Day 8
Jessica woke up. The sun was shining on her face. She looked around. She was back at the palace and surrounded.
“So, you got my blood after all.” She was resentful.
Yair acted as a translator.
“What is she talking about?” Drake asked.
“I asked if she was willing to do a blood test. She refused and ran away.” Prince Ryu said
“Tell the girl we have not taken her blood and send for Shane.” Prince Ryu ordered.
His voice boomed with authority. He spoke loudly and clearly. A command from a voice like that and even a rebel would listen.
“How are you feeling?” Drake asked Jessica.
“Like a prisoner.” She replied
“Is my dragon, ok?” she asked.
“Yes, he is fine. A few days and his wing will have mended. You could have been killed.” Princess Libelle said.
Shane came in with Pragya.
“Why did you run away?” Drake asked her.
“Because your people are crazy. They tried to force me to marry. Shane was fed alive to rats by the man in charge. Your people hurt me. They hurt us.” She answered.
Yair translated.
Everyone stood looking at her in silence.
Their silence made it worse for her.
“I was afraid. You wanted to drink my blood or something equally gross and invasive and savage.” She fiddled with a loose thread.
“Why not come to me?” Drake asked.
“I don’t even understand you without Yair translating. Nor do I know where to find you. For all I know you were part of it. You have seen what the barracks is like and yet you do nothing. Instead, you eat like kings while your people starve.”
There was silence again.
Shane was hoping this wasn’t the part where their welcome was worn out and they were fed to crocodiles or something like that.
Drake took her hand
“I understand.”
He looked grieved.
Jessica didn’t want to hurt him, but they needed to understand that she was not sticking around. She didn’t trust them, not one bit.
Yair watched as his friend was hurt. The family had been kind to them and they showed little respect for that. This upset him.
Prince Ryu sighed
“As leader of my people I have forgotten what desperate people do. You will not be harmed here. You are free to go wherever you wish. We apologize for what our people have done to you.” He paused
“We wanted to see if you were the lost heir to the throne. Your red hair alone should have been enough. But I am not a man that leaves things to chance. I needed to be sure. I realize it was too soon a request.”
“I am not the lost heir to the throne.” Jessica said.
“How do you know this?” Prince Drake asked.
Jessica was about to explain they were from another world. But fear stopped her.
“I am sure of this. How will my blood tell you anything?” she asked.
“The royal family has blue blood.” Drake answered calmly.
“I don’t have blue blood.” She replied.
“None of your injuries bled so we don’t know this.” Libelle said.
Jessica was defensive.
“I told you, I am not the lost heir. I am not royal.”
“You may come to me with anything that upsets you. You and Shane are safe here.” Drake said to her.
“Thank you for your kindness to us.” Shane said trying to smooth things over.
Pragya watched, she knew what was what. She knew everything Yair knew. The prince loved his people and even though he couldn’t be on top of everything he was a man who kept his word and had the best of intentions. Even sacrificing some to save others, grieved him. She wanted to stay, but she also knew that Shane and Jessica where from a world that works differently. No one could be trusted and everyone had to look out for themselves.
“Maybe Jessica needs rest.” Pragya suggested.
So, the royal family left her. She looked at Shane.
“Do you believe anything they said?” Jessica asked.
“Yes, I do. Being in charge is not easy and that barracks has seen war.”
“Do you believe we are safe here?” she asked.
“I don’t know. But I believe we are not prisoners.” Shane replied.
“That should make me feel better but it doesn’t.” she looked down.
“What does your gut say?” Shane asked.
“That Yair is loyal only to his masters. I believe King Ryu and his wife don’t mean us harm yet. I don’t know what I feel about Drake.” Her voice lowered.
“You like him.” Shane said
“What was you first impression?”
“Um… Handsome, capable, ruthless maybe some rich kid in there.”
Shane smiled
“Trust yourself. I trust you.” He told her.
This was comforting to her.
Having someone believe in you, always gives one strength, lifts them up so they can, when they believed they couldn’t.
Yair approached Prince Drake. He was going to remind the prince what he knew about Shane and Jessica.
