The Omega Dragon

Chapter 7

The grand hall resonated with hushed whispers, the air thick with an undercurrent of curiosity and judgement. As I made my way through the crowd, I couldn't escape the penetrating glances that seemed to follow my every move. The collective murmur reached a crescendo, amplifying my discomfort and fueling my curiosity about what thoughts lingered behind those watchful eyes.

In the midst of the uneasy atmosphere, a man positioned near Arthur rose from his seat, punctuating the ambient noise. "Your queen?" he echoed Kealan's declaration, injecting a subtle sarcasm into his words that didn't go unnoticed. It was evident that he dismissed Kealan's assertion of me as his queen, the skepticism evident in his tone.

Kealan, ever composed, swivelled his head in the man's direction, a calm veneer disguising the underlying fury. "And what is that supposed to mean?" His words cut through the ambient noise, a measured response concealing the seething anger beneath the surface.

The man, undeterred, unleashed his disdain, his voice dripping with condescension. "I mean, why would a low-life outsider become the queen of the dragon's realm?" His eyes met mine, a look of plain disgust etched across his face. The words stung, and the contemptuous gaze felt like a dagger, slicing through the image of regality that I struggled to maintain.

The weight of his derogatory words hung in the air, a sharp reminder that despite my adorned appearance, I was still perceived as an outsider, an unworthy presence in the dragon's realm. The crowd's attention intensified, each gaze carrying its own judgement, and I, unable to retaliate, could only observe the unfolding drama.

I shifted my attention to Kealan, his face now etched with a frown. "You are pushing it, Zephyr. Not another word," he warned, pointing a finger at the guy named Zephyr, who seemed to be causing trouble.

Arthur, standing next to Zephyr, chimed in, "Why not, my lord? I mean, Zephyr isn't wrong." His gaze turned toward me, and he shot a cold glare in my direction.

Close by, some ladies started talking, their whispers not escaping my heightened wolf senses. "Oh, who could she be?" one of them questioned, their curiosity evident.

Another girl spoke up with a spiteful tone, "I don't care who she is, but there's no way we're gonna let an outsider create a rift between the brothers." The revelation that Kealan, Arthur, and Zephyr were brothers caught me off guard, leaving me a bit confused and stunned. I never expected them to be siblings.

Amidst the growing tension, the old man who had initially questioned my identity stepped forward. "What's going on here?" he asked, casting a glance at the supposed brothers. Other elderly men joined in, their murmurs adding to the confusion in the hall.

Zephyr started, "Drakonis, I don't know what is wrong, Keala..." but Kealan cut him off with an aggressive roar.

"That's my lord to you," Kealan corrected Zephyr sharply, causing a small frown to appear on Zephyr's face. He quickly bowed down a bit, saying, "Apologies, my lord," before lifting his head. Our eyes met, and a shiver ran down my spine in fear.

Meanwhile, Arthur, standing next to Zephyr, approached the old man, Drakonis. "Drakonis, I have no idea why Lord Kealan is declaring an outsider as the queen of the dragon realm," Arthur complained to Drakonis, his gaze fixed on me. A yellow flash streaked through his eyes, leaving me anxious as their expressions turned intimidating.

"I don't understand why Lord Kealan is trying to ruin the 'Royal Hoard Banquet' by inviting an imposter to join the feast," Zephyr's words stirred murmurs and rumors among the guests, adding to the tension.

Drakonis turned his attention to Kealan, gesturing to the crowd witnessing the unfolding drama. "My lord, can you tell everyone what you mean by calling an outsider your queen?" he asked, prompting Kealan to address the growing confusion among the onlookers.

Kealan’s sigh echoed in the hall, and all eyes turned toward him as he addressed the crowd. “Fellow drakekins,” his loud voice boomed, earning a collective roar from the dragons. It was fascinating to witness the interactions among these mythical creatures, all seemingly devoted to their lord.

“I have something to announce,” Kealan declared, capturing the attention of everyone present. As he revealed his impending marriage to me, a gasp rippled through the crowd, followed by whispers and murmurs. The dragons, reacting to an unseen signal, began leaving the large hall, their roaring noises marking their departure.

