My Husband, The Dragon Prince

Queen Masina and Chief Amaruq

Lucia had given up hope on changing her father’s mind. 

Even Titania had been unable to sway him, and Caterina had come up empty – the King had absolute say, and since it was the prince proposing to the princess, and her father approved, Lucia had no power. 

So, Lucia had moved on from bargaining to acceptance. This worked out well, as Chief Amaruq and Queen Masina had arrived the morning after the dinner with Titania and her father.

A couple of years back, there had been a crisis of succession in the northern kingdom, Iqaluit. King Amaruq had been a child king, encouraged by his elders and sages, as his parents had died in his youth. He’d been carefully taken care of, but as he grew up, he became more reckless. When he’d almost been killed in a hunting accident, the leaders of Iqaluit had panicked, as there was no heir. As a consequence, Amaruq had been pressured into finding a bride. 

He’d left the task up to his advisors, mostly because he didn’t want to have to think about it. The choice had been between Masina and Lucia. Well, Titania had been contacted but she’d sent back a boar’s heart as a response, so she was out of the running pretty early. In all honesty, Lucia had been hoping she’d be chosen, as she’d harboured affections for Amaruq since they were children. They’d exchanged letters, and he seemed taken with her, but his advisors had decided that Waipahu was in need of stronger ties over Elaria. So, Amaruq was engaged to Princess Masina, who became Chieftess before being crowned Queen of Waipahu. 

Which made them the two people that Lucia could truly talk to about an arranged marriage.

Since it was summer, the two were coming from Waipahu, which meant that they were sailing in on a fleet of wooden double-hulled canoes, gilded by large, inverted triangular sails painted with beautiful patterns depicting long journeys, gifts from the gods, and miraculous births. 

The flagship was the most massive, easily twice the size of any of the other ships. The paintings on the sails were a mix of traditional Iqaluit and Waipahu stories, joining at the centre to create waves circling around a crescent moon. 

The main ship docked at the pier while the others weighed anchor out in the bay. The other royals were already down at the pier waiting to greet the new arrivals.

They were easy to spot as they began to disembark, as Queen Masina had wild hair the colour of the southern sea as well as a large headdress with abalone, pearls, dried palm leaves, and red tufts sticking out at the top. Chief Amaruq had a similar taupou, though his stood taller. They were dressed in similar brown fabrics, a sarong beaded in colourful patterns covering Amaruq’s lower half, leaving his tanned chest bare. Masina meanwhile had a red band around her chest and a brown skirt cinched high on her abdomen patterned with red flowers, looking lovely against her dark skin.

As the couple stepped onto the dock holding a large hibiscus plant, Lucia curtsied while King Jude bowed.

“It is a pleasure to have you back in our city of Rema,” Jude greeted.

“It’s lovely to be here,” Masina said with a smile before turning to Lucia, “Here, this is a host gift, for your garden.”

“Thank you!” Lucia said as she took it, then she gasped, as the pot and flowery bush no longer hid Masina’s round tummy.

“You’re pregnant!” Titania gasped, rushing forward and grasping Masina’s hands excitedly.

“Yes!” She giggled, “I thought it might be a nice surprise.”

“I suppose now you won’t have any more succession crises,” Jude joked with Amaruq.

“Hopefully,” Amaruq agreed, putting a hand on his wife’s shoulder, “Now, we are tired from our long journey – are our rooms ready?”

“Of course!” Lucia chirped, “I’ll show you!”

The four of them made their way to the main castle in an open carriage, chatting idly as they made their way through the capital city. When they finally made it to the couple’s suite and helped put down the small bags they had carried up, Amaruq sighed as he took off his headdress.

“Is Nakoa here?”

“No,” Lucia sighed, “the dragons were supposed to come today, but Father thinks they’ll be there tomorrow morning.”

“In that case, I’m going to enjoy the peace and quiet while I can,” Amaruq said, rubbing his icy almond-shaped eyes before flopping back onto the four-poster bed. Within moments, he was snoring, his long black hair sprawled on the pillow beneath him.

“You’ll have to forgive him,” Masina said quietly, taking off her own headdress and running her hands through her curly locks, “my dearest has never been a fan of long distances, and I’m afraid that this summer has rather tired him out.”

“We’ll leave him be,” Titania laughed gently as the three women exited the suite and began to walk around the castle, talking about their summers, though mostly Masina’s pregnancy. Apparently, she was about six months along, which means that the child would most likely be born in Iqaluit.

