The Dragon Queen [COMPLETE]

RITE OF PRAYER

It took me a week to convince Ryne to let me meet his mother. The celestial one. He was being adamant about it. Apparently, Hecate had a cycle and throughout the year, she went through three phases, each changing her disposition drastically. At present, she was going through the phase of the scorpion, which meant she would be vicious, moody, angry and poisonous in her words and actions. Ryne was worried that if she found out a Dragomir had invoked her, she might end up doing something terrible to me. He requested that I wait for at least three months when she would move into the phase of the lion. 

Although it was still dangerous as her phases were not accurate, I requested him to go ahead with it. Since I was being stubborn, he said he would try to find a way to summon her without it ending in the destruction of the realm. Three days later, when we met for dinner, he said that he would have to hold a Rite of Prayer. It would keep her temperament on the lighter side and I could meet her during the ceremony. I was really grateful to him. He used my gratitude as an excuse to find out my motive behind wanting to meet her. Fortunately, I was made of tougher stuff and shut him up with a kiss.

It had been three months since, and I lived every moment of it not just survived. I went on dates with Ryne, exploring places I didn't know existed both on and off campus. We stayed out most nights and I had completely given up on attending classes. Anyway I was not there for the education. Ryne was busy, but always made time for me. Whenever he was swamped with work, he would drag me to his office where I would accompany him in silence. And that silence spoke more about our feelings for each other than any conversation did.

But we had enjoyable conversations as well. He knew everything about everything and listening to him was a pleasure. His confidence, intelligence and dignified bearing made me fall head over heels for him. While I wanted to make the most out of every minute I shared with him, it also brought me closer to the day I dreaded. The day of our intended separation. The more I saw him laugh and get comfortable around me, the more I questioned, judged, disdained and struggled over my decisions. 

Presently, I waited amidst the trees near the same clearing where the Moon Festival had taken place. It was large enough for hundreds of people and the moon shone directly over it. Ryne had decided to repair the damages that I had previously done and hold this ceremony here as well. Since I had completely destroyed the stone platform, a new one was laid. It was much larger and stood taller in the middle of the clearing. The platform was decorated with flowers and offerings of wine, fruits, cheese, bread and meat were placed on it for the goddess. Ryne's family stood on the platform while a few hundred magic-kind, werewolves, fae and humans surrounded it in hopes of being blessed by her presence.

While Hecate was primarily the goddess of the magic-kind, her association with goddess Ainé had her revered by the fae too. The humans looked up to her for protection while the wolves considered an aspect of her to be their moon goddess. She held a lot of honour and was the most respected celestial being in the entire world. Her might and prowess was often hailed in the form of poems, stories and songs. All in all, I was about to meet the top dog of Liremia in possibly her most frightening form.

After informing me, Ryne had told his family all about me before bringing them over. His father was apparently not very pleased to know that I had requested this ceremony to be held. But since it was in the celebration of their goddess, and as he was already on his way, he agreed to participate. His mother had apparently been more welcoming of me. Especially when she found out that I was her son's girlfriend. She had wanted to invite me over for dinner, but the eglor had shut her ideas down with a glare. Ryne told me that eventually his mother would win. She always did.

I took deep breaths in an attempt to calm my nerves. My legs were shaking, my heart was pounding and I felt feverish. When fear began crippling my will, I remembered my father's shrivelling face and the bodies of my people in the town square. I had to do this. Thousands of lives depended on me. The only question was whether I accepted my fate graciously or if I chose myself over my people like I had always done. As I walked towards the platform, I saw Ryne's face.