The Dragon Princess

The Announcement

I remain glued to my spot on the floor, staring at the door that Konan had closed. This cannot be happening. I must be hallucinating, or this is some kind of sick joke. Yes, that's what it is. There's no way he could have meant what he said. He has always been so mean to me, degrading me at every chance he got. My brain is unable to process this information, it has gone numb, shutting itself down in an effort to preserve my sanity. 

A gentle knock sounds at the door but I dare not move. It opens a moment later, and Cara enters the room. She gasps when she sees me...or my dress. I am still too shell-shocked to say anything, I just stare at her, watch as she rushes around the room. She brings in some hot water and prepares me a bath, she lays out a fresh dress for afterwards, then she begins undoing the ruined dress while I stand as still as a statue. 

"Ms Ella, you need to get into the bath, that red wine will stain anything! I'll do my best to save this dress, but I don't have too much hope I fear. This is a big stain. How on earth did this happen?" 

"An accident." I mumble. 

"A big accident! Go, get into the bath, leave the rest to me." 

"Thank you, Cara." I breathe, coming to my senses. "You're a life saver. Cecilia is going to have my head for this!"

"Don't worry about that for now, go get cleaned up." 

Cara rushes out of the room with the wine stained dress. I've never seen her move so quickly. The steam raising from my hot bath entices me over to the copper tub. The smell of lavender hits my nose, calming me somewhat. This is just what I need right now. I step in, my pale skin turning pink from the heat. I submerge my whole body, moaning in pleasure as the water eases the tension in my muscles. 

Once the water turns cold, I reluctantly get out of the bath and get ready for bed. I am glad that this day is coming to an end, but I am also dreading tomorrow. I will no doubt have to face Cecilia, not only for ruining her dress, but also leaving the party without so much as a goodnight. Darkness seeps into my mind quickly, taking me away from this place and into another. 

---

I wake early the next morning, the first rays of sun are barely peeking over the horizon. I feel rested, but not ready to face the day. I get out of bed, halting when I see my dress back in my room, hanging on the back of my door. I inspect it closely. There is no trace of the wine that once covered it. How is that possible? I expected there to be at least a faint stain that tainted the dress for good. 

Just as I am finished getting dressed, Cara comes to my room. 

"How on earth did you get all of that wine out?" I ask her, still astonished.

"Truthfully, I didn't get it out at all."

"What do you mean? It looks perfect!"

"It does, but that is not the same dress, Ella. After I left here last night, Duke Konan found me in the kitchen. He gave me some silver coins, insisted that I go to the Lumalle residence, purchase their finest fabric to match the dress and remake it. With any luck, Duchess Cecilia won't be able to tell the difference."

"What? That is crazy! How could a dress like that be made in one night?" I shriek.

"It wasn't easy, but it was done."

"I can't believe that. Thank you, Cara."

"It's Duke Konan that you should be thanking." She chuckles. 

Just hearing his name makes me feel peculiar now. How can I face him after what he said to me last night? I will have to deal with that later, anyway. There will be plenty to do today before the King's announcement at noon. 

As expected, I was kept busy all morning, cleaning the Hall after my own party. I was exhausted again by the time I had finished, but there was no time to rest. Noon is almost upon us, and although I don't see why, Cecilia insists that I have to attend the announcement too. Luckily, I have yet to see Konan today. He's probably avoiding me, which is good. He probably had too much wine last night and is now regretting his words and actions. 

After rushing to make myself look presentable, it's time to leave for the Palace square. A large open space in front of the Royal Palace, it is often used for announcements such as this one, events and parties. The sun is hot as usual today, so I'm thankful that we are riding in the carriages. It would be a long walk to the square in that heat. With all of the nobles gathering, the skies are swarming with dragons, their silhouettes moving rapidly in the sky above. 

The square is already full when we arrive, it looks like every person in Graka is here. My mind begins ticking over as I ponder what could be so important that absolutely everyone has to attend. I follow the Criselle family towards the front where the rest of the noble families are waiting. The only person missing is Konan. Kaira, Magnus and Remus all seem very excited, but there's a twisting in my stomach that makes me feel like something big is about to happen, maybe something bad. 

