Dragons Breath

Chapter six

Entering the dining hall I find there's no one. How odd I thought there would have been people here by now. Maybe I missed breakfast? But I didn't stay out that long...did I?

Turning around I head back to my room, throwing open the door I jump onto my bed burying my face in the soft silky pillows. "Ugh." I'm so bored, I normally have a lot occupying my time, whether it be training or even taking care of Loki.

I never thought I'd miss my brother as much as I do. Even though Loki can be annoying as hell I actually miss the little guy. I can see him now randomly running into my room trying to get me to play, jumping, and running around trying hard to get my attention. I smile at the thought.

I know it's only been a day since I've seen him, but I really do miss him. As for my father, I can do without the cranky old bastard. If one good thing came from me being here it's the fact that I don't have that old coot breathing down my neck.

Me and my father have never really gotten along, but our relationship got worse after Fafnir died. He wanted me to be the perfect princess, prim and proper, and only speaks when spoken to. But that's just not who I am, but going against my father would mean going against the horde, I may be strong but I'm not that strong, not yet at least.

When I think about it now if I didn't have to listen to my father I'd probably be halfway across the world enjoying the freedom of being a rogue dragon. I'd get to see the world, and learn so many things, there's only so much you can learn living in the mountain and I'd like to learn as much as I can. Then when I've finally had enough adventure I'd search for my mate and hopefully settle down, that would be ideal, in fact, that's all I've really wanted in life. It's so simple yet the idea is so alluring.

But here I am in a castle full of humans getting ready to marry their prince. Not exactly what I had in mind for myself, I am a dragon but lately, I've felt more like a beast that's been caged.

For as long as I can remember I've felt trapped in my own life, shackled by responsible and loyalty. Being here in the capital has made me feel more isolated than ever, I was lonely in the mountain but here, here I feel worse. I was invited here as a welcomed guest but rather than feeling welcome I feel everyone recoil from me as if my very presence burns them to the bone.

My thoughts are interrupted by a loud knock on the door, the sudden sound causes me to jump. Sighing I run a hand through my hair, for the love of the gods I wish they would have left me alone for a little longer, but alas I cannot keep myself locked in here all day.

"What do you want," I snap suddenly feeling irritated.

"Well um, your highness, it's time for breakfast." The girl on the other side of the door squeaks nervously.

"I'll be out in a moment you may leave."

"Alright, I'll be on my way." She rushes the words out as I hear her scuffling away.

Humans, they get scared so easily it honestly amusing, their women especially, it's sad how such fragile creatures exist. Jumping up from the bed I look in a mirror checking my appearance. My hair is sticking up in all different directions. Running a brush through my crazy hair I leave the room taking my time to walk to the dining hall.

Upon my arrival in the dining hall prince, Geoffrey turns in my direction. Giving me a once over, I can feel his eyes as they move across my exposed mid rift, causing my skin to crawl.

"You're quite fit for a girl, you might even have more muscles then half the knights in the castle."

He has a glint of humor in his eyes but I find this less than funny. First, he stares then he insults me, human men are disgusting.

"It is acceptable and looked highly upon for dragon females to be strong, most of our males desire a strong independent female. Whereas they would most certainly find distaste with human women who are weak and anything but self-reliant."

Geoffrey's face contorts into annoyance, "And what's that supposed to mean, are you implying that your women are somehow better?"

Walking further into the room I pull out a chair the sound screeching through the room. I kick myself back into the chair propping my feet up on the table.

Looking up at him with a smug smile I reply, "That's exactly what I mean, you got a problem with it?"

Geoffrey suddenly begins to laugh, "If you ask me there is nothing better about your women. They're ill-tempered, arrogant, rude, and completely immodest. Human women are simple, delicate, kind, and they have an innocence that is truly endearing."

I pout putting a hand over my heart in mock hurt, "ouch I think you've bruised my ego, I never knew you thought so harshly about my kind....does this mean you're willing to stop your marriage to me?"

He's silent for a moment then without warning he knocks my feet off the table then swiftly grabs my chin.

He brings his face so close to mine that I can feel his breath fan across my face, his lips lightly brush against my ear as he says, "Not a chance."

He releases me sitting back. For a moment I just sit there shocked by his actions.

"So what now you've got nothing to say?" He says this smugly.

Damn, he actually shocked me for a moment.

"Awe don't be so rough you might make me blush," I say this in an overly dramatic voice.

Before Geoffrey can respond the room is filled with booming laughter, turning toward the entrance of the dining hall I see the king standing there.

"I'm glad to see you kids getting along."

I sigh, "Sorry to spoil your good mood old man but what you're seeing is far from us getting along."

At my words, the whole room falls under a deadly silence.

"Eleonora my father is the king how dare you refer to him as an old man. Show some respect apologize now."

Oh, I've really done it now he's pissed.

"Now now calm down I don't think Eleonora meant that as an insult." The king says this with an amused smile. Thank the gods the king seems like a pretty nice man. I pause thinking, I still don't know the old man's name.

"How can you allow this dragon to be so disrespectful." I hear the queens voice suddenly, damn where did this lady come from.

"Calm down Evalene; she'll be family soon." The king says reassuringly.

"I will never accept this beast as my family."

"That's ok, it would honestly be an insult to consider such an old witch as apart of my family."

Evalene's face becomes red with anger but before we can continue with our talk a bunch of maids coming rushing into the room filling the table with food. There are different kinds of bread, eggs cooked in almost every way possible along with ham sausage, bacon, and pancakes piled high with golden syrup, my mouth is watering at the sight. If there is one thing that I say humans do well it's cooking.

"Breakfast is served your highnesses." The king heaves a sigh of relief.

"Well now let's eat." He shouts taking his seat at the head of the table.

Breakfast is completely silent, to which I am very thankful if I had to talk to these people any longer I'd probably die from brain damage.

I eat my food as quickly as possible, practically shoveling it into my mouth. I smile at the thought of how 'un-ladylike' I look. I don't know what it is but I love seeing humans' reactions to things it thrills me how they get worked up over the silliest things. Finishing my food I wipe my mouth and leave the room without saying a word.