Hail the Dragon Enchantress

Chapter 6: A Kingly Gift

~King Clint’s P. O. V.~

Regina had kept her word. She and I met in front of her castle gates along with her dragon. I have to admit, hearing of a creature such as these was quite terrifying. Seeing her dragon up close was not for the faint of heart. She was a magnificent dragon. I meant what I said to her last night. I never wanted to claim her dragons as my own. Or her power. Does she have the power to bend every kingdom to her will? Yes. She had not, however. Her kingdom was separated from the others and it was very peaceful here.

I saw her dragon bend for her master to climb on. Regina smiled at me as she held a hand out. I gently took her hand and she pulled up. Her dragon even helped me up. They truly were remarkable creatures. Who would have thought a being like a dragon could be so gentle? Honestly, I couldn’t wait for my own. If this goes well, I am handing my kingdom over to my younger brother and staying here with Regina. When I first saw her, my heart pounded heavily. Her golden locks were waving in the wind. Her beautiful emerald eyes caught my soul in them. Her skin was glowing and felt like the finest silk. I did not care about her dragons, her power or her kingdom, really. I cared about her. Behind those enchanting eyes was a woman desperately needing rest. She had gained circles from her tiredness. When was the last time she was taken care of? The gods only know.

“Nithe. Take us to the center of the city.” She told her dragon. Nithe huffed and spread her wings. I noticed that they had crystals on them. In fact, a good portion of this dragon had crystals on her. I held on to Regina’s waist. Nithe took off in flight. I had to close my eyes for a moment. But when I opened them, I was met with the most beautiful sight. The entire kingdom seemed so big, yet from up here it seemed so little. You could see the vast ocean from here. And yet, at the same time, you could see the snow-capped mountains. The trees were vibrant and full. This was a splendid view. One that I could never tire of. The skies were filled with all kinds of dragons. None were hostile. “What are you doing, Nithe? I said the center of the city.” Nithe shook her body. “Excuse me, little lady, what is that attitude for?” Again, the dragon huffed. I tried not to laugh. “Oh, I see, you’re showing off for your future king.” Just then Nithe flapped her wings and acted as if she had been over a hill. “I love you, I hope you know. I tolerate this behavior because I love you.” Hearing the dragon yawn almost made me lose my wits.

I leaned against Regina, “Are all dragons like this?” I chuckled.

She groaned. “Unfortunately. We will be going to the hatchery today as well. I want you to pick your dragon today and we will hold the hatching ceremony tomorrow night. If that is alright with you, my king?”

I was hoping she would have said that. “That is perfect, my queen.” My very own dragon. Yes. I have made a decision. I will write to my father tonight and let him know that I will be marrying Regina and handing over my current kingdom to my brother. He will be king and I will be married to the woman of my dreams.

We eventually landed in the center of the town and I was awestruck. There wasn’t a fountain of water in the middle, but rather a fountain of fire. The homes of the people looked expensive and very well put together. I saw children laughing with toy dragons in their hands. Some older children with their own dragon hatchlings. This was a very well kept kingdom. The people were not only thriving but they were joyful.

“Are you daft?!” A man shouted. “That is clearly my property!” Regina looked at me and slumped her shoulders a little. Giving me an apologetic smile before going over to the squabble.

“You are the daft one. It’s obviously my property,” another man said. Pointing to a tree that was overhanging both yards. I see now why she is tired. Arguments like this must happen often.

She stood straight and addressed her subject. “Gentlemen. What is the issue?” She was polite and regal. However, if petty arguments such as this are her only worry, she must be doing her kingdom right.

They bowed to her. “Your majesty,” they said in unison. The one who started the argument spoke first. “M’lady. That tree has been in our family for the last 30 years. This man,” Pointing to the other one, “Claims it is his property.”

The other man groaned. “I have portraits of that tree from before my grandfather was born.That is clearly my property.”

Regina stepped forward to the tree. She placed a hand on its bark and looked at its limbs. I saw her do her duty. “My finest blacksmith and my favored seamster, the tree is on both sides. Now you can cut it down if you so wish, or you can accept that it is both of yours.” She put her hands down and centered them near her womb. The two men looked back at each other.

Her seamster spoke first. “Seeing as you do work on my horse's shoes and have crafted the best harness’ for my two boys’ dragons, I will share the tree.”

The blacksmith rubbed the back of his neck. “And you also make my son’s and my outfits for free. Sharing with the old girl isn’t so bad.”

I was impressed. She merely told them that the tree was in both yards and gave them options. I can see how her people respect her. “If that is all, gentlemen. I have a king who needs to see the hatchery.” She smiled at them.

“The hatchery?!” they exclaimed. Looking at me with smiles and joy. I merely nodded. They looked at her hands next. “A wedding!” They cheered. She laughed at their merriment.