“I’m a little worried,” she admitted, “Merfolk births are usually done in water. It’s very difficult and expensive to heat water so far north, and while I’ve gotten used to the colder water, I can’t imagine what it might be like for a newborn.”

“And you can’t travel back to Waipahu for the birth?” Lucia asked.

“No, travel is very difficult once the rivers start to freeze over again,” Masina said, “and we can’t just spend the whole year in Waipahu, as much as I would like it.”

“Well there’s a chance that the child could be more like their father,” Titania said, “Elves are more suited to the cold.”

“Yes, that’s true. I guess it really is a matter of luck.”

“Titania! Lucia! Oh, hello Queen Masina!”

Caterina had come running around a corner holding some scrolls, and when she saw Masina, she stopped and bowed. 

“Caterina, I’ve hardly seen you,” Titania said with a smile, “Lucia tells me that you’ve been down in the archives.”

“I have,” Caterina said, shifting her scrolls to one hand as she adjusted her round glasses and tucked a brown curl of hair behind her ear, “Since I’m accompanying Lucia to Ainaokala, King Jude is allowing me to take any books that I want! I found some Fae scrolls and I wanted to see if you might be able to help me translate them. There are a couple of words in here I don’t understand.”

“I would be happy to! I’ll see you two for dinner later.”

Titania and Caterina went off to the library together, leaving Masina and Lucia alone to wander the ground of the bright castle.

“So,” Masina began, “are you excited about the wedding?”

“If I may be perfectly honest…” Lucia sighed, “No. I was told about it five days ago and I have absolutely no say in anything other than the dress, the cake, and the music.”

Masina laughed a little, “Well, that’s more control than what I had. I remember how little food I was able to bring from Waipahu because of the difference in climates and the long journey.”

“I remember your wedding dress was very Iqaluit,” Lucia recalled, thinking back on the long white gown with fur-trimmed sleeves and a hood that fell over Masina’s face as she walked up the aisle. It had been covered in beautiful blue and black bead work with a straight skirt, “I was surprised they didn’t let you choose your own dress, at the very least.”

“Well, it is Waipahu tradition to wear a dress from your fiancé’s family. It was actually Amaruq’s mother’s dress.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that. But um...it must have been scary to be in that position. I know I’m scared.”

“Of Nakoa?” Masina asked with a raised eyebrow.

“No, Nakoa doesn’t scare me, but being married to him does.” Lucia sighed again as they entered the gardens, “I’m worried that I’ll be trapped in a miserable marriage for my entire life. I don’t dislike Nakoa, but I’m not especially fond of him either.”

“I’m afraid I can’t help you there,” Masina admitted, “I’ve been in love with my Amaruq for many years now, and I was ecstatic when I learned he chose me.”

“Oh yes, I know,” Lucia laughed, “In all honesty, I’d hoped that Amaruq would choose me, but I couldn’t bring myself to be disappointed when I heard the news, especially since I knew how happy it would make you.”

“I can’t blame you. How can someone not wish to be the object of Amaruq’s affections? He’s so kind and gentle, but strong and handsome.” Masina sighed dreamily as a hand drifted to her stomach, “I thank the gods for him every day.”

“I see you’re just in love with him as ever before.”

“Oh yes – I love him most ardently, and tomorrow, I shall love him even more.”

“I wish that I could be as fortunate as you, to marry my true love.”

“Well, you might wish to speak to my husband then,” Masina said, pausing to look at some forget-me-nots, “You know just as well as any of us that he was...less than excited to be wed.”

“Ah, yes. I remember the um…” Lucia snapped her mouth shut, wondering if it was a touchy subject for Masina.

“When my husband frequented every brothel in Iqaluit and northern Tir Na nØg the weeks leading up to our wedding in a mad panic?” Masina laughed as she stood up straight and flicked her hair back, “I like to laugh about it now. He’s still a little embarrassed about it though.”

“Well now I have to ask him about it,” Lucia laughed, “And it’s good to know that there are worse ways to react.”

“I am curious...how did you first react when your father told you that you were engaged?”

“I screamed at him and then cried in my bedroom,” Lucia admitted, “which wasn’t very dignified, but I do think it was justified.”

“Of course, it’s really frustrating when you suddenly have a huge decision ripped from you. I consider myself fortunate because I was marrying the man I loved, but it was still upsetting.”

“Yes. Well, now I’m starting to get upset again. Shall we change the topic?”

Masina smiled softly, “Of course!”

“So I am curious – why did you bring so many ships with you?”

“Oh that – after the celebration, we’re heading north to Iqaluit.”

