The Selection: Bride Of The Dark Dragon

MIRA

The days most definitely last longer while he is away. And I can’t say that I like it. What I do like is that I am actually locked in his chambers now with an access to my own next door. But, somehow, most of my things are already here. The things I care about – like my daggers, books, lab equipment, and such. Hope Derrien wouldn’t mind… Oh, who am I lying to? I hope he would approve and be happy about it. He still hasn’t made any promises to me and technically I am not even with him… And yet… And yet what we have seems to be so special. I’ve never felt the way I feel when I am with him. And now, after these days in seclusion, I realize that I don’t want this feeling to end. Ever. Hopefully, he feels the same…

While alone, I found comfort in exploring his room and things. I feel like a naughty child who got into mother’s jewellery box. And although I realize that this is just a temporary accommodation for him, I do learn a few things about him in this way. For example, he reads fascinating books. And he is very neat and well-organized. All his papers, feathers, ink, etc are in perfect order. Also, this minty scent of his is just his, as the bottles of cologne, I found smell differently. I don’t think he uses them too often. Which is good. I love how he smells.

I got the book with the rules of the Dark Selection to read and now know everything that is going to happen during the Portal Ball. This is actually one of the most important events here. One cannot cheat when he or she comes through the portal. It would only take you to the person your heart desires to see. If that person feels the same. This is the best way to find out what everybody is really feeling. Although, for the girls, it doesn’t change much. They are still not the ones to choose. But for the gerdians it’s important while making their decision as they can still change their minds any time. Surprise, surprise… Gods, I hate this system!

I know I want to see Derrien. There is no one else I want to see at the other end. But what would happen next? What would Dargen do to me when he spends time alone in the empty space when I do not arrive to see him on the other side of the portal. Would he demote me as his favourite? Hopefully yes. And, also, it would be just amazing if he doesn’t kill me in the process.

On the other hand, he should realize that there is no way in chaos I would want to see him in the portal. So, what is his plan here for me exactly?

I read the book, sitting on the windowsill when a huge black box arrives in dark flames. All these days Derrien has been sending me food, drinks, and also little gifts with notes here and there, making me smile every time. I wish I could send things or at least a letter to him, but that’s a bit more complicated with human magic. And you also need to know the exact coordinates and all… Which I don’t. So, I just write to him without the possibility to send it. Maybe I’ll show it to him, maybe I will not… A lot will depend on how the ball goes as he is not the only one who needs answers.

I get off the window and walk to the box, taking the lid ofа and smiling in surprise. Inside is the most beautiful dress in pale lilac. Its fabric looks as if woven from flower petals, small graceful butterflies of a darker shade adorn the corsage and the hem of the dress. It’s stunning! And it is more to my taste than any other dress he gave me. Somehow I have a good feeling about it.

Xia and Morgan tried to visit me a few times but left with nothing since I couldn’t open the door of my own room while hiding in Derrien’s. The worst thing was Tristan. After a few days he got fed up and promised to break the door and bare consequences later. Not that he would be able to enter the room in any way. But… but I simply felt sorry for him as he probably thought that O already died. I stepped out of Derrien’s room to explain things to him. But seeing me in my dressing gown walking out of the archduke’s room… he didn’t say a word to me other than, “I apologize, my lady” and left. He never came back. Although it’s definitely for the best. I cannot give anything to him anymore…

On the day of the ball, I am excited from the early morning. I spend most of the day getting ready and pampering myself. I want to look my best. For him.

I lift my fiery red hair to the top, holding it with hairpins with the same lilac butterflies as on my dress, letting a few curls fall down my shoulders and back playfully. That’s when I notice that these are not just simple decorative butterflies. They are charged and shining with dark magic, making them flutter their wings beautifully. Gods, did Derrien play with my dress and cast illusion on it? I chuckle at the thought that if he doesn’t want to be a gerdian general anymore, he could easily make it as a dress-maker! But, of course, I would hold that thought and never let it slip off my tongue. Ever.

I am ready early in the evening and just want to run downstairs to the ballroom and wait for Derrien there. And yet, I’ve been given clear instructions to stay in the room until he tells me to come out.

So, here I am, looking out of the window and waiting… and dying with anticipation. I imagine how I would enter the hall where everybody already gathered and all eyes would be on me. And in the middle of it, all would be Rien, looking only at me with eyes full of…

“Mira,” his fingers are still covered with dark flames when they lay on my naked shoulders, but his fire never burns me.

“Rien!” I turn to face him, smiling, and meet his gaze. And there is so much in it. Happiness, desire, relief, excitement, even a bit of pain, and… hopefully, love.

“You look beautiful, my little mage,” he whispers in my ear gently touching it with his lips and making me blush even though it’s completely not new.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

“You are back!” I can’t hide my enthusiasm.

“And not going anywhere anymore,” he chuckles, “Even if you would want me to. But first, would you let me escort you to the Ball of Portals, my lady?”

“It would be my pleasure,” I curtsy and bite my l*p, trying not to grin like a fool.

I am so happy…

We walk in together as many couples do. And everybody does watch us. Men in shock, girls ready to kill.

We pass my friends and Desirae looks disappointed, while Xia is smiling and Morgan winks at me, holding a glass of wine. I have mixed emotions about this encounter.

Suddenly, I see Callista, Xia’s roommate, coming through to Derrien and me.

“Lady Mira!” she smiles showing all her pearly whites, “I’ve been waiting for you! And there you are!”

“You’ve been waiting for me?” I probably look very surprised.

“Of course, do you remember what we’ve been talking about the last time? When you were looking for some jewellery for your performance at the talent show?”

She wriggles her brows and I suddenly remember. Shoot. I kind of sold Derrien for a dance with her… Uh-oh…