"This is exciting, I wander what the King and Queen are up to!" Kaira comments as we come to a standstill. 

"It better be something good to drag us all out here in the middle of the day!" Magnus moans. 

Two years younger than Kaira, Magnus tries to act like he is a man already. He follows Konan wherever he can, acting as his shadow, his run-about. Like Konan, he has always been less than nice to me, but he doesn't bother me much. He is a silly child trying to act like a man. Poor Remus looks just as confused as I do, standing behind his older siblings glancing all around. 

"What do you think it is, Ella?" Kaira asks. 

"I..."

"As if she would know anything! Let's just wait and see shall we."

"Oh, shut it, Magnus. Ella knows enough about this Kingdom to have an opinion."

"I have no idea what this is about." I admit. 

"I don't think anyone does." Shrugs Kaira. "Hey, what happened to you last night? You disappeared from your own party."

"I was just tired, sorry I retired without saying anything." 

Kaira is unbothered by my excuse, which I am thankful for. I am not the best liar I know, and I haven't even thought of a better excuse for my sudden departure. 

Just as the King and Queen make their appearance, standing higher than everyone else on the Palace's balcony, a hand brushes off mine. I twitch in surprise and turn to see Konan, standing close by my side but looking straight ahead. I move my hand away from his, trying to be subtle. Oh God, so he wasn't just drunk last night? Or am I overthinking this? It was just the brush of a hand after all. 

"Citizens of Graka, welcome!" Roars King Durvion, his voice booming into the open space. "We have gathered you all here today because we have a very important announcement. An opportunity has arisen for our people, for our Kingdom. As many of you may know by now, King Vaegan of Zore is not doing very well at the moment, and as sad as that is, it provides our people with a chance for a new beginning. The unrest between our two Kingdoms has had terrible consequences. Trade has diminished, food has been restricted, we have been stripped of our Gold! But now, a new chapter will begin and Graka shall rise again!" 

The excitement in the crowd is palpable. Every person here is clinging onto the King's words, breathing them in like oxygen. Their eyes are filled with hope already, even though they still don't know what this opportunity is. It's true that things have been tense between the two Dragon Kingdoms, but it is normal to me. It has been that way my whole life. I have often heard the Nobles talking of better times, when there was peace, friendship, and freedom. Though that all sounds great, my life would still be the same, I'm sure. The noble families would benefit having more buyers of their produce, more people to make ties with, and more luxuries that they can delve into, but for the likes of me, not much would change. 

"As King Vaegan is without a Queen, he will have to pick one of his many children to be his heir. A contest of sorts will be held in the Palace of Zore. Each son and daughter of the King's shall pick up to five suitors to compete. When the contest ends and each possible heir has chosen their partner, the King will choose who is to take his throne. We have been invited to partake in said contest. I see this as King Vaegan's attempt to make peace, and it is not an opportunity that we want to miss. As such, each Ducal and Marquise House shall send one daughter and one son of their choosing to Zore. They will be received into the Royal Palace and remain there until they are sent home, unless they win, of course."

The crowd erupts into cheers, shouts and crying. This was definitely not what I expected, and I don't think anyone else did, either. Duke Atticus and Duchess Cecilia look both shocked and pleased at the same time. They turn to their children, smiling lovingly. 

"Oh my God!" Whispers Kaira. 

I have to stop myself from saying anything. 

"Take a moment," continues the King, "and once you have made your decisions, send your chosen children up here."

My mind goes into a blur as everyone talks around me. This is surreal. What will life be like in the Manor without two of the Jermaine children? 

"Konan, Kaira, your Mother and I would be proud to send you both to Zore. You are both strong and intelligent, and any Prince or Princess would be lucky to have you by their side."

I glance at Kaira who is tearful, but looks excited. She has always wanted to be someone of even more importance. Konan on the other hand, he looks furious, but I know he won't refuse his parents, or the King. Things really are going to change, even for me. But maybe it's for the better...