Princess Aurora Pov.

“Get the princess?” I knew that was the main reason they were here. That was also the main reason my mother told me to watch my back.

I knew nothing would happen to me in this empire, not when my father is alive and able. If any of the dragons that came along tried anything, they would find themselves in ashes before they could even get started. In fact, they would have been in ashes already with us at war with Draigonith for their blatant behaviour, if not for mother smoothening everything out with father every night.

‘Well, whatever she does to smoothen it up.’ I looked at the three men in front of me as my eyes finally settled on the one I had the most interest in.

‘Solis.’ I sighed.

I didn’t know when I started...liking him.

‘If I could even call it that.’

He was handsome, to be sure, but noth the most handsome. He was extremely powerful, probably the most powerful human in our age group. But if it was power I wanted, I could easily get any number of older, more powerful men. I wasn't even sure if it was an attraction or a fascination, but I would find out.

“Princess” Both of the dragons and Solis bowed in my direction.

“This one greets the esteemed princess.” The black haired man, dragon, stepped forward.

“I am Xatantyn, noble black dragon of-'' He was interrupted.

“Tsk, she doesn’t want to hear about that. I am Dolret, princess. Red dragon and one of the best in your generation-” The red dragon started, but was interrupted by the black dragon.

“Cur! Interrupt me once again and I will-” I suddenly released the pressure of my aura to silence them. I remember what my mother always said about dragons.

‘If you don’t assert your dominance early on, they will forever push boundaries with you, especially for one as beautiful as you.’ I looked at the two silent dragons who were previously bickering.

“I will be making this clear now, I will not be marrying either of you, or any of the dragons that came with you.” I stated.

“If you have a problem with that, you know where to find me.” I said, standing tall.

“Hahahahaha. Princess, surely you know that the way of the dragon is that strength alone speaks. If I am to battle and defeat you, you will be forced to become my bride. You understand, yes?” The red dragon said.

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“Hmph, cur! Leave it to you to state the obvious. Princess! This one will let you know now that as my bride, you will want for nothing. You will be the top wife and the children you bear will be the priority in my house. This one-”

“I’ve heard enough.” I lifted my palm to stop them.

“You already know what to do and where to find me when you are prepared. Solis, please walk with me.” I turned and left them. As I walked away, I heard Solis.

“Gentlemen?” He then followed me.

‘I know mother wants me to battle them because of whatever competition she had going on with grandfather and she is using us to compete, but I didn’t even care. Beating them up will be the only way I can...alleviate my anger.’

We walked quite the distance away, leaving both the dragons in the distance before I stopped and finally turned to him.

“You’re finally going to talk to me?” I was startled.

‘What?’ He just continued.

“I was a little surprised you didn’t come to meet me immediately when your family came here. I’ve been somewhat awaiting your arrival to no avail. So, what happened?” He smiled at me softly, the sun catching his blonde hair and his green eyes sparkling-

“You’re not going to answer?” I snapped back to reality.

‘Maybe I’m not as immune to physical attraction as I make it seem.’ I turned with my back facing him.

“If you wanted to see me that badly, you are the one that should have come to find me. I’ll see you later.” I walked away briskly.

Emperor Aelius Pov.

“Are you sure we can’t just kill them?” I asked my wife as I sat in the office.

I had been stretching my senses to surround the whole city, so I knew exactly why those lizards were here. The big one wanted to try and entice my wife, his daughter, away from me and the little ones were aiming for my daughter.

“Yes, I’m sure we can’t just kill them.” She replied while stroking my hair softly and smiling at me.

‘She knows how to calm me down.’ I thought as I relaxed for a few seconds, before remembering the conversation.

“Just one or two of them, specifically the dumb ones that just approached my duaghter with that...offer.” I was gritting my teeth just thinking about what I would do with them.

‘Slowly. I’ll roast them slowly while increasing the gravity of their surroundings until they turn to paste, and then ash. That’ll send a message not to encroach upon the child of the sun.’

“We cannot kill them, dear.” I scowled at her response.

“I heard you speaking to her, you told her if anyone comes to her she should report to you and you’ll kill them. Remember? You were in the inner gar-”

“I know what I told my daughter, Aelius. But I specifically remember saying If anyone tries to force themselves on her, she should come to me, not when they just ask. I need my children, my daughter specifically, growing up being able to protect themselves. I know how it was for me when I was young and I had to depend on my father for everything until I grew strong enough. I never felt good afterwards. So let them learn how to deal with those types here, under our protection, when the opposition is weak. Rather than the ancient being taking a liking to her and not being able to respond.” I frowned at her.

“They can just stay under my banner forever, that would be acceptable.” She chuckled and just stroked my hair as I leaned into her bosom.

‘My wife truly is a beautiful woman.’

“But that will never happen, and you know it.” I closed my eyes and leaned in closer.

“And how do you know?” I asked. Her voice took on a more sultry tone as she leaned in.

“Because it was that way for me.” Our lips met.