Chereads / Withering Monsters / Chapter 7 - Ceremony

Chapter 7 - Ceremony

The day of the ceremony arrived and everyone is in the mist of getting everything prepared for the ceremony that was being held when Pandora's allies and family arrive. Ashen and Pandora spent most of their day together at the lake.

Ashen looked at the water and skipped rocks along the lake then looked at Pandora and noticed her anxious face. "What's wrong?"

"I'm just worried. I'm not good at being in large crowds and marriage is a big thing! Why couldn't you have asked me to be your servant or girlfriend at the very least..?" Pandora said then sighed.

Ashen looked back out to the lake. "Because it would be too easy. Having you as a wife would certainly make things interesting plus we will be allied because of the marriage and you'll get to stay closer to me."

Pandora held her hands behind her back as she looked out to the lake. "What if my father deems you and your people untrustworthy? What then?"

"Then we will strike him down. Like I said, I will leave your mother and siblings alone...but if he attacks, there will be carnage." Ashen said.

"He wouldn't be stupid enough to attack you." Ruination said.

"You'd be surprised at how impulsive my father truly is. He thinks of the Dragons as nothing but pets to the higher gods. He already knows you're a monster from our first bout." Pandora said then looked at Ashen. "This is the first time I've ever felt anxious like this."

"You have nothing to fear, Pandora." Ashen said then looked at her. He gently grabbed her hand then interlocked their fingers together. "I have everything under control."

Pandora looked at their hands then smiled and nodded. "I believe in you."

....

Pandora's father and his army arrived at Exithia and were greeted in by the guards then walked into the kingdom. Silas, Cecilia, and Kagura were in awe of the kingdom as this was the first time they had entered Exithia.

"King Ericus, I am glad you were able to make it." Kinona said and smiled at Ericus.

"Hmph. I am here for my daughter. Nothing more. Our alliance is bound by our children, but I will never truly respect the Dragons. Nothing but beasts full of wrath and anger." Ericus said.

Kinona's smile faded and she looked at Ericus seriously. "It was our very race that gave you life. Without the Awakening Stream, none of you would exist. It was the same stream that even gave you the Hero of Legend."

"Even then, you are all nothing but barbarians and beasts. Now, shall we get to the ceremony or are we going to sit here and argue?" Ericus said then crossed his arms.

Kinona turned around then smoke came from her nose. "Follow me."

....

Everyone who attended, gathered inside the altar and took their seats. Kinona sat beside her husband and crossed her arms. She sighed and gripped her sleeve slightly.

"What is the matter?" Ashen's stepfather asked.

"Nothing, just the Aestrean King. He's such a bonehead, talking down on our race. He has the slightest respect for us." Kinona said.

Ashen's stepfather looked over at Kagura and Ericus. He scoffed softly and looked back at his wife. "Him..? That's very interesting. His wife seems more well mannered than he is."

"Yeah...but I don't want to ruin my son's marriage because of petty matters. Today is his special day, we should be able to celebrate with joy and happiness." Kinona smiled.

Ashen hurriedly got prepared for the ceremony and fixed his hair in a royal hairdo and adjusted his royal garment. He put on his royal hair accessories then looked at himself in the mirror.

"This will be step one in world domination. Having someone who can control the Sacred Core on our side will boost our chances in being unstoppable, but even without her...we would still be unstoppable because of my power." Ragnarok said.

"Yeah whatever, Ragnarok. Just make sure your presence stays hidden. If anyone senses my Corrupt Ember, Pandora's father will surely awaken the Hero of Legend to destroy me. We can't afford to mess up this important step." Ashen said.

"I know, I know." Ragnarok said then disappeared as he heard a knock on the door.

"Brother! Are you ready yet? Everyone is here waiting!" Ishia said.

"Coming!" Ashen said then walked to the door and opened it and walked out his room.

The two went to the altar together. Ashen walked into the altar and everyone looked at him. Pandora's family looked at him and her mother and siblings watched him walk to the front in awe. He looked so majestic, the complete opposite of how Pandora described him at first.

"Is that really him..?" Cecilia whispered to Silas.

"Yeah. That's him. Prince Ashen." Silas said.

A few minutes after Ashen made it, Pandora came in wearing a white wedding dress that Kinona made specifically for her. She was being walked down the isle by one of the maids then she stood in front of Ashen then smiled at him.