“Already?” Lucia frowned, “But the harvest hasn’t even begun.”

“Well, Amaruq is anxious to get back home,” Masina admitted, “He believes it’ll be a bad winter this year, and he doesn’t want to travel anymore than we have to, so he figured since we were already heading north, we may as well head back to Iqaluit. All of the ships are carrying gifts and our regular trade.”

“Oh, I see. Is it difficult to move from one country to another every season? Don’t you get homesick?”

“It is a difficult journey,” Masina admitted, the two of them finding a spot by the fountain to continue their chat, “and a tiring one, but now that I’ve been doing this for two years, I consider Iqaluit my home just as much as Waipahu. I will sometimes find myself longing for the icy mountains, but when I’m in Iqaluit, I suddenly crave the tropical sea. So...yes, to both questions, but I do enjoy it.”

“That’s good to hear – my father says that Nakoa and I will be doing something similar to that.”

“It’s not so bad, in all honesty. And speaking of Nakoa, have you seen him lately?”

Lucia shook her head, “No, I haven’t seen him in a couple of years – I’ve just been unable to see him. Why?”

“He’s changed quite a bit,” Masina said with a wry smile, “He’s always been charming, but he’s gotten rather handsome. He’s certainly grown into his wings.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Lucia laughed, “All I remember is him tripping over his wings every few steps. I still recall the time he tripped and spilled Titania’s gelato all over her one summer. Oh, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so angry!”

“I remember that!  The great and fearless dragon prince, cowering in front of a faerie.”

“I think everyone would cower before Titania. You should have seen the way she tore into my father at dinner last night. She didn’t even yell, but I’d never seen him so pale!”

“Titania could wage war upon all of us,” Masina mused, “and likely win.”

“That’s why we guard our gelato recipe so tightly,” Lucia joked, “She won’t invade us if that means no more sweets.”

The two girls laughed together before Lucia sighed and let her head fall on her friend’s shoulder. 

“I’m going to miss this.”

“We’ll be closer than before,” Masina soothed, “Since you’ll be spending the winters in Ainaokala, we won’t be terribly far from you in Iqaluit.”

“I don’t understand why you spend the winter in Iqaluit and the summer in the tropics. Should it not be the other way around?”

“Winter is a difficult and dangerous time for Iqaluit,” Masina said, “and Amaruq feels he would be abandoning his people should he spend such a tough time in Waipahu. I will often return home – I’ve never handled the cold as well as I’d hoped – and sometimes Amaruq will visit me and we’ll return to his palace together, but Amaruq cares deeply for his people. He would never abandon them.”

“He is a noble soul. You’re very lucky to be married to him.”

Masina smiled softly as she stroked Lucia’s hair, “I know. And I think you’ll find fortune and happiness with Nakoa as well.”

“I only hope.”

______________________________________________________________________________________________

When Lucia fetched Caterina and Titania from the library for dinner, she found both women thoroughly dishevelled and blushing madly.

“Lucia!” Caterina yelped as she adjusted her dress, “I uh – how long –?”

“Only a moment,” Lucia laughed, “I just came to tell you dinner will be soon. You have a few minutes, so I might recommend running a brush through your hair. Oh and Titania?”

“Yes?”

“Your left shin guard is under the table there.”

“Ah. Thank you Lucia.”

“Anytime,” she assured with a smile before exiting the library. She was happy for Caterina – she needed a break, something to distract her from the sudden change. Titania was a very good distraction.

To their credit, they arrived at dinner on time, looking perfectly presentable. Caterina took her place beside Lucia, placing her between her friend and the King. Titania sat across from them, then it was Masina and Amaruq. 

The dinner went quietly, much more peaceful than the night before. Amaruq and Masina talked about their summer, about the pregnancy, about the difficult winter to come. 

When dinner had finished, Masina yawned.

“Please excuse me,” she said politely, “I’m afraid that I’m quite tired.”

“Here, I’ll take you back to our room,” Amaruq offered.

“No, no, it’s alright – I could do with a good walk.” Masina then glanced pointedly at Lucia, and Amaruq nodded in understanding. Then she stood, “Thank you for the dinner, King Jude. I shall see you all on the morrow.”

She bowed slightly before leaving. Once she had, Titania stood as well, “Yes, thank you, it was as delicious as always. Caterina, I believe we still have work to do in the library?”

“Yes!” Caterina chirped before turning to Lucia, “Your Highness, may I take my leave?”

Lucia laughed, “Yes, of course! Enjoy the library.”

Caterina blushed a little before following Titania out, leaving Amaruq, Lucia, and King Jude. 

