CH - 7 -

The priest spoke up, his voice cutting through the silence. "Gather around, my lords and ladies. We are gathered here today to witness the union of Prince Zilias and Seraphel, the prince of dragons."

The words made Zilias' stomach lurch, a mixture of fear and resignation washing over him. This was it. There was no going back now. The priest continued, addressing the two betrothed. "Prince Zilias, do you take Seraphel as your husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"

Zilias felt like he was in a trance, as if someone else was speaking through him. "I do." he said, his voice betraying none of the turmoil inside him. The priest turned to the dragon prince. "And you, Seraphel, do you take Prince Zilias as your husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"

Seraphel looked at Zilias, his golden eyes piercing through him, as he replied. "I do." His voice was low and melodious, almost like a purr. The priest nodded, a satisfied expression on his face. "Then, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husbands. You may now kiss to seal your union."

Zilias felt his heart drop in his chest, a mixture of panic and dread washing over him. He hadn't even considered that he would have to kiss the dragon.

Without waiting for his reaction, Seraphel stepped closer, his gaze still fixed on Zilias. He reached out a hand, gently tilting Zilias' chin up.

"Calm down, love." he said softly, his voice somehow both authoritive and soothing. "I promise I won't bite. Not yet, at least."

His words sent a shiver down Zilias' spine.

With a firm but gentle pull, Seraphel pulled Zilias closer to him. Zilias felt like a rag doll, his resistance only half-hearted.

Before he could process what was happening, Seraphel leaned forward, capturing Zilias' lips in a possessive kiss.

The kiss was both gentle and possessive at the same time. Seraphel's lips were soft, his touch demanding yet not forceful. Zilias' mind went blank at the contact, all rationality flying out the window. He felt as if he was being drawn into the dragon's spell, like a moth drawn to a flame. The kiss continued for what felt like an eternity, both men lost in the moment. Zilias' mind was awhirl with conflicting emotions. He should feel repulsed, he should feel angry. Yet strangely, he felt none of those things. Instead, he felt a strange sense of safety, an inexplicable desire to surrender to this dominant presence. As the kiss broke, Zilias was left feeling out of breath, his head spinning. He looked up at Seraphel, his gaze caught in those golden eyes, unable to look away.

The dragon smirked, a satisfied expression on his face. "You taste sweet." he murmured, his voice holding a hint of possessiveness.

The room filled with applause and cheers, the sound of celebration echoing in Zilias' ears, but it felt distant and meaningless. The only thing he could focus on was the dragon prince standing before him, his gaze like that of a predator sizing up its prey.

The king stepped forward, a rare smile on his face. "Congratulations, son. I'm proud of you."

Zilias could only manage a nod, his mind still reeling from the kiss and the whirlwind of emotions raging inside of him. Seraphel took Zilias' hand in his, lacing their fingers together. "Come." he said, his voice holding a commanding undertone. "It's tradition for the newlyweds to retire to their chambers."

Zilias could only nod mutely, allowing himself to be led away from the ceremony room. As they walked through the halls, he felt a strange mixture of excitement and trepidation.

Finally, they arrived in front of a pair of intricately carved double doors. Seraphel pushed them open, revealing a luxurious bedroom. The room was adorned with lavish decorations, the bed covered in silken sheets and covered in pillows. Seraphel led Zilias inside, closing the doors behind them.

He let go of Zilias' hand and stepped closer, his gaze roaming over the boy like a predator observing its prey.

"You're nervous." he said, his voice low and melodic. "I can feel it. Your hands are shaking." Zilias couldn't deny it. He was shaking uncontrollably, his heart racing in his chest. He could feel the dragon's gaze on him, his gaze almost physical. He struggled to find his voice, his throat feeling dry and tight. "I'm just...overwhelmed." he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

Seraphel smiled, the expression on his face almost sadistic. He reached out a hand and traced a finger along Zilias' jaw, his touch light as a feather.

"And why is that? Are you afraid of me?" he asked, his voice holding a mixture of mockery and curiosity. "No... its not that... its just that-" Seraphel raised an eyebrow. "Just that what? Speak up, little lamb. You'll have to get used to being honest with me from now on." He moved even closer, backing Zilias up against the bed. "That i honestly didnt want to get married... especially to someone i didnt get to meet before the wedding.." Seraphel chuckled. "Ah, so that's the issue, is it?" he said, his hand now resting on Zilias' hip. "You're upset because your father didn't consider your feelings when he decided to arrange this marriage."

He paused, his gaze roaming over Zilias' face. "You're cute when you're upset."

Zilias felt a rush of heat spread across his cheeks at the dragon's comment. "Don't call me cute," he muttered, trying to sound indignant but failing miserably.

Seraphel smirked. "Why not? It's true. You're small and adorable, with those pretty pink cheeks and those wide, innocent eyes. You're like a little bunny, trembling in fear." he teased. Zilias opened his mouth to protest, but Seraphel cut him off, placing a finger over his lips, still smirking.

"Shh, little lamb. You don't want to argue on our wedding night, do you?" he said, his tone playful yet slightly mocking.