The Dragon Mage

A Fairytale From the Heart

I stood in my room, staring at the all of boxes piling up on my floor. The day after that man left, I recieved an official letter of proposal from the Crown Prince of Dragons, which I hid from My father. He's been urging me to call of the engagement ever since I accepted it, but with my people on the line, I could never do that.

" My lady, since you're likely not going to choose which to pack" a voice says " perhaps we should handle the packing. Why not go for a stroll-"

"Not at all." I say " I'd Love to sort through the gowns and accessories"

The maids stare at me dumbfounded as I happily make my way towards the closet.

"whats gotten into her?"

" she's never liked the dresses before"

"they say marriage changes a person"

Truth is, I still don't care for the fancy gowns and priceless jewels but if i'm not in here busy with the preparations i'll be listening to my father complain about the agreement I made... besides, as long as I am in here surrounded by maids, I can't run into Feyin...

"How about this one, your highness?"

"No."

"this one?" another calls

"No."

"oh, what about this one?"

I look to see her holding up a light purple gown that actually wasn't half bad, when did I get that one?

"Yes." I say " if there are any others like that one, keep those too."

"O-Of course, your highness!"

I was surprised to see the maids starting to tear up, like my sudden interest in any type of gown was a miracle from the gods or something.

" our little princess.." one says ".. is growing up right before our eyes"

Don't start the waterworks, it's just clothes

"psst" a voice whispers" Princess"

I turn to see Laea poking her head around one of the corners in this closet, how many sections does a closet need? I walk over calmly, leaving the maids to search for gowns like the one from before.

" what is it, Leae?"

" Shall I pack all of your suits as well, your highness?" she whispers

"please" I respond quietly

" Will do"

Laea is my age, I have known her ever since I came to the Palace, despite being a servant, she's never been pushy about what I should wear or how I should behave. She's my best friend.

"Laea" I say

"hmm?" she says " was there something else you want me to sneak in?"

"you already know everything i'd want"

"Naturally, Fe." she says " its my job to know... but then, what else is on your mind?"

"well, you see, as a gift of some sort" i say " his Majesty, the emperor of Dragons, said I could bring someone with me to help me feel more at home there."

"ok-"

" I was hoping... you'd be that person"

"are you kidding?" she says " Fe, you don't even have to ask. I'm not about to let you enter enemy territory without me. I planned on coming rather i was invited or not"

"Laea-"

" I told you years ago, wherever you go, I go, end of story" she says " so don't worry"

Knowing Laea would be with me, I felt more at ease.

"but, Fe, are you sure about this?" she says " you've never been without your younger siblings before.."

" I know... and its true, I'm not thrilled to be leaving them" I say " but our Dad gave his life for this kingdom and its people, I can't let his death be for nothing."

She turns to face me, concern written all over her face.

"besides," I say " my father is here, he's already adopted them... and they'll have Eryl, so I know their safe here."

"speaking of the crown prince" she says " Has he heard of the news yet."

" if not, then he will soon." I say " I sent my acceptance letter to the Dragons this morning.."

"Already?!" she exclaims

" Yes, I used magic to send my reply as soon as I recieved The proposal"

"If his Majesty finds out you did that-"

"I know. He's going to be furious." I say " But theres nothing he can do now, the agreements already been made, the deals done. The notification of ceasefire will arrive tomorrow morning, when their escort arrives to collect me. And once i'm married to the Prince, the alliance will be permanent."

I turn, resting my hand on the wall.

" the strange thing is" I say " I used to hate this palace for everything it took from me, and now... I'm actually going to miss it"

" Fiere-"

"Whats done is done." I say " Theres no turning back now."

" your highness?!" a voice calls " your highness, where are you?!"

"I'm coming!"

I walk away from leae, leaving her to pack the outfits I liked most of all. I turn for a brief moment.

"Laea" I whisper " Don't forget to grab those"

"I know." she says

With that, I exited the closet to find my younger siblings waiting in my room, their eyes full of sorrow and confusion. It's already that time? I might as well get this over with.

" Where are you going?"

I kneel down looking over my youner siblings, Viran and Azra, they look so much like our parents. They both had dads green eyes, but unlike Viran who has brown hair, Azra had moms Rosegold locks, it almost feels as if their here with me. I felt a sinking feeling in my chest, causing me to pull them close to me.

" Listen, " I say " you've both grown so much in these past years, I'm glad I got to see how far you've both come. I'm glad i got to watch how you grew and changed, and I couldn't be prouder."

"sis, your scaring us" Azra says " why are you saying this stuff"

I pull back a bit, looking at both of them.

" But you're old enough to be alright without me now-"

"No!" Viran yells " You can't-"

"listen to me." I say " we always knew this day was bound to come, it just came a bit sooner than any of us thought."

" but.. I don't want you to go"

"I know, Az" I say " and when you need me, i'll be right here. I'll come right back to you as fast as i can.. but its time for me to do what mom always talked about doing."

"can't you do it here?"

" I wish I could" I say " but the world doesn't work that way.."

"but if you leave, i can't protect you-" Viran says

"its alrigh, Vin." I say " You're needed here to look after Azra."

"what about you?" Azra says " whats going to happen to you?"

I pause, trying to think of what to say, then It hits me. I put on the best smile I can.

" You know the stories i always told you?" I say " where the beautiful princess fell in love with a dashing Prince?"

" yea?"

"well, thats my story now, too." I say " Tomorrow, My prince will come to whisk me away to have a happy ever after of my very own"

Azra's eyes widen, a huge smile on her face.

" does that mean you'll be a queen?"

"thats right." I say " and one day someone will tell my story to their little girl, just like I used to tell you those of the princesses before me."

" this prince... will he keep you safe?" Viran asks

"yes, he will." I say

" he'd better... or he'll have to deal with me"

I couldn't help but laugh, seeing my younger brother be so overprotective of me... its adorable.

" how about we go spend some time with His majesty?"

"Dad!" they both yell

They took off running towards the throne room.

" are you sure lying to them was fo the best?"

"I didn't have another option, Leae" I say " I don't want them to believe love doesn't exist in this world, nor can i let them know I won't get to experience it. Their just kids"

" I understand"

I smile, nodding my thanks to her before following them to the throne room, knowing this may very well be the last time I ever get to see it.