Standing at attention, their hands clasped in front of them, Liora and Sylara stood motionless in front of the door, serious expressions etched on their faces, hearts firm with commitment and loyalty.

"Whoever thinks they’re getting past us has another thing coming," mumbled Liora under her breath.

“That’s right,” Sylara chimed in, puffing out her chest. “We’re not just maids; we’re the first protectors of the crown princess.”

“By the way,” Liora asked, “how will we know when she’s done?”

Sylara pondered for a moment. “Well, we could try sensing the mana fluctuations. Once that stops, I’m sure she’ll be finished.”

Liora nodded in agreement. "Alright, let's focus then. Soon as she's done, we’ll go in. And remember—act like nothing happened."

“What happened?” Sylara quipped, a playful smirk breaking her serious demeanor.

"Nothing," Liora said with a shake of her head, smiling.

-Inside the room-

I finally managed to get my eyes and mana under control, but how am I supposed to hide these changes? Surely, this is too much—even for a dragon—all in one day. As I pondered, the extended horns shrank back into the short nubs they were before, my claws retracted, and the star-shaped pupils faded, returning to their usual vertical slit. So, all of this was because of mana... maybe I did absorb too much. Good thing I stopped when I did.

I took a deep breath as I walked away from the mirror, heading toward the window for a glimpse of the outside world.

Knock, knock,

The door creaked open, and Liora's excited voice followed. “Time to get ready, Princess.”

Sylara added, her voice filled with excitement, “Today will be grand. Members from every dragon faction will gather to welcome you.”

Moments later, I found myself sitting in front of a mirror as they adorned me with a myriad of ornaments—rubies, diamonds, sapphires. Decorative pieces like cuffs, bracelets, and necklaces as they placed them on my hands, feet, and tail. Thing 1 and Thing 2, as I secretly nicknamed them, were bickering back and forth about which colors would best match my eyes and hair.

"Someone, please save me,"

I thought to myself, fearing this would never end.

Just as I accepted my fate, the door opened once more.

“Is my little one ready? The hour is upon us.”

The Queen entered, her eyes immediately sweeping over the chaotic scene.

“No, no, and no. Those will not do,” she said, her tone firm.

She approached and joined Thing 1 and Thing 2 in the debate over my adornments.

"Truly, this is punishment from the goddess," I said to myself.

Ahem…Ahem

“What about your family’s ceremonial ornaments?” the handmaiden suggested, “Your Majesty, wouldn’t the silver ornaments with rubies accentuate the Princess’s silver scales and her red-tipped hair?”

The Queen paused, a glimmer of surprise in her eyes. “That... would be perfect.” She smiled, turning to the handmaiden. “You truly are a gift from above.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” the handmaiden replied, bowing gracefully.

Finally prepared for the evening festivities, I had to admit—I looked stunning. The ornaments they chose were crafted from pure silver, intricately carved with swirling cloud designs that flowed seamlessly across the metal. Each bracelet was adorned with square-cut rubies, set side by side in perfect alignment, their deep red hue standing out against the polished silver. The cuff on my tail mirrored the same artistry, but with an added touch of refinement—the edges were lined with princess-cut diamonds that caught the light with every movement.

“It’s time to go, little one,” my mother whispered, lifting me with such delicate care.

I soon found myself placed atop a luxurious velvet red pillow, outlined in gold with elegant tassels draping over the edge of a finely carved wooden structure, supported by handles at each corner.

"Alright, my love. I’ll see you soon," she said softly, bending down to plant a kiss upon my head.

As she walked away, I couldn’t help but wonder what was coming next. A moment later, the sound of heavy, synchronized footsteps echoed through the corridor. Curious, I turned to see the source of the noise and spotted my father approaching. Behind him, two banners flanked his sides, followed by the Royal Knights, their swords raised in perfect alignment, as they marched, not a movement out of place.

With a wave of his hand, the knights halted abruptly.

“Are you excited, my daughter?” he asked, poking at my feet playfully with his finger, making me giggle inwardly. He’s definitely making a habit of this.

He straightened, placing his hands behind his back, his expression shifting to one of seriousness. His eyes hardened as he addressed the knights, his voice commanding and powerful.

“My Royal Knights, today is a glorious day. Today, we welcome a new addition to our family and to our kingdom. Now, tell me—what is your sworn OATH?” he bellowed, his voice ringing through the halls.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

"To stand with courage, to shield the weak, and to defend the kingdom! Our loyalty, unwavering and true, is sworn to protect the Crown and the royal bloodline, now and forever!"

He looked over the Royal Knights, shoulders back, chest out, his eyes filled with pride as they recited their oath in unison. Turning around, he raised his hand, then glanced down at me with a smirk, a playful glint in his eye, and winked before motioning for the procession to continue.

Show off, I giggled to myself.

As the march resumed, four Royal Knights, standing behind the flag bearers, moved to each corner of my platform, gripping the handles with precision. Slowly, they lifted me up, carrying me forward in sync with the steady march.

From my raised vantage point, I could see my mother standing near an open balcony, the red lit sky casting a soft glow around her. My father approached, reaching out to take her hand. The love between them was palpable, as they exchanged warm smiles. They turned together, their gazes now focused on me, their eyes shining with excitement and pride.

Before long, a voice boomed across the grand hall, echoing through the open air.

"Honored guests, thank you all for gathering on this momentous occasion. Your presence fills our halls with warmth and grandeur. Now, with the utmost reverence, I ask for your attention as we welcome the sovereigns of our realm. Presenting His Majesty, King Rhazthar, ruler of the dragonkin, and Her Majesty, Queen Velrianna, the radiant flame of our lands!"

"We’re up," the King said calmly, his hand still clasping with the Queen’s, brimming with excitement. Together, they approached the balcony. As they neared the railing, I could hear the roaring cheers of the crowd below, which gradually fell to a reverent silence.

