______
Lucina
The moment I stepped into the room, a collective gasp rippled through the air, followed by an unmistakable chorus of delighted squeals. For a heartbeat, I froze, my pulse fluttering wildly in my chest. A nervous joy—bright, fragile, and long unfamiliar—rose within me. The final preparations for my wedding were complete.
"I'm finished, Your Highness," my head attendant announced.
Adar stepped back with a graceful curtsy, her dark eyes shimmering with unmistakable pride. Her hands, which had worked tirelessly for days and nights, finally rested at her sides. I caught my reflection in the tall mirror and, for a moment, barely recognized the woman gazing back at me.
"You look beautiful," another attendant said softly, her voice warm as she adjusted the small child resting against her hip.
Puka let out an excited, unintelligible cry, tiny hands clapping together in pure delight.
"SQUEAL!"
A soft laugh escaped my lips. "Really?" I asked, shifting slightly as the fabric whispered around me. "I'm glad the dress Lady Adar made suits me."
The gown felt like a dream spun into reality—white lace layered like petals, threads shimmering faintly as if kissed by moonlight itself. It clung and flowed in perfect harmony, neither too heavy nor too light, as though it had been made not just for my body, but for my fate.
Adar and the others beamed.
"I knew she could do it," one attendant murmured, awe thick in her voice.
"Hehe, yes, she did," another replied fondly.
"But she's really outdone herself this time," Adar said, circling me once more with a craftsman's careful eye. "This dress is truly lovely."
I glanced down as the skirt slid into perfect alignment, the soft rustle of fabric grounding me in the reality of the moment. This was no illusion. This was my wedding day.
A knock echoed at the door.
"Your Highness," a voice announced, "the Cardinal is here to see you."
"Really?" My breath caught. Instinctively, I smoothed the bodice of my gown, my fingers trembling just slightly. I knew he was meant to escort me to the ceremony—but my thoughts raced ahead, toward the message he carried. A message from the family I had left behind. From the world that once defined me.
The door opened.
Light spilled into the room, framing a tall, imposing silhouette. But it was not the Cardinal who stood there.
Golden hair fell past broad shoulders, glowing like sunlight forged into form. Piercing blue eyes—eyes I had not seen in what felt like a lifetime—locked onto mine.
"Father…"
The word lodged in my throat before it escaped.
He stood frozen, awe and distress warring across his usually stern features. The man I remembered as unshakable, formidable, immovable—now looked at me as though the very ground beneath him had shifted.
"I missed you, Lucina…" he whispered.
His gaze swept over me, taking in the gown, the veil, the unmistakable truth of the moment. His eyes widened, realization striking him with full force.
"!"
"Father…" I managed again, my voice breaking.
Tears welled and spilled freely now, tracing paths down his weathered face. He lifted a hand as if to hide them, then gave a quiet, helpless laugh at himself.
"Forgive me," he said hoarsely, wiping his eyes. "It seems getting older has made me far too emotional." He inhaled shakily, then smiled—soft, proud, overflowing. "Even Selene, the Goddess of the Moon, cannot compare to your beauty."
Warmth bloomed in my chest, rich and aching. "Thank you, Father."
He stepped closer and took my hands in his, his grip firm yet gentle, grounding me as it always had. Up close, I could see the depth of his emotion—love, pride, and the pain of years apart woven together.
"I believe you will do great things," he said quietly. His hand lifted, giving my cheek a light stroke, tender in a way I had rarely known from him.
"…and I pray that your future is filled with happiness."
For a moment, we stood like that—father and daughter, bound by blood and memory. I bowed my head slightly, accepting the weight and warmth of his blessing. Slowly, he released my hands and stepped back, giving me the space the moment demanded.
Then—
STEP.
STEP.
Heavy footsteps echoed through the chamber.
I turned just as a formidable woman entered, her presence commanding the air itself. Long, dark curls framed her sharp features, and her golden embroidered dress shimmered with authority and wealth. Her dark eyes fixed on me instantly, intense and assessing.
"Did you summon the Goddess of the Moon, Father?" he asked, her voice edged with regal disbelief.
From the corner of the room, my attendants froze. Silent gasps escaped them, eyes wide, bodies locked in shock.
My heart thundered. This woman—undeniably part of the Dragon King's entourage—was mistaking me for a deity.
he studied me for a long moment.