“Well,” the king groaned as he stood, “I’m heading in for the night. Good to have you here, Chief.”

Amaruq nodded as the king left, then he sighed.

“You’re dreading this wedding.”

Lucia opened her mouth to make a witty comeback, but found that she had none. So instead, she nodded quietly and closed her mouth.

“Yeah. I thought as much.” Amaruq stood. The outdoor patio was a high balcony on the cliff upon which the castle sat. He looked down at the calm sea far below them, “The tide is low. We should have access to the cave.”

Lucia chuckled a bit, “I haven’t been to that cave since...well, since before you married Masina.”

Amaruq smiled and turned back to her, offering his hand, “So it seems I should return the favour you did for me back then.”

Lucia returned the smile as she stood, taking Amaruq’s hand as they stepped up onto the carved stone railing, the wind and the sea beckoning. 

Amaruq stepped away from the wall first, bringing Lucia with him. 

They fell through the air for a moment before Amaruq thrust his free hand up, the sea rising up and solidifying in an ice slide to meet them. They landed gently, Amaruq controlling the ice to guide them into the cave at the base of the cliff, hidden by the tide.

But the tide was low, so the entrance loomed like the maw of a giant beast. 

Soon, Lucia’s feet hit solid ground and she stumbled, caught by Amaruq.

“I forgot how fun that was!” She laughed as she steadied herself.

“I can’t do that with Masina lately,” the chief admitted, “I’ve missed being reckless.”

“Me too. I love Caterina, but she’s too smart to do anything reckless.”

“You mean aside from Titania?”

The two laughed before heading deeper into the cave, climbing steps carved into the rocks by use.

The cave was an air bubble; the entrance was at the water and sometimes covered by it, but the main part of the cave led up into a large room where the water couldn’t reach. Ever since they were young, Lucia and Amaruq would sneak off to the cave, and it had become a rather cozy spot over the years.

There was a large alcove in the corner, so they had filled that with pillows, cushions, and fluffy blankets. In front of it was a firepit, with a large hole carved into the rock above it, allowing smoke to escape. Lucia had found where the hole led, once, covered by bushes on the grounds.

There were pickled snacks to last decades as well as wine that was left to age. Lucia knelt down to quickly make a fire with the supplies they had, and soon the room was bright and warm. Meanwhile, Amaruq fell back into the nest of blankets, leaving plenty of room for Lucia to lay down next to him.

“So...Nakoa,” he said.

“Yep.”

“Masina told me you have some reservations about him.”

“Well...you know him as well as I do, perhaps even better.”

“Probably a little better, since I know that you haven’t seen him in a couple of years. He’s not as bad as you remember, trust me.”

“I do,” Lucia admitted, “and again, I have nothing against Nakoa, it’s just….” she sighed, “I hate that I’m getting married to him because it’s what he wants, and what I want is just ignored.” 

“I can relate to that,” Amaruq admitted, “I didn’t want to get married, period, but I knew it was either that or elect a secondary heir, and I didn’t want to create some weird conflict. People up north have tempers as short as the summers.”

Lucia laughed, “As if you’re exempt from that.”

“Yeah, yeah, so it’s probably a good thing I was paired up with Masina. I think I’ve only ever heard her raise her voice once.”

Lucia raised an eyebrow, “What happened?”

“Some of the Iqaluit women were trying to keep her from swimming when she first became pregnant – everyone still gets so nervous when she does swim since she’s pretty much the only mermaid – and she snapped at them to leave her alone. Then she burst into tears, she felt so bad.”

Lucia laughed, “That’s Masina for you – she’s a sweetheart, and I think you two are a good match.”

“I didn’t think so at first. I mean, I thought she was lovely and kind and beautiful, but I certainly had no desire to marry her. I assume you feel much the same about Nakoa?”

Lucia nodded as she sat up, playing with a stray string on one of the blankets.

“Yeah, I think so. He’s funny and sweet and charming but...he’s immature, and I don’t want to spend the rest of my life with him.”

“There are worse people to spend it with.”

“Hm. Better people too.”

“I suppose. Is there anything I can do to help? I would offer the same you did to me when I was engaged, but I don’t think that would be a good idea,” Amaruq offered with a smile.

Lucia laughed, “No, definitely not. Probably not a good idea at that time either, but it was certainly fun.”

“It was fun,” Amaruq admitted, “and Nakoa is a lucky man if you do half the things we did.”

