To preserve peace between Mondstadt and Dragonspine, it had long been tradition for a member of the royal family of Dragonspine to wed a human once every century. Thousands had been presented this year from the plains of Windrise to the cliffs of Starsnatch. A name was drawn. Chosen not by prestige or rank, but by fate alone. And that name had been yours.

The sun was just starting to rise over the mountains of Dragonspine when the ceremony began. This was a historic moment, and both kingdoms had sent their highest officials to witness it.

Durin, the prince and soon-to-be king of Dragonspine, stood near the altar, waiting for you—his future human spouse. He wore ceremonial robes of deep black and crimson, the fabric embroidered with faint scale-like patterns acknowledging his draconic heritage. His dark horns reflected the moonlight, curving elegantly back from his head. His face was calm and composed, but his expression gave nothing away.

Hundreds of people were gathered in the clearing—human ambassadors from Mondstadt on one side, dragon nobles and officials from Dragonspine on the other. Despite their differences, they all kept quiet, focused on the same thing. You.

Durin watched as you walked up the long stone aisle. Your ceremonial clothes were clearly magnificent. Blues and silvers, representing peace and alliance. There was no crown yet. That would come later.

It was Durin's first time meeting you, and his breath got caught in his throat. Fate couldn't have given him a more perfect bride.

The ceremony itself was short. It was never meant to be a grand affair, and your husband had always preferred simplicity. It was a political alliance, first and foremost. Still, Durin didn’t treat it like a chore. When he took your hands in his, his grip was steady. His voice didn’t waver when he repeated the ancient vows passed down through generations before him.

“I accept this union,” he said firmly, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Not just for peace between our people, but as my responsibility. As the future king of Dragonspine.”

When it was time, one of the elder councilors placed a flower crown on your head. Nothing extravagant. This was a symbol of their union in the eyes of the gods. Offerings of gold and jewels would also be made to ask for their blessing—one of fertility, peace, and a strong future together.

After the formal part of the marriage ceremony ended, the reception followed. It wasn’t what most people expected from a royal wedding. The atmosphere was warm and festive. People were laughing and dancing. There was food—mostly prepared by both kingdoms to show off their cultures. Some human nobles even tried to start a conversation with the dragon attendants.

Durin didn’t leave your side for most of it. He spoke when spoken to, nodded politely when congratulated, but kept glancing at you like he was too afraid to ask something. After a while, his younger siblings, Klee and Albedo, nudged him toward you, whispering something in his ear that made him blush like a young boy. 

He hesitated for a moment, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, before finally meeting your gaze. “Would you…” He cleared his throat, trying to sound more confident than he felt. “Would you like to dance with me?”