She led me to a massive building with several floors. If I didn’t know any better, I would say this tower was for owls and birds that were meant for sending letters. The guards at the massive doors stood straight and then bowed to us. She nodded once and they both opened the dark wooden doors. Once inside, I was in awe all over again. There were so many eggs in this building. And none looked the same. She stood at the entrance and smiled at me. Motioning me to go forward. I passed so many gorgeous eggs but none spoke to me.

“We pick our eggs based on what we feel. Nithe’s egg was at the very back. How I felt holding her egg is indescribable. You feel it in your heart.” She explained to me. Their culture was vastly different and beautiful. I loved it.

My eyes scoured the eggs. My eyes fell on one egg that was different from the others. It was smooth and yet carved like a diamond would be. Its colors were green and had black spots dotting its surface. I picked it up and looked at it. On the back of it, it had a silver sliver that looked like a vine spanning from the top to the bottom of the egg. It was perfect. He was perfect. Wait. “How do I already know his gender?” I looked at her.

She was beaming a smile. “Because you were meant to have a dragon. That is a Shora’an trait. You were meant to be here.” She came over and looked at the egg. “What are you going to name him?”

I had to think for a moment. His egg was quite alluring. The silver vine mixed with the green being the main color and the black dots. I first thought of the name ‘Archer’ but that didn’t fit him. A flash of white fire came to mind, which was strange since none of it was white. “Is it normal for one to have a flash of fire in their mind?”

Again, holding a beaming smile, Regina nods. “It’s a symbol of trust between you and your dragon, we think.”

I nodded and thought of the Welsh name for White Fire. “Tanwen.” Holding this egg has been one of my more meaningful experiences. “His name means White Fire.”

“Then, tomorrow, we will have the Hatching Ceremony so we can meet Tanwen. I am sure he will be just as handsome as his rider to-be.” She placed a hand on my arm. Kissing my cheek. “Come. We have others to see.”

Regina showed me the rest of the city. It was magnificent. People were in the taverns cheering and drinking. I saw horses getting fitted for new shoes. Dragons get their saddles and harnesses fitted to their chests. It was remarkable seeing the two animals work together. Regina led me to their crop area and I saw them both working in tandem. The horse plowed the fields while the dragon released the seeds from above. I thought dragons would have eaten meat.

“My queen, how do they coexist?” I had to ask.

“The dragons hunt for their food. They hate having their prey locked up. The horses don’t fear them because no dragon here has eaten a horse. We have no wild herds on Shora. Our island is vast and filled with many dangers. Bears, large cats, even larger serpents. They hunt the dangerous animals and the deer, the horses stay safe.” She stated. This was intriguing. My father will want to have the ceremony here where he can see the dragons. Unlike most kings I have known, my father wasn’t interested in great deeds like slaying a dragon. He was more fascinated with great minds. And a queen with a great mind for his eldest son, he should be proud.

The rest of the day was spent showing me all the fine shops and taverns. It truly was a wonder to see how the dragons affected their life here. In everything they did, dragons assisted .From baking to sterilizing a needle for wounded knights. I wrapped my arm around her and kissed her head. Happy that I got to experience something greater than anything I could imagine.

“Thank you, my queen. This was a lovely day.” She didn’t try to get out of my hold.

She looked up at me and leaned her head on my shoulder. “When do you want to hold the ceremony for us?” Her question caught me by surprise.

I let go of her and looked into her mystical green eyes. “My queen.” I could get lost in those eyes forever. “I will not pressure you into marriage. Yes, we are betrothed now. But I still have to order your sword and there is careful planning to do.” I stated. “Do I want to marry you? Of course, I do. You are as beautiful as the sun. Kind like the morning dew. As generous as the most nobel king.” I placed my hand on her cheek. “I can tell that you love your subjects with all that you are.” I smiled at her. “I want to take our time and build a love for each other. With each passing moment, I feel it growing inside of me. But you are not mine, yet. We can put the marriage talk on hold until you are ready to be mine fully.”

She placed her hand over mine and leaned into it. Closing her eyes and kissing the top of my wrist. “I hear you, Clint. And I do understand.” She opened her eyes and smiled again. Nithe landed before us. Her tail wrapped around our waists. She put me in front this time. “It seems Nithe also approves of you.” Regina laughed lightly. “Let’s go home.” After that, Nithe took off and brought us home. Before we went our separate ways, Regina held my hand. “It’s not customary for a king and a queen to sleep separately.” She was looking down and blushing. I held her hand in mine.

Kissing the top of it. “Is that what you wish?” She looked up at me and nodded. “Very well.” That was the end of our conversation. She and I got into our comfortable clothes and I snogged her from behind that night. It was honestly the most peaceful night I have had. I hoped she would take her time with my proposal to sort out her feelings. I am growing to love this woman. I hoped one day she would grow to love me too.