“Prince Drake, please remember that Jessica and Shane are from another world. She is from a world called earth. She is not the lost heir to the throne. Shane is not her brother, but he lives in the same town as her. She is a curious one, who looks for and finds trouble. She seeks the truth at any cost and she will not let something go. No even for those she loves. Shane is a healer in his world and he cares about the well-being of strangers and what they call innocents. He called himself her brother to protect her, even when she believes his father is guilty of murder. Neither of them knows how they got here.”
“Shane is protecting her even though she thinks his father is guilty.” Drake was surprised.
“He is like that. Believes it’s his duty to protect people.” Yair replied.
“I have told your parents the ruling prince and princess. I do not know why they still think she is the lost heir.” Yair told Drake.
“Thank you. Yair.” Drake turned back to Yair “What can I do to comfort Jessica?” Drake asked.
“The woman Jessica liked the dragon hatching. Maybe she will like other normal things in your life. Like the race. Or flowers are something earth men give earth women.”
“Flowers?” Drake asked
“Will she like flowers?”
“I do not know. But Shane would give a woman flowers, when he was saying sorry or I like you.”
Drake stiffened
“Maybe not flowers.”
“Sweet food was also something men gave women.” Yair suggested.
“Food makes more sense.” Drake said.
Drake when to speak with his parents.
“Father, mother, may I speak with you?” he asked.
“Go on.” His father answered.
“You know that Jessica is from another world, why do you want to see her blood?”
Prince Ryu smiled
“What if she was sent to another world for protection and she doesn’t even know she is the lost heir? Her red hair is royal why not her blood?” Ryu proposed.
Drake now understood the request for the blood.
“She says her blood is not blue.”
“She has lied before when afraid.” Ryu pointed out.
When Drake left his parents, he was now wondering himself if she was the lost heir?
He had an idea. Jessica was resting but she would need to eat. He had food prepared and set on a tray. Then he took it to her.
Jessica was sitting in bed. Shane had left with Pragya and she was thinking about the prince. As if her thoughts could make things happen, he appeared with food.
He said something to her but without Yair to translate, so she didn’t understand.
Jessica looked at the tray, displayed with fruit and maybe a bowl of yoghurt. She wasn’t sure.
She thanked him and he pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed.
The food looked interesting and she liked trying new foods. If it looked good and didn’t smell funny.
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She offered him some.
To her surprise he ate. Taking a piece of fruit and dipping it in the white yoghurt type stuff. She did the same. It was a very bitter something, with a sweet after taste.
She wished she could speak to him, understand him.
So, they shared the tray of food. It was to quiet and almost awkward for Jessica. So, she did the ice breaker she knew. She took a piece of fruit and dipped it. Then she touched him on the nose with it. Leaving a white patch on his nose.
Drake froze his face was not happy.
Oops, she thought.
He wiped it off his nose. With a serious unimpressed expression, he stood up.
Dragon Riders and I, she thought.
Then he took the bowl of white stuff put three fingers in and scooped out a bit of stuff. Then all in one smooth motion, wiped it on her face.
Jessica squealed.
“Not fair I only put a little on your nose.”
She wiped her face against him, wiping it off her and onto him.
So, they played. Language was not necessary. Jessica knew what she was communicating and so did he.
However, their games were interrupted by Drake’s youngest brother Charon. He was thirteen years old. The young teenager looked at them with disapproval.
“Father wants to see you.” He told Drake coldly.
Jessica got the feeling that not all of Drake’s brothers were happy for him. She sensed sibling rivalry and the desire for the throne on that boy. The youngest with no chance of ever ruling. Wanted to rule. She hoped she was wrong.
Drake answered his brother.
“Where is father? I shall go there now.”
“In the great hall of judgement. Why are you playing with your food?” Charon asked.
“One day little brother you will understand. One day.” He answered.
Jessica got up. She wanted to clean herself and get her camera. She had to capture the palace in the day. It was beautiful. Also, she wanted to find out what this place was all about. Was she safe or were there dying skinny people in the dungeon?
Shane was happy when Jessica told him that she was staying. He had a feeling it had something to do with Prince Drake. But he knew Prince Drake alone wouldn’t be able to keep her for long.
Shane was determined to learn as much as he could while the opportunity was available.
