Futurism logo

Perlington

Elizabeth LeBlanc

By Elizabeth LeblancPublished 3 years ago 185 min read
Like
(Left to Right) Lady Hannah, Zeid, Prince Kenneth, Xavoss, Princess Elaine, Prince Keahi, Inferno, and Crimson

******************

In a beautiful land, called Perlington there were two great kingdoms. To the South was Fowther, it was off the coast with a great forest that sheltered them. It's inhabitants had learned to tame phoenixes, great crimson birds with great powers of healing, beautiful voices and the power of fire.

To the North was the great stone kingdom was Cromwell, it was built around the mountains. It’s inhabits breed and raised dragons, making them more than pets but brethren. Some were even part dragon having unioned with them.

The present King of Cromwell was Ethan Dragomysl, by his side was Queen Sophia, who had been his dragon, and their two children, Elaine and Kenneth.

Elaine is an energetic young woman of almost eighteen. She is tall and fit, with tan skin and long beautiful raven black hair with streaks of fire red, her eyes are golden brown and she is mostly seen around the people, and upon her dragon Xavoss.

Xaviss, who is a handsome black dragon with purple fringe and golden tallions. The two have been inseparable with a strong telepathic link between them since Xaviss picked Elaine to be his rider.

Today, Elaine rides Xavoss through the narrow mountain passes with her brother, Kenneth and his dragon Zied.

Kenneth had short neat bronze brown hair and bright blue eyes. His dragon was a beautiful blue dragon with curled horns. Despite her vicious look, she is much like Kenneth.

“Come on slowpoke, you'll never join the riders like that,” Elaine teased her brother in an encorging matter. Despite almost three years of age, he being younger, they were close.

Kenneth rolled his eyes. Kenneth wasn’t as outgoing or as adventurous as Elaine was. He was quiet, cautious. Sometimes he was a tad boring. But Elaine loved him. He was her best friend. He was about to be engaged to a very young girl, one of the ladies of Arstilliom. Not a high-classed lady, but still a lady of any court.

Elaine encouraged Xavoss to fly a little higher getting out the rocks and soaring over the top, they circled before landing on a cropping. “Come on Ken,” Elaine waved.

Kenneth shook his head with a sigh, and followed after her. “Be careful, Elaine. We’re just near the border of enemy territory. I don’t want us to get caught and enslaved,” he said.

“Our dragons will protect us,” she smiled reaching and scratching Xavoss' chin.

“I could use lunch,” Xavoss grinned enjoying her attention.

Elaine chuckled at his sense of humor. “I wanted to talk to you without mother or papa overhearing,” she told her brother.

“What did you want to speak to us about?” asked Kenneth, gently stroking Zeid’s chin. He adored his dragon, and thought of her as his baby, his daughter of sorts. Kenneth had always been gentle with those he loved. It was an attribute that Elaine thought made a great leader someday, and she knew that she would follow him anywhere.

“Well, it's about this arrangement they created for you. Lady Hannah is due to arrive any day,”

Kenneth nodded. “Yes, I know,” he replied. “What’s your point, big sister?”

“I just thought you like to talk about it,” she shrugged. “I couldn't imagine having to marry someone I don't love,” Elaine shrugged

“What’s to talk about? She’s a lady of Queen Kaylee’s court. I’ve never met her,” Kenneth replied. “Arstilliom is a big city.”

“Well I know you act older than your age and you'll be a great king one day. But remember you'll always have me to call on,” Elaine told him.

Kenneth chuckled, and kissed his sister’s forehead. “I’m honored to have such a protective big sister,” he replied. “But I look at this wedding as an opportunity. And just think: you’ll be gaining a sister!”

“Ha, why would I want a sister, especially if she's a girl. It's bad enough I'm not girly enough for mother,” Elaine said and she looked at the setting sun. “Speaking of which, we should get home,”

He sighed, and stood up. “You’re right. We need to be home early enough to see Hannah arrive. Anyway, I think we need to just embrace new changes. That is what Mother and Father have always taught us, right?” he reminded her, and tapped her nose lightly with his finger.

Elaine rolled her eyes as she climbed up on Xavoss, “Right,” she said. “Let's go,”

Kenneth followed suit and they flew to the great big kingdom of Cromwell, as they landed in a big arena Queen Sophia was waiting with her arms crossed. She was a tall, very beautiful woman with long golden hair and great big golden eyes. She dressed nobily.

“Elaine, inside, now,”

“But, Mother, I--” Elaine spoke up, but was immediately cut off by her disapproving mother.

“Now!” She barked. Elaine jumped off Xavoss and unstrapped his harness before following her mother with her head bowed low.

Sophia led Elaine through the magnificent halls of their home, where tapestries of they're great history with dragons were weaved. “I have tried and tried with you my daughter but you are resistantent and stubborn,” she said. “A day will come when you are asked to be a queen but you will be too busy off galavanting,” Sophia turned and looked at her first child, regretfully, she hated being so hard on her but she need to prepare her for the realities of the future.

“I’m sorry, Mother,” Elaine sighed, hurt by the intensity of her mother’s tone, and walked away with her head low.

“Mother,” Kenneth whispered as he approached cautiously. “Don’t be too hard on her, okay?”

“Kenneth, I would like to talk to your sister alone,” Sophia sighed, clearly aggravated at him for intruding.

Kenneth bowed respectfully to his mother and queen before leaving the room. Kenneth entered his room and smiled seeing Zeid sitting on his bed, her hands folded in her lap.

She was a cute little girl with long dark hair and soft blue eyes.

“Is your sister in big trouble tonight?” She asked softly.

Kenneth sighed, and looked over at his dragon, it still amazed him how they could shapeshift. She always wore soft pastel colored dresses, which only added to her innocence. Today, she was wearing a blue dress with tiny pink flowers all over it. She was such a sweet girl, it was no wonder he thought of her as his baby. “Always,” he replied. “It’ll blow over, though. Don’t you worry, little one.”

“I've heard some of the older dragons speak of her, she was a tyrant even when she was one of us,” Zied told him.

“Speak of who?” Kenneth asked.

“The queen,” Zied frowned. “Ken, don't you know your mother is a dragon?”

Kenneth chuckled. “Oh… Of course I knew that,” he replied. “But my mother isn’t a tyrant. She’s just… firm. She’s concerned for Elaine.”

Zied nodded, “I had fun flying today,” she smiled. “I love how you let loose when you let me take control,”

He chuckled. “I know,” he said. “I had fun, too. How have you been feeling lately? I know you’ve been having nightmares. Are you alright?”

“Ohh...yes I'm alright,” she blushed jumping off the bed. She wrapped her arms around herself.

“Zied… I hope you’re not lying to me,” Kenneth said sternly. He knew that it might have been too much to be so firm with her, but he had to be. She was still so young and innocent that she needed to be parented every once in a while.

She looked at him and sighed, “I've been having dreams of the future,”

“Premonitions? What did you see?” he asked, and sat down on the bed beside her. “It’s alright. You can talk to me.”

Zied lend her head on his shoulder, “I still have little visions here and there. None of them make sense,”

He kissed her forehead. “Are you alright, though?” he asked.

“As well as I can be Ken,” she smiled.

“Well, no matter what, you just come to me for anything. Do you understand?” Kenneth said with gentle firmness. “In the meantime, are you excited to meet Lady Hannah?”

Zied's smile went to concern, “Do you think she will like me?”

“Of course she will,” Kenneth replied, and kissed her hand. “You’re the sweetest creature in all of Kagrilott.”

“Aww, Ken,” she smiled. “Well, I have hope for your future,” she told him, taking his hand. “Your going to be a great king,”

“Thank you, little one,” he said. “I’m glad that I have someone like you by my side.”

“Always will I be by your side,” Zied nodded.

He smiled fondly at her. He wanted to say everything that he’d always felt about her. How much he truly adored his little dragon, how sweet and wonderful she truly was. But the moment he opened his mouth, he was interrupted by a servant.

“Pardon, my lord. But she’s here,” said the servant boy, dressed in a raggy shirt and some pants.

Zied squeaked, “Ooh she's here Ken. I should change back, shouldn't I?”

“No, no. There’s no time, little one. You look beautiful the way you are,” he said. “Help me with my cape?” he asked, eyeing her hopefully.

Zied turned and grabbed his cape, fastening it onto him, then brushed a hair back. “I shall be right behind you,”

He took her hand again, and gave it another kiss. “Thank you, little one,” he said. “Now, let’s go.”

They made their way through the halls to the entrance hall. His parents and Elaine we're already waiting. The door opened and a small girl, obviously a servant, maybe a handmaid held the door as another walked in, her head held high.

Lady Hannah had long brownish blond hair, a hard heart shaped face, and sharp green eyes. She was dressed in high fashion with soft pearls. She was positively the most beautiful creature that Kenneth had ever beheld. But there was a coldness in her eyes that made him a little uneasy. He stepped forward, and bowed before her. “My lady,” he said, and kissed her hand.

She curtsied, bowing her head low. “My prince,” she said in a soft voice.

“Welcome to Cromwell,” Kenneth told her.

“We've made accommodation for you Lady Hannah,” King Ethan said, coming to greet her.

“Your Majesties have been far too kind,” she said humbly. “Thank you.”

“I'll get your bags, mama,” the handmaid bowed quickly going back out.

“Shall I take you to your room? I know it's a long journey,” King Ethan told her.

“That would be lovely, Your Grace,” Lady Hannah replied, and batted her thick eyelashes at him. “Thank you for your kindness.”

He smiled at her and nodded at his son as he turned. Kenneth took Hannah's arm and followed his father. Zied took the back. Zied looked over at the handmaiden, who turned away uncomfortably. Zied was concerned, but she remained silent. After all, Kenneth really needed this.

“You have a beautiful castle here sir,” Hannah said. “I heard tales of its greatness,”

“It was once a fortress in times of war,” Kenneth replied. “Since then, overtime, it has been redecorated with more ornamental elements.”

Hannah nodded, and looked around as the King opened a door, “Here you go,”

Hannah bowed deeply. “Thank you, my lord,” she replied, and smiled gratefully at him.

“Rest well,” Kenneth told her, giving a small bow and kissed her hand.

She smiled at him, and bowed again. “Thank you… my prince,” she said quietly. Kenneth left with his father and Zied.

Once alone Hannah scoffed as she looked around her chambers. “What filth this palace is,” she sneered. “Lanett, light my candles.”

Lanett, who was a plain small girl with long black hair braided back, she would be pretty but Hannah wouldn't allow it. Lanett nodded without a word and got to work. She learned long ago not to argue or fight. She knew Hannah was never happy.

Hannah lay on the bed, and stared up at the ceiling. Gods, what had her father had gotten her into by shipping her off to this godforsaken place? She heard her handmaiden scuffling about frantically, and the sound alone was driving her crazy. “Get out, you little fool!” she snapped. “You’re so annoying!”

“Forgive me,” she whispered, hurrying out.

Hannah rolled her eyes, and shook her head. Finally, she was relieved to be alone to her thoughts. She needed the silence to think. She really had to charm and seduce Kenneth. But she didn’t know what he fancied. She knew very little about him, and she would be married to the man in a week! That wasn’t nearly enough time to seduce him.

It wasn’t because she wanted him to love her. She couldn’t care less! But she needed to gain power and control over the kingdom. She was about to be queen!

******************

Elsewhere within the castle, Elaine stormed into her room slamming her door, “Ohh Xavoss,” she sighed hurrying to the handsome dark haired man that has been waiting on her

He caught her in his arms trying to comfort her, “I heard your distress my little Fireball,”

“My mother gave me the hardest time,” she sighed nuzzling her head into his neck glad for his comfort.

“No matter what Elaine, I will be by your side, after all I'm your dragon,” he smiled wiping her tears.

“Thank you Xavoss,” she whispered. “I must get ready for the night,” she sighed.

“I understand, I can wait out on the balcony,” he offered. He didn't want to be too far from her now. He hated feeling her unhappiness.

“You should go to the mountain, I know you haven't eaten at all today mister,” she said standing now looking at him accusingly.

He smiled slyly, “My dear Elaine, you come first,”

“I'm fine, truly Xavoss. Go hunt, we'll do some flying tomorrow,” she assured him.

“Very well Fireball,” he nodded. He gave her a small hug before heading to the balcony and jumping off, changing mid air back into a dragon.

Because of his black and purple scales, he disappeared quickly into the night. Eliana sighed tiredly and bunkered down for the night.

******************

The next morning, Kenneth dressed in his finest. He wanted to show Lady Hanna the kingdom and hoped she would love it as much as he did. But now he paced as he waited for her to descend from the chamber rooms. He looked up the grand staircase hoping she would appear.

And just like magic, she did. Dressed in a beautiful blue dress, and her hair tied back in an elegant braid, she looked down at him, smiling warmly. She curtsied, and made her way flawlessly down the staircase.

“Good morning my lady,” he greeted her, taking her hand as she stepped down the last step. He kissed it in greeting. “I wished to be your guide here till you feel at home,”

“You honor me with your kindness, my lord,” Hannah replied, curtsying once more.

“First shall we have a nice breakfast?” He asked. He was nervous, trying with all his might not to show it. His father had told him that if perhaps he showed her love in the beginning, love would come.

She smiled at him. “Oh, yes. I’m… starving, actually,” she said with an embarrassed chuckle.

Kenneth bowed and took her hand gently and escorted her to a balcony where a small private breakfast spread had been set up. “We have a beautiful view of the mountains here,” he told her as he pulled out a seat for her to sit.

“They’re lovely, Your Grace,” she replied, admiring the beauty of their surroundings. There was one thing to be said about this kingdom: it really was beautiful.

“Most of the dragons stay up in the mountains, could you imagine if everyone who owned a dragon was here?” He smiled trying to start small and simple.

She shrugged. “It’s kind of hard to imagine that,” she replied. “I hear dragons aren’t usually supposed to be tamed. Until I came here, anyway.”

“It has been a long process of training and breeding to get where we've come today. I hoped to introduce you to Zedi,”

“He’s your dragon?” she asked.

“Actually...she is,” Kenneth corrected though he hated to in a way.

Hannah blinked, surprised. “Oh! Oh, dear. Forgive me,” she chuckled.

“It's okay, I honestly didn't know at first. It's hard to tell the sex of a dragon till it's mature,” Kenneth explained. “Zedi means blue in dragon,”

Hannah nodded. “Perhaps I could meet her afterwards,” she suggested. “I would very much like to meet her.”

“I'll call her after we eat,” Kenneth smiled.

“Sounds good,” she replied, and lifted her teacup to take a sip.

They chatted lightly over breakfast, Kenneth tried not to overwhelm Lady Hanna with Cromwell's rich history but it wasn't easy.

“So… your family has been domesticating dragons for thousands of years?” she asked, blinking with surprise and interest. “What brought that about?”

“It all started with King Cromwell when he went to the mountain to get stone for this castle. He found a dragon's egg which happened to hatch. A bound was made and the kingdom was built with both dragon and man power. The two united making half dragon, half human race that populate this kingdom now,” Kenneth told her with deep pride.

Hannah smiled at him. “And thus, you lived peacefully ever after,” she concluded, batting her eyelashes cutely, clearly flirting with him. “In all seriousness, though, that is a very inspiring story.”

Kenneth blushed, “Well there is Fowther. Phoenix, though small, are very fortifying against dragons. I've heard my parents talk of a peace agreement that is to take place soon,”

“May the gods grant you peace,” Hannah prayed out loud, and smiled at him. “You deserve every happiness, my lord.”

Kenneth sighed, he looked at his almost empty plate, “Do you wish for anything else?”

To be queen, she thought, but instead shrugged. “To be… the best queen that I can be,” she replied somewhat honestly.

Kenneth blushed, “Ohh...I meant to eat…,”

Surprised, Hannah giggled. “Oh! Um, I’m sorry,” she said, and covered her face with embarrassment. “Um… I’m good. Everything was delicious, my lord.”

“I'm glad. I wanted everything to be as welcoming as possible to make you feel more at home,” Kenneth smiled.

“Thank you so much, my lord,” Hannah replied, and smiled warmly at him. “You’re very kind.”

Kenneth stood and assisted Hannah up, “Shall we meet Zeid?”

“I’d love to,” she replied, taking his hand, and helping herself up. “Lead the way.”

Kenneth grinned and took Lady Hannah to where he had arranged with Zeid to meet him. It was an open area made for the dragons to meet with their riders to get harnesses.

Zeid stood in her beautiful dragon form pacing nervously, her small yellow eyes caught Kenneth and Hannah as they approached. She bowed her head.

“Zied says hello,” Kenneth translated for Hannah, blushing slightly.

Zeid blinked, and transformed into her human form: a young, beautiful girl with gentle eyes and long brown hair, wearing a deep blue dress. She curtsied deeply before Lady Hannah. “My lady,” she greeted in a soft, sweet voice.

“You're that girl…,” Hannah said in surprise. She looked at Zeid and saw copatishion, she knew more about Kenneth then she could ever dream to.

Zeid blinked in genuine confusion. “What girl?” she asked.

“Forgive me…,” Hannah said trying to recover. “You were the small shy girl I saw last night. I assumed you were a servant perhaps. I didn't realize the dragons changed into people,”

Zeid shrugged, lowering her eyes bashfully. “Yes,” she replied quietly. “There’s a great deal we can do, Your Grace.”

Kenneth scratched the back of his neck, “I hoped to take you to the hatchery…,”

“Oh, yes!” said Zeid. “Take her to Lord Xae. He’s been looking after the newest of the hatchlings!”

“The baby dragons are so beautiful and adorable,” Kenneth nodded encouraging to Lady Hannah.

Hannah smiled, and bowed her head. “Lead the way, my lord,” she said.

Kenneth took her arm and led her to the big warm building that housed eggs as well as newly hatched dragons. “Everyone comes here to bond with a dragon,”

She looked around at the sight, and smiled to herself. “It truly is beautiful,” she replied quietly.

“A dragon choices the rider,” Zeid smiled at a newly hatched dragon. “Remember Ken...I mean Kenneth,” she corrected herself quickly.

“I remember how your egg cracked when I touched it, I thought I broke it,” Kenneth chuckled.

Zeid giggled softly. “You were my protector…. I was… the runt of the litter,” she explained to Hannah. “My brothers and sisters tried to eat me, but it was Prince Kenneth who looked after me.”

Hannah gave Zeid a small smile as she wrapped her arms tighter around Kenneth's arm, “I wish to see more of your kingdom my king,” she said, flirting once more to him.

“Very well,” he said, and turned to Zeid. “Do you mind if Hannah and I go on alone, little one?”

Zeid chuckled, and bowed her head. “Go on, my lord. I’ll see you later,” she replied, and transformed back into her dragon form. With that, the blue dragon spread her wings, and took off.

Kenneth took Hannah off through the village to show her the agriculture as well as the good nature of the people.

“Tell me a bit of Arstilliom?” Kenneth asked, fascinated with the far off land.

“Well… the queen is very beautiful. She has this sort of… fire within her that you cannot help but admire,” Hannah replied. “She’s firm but gentle. Strong, yet oddly vulnerable. But what I loved most about her was her sense of humor. She always found the light in everything. I know that I will miss that about Arstilliom.”

“I couldn't imagine being away from home,” Kenneth nodded. “It was a long journey I understand, three months?”

“Yes, my lord,” she replied. “It’s very far away, and going through Parim and Azaria were some of the hardest cities that we had to travel through….”

“On dragon back it would take a week I think. Perhaps we could travel there,” Kenneth offered her. “I can help you get use to riding,”

Hannah smiled, and bowed her head. “I would love that, Your Grace,” she replied.

Kenneth smiled at her, he studied her beauty, still astonished by it. “Umm…,” he stuttered, losing thought now.

Hannah smiled fondly at him, and took his hand. “I’m scared, too,” she said softly. “We know very little about each other, and… I want us both to be happy.”

Kenneth breathed a sigh of relief, “I'm so glad to hear that. I want the same, I want to be one,”

She looked up at him, her blue eyes sparkling, almost seductively. She gently ran her fingers through Kenneth’s hair, and ever-so gently, pulled him toward her, and gently brushed her lips against his.

Kenneth blushed as he blinked in surprise, “Wow,” he whispered, holding her close now, tracing her face almost lovingly.

Hannah chuckled, and looked into his eyes. “How did you like that, my lord?” she asked.

“I liked it, my lady,” he whispered.

Hannah stood on the tips of her toes, and kissed his ear. “Just think of our wedding night, my love,” she whispered seductively.

Kenneth swallowed, “In time...we still have some time. Perhaps we should...umm continue our tour,” he suggested.

Hannah backed away, and bowed her head respectfully. “Yes, my lord,” she replied. “I would love to see more of your beautiful city.”

Kenneth took her hand, squeezing it lovingly. “Follow me my lady,”

“I’d love to,” she replied, and leaned her head against his shoulder, allowing him to take the lead.

******************

High above, Elaine flew on Xavoss, shaking her head at her brother, “Should we save him Xa,” she asked him telepathically. They had a bond like no other where they we're in constant touch with the other.

“Kenneth is his own man, with his own dragon, dear,” Xavos replied softly. “It is not up to you to rescue him all of the time. He needs to make his own mistakes if he is to learn anything. Perhaps it will be a good lesson for Zied to learn as well.”

Elaine didn’t feel right about that. She had always been there for Kenneth. He was her brother. How could she not come to his rescue? That was their relationship… wasn’t it?

“Lets go to the lake,” Xavoss suggested trying to distract her from her worries.

Elaine smiled at him, and gently brushed her hand against his smooth scales. “Well, a good swim would do both of us some good, huh?” she replied through their telepathic bond. “You’re the best, Xa.”

Xavoss flapped his wings and flew a bit higher heading to the mountains where a lake hid in the rang. He dove down at the water's edge, landing graceful and turned to Elaine, “Hop off,” he told her.

Elaine jumped down from his back, landing on her feet with ease that most other girls couldn’t do. She was too much of a tomboy. Even Kenneth thought so. “I’ll race you!” she said to Xavos.

Xavoss chuckled as he changed into a man, scampering after her. “Your so getting it,”

Elaine squealed, and ran as fast as she could. But the dragon, in his human form, was still too fast for her to keep up with. “Hey!” she said, giggling. “No fair!”

He took her as they splashed in the water falling in together, “Silly girl,” he chuckled as he splashed her playfully.

“Oh, you!” Elaine exclaimed, and laughed as she splashed water at him. “You’re going to get it!” They continued to play and play, until in the distance, Elaine could see a girl at the far end of the riverbank, covering her face, and crying. It took her a minute to realize that it was Lady Hannah’s servant… What was her name? Oh, that’s right, Elaine thought. Lanett.

Elaine looked up at Xa, concerned. “What do you suppose…?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Xavos replied.

Elaine got out of the water and made her way to Lanett, “Are you alright,” she asked her.

Lanett blinked, and quickly wiped away her tears. “Y-yes, m’lady,” she replied. “F-forgive me.”

“Please,” said Xavos. “You can talk to us. If there is anything you need…”

Elaine knelt to the young girl, giving her a gentle squeeze on her shoulder, “It's okay,”

Lanett sniffled, and let out a shaky sigh. “I’m sorry…. I just… wish I could make my lady happy, that’s all,” she said. “But I keep making mistakes…. I keep making her… angry.”

“Does she… get angry… often?” Xavos asked carefully.

Lanett sighed, and lowered her head. She was terrified, truly terrified to say more. And to Xavoss and Elaine, that alone spoke volumes.

“Lanett,” said Elaine, urging the girl to say something, anything. “Lanett, listen to me. If there is a problem, we can help you--”

“No… you can’t,” Lanett replied.

Xavoss shook his head as he saw the pain in her face, “Perhaps we should go, Elaine,” he suggested.

