Xilta’s words drifted into the background as Trex and I began flirting with one another telepathically.
I pressed my thighs together, hoping no one but Trex would notice my arousal. Trex was so sexy it was hard not to jump him all the time.
Seriously, you’d think I was desperate for sex, but that was definitely not true. Every opportunity we had, Trex and I engaged in sexual activity...hot and deliciousmind-blowingsex.
I questioned whether it was just the honeymoon phase or if this was my new reality. I attempted to stifle a giggle, but ended up coughing instead.
My eyes wandered over Trex’s body while I bit down on my lip, then I discreetly glanced downward. I was relieved that Trex’s tunic concealed his arousal, which was evident from the way he shifted uncomfortably.
Judging by the intense emotions he was emanating, I wondered if we would even make it to the bonding ceremony.
I felt a wave of unease wash over me as Xilta cleared his throat, my muscles automatically stiffening in response. With a scolding glance, he locked eyes with Trex, a silent reprimand hanging in the air between them.
With Trex’s voice fading from my mind, we effortlessly made it through the coronation without a hitch. Their advanced video recording equipment captured every moment of the event, which was then streamed live across Alara, giving everyone the chance to experience the spectacle.
When it was over and the applause had faded away, we turned towards the crowd and noticed two spiritual leaders stepping forward.
Wearing a white robe embroidered with gold and a forest green belt, the first to step forward hailed from the temple of Tenage. I knew Trex had ensured he had been proven to be an authentic Alaran rather than a shapeshifter.
The other individual, dressed in a white robe and also with intricate golden weaving, belonged to the spiritual order of Veshar.
Symbols representing their deep connection to higher realms adorned their attire. According to the legend, Veshar was the goddess of the weave and was believed to be the companion of Tenage. Together, their collaboration formed the intricate tapestry of the entire Universe.
The spiritual leaders began chanting their prayers in unison. I was still uncertain about what to refer to them as. Cult members just sounded wrong since they were clearly spiritual beings with firmly held beliefs I respected.
The males each held a delicate, silky ribbon in their hands and raised them while speaking a blessing. A dark green ribbon with golden threads was held by the Tenage spiritual leader,while the Veshar leader held a gold ribbon with dark green threading.
“This ceremony has not been performed in nearly fifty tenri. It is a great privilege and honor to be able to perform it again,” the Veshar monk spoke out loud as he took my two wrists in his hands and held them out. He gently wrapped the ribbon around my left wrist and connected it to Trex’s right wrist, binding us together. The Tenage leader grasped Trex’s massive wrists with his equally large hands and mimicked the gesture with the ribbon he held, connecting our opposite wrists together. We stood with our hands linked through the two ribbons while the spiritual leaders spoke in unison.
“The Cosmic Weavers brought you together. These ribbons symbolize the intertwining threads representing your shared destinies. You are bound to one another under the watchful eyes of our gods, Tenage and Veshar. This binding denotes your connection in every way. You will now commit to your bond.” He paused and looked each of us in the eyes. “Do you promise to protect each other, and care for one another, always?”
“We do.” Trex and I responded in unison like we practiced.
“Do you acknowledge your bond as transcending not just this physical plane but all of eternity?”
“We do.”
Once the ribbons were removed, I was handed Trex’s, and he received mine, symbolizing our newfound connection. He gently wrapped his ribbon around my wrist, tying it off with a delicate knot, and I returned the gesture.
Even though a kiss wasn’t part of the ceremony, I couldn’t resist standing on my tiptoes to give him a gentle peck on the lips. The cheers of the crowd echoed through the venue as the ceremony ended, and people eagerly approached us to offer their congratulations.
Once the line of guests had dispersed, leaving only Krin, Olivia, and Riley, we engaged in a brief conversation before rushing back to our suite.
Before we made it to the bedroom, Trex had already stripped down and was eagerly reaching for my dress, pulling it up. “Be careful not to tear it. I like this dress.” I couldn’t help but let out a laugh.
His lips curled into a seductive smirk. “You look stunning in it, but I’m excited to see you without it.” His voice was deep and thick with need.
Within a moment, the dress was discarded, leaving us standing exposed, save for the ribbons that were meant to adorn us for the next couple of weeks. When I looked down, the threads in mine seemed to sparkle under the bright lights. “Why two weeks?” I asked with curiosity.
Trex took my wrist into his hand then leaned in and placed a sweet kiss right above the ribbon. The fragrance of his natural spicy scent wafted up to greet me. I swallowed hard at what being near him did to me. My body ached for his touch.
“Tradition. That is all,” he said with a tilt of his head.
“Will you wear yours the whole time?” I breathed.
“Yes. Of course. There is another tradition as well.” He gave me a mischievous grin.
“Oh? What is that?” When we were alone, I adored how his playful side would come out.
