Day 13

A great shadow came over them. They looked up and saw a hoard or dragons.

“Have you decided to finish me off?” Tẽra asked Drake.

There was still a lot of mistrust between the two of them. For they did not know one another.

“No not at all. I did not send for them and as I told Griffith, war with you is war with me. We are betrothed.”

The dragons landed and more than a hundred and fifty soldiers climbed off. Plus, Drake’s parents.

“Father, mother, to what to I owe the pleasure?” he asked.

“Once we heard of the offer to bond, we realized this was not a trap. We are here for the peace talks. But I see we have come at a bad time.” Prince Ryu said.

“Yes, we were attacked twice yesterday. First by soldiers and then by villagers. They want the head of my betrothed and they have taken Jessica.”

“This is sad news. Where is the queen that we may speak with her?” Libelle asked.

Tẽra come over. She was composed and appeared calm and in control. She gave the royal greeting and asked.

“Why is your army disturbing our honoring of the dead? Please take your dragons to the field outside the castle perimeter and leave your army with them.”

“We have but a small group to accompany us. Hardly an army.” Prince Ryu said.

He looked at the people with their hands on their swords.

“I will have General Nathan accompany you, and men will bring you back from the field with horses.” Tẽra said.

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She called for General Nathan and gave him the order.

“You cannot send us away. We are here to represent our people.” Ryu objected.

“You will be please to know that Drake has represented you well. He will continue to represent his people and during breaks you may speak with him regarding matters of state. You are welcome to stay and during our mourning provide comfort.” Tẽra said.

Ryu and Libelle looked at the smoke piles were people once lay.

“What about the bonding ceremony? Will you disgrace us with that too?” Libelle asked.

“We can discuss it upon the conclusion of the peace conference.” Tẽra forced a smile “I have urgent matters to attend to.” Tẽra walked away.

Prince Ryu and Princess Libelle were offended. They had expected to intimidate the queen with their army but instead they were sent to a field and asked to travel on horses with the queen’s men. Even Drake had been offish.

Ryu and Libelle did not travel back with the dragons. They had their men do it.

Griffith saw an opportunity. He recognized the offense and hoped to find an ally in killing the queen.

Autumn came to Tẽra.

“Let me go find the missing. I have a small group of volunteers.”

“Go.” Tẽra said.

Nikki came over to Tẽra.

“Are you alright?” she asked.

“I will be. My future in laws have already tried to intimidate me with their army just after mine is destroyed. I am not a big believer in coincidence.” Tẽra said.

“Do you think they had something to do with it?” Nikki asked.

Tẽra thought for a moment.

“No, Drake lost too many men fighting. I just think the timing is… suspicious.” Tẽra replied.

Joe came over.

“If I leave today, will you be alright?” Joe asked.

“It will be sad to see you leave but I understand.” Tẽra said.

“You are not understanding me. If I go, will you be protected or will you get assassinated?” Joe asked.

“I am hoping for the former.” Tẽra replied.

Joe looked at the Dragon Rider royalty.

“I will stay and after I will hunt him down and kill him.” Joe said.

“I do feel safer knowing you are here.” Tẽra said “Thank you. I know it is a hard decision.”

Zazo approached.

“My queen. I fear they are going to raise up against you.” Zazo said.

Tẽra looked at Drake.

“No, Drake has made it clear he stands with me, and if I recall if I have the Dragon Rider’s I have them all.” Tẽra said.

“Drake is no longer the Spiopia tribe.” Zazo said, “He is just a son again and the army that now secures the castle is loyal to his parents, the ruling prince and princess.”

“Then I guess we keep them close.” Tẽra replied “Very close.”

Tẽra walked into the dining hall. Natrica’s brains were still splattered on the table. She felt sick. Tẽra decided it was time to let Tiffany know that Hannah her handmaid was dead. She took a walk towards the dungeon. The blood of the slain still covered the walls and floors. The smells were nauseating. She held her nose as she walked. She squeaked as a rat ran past her.

Her skin crawled.

Tẽra approached Tiffany’s cell.

“I have bad news for you. The castle was attacked, and Hannah was killed.”

Tiffany looked at her with rage in her eyes.

“You wear my closes and my mother’s crown. But you are not a queen!” Tiffany screamed.

“I will kill you when I get out.” Tiffany vowed.

Tẽra started walking away then she turned to Tiffany and said.

“I am sorry for your loss.”

Tiffany screamed and yelled. Her raged was not quenchable. It burned in her soul like a consuming fire that destroys everything it touches.

Zazo had followed Tẽra as he was worried about her. He heard the conversation between the queen and the prisoner. Zazo wished he had been up front with the queen. But her reputation had proceeded her, and now as it turns out the queen was not the queen after all but someone else. This was a secret he would have to protect and help her keep.