Elaine nodded, and sighed. “Okay,” she whispered, and rubbed Lanett’s back gently, before taking Xavoss’s hand. “Um… we’ll be around if you need anything… okay?” With that, she led her dragon away to leave Lanett to her thoughts.

“You can't save everyone Elaine,” Xavoss told her gently, pushing a hair away from her face.

Elaine sighed shakily, surprised at how emotional she was being right now. All she wanted to do was cry. Elaine wasn’t a crier. So, this was strange for her. “If I can’t help my own brother, and I can’t help that girl… what good am I?” she asked. “Helping people is all I know how to do.”

“I know Fireball,” Xavoss said nodding. “I know you worry, it's what makes you so great,”

“How can I be great if I can’t…?” Elaine blinked back tears, and shook her head. “Otherwise, I’m just a nuisance….”

It was clear to Xavoss then that this was more than just about her brother or the maid. In a strange way, this was about Elaine’s parents. While they loved her, they did treat Elaine more like a pain than an asset to the family. Kenneth was the only one who didn’t treat her like a nuisance. He treated her like a friend. “I'm sorry Elaine,” he sighed. “Hey, we could always fly away,”

Elaine tried not to smile, but immediately failed. “We could go to Parim and join the great fight out there,” she said. “Or beat up the redheaded demons of Azaria….”

“And take it over,” Xavoss nodded. He gave her a hug, “It will be better one day,”

Elaine smiled, and snuggled into her dragon’s warm arms. “You’re the best, Xa,” she said, and kissed his hands.

“No, you are, it's why I choose you,” he chuckled, kissing her forehead.

She closed her eyes, allowing the tears to flow, but this time they were tears of happiness and gratitude for having a good friend-- a best friend-- like Xavos.

“Stop,” Xavoss told her softly, “You're stronger than that,” he said.

She rolled her eyes, and nodded. Yeah, he was right. Gods, how annoying! “Hey. How about lunch?” she asked. “I could use a good sized pork leg.”

“We could hunt for a hog in the woods,” Xavoss nodded. “Or did you want to go home,”

“No. I wanna hunt,” she replied. “I don’t want to even look at that horrible woman.”

Xavoss chuckled as he changed back into a dragon, “Climb on, we'll hunt,”

Elaine smiled, and hopped on. “To the woods!” she said, pointing.

Xavoss jumped up soaring right up into the sky and made his way to the big woods where there were an abundance of creatures. He landed to let her off. “Your bow is still in my saddle,” he informed her.

“Thanks,” she said, and took her bow. “We’ll be unstoppable. So, what are you in the mood for?”

“I'll have some pig with you,” he shrugged, changing back to his human form. “I know how you like to hunt so I'll make a fire for us to cook at,”

“You don’t want to hunt with me?” she asked. “You’re getting better at using a bow and arrow.”

“Claw and tooth,” he told her, “But I will hunt with you if you wish.”

She chuckled. “Let’s make a game out of it. Whoever gets the pig first is queen for a day! Loser has to massage the winner’s feet, and eat the grossest part of the pig-- and has to break into song. Deal?”

“I always wanted to be queen,” he teased grabbing a bow from his saddle and standing, “Your on,”

Elaine giggled, and raced into the forest. Xavoss went on another end. They both hunted, Elaine couldn't find a trace of pig anywhere she looked. Eventually, she heard Xavoss, “I win,” he sent her telepathically.

“Oh, come on!” she whispered, and shook her head. “I hate you.”

“No, you don't,” he chuckled back. “I'll make a fire while you make your way over,”

“Okay… Your Queenliness,” she teased, and made her way over to a small river bank, where Xavos was building a fire. “So… which song do you want me to bellow out.”

Xavoss smiled as he lit the fire, “Mmmm how about...Starshine,”

“Oh, I hate that song!” Elaine laughed. “Oh, you're going to get it, Xav.”

“Is that before or after my foot rub,” he laughed, getting the pig to clean it out as the fire warmed.

Elaine laughed again, and shook her head. “Oh, this is awful!” she said, and shook her head again. “Okay. First thing’s first. Let me eat that horrible meat. Get it over with.”

Xavoss smiled, “Remember you made the bet,” he told her, giving her the guts of the pig.

“Well, that’s because I was sure I would win. Why else would I have said ‘queen’?” she laughed, and sat down beside him.

“Cause I'm a beautiful queen,” he grinned, flipping his black hair back.

Elaine leaned forward, laughing hard. “Yes, yes you are. You’re a very pretty queen,” she replied.

Xavoss shook his head, “I'll let you off with the meat,” he offered. “I don't want to see you get sick,”

“No, a deal is a deal,” she replied. “I just won’t eat anything that looks too disgusting. I’ll just have, maybe, the least tasty part, or something.”

“Here, just eat the heart, good protein,” he told her. “But let me cook it,”

“Okay,” she replied.

Xavoss nodded and got the pig cooking, “Sing for me,” he told her, “That song you used to sing when I was a hatchling,”

Elaine smiled, and leaned her back against a tree. She remembered that song. It was her favorite, and had a feeling that her dragon would love it, too.

“Sunflowers in the field

Fairies dancing in the sky

Mother’s love is near

In the meadow where I lie

Wind blows gently through the trees

A tender kiss, a warm embrace

Mother’s love is here

To take the rage of man away

Mother’s love is here

Today

No more sadness, no one cries

Only love is welcome here

No more secrets, no more lies

Only Mother’s love is near

As she sings her lullaby

Give thanks to a baby’s birth

Whisper softly in my ear

Kiss me gently, Mother Earth

Mother’s love is here

So pray

We all laugh and run along

Gnomes are hiding in the trees

Mother’s love is near

Singing soft, a gentle song

Arms gently wrapped around me

A tender kiss, a warm embrace

Mother’s love is here

To stay,”

Xavoss closes his eyes, remembering how Elaine used to hold him like a baby rocking him as she sang that song. “I forget how beautiful that song was,” he said.

Elaine looked up at him, and kissed his cheek. “That was nice, huh?” she agreed.

“Your pork is ready,” he smiled, sitting back handing her the pork leg she had wanted.

She smiled, and patted his back. “You’re the best,” she said, and took a bite of the pork leg. Boy, was it delicious!

“Knew you couldn't hate me,” he chuckled, picking on some pork for himself. He pushed her hair back from her grinning playfully. “Tonight I'll take that foot rub,”

“Sounds like a plan,” she replied, and rested her head against his shoulder.

******************

That night at dinner, the whole family sat for dinner with Lady Hanna as guest. “Was Kenneth a good guide today,” King Ethan asked.

She bowed her head. “Yes, Your Majesty,” she replied sweetly.

Elaine couldn’t help, but scoff in disgust as she continued picking at her dinner.

“We talked a lot as well getting to know each other better,” Kenneth told his father proudly.

“Sounds lovely,” said Elaine under her breath.

“My dear, is there a problem?” the queen demanded, annoyed at her daughter’s attitude.

Elaine glanced at her mother, “It's funny how you and father married for love but demand us to marry for peace,” she snapped.

King Ethan leaned back in his chair, and dabbed his mouth with a napkin. “It was a little bit more complicated than that, Elaine. You see, not everything is as simple as we’d like to think it is,” he said.

“Seems like it,” Elaine said. She stood and tossed her napkin on her plate. “I'm not hungry,”

“Then don’t eat. But you will stay with the rest of the family until we’re finished. Elaine, my dear, if there is a problem, you need to speak to us. You will not run off,” said Ethan sharply. “We don’t run from our problems, Elaine. Our family was never built on running.”

“I don't wish to discuss now,” Elaine told her father softly sitting back down. “May we speak privately later,”

Ethan sighed, and shook his head, annoyed. “Of course--”

“Ethan, no! We need to find out--”

“Sophia!” he snapped, and turned to Elaine. “We can discuss this later. But to answer your question, no. If you want to know the truth, Elaine, your mother and I did not always love each other. Our wedding was arranged. We didn’t really fall in love until, perhaps, a year or so after we got married.”

Elaine looked at her father now challengingly, “I know that's not true. She was your dragon. You loved her more than anything, just like I love Xavoss,”

“You think I made it easy for your father, Elaine?” Sophia snapped. “I loved him from the beginning, but I did not want him to control me. I wanted to be my own dragon. Your father and I married because it was expected of us to marry. But it indeed took us a very long time to love each other as we do now.” She stood up. “We do not walk out on each other, but I cannot stomach the sight of you right now, Elaine.”

Elaine stood up, “I hate you,” she said and stormed out quickly.

Xavoss felt terrible for Elaine, but remained silent, because it was his duty. From one side, he could see Zied swallowing her urge to burst into tears, and from another side, he could see Hannah hiding a smile of amusement. He studied her closely as she nibbled on a piece of carrot, almost struggling not to burst out laughing. She enjoyed this. She took pleasure in seeing this family, who, on every other day, profoundly loved each other.

Ethan looked at his wife accusingly, but turned to Hanna, “You must forgive us my lady. We've all been under stress. I assure you this is not our norm,”

“It’s normal for every family to have their moments, even the ones that love each other,” Hannah replied kindly. “This is just another bump in the road. You’ll get through it.”

“Excuse me,” Ethan asked standing.

“Of course, Your Majesty,” said Hannah.

“Father… is Elaine going to be alright?” asked Kenneth.

“I'm going to check on her,” Ethan assured his son.

“Okay,” said Kenneth. “Tell her if… she needs anything--”

“I will, son. I know. You’re a good lad,” said Ethan. “Just please… finish your supper.”

King Ethan made his way to Elaine's room. He found her door open and her packing a bag, “Get your saddle Xavoss. We're flying away. My parents don't want me around, I'm glad to go,”

“Elaine,” said Ethan, and watched as she paused.

“Father…,” she whispered, “You heard mother,” she frowned at him. “I'll never be the daughter she wishes me to be and I honestly can't go through with my arrangement with Fowler,”

He sighed, and sat down on her bed. He patted the bed next to him, urging her to sit with him. “Baby… come here,” he said.

Elaine sat down reluctantly, and looked at him. “What?”

“Elaine, there are going to be hurdles you will need to jump. You will get through them, because that is who you are. That is who we are as a family,” he said. “Marriage isn’t easy. It’s not like in the stories we read. Marriage takes work, Elaine. It’s hard! But it’s something you need to fight for, even when you don’t want to.”

“I know happily ever after is a fairytale. But I don't like how mother looks down her nose at me constantly,” Elaine sighed. “And I am not looking forward to this marriage when I love Xavoss,”

It was Ethan’s turn to sigh, as he nodded. “Elaine… your mother is hard on you because she loves you. She has suffered her entire life. She almost died after she was hatched. I watched this little dragon suffer. I raised her, and then my father forced me to marry her, this little thing that I thought of as a child. I had to marry her. It was the hardest thing that I ever had to do, Elaine. It took me a very long time to stop thinking of Sofia as a baby, and start thinking of her as a woman. And your mother resented me for not recognizing that right away. Once I got over that, she forgave me, and thus began a beautiful relationship. Honey, your mother is hard on you, because she just wants you to be happy. She wants you to live a full life, to be comfortable. Your marriage to Fowther is going to take time. Xa will always be there for you, but you need to grow up, and face your responsibility.”

Elaine stood considering his words, “I do all you ask me to. I have gone through all my classes and follow the rules but for me not to follow my heart...that's a hard thing not to do,” she told him. “I'm sorry I lost my temper, I did try to hold my tongue,”

“Well, you need to try harder,” said her father, surprising both himself and Elaine all at once. “Elaine, you truly are a wonderful girl. You’re the strongest person I know. But, honey, part of growing up is to do things you don’t want to do. Which means biting your tongue when you need to, even when you don’t want to. Especially then. You are not being forced to marry Fowther because we hate you. It’s because we love you. It’s because we want you to be able to get through hurdles with dignity and grace. We need you to be strong right now. You need to grow up, Elaine.”

“Yes father,” she sighed. She looked out her window trying to remain strong, “I just need to be alone now.”

He nodded in understanding, and kissed her forehead. “I love you, honey,” he whispered, and stood up. He went toward the door, and turned to her again. “You’ll get through this, little one.” And with that, he walked away, finally leaving his daughter to her thoughts.

Elaine sighed, trying not to cry. She called out to Xavoss, she wanted to apologise for her outburst. The truth was, she never voiced her feelings for him till tonight. There have been many moments recently where she had wanted to take him and give herself to him.

Xavoss could hear Elaine calling out to him. But he couldn’t come. He couldn’t allow himself to give in. Not this time. For years, he had loved Elaine, and he had always suspected her feelings for him, too. He wanted more than anything to explore those feelings for her, and her feelings for him. But he knew that he couldn’t. There was much he didn’t like about King Ethan, but there was one thing to be said about him: he was wise beyond his years. He understood how the world worked. And he wanted, more than anything, for his children to succeed in life. And the only way they could be was to not give in to their desires.

********************

That night, Hannah sat on her bed, filing her nails, “He was so pathetic today. Blushing and bowing. He even wants us to be in love,” she laughed to Lanett who was readying a bath for her.

Lanett nodded, attempting to say as little as possible. If she said anything wrong, she knew that she would be in big trouble with Lady Hannah. Just nod and agree, she told herself. She laid down a towel so that when Hannah got out of her bath, she wouldn’t slip and fall, or hurt herself. But all she really wanted to do was watch that heartless bitch break her neck.

“His face lit up bright red when I kissed him, he'll be easier to woo than I originally thought,” Hannah laughed as she stood up.

Lanett nodded again, and lit the candles after filling the bathtub with bath water. “Your bath is all set, m’lady,” she said quietly.

“Good, undress me,” Hannah ordered her crudely. She turned so her handmaiden could help her out of her dress. “What has me is this sick relationship they have with their dragons,”

“I don’t know, m’lady,” Lanett replied quietly as she carefully unlaced Hannah’s nightgown. “Perhaps their relationship is far more complicated than…” Shut up, she told herself. She shouldn’t have said anything. She could have just left it at “I don’t know, m’lady,” and just kept her mouth shut. But she didn’t. Why didn’t she?

“It's very complicated,” Hannah frowned, thinking of Zeid. “I must destroy her if I truly want power,”

Lanett sighed, and bit her bottom lip. Don’t say a word, Lanett, she told herself. Just nod and agree, and you won’t get hurt.

Hannah, now free of her clothes, stepped into her bath and sat down into the water, “Leave me,” she ordered.

“Yes, m’lady,” she replied, and quickly left her alone to her bath, praying to the gods that something would happen to her in there: that she’d fall asleep and drown, that she’d get out, and break her neck from slipping, anything to stop this wedding.

Hannah lay back enjoying the warm water, thinking of all Kenneth had said and every time he smiled warmly at her or blushed. She would have to work harder to make him feel more comfortable around her. A part of her longed to have him, to control him. All she could think about, though, was how his eyes lit up at the very sight of her. Even she couldn’t help but find that somewhat endearing. It was weird for her.

No, she had to focus on her goal, she stood, “Lanett!” She called aggravated.

Lanett came back in, and bowed. “M’lady,” she replied. “Is everything alright?”

“I'm done stupid,” Hannah snapped.

Lanett fought the urge to run up to her, and drown her right there. Instead, she bit the inside of her cheek as hard as she could, till it bled, and helped Lady Hannah out of the tub, and wrapped a towel around her.

“Did you ready my bed,” Hannah asked, looking for an excuse to hurt Lanett. The power gave her satisfaction of something dark.

“Of course, my lady,” she replied.

“Better have,” Hannah snided as she entered her room studying it critically. “Lanett,” she said, raising her eyebrows, and looked up at the cowering maid. “You didn’t do this properly. The pillows are a mess, and so are my blankets. I mean, what were you doing?”

“For-forgive me…,” Lanett cowered.

Hannah rolled her eyes, and shook her head. “This has to be done all over again, and that’s going to take at least fifteen minutes. And I’m tired, Lanett,” she said. “You are so inconsiderate! You should be ashamed, Lanett.”

“I'll fix it right,” Lanett said, trying not to make her voice shake.

“No! You know what, Lanett? Don’t bother!” said Hannah, and shoved her away.

Lanett blinked at her lady, “Please my lady...I'm sorry,”

“Aww, are you going to cry now?” Hannah snapped, mocking her maid’s tears.

Lanett bowed her head to hide her tears, “No,” she whispered.

Again, Hannah rolled her eyes. “You’re so infuriatingly pathetic, Lanett,” she said. “It’s no wonder you’re nothing more than a maid. You’re weak, and not worth loving.”

Loretta lowered her head more whimpering slightly but as she opened her mouth as a knock came at the door. Lannett looked up at Hannah questionly.

“Go make yourself busy. Go to the other room,” she instructed, and fixed her long blonde hair slightly, before walking toward the door to open it.

Kenneth stood awkwardly on the other side holding a tray with some tea. “Forgive my lady for the late intrusion, I thought--”

Hannah smiled sweetly at him. “You thought you could sweep me off my feet? There’s no need. Because you’ve already done that, my dear,” she said.

“I thought I would be nice, may I come in?” Kenneth offered.

“Of course,” Hannah replied, and stepped aside so he could enter. “Come on in.”

Kenneth set the tray on a small table, “I brought cream and sugar cause I didn't know how you liked it…,” he told her.

“Aww, thank you! That was really sweet!” said Hannah, and kissed his cheek. “Thank you so much. So… dinner was hard, huh?”

Kenneth nodded as he poured two cups, “You must forgive my sister. She gets her temper from our mother,” he told her as he sat looking at her. She looked even more beautiful in the soft light.

“She was fine. She was speaking her truth,” said Hannah. “And we can’t really fault her for that.”

Kenneth nodded offering her a cup, “Well, I suppose but it was a family matter. It wasn't right to have you see that,”

“It’s okay,” she said. “After all, you and I will be a family one day.”

“Yes…,” Kenneth blushed.

“And every family has their problems,” she said. “My father… never thought I was enough. I wasn’t pretty enough, or as smart as he wanted me to be…. That’s just life, you know?”

“I think...I think you're very beautiful,” Kenneth stuttered.

“Thank you,” said Hannah.

Kenneth bowed his head to hide his shyness as he played with the spoon in his cup. “You're welcome, my lady,” he said.

“You’re really nice,” Hannah said, and looked down at her hands. “You’re the nicest boy I’ve ever known…. I just pray that your kindness isn’t an act, that you really are who you say you are…. If you were anything different, I don’t know if I could bear it.”

“I am who I show,” he told her, looking at her honestly.

She smiled, and nodded. “I’m glad,” she replied.

“I just...wish I wasn't so...nervous,” Kenneth blurted out and blushed. “I think it's your beauty,” he tried to recover.

Hannah smiled fondly at him. “There is more to me than just my looks, Kenneth,” she said honestly.

“I...I know,” he said, licking his lips. “In time I'll know you better,”

Hannah smiled slightly. You can try, she thought, and sighed. “I’m sure you will,” she replied.

“You like the tea,” Kenneth asked her curiously.

She had almost forgotten about her tea. She took a sip, and indeed, it was delicious. She blinked in surprise at its naturally sweet taste, and smiled at him. “I do,” she replied.

“I like a good cup before bed,” Kenneth told Hannah.

“It’s soothing,” she said. “I like it.”

Kenneth nodded, “I'm glad,” he said. “I'll let you finish getting ready for bed... I'll see you in the morning,”

“Goodnight, Kenneth,” said Hannah. “Thank you for the tea.”

Kenneth stood taking Hannah's hand and kissed it respectfully, “Night my lady,”

She smiled at him, suddenly overwhelmed with feelings she never thought she’d feel. She didn’t want him to leave. She wanted him to stay. And that, for her, was dangerous. She needed to remain focused. But all she could think about was wanting him to hold her, and that was strange for her. Emotions were new to her. She was raised not to feel, because feelings got in the way.

“I'll leave you the tea, if you wish,” Kenneth offered standing straight. The truth was he didn't want to leave but he knew if his parents found him alone in here, he'd be in trouble. It wasn't like he was ready to bed her but he just wanted to be comfortable and get to know her better.

“Wait…. You don’t… um… You don’t have to go anywhere,” she said.

Kenneth looked at the door, his parents weren't likely to go check on him, “I could stay…,” he suggested looking back at her.

She sighed, and urged for him to sit back down. “Please?”

Kenneth sat taking her hand, “I'm here my lady,”. He assured her.

Hannah sighed, and rested her head against Kenneth’s shoulder, trying so hard not to fall for him.

Kenneth wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her forehead, “Are you home sick?”

She shook her head. “No,” she replied quietly.

“Can I do something for you,” he asked

“No…. You’re doing it right now,” she replied.

“I'm...I'm glad,” Kenneth tucked her into his arms and ran his fingers through her hair. She smiled, and closed her eyes. Kenneth got comfortable trying to keep her as well and closed his eyes enjoying the warmth of her on him.

Little did he know, in the other room, Lanette was sitting on the floor with tears streaming down her cheeks. She wasn’t worth loving. That was what Lady Hannah told her. She wasn’t worth loving. She was pathetic….

******************

In the morning, Kenneth woke with a start, he wondered at first why he slept on a small couch but then the weight of Hannah reminded him. He blinked in surprise to see her smiling in her sleep on his lap.

He cracked his neck to get the stiffness out before looking back at her. He had to get up to use the bathroom but didn't want to wake her.

Lanett came into the room with a tray of food, and a forced smile. “My lady--” She cut herself off, and dropped her jaw at the sight of Kenneth. “Um…”

Kenneth blushed, “Nothing happened…,” he told her softly unsure why he was telling the maiden this.

“I won’t say anything, Your Majesty,” she said quickly. She put down the tray, and quickly walked away.

Kenneth watched her leave before looking back at Hannah. His body was sore from sleeping the way he had but yet Hannah looked so comfortable and angelic. He pushed a hair away from her beautiful face.

Hannah slowly woke up, and looked up at him. “Mmm? Wait, where are we?” she asked.

“In...in your room my lady,” Kenneth told her. “We fell out last night,”

She slowly sat up, and rubbed her eyes. “Mmm… wait. Where did this come from?” she asked, eyeing the tray.

“Your maiden brought it,” Kenneth told her as he stretched now that he was free to move.

“Lanett?” said Hannah, having completely forgotten about her, and what she had planned to do to her for not making the bed properly.

“Yes...umm forgive me a minute,” Kenneth nodded standing. He had to use the bathroom bad.

She nodded, and rubbed the back of her neck, which was sore from lying on Kenneth’s knee all night long.

Lanett poked her head out shyly, “My...lady?”

Hannah looked up tiredly. “Oh… Hello, Lanett,” she mumbled.

“Morning,” Lanett nodded. “I brought you some coffee I didn't mean to interrupt your company,”

“No… it’s fine, Lanett,” she said. “Thank you for the coffee.”

Lanett quickly disappeared as Kenneth returned still stretching, “Morning, my lady,” he greeted trying not to be too awkward. “Did you sleep well?”

She nodded. “Yes,” she replied. “Um… I hope I didn’t come off too needy. Last night, I mean.”

“I enjoyed spending the night,” he smiled slightly embarrassed.

“I enjoyed you being here,” she replied. “I just hope that no one else will know…. I don’t want us to get into trouble for doing something wrong.”

“Me too…,” Kenneth nodded. “Can we trust Lanett?”

“She won’t say anything,” said Hannah. She won’t if she knows what’s good for her, she thought.

“Good...um I should go so you can get ready for the day,” Kenneth suggested scratching his neck.

“Yes,” she replied. “That’s probably not a bad idea.”

Kenneth bowed his head and took her hand and kissed it, “I'll see you at breakfast,”

“Okay,” said Hannah, smiling warmly at him.

Kenneth left so he could make it look like he slept in his room and get dressed for the day,”

When he was gone, Hannah went over to Lanett, who was getting Hannah’s clothes out for her. “I need to talk to you,” she said.

“Yes my lady?” Lanett asked, bowing her head.