Shane went to check out the room he was given to work in. A big table was there with glass, metal and wooden instruments. Everything was clean. He had genuine silver utensils. It was lovely. He had access to any book he wanted.
Secretly he planned to map out the area and find a way back home, or at least discover how they got here and where here was in the universe.
Drake found his father. They discussed Drake going to the peace talks and what he needs to prepare for his trip to see the queen. The peace conference was his first official act as ruling prince. He was honored and took his responsibilities very seriously.
However, he worried that Jessica wouldn’t be there upon his return. She wanted to leave and he had to stay. A prince’s duty came first. His duty to his tribe and then only himself.
Drake intended to be the best ruling prince the Skiopia had ever had.
Jessica had challenged him by bring up the suffering of his people that he was ignoring. He knew he would have to change that if he was going to be a great leader.
Drake liked Jessica’s courage; she was strong enough to stand up to anyone, when she felt there was in injustice.
Drake had one sister, Tanith. She was sixteen cycles and she was noticing men. A young woman who would be given in bonding to a man of valor, maybe a general or someone of potential. The ruling prince’s daughter was someone who ensured alliances and mended bridges.
Jessica wondered the palace taking pictures of people and things, when Tanith the only princess came over. Tanith was wearing a red dress that looked great on her. But her shoes where leather boots. Tanith tried to have a conversation with her. But it was unsuccessful.
The young princess knew that being on big bothers good side was good for her.
Every male child had a place since birth. General of generals to the second son. Watcher of progress for the third son and the fourth son was responsible for trade alliances. All the sons would help the ruling prince and answer to the ruling prince. Which would one day be Drake.
Tanith knew that if her husband was to have a ruling rank in the family it would be Drake that would give it. She also knew that Drake’s head was turned for Jessica and she wanted to help them along.
So, Tanith took Jessica to hot springs to bath. Only the royal family were allowed to use the hot springs for they had healing powers. The waters were filled with minerals that revived the skin and hair. The temperature eases the aches of the body.
Jessica looked at the pools of hot water. Water ran down from a rock into the pool.
A shower, Jessica thought.
Tanith undressed and got into the water.
What is it with people and public bathing? Jessica wondered.
She kept her underwear on and got into the pool. It was perfect. The water was just right. There were jets from below and a hot shower from above. She wished for soap but a good rinse would do for now.
A servant of Tanith’s who was also a friend of Yair’s, came to her.
“Princess, what are you doing bring the new woman into the royal pools? If your father new he would be angry.”
“Then my father mustn’t know. I intend to befriend the woman. But the Viden cannot know what I am going. You must keep it a secret.”
“Why are you doing this?” the servant asked.
“Kindness speaks all languages.” Tanith replied.
Jessica decided that the princess wasn’t so bad. A bath was what she needed and its warm waters soothed not only her body but her troubled mind.
She was afraid to admit to anyone but her crash landing with the dragon made her afraid to fly again. She knew she could have died. She had acted without taking risks into account and she almost died. If Shane and Pragya had come with her, then all three of them could be dead. She didn’t like saying sorry or admitting she was wrong. But she knew she had made the wrong choice.
She should have waited out the storm. Now her body ached from the crash and her face was still swollen. The chipmunk look had gone down but she was not looking herself yet.
Tanith then took Jessica to her chambers. There was a small room with shelves of clothes.
She wanted Jessica to look like a suitable bride. So, the family would see her as a possibility rather than a guest or stranger.
However, her attempt to fly away in a storm just to get away from them… that would take some salvaging.
Jessica couldn’t believe how much clothes and beautiful clothes this princess had.
To her surprise Tanith wanted her to pick something to wear. Anything she wanted. She didn’t like dresses normally but these looked, movie magical. The unreal clothes of beauty that princess or our heroin would wear when the final battle is about to begin. Or once it’s all over and everything was now right with the world. Victory dresses for the end seen.
She carefully looked through everything. Not leaving one dress unappreciated. Finally, she made her choice.
Shane was fetched by Yair for an afternoon meal. The royal family were not present. They ate separate to everyone else. Generals and men of honor sat at the table. Then Tanith brought Jessica in. She looked beautiful. Royal even as if she could be the princess. Everyone at the table stood. Not just because the princess walked in but because Jessica looked like a princess. She sat down next to Shane whose mouth was open.
