Dragon's Darkness

Maliki's Pov

"Prince Maliki, the letter of acceptance came in not long ago. Should I get the men and horses ready to depart it's a day's worth of travel." My second in commend Frederick announced standing by the door.

I stood in my office staring out the window with a whiskey in my hand watching my massive beast run around the woods like a puppy. Honestly If he wasn't so massive he'd pose no threat at all just a giant puppy he is.

Shaking my head at the thought of my wolf. "Thank you Freddy, please get the preparation prepared we will set out once that's done. Not too many men though I don't want to seem as if we're there for war. It is a marriage acceptance after all." Frederick bowed his head and turned to leave for the necessary preparations. "Frederick before you leave, I want Casper prepared as well." I said turning back to the window.

"S-sir? But Casper..."

"Did I stutter Freddy? I have nothing to hide. Casper will be coming as well."

"Um.. Of course Prince Maliki. I'll instruct his handlers to get Casper prepared as well." He bowed again and turned to leave muttering under his breath. I already knew what he was thinking Casper is a wild card in unknown territory.

After all if I'm expected to marry the Princess of the Thorn family I might as well have no secrets. When my parents died four years ago all I had left was Casper he was my saving. If she can't accept him then I see no reason in accepting her hand, after all her parents reached out first. I only simply replied I might not be as prominent as the Thorn or Fairways but in the end I am rebuilding after my parents death.

Sighing I ran my hand through my blonde hair rustling it, something I did quite often when I was flustered. It's such a hassle... why do I need a wife? I've been doing this alone for four years what's another century. Something no one tells you if you get matched with a dragon or wolf your lifespan extends for centuries instead of 80 years like a normal person.

Bothersome. From what I heard her parents are the last in the country to have dragons no new ones have been found since the m******e 125 years ago. According to my parents they tried to help but were to late. In the end I suppose that was a blessing I wouldn't have been born yet. Sighing downing my drink I placed it on the desk.

Bark! bark! GROWL!

I shook my head stifling a laugh sounds like Capser's giving them a bit of trouble. Guess that comes to no surprise everyone's so edgy around him when he only wants to play in the end. Sighing I grabbed my jacket and walked out the office down the hall.

"Your Grace." The maids would say bowing their heads as I passed. Honestly the thought still bothers me four years later I almost wish they'd treat me normal not like I was special. Sometimes I just wished for a simple life but that's not in the cards not when your of high statute it just doesn't work like that.

The wind blew through my hair as I reached Casper's yard. Squinting I looked at the blue sky cloudless such a warm day for spring I grumbled as summer would only be hotter.

I preferred the colder months guess I'm not so different from Casper after all summer he hides in the shade but winter he comes alive in the snow.

Bark bark!

Thundering paws came fast as Casper smelt me jumping over the handlers he made his way over. The closer he got the slower he became as to not damage the buildings when he skids to a halt. When he was in front of me I placed my hand on his foreleg. I'm 6 foot 2 and Casper is at least 8 feet tall and still growing he makes normal wolves look puny.

Thud!

Casper flopped on his belly in front of me panting and practically smiling. Silly goof I gave his nose a small pat as I smiled "You ready to go fetch our bride Cas? You behave for your handlers alright?" Casper tilted his head sideways then nudged my hand gently as he rolled on his back wanting tummy scratches.

I might be the Prince until marriage but who could resist the belly scratches. I admit for Being 28 years old I'm just a big kid myself not many saw that side though its a shame really it only comes out when I'm with Casper.

"Your Grace! Are you alright? we're very sorry he slipped away from us and took off." the head handler Jake bowed his head apologizing.

"No need for that Jake, we all know how this big puppy plays." I smiled and stepped away from Casper as he stood back up and shook his coat out from the dirt sending a sand storm over myself and the handlers. I blinked rapidly a few times frowning as Jack and the handlers stared at me in utter shock and fear.

"Your lucky your mine Casper" I stated In a grim voice as I shook dirt and grass out of my hair and clothes. Great another set back now I need a shower. "Prince.... oh my goddess what happened here!!!" Frederick came out the door and went straight to the handlers. "How could you let this happen! Your supposed to be preparing Casper to leave not playing duck duck yuck." Giving a heavy sigh he turned to face me as dirt smudged on my cheek. "I'm very sorry Prince Maliki please forgive them for their incontinence." he said bowing his head lowly.

I mearly just laughed not able to hold it in any longer. "Oh Freddy, your to hard on these people there's nothing to forgive. We all know how Casper is it was to be expected honestly, don't be so grumpy."

"S-sir?"

"Are the preparations done then? I imagine that's why you came to find me." I mentioned as his face turned from dumbfounded shock to a relaxed manner.

"Yes Prince Maliki the preparations are complete, the men are saddled and your Gypsy is saddled and waiting also. Are you sure you don't want to ride in the carriage instead aren't we bringing the new miss back with us?" His worry face glued back on I swear this man worries more then Any I've ever met.

"That won't be necessary I honestly don't expect her to come back after seeing Casper. I need a shower and change of clothes first how do we expect the Princess to fall head over heels when I look like I slept with the horses."

As I turned to head inside I sighed heavy thinking about the Princess... so help me I could only wish she was ugly with warts and a unibrow so I can just forget this marriage proposal ever came across my desk.

Why did I agree to this again?