“Do not tell anyone about what you saw this morning,” Hannah told her. “If you do, I will make your life a living hell. Do you understand me?”

Lanett looked away, “Saw what?” She tried to asked stupid like she didn't know what she meant. She didn't doubt Hannah on her threat.

Hannah rolled her eyes, and went to see her clothes. “So, what have you picked out for me?” she asked, looking down at the messy pile of clothes.

Lanett lifted a beautiful blue dress, “I heard Prince Kenneth likes blue,”

Hannah looked down at the blue dress, and sighed. “Lanett, I appreciate what you’re trying to do-- I do-- But I wore blue yesterday. I don’t want him to think that I want to impress him, because that comes off as pathetic, and does it look like I want to come off as pathetic?”

“Green, perhaps?” Lanett tried to recover, pulling out another dress.

She shook her head thoughtfully. “It’s nice, but… no. Let’s try the pink one,” she replied.

“Umm, how about this one?” Lanett asked, lifting a soft pink dress.

Hannah smiled. “It’s perfect,” she said, and looked up at Lanett. “Don’t you think?”

“Perfect my lady,” Lanett nodded. “I'll assist you,”

She nodded. “Very well,” said Hannah. “Our talk must have helped you last night. You seem… smarter today. I like it. Keep it up.”

Lannet nodded and soundlessly helped Hannah into her dress and did her hair, if only Prince Kenneth could see the real Hannah. Once finished she helped Hannah down to the dining room where the family normally ate.

“Good morning,” King Ethan greeted her pleasantly.

“Morning your majesty,” Hannah nodded respectfully.

He and the queen sat close as if they'd been discussing something. Kenneth joined and smiled at her.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” Sofia greeted Kenneth kindly.

“Morning mother... father,” Kenneth nodded. “Good morning my lady,” he blushed as he bowed at Hannah.

Sophia smiled, at least Kenneth was being more mature about his arrangement then Elaine was being. “Come and eat,”

Kenneth hurried and took a seat for Hannah, “My lady,”

“Could you be any more obvious?” said a voice from behind them. Hannah and Kenneth turned, and saw Elaine coming into the room. “It’s gross. Get a room.”

“We’re in one,” Kenneth retorted, annoyed at his sister’s attitude, and rolled his eyes.

“Elaine,” said Ethan in a gently stern voice. “Remember what we’ve discussed, my dear.”

Elaine huffed and sat studying Hannah as she sat graceful and Kenneth sat beside her. God's the girl was annoying. But she felt her mother's disapproving glare and looked down at her breakfast.

“There's been a change of plans,” Ethan announced now that the whole family was there.

“What plans?” Elaine frowned asked.

“Well, I received a letter from Fowler. They're demanding we move the wedding. So instead of waiting for after Kenneth's wedding...we must postpone it,” he said regretfully.

“Postpone my wedding? That’s not fair!” said Kenneth.

“Life isn’t fair, son,” said Ethan. Elaine looked at her father wanting to scream but held her tongue. She was being shipped off to marry a stranger. “We’re already prepared a carriage for the trip and we'll all be going together,” Ethan told the group.

“This is ridiculous,” said Kenneth.

“Thank you! I couldn’t agree more!” Elaine spoke up.

“Not everything is about you, Elaine!” Kenneth snapped.

“I don't see why you're complaining, you get more time,” Elaine turned on him.

“Enough!” Sophia commanded. “Your father told you how it is, and that is the way it will be,”

“Yes, Mother,” said Elaine sarcastically.

“Lady Hannah, forgive this interruption,” Ethan told Hannah sincerely. “Some things are out of our hands. You and Kenneth will be married once we return back to Cromwell,”

“I understand, Your Grace,” replied Hannah, though she was disappointed as well.

“I… I don’t have a dress for the wedding,” Elaine pointed out.

“Me and the queen had a dress made for you, you'll be fitted into it after we arrive,” Sophia told her. “This weddings been planned since the day you were born,”

“You didn’t have anything better to do?” Elaine muttered under her breath, and sighed.

Ethan clapped his hands, the matter was settled. “We depart in an hour,”

“Very well, Father,” said Kenneth, and smiled apologetically to Hannah.

******************

In the next hour the castle was a flutter as servants tried to pack what they would need. Then the king, the queen, Elaine, Xavoss, Kenneth, Zeid, Hannah and Lanett all piled into a carriage. It was just big enough for them to be just comfortable enough.

“It's a three day journey,” Ethan said sitting back in his seat getting comfortable.

“This is going to be… interesting,” Sophia replied.

“No kidding,” Elaine sighed, rolling her eyes. The carriage moved forward and she watched her home disappear slowly.

“Easy Fireball,” Xavoss told her in a cautious voice as he gave her a steady stear across the carriage.

“Xa,” she said through their bond. “I don’t want to go through with this.”

“I know but you must,” he sighed thoughtfully back to her.

“I meant what I said last night, Xavoss. I love you,” Elaine told him, fiddling with her hair.

Xavoss looked at her, “I love you too my rider,” he said, saying the only thing he could think of that would make her realize that he didn't have the same feeling for her as she did for him even though it wasn't the truth. It took his whole being not to express the truth.

“And you still want me to go through with this?” she asked.

“You must my friend,” he responded. “I'm sorry,”

Elaine blinked back tears, and sighed.

“Elaine, my dear,” Sophia said gently, and took her daughter’s hand. “Are you alright, my child?”

Elaine closed her eyes, her mother wouldn't understand. “I'll miss home,”

“I know you will, honey,” she replied. “But Papa and I will write to you every day. Elaine… I know I have been hard on you. But it’s only because I love you. I want you to do well.”

Elaine looked away from everyone and looked out the window.

“Elaine, honey, I love you very much,” Sophia told her, tucking a lock of hair away from Elaine’s face. “You’re my daughter, my little girl. I’m sorry I was mean to you.”

The carriage ride to Fowler was quiet. The ride was a long three day ride which was just awkward mostly for the tight space. Soon the grand kingdom of Fowther was in view, Elaine sat up studying the cold looking castle feeling shiver up her spine.

Ethan leaned forward, and took Elaine’s hand. “It’s okay, honey,” he said quietly.

Elaine dred only grew as she saw the castle grow closer. Three people stood at the entrance. Two were older, looking stumbern you down their noses as a third look sourly at the carriage.

The man had gray hair and the woman had tightly pinned up blond hair, both had cold eyes and dressed elegantly. The boy who had to be four years older than her, was handsome coppery hair that was styled and a thin mustache, but it was his cold eyes that made Elaine hate this more than anything. He stepped forward to open the door.

“Princess Elaine,” he asked.

Elaine curtsied before the prince, feeling dead inside. “Your Majesty,” she greeted.

“Welcome to Fowther,”. He created “I'm Keahi,”

“Thank you, sir,” she replied.

The rest of the party stepped out as Ethan made his way to King Grayson, “It's good to see you again,” Ethan said.

“It’s been a while,” Grayson replied. “I remember this little boy who wanted me to play with him. Now look at you! You’ve become quite a man.”

“And I see you made Fowther beautiful,” Ethan nodded. “I like the improvements,”

“Thank you,” Grayson replied, and turned to Elaine. “My aren’t you a pretty little thing.”

From behind the royals, it took all of Xavoss’s energy not to turn into his dragon form, and chomp that man’s head off. But he stopped himself, thankful for Zeid’s innocent look at him. The two dragons shared a bond, too. They both wanted to make sure that Elaine and Kenneth would be taken care of. They also shared their struggles with the royals, as well as the joy.

“Shall we get you all settled,” Queen Amay suggested and clapped as servants came hurrying out to assist everyone. “We provided each of you rooms,”

“We are grateful for your hospitality, my queen,” Sophia replied.

Amay smiled snottedly, “It was nothing,”

Sophia shook her head, and smiled reassuringly at Elaine. Elaine only hugged herself following a small thin woman like the other maids in a red dress that looked more like a uniform.

“Be strong, Fireball,” said Xavos. “And I will try to be strong, too.”

Elaine looked at him hurtfully and ignored his words as she followed the maid into her room. One look around the big cold room made her shiver. The only good part was her view of the ocean. She looked out of the window and heard her door open.

“Shall we, my lady?” asked the young man. He sounded pleasant enough, but it also sounded well-rehearsed. She turned to studied him. He was sort of handsome with copper golden hair and a small mustache upon his lip.

“Where are we going?” she asked studying him curiously.

“To lunch?” he replied. His cold eyes seemed to warm up a little, and for a moment, he looked nervous. Like he was being forced into this, and was just as scared as Elaine was.

Eliane sighed triedly and nodded, “Very well,”

Keahi nodded and offered his arm, Eliane sighed inwardly and took his arm. On the way, her eyes glance down the hall, unlike her castle we're it was full of merrells and tapestries, the walls here were bare with a dull sleepy gray. She glanced at Keahi. He was tall, perhaps three or four years older than she. He stood tall and proud as he escorted her.

Keahi looked down at Elaine for just a moment, and blushed a little. “So… you own dragons?” he asked. “That must be… stressful. Dragons can be unpredictable by nature… or so I’ve heard.”

“We raise dragons, they are a part of our culture. Xaviss, my dragon, I've raised since a hatchling,” Elaine said, lowering her head as she fumbled. She didn’t mean to sound rude, she just hated that people thought one could own a dragon, as it was a pet.

He nodded. “Is… Xavoss here with you now?” he asked.

“He's on the beach, fishing actually,” Elaine said. She could sense Xavoss and where he was and what he was doing.

Keahi nodded again. “Well, since he means so much to you, perhaps I will invite him to supper tonight,” he suggested. “Would that be alright with you?”

Elaine nodded uncertainly, “Thank you...what of you? Your people train Phoenix's. Do you have one?”

“We do train phoenixes. They’re even more unpredictable than dragons are, but they’re amazing. I do have a phoenix, to answer your question, my lady. His name is Crimson. He’s… like a brother to me,” he said. “Temperamental, but a good man.”

“After lunch, perhaps I can see him?” Elaine asked, slightly fascinated. “Always wished to see a Phoenix,”

Keahi chuckled. “He’d be delighted to hear that,” he replied. “Unfortunately, he will not be back until supper tonight. He’s on an errand in town. But my sister's phoenix is in the palace. Her name is Inferno. She’s… not quite as charming as Crimson is, but you’ll grow to love her.”

“Ohhh…that be nice,” Elaine nodded. “Well...shall we eat?”

“Of course,” he replied. Keahi led her to a grand dining hall, similar to her own dining hall back home in design, but there were several decorations that were different. Instead of dragon flags hanging downward from the ceiling, surrounding a massive chandelier, they were flags with the image of a phoenix.

“It's beautiful my Lord,” Elaine said as respectively as she could manage.

“Thank you,” he replied. He seemed to be a little bit more comfortable around her. Talking about his phoenix, his best friend, Crimson, must have been the perfect ice-breaker for both of them.

“Umm...so I hear Phoenix's have beautiful songs. Tell me about that,” Elaine tried as she sat on her own. Seeing the small smile upon his face was a nice change.

He chuckled. “Well, their songs were originally a means to call for help during the great cataclysm of the gods. They used their singing to signal to their master’s soldiers that they were in need. Overtime, it became a way of calming the people, like a lullaby. Now, their voices are as beautiful as the gods themselves… that’s my opinion, anyway.”

“I've heard it's absolutely beautiful,” Elaine nodded smiling.

“It truly is,” said Keahi.

“Talking about me again?” asked a beautiful young woman with the reddest hair Elaine had ever seen and intense brown eyes.

“Hello, Inferno,” Keahi replied flatly.

Elaine blinked in surprise, she knew of dragons changing because of their magic but Phoenix's? She had no idea.

Inferno smiled slightly at Elaine, suddenly aware that Elaine was staring at her. “Hello, my lady,” she greeted awkwardly. “So, you’re marrying this fool here?”

“I...umm,” Elaine said in surprise she would speak so freely.

“Inferno, leave Elaine alone,” said Keahi.

“Is Inferno teasing somebody again?” asked a woman who looked very similar to Keahi. Her hair was slightly more brown with gentle green eyes, and had a kind face.

Elaine bowed her head feeling outnumbered now. If only her parents, or Kenneth were here. More than anyone she wished Xavoss was here.

“Beth, this is Princess Elaine,” Keahi introduced.

Beth smiled gently at Elaine, and winked. “Don’t let Inferno scare you. She’s really a softie underneath all that bravado.”

“I am unafraid, my lady. I was just thrown off guard,” Elaine told her as confidently as she could. “Everything been so overwhelming,”

“I understand. Leaving home is probably terrifying,” Beth replied.

“That's what it is,” Elaine nodded looking at her food for distraction.

“Well, I promise you that we are good people, little one,” said Beth.

Elaine nodded and tried to sit up properly like a lady as she ate. She tried to eat but she was all so nervous, especially with this unknown relationship with Keahi.

Keahi sensed her nervousness, but didn’t know what to do about it. She was pretty enough, sure. But there was an innocence to her that made him feel dirty for being forced to marry her. Keahi was very experienced in the joys of the flesh. He’d had several lovers in his day, but now he was with this… child. It made him feel awkward. He turned to her. “Is everything alright, my lady?” he asked.

“Lunch is very good... could we explore the grounds afterwards. Your kingdom is very beautiful,” Elaine smiled. Trying to find something for them to do.

Keahi nodded. “Of course,” he replied.

Inferno gave a snort at the interaction, as she turned to leave she gave Keahi a flirtatious wink. “Have fun,”

He rolled his eyes, smiling to himself, and went back to eating his salad.

After lunch, Keahi took Elaine on a tour through the kingdom, showing her a few phoenix's who sat in the birdhouse. The beautiful red birds were first reluctant to let Elaine to pet them.

“Their feathers are so soft,” Elaine said petting one Phoenix.

“You know who that is?” asked Keahi, smiling. “That’s Crimson. Every once in a while, they need to replenish, and take a minute to just be birds. I guess your errand didn’t go so well, eh, Crim?”

The bird cooed, and lowered his head in disappointment, and looked up at Elaine with curiosity.

“What was his errand...if I may ask?” Elaine asked petting Crimson effectionently.

“The truth is… it wasn’t really an errand. He was trying to court a young lady from the bakery,” Keahi snorted. “I guess it didn’t turn out so well if he’s back here.”

Crimson squawked at him in irritation, and nuzzled into Elaine’s hand.

“Aww poor thing, you'll find love,” Elaine told the bird encouragingly.

Crimson cooed tenderly at Elaine, and hopped up onto a bird swing.

Keahi sighed, “Come, let us continue, hu,” he asked Elaine.

Elaine nodded, and waved goodbye to Crimson, before making her way out of the birdhouse. Elaine tried to take everything in as she looked around. This was going to be her home soon. She smiled seeing Xavoss on the edge of the village.

“Come my dragon,” she said, taking Keahi's hand. Xavoss was sitting outside the village in his dragon form picking hungrily on a big fish. “Xavoss, this is Prince Keahi,”

Xavos paused, as if embarrassed that he had a big old fish in his mouth, and carefully set the fish aside. He took a step backward, and transformed back into his human form. He bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty,” he greeted.

“Sorry Xavoss, I didn't know you were still eating,” Elaine said embarrassed. She had been so excited to see at least a friendly face, especially Xavoss.

Xavoss chuckled. “It’s okay, Elaine,” he replied, and turned to the prince of this foreign land. “Forgive me for being a pig just now, my lord. I get hungry quite a bit, but I will keep it in check.”

“It’s… alright. You’re a big dragon,” Keahi said, studying the human form of Xavoss, he felt a bit of competition now seeing the handsome young man.

Xavoss eyed the prince, not sure if he had just been given a compliment, or not. “Ummm… thank you… I think… my lord,” he replied. “You have a beautiful city. The architecture is… phenomenal.”

“It's a wonderful place, I was showing Elaine the full tour,” Keahi nodded.

“It's absolutely beautiful,” Elaine nodded. “Was it good fishing Xavoss?”

Xavoss chuckled. “It was,” he replied. “I got some trout that was delicious.”

“Fishing is our biggest agriculture,” Keahi told him.

“So I’ve noticed, my lord,” Xavoss replied cordially. “I’ve read that, in addition to being known for raising phoenixes, this was once the most famous fishing port in all of Kagrilott.”

“It was, actually, until two hundred years ago, when Silver City gained popularity,” Keahi replied.

Elaine looked between Xavoss and Keahi, “Well, umm should we…,” she tried to say.

“Of course,” Keahi replied. “Master Xavoss, it was a pleasure,” he said respectfully.

“A pleasure,” Xavoss nodded. “We'll talk later if you wish Elaine,”

“I'd like that Xavoss,” Elaine nodded as Keahi took her arm and escorted her away.

****************

Elsewhere Kenneth looked over the ocean with Hannah, watching as the waves crashed on the beach, “It's really pretty here. Maybe this isn't so bad, eh my lady?”

“It’s very beautiful,” Hannah replied softly, and looked up at him, smiling softly. “It’s not bad here at all, my lord.”

Kenneth nervously took her hand, “It gives us more time to get to know each other,” he told her. “Do you like the ocean?”

“I do,” she replied. I’d love to drown you in it, she wanted to say, but only smiled warmly at him. “I have always loved the ocean.”

“I'd like to sail it,” Kenneth said. “It be romantic I think,”

“It would be,” Hannah replied. “You are so romantic, my lord.”

Kenneth smiled and took her hand and kissed it tenderly. “I'm trying to be. You've been so amazing so far after all with everything,”

“It helps to be engaged to a wonderful man like you,” she replied, and kissed his hand.

Kenneth smiled at her, “Let us continue exploring,” he suggested.

“Very well, my lord,” she replied, though all she really wanted to do was take a nap. All of this planning was exhausting, to say the least.

Kenneth nodded and took Hannah by the hand and led her across the grounds, “There's a concert tonight,” he told her. “I heard about it this morning,” Kenneth told her. “Are you interested in attending?”

“I would love to attend,” she replied.

Kenneth smiled, “I'll let you go relax and prepare and I'll see about getting us seats,”

“Very well, Your Majesty,” she replied. “I cannot wait.”

Kenneth smiled and kissed her hand, “I'll see you in a few hours,”

“I’ll be looking forward to it, my lord.” Hannah said. She was glad to get away and go take a nap.

Kenneth smiled watching her head up the stairs, her handmaid right behind her. He then heard his mother call Elaine's name. He turned to see Keahi and Elaine entering on the west side from the gardens.

“Yes mother?” Elaine asked looking up at her mother.

“Come we need to get you fitted,” Sofia called.

Elaine's face fell, “Ohh yes…,” she sighed and turned to Keahi. “I'll see you at the concert tonight. I look forward to your performance,”

“I've been rehearsing for months just for you, my lady,” Keahi said bowing and kissing her hand.

Elaine smiled slightly at him before going up to meet her mother for her wedding dress fitting.

“My lord?” Kenneth called catching Keahi as he turned to head down another way. Keahi stopped and nodded to him. “Forgive me, I wished to know about this concert,”

Keahi nodded, “It's for the whole kingdom. I'm holding it in honor to Eliane,”

“Where will it be?” Kenneth asked.

“In the Great Hall just south of the castle. It's a beautiful theater you can't miss, it starts at seven,” Keahi told him. “Now if you excuse me,”

Kenneth nodded, excited to take Hannah to such an honored event. He watched as Keahi joined a beautiful woman with flowing red hair and golden eyes. She clipped her arm with his. Kenneth blinked in surprise, should he be concerned?

******************

“You're going to need me when you're wed,” Inferno said with a wicked grin. She and the Prince had just beded.

Keahi struggled to catch his breath, leaning his hand against the wall he had just mounted this beautiful phoenix just a moment ago. “I… will always… need you,” he panted, and closed his eyes.

“She's a virgin, you must be excited,” Inferno chuckled. “You haven't had a virgin in a long spell,”

Keahi sighed, and got dressed with trembling fingers. “The truth is… I’m scared. I mean, having a virgin will be… amazing, but… I am afraid of hurting Elaine. I just hurt you, Inferno. And you are fire! Elaine is like me: flesh and blood. I can’t imagine what pain I will put her through with my lust.”

“She won't be able to handle you, no I think not,” Inferno grinned.

Keahi chuckled, and kissed Inferno’s forehead. “Still… I think we should respect her. She may be a virgin, and might not be able to handle what I’m capable of, but she is not weak, by any stretch of the imagination,” he said.

“You always have me, my king. I'm always ready for your plentiful lust,” Inferno told him.

He nodded. “I know. But I’m going to need you to do something, and I know it will be very difficult for you. That’s why I’m asking as a friend, and not commanding you as a king.”

“You want me to be nice,” Inferno frowned. “I can try,”

He smiled at her affectionately. “Thank you, Inferno,” he said. “She is far from home, and seems to be just holding on by a thread. If you were nice to her, it might make things easier for her… and for me.”

“Well, I must go. I have things of my own to do,” Inferno told him and with that she dressed and left him.

He watched as she walked away, and sighed, feeling terrible for the way he had behaved. He was about to be married, and he had just used his sister’s phoenix like a common whore. It was cruel of him. “Great Solin, give me strength,” he whispered, praying to the sun god.

He shook his head, and returned to Elaine, who was in the garden. She looked like she was praying, too. She had a goddess pendant in her hand, and her eyes were closed. What is she praying for? he wondered, and cautiously approached her.

“I pray to the gods to help me, too,” he whispered to her. “Are you alright, my lady?”

Elaine jumped slightly at his voice. She stood pushing a hair back, “I was just praying for strength and a happy union, my lord,”

He nodded. “I’m sorry I startled you… um… may I sit with you?” he asked.

Elaine nodded and sat in the grass fixing her dress to make herself look more presentable. “The dress fitting went very well,” she told him.

“Oh, really? That’s nice. Did you have fun with the ladies?” he asked.

“Your mother kept pinning me,” Eliane told him. “The concert is approaching. I'm looking forward to your performance,”

He smiled at her. He didn’t know this girl, but he really liked her. She was sweet and endearing. Her eyes seemed to light up a little at the thought of the concert. “I take it you like music, then?” he asked.

“I like to listen. I have no talent with it,” she chuckled. “I have little talent if truth be told,” she said, a little embarrassed.

“I’m sure that’s not true, my lady. I’m sure you can do anything,” he said. “You seem like the kind of young woman who, when you have your mind set on something, you don’t just do it. You excel at it.”

“Well,” Elaine said, glancing around, “I'm a fair good hunter,”

That surprised him. She seemed so dainty. He never would have taken her for a tomboy who hunted. “Oh, wow!” he said. “Do you hunt for sport, or…?”

“For meat, never for sport,” Elaine said, shaking her head. “Me and Xavoss make a game out of hunting sometimes. When he was a hatchling I started teaching him the bow. Just before we traveled, he bested me for the first time,” she smiled. Her eyes sparkled lightly as she told him, recounting her story.

He chuckled. “You are full of surprises, my lady,” he told her.

“I'm normally never in dresses,” she told him. “I drive my mother crazy for she says I don't act like a lady as I should,”

He sighed. “Well, I don’t know all about you, but you are a lady. You’re… unique, but you’re very much a lady. And a beautiful one, at that,” he said. “I pray that I will be a worthy husband to such a one as you, Lady Elaine.”

Elaine swallowed nodding at his words. “I pray I will make a worthy wife,”

Keahi’s heart broke for her, for just a moment. How could such a kindhearted girl like Elaine ever think that she wouldn’t be a worthy wife to anybody? She was sweet, funny and positively adorable. “You, my lady, will be a great wife,” he said. “Do… you mind if I pray with you?” he asked.

Elaine nodded patting beside her, “Please join me my lord,” she said then smiled, “Would I be disrespectful if I call you Keahi?”

He chuckled, and sat down beside her. “We are to be husband and wife pretty soon. It would be a tad odd if you didn’t,” he replied with a wink.