Lucia found herself blushing madly at the compliment, but she quickly turned her face, “I um. Ahem, I don’t want to be thinking about such acts with Nakoa.” Suddenly, she felt a wave of anxiety wash over her and she snapped her head back to Amaruq, “Will I…am I expected to do that right away?”

Amaruq hummed in thought, “Traditionally...yes, that’s what the wedding night is for. However, I don’t think Nakoa would expect it of you. He’s too kind and also a little too stupid for that. I honestly don’t know if he wants to or not, but if you don’t want to, it won’t happen.”

“That’s good to know. I mean, I didn’t think he would make me do anything I don’t want to, but it’s still so frightening.”

“Why? It’s not like it’s something you’ve never done before.”

“Because we didn’t have to!” Lucia said, gesturing between the two of them, “We did it because we wanted to, because we were scared and attracted to each other and looking for answers, and we both knew what we wanted. I have no idea what Nakoa wants from me, nor what I want from him. And I would just feel so guilty if he expected it of me, but I’m furious at even thinking I’d feel guilty and –”

“Lucia.”

Amaruq sat up and put a hand on Lucia’s shoulder, effectively stopping her spiral.

“You’ll be alright,” he assured, “We’ve both known Nakoa since we were children, and we know that while he may be an i***t who has some very bad ideas from time to time, his heart is always in the right place. He’s a straightforward man – just tell him how you feel and he will understand. He has no right to be frustrated, especially since he’s the one putting you in this situation to begin with. And besides…” Amaruq smiled, “if he does anything even mildly distasteful, Titania will just rough him up.”

Lucia laughed, feeling her anxiety lighten a little bit. Aside from Caterina, Amaruq was probably her closest friend, even though his kingdom was so far away. They’d always been sure to keep in contact with each other as much as possible, and they’d always been fairly similar to each other, which was why Lucia had been hoping that she’d be chosen as his wife.

In hindsight, it only made sense for it to be Masina. Lucia and Amaruq were too alike – logical, righteous, analytical, and stubborn. Lucia knew that they would bring out the worst in each other though, as they both had a lot of personal doubts and while it was fun to spend hours speaking with Amaruq about philosophy, ethics, and creative works, it was difficult for them to settle on a decision as they were both plagued by what if. If they ruled a kingdom together, nothing would ever get done.

But Masina was kind and patient in ways that neither of them were, and while she was a little bit of a crybaby, she was always one to speak gently and work her way through a problem quietly rather than arguing. She was an excellent listener, which was good since Amaruq had a habit of talking through his thoughts. Lucia did the same thing, and they often had good ideas together, but being interrupted got annoying quickly, even if it was for a good idea.

Lucia wondered if her and Nakoa would have the same compatibility, or if they would just clash horribly. 

“Oh gods,” she sighed as she flopped back into the blankets, “I’m going to have to rule two kingdoms with him! What if we just never get along?”

“Well..you would continue your rule over Elaria and he would continue over Ainaokala,” Amaruq said. 

“But once we get married, we’ll share kingdoms,” Lucia argued, “I would like a say over the kingdom I am supposed to be ruling.”

“Well…” Amaruq sighed and gestured lamely, “I don’t know. I can’t imagine Nakoa won’t listen to your opinions.”

“He never listened to me as kids.”

“Yeah, when we played together. Running a kingdom is a little different than (insert game here). He may be an i***t sometimes, but he is the crown prince. He got the same education we did.”

“I guess so.”

“I think you’re just looking for all of Nakoa’s negatives,” Amaruq said, “and ignoring his good attributes. You’re going to be miserable if you keep doing that.”

“Wow, that sounds familiar,” Lucia scoffed as she got up, searching for a bottle of wine.

“That’s because it’s good advice. It kept me from going insane during our first winter together.”

“Speaking of…” Lucia said as she opened the bottle and brought over two glasses, “does Masina, erm, know ?”

Amaruq chuckled as he sat up and took one of the glasses, allowing Lucia to pour some wine for him, “Yes, yes she does know. She wasn’t especially happy about it, but at the end of the day, she’s the one I’m in love with.”

“Well, that’s good. I was a little worried about it becoming an issue.”

“No, of course not. Secrets are a breeding ground for lies and confusion – all bad things in a happy marriage.”

“You’re so wise,” Lucia sighed, “I wish I had your mind.”

“No you don’t, I’m just very analytical. You’re wise in your own way Lucia, and I have a feeling that you’ll find happiness just as I did.”

“Well then,” Lucia said as she raised her glass, “To finding happiness.”

“To finding happiness,” Amaruq echoed before clinking glasses with his friend.