“What?!”
“You look amazing.” Shane said.
She grinned
“Thank you! The princess Tanith has been showing me around. I like her.”
“So, do I” Shane said still looking at Jessica.
The whole tabled looked at Jessica.
A young man of potential. A cousin of the prince took a shine to her. Almost every man that saw her thought.
The lost heir
Her red hair curled down her back. It had a shine to it that Shane wasn’t used to seeing.
“You look nice.” He said.
“You already said so.” Jessica grinned.
Tanith left to eat with her mother. But she had set in motion the interest of Jessica Wildness. Someone who looked fit for a royal match. Who would now object to the prince being bonded with her?
After eating Yair saw Jessica. He was surprised. Even though she had worn dresses before she had never really looked good enough for the prince.
“You are looking lovely” Yair complemented.
“Thank you.”
“Prince Drake has requested an audience with you.”
“Please lead the way.” Jessica said liking the positive responses.
She felt beautiful in the dress and her confidence showed.
Confidence is attractive!
Jessica came to Prince Drake who seemed taken by her appearance.
Yair translated as they spoke.
“A fine woman you are.” He said.
“Thank you. What do you desire of me?” she asked knowing her question was ambiguous.
Drake looked cornered. Then he composed himself.
“Please accompany me for a walk. Our mountain paths have some of the best views in the kingdom.”
“I would be delighted.” She said
“But I should probably change.”
“Why?” he asked.
“I wouldn’t want to dirty this lovely dress.” She said.
“The dress will be perfect. Do not worry about it.”
He likes the dress, she thought.
He held out his arm to lead her. She took it and followed him into the garden outside the palace. Then out onto a path leading towards the mountain.
“Your brother Shane saved you last night. He told us you had left in the storm. We search for you for a long time. When I found you. You were as cold as death, barely breathing.”
Jessica felt bad. She didn’t know they had searched for her for a long time. It made sense since she woke up warm and inside the palace.
“I am sorry.” She said “Endangering others.” She paused Yair translated
“I was afraid. I know you mean me no harm and I should have trusted that I was safe.” She fiddled with the bead on her dress
“I let fear get the best of me.”
Drake stopped walking
“You are safe here. No one will hurt you or your brother.”
Again, he said your brother. She wondered why. Part of her wanted to tell him the truth but that meant telling Yair the interpreter the truth and she didn’t think he liked her very much.
But part of her got the feeling he already knew and he was fishing.
“Thank you. Knowing we are safe will ease our troubles.”
“I have heard you are a widow. I am sorry for your loss. I can only imagine your pain.”
“Sometimes our troubles can lead us to something beautiful if we only have the courage.” She flirted.
She didn’t like the fishing for information.
“Your parents must be very upset with me.” She tried to see his expression.
“Your words grieved them. But it is nothing that we didn’t need to hear.”
He continued
“You spoke the truth. Few do. Most are too afraid to tell us off like you did.”
“I am sure it’s for good reason.” She said then realized that it might have sounded like they should be too afraid to speak up like she did to the royal family.
“You speak what you feel. It is sobering.” Drake said.
Jessica wasn’t sure what to say. She didn’t feel like she spoke what she felt but rather a tough barrier that didn’t let anyone in.
“I think you see me as braver than I am.”
“Twice you have admitted to feeling afraid. That is brave.” Drake said.
They continued walking. The path was beautiful and the higher they went the prettier the flowers. Jessica liked flowers.
“I have to go away to discuss peace with the queen of the land. I do not know how long I will be gone.”
He looked at her as if memorizing her face.
“Will you be here when I return?”
Jessica didn’t know what to say. She was planning to flirt with the prince and maybe make-out. But asking her to wait for him… it seemed a bit more serious than what she was thinking.
“How long will you be gone?” she asked.
“I do not know. As long as it takes to agree on a peaceful solution to our people’s problems. Or until we discover she is tricking us.”
“So, this trip is dangerous?”
Drake looked like he was going to smile.
“Are you concerned for my safety?” he asked.
