Author's Note: I am so sorry that it's taken me this long to update. I got swamped with college stuff and personal matters. I am going to try to update more often, but I can't promise that they will be regular by any means. As always, reviews are welcome and motivation to continue. And if anyone notices anything wrong with it or you have questions, feel free to message me. Xp ~Shade
The next hour gave way to Kyra having to feign composure while two Serpiente women—a pit viper and a rat snake apparently—fitted her for the dress that she would wear to the ceremony. Kyra was genuinely impressed with their handiwork. Once the two had finished and let her be for the time being, the eagle removed the circlet to see just what she was wearing.
The dress was stunning. It was a deep red satin material that hugged her body in all the right places, making her look almost ethereal. Overall, it was vaguely reminiscent of a tunic-style dress with a golden clasp holding the single shoulder strap together. It flowed beautifully all the way to the floor.
Soon, Kyra found herself being fitted for jewelry to complete the ensemble; the pair had suddenly returned, forcing the eagle to quickly put her circlet back on in the split-second before they opened the door once more. Golden bracelets were then placed on her wrists along with a pair of upper-arm bands around her biceps—she knew they were gold because the women commented about how well they matched the dress's clasp. She could feel a heavy necklace being placed on her while her hair was pulled up, but naturally she couldn't see what it looked like.
"You look amazing." Zane's voice came from the direction of the door.
The cobra had entered a few moments before and had stared in awe at the sight of his very-soon-to-be Naga. He could see that the necklace she was wearing was a golden collar with a ruby at the center of her throat.
"Just in time, Zane," the pit viper commented with a smile. "We've just finished, and there is about a half-hour before the ceremony."
"Wonderful," he replied with a smile. "Could you give us a few minutes alone?"
"Of course, sir," the rat snake replied with a little curtsy before both left the room.
As soon as Kyra heard them leave, she removed the circlet carefully; she wanted to just rip it off, but that would have undone the hairdo they'd worked so hard on. When she looked at Zane, she noticed that his attire consisted of a satin shirt of the exact same shade as her dress and a pair of slacks similar to the ones he'd worn the previous day. His silver signet ring was back on his left ring finger since she'd returned it to him before they parted that morning.
"You look pretty good yourself." Kyra joked weakly.
"Only pretty good?" he teased, trying to lighten her mood. "You're having a hard time with the people touching you thing, aren't you?"
She nodded. "I thought I could just ignore it, but it would seem that Avian customs are more ingrained in me than I originally assumed. I seem to be fine with you touching me, but others . . . put me on edge."
"Then I'm charmed that you don't feel that way towards me," he bowed. "Let me see your hand." Zane said, changing the topic abruptly.
Kyra eyed him strangely did as ordered without question. The cobra pulled a golden ring from his pocket. It was a Cobriana signet ring that was gold and ruby where his was silver and onyx.
"I had this made for you this morning by a blacksmith acquaintance of mine."
"It's . . . beautiful." Kyra breathed. "Thank you."
Zane smiled and placed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "It had to match the beauty of its wearer."
"Now you're just trying to charm me."
"Is it working?"
She glared at him playfully. " . . . Maybe."
A quiet knock at the door alerted them to someone's presence. "The ceremony is going to start in a few minutes." Charis's voice drifted through said door. "Are the two of you ready?"
"We'll be out in just a moment." Zane replied, not looking away from Kyra's face.
Their vibrantly red gazes were locked together for what seemed like an eternity before Kyra moved to return her circlet to its proper place. "Remember that you're going to have to guide me," she warned once her vision was blocked again.
He squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry. I'll be your eyes."
"Then let's go unite these two enemies, shall we?" Kyra flashed him a cocky grin before allowing the cobra to lead her out of the room to the site of the ceremony.