The Dark Dragon Prince

Chapter 19

DIANA

The next morning arrived far too soon.

After my bath, I sat on the cushion before the vanity mirror.

Because of the disaster at the royal breakfast yesterday, Sarah had practically sworn never to allow such an oversight happen again.

I watched through the mirror as they packed my hair at the back of my head with pins.

By the time they finally finished, the hairstyle looked beautiful, yet it was surprisingly comfortable.

After a quick breakfast, a servant arrived to escort us to the archery grounds.

The further we walked through the palace, the more crowded the corridors became. Everyone seemed to be heading in the same direction. Nobles, servants guards, ladies in elaborate gowns and children racing after their parents.

When we finally got outside, a stadium stretched out endlessly before us. Thousands upon thousands of people filled the stands.

Banners bearing various dragon emblem fluttered in the wind. Vendors moved through the crowds, selling food, while children sat on their fathers' shoulders.

The atmosphere felt far more like a kingdom-wide victory celebration than an archery competition.

I frowned. "Is this normal?"

The servant glanced back. "For the royal archery trials, Your Highness?"

I nodded.

He looked surprised by the question. "Of course."

That answer didn't help at all. Dragons truly were absurd.

As we continued forward, heads began turning. At first, I assumed people were looking at the royal pavilion ahead. Then I realized many of them were looking directly at me.

"The human princess."

"That's her?"

"She's prettier than the rumors said."

I pretended not to hear that. Unfortunately, Sarah heard it and the smug smile she shot me made me instantly regret bringing her along.

A group of young noblewomen passed nearby. One of them openly stared. "Creator."

Her friend followed her gaze.

"No wonder the Dark Prince accepted the treaty."

"And no wonder he hasn't killed her."

My face flushed pink. Mina looked seconds away from laughing, but I forced my gaze ahead, pretending not to hear a word.

The servant led us to a pavilion overlooking the grounds. Unlike the public seating, this area was strictly reserved for the royal family.

Servants moved silently between tables with refreshments and wine.

The princes were already present. Prince Roderick sat speaking in hushed tone with his wife. Zain and Kira occupied another table nearby, while Prince Cassian sat alone with a cup in his hand.

When I entered the pavilion, I offered them a nod.

The Second Prince returned the greeting with a respectful nod of his own. His wife smiled warmly while Prince Roderick merely gave a stiff nod before looking away.

His wife, Lyra, examined me from head to toe, and her smug expression briefly faltered. Her gaze lingered on my hair, then her lips thinned, looking faintly disappointed.

Apparently, she had been desperately hoping to humiliate me for the second day in a row.

Prince Cassian clearly noticed the silent interaction, because the corner of his mouth twitched.

I was led by the servant to an empty seat near the far end of the pavilion. I smiled in relief. Atleast, I had some privacy.

I sat down, then glanced back at Sarah and Mina who were standing behind me.

"You both may sit," I murmured.

Both women froze, their eyes widening in panic.

I let out a soft sigh. What, this time?

Sarah leaned down and whispered to my ear. "Your Highness. Look around."

I obeyed and noticed every single maid was standing behind their respective masters. Not a one of them was seated.

Dragon customs. Again.

I looked back up at my handmaidens. Mina raised a knowing brow at me, while Sarah folded her arms across her chest.

I sighed, relenting. "Fine. You may stand."

Both of them instantly relaxed.

Honestly, I was relieved too. After yesterday's stressful breakfast, I had no desire to accidentally offend anyone in a palace where I knew nobody.

As I settled and looked round, I realized I truly needed to watch my every step here because unlike Volkar where people were far too busy and blunt to pretend, everyone in the Central Palace smiled at you first.

Then suddenly, a blast of horn cut through the crowd, instantly silencing the noise.

"All rise for His Supreme Majesty, King Xerxes and Her Majesty, Queen Valera!"

Everyone immediately rose to their feet and bowed.

I looked up, trying to catch a glimpse of the man who had sired the Commander.

He looked nothing like Draven. They shared no resemblance whatsoever.

King Xerxes was undeniably a good looking man, possessing the sharp bone structure common among high ranking dragons. Despite being centuries old, he still looked impossibly young like he was barely fifty.

Beside him, the Queen looked breathtaking and fiercely confident in her husband's arm. They moved to the thrones at the center of the pavilion and sat.

"Princess Diana." The King’s voice was like a deep thunder. "Raise your head."

I did as I was commanded. However, I avoided looking into his face.

Looking directly into the supreme King’s eyes was considered an unforgivable offense and a blatant challenge to his sovereignty.

"Look at me, child," King Xerxes commanded.

Beside him, the Queen's hand tightened around armrest of her throne.

I swallowed the lump of nervousness in my throat and obeyed, slowly lifting my gaze until my blue eyes locked with the King’s gold ones.

The sheer weight of his aura felt like a physical pressure crushing down on my chest, but I refused to let my eyes waver.

King Xerxes stared at me for several seconds before speaking. "Tell me, Princess. How has my son been treating you in the north?"

I took a breath, keeping my expression serene. "Well, Your Majesty, I am still alive. That explains much."

Behind me, I heard a collective gasp. Sarah and Mina both went rigid behind me. Lyra looked utterly shocked by my audacity, even he Queen.

The King didn't say anything for long minute, then he threw his head back and burst out laughing.

"Creator help him," the King chuckled. "The stubborn rock has met his match."

King Xerxes finally raised his hand and gestured to everyone. "Sit."

I sat back down gracefully, though my heart was still hammering.

The King nodded at the master of ceremonies standing at the center of the field.

A blast of horn shattered the silence of the stadium, signaling the official start of the event.

"Let the competition begin!" the announcer's voice boomed across the grounds.