“I was instructed how to address you properly but if we are to be more comfortable I thought I should ask,”

“Well, if you would like, around the other nobles, feel free to call me ‘my lord,’ but between you and me, when we’re together alone, please call me Keahi?”

“You may call me Elaine,” she invited him. She took his hand and squeezed it. “To our happy union Keahi. If we make the effort, they're should be no reason why it can't be,”

Keahi smiled at her, and looked down at their joined hands. He took her hand, and kissed her tiny hand, and smiled. “I couldn’t agree more,” he replied.

They sat together and prayed for a while silently, after a moment, Elaine stood, “Your concert, seeing your the main attraction, you can't be late,”

He nodded, and gave her another charming wink. “Wish me luck,” he said, and stood up. He bowed to her, and walked away.

Elaine watched him surprised, here she had been dreading everything but right now she found herself curious. Her body tingled in anticipation. “What spell has he casted,” she whispered to herself.

******************

The concert hall was packed with thousands of people, the rich and poor alike. As if the classes had come together for this one moment of enjoying music, all eyes were on Keahi as he stood with his mandolin. He played a beautiful melody, serenading the people with the music that flowed through his very soul, until it poured out into the strings of the mandolin.

Accompanying him was a chorus of phoenix, with Crimson leading them with a deep beautiful song. The show was spectacular with the music and the phinxoes even showing off some aerobatic display.

From the stage, he could see Inferno looking at him with lust in her gorgeous red eyes. Right beside her, he could also see Elaine looking up at him with excitement and hope in her gorgeous green eyes. It was then that Keahi felt so confused. Who did he feel for? For as long as he could remember, Keahi had always thought that he was in love with Inferno. She knew him, and he knew her. But with Elaine, he felt things that he never thought he would. It was as if he felt a twinge of hope: the same feeling that she looked as if she had been feeling. Maybe, just maybe, there could truly be something more meaningful than lust. Maybe it was deeper than that. With Elaine.

As the concert ended, Keahi was showered with applause but as he looked up from his bow his eyes caught Elaine standing clapping more energetic than anyone else in the crowd. He watched as excitement just poured out of her. He saw as her eyes lit up as she clapped with every fiber of her being. He watched as others, including Inferno, just stared at her with confusion (and perhaps annoyance), but Elaine didn’t even notice. It was as if she just had eyes for him.

Keahi bowed once more, and made his way to the back. Crimson stood awaiting him, giving him a thoughtful eye. In his human form he was quite a handsome young man. “You poured a little more than we rehearsed,”

Keahi looked up at him, confused. “Did… I do something wrong?” he asked.

“No but I am curious. Is it that young girl I got to meet early?” Crimson chuckled. “Can I get a better introduction?”

Keahi thought for a moment. “Perhaps,” he replied, jokingly. “She is over there, if you’d like to talk to her.”

Crimson glanced as Elaine was making her way backstage. “She's coming to say hello,” he told Keahi.

Keahi blinked, surprised, and turned to see her beautiful smile as she approached. “Well, hello!” he greeted, and kissed her hand.

“You were spectacular,” Elaine smiled, clapping her hands.

“He learned all he knows from me,” Crimson joked.

Elaine giggled, and nodded. “Somehow that does not surprise me, my lord,” she replied. “Everyone needs a familiar to keep them in check. I’m glad he has you, Lord Crimson.”

Crimson held up a hand, chuckling. “Please. It’s… just Crimson. You don’t need to be so formal with me. Right, Keahi?” he asked, giving him a brotherly slug on the arm.

“Yes, well if you excuse me. The night is young,” Keahi said and he pulled Elaine into his arms and escorted her out the back side of the theater.

“How long have you been playing?” Elaine asked as they walked outside under the stars.

Keahi thought for a moment. “Um… I remember playing the mandolin when I was about six years old, maybe seven,” he replied. “When I was four, I was out and about in the village with my mother and Crimson… before he hatched. I actually used to carry his egg in my satchel, thinking nobody would notice,” he replied, wiggling his eyebrows, to which Elaine had a good laugh. “I looked behind a window of the music shop, and saw my first mandolin, and I remember telling my guard that I wanted to play someday. I even remember Crimson’s egg moving around a little after I told the guard what I told him.”

“You play very beautifully,” Elaine smiled sweetly. She leaned against him slightly enticed by the feel of him close. “It's very beautiful night sky,”

He looked down at her, and smiled adoringly. “The sky isn’t the only thing that’s beautiful tonight,” he whispered.

Elaine blushed, “Ohh...I…,” she stumbled slightly.

“Sorry. Too much?” he asked, feeling embarrassed that he had just embarrassed her, too. “I apologize if that was inappropriate.”

“No, I'm flattered,” Elaine told him, blushing slightly.

“Oh, good,” he said, relieved.

“In the mountains the sky looks like diamonds,” Elaine told him. “When you fly just high enough, you swear you can grab one,”

He smiled, loving the way she talked about the mountains and the stars. “Tell me more,” he whispered. “Please?”

Elaine gave a small giggle and brushed her hair back, her eyes sparkled reflecting the stars, “Would you care to take a ride with me?”

“Xavoss wouldn’t mind?” he asked. “I know that you two have a special bond. I don’t want to ruin that for you.”

“I call him, I'm sure he won't,” Elaine told him. “There is something about flying at night that is very invigorating,”

“Well… even so. He seems a bit protective over you, and three is a crowd, from what I hear,” he replied. “I just understand that it’s important to respect the wishes of a familiar. With witches, their cat is the most important family member in her life. For me, it’s Crimson. For you, I imagine, it’s Xavoss.”

“I don't mind,” came a voice. Keahi turned to see Xavoss standing behind him.

Eliane giggled and touched Xavoss's neck, “Come,” she said, pulling herself up into the saddle.

“Oh! Um… alright,” Keahi replied. Xavoss crouched lower so that Keahi could pull himself up a little easier behind Elaine. “Am… am I doing this right?” he asked.

“Depends, my lord. Have you ever ridden a horse?” Xavoss asked, looking back at him with a playful twinkle in his eye.

“Don't tease the man and fly Xavoss,” Elaine chuckled as she rubbed his neck. Xavoss jumped into the sky spreading his wings and taking off into the night.

Keahi felt a wave of anxiety rush through his stomach, having not expected Xavoss to be so quick. “Whoa!” he said, and held on to Eliane for dear life. Soon, they were up in the sky. He looked around at all of the beautiful stars, and realized, on a deeper level than he ever imagined it would be, that Elaine was right. It was as if he could reach up, and grab each and every little star. “Oh, wow!” he whispered.

“Hold on,” Elaine grinned. Keahi only had a moment before Xavoss spun up into the sky. He took Elaine's hips. “Amazing hu,” she chuckled.

Keahi threw his head back, and howled. Never had he felt more alive than in this moment. “This is amazing!” he howled, and laughed.

Xavoss landed a short time after flying, he touched down gently and knelt to let his passengers down.

“Thank you Xavoss,” Elaine smiled, jumping down graceful.

“Listen, thank you, Xavoss,” he said.

“It was an honor,” Xavoss said, bowing his head. His eyes studied Keahi as he got off.

“Wasn't the view beautiful?” Elaine asked Keahi.

“It really was,” he replied, and took her hand. “Thank you for a magical night.”

“It was an honor,” Elaine nodded.

“If I may Elaine. May I have a moment with the prince?” Xavoss asked.

“Ohh, just don't eat him,” Elaine said with a joking smile. She gave a bow, “Good night Keahi,” she called and left the boys.

Keahi watched Elaine go before turning to Xavoss, the dragon now stood before him as a man, his arms crossed. “I want to know that no matter what agreement that exist, my first and primary duty is Elaine's protection,”

Keahi sighed, and faced Xavoss. “I know,” he said. “I am not a perfect man. But I am going to do better. I will do right by her, Xavoss.”

“She is excited by the adventure ahead of her, nothing more,” Xavoss said. “I just want you to know one thing. I know what transpired between you and Inferno earlier.”

Again, Keahi sighed, and shook his head. “Oh, gods. Look, I--”

“I will not stand by, and watch you hurt my person, Keahi. I’m sorry,” Xavoss said.

Keahi sighed, “You seem to care more for Elaine more than your person,” he said, turning the conversation on Xavoss.

Xavoss stared him down. “My feelings for Elaine never made me cross a line, nor have I ever been inappropriate with her,” he replied. “I don’t know Inferno. I’m sure she’s… nice, but I don’t like the fact that you are out with her, being inappropriate. You crossed a line, my lord, a line that should never have been crossed. That’s the bottom line, my lord: you’ve been caught.” With that, he walked away, without giving him a chance to defend himself. Xavoss would have the last word.

Keahi stood in the night, his heart still racing from the ride, his mind still trying to gather all Xavoss had said. For some reason, he did want this arrangement to succeed. He knew that he was going to make some changes. For one, he couldn’t have his secret meetings with Inferno… especially since they were no longer secret. “Oh, boy,” he sighed.

********************

The next morning the kingdom was readying for the wedding and with only five days till the day, Keahi and Elaine were expected to go to the church to help with the decorations.

“We thought a splash of Cromwell as well as Fowther,” Queen Amay of Fowther said, glancing around the church thoughtful and then glanced coldly down her nose at her son.

Keahi felt a chill under the cold stare of his mother. She was a cruel woman. He hated her. But duty dictated that he was respectful to her.

“We shear red in our colors. Then we can blend gold and silver through the aisles,” Elaine suggested. She took Keahi's hand, “What do you think, my prince?”

Keahi smiled, and nodded. “I really like that,” he said.

“Mmm,” Amay said smugly looking at her clipboard.

“I can see it,” Sophia smiled proudly of her daughter.

Elaine smiled at her mother. No, they did not get along all the time. But this time apart from her were probably the longest days of her life. And she missed her mother. “Do you think you could have Xavoss and Zeid help with the decorating?”

“Ohh I know Zeid would love to. And Xavoss wouldn't mind I'm sure,” Sophie said.

“Zeid is a good girl. She would definitely be excited,” Elaine replied. Come to think of it, she missed her.” Zeid was not her dragon, but it was like she was a sister to Elaine. Perhaps not a known sister, but a sister all the same.

“We can try to make accommodations for your dragons,” Amay said nodding. “Of course many of our phoenixes wish to attend,”

“They would be more than welcome,” Elaine replied. “They are the fabric of what makes this place magical.”

“Oh, is that so?” Amay asked coldly, startling her. “Our phoenixes are more than welcome to come to a wedding in our kingdom? Well, how very kind of you.”

“Mother, stop!” said Keahi, desperately.

Amay huffed and beckoned Sophia forward. Elaine blushed and looked at Keahi. “I'm sorry if I said something wrong,”

“Listen, don’t ever be sorry. That woman… is pure evil,” Keahi said. “She’s never been a warm person.”

Elaine nodded, she looked thoughtful at the altar, “I'm quite nervous,” she whispered.

“So am I,” Keahi admitted. “I’m nervous that I will not be worthy of you.”

Elaine looked at him, “You have been truly wonderful Keahi. Don't let your mother derail you,”

He sighed, and nodded. “Alright,” he whispered. Although, his mother was not the only person he was thinking about. He was haunted by Xavoss’s words.

Amay came back clapping her hands, “Alright, practice time,” she announced impatiently.

Keahi shook his head, clenching his jaw at the shrill tone of his mother’s voice, and sighed. He turned to Elaine, who watched over him with concern in her beautiful eyes. He winked at her, praying that it would keep her mind at ease. “Let’s get started, shall we?” he asked.

“Very well,” Elaine said nodding. They set up in front of the altar. Elaine stood nervous as she took Keahi's hands.

He looked down at their hands, and gave Elaine’s hands a reassuring squeeze. “It’ll be alright,” he mouthed.

Sophie took the position of the priest, she raised her hands to begin but then Amay interrupted. “Your daughter needs to stand up straighter,”

Elaine stood up as straight as she could, almost to the point of her back hurting.

“Mother, she stands fine,” Keahi told Amay. “Elaine is fine the way she is-- more than fine.”

“I will not be disgraced,” Amay snapped crudely. “You said she was trained in our values,” she said, turning to Sophie.

“She has been but she is not a dog,” Sophie snapped back.

“No, it’s alright. I can stand up straighter,” Elaine told Keahi, hoping that it would help defuse the situation. She stood up straighter, with her head held high. “See?”

Keahi shook his head, and sighed. “See, Mother? She’s standing up straight. You will not be disgraced. Not that you would be disgraced anyway, but it’s fine.”

“No, no. Do not dismiss me. Your father does that, and it infuriates me!” Amay shouted, waving her finger at him. “I will not be disrespected by my son. Do you understand me?”

“I understand, Mother, but--”

“We will not do this now,” Sophie declared. “Come Elaine,” she said.

“Mother, it’s alright,” said Elaine. She kissed her mother’s cheek, heartbroken at the feel of her mother trembling. “It’s going to be alright.”

“I will not allow you nor I to be spoken in such ways,” Sophie said. “Now, is not the time for this,”

“Mother-- Mother, please,” said Elaine. “The queen is just… protective of her traditions. I can be respectful of that…. Even though I guess I wasn’t with our own, huh?”

Sophie sighed, and nodded. “Very well, if you can proceed. I guess I can as well,”

The practice of vows, though very formal mostly went well. Elaine was distracted because of her mother, she could sense how upset she was.

Keahi looked over at Sophie after the rehearsal, and bowed before her. “My queen,” he greeted. “I am so sorry for what my mother put you through this afternoon.”

“It is not your fault. This is why Cromwell and Fowther has never united. We can not get along. Though I've seen you and my daughter and I do have hope,” the queen smiled. “My daughter has my fire within her, I hope you can always make her smile,”

Keahi nodded. “Nothing would make me happier, Your Majesty,” he replied. “But for now, how about I make you smile? I can tell you some pretty funny stories about my mother.”

“Ohh truly?” Sophie smiled. “I could use a laugh,”

“Oh, well, do I have some stories for you!” he replied with a wink. He started with one story about when he was little, and she went through a phase of wearing nothing but the best furs. He ended the story by saying that she looked like one big dead animal with tacky jewelry.

Sophie chuckled, “I have heard some tales of your mother and I'm not surprised,” the queen said. “But you should be sweeping Elaine off her feet,”

Keahi nodded. He bowed before Sophie, kissed her hand respectfully, and turned to Elaine, who was talking to some of the other ladies of the court. She did seem out of sorts with the other girls as they asked Elanie about how she would style her hair for the wedding. “My queen?” he said to Sophie. “Um… I have a question.”

“Yes,” Sophie nodded.

“Elaine has recently said that she doesn’t like to wear dresses. Is that true?” he asked.

Sophia sighed and nodded, “Despite my best efforts to mold her into a lady, she has always preferred to roll in the dirt,”

“Oh, she’s still a lady, Your Grace. I just think that she dances to the beat of her own drum,” he said. “I will do whatever it takes for her to be happy here, Your Majesty. You have my word.”

Sophie smiled at his words, “Thank you Keahi it does my heart good to hear that,”

He bowed, and walked up to Elaine. “So… would you like to take a walk?” he asked. “I mean, you don’t have to, but…”

“Yes,” Elaine said looking relieved. “Excuse me,” she said to the ladies. She took Keahi's arm and followed him outside. “I'm glad our mothers didn't bite each other's heads off, especially mine,”

“Your mother loves you very much,” Keahi told her. “I only wish mine loved me just as much.”

Elaine squeezed his arm, “She has to. How could she not,”

He looked down at the ground, and shook his head. “That woman never loved anything but herself,” he said bitterly. “And she especially hates her children.”

“I wish I could make it better,” Elaine told him truthfully.

He took her hand, and smiled slightly. “Thank you, but… there is nothing you can do. Your friendship is enough.”

“I wish I could truly be your friend if I knew you better,” Elaine told him a little awkwardly.

“Well, then we’re going to need to change that, aren’t we?” he replied, giving her a charming smile. Then, he caught himself. If he was going to make things better, then he had to stop with the charm. “So… how do you want to start?” he asked.

Elaine looked thoughtful, “Perhaps if we stop being fake. Meet me on the kingdom entrance in ten minutes in your leisure wear,”

“M-my… wait, my leisure wear? Why would--? You’re right, of course,” he said. “I’ll… be right there.” I am so confused, he thought, and ran upstairs to his room to change into his leisure clothes.

When he met Elaine she was dressed completely different, her hair braided back, a green shirt that hugged tight and tight deerskin pants and a brown hunting cape with leather boots. “This is how I normal dress,”

He raised his eyebrows, surprised. She looked comfortable and casual. And yet, she looked even more stunningly beautiful than she ever did in the finest dress. “Wow!” he breathed.

Elaine smiled, “I hoped we could explore the woods together. Don't worry I'll protect you,” she winked.

He smiled. “Sounds promising,” he said. “Lead the way, oh beautiful protector.”

Elaine twisted confidently making her way to the forest that sat outside Keahi's kingdom. The truth was, Keahi had never stepped into the woods but he watched as Elaine climbed up on a tree, swinging graceful on a limb.

He just watched in awe as she smiled so freely as she swung her legs back and forth on the massive tree limb, and it occurred to him how special she really was. He had never climbed a tree before. He wanted to, but when he tried to at the age of eleven, his mother struck him so hard that he was almost blind in one eye from the impact. He never attempted it again, fearing that the next time, he would not be so lucky.

Elaine sat on the branch, “So what do you think,”

He chuckled. “Princess Elaine, you are just full of surprises,” he replied.

Elaine smiled looking up in the tree, it was similar to the ones north in strength, since arrival she didn't feel so homesick. She jumped down to rejoin Keahi. “Have you sailed much?”

“Sure. I’ve sailed to Kar-Fai-Tang. I went with a cousin of mine,” he answered. “Where have you gone?”

“Not far, I've never was allowed to travel too far from the kingdom but when I was young I dreamed of flying far away,”

“And now you’re trapped with me,” he said sadly, surprising both himself and her. He paused, and shook his head. “I’m sorry…. I don’t know why I just said that.”

Elaine hugging herself only nodded, “No, it's true. It's something I've already accepted,”

He sighed, and shook his head. “Elaine… since we’re… being honest, I guess… can I make a confession to you?” he asked.

Elaine turned and looked at him, “About?”

Keahi shook his head. “I’m not a good person, Elaine, even though I want to be, more than anything,” he said.

“What do you mean?”

“You know Inferno, my sister’s phoenix?” he asked her. “Well, I’ve been… intimate with her since I was fourteen years old. The worst part is… I don’t even like her. I hate her. I just… sleep with her because… she wants to, and I need a release. I’m not a gentle lover, Elaine. I’m a monster. Inferno is the only person I know who can handle me. And now I see you, this… adorable young woman before me, even in her leggings and tunic-- which, by the way, makes you look even more adorable-- and it makes me want to be a better person.”

Elaine looked at him surprised, “I don't know what to say…,” she told him. “I have had feelings for Xavoss...but I never acted upon them for he never saw me in that way I suppose or maybe I'm just undesirable,”

“No…. He loves you. I can tell,” he said. “You’re not undesirable by any stretch of the imagination. I think… because of your innocence-- and Elaine, you are so innocent-- no one wants to tarnish your goodness. Men are monstrous, Elaine, even the best of us. That’s why I wanted to tell you the truth. Because, even though we’ve only known each other for a short time, I cherish you. I want to cherish you. I want to hold your beautiful face in my hands, and just stare into those gorgeous bright eyes of yours. It’s strange to say that, but that’s the truth.”

Elaine sighed looking away, “I don't want to be innocent. I just don't know how to act any other way. But you being seasoned...I am even more nervous about our union. I do have desires,” she told him looking up at him when she said desires.

He sighed. “I don’t want you to be afraid of me,” he whispered.

Elaine swallowed allowing herself to step into him, pressing herself against him. She reached and touched his cheek, playing with the curl of his mustache. She smiled at it, “You know I've wondered if that would tickle if we were to kiss,”

He chuckled. “Well, let’s take it slow,” he said. “Here.” He leaned toward her, and gently kissed her cheek. “Did it tickle, my lady?”

Elaine giggled, “It did but I liked it,” she took his face again running her hand against his cheek.

He didn’t move. He only let her explore him, making sure not to do anything that would frighten her in any way. His heart was pounding heavily in his chest, confused by these new feelings he was feeling. He wasn’t sure if it was love, but it was exciting-- frightening, but exciting.

Elaine pushed up on her tiptoes and kissed his lips, the hair tickled but she still liked it, as she kissed him softly, she ran her hand down his chest. She could feel his heart pounding not only her own chest but his as well. “Am I being too forward,” she asked. She didn't want him to think less of her.

“No,” he replied, and gently removed a loose hair away from her pretty face, tucking it behind her ear. He smiled adoringly at her, and gently brushed his lips against hers.

Elaine smiled and looked at his chest, her body burning for his touch, her own hand desired to declothe him. But she bit her lip unsure if she should continue. It was expected to hold her virginity until her wedding night. But would it be so bad if she practiced here in nature with her future husband?

He sensed that she wanted him. There was something about women that made him know whether a woman was in need or not. He sensed it with Inferno and three other women he had been with in the past. But it wasn’t just when a woman wanted him. He had bore witness to women falling hard for Crimson and other famous bachelors. It was as if there was a hunger in a woman’s eyes. Elaine had that now, even though she was doing her very best to keep her feelings under control. This was something he knew very well, but he didn’t want to push that boundary with Elaine just yet.

“Elaine…. We have the rest of our lives to explore our possibilities,” he said with a wink.

“Forgive me,” she whispered, backing off him. She was hurt by another rejection but refused to let him see.

“There is nothing to forgive, my firefly,” he whispered. “I just… I do not want to push anything with you too soon. As I said… I can be monstrous, and the last thing I want is for you to be afraid of me.”

“I understand, perhaps we should return. Xavoss is getting anxious of my long absence,” she told him. To show there were no hard feelings, she took his hand and squeezed it gently. She was trying her best to show him love, it was something he seemed to need and maybe in return he would want her.

Keahi nodded, and kissed her forehead. “Let’s return to Xavoss before he worries,” he replied.

Elaine helped Keahi out of the woods, “Well at least we took some time to see the other if nothing else,”

He smiled. “I’m glad we did this, too. I had fun,” he replied. “I hope we can do this again soon. Before the wedding, I mean.”

“I would like that,” she said. She looked up in the sky, “Look out,” she warned.

Xavoss came down hard just before them breathing hard, “Since when do you block yourself from me?” He growled.

“Xavoss… I’m sorry,” said Elaine, surprised by the intensity of his dragon eyes.

Keahi jumped back, startled, and held up his hands. “Listen, this was my fault. I’m sorry,” he said.

“You hurt her, didn't you?” The dragon growled.

“Stop it,” Elaine snapped back. “He was a gentleman which is more than I can say about you,”

“No! No, I didn’t hurt her--” Keahi tried to protest, but was immediately cut off by a swift strike to the face by one of Xavoss’s wings, the impact cutting his cheek, while knocking him hard to the ground at the same time.

“Xavoss, stop,” Elaine said quickly getting between her dragon and Keahi. “Control yourself,”

Xavoss took a step back, but hissed viciously at Keahi. “Very well,” he replied.

“If I had been endangered, I would have called. I blocked you because I wanted time alone with my future husband,” she told him. “You are my dragon and have no reason to act in such ways,”

Xavoss looked at her, his entire demeanor changed. He looked hurt by her words, as if what she told him cut him deep within his very soul. Even though Keahi had just gotten injured by this dragon, he couldn’t help but feel badly for him. The last thing that he wanted was for anyone to get hurt. That was why he warned Elaine about his intense lovemaking.

“Go,” Elaine ordered before turning to Keahi to see if she could patch him up. She sense Xavoss take off now blocking his thoughts from her.“Forgive my dragon,”

“There’s nothing to forgive,” he replied. “If my sister was out here… with some strange man, I would probably do the same thing.”

