The Dragon Princess

Let's Begin

Cecilia's screams are heard even after we ascend the skies. I can hear more voices, but they are getting fainter as we fly away from the Manor. My initial reaction is to worry about how much trouble I am going to be in, but then I remember that I am literally flying! Panic surges through me, a more immediate fear making me forget all about Cecilia and the other Jermaines. There is nothing for me to hold onto, apart from the scales, and I feel like that is not enough. One tilt or a moment of distraction and I could be falling to the ground. 

A loud roar sounds from behind us and I dare to look back. In the distance, I can see two dragons following us. Seems like the dragon I am riding on notices too. Picking up the speed, and going even higher, the dragon attempts to escape our chasers. It has to be Konan and Kaira. They were due to leave for Zore right about now, and who else would bother chasing me? Unless it's Caspian and someone else? 

The buildings below us look like tiny little dots from up here, and soon they become more and more scarce. I have no idea where we are going, what direction this dragon is taking me in, or where we will end up. But I can't turn back now. I don't think the dragon would listen to me anyway, even if I wanted to return. It seems determined to take me away... 

The dragon turns around, circling back the way we came, checking to see if we are still being followed. I can't see anyone, there is not a cloud in the sky and nowhere to hide up here. They must have given up and returned home. The dragon seems satisfied too, turning back and continuing on our journey. 

Adjusting to the wind and the painful scales below me, I begin to enjoy myself. I never, ever thought that I would get the opportunity to ride on a dragon, yet here I am. The dragon glides effortlessly through the sky, it's wings only flapping from time to time. I stretch my arms out to the side and laugh. I laugh so hard and for so long that my giggles soon turn into tears. An overflow of emotions hitting me all at once. I have a feeling that life is about to change, that this dragon from my dreams found me for a reason. It really is the start of a new chapter. I'm happy and sad and scared all at the same time. 

After I don't know how long, the dragon begins to make its decent. There are no clues around as to where we are, no signs of life. In the distance I can see one building, what looks like a modest home. Nothing else. No wildlife or shrubs. 

Getting closer, I can see that the building is guarded by two knights. They don't look surprised to see the dragon, this must be where its master resides, whoever it is. What kind of person would live out here, in the middle of nowhere and all alone? 

I grip tightly onto the dragon's scales and the ground comes up to meet us. The landing is gentler than anticipated. I open my eyes and look around. The home is a simple sandstone building, typical of our Kingdom. There are no decorations, no plants, nothing of personality. The dragon grumbles and I take that as my cue to climb down from its back. My legs wobble from the comedown of adrenaline. I walk towards the knights, expecting them to say something, direct me somewhere, but they keep their eyes straight forward, looking at absolutely nothing. 

"Hello. I...I don't really know why I was brought here. Can you tell me who lives here? Who owns this dragon?" 

"That would be me."

It wasn't the knights who replied. It was a female voice from behind me, something I didn't expect. I spin around and choke on the air that I fail to inhale. Before me is a gorgeous woman, tall and striking, so beautiful that she could be a Queen. Her skin is pale like mine, her hair fair too. The only real difference between us is that she's much taller than I am, and her eyes are a hazel colour, not blue like mine. 

"Who are you?" I question.

"We already met, Ella. I am the one who brought you here." 

"You..."

I gawk in realisation. The dragon is gone and in its place, this woman. 

"You're a shifter?"

"I am. I am sorry for how our first meeting is going, but it was necessary."

"Why? Who are you?"

"There is lots to be talked about. Please, come inside and I will tell you everything, Adella."

"My name is Ella."

The woman chuckles as she walks past me, saluting her knights. I follow behind, not sure what else I can do. A million questions are running through my head right now, but I can't seem to form a single one. 

Inside the home is a total contrast to the outside. Plants and flowers cover every wall, lanterns light up the small rooms, illuminating the personal touches that are missing from outside. The fabric looks to be the best quality around. Ornaments and trinkets lay about, all gold. The floors are the finest marble I have ever seen, rivalling every noble house I have ever been in. 

"Please, have a seat and I shall make us some tea. I'm sure you need it after that journey."

"Thank you." I reply, too busy taking in everything around me. 

There is a large couch in front of an unburning fireplace. The fabric is royal blue, velvet I think. There are too many cushions to count, all a different colour. I sink into the couch and take a few deep breaths. This is crazy! How did I end up here? How did that woman end up here? She doesn't seem like a beggar, or like someone who would be exiled from the Kingdom. How does she have all of these nice things? How does she survive? Why did she call me Adella?

"Now, let's begin shall we?" Smiles the woman, placing some tea on the table before us. 

She sits beside me, her body turned towards mine. I feel out of place, unsure how to act around her. I don't even know if she is dangerous. She did kidnap me after all!

"Begin what?"

"The story of our lives, Adella."

"Why do you keep calling me that?"

"Because... that is the name I gave you when you were born. It was the only thing that I could leave with you, written on a piece of parchment. But I gave you a name that reflects who you are; Adella means 'Of the Nobility'."

"I am not a noble." I argue.

"On the contrary, you are Royalty, my child."