After mulling over my situation for a bit longer I decided to leave that giant of a conference room behind. It would take me a while to find my way back to our chamber anyway, so I decided to just wander around the palace without aim. I'd stopped caring. There was quite some stuff to look at anyways. Every person I crossed paths with stared at me with big eyes as I strolled past them. Which was understandable. I must have looked like the palace pet roaming its territory.

Though, all good things must come to an end, so eventually, I found my way to our chamber. It was a welcome distraction from the sea of annoyingly curious stares. By the time I entered the room, I'd already forgotten about how over-the-top luxurious it was. Dragon tapestries here, dragons as candleholders there, a carved wooden bed that looks like a dragon at the back of the room - maybe I was beginning to grow tired of it. As much as I felt flattered it was sort of bland. The room seemed like it was trying too hard to make a statement. Every piece just screamed “Look at me! I’m a cool dragon!” - and after a while, that kind of gets old. Like a five year old's dream castle. Maybe I had to tell the King to turn it down a notch when I eventually got closer to him.

I plopped my draconic self into one of the overstuffed chairs that looked like it was made from dragon scales. Rheka, Zilra, and Tavrin were lounging around, turning their heads toward me as I entered. Rheka, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, looked at me. The redheaded demon requires stimuli.

“So, how was your grand adventure with the King?” she asked with a playful grin on her face. “Did you have to do any cool tricks to impress him?”

I huffed out a breath, which sounded more like a gust of wind than an actual exhale. “It was more like trying to convince him not to burn down a whole town. I think I made an impression. Whether it was a good one or not... that’s another story. Though I think his majesty really likes dragons. So that must give me bonus points maybe."

Zilra snorted softly. “If he even sees you as one. My sisters certainly didn't. But you made quite a scene there, that's for sure."

"I don't know. They'll do something about Rhodentum now, even if they don't follow my brilliant idea. Maybe we can go home at some point."

Rheka tilted her head. "About the rock people?"

"Mhm. It’s a bloody mess. The disease is spreading fast and the King’s not exactly thrilled about the situation. I guess he’s trying to find a balance between putting out the fire and not burning down the whole tower.”

Tavrin, who had been fiddling with an of course dragon-shaped vase, looked up with interest. “So, are we done with the lizard den now? Can we go see something?"

Rheka looked around, probably taking in the extravagant draconic decor. As if we hadn't done enough of that already. "Aren't we waiting for my parents to pick us up?" she said.

Zilra stood up. “Yes, but we’re not doing anything productive just sitting around here.” she said with a shrug. “Let’s go check out everything. There's guards all over. They'll look out for us. And I want to show you the upper districts. You'll be impressed."

With that we made our way out through the palace halls once again. Still as opulent as they were confusing. Fortunately, this time I had a guide to lead the way, so I could let my mind wander. Everything that happened in the conference room still hadn't sunk in properly. I dare say I was impressed with my own performance despite its risk. That whole charade could have played out a whole different way if I hadn't the relatives and friends that I did. Nepotism rules. Even then, at this point my adversaries far outnumbered my allies. I had to change that. Rhodentum was a good start. With every ounce of my being down to the last scale I hoped. I hoped that my quarantine idea would prove fruitful. If it did, I had a couple more ideas I wanted to try out here. Turn his Highness into the greatest of allies.

I wonder what the old man's angle is here. The King certainly trusted him. Though I knew nothing of their history together, he'd never even mentioned him during any of our countless conversations. I suppose he really wants to save that tower of a town. His relative did live there. I wonder how that old hag's doing. Or was it the basement? He did have all of his trash hoarded there. And as a dragon I obviously knew all about hoarding trash. I also had to abandon my personal pile, though I don't think anything there had any actual value.

Urs and Vis were the King's friends, so, naturally they were trying to help him. Maybe asking them about the King could help me out a tad too.

I was ripped out of my trail of thoughts as a pair of silver greaves appeared before me. I looked up to see a man who was also most definitely not my ally. It was Hern, clad in that shiny armor of his. Before I had time to say anything he'd already begun speaking, leaning into me. His stupid tricone hat's feathers brushing against my face. "Quite the perfomance you gave there, dragon." Hern remarked, his tone was devoid of any warmth towards me. It was more of an observation than a compliment, and I could tell he was weighing his words carefully. As per usual.

Rheka, Tavrin, and Zilra came to a halt a bit further ahead. Rheka shifted slightly, her curiosity evident as she walked back towards me. Tavrin and Zilra gave each other a look before they both shrugged.

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I eyed Hern's overly polished armor with a mix of disdain and curiosity. “Yeah, well, I prefer a good spectacle to whatever pointless debate you folks were having there."

Hern’s expression remained indifferent. I could see nothing in his eyes, but a brown void. "Good. It was about time we got some order into this court."

I raised one of my draconic eyebrows. “Order? Or just a shift in the chaos?”

