“The human settlers keep trying to pass through our borders my Queen and I’m not sure how much longer we can calm the local clans of those places down. The human nations do not seem to care in the slightest that this is our sovereign territory and their rulers don’t seem to care the headache it is causing us. Even the Matriarch of Aeriat Peak has mentioned human settlers trying to pass through her lands.”

Aerin stood waiting outside the small rice paper door overhearing the conversation. The news wasn’t exactly news to her even her small village had several caravans of humans attempt to pass through her lands. Lord Fenmiar had left her after telling the Queen of her presence, but after nearly an hour the Queen had yet to acknowledge that she was even there.

“I will ask my husband what he thinks of the matter, but for now continue to push out the human settlers and back into their own kingdoms. Illegal settlements should be dismantled if the human nations refuse to stop their people. We will make them a headache of their own.”

A few moments passed and a scholarly looking man walked out of the sliding door only acknowledging Aerin for a moment by a simple glance before moving on his way. The door remained open, but Aerin dared not move or do anything on her own; she remained kneeling waiting patiently to be called.

“Come in.” a mature womanly voice called out to her.

Aerin stood up and nearly collapsed from her legs having gone numb. Quickly shaking off the numbness she bowed as she entered the door and again towards the screened area where the silhouette of what she assumed was the Queen herself sat.

“It is an honor this subject greets you with the utmost respect.” Aerin didn’t know any formalities, but figured this would suffice.

“Mmm, you are interesting. I was wondering what you’d be like. Now that I can see you closer…you are quite the pretty little thing.” she said, focusing on the word little. Aerin probably would have been mildly offended at the subtle jab at her…less than robust chest, but her legs also wanted to turn to jello after hearing the Queen of all Draakin call her pretty.

“My utmost gratitude for the compliment. Milady.” Aerin again bowed.

A snap of her fingers and two servant girls who looked like simple drake-blooded girls with only dragon horns sprouting from their heads laid out a small cushion. “Please sit.”

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Aerin took a seat as the veiled silk curtain was lifted revealing a woman wearing a golden crown with a large green jewel in the center. It was simple, but elegant and refined as it fit around her horns as if designed with them in mind. Queen Cithri stretched out her wings before folding them back behind her as she lounged casually on her couch.

“I watched your performance at the arena for a girl from a small village near the outskirts of our territory. I was most impressed by how well you performed. In the end I am more pleased that my daughter won, but that is every mother’s bias. Surely you understand.”

With a firm nod Aerin didn’t hesitate to show she was listening intently.

“Aerin the world is rapidly changing. Those of us descended from the children of Vasphaine are seen increasingly as obstacles to humanity. While no one wants to admit it war seems to be brewing and the children of Vasphaine are disjointed and at times even in conflict with each other. I need young Draakin with talent to be ready for this and your talent has caught my eye. Sure you could have a lot more luxurious position in a noble family vying for power, but I think saving your from the difficulties of noble politics will be good for you.”

“Thank you for how thoughtful you were for me Milady.” Queen Cithri giggled lightly covering her mouth. “Don’t thank me yet girl. I don’t intend on making this easy on you.”

It was clear that Queen Cithri was not a figurehead of the monarchy, but one of the central pillars keeping it standing. Aerin was extremely impressed with how thoughtful she was about the future of all Draakin.

“Now as a reward for agreeing to be under me you can ask for one thing.” Queen Cithri waited quietly as Aerin thought about it.

Aerin paused, “I would like to bring my parents here if possible.”

Shaking her head Queen Cithri immediately denied it “while the request is certainly selfless I cannot give that kind of bias towards you allowing your parents who are not nobles to live here in the palace grounds.”

Looking downcast, Aerin understood the logic and decided it was probably for the best.

“What I won’t do though is prevent you from sending a reward money to your parents to move them to Flamespire yourself.” Queen Cithri smiled kindly as she watched Aerin’s face brighten up.

“Thank you Milady!” Aerin bowed lowly and enthusiastically.

Waving her hand Queen Cithri laughed “Now go my head stewardess will explain to you where you will be staying and what your duties will be.”

After those words the veil descended again and the Queen’s silhouette laid back.