Nadine was not happy to see me. That's not to say that she was unhappy per se, but it wasn't anything like the striking and happy reunion that I'd hoped for. My cohort had arrived early in the afternoon; I had the pleasure of standing on the tip of the bow as we pulled into harbor. Despite all the emotional turmoil of meeting Nadine again and having to support tens of thousands of people, despite the political turmoil of my exile to the Isle and the loss of my family status, I couldn't help but find the view breathtaking.

The tropical sea water is a bright and clear aquamarine, almost turquoise. Blazing white sand beach stretched around the expansive natural harbor, marred only by the jutting old docks. They didn't look new and I was a little surprised they even survived, given what the report said about the state of damage on the island. Squat and gnarled trees littered the beach, backed by tall young palm trees.

The island cut a gorgeous figure into the air, sloping peaks and gorgeous valleys ran along the coast in either direction. Little harbors and inlets probably dotted the coast for its entire length, some of the peaks in the distance faded into blue-green shades. For a little island of one hundred twenty square miles, it sure felt big. The Dragon Isle was close to a neat oval, maybe a little bent on the windward side. From the perspective of the ship this small dent ended up in a huge valley and bay.

Ramshackle houses sprouted from the mountainside in bright colors, were those natural dyes? I wondered. The only serious construction I could see was the Roche 'palace' done up in mortared stone walls and adobe facades. At least the place I was staying would be pretty nice, I thought, even though it felt a little selfish to do so.

I was surprised at how much vegetation I saw was actually present, there seemed to be too many trees.

"What percentage of the forest did they lose in the storm?" I was calling to Sebastian who once again accompanied me on the deck.

"Something like ninety percent, is our estimate."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Are we sure on those numbers? Look at all that growth!"

"Its just our estimate Sir, there is no accurate count. It could be higher or lower by a few percentage points." Sebastian had taken to calling me Sir, rather than Young Master, now that I was to be the head of the Roche household.

If the forests were less damaged than I expected, maybe this was the result? It stood to reason that only the strongest or sufficiently protected trees survived. If the forests kept some of the tallest and strongest trees, three years would be plenty of time for under growth and quick sprouting varieties to fill in the gaps.

Sailors were bustling now, trimming sails and preparing to drop anchor as we closed in on the docks. A couple other vessels floated on smaller sections, they didn't look native. Small dinghies and fishing vessels occupied almost everywhere else. Oars sprouted out of the side of our great ship as the vessel rowed the remaining distance into port.

I took some deep breaths, my heart racing despite myself. I had seen Nadine and her entourage coming to greet us. A wide ramp was lowered onto the dock, I led the way down followed by the rather unfriendly captain, Sebastian, and a few other support staff. The dock was just about as worn rotten and sandy as I had feared. My mind seemed to focus on these little details rather than gather the courage to look up and see her. Eventually, aristocratic training took over and a fake smile plastered itself across my face.

"Good afternoon Sir Issac, and welcome to the Dragon Isle." Nadine curtseyed in the fashion of mainland aristocrats. There was no recognition in her eyes.

Oh dear, I thought, she doesn't even recognize me. Nadine was beautiful, of course. Dressed in a pale blue pleated dress, her long hair was braided and tied in matching ribbon, reaching her low waist. Lost was the cute charm of my memory, replaced by the mature figure of a blossoming young woman. Her outfit was modestly cut, but the cinch at her waist showed off wide inviting hips that made my face flush red. Sebastian cleared his throat.

"Good afternoon Nadine," was the best I could get out.

"Are we so familiar that you would not call me Princess Nadine?" she teased back, with a hint of outrage. I couldn't tell how much of it was genuine.

I cleared my throat this time, "Of course Princess, forgive me!" she smiled like the sun rises.

"Our wedding is but a few days away, you may call me by my name then Sir Issac. Now, follow me to the Palace. There is much to discuss." She beckoned and we walked inland.