The Dragon King’s Bride

Chapter 10 - Growing Doubts

"This prophecy binds us like chains, not threads of destiny,” Kael said, his voice heavy as he stood at the edge of the training courtyard. The faint glow of dawn painted the horizon, casting long shadows across the stone walls. He clenched his fists, his water magic flickering faintly around his hands as if reflecting his turmoil.

Theron, his most trusted friend and counsellor, sat against a pillar with his arms folded. And yet, Kael, you are here. The council has made their decision, and it appears that the sanctum agrees. So, what's truly bothering you?

Kael whirled sharply, his enraged amber eyes flashing. What frustrates me about this, Theron, is that it does not feel natural. The sanctuary, the council, the harbinger—it appears that my life has been limited to the concept of balance as held by others.

The training courtyard was quiet, save for the continual trickle of water from the fountain in the center. Kael has come here countless times in search of clarity in the frigid morning air. Even the typical silence today wasn't enough to calm his inner turmoil.

Theron looked at Kael calmly, his piercing gaze probing. "Kael, you've always felt the strain of expectations. That feels different, though.

Kael walked the length of the courtyard, breathing heavily. "That is different. This does not only apply to me. Regarding Elara. "He paused, his fists stiffening.I don't blame her; she doesn't trust me. How can I persuade her to believe someone who doesn't believe himself?

Theron raised his brow, leaving his expression unreadable. "Are you questioning yourself right now?" That comes first.

Kael shook his head and started speaking more gently. This prophecy seems to be a trap. It's as if it's pushing us toward something we can't avoid, and the cost will be prohibitively expensive no matter what we do.

Theron moved closer, and his expression softened somewhat. So you're not only questioning the prophecy? It has to do with your mom.

Kael froze, his body tensed. Though he did not answer right away, the flare of agony in his eyes spoke all. Though he rarely allowed himself to think about his mother's death, it lingered on the outskirts of his mind, like a shadow that never fully disappeared.

"She thought in balance," Kael concluded, his voice strained. She gave all to safeguard this kingdom. What expenses were incurred? She is living. Her kin. And right now, they expect the same from me.

Theron put a strong palm on Kael's shoulder. "Kael, your mother's sacrifice was invaluable. She chose it because she thought it would be worthwhile. But this—he motioned to the far sanctum—is about more than just you. It refers to the Kingdom.

Kael's jaw clenched. Should the forecast turn out to be incorrect? Should we be incorrect? So, what happens next?

Theron sighed, backed away from the pillar, then leaned against it. "Kael, you are correct to challenge the prophecy. Blind faith in something we don't fully grasp is perilous. That does not make it useless.

Kels looked at him, his irritation turning into fascination. "What are you say?"

"I'm saying maybe the prophecy isn't about destiny," Theron said calmly and methodically. "Perhaps it's about choices. Regarding the activities you and Elara perform using the authority you have been given. The sanctum, harbinger, and council can all influence your decision, but you have the last say.

Kels frowned, his mind racing. Choice appeared to be both terrifying and empowering. If the prophecy was about choices, Elara and he would be solely responsible for molding the course of events. He wasn't sure he could handle the weight.

"She's not what I expected," Kael said after a lengthy pause. Elara. She is closed off, but yet strong and determined. She seemed to have built walls too tall for anyone to pass through.

Theron nodded, a slight smile forming on his lips. "Sounds familiar."

Kael stared at him, but the pressure on his face subsided slightly. "maybe." However, things are different for her. Her magic feels; how the sanctum responds to her... As if we are connected in ways that neither of us understands.

"Do you want to understand it?" Theron queried, his voice apprehensive.

Kael halted, his mind a jumble of emotions. He wasn't sure if he wanted to discover the link or if his fear of what it would show would take precedence. Finally, he replied, "I'm not sure." "But I know this: we have to learn to trust each other if we are to survive this prophesy."

Theron slanted his head, staring intently. "then begin there." Trust takes time to develop.

Before Kael could react, the air around them thickened; the pale light of morning disappeared, and a cool breeze rushed across the courtyard. Theron's hand naturally reached for his sword, but Kael raised his hand, his power barely visible in the air.

The harbinger emerged from the courtyard's shadows with terrible intensity, his eyes molten gold. Its presence was overpowering, and its shape altered and whirled as it marched forwards.

"You question the prophecy, Bearer of Flame," the harbinger said, its voice reverberating like a faraway echo. Doubt, however, does not release you from its burden. The path is not yet set, but the costs are the same.

Kael set his jaw, and his magic flared defensively at the harbinger. "What cost?," asks

The harbinger's steady tone seemed to cut through him. "The sanctum lessens." There is an imbalance. And with each decision you postpone, the kingdom approaches disaster.

Theron froze as his hold on the sword tightened. Still, Kael held his stance, his magic whirling in the strained environment. The harbinger's shape faded, and its parting words resonated in the frigid breeze: "Make a smart choice, Bearer of Flame. The light in the sanctum fades with each passing moment.

Kael's strength faded, but the weight of its warning remained as the harbinger vanished. With his thoughts racing, he looked to Theron. He couldn't ignore the prophecy any longer; the consequences loomed over him like a shadow.