"Your Highness, you look absolutely stunning," Cassia had said sorrowfully, looking at Marguerite as she finished pinning up her hair. Cassia styled Marguerite's pale lavender locks in a low braid. She had kept a few curly strands out on the sides and used traditional elven earrings. Amethyst jewels adorned Marguerite's pointed ears, matching her crown.
Her dress was made of ivory silk, it hugged her curves while the bottom flowed loosely. The skirt was decorated with delicate, mesh, orchids that shone in the light.
Marguerite's facial features were enhanced by faery dust. Her natural pink lips now painted with a rose-colored gloss. Her cheeks made a little rosier than usual, and her eyelids were tinted with a natural sheen. Her chest was left bare except for a teardrop amethyst stone that laid in between her collar bones.
"Thank you Cassia, I appreciate you for taking care of me all my life," Marguerite whispered, standing and embracing her nanny. Cassia sniffled and gently let go, holding hands as they pulled away.
"It's been an honor, my Princess," Cassia responded, tears welling up. She had raised Marguerite, she was the closest thing to a mother that Marguerite had. Seeing her sent off as a peace offering struck something dark in Cassia's stomach.
—————————
It was time. Marguerite was standing in front of the main entrance of the Temple. In there, she would no longer be part of her father's legacy. She would be the first Elven bride of a Dragon. Her portrait would be the first to be hung up on the wall. She would be the ancestor that future generations could admire and respect. And that was much more than what her father gave her. She doesn't particularly care about her father's legacy, but she does like her own destiny.
"Open the doors," She commanded. If this was the last day she would be in her kingdom, she would stride to alter with her head held high and proud.
Walking into the Temple, Marguerite kept a straight, stoic face. She noticed on the right side of the large expanse, were dragon-folk. And on the left side, elven nobility. The elves didn't spare a look at the dragons, only gazing upon Marguerite. They looked at her emotionlessly, and on the inside, she wanted to tear them all apart. She looked ahead of her, taking deep breaths to keep her power even and concise. She had to keep control. Her dress dragged behind her, revealing the layers of her dress.
Marguerite's eyes shifted towards the alter and saw her fiancé, soon husband. Her breath stopped momentarily. He was handsome. Caramel skin, bright yellow eyes, long, black hair tied back. He was slimmer than she thought, considering the picture she portrayed of him. He was muscular, but he had a sleek, lustrous appearance. The Dragon King was wearing a golden robe with ivory buttons. He had white slacks with gold sewed into the seams. His shoes were white leather, and finally, their eyes met.
There was a mystical sense in it all. An Elven Princess and a Dragon King bound by matrimony. Today on, history will never repeat itself. There will be no war, no death. And that, is a cause Marguerite is willing to live on for. She looked at him through her veil and felt herself tense as the music stopped. The Elven Priest was the first to step up, then the Dragon Lord. They looked at one another and then started the ceremony.
"On this Holy day, we have united completely. Now, there will be no war between us, only peace," The Dragon Lord declared, looking at the Elven Priest with an awkward face.
"We have finally become one people, one unison, one to fight together to defeat our common enemies," The Elven Priest responded to the Dragon Priest's uneasiness with a nod of his head.
"These two are now one, they will go into forevermore together when the time comes, upon us, we gaze upon Hera, grant this marriage," Both Dragon and Elf said in concordance.
Adonis lifted Marguerite's veil, looking upon her utter beauty. Her eyes were pouring into his, and he almost had to clear his throat. He gave a calm look, and Marguerite responded with soft smile. They leaned in together, closing the space between their lips.
Her lips brushed his, softly, delicately, like butterfly wings, just long enough that he could inhale her breath, feel the warmth of her skin, and the taste of her lipstick lingered far after she had pulled away. He was utterly intrigued by her boldness, but also endeared by her blush. Her cheeks were a vibrant pink after their kiss. Could he had been her first kiss?
Marguerite was flustered to say the least, she had her first kiss with a stranger who was now her husband. She had kept herself strong until this moment, she felt weakened by his lips, she liked the way it felt. Marguerite looked back shyly, taking Adonis' arm, thankful for the warmth he radiated.
She glanced at her father one last time, not meeting his eyes. He wasn't even looking at her. But she did notice her youngest brother welling up. Marguerite met his eyes, blowing him a small kiss before anyone else could notice. For her brother, she would do anything. Marguerite had practically raised him as Cassia raised her. Yet, she was certain. Their paths will cross in the future, this is not goodbye. She is positively sure of that.