“Yes.” Jessica said flatly
“If you don’t return what will happen to us, Shane and I?”
“You will be guests as long as you stay and when or if you chose to leave, we will escort you to the destination of your choosing.”
“What if I went with you to this peace conference? I don’t speak the language so I can’t mess anything up.”
She was afraid of staying with the ruling prince and his family. After her run-away attempt, she worried they would find a way to pay her back for the inconvenience.
Yair objected to the prince who was thinking about what she said
“Drake, she looks like a royal heir. If she goes with you, it might look like you are trying to over throw the queen.”
“We can keep her hidden.” Drake said.
“For how long?” Yair asked.
Drake didn’t want to hear it. For he knew Yair was right.
“I will ask your advice when I want it. Please translate only.” Drake told Yair.
“Having you come with me would be wonderful.” Drake told Jessica.
Jessica’s heart jumped. A sigh of relieve waved over her.
“May Shane come with?” She asked.
Her big blue-grey eyes focused on his.
“Yes, he may.” The prince said.
Jessica hugged him. Not caring about protocol or if it was allowed.
She could feel Yair’s glare of judgement. But she didn’t care. She wasn’t going to be left in the palace with people she didn’t trust.
“Thank you!” she said sincerely.
They walked up to the view point. It was beautiful. She could see the palace down below and the snow-capped mountains surrounding it. The training grounds for the dragons. The training grounds for the soldiers. A breeding pen for the dragons and so much more. It was lovely. A whole community living below unaware they were being watched from on high.
“It’s beautiful” she said.
Drake just smiled. Happy she like it.
They walked back to the palace where Prince Ryu was waiting for them.
“My Son where have you been? We have received news that the queen is searching for a woman. One of our scouts has returned from the City Point. The queen’s men are on the move and no one knows why.”
“Father do not be troubled. We have received a royal seal of protection for the meeting. If something should happen to me or the other leader who attend then everyone will unite against the queen and we will still be victorious.”
“You speak well my son. May our kingdom know no more loss.” Ryu declared proudly.
“Father, I wish to take Shane and Jessica with me to the peace meeting.”
Prince Ryu looked at Jessica dressed like a princess of noble birth. She had indeed turned his son’s head. He knew from experience that a woman could be a dangerous creature luring a man out of his senses.
“If you think it is wise, take them.” Prince Ryu said.
Drake wasn’t sure it was wise but he was taking them anyways.
Prince Ryu watched as Drake went in with Jessica behind him. She looked the part but he felt in his heart she wasn’t right for him and he couldn’t say anything.
“Yair, is my son beyond reason?” Ryu inquired.
“I can’t say. Time will tell.”
“Indeed.” He watched Drake smile at her as they moved out of sight.
“All the woman to choose from and a girl from another world is his choice.”
“My prince, it appears so”
Yair had an idea
“If this world that she is from is untouched by the queen’s evil then maybe we should consider making an alliance with them.”
“They do not know how they got here so how can we make an alliance with their world?” Prince Ryu asked.
“Maybe if we learn about their world, we will know which world they are from and how strong that world is.” Yair said.
“Yair do you believe the sugs are open again? It is the only way they could have gotten here.” Ryu pondered answering his own question.
“I do not believe this is the case. Rather an unfortunate experience for them. One we can benefit from. Maybe we can find a way to open the sugs.”
“What do you think happened then?” Prince Ryu asked.
“I think they opened the sugs just long enough for them to travel. I think their world does not normal have active sugs and that’s why they are so confused” Yair said.
“See if you can kiss Shane or Jessica with permission and find out more about their world and if they can help us in our fight against the queen.” Prince Ryu instructed.
“There is another thing, Shane is a healer on his world and he cares for the stranger. I think Shane will be easier to convince to help us. I do not know Jessica and she does not want to be known.” Yair said.
“Thank you for your input. It is unusual but appreciated.” Prince Ryu said to Yair.
Prince Ryu walked away leaving Yair. He went and told his wife all he had learned of their guests.
“Cares so much for the well-being of others. That’s the type of man I want our daughter Tanith to bond with.” Libelle pondered.
“Shane has lied to us.” Ryu objected.