The priest stepped on the podium and tapped on the magic microphone. He cleared his throat then began to speak. "Greetings people of Exithia and visitors of Aestrea. We are united today to celebrate the union between Princess Pandora and our very Prince Ashen. Today is a momentous day as we will be uniting Aestrea and Exithia. Prince Ashen, you may say your vows."

Ashen gently held Pandora's hand. "Pandora...for the last ten days I spent with you we've been inseparable. It seemed just like yesterday that we were just enemies...well not really enemies but you understand."

Pandora nodded and smiled happily at Ashen.

"I vow to always remain by your side no matter what. I may not be the perfect husband you probably fantasize about, but I do promise to be the husband you deserve. Nothing and no one will come between us. No foe will be able to overpower us. No force will be able to repel us apart." Ashen said.

"So beautiful." Ishia smiled happily.

"That was a stellar vow, Lord Ashen. Lady Pandora, your vows." The priest said.

Pandora took a deep breath and exhaled. "I'm not good at making promises or keeping up with my vows or anything of the sort. This is the first time I've ever had to do this...but here I go. Ashen, I love you a lot. The countless hours we've spent together all comes down to this. The more I spent time with you, the more you become the man I've always wanted. The man I needed. I vow to always remain by your side even if it bothers you. I will keep you safe from all dangers of this accursed world. I will treat you as if you were a divine figure. Together...we will become the perfect couple.."

"For her first time making vows, she didn't do half bad." Silas said and smiled.

"Yeah.." Cecilia said with a smile.

"Amazing vows from the both of you, now I will ask you this. Prince Ashen, do you promise to make Lady Pandora your lawfully wedded wife and keep her safe from all dangers, love her unconditionally until death does you apart?" The priest asked.

"I do." Ashen said.

"Princess Pandora. Do you-"

"I do!" Pandora said, excitedly. The crowd chuckled at her reaction to the question before it was fully asked.

"I must ask this question, is there anyone who objects to this marriage? Speak now or forever hold your peace." The priest said.

Ericus wanted to say something, but let it be. He closed his eyes and crossed his arms. The entire time he's been here, nothing happened so he saw no need for the Hero to be awakened.

"Alright, Prince Ashen, you may kiss the bride." The priest said.

Ashen's and Pandora's cheeks got rosy and Pandora began to become shy. Ashen pulled Pandora toward him then held her hips and gently kisses her lips. Pandora's face began to turn even more red, but she kissed back. The crowd cheered and clapped.

The kingdoms of Aestrea and Exithia were officially united as one nation. After the ceremony, the reception was held in the courtyard of the castle. A few of the draconic bards played music for the reception and everyone enjoyed dancing and eating the food the maids helped prepare.

Ishia walked over to Silas and Cecilia, deciding to introduce herself to them. "H-Hi! You may not remember me, but I was the young girl who you met in the forest the first day Pandora and Ashen met."

"I remember you. Honestly we weren't planning on attacking you the first day we all met. I guess our men were frightened by the sight of Ashen and you. After all, we did just get news that Xovia was going to attack us." Silas said.

"Which makes no sense because for Xovia to reach you, they would need to get through us which wouldn't be an easy task." Ishia said.

"We realize that now." Silas nodded. He bowed toward Ishia. "I'm sorry for our rude introduction. Hopefully we can start over now that we are officially siblings in law."

Ishia smiled and pat Silas's shoulder. "No need to be so formal with us. We accept your apology."

Silas stood up and looked at Ishia then smiled. "That's relieving. Do you want to grab something to eat with me and Cecilia?"

"I would love to!" Ishia said excitedly.

Kagura walked over to a table and sat beside Kinona. "I apologize for my husband's behavior. He's...stubborn."

"And a dickhead. At least you and your children have it together." Kinona said and smiled.

"I try not to let them be around his teachings. It's wrong and vile. He holds himself to a high regard since he currently controls the Sacred Core itself." Kagura said then sighed.

"I guess, but even still...I don't know. I mean he seems to really like my husband. Two peas in a pod as you can say." Kinona said.

Kagura giggled and watched everyone dance and enjoy themselves. "Where's Ashen and Pandora?"