Then, slowly, a smile curved his lips. Recognition flickered across his expression, sharp and unmistakable.
"Oh… wait…"
Behind me, one attendant whispered shakily, "F-Father…? D-did he really just call him 'Father'?"
They stood FREEZE-d, disbelief etched into every face.
The hakan smile widened as realization fully dawned.
"…It was you, Lucina."
"P-Please don't cry!" I stammered, my own eyes brimming with tears as I watched my Father hastily wipe his away.
He gave a quick, watery smile, the lines of age softening as he spoke. "Forgive me. It seems like getting older has made me far too emotional. Even Selene, the Goddess of the Moon, cannot compare to your beauty."
My cheeks flushed at the compliment. "Thank you, Father," I murmured, my voice catching slightly.
He reached out, taking my hands in his. His grip was firm but gentle, the kind that had always made me feel safe and loved. "I believe you will do great things…" he said softly, lifting a hand to stroke my cheek tenderly. "…and I pray that your future is filled with happiness."
His hands gave mine one last heartfelt squeeze. Relief flickered in his gaze, and I realized the years apart had not diminished his unwavering pride in me.
Then—STEP.
STEP.
Heavy, purposeful footsteps echoed through the room. A new presence entered, shifting the air with an almost tangible power. A man with long, dark, wavy hair appeared, adorned only with a massive golden neckpiece that glimmered like molten sunlight, leaving the rest of his torso bare.
My Father, mid-sentence, was interrupted by the man's deep voice. "Did you summon the Goddess of the Moon, Father?"
My attendants froze, eyes wide in disbelief. One whispered shakily, "F-Father…? D-did he really just call him 'Father'?" Their bodies locked, completely frozen in shock.
The newcomer's gaze swept over me with a slow, calculating smile. My attendants could not help but gape, captivated and overwhelmed by his imposing presence.
"Oh, wait…" he murmured after a long pause, a dawning realization crossing his expression. "…It was you, Lucina."
He turned his attention to my Father with a small, knowing smile. "You must be truly incredible… to have a child more beautiful than the Goddess herself."
My Father's lips curved in a quiet smile. "She may be my child, but you raised her to be the wonderful person she is today."
I smiled warmly at the handsome man before me. "You look great too, Hakan," I said, feeling a flutter of joy at his presence.
He gave a confident, playful spin, letting the golden light catch his well-toned physique. "Of course I do. You designed my outfit, after all," he replied, his voice teasing but sincere.
"I must be the only groom in the world getting married without proper formal attire," he mused with a laugh.
I giggled softly, teasing him, "It would be a shame to hide your perfect body with just fabric."
A deep, genuine laugh escaped him, resonant and full of life. HAHA!
One of my attendants, holding the little girl Marta who let out an excited GAGA sound, stepped forward. "It's almost time for the ceremony to begin, so please say goodbye to the Princess for now."
I crouched slightly to pat Marta's head. "That's a good girl, Marta," I said gently, smiling as she blinked up at me with innocent wonder.
My Father gave me one final, loving look. It was time.
With a tender farewell from my Father and a quick, reassuring hug from Hakan, I turned toward the grand doors of the hall.
A herald's instrument sounded a sharp BLARE, reverberating through the palace walls, announcing the start of the ceremony. The massive doors swung open, revealing a hall bathed in golden light, radiant and alive with the anticipation of the Dragon King's people.
Dancers glided forward, their dark hair intricately braided with golden threads, their white and gold garments flowing elegantly as they moved in perfect harmony with the music. The atmosphere pulsed with joy, tradition, and celebration.
At the end of the aisle, Hakan stood tall, his presence commanding yet intimate, a living embodiment of strength and allure. His dark hair was tied back, and his muscular chest shone under a magnificent golden necklace—the only adornment he wore. He smiled at me, and my heart melted with the warmth of love and belonging.
I walked slowly toward him, my white gown crafted by Lady Adar flowing like liquid silk around me. When I reached him, I slipped my arm into his, and together we turned toward the altar, where my Father stood in his Cardinal robes, ready to officiate.
"Doesn't this feel like a dream come true?" I whispered, glancing up at Hakan.
