“Come on, sweetie, time to get up,” a gentle voice cooed.

I yawned, stretching my limbs. "Seriously? I just hatched and you're already making me get up?"

“Come on, cutie,” the voice persisted. “Today is a very important day.”

"Important? It’s literally been one day since I came into existence. What could possibly be so important?"

The maid opened the curtains, and sunlight flooded the room. "Ahhh! My eyes! I squinted, trying to shield them with my... Wait, what are these? Hands? No, claws? Talons? I shook my head. Whatever, hands it is."

“Good morning, Your Majesty,” the maids chimed in unison as they bowed.

The Queen, turned to them with a soft, regal smile. “Thank you for your hard work and for alerting me about the little one.”

“It is our duty, Your Majesty,” they replied, bowing lower.

“I have an announcement,” raising her hand. The two maids immediately knelt. “From this day forth, Sylara and Liora will personally serve the first princess of this kingdom. Do you accept?”

The maids exchanged wide-eyed glances, clearly shocked by give them such a responsibility. “Yes, Your Majesty, it will be our honor.” they responded.

“You may rise. Your quarters will be moved next to the princess’s chambers. Whatever she needs it will be your duty to provide. You are not just her maids, but her first protectors and a representation of our family. I’m counting on you.” With a wave of her hand, two brooches bearing the family crest appeared, fastening themselves to the maids’ uniforms.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” they said, bowing deeply.

“It is truly an honor to serve alongside the princess’s personal maids,” said the Handmaiden with pride.

“The honor is all ours,” Sylara and Liora replied. “We look forward to learning from you, the hand maiden who has served not only the Queen, but many generations.”

The Queen smiled, her pride evident. It is a glorious day for our family.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, Your Majesty,” “The King is waiting for you in the dining hall.”

“Tell him I’ll be there shortly,” the Queen replied. As the hand maiden bowed and left, she turned her attention back to me.

“How is my little one? Did you sleep well?”

Best sleep I’ve ever had, but since I couldn’t speak, I just nodded.

“Aww, you’re so adorable! Only one day old and already understanding me. Truly a genius—just as I expected from the child of your father and me.”

"How do I understand this language? I wondered. Gift from the Goddess, maybe?"

“Up you go.” The Queen gently lifted me into her arms. “We have a lot to do today.”

I was just born! What could I possibly have to do? My thoughts raced. Wait a second. QUEEN?!

I understood that I was to be reincarnated as a dragon, but as a princess? If I could facepalm right now, I would.

Looking around, I noticed everyone had a human-like form. My mother had horns that extended from the side going upwards that matched her shimmering bronze skin with the tips fading to red, but her appearance was mostly human-like. The maids were the same. I wonder if I’ll have a human form later, but Right now, the real issue is that I’m a Princess.

“We have much to do,” the Queen continued. “First, you need to eat. Then we’ll get you cleaned up—can’t have your beautiful silver scales dirty, can we? After that, your father and I will announce your arrival to the kingdom. We’ve already sent invitations to every faction.

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So much to do, and so little time.”

An announcement... to the kingdom? I could only picture myself being held up like Simba from The Lion King, with dragons roaring in approval. Great. Is this the goddess’s way of getting back at me for kissing her?

As we walked down the hall, I got a better view of my surroundings. The castle was... extravagant. The high arched ceilings, vast hallways, and intricate dragon paintings were everywhere. We descended a grand marble staircase lined with lush red and gold-threaded tapestries. The entire place was overwhelming.

Finally, we reached the dining hall, a massive room dominated by a long table. "Please don’t tell me my parents sit at opposite ends and communicate through butlers." Just then, my father appeared, walking toward us with a beaming smile.

“There you are!” He pulled out a chair. “Come, come.”

He sat at the head of the table, grinning. “How are my two beautiful girls this morning?”

“Our little one is fine,” my mother said as she took a seat beside him. “But I’m nervous. All the factions will be here shortly.”

My father took her hand. “It’ll be fine, my love. Today is a glorious day for our family. Another Skýldris has been born! Don’t worry.” He smiled at me, playfully poking my tiny feet. “Isn’t that right, Lunara?”