The abrupt end of the Royal Hoard Banquet left some guests disheartened. “I can’t believe it ended so early,” I overheard someone say, a tinge of disappointment in their voice as they walked away with their friends.

Blame was quickly assigned, with one person pointing at me, claiming, “I blame the outsider.” Their deadpan glares directed my way conveyed disapproval before they exited the hall.

This unexpected turn of events left me bewildered. Kealan’s decision to marry me and the subsequent departure of the dragons raised questions in my mind. How could he make such a significant announcement without consulting me? Did he assume I agreed to something as profound as aborting my unborn child?

"Are you hearing this, Drakonis?" Zephyr called for Drakonis's attention in response to Kealan's sudden announcement.

"Calm down, Zephyr. I will talk to him," Drakonis reassured, attempting to pacify Zephyr's growing agitation.

Kealan turned to Drakonis, asserting, "There is nothing to speak about, wise one. I have made my decision, and that is final."

Arthur interjected, expressing his discontent, "But you can't just make an outsider the queen of the dragon realm." His words prompted Kealan to direct his attention towards him.

"What right do you have to tell me what I can't do?" Kealan questioned Arthur with an underlying roar in his breath, intensifying the tension in the room.

The unfolding drama became overwhelming, and anxiety crept in, making me wish I wasn't entangled in this complex web of conflicts. The royal hall, once filled with celebration, now echoed with discord, leaving me uncertain about my place in the dragon realm and the future that lay ahead.

Kealan took a deep breath, maintaining his composure as he addressed the crowd. “The so-called outsider,” he began, emphasizing the term, “holds a unique connection to our realm. Desina has proven herself with courage and loyalty, earning the respect of the dragons.”

Zephyr’s skepticism was apparent, but Kealan silenced him with a sharp look, continuing, “Her presence here signifies a bond beyond mere titles or bloodlines. She is not an outsider; she is one of us, someone who understands and embraces the essence of the dragon realm.”

Arthur, still displeased, voiced his concern about tradition. “But my lord, what about our lineage? A queen from our bloodline has always ruled the dragon realm. This decision disrupts the order maintained for generations.”

Drakonis, observing the escalating tension, stepped forward. “Enough, my lords. Let us not allow strife to cloud the unity of our realm,” he urged, addressing both Kealan and Arthur. “This is a matter that requires careful consideration.”

Kealan shot Arthur a lingering look before turning back to Drakonis. “Wise one, there is nothing left to consider. I have chosen Desina as my queen, and that decision is final,” he reiterated with unwavering determination.

Zephyr, seemingly unable to contain himself, chimed in again. “Drakonis, you can’t let him do this. It’s against our traditions!” he exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice.

Zephyr voiced his objection, exclaiming, “You can’t just bring an outsider into the realm. If father were alive, he wouldn’t have been part of this abominable act,” causing a frown to form on Kealan’s face.

Kealan harshly retorted, “Father died and left the kingdom to me, not you. So, I don’t think you are in any place to question my decision,” leaving me to wonder about the complex dynamics between these apparent siblings.

Just as Kealan was about to walk away, Zephyr continued, “You can’t just decide to get married to an outsider,” annoyance evident in his tone.

In response, Kealan sharply turned back, declaring, “I beg you to differ on my decision.” His words roared like a mighty wind, causing a palpable tension that shook everyone, including myself, as I struggled to maintain my balance amidst the swirling emotions.

Everyone seemed intimidated by Kealan’s authoritative presence. After all, he was the ruler, and his stern demeanor only added to his intimidating aura. It was surreal to think that I had shared a passionate kiss with someone who now appeared so commanding and, to some extent, menacing.

Kealan sneered before walking away. He stopped beside me, and my breath seized. Kealan said, "Meet me in my chambers," and then walked out, leaving me alone with Arthur and Zephyr.

Their glances met, and a sense of uncertainty filled the air. The atmosphere held its breath as I stood there, wondering about what awaited me in Kealan's chambers and the tensions lingering among us.

I was about to walk out when Zephyr's words made me stop in my tracks. He asked, "What's your actual motive for coming here?"