“He has no right to me and I will not allow him to act so animalistic,” Elaine said, helping Keahi up.

“But you love each other, Elaine. I know he’s your dragon, but you love each other,” Keahi pointed out. “I’ll be alright. You should see if Xavoss will be.”

Elaine touched his cut, she never felt so conflicted, here she was trying to accept her faith and Xavoss was now fighting for her. Was it because of her confession? Was it they're time apart? She wasn't sure but she knew perhaps she had been a little cruel. “Are you sure you're alright?”

He nodded. “Go on,” Keahi told her. “It’s alright.”

Elaine nodded and went into the kingdom on the hunt for Xavoss, all the while thinking about what and how to say what she wanted. Xavoss had made his way to one of the tallest towers, looking off into the north.

“Xavoss!” she called to him as she approached angrily. She watched as the dragon turned into a man, still one of the most handsome men she still ever laid eyes on. “What the hell was that?”

“Forgive me for trying to protect you,” Xavoss said, bowing his head.

“Protect me? That was you trying to protect me? Do you think I’m an idiot, Xavoss?” she demanded.

“Elaine, you have never, I mean never cut off communication with me. I thought you were dead,” Xavoss told her, looking at her truly sorry.

Elaine sighed, and shook her head. “I’m sorry I scared you, Xavoss. I really am. But by doing what you’ve done tonight, you very well could have put us in danger with the queen. She’s completely mad, Xavoss. Who knows what she is capable of!”

“Do you know what he is capable of?” Xavoss asked, raising an eyebrow. “I don't want to see you hurt, Elaine,”

Elaine shook her head, and rolled her eyes. “I’m not having this discussion with you,” she said, and turned her back to him. “What you’ve done tonight was completely inappropriate and so unlike you. You scared me tonight. You did!”

Xavoss put his hand upon her shoulder, “I protect you because I care, Fireball. Sometimes I am not responsible for all my actions, I just ask that if you forgive me. I am happy that you are making progress with the prince, and I know you can handle yourself in most situations,”

“That is just it, Xavoss. We are all responsible for our actions. It’s called accountability. Even dragons need to take that into consideration,” she replied. “If you ever do that to my fiance again, I will never forgive you. I’ll cut ties from you, and you will be without a human.”

Xavoss looked at her truly hurt, but bowed his head, “I will not but if I do...I will accept the punishment,”

Elaine turned to him, her eyes tearing up. “Y-you really frightened me tonight, Xavoss,” she whispered.

“All I can say is sorry and I will apologize to your fiance as well,”

Elaine sighed, and shook her head. “Perhaps… next time… I’ll give you warning before I cut you off…. Would that be fair?” she asked.

“That would be,” Xavoss nodded. “I will find Keahi to apologize as well,”

“I think… for now… you should just leave him alone,” she warned him. “Keep your head low until the queen calms down. I think she’ll want to have your head.”

Xavoss nodded, “Then I'll go hunt. I'll see you later,”

“Bye,” Elaine replied quietly, hugging herself.

Xavoss turned catching her voice, “Did you want to talk?”

“No,” Elaine replied. “Go on your hunt. I’ll… talk to you tomorrow… okay?” And with that, she turned her back to him, and walked away.

******************

Elsewhere Kenneth escorted Hannah through the village eyeing the merchandise of Fowther, “What do you fancy?” Kenneth asked, looking at an interesting crafted dagger.

Hannah shrugged. “I’m a broach person on occasion,” she replied. “I suppose it depends on my mood.” She looked around, browsing around the merchandise. “The more important question is, what do you fancy, Your Grace?”

“Well I asked because I wanted to buy you a present. But to answer, I'm more of a book person,” he told her, buying the knife.

“Aww, Your Grace! Thank you,” she said. She looked around, and saw a beautiful pearl necklace in a display. She had always fancied pearls. She loved pearls.

“You want that?” Kenneth asked, watching her eyes. “Excuse me good sir, my fiance would like to try on that necklace,”

“Of course, Your Majesty. This is a very beautiful necklace, indeed,” the shopkeeper replied, and took the necklace off the display. “Would the Lady like to try the necklace on?”

“May I?” Kenneth asked.

“Oh! Of course, Your Majesty,” the shopkeeper replied, and handed the necklace to the prince.

Kenneth gently stepped behind Hannah and placed the necklace on her neck, “It's absolutely beautiful on you,” he whispered kissing her neck.

Hannah smiled, and looked up at him. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

“No need,” Kenneth smiled, paying the merchant handsomely.

“My lord! Thank you, sir!” he said, his eyes wide in pleasant surprise.

Kenneth smiled at the merchant and took Hannah forward. “Are you hungry? There are some nice little inns,”

“Actually, I’m starving,” she chuckled. “But… if you don’t mind, my lord, could you give me a few minutes?”

“Of course,” Kenneth nodded at her.

Hannah curtsied to him, and looked around the shop. What book did he like? There were some very endearing books in the shop, but what did Kenneth like? She had to find the perfect one if she was going to make this marriage work. She turned to the merchant. “Do you know what the prince likes to read?” she asked him quietly.

The merchant looked at his collection thoughtful, and lifted an old leather book gently. “I think the prince would love this,”

“Ohh! ‘Of Gods and Kings’, by Tyrkhan I. I’ve read this one. It’s quite good,” Hannah said. “Thank you. Would you be so kind as to wrap it nicely, as a gift?”

The merchant nodded and took some beautiful silvery blue wrapping and tied it up with a golden red bow. “There you are my lady,”

“Thank you again,” she said, and paid him well. Not quite as handsomely as Kenneth had given him, but handsomely enough. “You have a wonderful day, good sir.”

Kenneth was sitting outside the inn they had decided to eat at, whittling a hunk of wood, whistling softly as he waited. He looked up as Hannah approached. “Word from the kingdom, this place has the best food. I took the liberty of getting us a table,” he told her.

“Oh! Sounds promising,” she said, and kissed his cheek.

Kenneth smiled at her, “Come on,” he said assisting Hannah inside. The inn was warm and welcoming, with music playing as people sat to eat and drink.

Hannah followed him into the inn, and sat down. She looked around at all that was around her, almost charmed by the simple folk, which was very interesting, considering she never used to care for any of this.

“This place reminds me of an inn Cromwell,” Kenneth told her as he assisted her to sit. Kenneth sat back, “I do like that necklace on you,”

Hannah batted her eyelashes at him, and smiled cutely. “Is it me?” she asked.

Kenneth chuckled, “Very you,” he told her.

Hannah giggled, and moved her hair off her shoulders so that she could show off her new pearls. She smiled at him, and gently took his hand. “I cannot wait for us to wed, my love,” she said quietly.

Kenneth licked his lips nervously, “A part of me can't wait either,” he said. There was something about the necklace that made his eyes draw down the her bosoms. He hadn't noticed how round and perfect they looked in her dress.

Hannah noticed, but she didn’t make it known that she did. Instead, she smiled sweetly at him. “Thank you for today, my lord,” she said.

“It's a pleasure to spoil you,” Kenneth chuckled. He took her hand and kissed it gently. “Now, let's umm see what's on the menu here,”

“Very well,” she replied, and also looked down at the menu.

A barmaid came up smiling delightedly, “Are you ready?”

“We're not quite sure, do you have any suggestions?” Kenneth asked looking up at the maiden.

“Our mead stew is very good, indeed, but nothing compares to our spiced potatoes,” she replied respectfully.

“I'll have some steak with spiced potatoes,” Kenneth nodded, “Please, and whatever my lady desires,”

“The mead stew, if you please,” Hannah replied.

“Not a problem, anything to drink?”

“A bottle of wine, pick a nice one for us,” Kenneth asked.

“Our wine is the best in this part of Kagrilott, my lord,” the barmaid replied, “As is our ale.”

“Wine is preferable, thank you,” Kenneth replied with a nod.

Hannah waited for the maiden to leave before giving Kenneth a charming smile, “I got you a present,”

“Oh?” Kenneth replied, intrigued. “Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know,” she giggled, placing the present upon the table.

Kenneth smiled, and took the present. Carefully, he opened it, and alas, a book that he had always been curious about was beneath the paper. “Of Kings and Men! I’ve always wanted to read this!”

“I'm so happy to hear, it's the least I could do,” she said and seductively played with her pearls to see his eyes light up as they did.

Kenneth, grinning a boyish grin, took Hannah’s hand, and kissed it.

“Your wine, do you wish me to pour it,” the maiden said, appearing at they're table.

“No, thank you. I’ll do it,” said Kenneth. “Thank you.”

Hannah watched as Kenneth elegantly took the bottle and gently poured two glasses, she felt inspired so she took her glass, “To our happily ever after my king,” she proposed.

“To our happily ever after,” he replied, lifting his goblet. He saw their food arrive, “It smells good, thank you,”

“You’re quite welcome, Your Grace,” the barmaid replied with a curtsy. “Please. Let me know if you need anything else.”

“I'm like it here in Fowther,” Kenneth said, trying the potatoes. “Ohh yum,”

Hannah chuckled, and took a sip of the broth from her mead stew. It tasted like the gods made it themselves. She closed her eyes, savoring the taste, and smiled. “Mmmm,” she said.

“Good food, music, and people. I like it a lot,” Kenneth nodded. He glanced at Hannah as he took his wine. His eyes studied her trying to think about what to say. In many ways he wished this courting could be over with, mostly because holding himself away from his bride-to-be was getting hard.

Hannah nodded quietly, and took another sip of her mead stew. This was far from the finery of the palace, but she had to admit that this inn had its charm. “This is delicious,” she replied, not sure what else to say.

“Mmm, did you enjoy last night? It was a very beautiful concert,” Kenneth asked, thoughtful.

“It truly was beautiful,” Hannah replied. “Prince Keahi played better than usual….” Hannah caught herself, realizing how mean her words sounded. “Oh, um… I mean, I’ve seen him play music before. He’s quite good, but last night, he seemed to be playing better… more beautifully.”

“I was impressed with his performance. I saw a light in my sister's eyes I've only seen when she flies,” Kenneth said. Talking of flying, he thought of his baby Zeid. He had been so busy courting Hannah, he hadn't spent much time with his dragon.

“And what look is that, my lord?” Hannah asked, batting her eyelashes. “How does Elaine look when she’s out flying?”

“Like the stars sparkle,” Kenneth told her. “She's always been the adventures one,”

“She sounds like a handful,” Hannah chuckled. “I wouldn’t know where to begin to keep up with her.”

“I've struggled,” Kenneth smiled. “But I love my sister. She's a good soul. I pray for her to have a happy union for her as well,”

Hannah nodded. “You seem sad, my lord,” she told him. “Are you alright?”

“Cromwell won't be the same without her spirit,’ Kenneth shrugged. “She's a strong leader, I honestly think she deserves to rule it more than I,”

She nodded. “Well… if it means anything, I believe you would be a great leader,” she replied, and gently took his hand. “But there seems to be something else, my love. Are you alright?”

“Mostly, I'll be alright,” he told her.

Hannah nodded, and kissed his hand. “I pray that you will be alright, my lord,” she said.

Kenneth sighed feeling guilty, “The truth is my lady. It's my dragon. I used to spending almost every day with her. But since our arrive, I haven't spent much time with her at all, forgive me,”

Hannah bit back her irritation. Of course! How could she have forgotten about that sniveling little dragon? She sighed, and forced another sweet smile. “Of course. You should tend to her, my lord,” she replied.

“I wish to finish our lunch first, she understands her duties as well as I do. But Zeid is my baby,” Kenneth said, taking Hannah's hand to assure her.

Hannah nodded. “You’re very close,” she replied with a shrug, and took another spoonful of mead stew. “I know she’s important to you.”

“Thank you,” Keahi said and kissed her hand effectionently. So after lunch, Keahi saw Hannah head back to the castle, she wanted to take some time with the ladies of the court. Kenneth wondered where Zeid could be. He found her on the edge of the kingdom laying in the grass. “Zeid?”

Dressed in a long pink dress, Zeid was staring at a butterfly, smiling sadly. She looked like she had been crying. “Zied, what is the matter,” Kenneth said, rushing to her side concerned.

Zeid sniffled, and sat up on the grass. Her face was pink and puffy from crying. She wiped her eyes with her sleeve, and sighed. “Um… have I failed you, my prince?” she asked.

“Failed? What do you mean,” Kenneth asked blinking. “How could you think that?”

“It’s… just that I… haven’t seen you in a long time, and… I’m worried that you might be mad at me,” she sniffled, and broke into tears again, covering her face with her hands.

“Ohh Zeid you must forgive me. With the journey and worrying about my future with Lady Hannah, I've been busy. I didn't mean to forget about you. You have not failed me, I have failed you,”

Zeid whimpered, and struggled to breathe from crying so hard. “Are… you… sure?” she asked, trying so hard to calm down. “Because… you dis-disconnected from me, and… that never happens….”

Kenneth nodded sitting beside her, gently taking her hand, “Forgive me Zied, please. You know how much I love you my baby girl,”

Zeid sniffled, her chin trembling. “I… love… you, too, Papa,” she whimpered, and snuggled into her person’s arms, hugging him tightly.

“What is it you wish to do,” Kenneth asked, wanting to make her happy.

She shrugged. “Um… perhaps we could go flying? And… maybe go to the library? I’ve discovered a new book that you might enjoy,” she said, wiping her tears away.

“Sounds good, let's get you saddled up,” Kenneth said, helping her up.

Zeid giggled, and transformed herself into her beautiful dragon form. She kissed Kenneth’s cheek, and lowered herself so that Kenneth could mount her easily. “Ready?” she asked.

“Take it away,” Kenneth smiled, getting into her back.

“Hold on!” she exclaimed, and spread her wings wide, before quickly taking off. Soon, they were off in the beautiful sky, surrounded by a beautiful golden sunset. “Look at how pretty it is,” she said dreamily. “Look at all of the fluffy clouds, mixed with the pinks and purples.”

Kenneth nodded, looking up at the twilight sky, and smiled. “This is amazing,” he whispered. He rubbed her neck, “We needed this,”

“We did,” Zeid said as she glided effortlessly through the clouds.

As they rode on, Kenneth took in the scenery, savoring this moment. Gently, he stroked the top of her head, gently running his fingers along her smooth scales. “Listen to me, Zeid. I know I may be distant from time to time. But I love you, and I pray that you remember that,” Kenneth told her. “You’re not just my dragon, you’re my heart and soul. You’re my little girl, and I’ll always be your papa. Okay?”

Zied glided for a moment as if taking in his words, then she glided down, landing softly deep in the forest that sat east of Fowther. She changed without warning, landing Kenneth on his butt. “Kenneth...I must tell you something,”

“Ow!” he said, favoring his backside. “What is it, baby girl?”

Zeid knelt and took his hands, “I must show you what I have seen through my eyes Ken, your Hannah is not as she presents to be,”

“Zeid, now wait a minute,” he said sternly, like that of a father to his daughter.

“Please!” Zeid begged. “Just watch, and if you don't see what I do then I will never speak of it again,”

Kenneth sighed, and shook his head. “Alright, fine,” he said. Suddenly, he felt a bolt of electricity rush through him, which meant that Zeid was giving him some of her power to see what she saw. He squeezed his eyes shut. At first, all he could see was black. And then, he saw an image of Hannah, looking as lovely as ever. She was braiding her hair, smirking in a way that was almost cruel.

“He’s mine now,” she said to a trembling handmaiden…. What was her name again?... Lanett? Hannah continued. “Soon, I will be queen.”

“Y-yes, my lady,” Lanett replied quietly. Her voice quivered in fear as she helped Hannah lace into her silken nightgown.

“You’re tying it too tightly, you fool!” Hannah snapped, causing Lanett to flinch.

“For-give...me,” Lanett said as her fingers trembled as she fixed the lace.

“Great gods, Lanett, stop! Just stop!” she snapped, and sighed. “Get out of my sight, you little fool.”

Kenneth watched as Lanette tripped, which was caused by Hannah as she hurried away. Hannah now turned to her reflection, “My-my what a beautiful queen you'll make,” she chuckled.

Kenneth watched in horror as Hannah continued to admire her reflection, and hummed. He couldn't take any more, he pulled away from Zeid. “She is not like that,” he told Zied, clearly upset. “That was a cruel joke, Zeid. I know you’re upset that I haven’t spent much time with you, but this is ridiculous.”

“Father, please. I promise you I wouldn’t make this up,” said Zeid.

Kenneth needed to get away, he couldn't think. He didn't know what to say, all he knew was that he was more conflicted about his feelings then he had been when he was trying not to drool over Hannah a little earlier. “I need to be alone,”

“Father, wait--”

“Not now, Zeid!” he said, and stormed away from her.

Zeid hung her head, this land was destroying her rider. She only wanted to protect her papa. But in the end, it didn’t even matter. He just wanted to see whatever it was he wanted to see, and it wasn’t the truth.

Zeid changed back into a dragon and flew to see Xavoss. He was going through his own issues with Elaine but he was one of the few dragons she could speak to about her worries and concerns.

Down below, she found him in his human form by a river stream, washing his face. He looked as stressed as Zeid felt, but maybe he could be the voice of reason. Maybe he could make sense out of all of this confusion.

“Sir Xavoss,” she called, landing and changing to stand beside him. Out of respect for he was older she bowed to him. “May I have a moment?”

He looked up from the water, his eyebrows furrowed with concern. “Of course, little one,” he replied, and stood up. “What troubles you?”

“Kenneth,” she said simply. “I tried to warn him of Hannah but like Elaine, he refused to listen,”

He sighed, and shook his head. “That’s the problem with humans,” he said. “I love our human family, but they only see and hear what they choose to. You’ve sensed something dark with Lady Hannah?”

“I've seen it. She plans to become queen and then dispose of Kenneth,” Zied sighed looking down at her hands. “I don't want to see him hurt,”

“I know,” he said, patting her hand. “But he will not listen to you, anymore than Elaine will listen to me. Keahi is a good man, or… he wants to be. But his selfishness gets in his own way that he will inevitably hurt Elaine. He will hurt her. And… there is nothing we can do about it.”

Zied sighed, “Xavoss…,”

“I know it’s hard to hear,” Xavoss told her. “The people we love are going to get hurt. We are dragons, the most fierce creatures in the world. But we still have no power to protect the ones we love. If we act, we are to be punished severely. The only thing we can do is wait patiently for our people to come to us when they need us.”

Zeid nodded, she hugged herself, “Xavoss, what will you do when Elaine marries? You can't stay here alone,”

It was Xavoss’s turn to sigh. “I suppose I will travel,” he replied. “You are more than welcome to join me.”

“I have my duties in Cromwell, you know that,” Zied told him sadly.

Xavoss frowned, but nodded with understanding. “I know,” he replied. “You know that, just because you’re his dragon, it doesn’t mean that you are the humans’ slave, right? I made that perfectly clear to Elaine when I got old enough to confront her.”

“I understand, but you could return to Cromwell and live in the mountains. Start a new generation of dragons,” Zeid suggested.

Xavoss nodded. “Yes, I suppose I could,” he replied. “Perhaps I will. You, of course, would visit me, wouldn’t you? I know you have your responsibilities, but I would very much miss you if you didn’t.”

Zeid looked at him uncertaintly, “I hope to find a good mate as well Xavoss. To have beautiful little eggs to hatch, you know,”

“You will,” Xavoss replied. “You’re a beautiful dragon. There would be tons of dragons who would fall in love with you.”

Zeid nodded, “You deserve the same,” she said. “Thank you Xavoss,” she said and quickly kissed his cheek.

Xavoss smiled, and nodded. “Take care of yourself, little one,” he replied.

With a solemn nod, Zeid changed into a dragon and flew off.

******************

The next day Keahi took Elaine out with a new energy, her charm gave him a new energy. She saw things that he normally took advantage of.

“May I ask you about your people?” Elaine asked. “They seem a little...abused,” she said a little cautiously.

“I hope to change that someday,” Keahi replied. “My parents… well… the way they treat the people is deplorable.”

“In Cromwell, we take care of the people. Many of them work alongside us,”

Keahi raised an eyebrow at the thought of ‘working with’ the people. “Tell me more,” he said. “Please. If you can teach me anything, it would be a great help.”

“Gladly,” Elaine smiled. “I think a lot of it has to do is they've never been expected to show the royal family respect but they do because we've always been kind and forgiving. When I was a child, I used to go and play in the village with the kids who lived there. I was just one of them, not their princess,” she explained.

Keahi nodded. “That sounds ideal,” he said. “I never really had that. You must have had a fun childhood. My sister played with some of the children in the village, but… I sort of felt out of place.”

“It may not be an easy transition but perhaps I can help you along the way,” Eliane said, taking his hand to comfort him.

Keahi smiled slightly, and kissed her hand. He really liked having her by his side. Elaine was wise beyond her years, it seemed, and he knew he could learn a great deal from her. She was sweet and funny, too. “Thank you,” he replied. “You’re the best.”

“Thank you,” Elaine smiled smitten.

“Well hello,” Inferno said strolling up. “Having fun?” She asked, smiling flirtatious to Keahi.

Keahi felt profoundly uncomfortable now. Oh boy, he thought. How was he going to be able to get out of this one? “Hello,” he replied.

“Is Keahi behaving himself,” Inferno asked Elaine.

“Very much,” Elaine said quietly. She didn't know how to read Inferno but she made her feel uncomfortably.

“Ohh,” Inferno said, nodding and gave another smile to Keahi. “My prince, I'm afraid I need you,”

Keahi cleared his throat, and turned to Elaine. “Can you… give me a moment, please?” he asked apologetically. “I shouldn’t be more than five minutes.”

“Try five hours,” Inferno mumbled, taking Keahi's arm.

He walked with her, but took her arm away from his. “I can’t,” he whispered. “I have to be with her right now.”

“Wait, you want to be with her?” Inferno asked, surprised.

Keahi hesitated. “I… I have to try with Elaine, Inferno. If I am to be a proper husband… I have to,” he explained.

Inferno raised an eyebrow, “I'm surprised. I thought you wanted nothing to do with her but you must be wanting it. I've never seen you go more than a day,” she smiled.

“I know… Inferno, may I ask you something?” he asked.

“What?” Inferno asked smiling like she held all the power over him.

“Do you even like me?” he asked. “Beyond physical pleasure, I mean.”

“Not particularly,” she said honestly. “But be honest, neither do you,”

He shook his head. “No… I don’t. I wish we did get along though. Because I think you’re a pretty nice person… when you want to be,” he replied. “But… Elaine actually likes me. She thinks I’m a good man. I want to be a good man… for her… you know?”

“You're not being true to the real you,” Inferno said. She then looked over at Elaine. “He's a womanizing horn dog that beats women for pleasure,” she said loudly. Then with that she turned and left.

Keahi dropped his jaw in horror, and turned to Elaine, who looked almost as shocked as he was. Keahi shook his head, and punched a wall. The impact made him break his wrist, as he heard a loud crack. “Son of a bitch!” he screamed, favoring his injured wrist, and bit his bottom lip hard to keep himself from shrieking out more curse words.

Elaine stood stunned, looking him unsure what to do. What Inferno said could not be true. He would have hurt her by now,wouldn’t he? “Keahi, we should get that looked at,” she said once she could get out of the shock of what he had done. She gently took his injured hand. “Come on, follow me,”

Keahi nodded, and followed behind her. “Okay,” he whispered.

“You might have broken it,” Elaine said, cradling it gently as she led him back inside. “You shouldn’t have done that. I mean Inferno obviously doesn't know you,”

He sighed. “I don’t beat women… but… I… am rough,” he replied. “Maybe I’m too rough, I don’t know.”

“You're not, maybe hot tempered,” Elaine said. “Where can I take you? Do you have a healer,” she asked.