Hern’s lips twitched, but his eyes still portrayed no emotion at all. “Chaos can be... malleable. The trick is to guide it rather than be swept away by it. Your little stunt may have helped us all in that regard.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle mentally, even though there was no humor in it. Helped us all? I doubted this man to be a man of the people. “Glad to be of service." I bowed with my forelimbs. "And here I thought you were all about maintaining the status quo.”

He looked at me, as if he was appraising the worth of a particularly remarkable draconic piece of art. “Maintaining the status quo has its place, but so does adaptation. The world moves forward whether we do or not. Sometimes, one must make a show of change to keep things from... falling apart.”

Then his expression finally shifted. If only slightly. It hinted at something almost akin to a smirk. "Speaking of change, I’ll be riding out in the coming days to aid in a siege. It’s a perfect opportunity for displays of... creativity. I thought you might find it worth your while to join me.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. “Alone?” The question was as much about my curiosity as it was about the practicalities. “I assume you’re aware I'm not much of a fighter without my... companion. Well, I'm not much of a fighter at all." It was a bit funny though. I was calling Rheka my companion, despite the reverse being the truth. She was really the master here. And I the companion. Yet here was Hern. Negotiating with me? I assumed he knew something was up with my draconic being. I didn't exactly strike him as a child, probably. Unlike some other brats here.

All of them grinned at me as they noticed that I'd turned around. They'd been rock-paper-scissoring in a corner.

I let out a sigh. "I'll give it some thought."

“Good.” Hern said, nodding slightly. “I’ll leave you to it. You have until the day after tomorrow to decide. The siege will end, with or without you. Yet I’m certain your presence could be... advantageous.”

With that, he turned on his heel and walked away. The golden and silver feathers on his hat reflected the dim light of the corridor as he disappeared into the distance.

I watched him leave, mulling over his offer. There was something both intriguing and... unsettling about the idea of joining Hern in a siege. It wasn’t just the promise of showcasing my skills - whatever skills there were to be showcased anyway, it was the chance to potentially gain a powerful ally. Though I wasn't entirely sure about the thought of entering real combat. I wasn't exactly the bravest soldier on the block. And what about Rheka? In the end he didn't tell me if she was supposed to tag along or not. Her family would definitely be against it. Especially Urs. He hated that guy. It didn't take an expert on sociology to figure that one out. Regardless. I'd have enough time to think it over during another one of my restless nights. It was time to focus back on the important stuff - sightseeing.

"We done?" Tavrin poked my head. The other two right behind him.

"Yes, idiot. Let's go." I said, walking ahead. "What's this guy's standing here anways, Zil?"

"Don't call me Zil." she said with irrelevant anger in her voice. The she paused for a moment. "I don't know. I never liked him. He's some nobleman's cousin's... third cousin or something. I think father and him are friends." Zilra said. Ah yes, more nepotism. Lovely. Not that I'm allowed to complain. That would be hypocritical!

"Thanks Zil." I said, ambling on for a bit. "So what do you think?" The question was meant for the whole round.

"About what?" Rheka and Tavrin asked in unison.

"About the siege, you idiots."

Rheka stopped to look up. She began scratching her chin, probably imitating the old man. "What's a siege?"

Bloody hell.

We exited the palace down the stairway right back onto Gipuzk’s bustling streets. Zilra led the charge with confidence, ignoring every guard as we walked on. The transition from the palace's main road was almost immediate. Here the pace was quieter. The streets were lined with elegant buildings that just screamed of wealth and refinement. Made from the same white stone as the rest of the city. This was the home of the rich. Each structure boasted intricate carvings and lush gardens that had been manicured almost to the point of death. I could hear the money as I looked at it.

The people walking these streets were dressed to perfection in rich fabrics, their clothes decorated with all sorts of... fancy embroidery. They moved with an air of practiced nonchalance, like they were used to being the center of attention. Most of them didn't waste even a second to glance at us. Those who did, only did so because they paid their respects to Zilra Silthalia - Peasant Princess of the Dynamic Brat Trio, Wielder of Spears and Stealer of Apples. Superb titles to be adored by all.

Every now and then, we passed a dragon statue - though, not the kind I was familiar with. None of them really looked like me. They were grand, carved with such detail you could almost imagine them coming to life. I still had no idea what role dragons even played in this city, or the kingdom even. Even though the dragon-fangirling was more subtle outside the palace it was still evident. I must ask, where in fuck are all the dragons then? Or was this just the work of the King? I eyed over the statue. I don't buy it. You can't tell me this is all because his Majesty thinks dragons are darn cool.

“Welcome to the upper district.” Zilra said with a hint of pride. “This is where the city’s elite live! What do you think?” she asked, looking back at us as we moved on. The brat looked as smug as she could.

Rheka's eyes were wide with amazement. “Wow. I didn’t think it would look like this.”

Tavrin shrugged, clearly unimpressed. “It’s all very pretty and all, but I want to see more than just... fancy buildings.”

“Oh, this is just the start. There’s a lot more to see.”