It was a quick trip back to mother and she and Cavari said goodbye, along with the Spider Girl named Thalo. Mother and I flew back home in the evening sunlight and I had to stretch my wings again as we landed. She complimented the outfit and I smiled as I looked at it once again in my room. It was beautiful and even the suits that the royals had provided me during my time as Champion couldn’t compare. They had left slits in the back near my shoulder blades and I could partially extend my wings while still in my human body.
That night was some of the best sleep I had had in the last month and Mother and I spent the next day making sure I had every one of my points prepared and I knew how to speak to King Ruhn and Queen Raya. My stomach felt like it was tied in knots as I went to sleep that night but when I awoke in the early morning light I was full of anxious energy and ready to go long before mother was. She forced me to sit down and eat breakfast and I was impatiently waiting outside when it was time to go. When I saw her come out of the cave I was unimpressed at first. She was wearing loose fitting pants with heavy boots and a sleeveless black shirt that hugged her body closely with a heavy jacket over it. She also was missing her horns and her eyes were bright green instead of Gold. I tilted my head in confusion as she walked up to me.
“This is your day. As far as the Kingdom is aware, there is only one Dragon in these mountains and I don’t want to steal your spotlight. I’ll be there with Arthand and your brothers but you’ll be standing before the court alone. Plus they won’t be expecting a second dragon to appear if anything goes wrong.” She said with a smile.
I returned the smile but my legs went a little shaky at the thought of standing in front of the Court alone. I took a deep breath and steadied myself as she walked towards the cliff edge. I took another running leap off the cliff and felt the now familiar rush as I spread my wings and took off into the sky. She joined me and we took off towards the capital.
When I had traveled out here with Sophia it had taken us the better part of three days by horse and now it took us less than an hour to arrive at the gates of Capital. We stopped a short ways outside the city and she left me to land and enter the gates where she had arranged to meet with Father previously. I took off a few minutes after she left and made lazy circles around the city before I made for the Castle. My arrival would be anything but a surprise.
I flared my wings and halfway shifted into my human body in midair at the castle gate and I landed quite gracefully as my wings pulled in beneath my coat. The guards looked terrified but not surprised to see me. One of them nodded to me as I landed and straightened out my dress.
“Ma’am. The Court is expecting you inside.” He said, moving to open the door.
I nodded to him and he pushed open the door and allowed me to pass. The Herald outside the Throne Room nodded as I approached and he walked up towards me.
“Ah excuse my intrusion My Lady but I regretfully was not informed how I should address you to the Court. Will you be using your name or a title…?” He trailed off as he spoke, clearly nervous to be speaking with me.
I knew him by face if not by name and he was a kind young man. A bit skittish but he did his job well.
“The Dragon of the Western Mountains. I will give the royals and only the royals my name when I speak with them.” I said to him, putting on airs.
He nodded quickly, obviously ready to stop speaking to the scary dragon. He hurried through the doors to the Throne Room and I waited for him to announce me before I entered. As soon as I heard him call me I pushed open the doors and strode into the throne room.
It was as I remembered, steeped in tradition and not overly lavish. The Royals did not spend overmuch of their wealth on gaudy decorations for their throne room but it was designed to be comfortable and put guests at ease. I strode to the center of the room and I saw both King Ruhn and Queen Raya on their thrones looking down towards me.
Ruhn was a young man, only two years older than me. He had short and well maintained brown hair and he remained clean shaven as best he could, though there was always stubble he could never seem to get rid of. He wore a well made suit of green silks and his crown rested on his head well, fitting him now far better than it had when he had first been crowned a few years prior.
Queen Raya was much like her husband, though where Ruhn did his best to appear formal and serious, Raya constantly wore a mischievous smile on her face and I had to keep myself from smiling as I saw her watching me. She was wearing a dress that matched Ruhn’s suit and the both of them were watching me intently.
“Ruhn and Raya Orland I presume?” I asked, channeling all of the Draconic Arrogance I could muster.
I heard gasps from the Court and several people cursing under their breath as I gave my show of Arrogance. The Royals said nothing but I saw Ruhn raise an eyebrow and Raya covered her smile with a fan.
“Dragon of the Western Mountains, You would do well to show at least some respect in my own Home.” Ruhn said, giving me a hard stare.
I focused my mind on him and reached out to grasp that connection between him and Raya.
‘And you would do well not snub a potential Ally, King of Wolves.’ I said using the nickname I had given him during my time as champion. ‘Do not show any reaction I am speaking to you like this, It would be best if it remained a secret as long as possible.’
I saw him blink in surprise but he wisely did nothing to indicate he had heard me.
“Apologies but I am not in the business of bending the knee to someone who has soldiers sent to my home to try and drive me off or kill me.” I growled.
There were murmurs from the Court and Ruhn tilted his head in confusion.
“I have ordered no such act to be committed, Dragon. A pair of my Knights went to find you but they returned some days ago. Who was it that would be so bold as to demand a dragon to move from her lair?” He asked.
“A group of Paladins arrived at my door five days ago. I was the one who sent the message for you to prepare for me to enter your court. Did they not mention why I would give them such a message?” I asked, eyeing the corner of the room that I knew the Paladins were in and sure enough Argan was there.
‘It was Paladin Argan who demanded I leave.’ I spoke into their minds, and I saw their eyes both snap to where Argan sat.
“I shall have this matter looked into, apologies but I will not accept a visitor at their word when the Church have been such long time allies of my people. But why is it you have come here? To merely file a complaint seems unlikely.” Ruhn said, eyes boring into me as he tried to figure out my motive.