“Indeed, but with good intentions.”
“And this Jessica” Ryu said in a tone
“Do you believe her to be worthy of our son?”
“Why would she not be?” Libelle asked calmly not allowing herself to be shaken.
“She lied and she is planning to go with Drake to the peace confidence.”
Libelle waited for the real reason
“I feel she is wrong for him”
“I see. Then we should test her.” Libelle said.
Ryu smiled he liked this idea
“How do we test her?”
He asked already happy as if his son had already seen the light about her.
“We will need to test her loyalty. Her strength, and her character. Let’s have an accident happen which she witnesses so we can see how she will respond. Maybe put a stranger’s life in danger. I believe we can drawer out what is within. But if she proves herself then you must bless their bonding.”
“Agreed” Ryu said sure she would fail.
Shane and Pragya looked though books and he wrote his knowledge down. He liked the idea of practicing as a doctor again. Then he got his first patient. A burn victim, half his body had been burnt by a baby dragon. He was not a Skiopia boy. But a Terra who had taken refuge among the Dragon Riders’ when he was a child.
He screamed in pain and with most of the Mystic Healers at the barracks and others in the surrounding towns, Shane’s skills were put to the test. He was able to sedate the boy and put a mix on the burnt areas. But Shane wasn’t sure of the boy’s chances.
Sunset came over the palace in a beautiful orange glow that sparkled like gold off the roof and in the windows. Shane sat in the center garden looking at the sky.
Pragya sat next to him in the dirt. He smiled at her but didn’t feel like talking. He missed home. Even though this woman was intriguing she wasn’t home. She was a beautiful alien a girl that men of earth would want. But watching the sunset he felt alone and lost on a rock in space.
Pragya held his hand and put her head on his shoulder.
If that had happened the day before he would have leaped inside. But that evening it wasn’t enough.
“Tomorrow will be better.” She said.
“What if this is every day from now on?” he asked not even looking at her.
“Thoughts like that will bring a great man to ashes.”
Depressed thoughts weren’t helpful. Discouragement however was real and it leads to a bad place.
“What would you have me do?” he asked.
She didn’t reply she sat with her head on his shoulder. Watching the orange light reflect like gold off the palace.
She kissed him on the cheek.
Shane cheek tingled unexpectedly.
They sat there until the servants came to light the lamps in the garden. Then they went to eat. The hall was full, soldiers sat at every table. The sound of chatting voices drowned out any clear words. They got some food and sat down. The food was not like when they had eaten with the Prince Ryu and his family. But it wasn’t brown soup either. Rather mash potatoes with a sausage and gravy.
Jessica came it, she was still wearing the dress from earlier and she looked great.
The room became quiet as she walked over to Shane. Every man watched her, and whispered about her.
She sat down glowing with excitement, not even noticing the reception she received. Usually, she would notice but this time she was completely distracted about telling Shane the good news. They could leave with Drake.
“I was walking with Drake earlier and he said we can go with him to the peace conference. We don’t have to stay here.” She beamed.
“And go where?” Shane asked still discouraged.
“To the castle where the evil queen lives. Away from here and these Dragon people.”
Shane didn’t seem happy about it.
“Does it matter where we go?” she asked.
“Why not stay?” Shane asked.
“I want to go home” Jessica said.
“So do I.” Shane said.
“So, have you learnt anything helpful here?” she asked.
“What about Prince Drake? Are you going to leave him?”
“Why do you care if I leave him?” Jessica asked.
“Because if you break his heart, we will have a lot of enemies.”
Jessica frowned
“We have a few more days here. Decide before then. I am going with him and I would like you to come with me. But whatever you decide I will still go.”
Jessica ate, wondering why Shane was so moody.
She then went to her room.
Shane come to see her later that evening.
“I am sorry I was grumpy with you. You could have died. I was worried. Now you can’t wait to leave again. I just worry you are running away from one thing to something worse. Jessica, you look like royalty and that will get you places. But be careful. I don’t want to bandage you up like I did the boy that was burnt by a dragon today. I don’t know if he will make it.”
Jessica hugged him
“I will be careful and maybe you can be a voice of reason in my wild driven ear.” She said trying to lighten the mood.