"People of Zalrithia," the King began, his powerful voice cutting through the quiet, "today marks a historic occasion for our kingdom. For centuries, the strength of our land has been tied to the power of its royal bloodline. It is with the deepest pride and joy that I stand before you, not only to introduce a new addition to that lineage but also... the First Princess of the Zalrithia Kingdom!"

With a grand gesture, he raised his hand along with the Queen’s, signaling my entrance. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause and cheers that shook the very ground beneath us. Trumpets blared triumphantly as the royal knights marched forward in perfect synchrony.

I approached the balcony, my heart pounding with excitement. Finally, I can see what the outside world is like, what I saw took my breath away. Towering cathedral-like buildings lined the horizon, with dragons perched majestically on the rooftops, roaring in unison. The courtyard below was packed with people that spilled into the streets—there were beings with cat ears, dog ears, and unmistakably, elves with their striking beauty and long ears. And were those... dwarves? Even a few humans mingled among the crowd. So much to take in all at once!

Just as I was processing everything, I felt a gentle poke on my foot. My father grinned down at me. "What do you think, little one?"

I wish I could speak, instead, I just nodded slightly, still awestruck by the sight before me.

"Watch this," he whispered with a wink.

With a deep breath, the King filled his lungs, tilted his head upward, and let out a mighty roar that reverberated through the entire kingdom. The sheer power of it silenced the crowd instantly. You could hear a pin drop as thousands of eyes turned toward the King in awe.

Then, as if on cue, an even louder cheer erupted from the crowd, shaking the earth beneath us. The dragons perched on the cathedral spires blew streams of flame into the air, a dazzling display that left me feeling of belonging.

As my parents turned and left the balcony, I was carried away by the knights. The roar of the crowd echoed behind us, filling me with a sense of pride and belonging. This world... this kingdom... was my home.

The announcement was over. It wasn't so bad—why was my mother so worried?

I couldn’t have been more wrong. Now, I sit nestled between my parents as they rest on their thrones, watching people mingle on either side of the room, goblets raised, laughter echoing through the halls. The center of the room remains clear, leading straight to the grand entrance.

"Announcing Duke Ignar and Duchess Valeria of the House of Flames!" the herald's voice boomed across the hall.

As the Duke and Duchess approached, I noticed my mother’s eyes light up. She looked ready to leap from her throne.

“Good evening, Your Majesties. It is an honor to meet the Pride and Flame of the kingdom.”

My parents immediately rose from their seats. My mother rushed down, wrapping her arms around the Duchess with an exclamation of "MAMA!"

“Come now, darling, you’re a queen,” the Duchess chided gently, “It’s unbecoming of you to act like this.”

They embraced with joy, their grins wide as the sun.

“And how have you been, Duke?” my father said, offering his hand.

The Duke laughed, taking my father’s hand before pulling him into a bear hug. “Same as always, son. Just trying to keep Mrs. happy and the books balanced.”

“No issues with the Red Faction?”

The Duke’s expression shifted suddenly. His face darkened, brows furrowing. My curiosity piqued.

What's going on? They were just laughing a moment ago. Maybe I can find out. I focused on the mana within me, visualizing a knob that would turn up the volume. Slowly, I began to hear more clearly.

“It’s that damned Hero Kingdom again,” the Duke muttered. “They keep sending envoys, offering to double the payment in exchange for weapons. I keep turning them away at the gates, but I can’t help but feel like they’re testing us. I don’t think it’ll stay peaceful for long.”

My father rubbed his chin, his voice low. “I’ve heard of their envoys arriving more frequently. Our kingdom has made it clear we’ll never trade with them. But do you think any faction within our lands might betray us?”

“I hope not, but the temptation of double payment might sway someone. If it were up to me, I would have burned their kingdom to the ground long ago, but we can’t interfere with mortal affairs.”

“Agreed. As long as our kingdom holds firm, the people of Zalrithia should not trade with them. They’re traitors, not only to their own but to the goddess herself.”

After hearing their conversation, It’s exactly how Silvia explained. Dragons are forbidden from meddling in mortal affairs. but there has to be more to the story. After today, I’ll make a list of everything I need to learn. First on that list: growing stronger, and fast. I bet absorbing mana like I did before is the key.

A soft poke at my foot snapped me out of my thoughts. I didn’t even need to look—I knew who it was. As I turned, I was met by my grandfather’s doting smile.

"I am not surprise, it must be a fatherly thing"

“Ah, my granddaughter—the cutest in the world,” she cooed, lifting my chin gently. “You have the perfect blend of your mother and father, athoruba.”

I guess baby talk exists here, too, not just teddy bears.

The evening continued like this—dignitaries being announced, approaching my parents, presenting their offerings, and giving me their best wishes. Time seemed to blur, and soon, I could barely keep my eyes open.

“Darling, she’s getting sleepy,” my mother said softly.

“It has been a long day. Let’s get her to bed,” my father agreed, signaling a royal guard.

Before I knew it, I was being lifted gently.

“TING! TING!”

The crowd quieted immediately.

“Our beloved princess will now retire for the evening. Please continue to enjoy the festivities,” the announcer proclaimed.

The royal guards carefully carried me away, my mother leading them toward my chambers. Once we arrived, she raised her hand, and they halted.

“I’ll take her from here,” she whispered.

Though I tried to fight the sleep, my head grew heavy, and I could barely lift my eyes. I felt the warmth of my mother’s embrace as she held me close.

“There, there, little one,” she murmured, her voice filled with love. “You did well to stay awake for so long.”

As we entered my room, she began to rock me gently, humming a soft, soothing melody. My eyes closed, giving in to the warmth and comfort.

“I love you, my daughter,”