Chereads / The Dragon's keepsake / Chapter 47 - The first candidate has arrived.

Chapter 47 - The first candidate has arrived.

The crowd erupted into excited murmurs and whispers as the frost dragon gracefully landed on the platform, its majestic presence captivating everyone.

Its scales shimmered like ice under the sunlight, emanating an aura of cold power that contrasted with the warm summer day. The dragon's eyes, a piercing shade of icy blue, scanned the assembled nobles and important persons with a regal air.

As the dragon moved, its movements were deliberate yet elegant, navigating the confined space with surprising ease despite its immense size.

Heads turned, trying to catch a glimpse of the rider who had achieved the rare honor of bonding with a frost dragon, one of the legendary creatures known for their affinity with ice and snow and their aloofness.

The dragon paused near the edge of the platform, its neck extended proudly as if acknowledging the crowd's admiration. Then, with a motion that seemed almost reverent, it lowered its head in a respectful bow towards King Scorvius. The gesture was met with a collective gasp from the audience, who recognized the significance of such regard

from a dragon.

Amidst the awe-filled silence that followed, the rider finally slipped gracefully from the dragon's back, landing lightly on the platform.

The young man who gracefully dismounted from the frost dragon's back was indeed a sight to behold. His face was filled with proudness, and his demeanor exuded a quiet confidence that matched the regal presence of the creature beside him.

As he stood before King Scorvius, the murmurs among the crowd grew louder. Nobles and dignitaries exchanged curious glances, speculating on the identity of the rider and the family he belonged to. Such an honor was not bestowed lightly, and to be chosen by a frost dragon spoke volumes about his lineage and capabilities.

Then, a hearty laugh resonated through the courtyard, drawing all eyes to the source: Duke Drakemont, an elder statesman known for his wisdom and courageousness. Despite his age, he carried himself with an air of joviality that endeared him to many, even amidst the solemnity of the occasion.

"It's my youngest son," Duke Drakemont announced proudly, his voice booming with pride. "Young Kaelan has proven himself worthy of this honor!"

The crowd watched with a mix of amazement and jealousy. Kaelan Drakemont, the youngest son of House Drakemont, had done something many young nobles only dreamed of. Bonding with a frost dragon was not just a sign of high status but also proof of bravery and talent.

King Scorvius regarded Kaelan with a nod of approval, his expression betraying a hint of satisfaction. "Rise, Lord Kaelan," he declared, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "Your bond with Frost dragon heralds a new era of strength and unity for our kingdom."

Kaelan Drakemont stood tall, his chest swelling with pride as he bowed respectfully before the king. Around him, the crowd erupted into applause, honoring both the rider and his dragon. It was a momentous occasion, one that would be remembered in the pages of their kingdom's history.

As Kaelan glanced up at Glacius, the frost dragon inclined its head slightly, a silent acknowledgment of their partnership.

Amidst the celebration, Duke Drakemont approached his son with a broad smile, clapping him on the shoulder with paternal pride. "Well done, kaelan," he murmured, his voice tinged with emotion. "You have made our house proud."

Kaelan met his father's gaze with a humble smile, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Father," he replied quietly, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment.

After the arrival of the frost dragon and his rider, everyone waited patiently for the other rider to come with their dragons....

The bonding ceremony will only start after the arrival of all the candidates and in the presence of everyone the bonding ceremony will start, and after that, all of the candidates will be taken to the palace of Valareath, where there will be the banquet in honor of all riders and their dragons. And the new title will be bestowed upon them.

Kaelan also walked towards the the chamber of Duchy of Drakemont. And his dragon Glacius took flight again, his dragon will come back again at the time of the bonding ceremony.

Kaelan entered the chamber of House Drakemont, his heart still racing from the excitement of the ceremony. The moment his mother, Duchess Beatrice, saw him, she rushed forward and enveloped him in a tight hug.

"Oh, Kaelan, my baby!" she exclaimed, tears of joy streaming down her face. "You've grown up so much! I can't believe you bonded with a frost dragon!"

Kaelan laughed, trying to breathe through his mother's enthusiastic embrace. "Mother, I can't breathe. You're squeezing me too tight."

Duchess Beatrice pulled back slightly but kept her hands on his shoulders, her eyes shining with pride. "Oh, don't be so dramatic! You're still my little boy."

Kaelan glanced over at his father, Duke Drakemont, hoping for some rescue. The Duke simply grinned and shook his head. "Let her have this moment, Kaelan. She's been waiting for this day for years."

Duchess Beatrice nodded vigorously. "Indeed, I have! And now look at you, all grown up and bonded with a magnificent frost dragon."

Kaelan sighed, giving in to his mother's affectionate fussing. "Thank you, Mother. I'm glad I could make you proud."

Just then, the door to the chamber opened, and Kaelan's elder brother, Gareth, walked in with a knowing smile. "Looks like I missed the initial smothering. How are you holding up, Kaelan?"

Kaelan shot his brother a pleading look. "Gareth, help me out here."

Gareth chuckled and approached, clapping Kaelan on the back. "Mother, you do realize that if you keep holding onto him like that, he might not make it to the banquet."

Duchess Beatrice huffed but released Kaelan. "Fine, fine. But don't think you're off the hook for a proper hug later."

Kaelan took a deep breath, relieved to have a bit more space. "Thanks, Gareth."

Duke Drakemont stepped forward and put a firm hand on Kaelan's shoulder. "We are truly proud of you, son. Bonding with a frost dragon is an incredible honor."

Kaelan smiled, feeling the weight of his father's pride. "Thank you, Father. I'll do my best to live up to our family's legacy."