He nodded. “Yes. My mother’s phoenix is a healer. She’s actually Crimson’s birth mother.”

“Alright, let's take you there,” Elaine nodded.

“It’s this way,” he told her, and winced at the pain in his wrist. Yep, Elaine was right. Punching that wall was probably the dumbest thing that he could have ever done.

“Don't do that,” Elaine said, supporting his wrist as she helped him to the healer. “I've sprained a wrist but I can't imagine the pain your going through,”

“It’s not fun, that’s for sure,” he replied with a chuckle. “I’ll be alright. I did it to myself.”

Elaine only nodded as they entered the healers room, The woman was doing inventory. She was like many phinoexs in humans, she was very beautiful. Her long red hair was braided simply, which almost went down to her ankles. The woman turned, and smiled. “Well, hello, Princess Elaine. I was wondering when I was going to meet you,” she greeted sweetly. Her voice was gentle, but her eyes were intense, like Crimson’s or Inferno’s. She turned to Keahi, and frowned. “Is… everything alright?”

“He broke it trying to show off. Men,” Elaine said casually.

The woman rolled her eyes. “Not likely, but I applaud the attempt, my lady. Keahi, we have discussed your temper, haven’t we? Every time you are upset, you hurt yourself. We are trying to break out of that, remember, my lord?”

“It was Inferno, she overstepped herself in her jealousy,” Keahi sighed, wincing at the pain.

“I told you sleeping with her would give you nothing but problems, Your Grace,” she replied.

Elaine glanced at Keahi then the woman, “Perhaps I should go,” she said uncomfortably. She knew but was still in denial on the full extent of it all.

“No, please don’t,” Keahi said. “I-- I’m sorry.”

The woman shook her head, and smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, my lady. I’m Shula,” she said.

“No need to be sorry,” Elaine sighed, pushing a hair back. “Will Keahi be alright? Ohh I mean Prince Keahi,” she quickly said.

Shula snorted. “Keahi will be alright,” she replied. “It’s not the first time he’s done something so silly.”

Keahi tried not to cry out as Shula worked on his wrist, it wasn't easy. Elaine took his other hand trying to comfort him.

“I do see a different man, perhaps one good thing will come with this union,” Shula smiled seeing how Elaine cared about Keahi.

Keahi blinked back tears, and smiled slightly. “That means a lot, Shula, thank you,” he replied, and smiled at Elaine.

“I've done all I can,” Shula said, wrapping it gently. “Your in luck you didn't completely destroy it,”

“I know. Thank you, Shula,” said Keahi.

“You should rest it,” Elaine told him as Shula put his arm in a sling.

“Agreed,” Shula nodded.

Keahi nodded. “Very well. Will you be alright, my lady?” he asked Elaine. “Inferno might come back, and say something to you that might hurt you, and…”

“I will find something to do,” she said unsure. “I'll be okay,”

“The library is free for you to explore,” Keahi offered, feeling badly that he couldn’t be there for her. “I could have Crimson escort you. Inferno usually stays away from Crimson.”

Elaine smiled, “Your phoenix is rather charming,”

Keahi chuckled. “He is, indeed,” he agreed, and wiggled his eyebrows. “And so cute, too,” he replied in a silly voice.

Elaine giggled, then smiled at him. Her heart was melting for Keahi. She just didn't know how to be around him. She took his good hand as they stepped out. “I'll see you at supper,” she assured him.

“I’ll see you then,” he replied, and kissed her hand.

Elaine smiled biting her lip, forcing herself away from him to find the library. It wasn't her scene usually but she wanted to get better acquainted with Crimson. Perhaps she could figure Keahi out better.

She found Crimson browsing through books, “Hello Crimson,”

Crimson turned, and smiled. “Hello, my lady,” he replied. “Small world.”

“Keahi suggested I join you. He hurt his hand, so he needs to nurse it,” Elaine told him.

Crimson frowned. “I hate it when he does that. Did he get angry again?” he asked. “He… only hurts himself like that when he’s angry.”

“Well...yes, he did,” Elaine sighed, pushing a hair back uncomfortably. “Inferno said...well...some stuff,” she told him slightly uncomfortably. She fumbled with a book to avoid looking at Crimson.

Crimson sighed, and patted Elaine’s back. “I never liked Inferno,” he whispered. “She brings out the worst in everybody.”

“She reminds me of an old nasty lady back in Cromwell,” Elaine smiled.

Crimson smiled back mischievously. “Oh? I’m intrigued. Tell me about her,” he replied.

“Well she dresses way younger than she looks and mind you she looks about a hundred. She is so horribly flirty, but no one's interested cause of how nasty she is about it, most people just try to avoid her,” Elaine told Crimson.

Crimson chuckled, and shook his head. “At least now I have something to look forward to in the future,” he replied. “She’s gorgeous now, but when she gets older, she’ll be all used up, so no one will want to be around her!”

“I guess Keahi hurts himself frequently, hu?” Elaine asked. “Is it because he loses his temper easily,”

Crimson’s smile faded. “He hurts himself, because he’s afraid of hurting other people,” he replied. “He has a hot temper, but, Elaine, he will never raise his hand to you. That I know for a fact.”

“So, he doesn't abuse women for pleasure,” Elaine asked a bit relieved. “It's just he's acted one way with me and then when Inferno said what she did...I couldn't believe it. I've opened myself up to him because I don't believe in pretending to be someone I'm not. But I can't help but wonder who he is truly cause he won't show me...I'm sorry this isn't your burden or I'm sure, any of your business,” she sighed.

“He’s a bit of a tortured soul,” Crimson replied. “Before I was born, he had another phoenix. But she died. Her flame wasn’t quite as… I don’t know… strong, I guess. In her human form, she was very ill. In her phoenix form, she didn’t have much fire. It was as if she was bound to die. He sort of… blames himself, because he had no idea of how to take care of her at the time. He was three.”

“I'm sure he beats himself about it...I couldn't imagine losing Xavoss,” Elaine sighed.

Crimson shrugged. “He loved her, that’s for sure. He’s tried to be as committed to me, but it hurts him. So, our bond isn’t quite as strong. Don’t get me wrong, we love each other like brothers. But Maya was like his daughter.”

“He hasn't seen much love either, I've noticed. His mother is a harpy,” Elaine said. “She was very critical when we were trying on the wedding dress. It took my mother all her will not to turn into a dragon and eat her,”

He chuckled. “The queen is pure evil,” he replied. “But she’s suffered a great deal, too. No one knows her story, because she doesn’t talk about it.”

“I just want to feel at home here, you know? I mean I'm stuck here now,” Elaine sighed.

Crimson nodded, understanding. “Well, then steer clear away from the queen,” he replied. “Keahi is a good man. Princess Beth is a good soul, too. But the queen… well… just… be careful around her.”

“I haven't seen much of Princess Beth, is she shy?”

“She is,” Crimson replied. “Beth struggles around other people. She’s kind and very much wants to wrap her arms around the whole world, if she could…. But she’s very shy.”

“You're a good friend Crimson, thank you for shedding some light. I'm still very unsure of this union but with two days to go, I don't have a lot of time,” Eliane smiled at him.

“Well, you will always have a friend in me,” he replied with a wink. “Now… what books do you like?” he asked, deciding it was a good idea to change the subject.

“I'm not one for books, but I do like a good adventure story,” she told him.

“Oh! Then follow me. Yes, I can already tell you and I are going to be best friends,” he said with a chuckle. He led her toward the middle of the library, where there were tables set up for people to read or study scrolls. “Here,” he said, pulling out a book with green binding. “The Tales of the Cataclysm. You, of course, know the stories of the cataclysm, right?”

“I've heard of them. Thanks,” Elaine said, taking the book.

“You’re welcome,” he replied, smiling back.

Elaine found a comfy spot and opened up the book, when she read, sometimes she'd drift and imagine living a life of adventure. There it was much more exciting of a princess expected to grow up so young and be expected to do things. But it did help pass the time.

Crimson didn’t wander too far. She could see him from where she was sitting, but he was respectful enough to let her have her time alone.

After a few hours, she rubbed her eyes and stretched, “Is it supper time?” She asked.

Crimson chuckled. “Soon, my lady,” he replied.

Elaine nodded standing and stretching, “I think I napped,” she said rubbing her eyes. “I don't think I've done that in a long time,”

Crimson smiled in amusement. “You did. By the way, you’re a bit of a snorer,” he replied.

“Ohh no,” Elaine blushed.

Crimson laughed, and shook his head. “It’s alright, my lady,” he replied.

“I didn't think I snored,” Elaine sighed. “I'm going to freshen up before dinner,” she told Crimson. “Will you be joining?”

“Of course,” he replied. “Unfortunately, so will Inferno. Phoenixes are expected to come to dinner almost every night, unless the queen says otherwise.”

“Well you'll make it at least bearable,” Elaine smiled.

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep her away from you,” he said. “Is Xavoss coming to dinner? I’m sure he’s more than welcome to join. He is your familiar. Besides, I’d like to get to know him better.”

“He will be there I'm sure. He usually always eats with us, though he's been distant of late. It's my fault,” Elaine told him.

“Well… if I know the queen, she will demand him to come, regardless,” Crimson replied. “I’m sorry he’s distant with you, though. That has to be hard.”

“This isn't easy for him to deal with,” Elaine said. “I don't know how to make it easy,” she told Crimson.

“There’s probably nothing you can do,” Crimson replied. “Xavoss is almost an adult. He needs to sort out his own feelings on his own. That’s not your responsibility.”

Elaine nodded, “I'll see you Crimson,” she said before going to go clean up so the queen wouldn't criticize her over dinner.

******************

At dinner the two families (and their familiars, phoenixes and dragons alike) sat down to enjoy a lushish dinner, “My wife says that all preparations are ready for the wedding,” Grayson smiled.

“Everything is beautiful, Your Majesty,” Elaine replied.

“Crimson is leading the phoenixes in for a small song as the bride walks down the aisle,” the queen told her husband.

“We’ve been practicing for many weeks, my lord,” Crimson added.

“Good boy,” the king nodded. “Have the dragons prepared anything?” He asked looking right at Xavoss expectedly.

“We'll only be present,” Xavoss told the king. “We didn't want to interfere,”

“Would be alright if Zied joins my wedding party,” Elaine asked. “I'd like to invite Princess Beth as well,”

“Very well,” the queen replied politely, however forced. “That would be fine, I think. Right, dear?” she asked the king, smiling politely at him.

“I don't see a problem with it, it's a high honor,” King Grayson nodded. “You should feel honored Bethany,”

“Of course I do, Papa,” Bethany replied, blushing, and smiled a shy, but genuine smile at Elaine. “Thank you for the invitation, my sister.”

“It gives us a chance to get to know each other,” Elaine smiled at Beth.

“Exactly,” Beth replied. “And I’d love to get to know Zeid as well… if that’s alright.”

“I'm honored,” Zied nodded. “Thank you for inviting me Elaine,”

“Of course,” Elaine replied, and squeezed her hand.

“How long are you stuck in that cast?” The queen asked abruptly eyeing her son disapprovingly.

Keahi sighed avoiding his mother's glear, “For about two weeks,”

“Then why is this the first time I’ve seen it? Are you lying to me right now, young man?” the queen demanded, folding her arms over her chest.

“Because I did it today,” Keahi sighed as passently as he could.

“You’ve lost your temper again, haven’t you, my darling son?” she sneered. “These little outbursts need to stop. They’re boring, and quite frankly, unbecoming of the future king.”

“Your mother is right, Keahi. There is a time and place,” Grayson nodded. “Your supposed to be taking control of it,”

“Is this anger an issue a problem,” Ethan asked, concerned for his daughter.

“He only hits walls, Your Grace,” Crimson told him, understanding his fear.

“It’s still repulsive. Your tantrums must stop if you ever hope to become king,” the queen sneered, and took a sip of wine from her glass. Everyone was shocked, including Hannah. She was shocked to see such a cold-hearted queen. Even Hannah wasn’t that heartless.

Ethan sighed trying to hold his tongue on the matter but Elaine knew how her father worried. She patted his hand and gave him a strong smile. He thought her to be tough. Ethan smiled back slightly, but gave Keahi a quick glare, before taking a sip of wine from his own glass.

The rest of dinner was an awkward silence, many in the party squirmed uncomfortably. No one knew how to break the spell.

Zeid looked over at Hannah, who ignored her, and ate. From where Elaine was sitting, she could see an almost smugness to Hannah. There was something else that was going on. Something terrible was about to happen; Elaine could feel it. As dinner concluded, Elaine quickly took Hannah's hand before she could escape, “Mind if we walk, my sister?”

Hannah glared at her for a moment, similar to the way the queen glared at her son, but immediately smiled. “But of course, Your Majesty,” she replied politely.

“We've hadn't much time together, and I'm quite protective of my brother, more so than Zied,” Elaine told her as they walked.

“It doesn’t surprise me, my lady. Your brother is a good man,” Hannah replied. “As for Zied, she is a child. Children do not protect those they think of as parents… not usually, anyway.”

“You'd be surprised,” Elaine turned on her. “Dragons are protectors of those they love,” she said watching Hannah's reaction.

Hannah raised an eyebrow at her. “You seem upset, princess. Is there something wrong?” she asked.

“You act as if you already own Kenneth and my poor brother has let you,” Elaine told her.

“He is mine by oath and by right, Your Grace,” she replied, smiling sweetly. But there was a cruelty in her eyes that told Elaine that Hannah was really a monster. “Just as Prince Keahi is yours by those same rights, I believe. I truly love Kenneth, and I will protect him from any who compromises his happiness.”

“No one owns me,” Elaine told her. “You are nothing more than a lady and if you think you can continue this behavior, I will make sure your union does not happen. I will not see you destroy Cromwell,”

Hannah raised her eyebrows, her eyes still as cold as ice. “You ever threaten me again, and I’ll have you strangled in your sleep,” she replied coldly.

“Try it my lady,” Elaine whispered. “You will regret it,”

Hannah only chuckled. “We shall see,” she replied, and whisked away, smiling to herself.

Elaine watched clutching her fist fighting the fire within her, “What a bitch,”

A gentle hand rested on Elaine’s shoulder from behind. “Elaine?” said a tiny, timid voice. Zeid’s gentle energy resinated through Elaine like a blanket of love.

“Zied,” Elaine sighed, turning to her. “I can't stand Hannah, her union with Kenneth makes me nervous for Cromwell's future,”

Zeid blinked back tears, and nodded. “I know,” she replied quietly. “Me too. But when I tried to tell Kenneth… he got angry with me, and stormed off. We haven’t spoken since.”

“He did seem to be going out of his way to ignore you,” Elaine sighed.

Zeid opened her mouth to speak, but instead, she let out a sob, and burst into tears. She covered her face with her hands, and sobbed, embarrassed at her blubbering. “He hates me…. My papa hates me.”

Elaine hugged Zied protectively, “Ohh Zied, he couldn't hate you. He's just lost and we need to help him. I'll do what I can to help you out, I promise,” she told Zied in a soft sisterly tone.

Zeid sniffled, and rubbed her eyes. “He won’t believe us,” she whispered.

“Zeid! We have to get going, little one,” said Kenneth in a stern tone, causing Zeid to flinch.

“Kenneth,” Elaine frowned, hugging Zied. “What is the problem,” she asked.

Kenneth folded his arms over his chest. “There is no problem, Elaine. We just have a great deal to do tonight.”

Zied pulled away from Elaine putting on a brave face, “I’m ready papa,” she said in her usale soft voice.

“Very well,” Kenneth replied.

Zied followed behind Kenneth, Elaine sighed watching them go. It made her realize the neglect she had given Xavoss and what she had to do before her wedding night with him. She had been dreading it but she had to cut her ties with him.

She saw him gathering his belongings from the dining room, talking to himself, as he tended to do sometimes when he was under a great deal of stress. “Damn, damn, damn,” he whispered.

“Xavoss,” Elaine called approaching him. “What is the matter?”

“Nothing, I just… can’t find… my jacket-- Oh! Here it is,” he said, grabbing his jacket. He turned to her, and immediately saw the distress in her eyes. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

“You promised we talk but since we arrived all we've done is argue,” Elaine said. “Can't we go somewhere so we can talk freely?’

He blinked, his eyes flashing in horror. Whatever she wanted to talk about, he knew it wasn’t going to end well for him. But instead of arguing, he nodded, and followed her into the forest.

“Xavoss do you remember when you hatched?”

He looked around the forest, and sighed as he slowly nodded. “As if it were yesterday,” he replied quietly. “I remember you holding me, all bright-eyed and happy. And you promised me that, no matter what, you would always love me. I remember… I felt safe.”

Elaine nodded hugging herself, “I meant it then as I do now Xavoss. We've had quite a bond even more than most dragons and riders shear. We've been one in most of all aspects…”

He nodded. “You’re letting me go now… aren’t you?” he asked calmly. It was amazing. His voice didn’t even crack. But there was pain in his gorgeous eyes.

“Xavoss you couldn't live here. You're a dragon, you belong in the mountains,” Elaine told him as gently as she could.

Xavoss sighed,and shook his head. “This is… unbelievable,” he mumbled. “It’s the prince, isn’t it? You’re taken with him. I’m glad, Elaine, you deserve to be happy. I hope he is worth it. He’d better be.”

“Please Xavoss, stop,” Elaine begged. “I'm not doing this for him,”

“It’s alright,” he said, holding up his hand. “I pray that you have a happy life, Elaine. I mean that.” He wiped a tear he must have just realized he was shedding, and backed away. He transformed into his dragon form, and flew off.

Elaine watched him fly off feeling lonely, it didn't go as she hoped. But maybe he would move on and find someone to settle down with. She made her way back to the castle into her practically empty room.

Only one more night.

******************

Keahi watched closely as Kenneth continued to lead Lady Hannah and his dragon, Zeid away. There was something that was clearly upsetting Zeid, and it actually hurt Keahi to see her like that. It was true that he didn’t really know Zeid, but she was a sweet girl, and it made Keahi sad to see her like that.

“Zeid, stay here,” Kenneth instructed, and led Hannah away. Zeid hugged herself, and looked around with tears in her eyes.

Kenneth took advantage of Kenneth and Hannah leaving. Now, he could talk to Zeid. Cautiously, he approached. “Hello,” he greeted quietly. “Are you okay?”

“Ohh Prince Keahi, yes…. I'm alright,” Zied blushed, bowing.

“Are you sure?” he asked. “You know, a sweet girl like you shouldn’t be crying. Maybe I can help. Is there anything I can do for you, Lady Zeid?”

Zied shifted, “I don't even know what I could ask for. I'm just trying not to upset my papa...I mean Prince Kenneth, anymore,”

“Here. Let’s sit down over by the bench,” he said, gesturing toward it. They walked toward a small bench, and helped her to sit before he sat. “You can talk to me, if you want to. I don’t bite. Why are you so afraid of upsetting your papa?”

“I love him and I'd do anything for him,” Zied told him.

“I know,” he replied. “And I’m sure he knows that too. Why do you think he’s mad at you?”

“Because I tried to warn him about Hannah. She's evil,” Zied said.

Well, this took a turn I didn’t expect, he thought, and sighed, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “Alright… why do you think Lady Hannah is evil?” he asked.

Zied sighed and told Keahi all she had seen Hannah do and how she had shown Kenneth what she'd seen and then his reaction to everything. “And now the only reason he wants me here is so I can stand guard so they can...well...do whatever they're doing,”

Keahi blinked, completely thrown off. “Um… alright,” he said, rubbing his forehead. “So, here’s what I can do for you. I can make inquiries to Queen Kaylee about Lady Hannah, to see if she really is as… dark as you say-- not that I don’t believe you. But maybe if I gather some more information about her, we can talk to Kenneth about this.”

Zied looked unsure, “I don't know…,”

“Listen, I’m on your side. I’m here to help if you need anything, okay?” Keahi said, taking Zeid’s hand. “It’s going to be alright.”

“Xavoss is wrong about you, you're a good man,” Zied smiled.

Keahi chuckled. “Well… I try to be, anyway,” he replied. “Everything is going to be okay. We’ll figure this out. Just keep your head low until I write to you.”

Zied nodded, “Thank you,”

“Zeid, let’s get going,” said Kenneth’s voice.

Zied flinched and hurried to follow, glancing back at Keahi before hurrying to catch up. She looked at Kenneth as he wrapped his arms around Hannah, whispering into her ear. She giggled and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Ohh Kenneth,” Hannah grinned.

Zied thought she'd get sick watching them, why was Kenneth dragging her around on his date. She shook her head, and rolled her eyes, following behind the “happy couple.” She probably never should have said anything. Now, Kenneth hated her. But as Zeid looked over at Lanett, who was trembling in fear behind Lady Hannah, she knew that she had done the right thing, and that Kenneth’s anger was not her fault.

******************

The next day was the day before the wedding, Elaine was out with her wedding party, she had Princess Beth, and Zied but somehow Inferno and Hannah had joined. Beth was her maid of honor and was responsible for throwing a fun day.

“You are going to look lovely in ivory, Elaine,” Beth said.

“I suppose,” Elaine sighed pushing a hair back. She glanced at Inferno who sat high and mighty, smiling snuggly at her and Hannah looked annoyed filing her nails.

“Inferno, don’t you think she’d look lovely in ivory?” Beth asked. Her tone let everyone know that she knew what Inferno was up to… or she knew something, and she didn’t like it.

“Very lovely my lady,” Inferno nodded

Zeid took a sip of wine from her goblet, and kept quiet. She was already in trouble with one couple. She wasn’t about to enter into this mess, too. Forget that!

“So...what are we doing today? Elaine asked. “Remember I can't run into Keahi today,” she said to change the subject.

She knew Crimson talked about taking Keahi out hunting, inviting Kenneth and Xavoss.

“Well, we could go shopping, if you’d like,” Beth replied. “I wish I knew more about you. I’d prefer to do everything that you wanted to do,” Beth replied.

“I wouldn't mind shopping,” Elaine nodded. “Zied has never really been. I wanna see her in all sorts of pretty dresses,”

Zeid blushes, and lowers her head. “Oh… I probably wouldn’t look that great,” she replied.

“You have a nice big shopping plaza,” Hannah asked. “I could use some nice dresses,”

Inferno rolled her eyes. “I’m sure you have plenty, my lady,” she replied in an overly sweet voice.

“One can not have enough dresses. How else are we to look good for our men,” Hannah smiled back.

Inferno smiled. “I like the way you think, my lady,” she replied. “Some people can learn a lot from you.”

“Thank you,” Hannah smiled.

“Umm, let's go,” Elaine said, clapping her hands to get the party moving to distract them in the hopes a fight wouldn’t start.

In some ways she wished she could go out with the men, but that had to be stressful too. Xavoss alone had a bad attitude and her brother wasn't the brother she knew and loved. Her only prayer was Crimson. He alone was the voice of reason, which was surprising, since usually, a phoenix had the hottest of temproments.

Beth led them out, giving Elaine a sisterly hug as they went. She took them to a building that house many different shops that sold many things.

Zeid looked around at the assortment of fabrics, and did her very best to keep her mouth shut. She was just going to say as little as possible, so that there would be no fighting. She wanted to tell Elaine everything about Hannah, how horrible she was underneath that sweet exterior, but she knew that she couldn’t. If she did, it would somehow get back to Hannah, and then Kenneth would be even angrier with her.

Elaine browsed biting her lip, she hated this whole ordeal. She had hoped to have a good fun day with Beth and Zied. But Zied couldn't let loss because of Hannah and Inferno seemed to be observing and judging everything she did, giving disapproving glares at her. Still, Elaine wasn’t about to have that nonsense at her bachelorette get-together. This was her party. If she wanted Zeid to have fun, then those two bitches would just have to deal with it. “Hey, Zeid!” said Elaine. “I saw the perfect fabric for you! You like lavender, right?” she asked.