"They couldn't even wait to finish their wedding. They said they would be back before we end the reception. I've never seen a couple disappear faster." Kinona giggled. "Reminds me of my first wedding. I was aching to consummate, then again I was in heat at the time so the reception had to wait."

"Dragons can experience the heat cycle?" Kagura asked.

"We are Divine Beasts and reptilian. Our aphrodisiac blood becomes active which causes us Dragons to release pheromones that encourage sexual attention." Kinona explained.

"Huh. Even though you're a hybrid?" Kagura asked.

"Mhm. Our blood may not be as effective as an actual purebred dragon, but it's still strong enough for us to want to mate." Kinona said.

"Interesting, you dragons are sure interesting." Kagura smiled.

.....

"Are you two sure you want to have sex? Kissing was already enough to activate your flames. Do you understand what having sex will do to you?" Ruination asked.

"Ugh, why are you ruining this with your lectures? Let them have their fun." Ragnarok said.

"They should know. Engaging in Lascivious Activities will awaken your flame even more. The act of Lust or any sin for that matter will make your flame strong-"

"Ruination! Some privacy please! I won't let you lecture me out of this one...I've been thinking about this moment for years. I don't want this to be ruined." Pandora said.

"But she is right, your connection will grow closer with each other and us. With a stronger flame, you can harness better abilities and techniques, but we'll get into that another time. Try not to devour each other." Ragnarok said then warped away.

"Be safe!" Ruination said then warped away.

Ashen chuckled softly and picked up Pandora then brought her over to his bed then gently placed her on top of the bed. He caressed her cheek then kissed her lips. Pandora kissed back and wrapped her arms around his neck. Their kissing turned into making out then the aphrodisiac blood began to become active within Ashen.

He pulled away from the kiss then began to kiss her neck in which Pandora loved very much. He gently bit her neck which set her off. Her breathing deepened as he kept pleasuring her with his kisses and biting on her neck. He pulled away slowly, leaving a hickey on her neck.

"Now no one else can claim you.." Ashen said softly.

Pandora blushed and looked at Ashen. "No one else will be able to...I am bound to you.."

Ashen grunted as Pandora pushed him down on the bed then clawed his neck gently. She began to unbutton his garments and stared deep into his eyes. Ashen helped her take off his clothes then watched as she untied the laces on the back of her dress. She took off her dress, leaving herself only in her lingerie.

Pandora began to feel shy and looked at Ashen's naked body. "I've...never done this before...with a man. I've only masturbated alone in my dungeon and that's it..."

"I haven't done this before either, it's quite literally my first time." Ashen said then sat up slowly. "We can always save this for-"

Pandora placed her finger on Ashen's lip. "No...I want this. I...need it.."

Ashen stared at Pandora then gently grabbed her hand then laid her down. He got on top and placed his hand beside her head. She looked into his eyes then narrowed her eyes down to his shaft. He began to scoot down the bed then slowly took her panties off and made her spread her legs. He placed his fingers on her wet womanhood and smirked.

Pandora blushed even more and watched him. He slid a finger inside of her pussy, making Pandora shudder a bit. He began to slowly finger her. Pandora watched him, biting her lip then made a soft sound as he inserted a second finger inside of her and continued to finger her.

"H-Haven't...done it before...mmph..my ass..!" Pandora stuttered softly.

Ashen chuckled softly and looked at Pandora. "I said I haven't had sex before, not I haven't learned about this..~"

"Sh-Shut up..." Pandora grunted softly and softly gripped the bedsheets.

She began to softly moan as Ashen fingered her faster. She gasped and began to gently pull on the sheets as he started to rub her clit with his other hand. The pleasure she felt was driving her mad. Her moaning grew louder, her breathing became irregular, her lust for Ashen grew stronger.

Ashen stopped fingering her then took his fingers out of her then pulled her up and made her get on all fours. He held his shaft in his hands then began to slowly inch it closer to her entrance. He slowly slid his length inside, making Pandora claw the bedsheets. She lowered her head and had her mouth open.

He placed his hands on her hips then began to slowly thrusting his hips. Pandora bit her bottom lip and reached back to hold his hand. She made sounds of pleasure as Ashen began to fuck her. He held her hand then began to thrust faster inside her. She began moaning louder and squeeze his hand in response. She had her eyes closed tightly, unable to think about anything other than this moment she was sharing with Ashen.

