The Mehndi Prince

Intelligence agency

“How about you Willow? What’s been happening in your section of the world?” Willow looks towards the ceiling looking like she’s trying to arrange her thoughts. “I don’t mean to alarm you my queen but according to my mother’s books there has been yet another decline in live births within the dragon species. It’s not just the golden dragons. There a been a slight decline to each of the clans.” Willow takes a shaky breath as if she is talking of something distressing. So what if there are less dragon births? What’s so important about that?

“The reds and browns still have more births but even they have displayed a reduced rate.” Neve studied the visibly upset queen. Perhaps she fears for the possibility of her son and I producing offspring.

“Where you able to get any data regarding the other species?” Willow nodded. “Their births remain steady. There is no real increase nor is there a reduction.” The queen lets out a small sigh of relief. “How about the health of the dragons?”

Willow smiles, “The dragon species are obscenely healthy. No reported outbreaks of disease.”

The queen nods encouragingly. “And the rest of the species?” She enquires.

“There are a few outbreaks in specific species that have not shown crossover to other species. The leopards have shown signs of a madness that is affecting the males, making them more aggressive. There have been an increase in deaths due to this.” Willow looks towards Celeste. “Mother and I were speculating the possibility of getting the help of some of the blue dragons to see if they could help in the process of healing them.” Celeste tilts her head and vaguely says “I’ll speak to my auntie”

The Queen turned her gaze to Saramona. “What do you have to report?”

With a sly smile and a twinkle in her whisky coloured eyes, Saramona began “Some of my father’s scouts have noticed a stranger wandering the Fire mountains all the way to the border of the Bitter Sea.”

“But that land is uninhabited.”stated Perdita, confusion blanketing her face.

“Why is it uninhabited?” I enquired.

“The Fire mountains are what’s left of an epic battle between the red dragons and the black dragons approximately four millennia ago. The battle scorched the earth causing great lava flows to rise through the crust, building sharp edged mountains and active volcanoes.” So why would anyone be there?

“That is definitely peculiar, “ mused the queen pensively. “Saramona, keep an eye on that, contact me if there are further developments” Definitely something to keep an eye on. Perhaps even some scrying.

“Oo, me next! Me next!” Perdita waves her hand enthusiastically. The queen smiled indulgently at her childish enthusiasm. Perdita launches into a detailed explanation of the kingdom’s finances and resources. This is so desperately dull. My mind wonders, considering the overall benefits of this “Salon”. Why haven’t the white dragons been included before? Or is there already a representative that I don’t know about? Giving away secrets? I regain focus when The queen looks expectantly at Celeste. “There are several small coup attempts being planned amongst some of the animal clans. In-house, not revolt against the crown.” Celeste clarifies.

“Which houses are affected?”

“Vulpes, Leo, crocodylae and viperidae.” The queen takes a deep breath and sighs. “The lions, vipers and crocodiles will sort themselves out. These squabbles are cyclical. It’s the Foxes that bother me. Their cunning and devious ways are cause for concern. They may advocate their plight to others and soon enough there will be war.”

“We have some operatives that we can send to watch or try de-escalate the conflict before it progresses to war.” Celeste’s voice is tinged with concern and urgency.

“Are there enough to do both?” Perdita interrupted.

“We could send blue dragons ostentatiously to mediate, that would be normal and not arouse suspicion. But also send some deep operatives to get intelligence on the real feelings of the vulpes people.”

“That would probably be the best arrangement to ensure that a peaceful resolution…That I can see,” speculated Saramona. The Queen studied each of us in turn.

“Does anyone else see an alternative, that would yield better results?” I see a lot of head shaking as I look to the other women.

“Very well. Celeste, if you could see this through as swiftly as possible. Send the best available blue dragon to deal with this overtly. As well as two operatives to send to either opposing side.”

Celeste bowed her head. “It will be as my queen commands.” The queen turns her speculative gaze towards me. And for the first time I feel unsettled. I have been confident in my power for a decade. But the Queen’s gaze brokers no insolence.

“What news from Achromatica?” I swallow nervously, not expecting to be called upon. What to say? Give whole truths, half truths or outright lie? The golden queen’s gaze burns into me. I decide on half truth.

“My father, the high priest, has had a vision of war and destruction for the near future. Perhaps this is to do with the Vulpine movement?” I know it’s not. “Does he envision anything specific or is it a general and vague vision?” I feel pinned by the Queen’s emerald eyes. Again I tell a half truth. “My father has seen specific events but unfortunately I haven’t really been paying attention, as my father and I don’t see eye to eye. I stopped paying attention to his ramblings about the future.” I make myself blush, as I look down, hoping I look embarrassed.

“It’s no surprise that children rarely listen to their elders. Perhaps you could show some interest in his ramblings and report back in a couple of days when I hold my next salon?” The Queen says this as a question but it is no request. It’s an order. Crap, crap,crappety,crap! I’ll have to tell her something! At least I’ve have a few days to decide what I tell her.