Crown Of Hearts
Chapter 62: mating call

Chapter 62: mating call

Eamon hoped that choosing the wrong person could not have any serious negative impacts on the couple’s union.

"You could choose to repeat the test with a different test group or move on to the next activity since it’s all just for fun and entertainment." Valerion explained as they watched the groom hug his bride, so happy that he had found her and Eamon was relieved to have his worries dispelled.

The bride was next and everyone was happy for the couple once she correctly identified her groom.

"I think I am going to need more practice memorizing every inch of your face." Eamon confessed as he imagined himself playing the game with Valerion. For some reason, he always wanted to be able to identify his mate. The ability to do so offered Eamon a sense of comfort and stability he had not known he so desperately needed.

Valerion gently brought his palm and landed it on his cheek and Eamon’s face reddened because they were in public.

"You can start right now if you want." Valerion breathed invitingly and Eamon reluctantly withdrew his hand as the blush that covered his cheeks deepened.

"I will start as soon as we arrive home." He whispered and Valerion smirked, loving the red hue that adorned his mate’s cheeks whenever he was flustered.

"Alright." Valerion agreed as they watched several dragons preparing for the next activity.

More herbs were thrown into the bonfire and lots of white smoke filled the air.

Eamon felt his focus become shaky with the more white smoke he inhaled and he wondered whether Valerion was equally affected.

"What’s happening? I feel like I am walking on clouds and the ground beneath my feet is no longer solid." He turned to his mate and Valerion’s brows knotted in concern.

He felt something similar but he doubted it was as severe as what Eamon had described.

The herbs that were being burnt were supposed to create a haze like feeling in dragons but he had no idea how they affected humans.

"It’s the herbs. Just focus on me love, okay? You are going to be fine." Valerion replied as handed Eamon a glass of water.

The water helped to partially clear the fog in his mind and he could now see much more clearly.

"Better?" Valerion asked and he nodded as his eyes focused on the group of about twenty dragons that were now standing around the bonfire.

It was an equal number of women and men and once the loud music started playing, the men dragged the groom away from his mate and the women did the same.

Eamon tuned to Valerion, the question in his eyes clear.

What was going on?

"The marking ceremony has began. The groom and bride have to fight and escape their captors through the haze and they will bite to mark each other once they are together again." Valerion explained and Eamon found the custom strange yet obviously romantic.

It was all very intense and Eamon gulped as he watched the groom struggle to break free from the numerous men that had their arms wrapped around him in a strong grip.

It was a show of primal strength and Eamon was impressed with the loud growl of the groom as he shifted into his dragon and escaped his captors, soaring into the clouds as he flew away to find his mate.

The bride met him half way and both dragons landed gracefully, high pitched shrieks escaping their throats as they moved around the bonfire, never breaking eye contact.

"That is the mating call." Valerion informed Eamon, referring to the high pitched sounds as the couple finally took on their human forms after three turns around the bonfire.

They watched as they embraced each other, the groom sinking teeth into his mate’s neck as she threw her head back and once he was done, she marked him as well in the same exact spot.

The crowd erupted in cheers of celebration to mark the the end of the ceremony and the officially mated couple led the opening dance.

Several other couples eventually joined them on the dance floor and Eamon’s eyes widened in surprise when Valerion stood up and offered him his hand.

"May I have this dance?" Valerion flashed him a charming smile and Eamon was mesmerized as he placed his palm into Valerion’s and let the dragon pull him up from his seat.

"Yes, you may." He smiled and together, they walked to the dance floor.

Valerion placed his arms around Eamon’s waist, pulling his mate closer as they swayed to the slow romantic melody that was playing in the background.

Eamon wrapped his arms around Valerion’s neck, gazing up at the man he loved as the effect of the herbs slowly started to wear off.

He no longer felt like he was floating and the way Valerion held him gently yet steadily had Eamon sigh softly in contentment as he leaned in and placed his head on Valerion’s chest.

"I love you." Eamon whispered, certain he could never tire of telling Valerion how he felt.

"I love you too." Valerion smiled as they continued their dance.

The music soon picked up in pace and Valerion reluctantly let Tia and Eros take his mate away so that he could have some fun.

The dragon stood in a corner, closely keeping an eye on his mate and it made him happy that Eamon seemed to be having a good time as he swirled and twirled around with his friends.

He was a little too old to be mingling with the younger dragons and he smiled subtly as Ezekiel, his younger cousin by a couple of years came and stood beside him.

The king was clearly keeping an eye on his mate as well.

"Hello, cousin." Valerion greeted as he briefly tore his eyes from Eamon.

Ezekiel acknowledged his greeting with a nod and gentle smile.

"It’s a lovely evening." The king pointed out and Valerion’s eyes lit up as he looked at Eamon that was now attempting to make a double twirl.

"Yes, it is." He agreed and they stood together in a peaceful silence, both of them intently watching their mates.