Ashen let go of her hand then placed his hand on her back, making her lean down with her face against his pillow. He grunted as he began to thrust harder. Pandora's moans grew in volume and she began to grip the sheets tightly. She reached to her clit and began to rub herself quickly as Ashen began to violate her insides.

"A-Ashen..!! Don't...stop..!!" Pandora whined loudly and panted heavily. She felt her blood running through her veins. She was feeling a rush she had never felt before.

Ashen gripped her hair and began to pull her head back. Pandora panted like an animal and drooled as she felt Ashen ravage her. Her voice began to raise in pitch and her legs began to twitch a little. Ashen began to thrust rougher and drive his cock deeper into her.

"Ash- Ahhugh!!~ Right there!~ Right...fucking there!!~" Pandora groaned in pleasure and panted loudly. She moaned and cried out as she began to have an orgasm. Waves of intense pleasure hit her body, making her beg and whimper. She'd never felt so vulnerable and submissive before which made her enjoy having sex with Ashen even more.

Ashen stopped thrusting then pushed her off him. Pandora panted like crazy and kept moving her hips. She moved her hair from her eyes then squeaked as Ashen pulled her back to him then made her lay on her back. She looked into Ashen's eyes and obediently waited for him to have his way with her once more.

Ashen placed his hand on her stomach then roughly shoved his full length back into her again. She groaned loudly and gripped his arms, digging her nails in his arms. He began thrusting once more, pounding his hips against hers. Pandora moaned loudly, jerking her head to the side. Ashen placed his hands around her neck and grunted loudly with each thrust. Pandora wrapped her legs around his waist and begged for him to keep fucking her.

Ashen began to grow closer which drove him more wild. He began drilling her insides quickly, strengthening his thrusts as hard as he could. Pandora screamed with pleasure and tears rolled down her cheek. Ashen panted loudly and began to groan. His thrusts began losing rhythm and he raised her hips, giving one last thrust before releasing his semen inside of her.

Pandora drew blood as she dug her nails deeper into his arm. She couldn't even make a sound. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as she began to cum as well. Ashen lowered her hips and let go of her. Both of the Corrupt Embers began to shine brightly within. The power of their embers increased drastically and both of them felt it despite their adrenaline being off the charts.

Ashen pulled out of Pandora then collapsed beside her. They both stared at the ceiling.

"Wow..." Pandora said with panting in between.

"Yeah...that was amazing.." Ashen said then covered his eyes with his arm.

Pandora shuddered as she still felt the effects of her orgasm. "I have a cramp in my leg now, but my body is so numb after that it doesn't hurt as much..."

Ashen looked at Pandora then chuckled softly. "We can do this any time you want...I don't mind doing this every night if possible..."

"I want to...I need to be reminded of this feeling constantly...it's too good to go away.." Pandora said then rolled on her side and cuddled Ashen. "I don't think I can make it back to our reception, I'm too fucked up right now. My emotions are all over the place.."

"That's fine..~ Rest all you want because I'm not making it either.." Ashen said and held her close.

Pandora had already passed out from exhaustion. Ashen looked at her then chuckled softly.

....

"I'm sure it's safe to assume they aren't coming back." Kagura said.

"Yeah. Let's just give them their privacy." Kinona giggled.

Ericus looked at the Legend Core in his hand. He stood up and everyone looked at him. "Now that our Kingdoms have been allied, we now have more than enough power to strike down Xovia."

"What is he doing?" Kagura asked and stood up.

"I would've loved to present this to my daughter if she was here, but you all are good enough. Behold! The Legend Core! The key to awakening the Hero of Legend!" Ericus said.

"Father! Don't do this!" Silas yelled.

"Hero of Legend?!" Kinona asked in shock.

"We can't be true allies, if you don't meet Aestrea's greatest weapon! Now Socu! Awaken!" Ericus yelled then the Legend Core began to shine brightly.

"No! We've come this far! We can not do this!" Kagura yelled.

"It has to be done if we want to win this war." Ericus said then his eyes shined. "This was a nice celebration and all, but we are still in war!"

A pillar of light struck down then a figure appeared inside the pillar. His blue eyes shined brightly then the pillar disappeared and standing in front of everyone...was the Hero of Legend...Socu.