His usual confident expression was tempered by a hint of nervousness. "Yes…" he murmured, though his voice betrayed the depth of emotion hidden behind it.
A soft SNIFFLE reached my ears from behind us. I turned slightly to see one of my attendants and an older woman wiping tears from their eyes. The older woman, holding little Marta close, whispered to her companion, "It must mean so much to you…"
I returned my gaze to Hakan. His eyes, dark and brooding, softened as he looked down at me. "Hakan," I said gently, drawing his attention.
He ran a hand through his dark hair, overwhelmed by the moment. "I might just faint at this rate," he admitted, his usual composure slipping away.
I couldn't help but smile, reaching up to lightly touch his tattooed shoulder. "Please don't pass out," I teased, my voice soft but full of love. In this moment, he was completely mine—and I was entirely his.
My heart fluttered like a caged bird as I gazed at Hakan, standing beside me before my Father, the Cardinal.
"I might just faint at this rate," Hakan admitted, his usually confident posture slightly stiff with nerves.
"Please don't pass out," I teased gently, offering him a soft, loving glance. His shoulders relaxed ever so slightly, and he gave me a small, genuine smile. "I'm honestly so happy that I could," he said quietly, and I knew he meant it—he had endured so much for this day, every trial leading to this moment.
My Father's voice rose above the hushed whispers and rustling of the guests, strong and clear in the grand hall. The ceremony had begun. Hakan and I turned to face each other, our hands meeting in a firm, warm clasp.
Hakan was first to speak his vows. His dark eyes, usually sharp and commanding, softened with tenderness as they met mine.
"I promise to protect this kingdom, our home, and most of all, you," he began, his voice deep and resonant. "I vow to be your strength when you are weary, your voice when you need to be heard, and your companion through every joy and sorrow our lives may hold."
He paused, letting his words settle between us, then offered a confident, heartfelt smile. "I'll take good care of you," he concluded, his gaze unwavering.
A brilliant smile spread across my face, radiant and uncontainable. It was my turn.
"Hakan," I began, my voice steady despite the storm of emotion in my chest. "I promise to stand by your side, not just as your Queen, but as your equal. I vow to face every challenge with you, to cherish the beauty of our world, and to never let you forget the light you bring into my life."
I tightened my grip on his hands, feeling the warmth of his touch. "I will be the steady ground beneath your feet and the air that fills your lungs. I will love you forever."
When I finished, Hakan leaned in, his powerful gaze locked with mine. The air between us felt charged, heavy with love and anticipation. My Father, the Cardinal, gave a solemn nod, signaling that the final declaration was imminent.
✨
I gave Hakan a soft, loving glance. "I'm honestly so happy that I could," he murmured again, smiling back at me with an unspoken understanding of all we had endured.
"Me too," I replied simply, my heart soaring with pure joy.
Before us, my Father, the Cardinal, raised his hands. His proud smile was both tender and commanding as he spoke the words that bound us together.
"And now, on this glorious day, I pronounce you husband and wife."
He turned to Hakan, giving him a meaningful look. "You may now kiss the bride."
Hakan's eyes, dark and intense, locked on mine. He reached out, his powerful arms wrapping around me, pulling me close. The gold bangles on his arm slid lightly against the fabric of my gown, a delicate chime accompanying our embrace.
The hall erupted in cheers as Hakan dipped me back, our lips meeting in a passionate, heartfelt kiss. In that moment, surrounded by golden light, music, and the love of our families, I felt my life truly begin.
After the kiss, the first of our well-wishers approached. A tall, handsome man with a high ponytail and a fur-trimmed robe walked alongside a woman carrying a small child. They were followed by another man, dressed in a simple, traditional Dragon Kingdom outfit.
I smiled, holding a small bouquet of white flowers. "Karl, Evelyn, thank you so much for coming!" I greeted warmly, recognizing the former Crown Prince and his wife.
The man in the dragon-trimmed outfit, who had arrived earlier, inclined his head politely. "His Majesty and Her Highness are waiting for you inside," he announced with a smooth, welcoming tone, his gaze meeting mine. "The feast has been prepared."
Hand in hand with Hakan, I stepped out of the ceremony hall and into the warm, radiant light of the palace. Every cheer, every whisper of silk and laughter, every golden ray felt like the start of a new life. Together, we were ready to begin our celebration—and our life as the Dragon King and Queen.