“I dose look pretty,” Zied nodded.

“Come here, look!” said Elaine, trying to sound happy and energetic.

“Yes, try it on,” Beth smiled. Both girls got Zied to see how the dress would look on her.

Zeid smiled, and took the dress off the mannequin. She took the dress into a dressing room, and began humming quietly, almost sounding like her old, happy self.

“Gods, Hannah… how do you put up with her?” Inferno whispered, which was pointless, because Elaine could hear everything the loud phoenix was saying anyway. “She’s so stupid!”

“That's why me and Ken are leaving this hell hole right after the wedding,” Hannah told her.

“What if Kenneth wants to take Zeid with him?”

“Too bad,” Hannah replied, and the two women snickered.

Elaine forced a smile at Zied as she came out to show off how the color showed off. “It looks very beautiful on you,”

Zeid’s eyes lit up as she grinned from ear to ear. “Do you like it?” she asked.

“Oh, I do love that color on you, little one,” Hannah said gently.

“We’re gonna get it,” Elaine told Zied. “Alright let's see what else,”

Beth took a red and black dress that had a beautiful dress, “Elaine let's see you in this. It looks like fire, I bet you'll look beautiful in it,”

Elaine studied the black dress. It was a bit much. It had beading and pearls all over it that made it look far to extravagant for Elaine’s taste. “Oh! Um… sure,” she replied, and took the dress. She went into a dressing room, and tried it on. It was far too tight. The corset was much too tight; she could hardly breathe. She sucked in her breath, she felt a pang on her side as she forced herself in the dress and made her way out to showcase the dress.

“Doesn't she look like she's on fire,” Beth smiled.

“She looks amazing!” said Zeid, smiling at her, all bright-eyed.

“She looks like she can’t breathe,” said Hannah. “Elaine, are you alright?”

“Yes...umm I think the zipper stuck,” Elaine whispered.

“I'll get it,” Zied offered. She took Elaine in the dressing room and helped her out. “Don't kill yourself to impress these people,” she whispered.

“I have to live here, I need friends not enemies,” Elaine sighed quietly. “It's almost like your situation Zied,”

“Yes, I suppose,” she replied quietly, and let out a shaky sigh. “I think… I’m going to leave Cromwell. For good.”

“What? But Zied, what about Kenneth, he needs you. You are his dragon. The people expect a dragon by the king's side,” Elaine told her. “I know Hannah's bad but I will not allow her to destroy Cromwell,”

“He doesn’t need me,” Zeid replied. “He’s made that perfectly clear. I’m done. I love Cromwell. But if I can’t do anything to help, then I have no business being there. He probably wouldn’t even notice, anyway. So, who cares?”

“Please Zied don't give up like Xavoss has. Don't give up,” Elaine begged. “I care about Cromwell. I wish I was become queen there, I could do so much more but Fowther needs help too,”

“What’s the point, Elaine. You two don’t even want to listen to us anyway,” Zeid blurted out, and immediately regretted her words. Again, she had made another mistake, and alienated another person. Gods, why can’t you just keep your mouth shut, Zeid?’ she thought, and bit her bottom lip.

“What do you mean? What haven't I listened to about? I'm in a situation where I can't help what's going on. Xavoss has pushed away from me, I've tried to talk to him,” Elaine frowned. “I don't want to send him away but he can't live here happily. He deserves to be in the mountains,”

Zeid sighed. “It’s just that… every time we tried to say something important, you two got angry with us. You’ve sent Xavoss away-- it doesn’t matter why. And Kenneth won’t even look at me; he might as well have cast me away. It just… makes us feel badly… that’s all.”

Elaine sank to a chair and covered her face, “I can't go through with this union,”

“You don’t have a choice,” Zeid replied. “None of us have a choice in anything. That’s life.”

Eliene sighed, “I'm sorry Zied. I wanted to see you smile because I see what's going on. I want to help but I'm helplessly in many ways,”

There was a light knock, “Are we okay in there?” Beth asked.

“We are, Your Grace,” Zeid replied. “We were plotting on how to make your hair messy!” she added in a cute, playful voice.

Beth giggled. “Aww, okay,” she replied. “Do try to hurry, though. I think Inferno wanted to try on a dress, too.”

Elaine took Zied's hand, “You know...you must do what you feel is right. Like you said, we don't have a lot of choices, and unfortunately my brother has made his,”

“And… that’s why I must make mine,” she whispered. “I’m done with your brother. I love him… but I can’t live like this anymore.”

Elaine nodded and gave her a sisterly kiss before stepping out, she saw Beth browsing but both Inferno and Hannah were not in sight. “Where did the party go?” She asked Beth.

Beth sighed, and shook her head. “Don’t know, and don’t care. They weren’t much of a party anyway,” she replied.

“True, threes better anyways,” Elaine smiled. “Come on Beth, let's you and I get to know each other better,”

“Definitely,” she replied, and turned to Zeid. “How about you?”

“I'll stick around,” Zied said. At least Elaine was trying, she could support her.

Beth took them to another shop so they could chat lightly as they shopped.

Zeid seemed to be in much better spirits, now that Hannah and Inferno weren’t around.

“Keaih tells me you have a big heart,” Elaine said. “We have something in common,”

Beth chuckled. “I suppose,” she replied.

“Well you either are or aren't. You see, I've noticed how people have been treated and I want to help. Keahi says he'd like to see a better life for them but we're gonna need support,” Elaine explained.

“I want that, too. It’s just… well, our mother. She’s hard to break,” Beth replied. “I love her, but she has this tendency to be… well, cruel.”

“I've noticed,” Elaine sighed. “I'm sorry, it's not right,”

Beth chuckled, and rubbed Elaine’s arm. “It’s not your fault,” she replied. “By the way, Zeid is adorable. Now… is she your dragon, or…?”

“She's Kenneth's. Xavoss is mine,” Elaine told her. “A dragon choices it's rider, an egg will not hatch until the right person comes,”

“Wow! That’s amazing! How do the dragons know?” Beth asked.

“We can sense when the right one comes,” Zied shrugged. “It usually works out for both,”

Beth nodded. “I wonder if that’s how it works for phoenixes…. When I saw Inferno for the first time, I loved her. But lately… things have changed,” she said. “She’s gotten meaner. Elaine… I know what she’s been doing with my brother. I’m so sorry.”

Elaine nodded, “It's alright,” she nodded unsure what else to say. “I don't think it will be a continuing issue...at least I hope it won't,”

“It’d better not. I’ll smack him,” Beth replied.

Elaine smiled, “I'd love to see that,”

“If he continues, believe me, you will,” Beth giggled.

“I had a feeling we were alike,” Elaine smiled at Beth.

Beth giggled, and turned to Zeid. “So, tell me. Where have you flown?” she asked.

“We usually don't venture too far from Cromwell. The mountains are our natural home,” Zied told her.

“Mother never let me or Kenneth travel too far from home,” Elaine explained.

Beth frowned. “That’s disappointing. I’m sure it’s the same for you, isn’t it?” she asked both of the girls.

“I didn’t mind. I was happy, as long as I had my papa,” Zeid replied. Until recently, she thought, but decided to keep that to herself.

“I was more the adventure. Me and Xavoss passed the northern border once. Almost got killed because they started shooting cannons at Xavoss. He's got a scar on his shoulder because of it. But he made sure we got home,” Elaine told Beth smiling at the memory. It was that day, watching Xavoss protect her with his life that she fell for him and that reminded her of the hurt of losing him again.

Beth noticed a sad glint in Elaine’s eyes, but decided not to comment on it, out of fear of making her uncomfortable. “Well… he seems to be healthy, anyway,” she offered.

“He's a strong dragon,” Elaine nodded. She sighed moving on to another rack.

“Did you find a dress that you liked, my lady?” asked Beth.

“I did, maybe we should return. I got an early day tomorrow. Your mother wants me perfect for the wedding,” Elaine nodded.

Beth nodded. “Don’t worry. You will be,” she replied, and turned to Zeid. “Right?”

“Right,” Zeid replied, smiling at Elaine supportively.

******************

Elsewhere Keahi followed Crimson into the woods. Out of kindness Keahi invited Xavoss, to hopefully ease his mind about Elaine's future and Kenneth, though neither seemed to want to be there. Keahi sighed, and turned to Kenneth. “Is everything alright, Your Grace?” he asked.

“Hunting isn't not my sport, my grace. Forgive me, I only came so I wouldn't be rude,” Kenneth replied.

Keahi nodded. “It was my father’s suggestion that we go hunting. I’m not much for this sort of thing, either,” he replied. “Perhaps the three of us can go back to the palace for a while?”

“Hey, we're supposed to stay away,” Crimson said. “Your father said and I quote,” he cleared his voice, and mimicked the king, “''Go kill something, make him a man,’”

“We’ve killed a buck! We don’t need to kill everything,” Keahi replied, shaking his head.

“I agree,” Xavoss nodded.

“Well it is your last day of freedom, what do you want to do?” Crimson sighed, feeling out voted.

Keahi shrugged. “I don’t know,” he replied with a shrug. “I suppose we could go into the village for some coffee….”

“Hey, I know! How about that pub you like,” Crimson asked. “They got all your favorite foods,”

“The only one that I like is the one off of Flame Court. And… I probably shouldn’t go there,” he replied, feeling a little uncomfortable.

Xavioss raised an eyebrow and scowled. But did his best not to speak. No this was not a good idea.

“Ohh yeah...I forgot,” Crimson blushed. He tried to think of where to go but almost every pub had an ex of Keahi's.

“I took Hannah to a good one, the food was very good,” Kenneth said, thoughtful.

Keahi nodded. “Lead the way,” he replied, smiling gratefully.

Kenneth nodded and led them to town where he had taken Hannah out for a date away from the castle. He had enjoyed the food greatly and he was able to warm up to his betrothed even more in the warm atmosphere. They took a booth and gazed over the menu.

“Very nice,” Crimson nodded thankful for Kenneth's suggestion.

Keahi looked around, and nodded. “It’s charming,” he replied. “Thank you, Kenneth.”

“They're known for their potatoes, just spicy enough but not too spicy,” Kenneth told him. “Hannah called me a piglet,”

Keahi chuckled. “You’re quite taken with Hannah, aren’t you?”

“Yes, we're getting married right after. Your parents made my parents move our wedding date,” Kenneth told him. “Why were they in such a rush anyways?”

Keahi rolled his eyes. “I don’t know. They won’t tell me,” he replied. “It was probably my mother’s idea.”

A bar maiden hurried to their table, blushing slightly as she came to their table, “I am so sorry your grace, we've been very busy. Can I get you anything?” She asked bowing respectfully to Keahi.

“It’s quite alright, miss,” Keahi replied. “I’ve heard rumors that your spiced potatoes are quite popular.”

“Very,” she smiled.

“I would very much like to try them, if you don’t mind,” Keahi told her. That’s not all I want to try, either, he thought as he got a small glimpse of her bountiful breasts.

“Just a strong ale,” Xavoss sighed, shaking his head.

“Potatoes,” Crimson said.

“Make that three,” Kenneth nodded. “And drinks,” he added.

“Of course, my lords,” she bowed, and hurried off.

“Xavoss, is everything alright?” Kenneth asked. “You seem off today.”

“You don't know me, my lord,” Xavoss sneared. “But don't worry I'll be gone tomorrow,”

“Wait, what?” asked Kenneth, surprised.

“I am not wanted or needed here,” Xavoss said. “I'm leaving this land,”

“Wait a minute!” said Keahi. “Who told you that?”

“Elaine, and she's right,” Xavoss sighed. “So do by her right Keahi, but of course you'll do as you wish,”

Keahi blinked, and looked over at Kenneth, stunned. What had he done to Xavoss to deserve this kind of abuse? He didn’t know, but he didn’t appreciate it.

“Xavoss, come on,” said Kenneth quietly. “That’s not fair.”

“Fair?” Xavoss laughed. “No, getting treated like dogs while you think we live as equals, that's not fair. I've seen you Keahi but Elaine will not listen to my warnings, she sees only good. I can't protect her, so I just won't,”

Keahi slammed the table, startling others for a moment, and stood up. “What do you want from me, Xavoss? I’m not perfect, but I’m trying like hell to be a better man. I can’t promise miracles, but I would never do anything to hurt Elaine.”

Xavoss gave him a dangerous look, “You will. One way or another, you will,”

“No, I won’t! Damn it, I love her!” he blurted out. He didn’t even realize it until he spoke the words, but he did. Gods willing, he did love her.

Xavoss's eyes narrowed, he stood to match Keahi, “You couldn't,” he whispered. He pushed Keahi down and stocked out of the pub.

Keahi blinked in horror. What just happened? He looked up at Kenneth, who seemed just as appalled as he was. “I’m… sorry. I have no idea what that was about,” said Keahi.

“They love each other,” Kenneth told him. “I bet you didn't know, did you?”

Keahi shrugged. “I had my suspicions, but… I didn’t know the extent of it,” he replied.

“It's probably best they are separating. Causes too many problems. Elaine doesn't need the distractions,” Kenneth told Keahi. “She has a big heart, so I'm sure she will love you,” he added quickly.

Keahi nodded. “Thank you,” he replied quietly.

“Well then,” Crimson whispered, coming out of shock. “Umm...that was...interesting,”

“Dragons are very dramatic,” Kenneth told Keahi. “I can't believe he said we treat them like dogs,”

“Well, is it true?” asked Crimson. “I mean, there has to be some truth to it. Otherwise, he probably wouldn’t have said that. He’s a bit of an ass, but I don’t think he’s a liar.”

“Last I saw Zied, she was very upset in how you were treating her,” Keahi told Kenneth.

“Excuse me, but I take care of Zied,” Kenneth said shortly and with that left too.

The barmaiden came with their food and drink, “Your missing two,” she blinked. “I'm sorry,”

“It’s alright, miss,” said Keahi, and smiled apologetically. “Thank you.”

“I'll be close,” she winked before hurrying to another table.

Keahi sighed, and slumped against his seat. “Well, today has been terrible,” he sighed. “Hey, Crim? Can I ask you something?”

“Anything,” Crimson nodded.

“Do we treat you like dogs?” he asked.

Crimson shook his head, “No,”

Keahi nodded, he gave Crimson a brotherly hug. “You know… I’m going to need your help with something. The phoenix can disguise itself into a candle flame, right? Or hide in a chimney with the other fire?”

“Umm yes, why?” Crimson nodded.

“I need you to keep an eye on someone for me… it’s for Zeid. I need information about Lady Hannah. Zeid thinks that she might be a little… off. Elaine is going to be my bride. That makes Kenneth my brother… sort of. I just want to make sure that he’s going to be alright,” Keahi explained.

“You gonna be okay?” Crimson asked. He knew how Keahi could be when he was stressed, he usually went to women.

Keahi nodded. “Yeah,” he replied. “I’ll be alright. Maybe you and I can do something later on tonight. Like… kill something. My father would be so proud.”

“Just no one we know,” Crimson winked.

Keahi snorted. “I hate hunting… but I don’t trust myself not to do something stupid. Hunting might help a little. The palace butcher will be happy,” he said.

Crimson laughed and left Keahi sitting alone at the pub. The young maiden quickly came, “Anything else I can get you, your grace,” she asked, bowing slightly enough to show off her bosoms.

Keahi rubbed the back of his neck, and cleared his throat. “Um… no… thank you, miss,” he replied quietly.

“Are you sure my lord,” she whispered, putting her hand on his.

Keahi let out a shaky sigh. He knew that his groin would regret it later, but he had to put his foot down. “Yes,” he replied quietly, and swallowed hard. “Thank you….”

“Very well, I'm not far if you need anything,” she told him.

“Th-thank you,” he whispered.

She smiled and hurried to care for another guess.

******************

Crimson took off into the night, changing into a phoenix, flying into the firelight of Hannah's hearth in her bed chambers.

“Elaine was so pathetic,” Hannah laughed as she strolled out of the washroom in a fine robe. “More pathetic than you, Lannett,”

Lanett sighed, and held her tongue. “Yes, my lady,” she whispered, and brushed Hannah’s hair.

“Zied was being even more pathetic than her. I think Ken will rid of her once we wedding,”

“H-how so, my lady? H-how w-was Zeid b-being pathetic?” Lanett stammered.

“Well, she just had that stupid look on her face. Like, oh wow as me, my papa don't love me,” Hannah laughed.

Crimson bit back his anger at the sight of Hannah’s smugness. Keahi had been right; Hannah truly was an evil woman.

“I've been slowly turning Kenneth against his dragon. I've practically got him in my grasp,” Hannah smiled.

“Yes, my lady,” Lanett replied. “W-would you like me to get you some tea?”

“You better make it right,” Hannah threatened. Lanett nodded, and hurried away. Hannah sighed, and looked up at the ceiling, smiling to herself. “Soon, Cromwell will be mine,” she whispered. “And once it is, Zeid will die… Elaine will die… All of them will die.”

Crimson could barely stand watching this woman but then Lannett came back. Crimson studied the young handmaiden, she was a mess but yet beautiful.

“M’lady,” said Lanett. “Your tea.”

“It's about time,” Hannah snapped taking the cup. She gently took a sip and spat, “What the hell is this!” She cried, hucking the tea right in Lannett's face.

Lanette shrieked in pain, and crumbled to the floor, trembling. Her face was red and burned, and skin was beginning to peel from it.

Hannah sat back, a big smile upon her face, “Serves you right,”

Crimson before he could exploit quickly flew up the chimney to find Keahi. This monster had to be stopped. How could that vial woman hurt such a beautiful creature.

******************

Xavoss had finally found Elaine's window, he swayed as he stumbled onto the balcony changing into human form. His mind all befuddled, he had to speak to her truly before his senses could kick in. He'd been drinking since he stormed out. He banged into something waking Elaine.

“Xavoss?” She said after a moment.

“Shhhh, sorry,” he grinned trying to fix the table he had knocked over.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, covering herself. “Xavoss, it’s nearly midnight. What’s going on?”

“Elaine, I got to talk to you, I've been an idiot,” Xavoss said, approaching her. “I've come to say sowie,” he said. He weaved a bit as he caught himself on the bed.

“Wait… you’ve come to say what? Xavoss, have you been drinking?” she asked, surprised. This was definitely a new one. Xavoss had never been drunk before. “I… take it you had fun with the boys?”

“I was trying to drown myself Elaine. The truth is...I wuv you,” he slurred. “I can't wiv without you,” he said. He tried to take her into his arms but over stepped and almost stumbled onto her.

“Oof! Um… Xavoss, get off! You’re crushing me!” she sighed, and pushed him away.

“No please don't,” he said, taking her again, pulling her close.

“Xavoss! Get off of me! Stop! What are you doing?” she demanded, struggling underneath him.

“Elaine, take me, let's run away. I'll take care of you,” Xavoss said, running his hands over her lustfully.

“Let go!” she yelled, struggling to get away from him.

******************

Keahi, who was passing through on his way to his room, listened to Crimson tell him all about Hannah, when he paused. “You hear that?”

“What?” Crimson asked.

Keahi heard it again, a cry, a plea. “It's Elaine!” he realized quickly going to her door. He tried the handle locked. “Crimson help me get in,”

Crimson quickly moved to pry the door open, inside they saw Xavoss who had Elaine pinned, he was kissing her forcefully.

“Xavoss! Stop!” Elaine pleaded. There were tears streaming down her cheeks. It was as if she couldn’t believe what was happening. Not that Crimson could blame her. He could hardly believe what was happening, either.

“Get off her,” Keahi said, quickly stepping in. He pulled at Xavoss's shoulder, doing anything he could to free Elaine. “Crimson, take Elaine,” he said stepping between them.

Xavoss clenched his hand into a fist, and punched Keahi in the face, knocking him into the wardrobe. Elaine cried out but Crimson held her firm, he'd keep her safe for Keahi.

Keahi stood slowly looking right at Xavoss, he wasn't right. Keahi knew that, he could see his blood shot eyes, “You're not protecting her if you're hurting her,” Keahi told Xavoss firmly. Somehow he had to get through to him.

Just then, the guards burst through the door. “Your Majesty!” one guard called out, and rushed over to him.

“Why didn’t you keep her safe?!” Keahi at them. “I made a direct order for you to keep Lady Elaine safe. So what the fuck were you doing?”

The guards looked at him clueless, Xavoss took a step forward, “You're a bast...tard,” he slurred and then fell down face first, passed out.

Elaine let out a small hiccup, “Oh-ohh Xav,”she whispered, then she looked at Keahi in concern. “Keahi, are you alright?”

“It’s okay, Elaine,” Keahi replied, and pulled her into his arms. Surprised, Elaine relaxed, welcoming the comforting embrace. “Everything is going to be alright.”

“Keahi, what is going on?” asked a voice from outside the door. They looked up, and there was the queen, dressed in her nightclothes, her hair tied in a braid.

“Mother… Xavoss was drunk….” said Keahi, looking down at the pitiful creature passed out on the floor.

“It's...it's my fault, your Highness,” Elaine said, lowering her head.

“This is unacceptable,” the queen frowned. “Get this thing out of here. I want King Ethan and Queen Sophia here, immediately!”

“Mother, for the love of--!” Keahi began, but was immediately cut off by the wave of his mother’s hand.

“No, look at you, you're a mess. These dragons are a menius. Unacceptable,” the queen raved.

******************

After a few hours, the two families sat in a room where both King Ethan and Queen Sofia were very upset over the whole ordeal, “I would like to speak to our daughter alone,” Ethan told Grayson once they heard what had happened.

The king nodded in agreement but his wife, the queen’s eyes widened in utter shock, before she huffed off.

“I should speak to Xevoss, he should be awake by now,” Sophia told her husband. She was more upset over Xavoss behavior and proud of Keahi for protecting her daughter.

Ethan sighed, and knelt down to examine Xavoss more thoroughly. “No, he’s out for the next few hours,” he replied. He looked up at Keahi. “Listen, thank you for being there for our little girl.” He looked over at Crimson. “Thank you both.”

“Perhaps we should speak with Eliane,” Sophia suggested. “Just for a moment” she added quickly.

Ethan nodded. “Yes. Boys, if you don’t mind--”

“Of course,” Keahi replied, and limped out of the room. “Let’s go, Crim.”

Once the king and queen we're alone with Elaine, Sophia was the one to gently embrace her daughter, gently brushing her cheek. “I blame myself,” she whispered, studying the light bruise that had formed from Xavoss's attack.

“Why?” Elaine asked.

“We made a decision for you that forced you to make a hard choice, when you told us of your feelings, we should have addressed it,” Sophia told her. “Ohh Elaine, I'm sorry we put through all this,”

Elaine knew that her mother was trying, but she just didn’t have any energy for this. “Mother… would it be alright if we talked about this tomorrow? I’m… really tired,” she said.

“Understandable,” Ethan nodded. “But we're postponing the wedding. There is no way you two can should wed, not after all this. You should take some proper time,”

“The queen will answer to me on the matter,” Sophia said, giving her daughter a smile.

“Take your time with Keahi, he's a good boy,” Ethan nodded.

Elaine nodded. “Very well, Papa,” she whispered. “May I just… go to bed now?”

“Yes,” Ethan nodded.

“Goodnight, sweetheart,” said Sophia.

Elaine yawned as she made her way back to her room, a part of her wondered why Xavoss had been so violent but then Keahi, he had been so brave. She hoped they both would be alright.

******************

Keahi sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair, and leaned against the wall of the hallway. “Gods! What a night,” he whispered, and turned to Crimson. “So… I’m sorry. You were telling me about Hannah. What have you found out about her?”

“That she's pure evil...ohh no, Lannett. She got hurt,” Crimson said, realizing he nearly forgot. How could he forget?

“Wait, who’s Lanett?” asked Keahi.

