weaving over the mountains until the signal was launched into the air. Ravi’s heart raced as Baldewin smoothly turned and carried him toward the elegant white-and-red pavilion. From a distance, he could see the mix of people and dragons gathered, waiting for his arrival.
And then he saw the flash of blue approaching from the opposite direction, carrying a man dressed in black.
Sora was riding Sahan, and Ravi nearly let out a cheer. He’d known the two were close friends, but Sora had refused to share who would be carrying him to the ceremony. It seemed fitting, a blending of both his fire dragon and wind dragon families.
When Ravi set both feet on solid ground, he finally got a good look at his mate. Sora had never looked more handsome or regal. Dressed in a black montsuki kimono with black pants decorated with thin white pinstripes, Sora moved away from Sahan. His lush long hair cascaded down his back like a waterfall at night.
It was only when Sora had lifted one raven-wing brow at him that Ravi realized he’d frozen, enraptured by his beautiful mate. Grinning at his absurd good fortune, he crossed to where Sora stood.
“Afraid you were in the wrong place?” Sora teased softly when Ravi was standing before him.
“Afraid I was dreaming.”
Sora leaned forward, touching their foreheads together. “Not a dream. A wonderful reality.”
The moment was broken when Alric stepped forward with large floral garlands made of happy yellow and red flowers in each hand. Ravi did a double take to see that the king was, in fact, wearing his crown for the occasion. He’d been present when Alric had complained more than once about wearing the thing, and he was honored that Alric had donned it for the ceremony. The king was looking dapper as always in his dark suit, accented across the front with a wide red sash the same color as Ravi’s sherwani.
They each accepted a garland and placed it over the other’s head before following Alric inside the mandap. As they moved, Ravi was only vaguely aware of the sound of people following. They lit the fire to symbolize their new life together.
From there they moved to the low table where they knelt on either side while Alric remained standing over them. Very carefully, Alric placed a hand on the top of their heads and spoke for the first time.
“Today, we gather for the bonding of Abe Sora, son of Abe Ryu and Yuki of the most esteemed Abe clan, to Ravi Yamuna, only son of Marut Yamuna and Kamala Yamuna of the great wind dragons.”
Ravi shivered at the unexpected mention of his parents’ names. It was nice to have them spoken here, to be reminded of whose child he was, and that his parents were no doubt here with him in spirit.
“As King Alric Burkhard of the Fire Dragon Clan and representative of the four kings, I offer our most profound blessing on his couple. May the winds of fate blow gently across their lives, filling their home with happiness and the laughter of children. May their heartaches be brief, softened by the love of family and friends.”
To Ravi’s shock, there came an answer from the three other kings in attendance. In unison, they said, “May they be blessed.”
There was a new tingle of magic in the air, giving it a thicker, heavier weight. The proceedings had just gotten the stamp of approval from all the dragon kings. God help anyone who tried to stop them.
Sora gracefully reached across and poured the ceremonial sake into the first cup, which was painted with the most delicate cherry blossom design he’d ever seen. Picking it up, he handed it over to Ravi, whose fingers trembled slightly.
Don’t spill it. Don’t drop it. Don’t break it.
With the cup lightly clasped in both hands, he looked at Sora, and the rest of the world fell away. Strangely, his usually excitable dragon was completely at peace, staying still in his mind. There was just the sound of the winds rushing across the mountain, whispering of the years of love that stretched out ahead of them. And there was Sora’s handsome, smiling face. The words came so very easily, as if they’d always been inscribed on his soul, waiting for this moment.
“I, Ravi Yamuna-Burkhard, vow to always love you with all of 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