Lunara? I guess I’m just meant to be ‘Luna’ wherever I go. It didn’t bother me much. I was Luna for 26 years—another thousand won’t hurt.

Clapping his hands, my father announced, “Alright, time to eat!”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” a butler responded, and soon, an array of dishes was brought out. My eyes widened—plate after plate of perfectly cooked meats appeared, sizzling and savory. Who needs vegetables anyway?

I reached out for a piece, but my mother chuckled. “Oh no, sweetie, not yet.”

A silver plate was set in front of me. Lamb? Beef? The anticipation grew. But when the lid was lifted, my excitement faded. What is this?!

“Here you go, little one,” my mother cooed. “It’s important for your growth.”

I glanced at her, then back at the plate. "Is this a joke?"

“It absorbed pure mana while you were incubating,” my father added. “Essential for you.”

Fine, I’ll eat it. With a sigh, I opened my mouth. My mother fed me a piece, and to my surprise, it was delicious—cool and soothing, like nothing I’d ever tasted before.

The more I ate, the stronger I felt. By the time I finished, I felt this wonderous sensation in the center of my body. Who knew eating your own egg could be so satisfying? As I place my head on my mother’s shoulder, feeling content.

“Isn’t she just delightful?” my mother mused.

“I sense a troublemaker,” my father teased.

“Stop!” she laughed. “Didn’t I tell you not to say that?”

“I’m just saying,” he smirked. “My senses are never wrong.”

“Really?” she teased. “What about the time you guided us to the wrong faction?”

My father chuckled. “Bad weather” as he shrugged.

What about when you tried to show off, and crash right into the mountain side?

Ok..ok you win, sometimes my sense are not that great, but this time I am right.

Watching them banter was hilarious, and I tried to giggle, but all that came out was a squeaky screech.

“Are you laughing at us?” my father asked.

If I could speak, I would’ve said yes. Instead, I just nodded.

“Your father is so silly,” my mother whispered, her eyes twinkling as she smiled at me.

Just then, she rang a small silver bell, a soft tinggg echoed in the room. Within moments, Sylara and Liora entered, bowing as they approached.

“It’s time to get our adorable little ball of cuteness cleaned up,” the Queen said. “Be extra careful around her horns; they’re are sensitive for a new born.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the maids responded, gently lifting me from my mother’s arms. I thought to myself, I guess it’s bath time.

We made our way down another hall and entered a room that was far beyond any normal bathroom. It looked like something straight out of a dream—more like a luxurious onsen than anything else. The air was thick with steam, rising from a large pool of crystal-clear water. Lush plants surrounded the wooden floors, giving the entire space a serene, natural feel. I blinked. "Is that a waterfall?"

The centerpiece of the room was a massive dragon statue, with water cascading from its open jaws into the pool below.

“Welcome to the bath house, Princess,” Sylara said with a smile.

The both snap there fingers and was instantly wrapped in soft towels, one holding a long-bristled brush and the other holding a bucket what looked like a mixture of fragrant flowers. Don’t tell me soap doesn’t exist here, mentally adding, Note to self: invent soap.

They slowly lowered me into the water. It looks hot... it’s going to burn, isn’t it? But the moment I touched the water, all my worries melted away. The warmth seeped into my scales, relaxing every inch of me. This is... bliss. My body went limp, as I let the soothing heat surround me.

“Aww, look at her,” Sylara whispered. “She looks so relaxed.”

“Let’s be gentle and try not to disturb her too much,” Liora agreed.

The maids dipped the brush into the bucket of flower-scented water and began to gently scrub my scales. I couldn’t help but smile as my body twitched. That tickles!

The sweet and cinnamon aroma filled the air as they washed me, bubbles forming. Maybe I don’t need to invent soap after all... The scent and warmth lulled me into an even deeper state of relaxation, my eyes growing heavy.

“I think she’s falling asleep,” Sylara murmured.

“That’s okay,” Liora said softly. “She’s still just a day old.”

Yeah, let me sleep, I thought as I drifted off, feeling utterly pampered.

I could get used to this Princess treatment...