I vow to lay down my life to keep you safe and protect you always. You are the joy from which our lives will grow and which gives my soul eternal life.”
Gunter’s heart stuttered in his chest, and he sucked in a breath. The magic in the air grew denser, and he could already feel the little ties looping between his heart and Nikki’s. There were only the final words of the spell to say.
With a little help from Cameron, Nikki smiled so widely fresh tears trickled down their cheeks, but their voice was loud and clear. “Sifa fat-conqi gabofo zold vitar gev adi.”
I claim you as my mate and bind your soul to mine.
Gunter was confident no more beautiful words had ever been spoken by his mate. “Sifa fat-conqi gabofo zold vitae,” he replied loud enough that all in the hall could hear.
I claim you as my mate and give my soul to you.
A flash of brilliant gold crossed Nikki’s gorgeous purple eyes, briefly changing them to gold coins that glowed with an inner light.
Magical energy rushed like a torrent through Gunter’s right arm and through Nikki’s body to exit out his left, completing the circle and officially binding them together.
Gunter couldn’t wait a single second longer.
He pulled Nikki forward and wrapped his arms around them before capturing their mouth in a blistering kiss.
Both his emotions and Nikki’s rebounded between them, doubling and tripling until Gunter was sure he was drowning in pure love and joy.
Nikki was truly and forever his at last.
Around them there was cheering and laughing and shouts of happiness, but it was just a dull roar in his ears.
Only when Alric finally patted him on the back did Gunter lift his head to look at his king’s smiling face.
“Come along, Gunter. There will be time for kissing later. We have a small celebration in the dining hall pulled together, and everyone wishes to congratulate you.”
All Gunter wanted to do was escape with his mate to their rooms and explore this new bond, but Alric was right. His mage deserved such a celebration, to be surrounded by their new family so that they knew how completely they were loved and accepted.
And then he planned to spend many hours showing Nikki how much he loved them.