It has been 22 years since we got here.
Since then, Vatra and Dante have had 5 more babies. Theseus who is now 22, Caspian who is 21, Annessa and Artemesia who are 19, Zephyr who is 18, and Rhea who is now 16. I have been lucky enough to be blessed with having a big role in their life.
Our world has grown large enough, we now have 3 islands. Goddess Hestia was true to her word. The land provides us with plenty. We will forever be grateful to the Goddess for what she has given us.
As planned, each year most of our unmated dragons travel to the mainland for the mating ball. It has proven to be a success. Many have found their mates. Our islands have grown with more than just dragons, but also with witches, lycans, werewolves, vampires, fairies, and even some mer people. Each year I attended with the hope of finding my mate. I keep being told by the witches to just be patient. Last year I skipped the ball, I just couldn’t bring my heart to handle another disappointment. I was close to accepting that finding a mate was never going to happen.
Vatra and Dante kept me company and maybe that was all I needed. Getting to enjoy their children and watch them grow has provided me with some solace. Dante has changed so much since the man I grew up with. He had opened his heart fully. Every once in a while, he still struggles with love and trusting people, but Vatra keeps him honest. He has also been busy helping me learn how to be a proper Queen. The cultures and etiquette of each species.
The Queen of the Lycan and Werewolf kingdom has been very helpful as well. We regularly talk and occasionally meet. I have loved hearing the stories of her little ones growing up. Since the birth of the triplets, they have had more. Now they also have Theo, Enya, and Damira.
It is nearing that time of the year again. Dante and Vatra have been giving me hell about going. I made the mistake of telling them I wasn’t going again. I swear Vatra has gotten a harsher tongue since having children. After weeks of stressing me out and bugging me about it. I finally agreed to go to get her to shut it. She had Dante and ALL of their kids harassing me about it.
Taking a deep swig of the amber liquid, I allowed it to warm my insides.