“This is not what I was expecting.” I lifted my arms to admire the supple white leather wrap-tunic and matching pants.
Both were heavy with intricate gold beadwork and leather fringe. On my feet were white leather boots, also beaded with gold. But it was the gold painted on my face that had me turning my head to stare at myself from multiple angles. The swirls of paint were reminiscent of wings, coming down from my brow to border my eyes. Kohl rimmed my eyes, bringing out the green and making them appear to lift at the outer corners. My entire lower face was painted gold, a line bisecting me horizontally across the bridge of my nose. Under my clothing was more gold paint, covering nearly every inch of my body. Even my wings had been dusted in gold.
“You are so handsome, my son.” My mother stood behind me as I stared into a full-length mirror.
My parents were both there for my presentation, but only she had attended my dressing as was traditional among our people. She was just there as my companion and had spent most of the time lounging on a chaise as she sipped from a glass of wine and nibbled on treats from a tray beside her while an army of attendants adorned me for my presentation. It felt good tosee her like that, enjoying my mate's wealth. Mine now too, I supposed.
Mother was already dressed for the celebration in a flowing gown of pink silk that complemented her auburn hair. She had worn her hair up in intricate braids to show off her long neck and the sapphire pendant she wore—my grandmother's. As she came closer, she folded back her white wings and removed the necklace.
My eyes widened as she put the heirloom around my neck and secured it for me. “Mother?” My hand went to the giant sapphire.
“Your grandmother gave me this on my wedding day. Now, I give it to you on the day of your presentation.” She stepped around my wing and kissed my cheek. “I'm so proud of you, Eliel.” Tears filled her eyes. “All you've been through and look at you. You are glorious, my son. So strong and handsome. A mate to our king.” She shook her head. “When you vanished, I thought I'd never see you again. I mourned you as dead. And when word came that you were alive and well, I thanked our Goddess, but I also prayed that she be with you. I knew you'd be hurt. I wanted to come here, but your father argued against it. He said we needed to let you heal in your own way. I'm so glad I listened to him. You healed and became a man wiser, braver, and stronger than you were.”
“Thank you, Mother.” I hugged her.
A knock interrupted us, and I eased back from her to see Sir Vanoak standing in the dressing room doorway.
He nodded to my mother before saying to me, “They're ready for you, Eliel.”
“Mother.” I took her hand.
“I'll see you at the celebration.” She cupped my face and kissed my cheek. “Don't you worry, Eliel. They will love you. Just keep your head up and a smile on your lips.”
I nodded. “I love you, Mother.”
She smiled and shooed me along. “Go on. Your father and I will be waiting to congratulate you after the presentation.”
Sir Vanoak grinned. “You look wonderful.”
“Thank you.” I folded my wings back and left the room with him to follow him through the palace.
Raven had prepared me for what was to come, so I wasn't surprised when we exited the palace and Vanoak led me to the training grounds. I was surprised, however, by the transformation of the grounds. Gone were the pells, wooden weapons, and benches. The packed dirt now hosted bright tents, tables laden with refreshments, and Dragons. Lots of Dragons.
As we stepped up to the edge of the training field where an arch had been erected, the Dragons came to attention and formed lines to create a path for me that extended from the arch, wound through the grounds, and ended at the largest tent—a massive white structure at the far end. My mate waited for me there. But to reach him, I had to walk a gauntlet of Dragons.
Sir Vanoak stepped before me and announced, “Standing before you is Eliel Awiaka, mate of our king, Raventar Awiaka of Tabaa!” He turned to me and declared loudly, “Welcome to the Tabaa Dread, King's Mate!” Then he moved aside.
I had to face the dread alone.
I took a single step into the aisle of Dragons and turned to face the first man on my left. There was nothing for me to say, no testimony for me to give. Raven would have spoken to his dread about me earlier. The time for swaying them was done. Now, it was time for me to receive their decision.
The man inclined his head to me, long black hair falling forward. “Welcome to the Tabaa Dread, King's Mate.”
“Thank you.” I inclined my head to him and then turned to the woman across the aisle. Two Dragons had welcomed me. Only a couple thousand to go.
The faces blurred together as I stood before each Dragon and accepted their decision. Slowly, I made it down the aisle that curved back and forth around the training yard, weaving between tents. There wasn't much for me to do—just face each Dragon and say thank you. Unless one of them rejected me. Then I would have to turn around and walk back through the aisle, past all the Dragons who had approved of me, and into the palace. In disgrace. Unwanted. Unaccepted. My stomach clenched.
But so far, they welcomed me.
My leather garments seemed to grow heavier the further I walked, the morning moving into the afternoon. The day was cool, but still, the sun shone down on me, summoning sweat to my back. I kept my chin lifted and smiled as I met every stare, just as my mother bade me. If I were going to be rejected, I'd accept it with as much pride and decorum as I could muster.
“Welcome to the Tabaa Dread, King's Mate.”
“Welcome to the Tabaa Dread, Duke Eliel.”
It went on and on. At last, the Dragon King's white tent rose before me. Only a few feet more. Instead of calming me, it made me even more anxious. If I were rejected now, it would be ten times as devastating. And damn cruel. I pushed on. Raven's knights were next. They each welcomed me, offering me smiles of encouragement. Almost there.
Two more feet. Two more Dragons.