The grand hall was alive with the mingling scents of rich spices, roasted meats, and sweet confections. Laughter and music mingled with the clinking of glasses as Hakan and I, now bound in marriage, greeted our guests. The echoes of the ceremony still lingered, golden and warm, in every corner of the palace.
Karl, the former Crown Prince with striking red hair and wolf ears marking his Beastman heritage, approached with a broad, proud smile. Evelyn, his radiant wife, held a small boy whose reddish-brown hair and tiny ears mirrored his father's.
"Congratulations on your wedding, Your Highness," Karl said warmly.
"Karl, Evelyn, thank you so much for coming!" I replied, my eyes catching on the little boy. His wide, shining eyes held a flicker of curiosity and excitement that made my heart swell.
"But… who is this?" I asked, drawn immediately to the little one.
Evelyn smiled, hugging the boy close. "Oh, my! Congratulations, Lucina," she said softly. "This is our son, Howl. It's all thanks to you, Your Highness. I was still carrying him when we last met." The boy let out a small, joyful GA sound.
Karl gently put an arm around Evelyn, his protective demeanor softening as he added, "Come here, Evelyn…"
Evelyn's laughter bubbled lightly as she recalled, "He cried so loudly when he was born that we decided to call him Howl." She glowed, the memory of her son's first cries radiating pure joy.
Nearby, Marta, the dark-haired little girl from my pre-wedding chamber, began to stir. Her tiny legs wiggled as she blinked rapidly—BLINK, BLINK—before letting out a happy "GU!" and waddling eagerly toward the former Prince's bench.
"Oh! Be careful, Marta! You might get hurt!" I called instinctively, watching as she approached Howl.
The two children met, and a small giggle escaped from Marta as she reached out to gently touch Howl's ear. He tilted his head in curious delight, responding to her tiny hand.
Karl smiled warmly, gently stroking Howl's head before turning to me. "You're so young," he remarked, "but it seems the Princess has already taken a liking to you." He glanced between the two children. "I hope you both become good friends," he added, nudging Howl slightly closer to Marta.
I laughed aloud, HAHAHA, bringing a hand to my mouth in pure delight. "Oh, Marta," I murmured, enchanted by the innocence of the moment. Watching the children interact was like witnessing the seeds of future harmony between our lands taking root.
From a nearby tree, a small green bird landed on a branch with a soft TAP, observing the lively scene. Two green feathers drifted gently past Karl and Evelyn, fluttering in the warm light.
"I didn't know she had already given birth," Karl's wife remarked softly, mistaking Marta for my own daughter. "She must be Lucina's child," she added, smiling at the little girl as the feathers flitted away with a soft FLUTTER and FLAP.
Time seemed to dissolve as the hall remained bright and vibrant, filled with new beginnings. Being Queen meant not only ruling but nurturing the joy and hope represented by these small, precious lives.
I was still absorbed in the laughter and innocence of the children when another guest arrived quietly. A young man with striking blonde hair and pointed ears stood slightly apart, his eyes red-rimmed and damp with tears. His simple, earthy attire contrasted sharply with the opulence around him, yet his presence radiated a quiet, heartfelt emotion.
A small green bird perched nearby, observing the bustling celebration. I noticed the gentle FLAP of wings and the soft drift of another green feather, signaling the newcomer's arrival.
I recognized him instantly. "Elias?" I whispered, my voice tinged with surprise and warmth.
He gave me a watery smile. "I wouldn't miss this for the world, Lucina," he said softly, his voice trembling slightly. "It's more beautiful than I ever imagined for you."
"Thank you," I replied, feeling my throat tighten as I took a step toward him, leaving the center of the crowd. "I know this journey has been hard on many people, especially you."
Elias nodded, drawing a shaky breath. "We worried, but seeing you now—seeing your happiness—it was worth every worry." He gestured toward Hakan, who was laughing loudly with Karl nearby. "The Dragon King seems to truly adore you."
"He does," I confirmed, my gaze softening as I looked toward my new husband. "And I love him just as much."
In that moment, surrounded by laughter, celebration, and those who had shaped my past, I felt the final closing of one chapter and the true beginning of the next. A quiet serenity settled over me, witnessed by friends who had remained steadfast throughout my journey.