“Her umm handmaiden,” Crimson said, blushing slightly. “Hannah threw a cup of hot tea at her face,”

“Great Solin!” Keahi whispered. “Alright, tend to her. There’s not much you can do here anyway. I will keep you posted. But I think the wedding is off. At least for now.”

“You think,” Crimson laughed. “Your a mess, let me tend to you a little at least,”

“Just… send your mother. She’s a healer,” said Keahi. “I’ll be alright till she arrives.”

Crimson nodded, he was anxious to find Lannett. The burns had to be hurting her by now. He found Lanett sitting down on a bench, and just stared at nothing. Her eyes were blank, but her face had the expression of pain from years of abuse. She was suffering, and had been for a long time. Crimson gently approached her, evaluating the burn on her face, “My lady,” he whispered. “Your hurt...may I assist you,”

Lanett flinched. “No, no!” she whimpered, squirming in fear.

Crimson gently knelt trying to show her he would not hurt her, “Please, I can help. Our tears heal,”

Lanett blinked. “How?” she asked hoarsely.

Crimson gently took Lannett's face as a tear formed in his eyes. He took the tear gently placing it on her cheek. The tear tingled as it made the skin heal.

Soon, her face felt all better. It was all she could do not to cry again, this time in pure joy. “How… how does that work?” she asked.

“It's a phinox thing,” Crimson smiled, kneeling back to look up at her.

Lanett smiled back. “You’re very kind… to help me,” she said. “Um… I’m not worthy of such a noble act.”

“You are worthy, you deserve to be treated well. You are a beautiful person,” Crimson said holding her hand gently.

“That’s not what Lady Hannah says. I’m nothing more than a handmaiden, she says. I’m stupid and foolish… and I do everything wrong,” Lanett explained.

Crimson sighed unsure how to help this poor girl, “That couldn't be,” he said then he smiled. “You know what, come with me,”

Lanett smiled, and took his hand. “Okay,” she said.

Crimson escorted her up into the tower, “It's an amazing view up here,” he said waving up at the start sky.

“Oh. I’m… terrified of heights,” she said.

“I got you,” Crimson told her, hugging her protectively. “We can take an amazing lots of weights, so if you fall, I can catch you,”

“Y--you promise?” Lanett asked.

“I got you,” Crimson told her. “There is no reason to be afraid,”

Lanett smiled slightly, and nodded. “Okay…. I trust you,” she said.

“Come on,” Crimson said, pulling her higher up. “The view is amazing, look,” he told her.

Lanett hesitated before looking over at the beautiful view. She saw the great blue ocean, it sparkled under the star light. The view was absolutely beautiful. It was as if she was dreaming. So… this was what magic was really like?

“Oh, Crimson! This is amazing!” she gasped in pure delight.

“It's beautiful to see you smile,” Crimson sighed gazing at her happily. “I thought you'd like it,”

Lanett blushed, and bit her bottom lip. “I… thank you,” she said, and leaned against him.

Crimson sat down holding her securely and let her gaze upon the ocean. The breeze brushed by them but the heat in Crimson kept her warm. “We can stay as long as you wish,”

“I could stay here forever,” she said.

“Forever,” Crimson smiled cupping her cheek lovingly.

She nodded, and looked up at him in wonder. “You’ve… never told me… you liked me,” she said. “So… all of this is so fast… but I really like you, too.”

“It happened fast for me too…,” Crimson nodded backing off slightly but still held her protectively. “I..umm saw what Hannah did to you. Keahi asked me to spy on her. It was sitting there hiding in the fire I guess...I felt something for you,” he blushed. This had always been his problem, he always jumped into love too quickly and it always drew the girl away.

Lanett sighed, and lowered her eyes. “You saw that?” she whispered.

“Yes, I wanted to fly right in and rescue you right then and there but I couldn't. I didn't want to let Hannah know I was spying. I meant to come sooner but there was an issue with Xavoss,” Crimson explained.

“The dragon? The one that doesn’t say anything?” Lanett asked, completely confused.

“Yes, he got drunk and tried to take Elaine. Me and Keahi had to rescue her, it was a lot all at once,” he explained and sighed. “Look I thought you'd like to see something beautiful and magical. I'll help you back inside now,”

She smiled at him. “Thank you,” she said, and kissed his cheek.

“It...it's nothing…,” Crimson blushed and stood and helped her up. “Anytime you want to get away for a moment, I'll always be around,”

Together, they walked back to the palace, where they would return to their roles as servants. But they would never forget this night, as just Crimson and just Lanett: people who found each other in the darkest times, and found their own light.

******************

Not all was well of course, Xavoss had to answer for his hannus act, he knelt in his human form in the throne room, trying to recall what had happened, but after he downed his first barrel of ale he drew a blank. Any moment Queen Amay of Fowther should enter demanding answers.

Sure enough, there she was, dressed in a long black gown with beautiful golden embroidery. Her eyes were those of a killer, flashing with pure evil. Not quite hatred, but… evil. She sat down on the throne, and stroked her chin. “You’ve caused a great deal of trouble since your arrival,” she observed.

“You Highness, please forgive me. My actions were clouded at best. I never meant for any of it to happen,” Xavoss said bowing his head.

“Why would I forgive an attempted rapist?” Amay asked. “You attempted to shatter the innocence of your own rider.”

“My actions are unforgivable and I accept any punishment,” Xavoss said bowing low, unable to bare looking at her.

“How noble of you,” the queen sneered. “I’d have you castrated for what you’ve done. But I do not think that is punishment enough. The only thing that would utterly destroy you is having your wings ripped from your body.”

Xavoss looked up at her in pure terror, castration was a harsh punishment alone but his wings….she was insane. “That would kill me,”

Amay smiled. “No… my sweet boy. It would not kill you. It would do far worse,” she replied. “You would live with your deformity, and the choices you’ve made that brought you to where you are now. Indeed, it would teach you to respect women, wouldn’t it?”

Xavoss allowed, he didn't know how to respond. The door opened and he saw Queen Sophia enter. Her eyes held anger but to Queen Almay's.

“What is the meaning of this?” Amay demanded. “Remove her from my sight! Now!”

“Excuse me? Xavoss is part of my court and threatened my daughter,” Sophia snapped standing tall.

“He has disgraced my kingdom,” Amay pointed out, and turned to one of the guards. “Sir Warren, remove her,” she commanded.

“I deserve to know his punishment,” Sophia said as the guard took her to remove her. For a small framed woman she wasn't easy to move.

Amay smiled, and waved her arm to the guard to remove Sophia. Xavoss watched sady as his queen was forced out, still kneeling, awaiting his punishment. He was trying to gather all his strength for what was coming.

“Sir Warren, proceed,” Amay commanded once Sophia had been forced out.

Warren nodded getting the tools ready, Xavoss had to transform and be chained in his dragon form so he wouldn't hurt anyone once his wings were cut. Xavoss could only pray to the God's as he closed his eyes awaiting the pain.

Just then, Xavoss felt a sharp pain ripping through his right wing, slowly and excruciatingly as Sir Warren took his time with the torture. Xavoss thrashed through the pain, fighting against the chains “Stop, please!” he begged.

“Restrain him,” Amay instructed to the other guards. More chains were thrown on Xavoss as Warren continued to go through Xavoss's punishment. As Xavoss screamed in pain, Amay sat back smiling with satisfaction.

Again, the doors burst open, and there stood Keahi and Elaine. “Mother! What are you doing?!” Keahi screamed, and rushed over to Sir Warren, doing his best to push the knight away. “Get away from him now!”

“Xavoss,” Elaine gasped, seeing blood everywhere and her dragon in pain.

“Mother… you’re a monster,” Keahi whispered, and rushed out of the room to find Crimson. He was their only hope. He might even have to find Inferno, if it came to that.

Elaine stayed to comfort Xavoss, her heart hurt to see him like this, “Stay with me,”

“I’m… sorry… I hurt you… Elaine,” Xavoss whispered weakly.

“Shhhh,” Elaine said petting his head softly and sang softly the song she sang when he was a hatchling.

Meanwhile, Keahi rushed to find Crimson talking to Lanett. He looked happy. Great, he’ll never forgive me for this one, he thought, and rushed over to Crimson. “I need you.” He turned to Lanett. “I’m sorry, but there is an emergency.”

Crimson looked up from kissing Lannett's hand, “Ohh, alright,”

“Quick. We need to find Inferno and your mother. Amay just had Xavoss’s wings chopped off!” Keahi explained. “We need to heal him if we can.”

“What? Oh my Gods...alright,” Crimson said now looking urgant. “I'll return,” he assured Lannett and with a quick kiss on her cheek he turned into a phoenix and flew off to get as many phinoxes as he could find.

“Is...is there something I can do?” Lannett asked. pushing a hair back shly.

“Gather as many other handmaidens as you can. Get towels, sheets, and whatever else you can,” Keahi replied. “Then meet us in the Great Hall.”

Lannett nodded and hurried off to do all she could.

Keahi rushed to Inferno’s bed chambers, and banged on the door. “It’s an emergency!” he called. “Inferno, come on out!” he commanded.

Inferno opened her door wrapped loosely in a sheet, a young man was looking up embarrassed from her bed, “What kind of emergency?” Inferno frowned. “I'm... entertaining,”

Keahi cringed for a moment, just imagining how she was entertaining. “Get your ass dressed. Then go to the Great Hall. There is no time to explain, just go!” he snapped.

Inferno knew when not to argue and nodded, “Right away, I assure you,”

Keahi and the others raced back to the Great Hall, and found Xavoss shivering with Elaine doing all she could “Oh, gods,” he whispered, and turned to the phoenixes, who were visibly horrified by what they saw. “Go.”

“Keahi, he's barely hanging on,” Elaine whispered as the phinoxes went to work. “How could your mother do something so horrible,”

Keahi sighed, and shook his head. “I… I don’t know. I’m so sorry, Elaine,” he whispered.

Elaine turned back to Xavoss, running her hands up his muzzle, studying his handsome scaled face. He hadn't opened his eyes in a while now but his breathing at least had slowly stopped from him panting. “Thank you for hurrying to save him,” she whispered a tear leaking down her cheek.

“Of course,” Keahi replied softly, and turned to Xavoss. “You were right about me, my friend,” he whispered. “But I’m going to do everything I can to make everything right again.”

Elaine glanced at Keahi questions but Xavoss squirming in pain distracted her, “Easy Xa, your safe,”

“I know I am Fireball,” Xavoss whispered and nuzzled Elaine.

Crimson and Inferno were overcome with tears. On any other day, it would have broken Keahi’s heart to see his familiar, and even Inferno, so sad. But today, he was grateful. The tears would heal him faster. Just then, Lanett came in with towels, and other linens, along with other handmaidens and servants.

“We got everything we could find,” Lannett said as she approached. Even still Xavoss looked a mess but not as bad, “God's,” she whispered.

“The… tears… should help,” Inferno whimpered, struggling to keep her emotions in check. “I… I’m so sorry, Elaine….”

Crimson patted Inferno’s back reassuringly, and finally wiped away his own tears. “We’ve cried all we could, my lord,” he told Keahi.

“Thank you...it's more than I deserve,” Xavoss whispered trying to stand.

“Stay you, you need to rest,” Elaine said, encouraging him to lay again.

******************

Keahi secured Xavoss in a different room, his new wingless body was wrapped in bandages and blankets. Elaine sat beside him, singing his hatling song as she petted him. Keahi sat and listened to her beautiful voice. It gave him goosebumps. When her voice faded, he sighed, “That was beautiful,” he whispered.

“I used to sing it to him when he was but a hatchling. I would keep him in my bed even though he was supposed to be in the hatery,” She sighed standing. This was a royal mess, her mind befuddled by all that had happened. And now her dragon, her baby, her best friend had been disfigured.

“I’m sorry about Xavoss...will he live?”

“Unfortunately, but he will never fly, he will never change into a man. He would be an outcast among other dragons,” she told him helplessly.

“Elaine,” Keahi called standing, opening his arms hopeful, “Will you come here?” Elaine nodded and went into his arms, crying out slightly as he comforted her.

“Elaine?” came a quiet voice. Elaine looked up and saw Zeid as a dragon. she bowed her head to Elaine, “May I see Xavoss?”

“Yes, I need a break,” Elaine nodded. She and Keahi left, leaving Zied alone with Xavoss.

Zeid closed the doors and changed into her dragon form and laid next to Xavoss.

“What are you doing here, little one?” he asked in dragon tongue.

“I came to comfort you,” Zied whispered and nuzzled him.

“Why, I have shamed all dragons,” Xavoss frowned, closing his eyes angrily.

“Xavoss, I am here,” Zeid assured him and put her nose on his. They lay together in silence. Zeid kept Xavoss warm and safe.

“Zied...I am not fit for you,” Xavoss whispered after some well needed rest, he saw through her kindness.

“That is up to me to decide, be my mate Xavoss,” Zeid asked looking into his eyes. “I will take care of you, and we will bear many eggs,”

Xavoss sighed, “You are truly magnificent my mate,” he nodded and pressed his muzzle to hers. Completing the bound, a bound that would never fade.

******************

Meanwhile, Keahi and Elaine walked together in the woods hand and hand, “I don’t know what tomorrow will bring,” She sighed tiredly, glad that Keahi was there to support her. He had been overwhelmingly kind and gentle through this whole ordeal.

Keahi stop and knelt before her, “Marry me,”

Elaine stopped and blinked at him as he held her hand. “Keahi…,” she whispered but he drew her down and kissed her passently. She fell into his embrace and sighed as he caressed her body. “Yes,” she whimpered.

They removed their clothes with not much words, Keahi touched her skin and he drew her to him, “I won't hurt you my love,” he whispered. As he laid her upon the grass and spread her legs gently.

“I trust you,” Elaine whispered.

Keahi kissed her gently as he entered into her, pulling her into him. He ran his hands on her, touching her gently as he moved inside her. The warmth of her was invigorating. “Gods!”

Elaine gasped and pulled him in more and she kissed him back, there was so much passion as they kissed, her body quivered to their movements of passion.

Keahi slowed his movements, he didn’t want to rush this, “Elaine, my love,” he whispered, brushing her breast.

“Keahi, my husband,” she cried out, gripping him, moving against him. “Forever,”

“Forever,” he whispered and drove into her more kissing her again.

The two rolled and Elaine took over, and started riding him, as Keahi watched her below, his hands touched and teased her body as she pleasure herself onto him. The heat was unlike any heat he had ever known, her eyes a light with fire. He saw why Xavoss called her Fireball, she held it in her eyes.

Keahi gripped the ground as he felt himself about to release, he gasped feeling himself free himself into her and she cried out as she fell onto his chest. He wrapped her into his arms and kissed her forehead. “You and I together will save Perlington, somehow, someway,” he whispered.

Elaine kissed him and brushed his check, “My brother is the one in danger,” she told him.

“I know, we will go to your folks, they must know of the crimes that lady Hannah had done and plans to do,” Keahi told her.

Elaine nodded, yes there were things that needed to be done, but couldn’t she just have this tonight?

“We should return,” Keahi sighed reluctantly as well. “I’ll help you with your dress,” he offered. Elaine sighed and stood putting her dress back on, she felt herself quiver at his touch as he zipped it up and kissed the back of her neck, “Don’t worry, you can have me anytime you wish,” he whispered.

Elaine took his hand and squeezed, “I don’t want to go back to my chambers alone,” she whispered.

“You won’t have to,” Keahi assured her as he finished dressing. He pulled her into his arms. No one would stop him from being with her now. He wrapped his arms around her and escorted her back to the castle. Going to his chambers. Locked up in his room, they made love again, drifting off in the soft warm mattress.

******************

In the morning, the tension that had come from Queen Amay punishing Xavoss had not faded from her parents, in fact they were packing, “Elaine, pack up, we’re departing right away,” Ethan told her when she joined them in the grand hall.

“I’m staying,” Elaine said, wrapping her hand with Keahi’s.

“Elaine, the arrangement has been voided, stop being foolish,” Sophia frowned, shaking her head.

“No, the foolish move is rushing Kenneth’s marriage to Hannah,” Elaine frowned.

“Elaine, don’t you speak of Hannah, like that,” Kenneth frowned, taking Hannah’s hand.

“Ken, there are things you need to know about Hannah,” Keahi started.

“Enough we’re leaving,” Kenneth snapped. He shouldered his bag and took Hannah’s hand and walked out.

“Kenneth,” Sophia protested following him.

Outside, Kenneth called out, “Zeid,” he demanded.

Where Xavoss had been resting, Zied poked her head out, “No,” she told him

“What do you mean no,” Kenneth asked her surprised.

“My king, you must listen instead of turning away,” Keahi said, trying to appease to the king.

“What your mother did is unforgivable, it's nothing to do with you,” Ethan sighed.

“I love your daughter, my king. We made love last night to embrace our union. I think we need to all sit and talk,” Keahi said hugging Elaine.

Ethan and Sophia looked at each other, “Kenneth inside,” Ethan sighed.

“Zied, here now,” Kenneth yelled angrily at his dragon. Zied stepped back lowering her head as Xavoss’s head emerged as well. His head brushed against her head, supporting her.

“Would you look at that,” Elaine whispered hugging Keahi.

“What?” Keahi frowned, not understanding what was going on.

“Dragon’s mate for life,” Elaine told him pointing to the two. “The mate will sometimes take over the natural protectiveness they have over their rider,”

Keahi almost laughed, to fight her father, she took Xavoss as a mate, and Xavoss, probably knowing he would never have any other mate, took Zeid.

“I don’t believe this,” Kenneth frowned, turning. “My baby took your disgusting dragon,” he turned on Elaine.

“You're the one who started to miss treating her. Xavoss only fault was that he loved me too much, now he loves Zeid,” Elaine said, shaking her head. “I had nothing to do with this,”

“Kenneth, let us go inside, I don’t like the way you're acting,” Ethan said, frowning disapprovingly at his son.

Kenneth sighed and kissed Hannah on the head, “Come on,” he sighed.

“We could still go,” Hannah said, unlike how the odds of this turning out good for her.

“Now Kenneth,” Ethan snaped.

Inside, Keahi, Elaine, Ethan, Sophia, Kenneth, Hannah, Crimson and even Zied joined them. She calmly sat as far from Kenneth as possible, unfazed by his glare.

“Will someone explain what is going on?” Ethan begged.

“Gladly my king,” Keahi nodded. “Lady Hannah is after the crown, she wishes to destroy Cromewell. My phoenix Crimson and I believe Zeid have witnessed her cruelty to her handmaiden Lannett as well as the abuse she has caused her.”

“Lannett was burnt by her, I healed her to the best of my ability but she will always have a scar,” Crimson sighed.

“Where is this handmaiden?”Ethan asked, raising his eyebrow.

Crimson hesitated, “I can go fetch her,” he nodded.

“Please do Crimson,” Keahi nodded thankful. Crimson bowed and left the room.

“Do you have anything to say to these accusations, Lady Hannah?” Sophia asked, looking at her.

“I was only cruel because she was incompente,” Hannah sighed.

“And what of you wishing to destroy Cromwell,” Ethan asked, raising his eyebrow.

“Lies,” Hannah said simply. “I love Kenneth and we are ready to start our lives together,”

“Hannah, do you know that Dragons have the ability to share things they have seen, they can not alter it, even if they try,” Sophia asked.

“Do you wish me to share what I witnessed, my queen?” Zied asked.

“Yes, please show me,” Sophia asked, taking Zeid’s hand.

Elaine snuggled up against Keahi as they waited, she saw her father sigh as he looked upon them, “Is this truly what you wish for my daughter?”

“Yes papa,” Elaine nodded.

“Then I bless your union,” Ethan nodded. “At least there will be some peace finally,”

“That you can be sure of my king,” Keahi nodded.

Sophia and Zied seemed to be done as Crimson returned with Lanett, holding her hand gently as he escorted her in. Elain covered her mouth at the sight of Lanett’s face, she had indeed been burnt badly. But seeing the way Crimson rubbed her back, made Elaine realize that he did care.

“My King and Queen,” Lannet said, bowing her head respectful.

“Who made this scar?” Ethan asked.

Lanett hesitated, Crimson rubbed her back and gave her an encouraging nod. “My lady threw a hot cup of tea at my face because I didn’t make it right,” she said shyly.

“Did the lady tell you of her plans to be queen?” Sophia asked her eyes narrow at Hannah.

“My lady, she has neither love for Cromwell nor Kenneth. She wishes to destroy Perlington all together,” Lanett sighed bowing her head respectfully.

“My king, She knows not what she speaks of, I--” Hannah tried to state in her defence.

But King Ethan raised his hands, “Unfortunately Lady Hannah, I must believe the word of these people over yours. Like my wife said, a dragon speaks truth when showing something they have already witnessed,” he told her.

“And what Zied alone witnesses is proof enough that what Sir Crimson and Ms. Lanett have said is also true,” Sofia told her.

“Kenneth?” Hannah whispered, taking his hand pleadingly.

Kenneth sighed and looked upon his dragon helplessly. “You took Xavoss, because I wouldn’t listen to you,” he sighed understanding now.

“What else was I supposed to do papa, you were treating me so cruelly, it was the only way to break our bond so I could save you. But do not worry, Xavoss will be good to me and we will take care of each other,” Zied told him gently. “But I must return to him, if that’s alright my queen,” she said, turning to the queen.

“Of course Zied, but if you two will stay close for now, that would be grand,” Sofia nodded.

“If it's alright with Prince Keahi,” Zied nodded.

“That will be your home for as long as you need,” Keahi nodded to her.

“Thank you,” Zied nodded. She got up and kissed Kenneth on his check, “I still love you papa,”

Kenneth smiled slightly at her, “And I love you,”

Ethan sighed as she left, “Now what about Fowther? Your mother is definitely not happy about what transpired here, she obviously has a blood lust,” he said tiredly.

“Screw my mother,” Keahi sighed angrily. “She mostly wanted this union because of the gold that came with your daughter’s hand.” he sighed. “That’s all she loves is riches,”

“Perhaps this may overstep, but I think Elaine and Keahi should run Cromwell,” Kenneth suggested.

Ethan and Sophia looked at each other then at Keahi, “What do you two think?”

Keahi had to admit it was tempting, to escape to Cromewell, an already prospering kingdom, who knew maybe he could get a dragon of his own, and together he and Elaine could fly together. “I think my sister is more than qualified to run Fowther in my absence, honestly she was the better choice,”

“Then it’s settled, I will speak to Grayson, at least he has some sense not to try and start war when all we want is peace. We will then return to Cromewell and have a proper wedding for the two of you,” Ethan said and left the room.

Sophia smiled at her daughter and took her hand, “You look so happy,” she sighed.

“Of course mother, I don’t feel like I'm being torn in two any more,” Elaine smiled and kissed Keahi lovingly.

“And for once I finally know what love is,” Keahi smiled at her.

“Ahhh, that is a happy ending,” Sohia smiled adoringly at them.

******************

It was a happy ending indeed, Hannah was sent back to Arstilliam to face the queen for her doings. Kenneth became the head’s guardsman for Cromwell. And as Keahi and Elaine joined hands in matrimony, the hope for Perlington’s future was bright as Dragons and Phoenix showed their respect to the new King and Queen of Cromwell.

As his first decread, Keahi gave Xavoss a full pardon on his crimes and made him a barn for him and Zeid to nest in, where indeed they gave their first egg to Keahi as a present. He smiled at his midnight blue dragon that had hatched and decided to name it Azule.

Back in Fowther, Princess Bethanne took the crown from her parents marrying a lord that she had fancied forever. She appointed her Phoenix, Inferno as her royal advisor. And kept Crimson and his wife, Lanett in her court too. Crimson and Lanett of course traveled frequently back and forth to Cromwell. ‘To keep Keahi in line’ Crimson would say.

********************

fantasy
Like

About the Creator

Elizabeth Leblanc

Just a girl who loves a good fantasy

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.