Secret Dragon

Chapter 6

Wyvern

When we get inside the castle is intimidating and gorgeous at the same time. Eight narrow square towers. One tower represents each area of the kingdom and each one has a large balcony so they can land in their dragon form if needed. Each one is built on various tactical spots for an ideal defense and now is connected by fairly low, heavy walls made of silver stone. Tall windows scattered thinly around the walls in the seemingly perfect symmetry, along with holes of various sizes for archers and artillery. A huge gate with huge metal doors, a regular bridge, and various artillery equipment offers a warm haven within these cold, isolated lands and it’s the only way in if you can make it that is. Various large houses and cottages are scattered outside the castle gates, surprisingly the rich are comfortable. This castle has clearly stood the test of time and its inhabitants are intent on making sure it stays that way for ages to come. Lush fields of crops surround the west side of the castle for optimal sun, and well-kept gardens with fragrant flowers, gorgeous trees, and many bushes decorate the outside of the castle. It seems to have been improved over the ages, some parts may be newer than others.

We finally made it past the gardens and made it into the majestic throne room. Chandeliers on the ceiling just like I always imagined, large, tall windows along the walls, a second floor to watch what’s going on below, and a stone wall with a stained glass window behind the thrones. A red carpet led the way to the thrones and a red curtain behind them.

“Your majesties, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I curtsey to them and even though they’re technically my in-laws, I don’t think they consider me their daughter-in-law yet.

“Pleasure to see you again, Wyvern.” Well, at least the king is happy to see me. The queen doesn’t make eye contact with me and I already know this isn’t good. “Dear? Aren’t you going to greet our guest?” At least the men-folk are on my side!

“Hello..” Well, that was the most pathetic and weakest hello I’ve ever heard…

“Mother, father, may I formally present to you my mate, Wyvern Tiamat.” He smiles at me and kisses my hand. I can’t help but blush.

“And what kind of dragon are you, Wyvern?” The king asks me so formally that it’s hard to believe he was so casual with me earlier in the day.

“I’m an ice dragon, but my parents live in a cottage in the coldest part of the forest near Flurris.”

“Makes sense. Is your family originally from Flurris?” I really like him! He’s so comfortable to be around!

“Not to my memory, our little cottage has been my home all my life. It’s not much, but it was home.” I purposely leave out the big bombshell my parents told me to use for later if needed. Plus, it’s not entirely wrong. 

“So, how do you think you’d do as a princess and fit into the world of a royal?” The queen asks me coldly.

“Uuhh I may not have been born in the world as a royal, and true I did just get out of a prison sentence for stealing, but I did so I could feed my parents since my mom’s dragon was stripped away when I was a baby!” They both look at me with shock. “I have no idea why she was stripped of her dragon, but it was, and she’s happy being human and accepted it. For some reason people they knew said that she deserved to have her dragon taken away. I have no idea why, but I don’t think she should’ve.” The king looks as though he remembers what happened and looks at me as if I’m a new person. “Your majesty? Are you ok?”

“I remember that disaster… the people revolted and destroyed the castle… nobody knew what happened to the family…” His eyes almost looked glassy as if he was about to cry.

“Your majesty? Are you… crying?”

“I was young in my reign, I just met my queen, and Cadmus was born not long after. I had heard of the Revolution of Flurris, but never knew any of the survivors… until you.” He comes down from his throne and… he hugs me?? Never in my life would I think I’d actually be hugged by his majesty.

“Uuhh your majesty? This is unexpected…” He lets go of me once he realizes the awkwardness.

“Sorry, it’s just after it happened and I guess you just lived the quiet life everyone forgot about the castle and the family and has since been forgotten to time. I’m sure the ruins are still there. I’ll personally take you some time.”

“Forgive me your majesty, but you’re an…” I look at Cadmus who mouths ‘air’ “An air dragon, would your dragon handle the cold?”

“Well, that’s where your ice dragon comes in, your frost can cover our wings to keep them protected.”

“Really!? I never tried that. Course I haven’t had an opportunity to fly much.” I blush as they remember that I was just released from prison just this morning.

“Right…” Soon the doors open and that princess from this morning comes in, and both the king and Cadmus are surprised to see her.

“What is she doing here!?” Both guys ask the queen angrily and shocked.

“I put her on the carriage myself so how in the world is she still doing here!?” The king’s kindness has switched to anger towards his queen and I don't want to be on his bad side.

“Well, there was no room in the carriage with all her belongings so I told her she could stay the extra day. Isn’t that right, Princess Kindra?” The queen glares at her and she nods her head yes while curtseying in front of us.

“Of course your majesty. I’ll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning after breakfast. After all, it's customary for my belongings to go back first before I do.”

“Come, I'm sure everyone is hungry, let's all go to the dining room to have some dinner.” The queen showed us the way to dinner where beautiful plates of food and drinks were already there. 

“Did you prepare for us, mother?” Cadmus asked the queen worriedly.

“Well, I had been prepared for guests if that’s what you mean. Come sit, and enjoy the food.” We all sit down and relax. Dinner was going well and at least I had the king’s blessing which I suppose matters. I took a sip of my drink and it tasted of peppermint which I like. So I took more of it. Soon I yawned and figured all the flying and walking had caught up to me.

“Excuse me, everyone I’m getting tired I think I’ll-” I fall onto the floor and all I see is darkness.