“I have come to offer my aid to you Ruhn Orland. I am aware that a Warhost marches toward your kingdom at this moment and I would prefer to not have to leave my home. Thus I have come to graciously offer you my aid in this matter.” I said with a wicked smile that showed off my teeth.
I heard the screech of wood against stone as a man yelled “Absolutely not.”
I turned to face Argan and his Paladins as they marched towards me from their little corner of shame. I kept my hands behind my back as I smiled up at him.
“Paladin, you are out of line.”
“The Church will not accept it if you take this dragon on her offer. Monsters are the sworn enemy of our faith, your Majesty. Working with one will only bring ruin upon our people.” Argan said, impassioned enough that it was almost believable.
“Does this one speak for you Ruhn?”
“He does not. Return to your seat Paladin. This Dragon offers her aid against an enemy that will overwhelm us if we do not have aid. I would hear he-” He was cut off by the sound of screaming steel as the Paladins drew their blades.
“We will destroy this abomination ourselves if you will not!” Argan yelled as he swung his blade towards my head.
I swung my fist at his blade and I watched as the metal shattered on impact with my fist. He continued the swing with the broken blade and I sidestepped his strike. I swung my other fist into his breastplate. A fist sized dent appeared in the center of the chest piece and I watched as he fell to the ground gasping like a dying fish.
I looked up at the other Paladins and they took a scared step back as I flashed them the claws on the end of my fingertips. They froze as Ruhn marched down from his Throne and drew his own blade. He pointed the tip of the blade towards them and his brow was furrowed in anger.
“Take your Commander and get out. If you can not be civil with guests in my Court then there is no place for you here.“ Ruhn said with ice in his tone. ”I apologize. I hope they did not harm you?” He asked.
The Paladins dragged Argan out of the Throne Room and I addressed Ruhn.
“They did not. I do wish to discuss the terms of my offer of aid with you though. Without the prying eyes of the Court. There are matters that must be spoken of in private.” I said as he began walking back towards his Throne.
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‘The Greysons will wish to stay, the reason their youngest son is not among them has much to do with the matters I wish to discuss.’ I said into the Royal’s minds.
“The Court is dismissed. I would speak with the Dragon alone. But the Greyson family will stay, I have personal matters to discuss with them, but the rest of you are dismissed.” He ordered and I heard much grumbling from the Court as they filed out of the room.
In a few moments everyone except my family, The Royals and a handful of nervous looking knights had left the Throne Room. I relaxed my posture and gave the Royals a genuine smile.
“I suppose you have been wondering what became of your Champion.” I pondered.
“Indeed I have. Do you bring better news than his brothers?” Ruhn asked, gesturing to my family who were remaining seated, watching the exchange.
“I do. He had a few self realizations and I am afraid I will not be returning to your service. But I am here to offer my aid against the enemies who endanger my home.” I said, glancing up at the two of them with a half smile on my face.
Raya snapped her fan shut as her mouth fell open.
“That cannot truly be you, can it Siran?” She asked, dumbfounded.
“I was Siran, up until about two weeks ago. But like I said I had a few realizations about myself.”
‘I am Naravie. I would ask you not to let my name freely pass your lips unless you are quite sure that everyone present knows it already.’ I said quietly in their minds.
Raya rose from her throne and walked down to where I stood. She reared her arm back and slapped me across the face. I was a bit dumbstruck myself at that reaction and I slowly turned to look at her.
“Do you have any Idea how worried we were about you?! You run off in the middle of the night with a vague note saying you would be back in a handful of days stronger than ever, and you expect us not to worry?!” She yelled, absolutely furious.
“I.. uh I didn’t know that you cared that much.” I said, suddenly feeling like a child being scolded.
“Of course we cared! You were one of the few people who knew the people behind our Royal Masks!”
“Well I am here now, offering help.” I said, quietly.
She straightened up slightly and looked at me with a furious gaze before she turned back towards her throne.
“Well it's good that you did. And you always cut a dashing figure as Siran but this… you are quite pretty.” She said with a wink.
My mind went blank as she said that and I struggled to keep my composure as I felt Mother press against my mind.
‘Feeling alright there Naravie?” She chirped, amusement dripping from her words.
‘Help.’ I cried.
‘Oh no, you get to deal with the pretty lady flirting with you on your own, And the King too by the looks of it.’ She said, laughing as she pulled back from my mind.
I shook my head slightly and refocused on Ruhn who did indeed seem to be looking me over.
“Ruhn, I have terms to my aid if you are willing to hear them.” I said, trying to regain my composure.
My words seemed to snap him out of his thoughts and he nodded.
“I wish to have the lands surrounding my home transferred to the Control of the Greyson Family.”
He nodded.
“I wish to be recognized as the Lady of House Greyson, which these papers do give me the formal ability to do.” I said holding up the papers from Geneva’s last letter.
He nodded again.
“I wish to have the formal permission of the Crown to retaliate against any forces the Church may send against me.”
He hesitated for a moment before nodding once more.
“And this agreement for Aid is only for the defense of the Kingdom. I will not be used as a Beast of Conquest. But I will defend my home as long as our agreement stands.” I said with finality.
He was quiet for a moment before he rose and walked down to me.
“I accept your terms, my friend. I assume that the rest of you, and your new friend are aware of these happenings as well?” Ruhn called to the rest of my family.
There was a general murmur of assent as they walked over to where we were and Ruhn looked at them all. He stopped on my mother who he had not seen before. Raya walked up alongside him and they both puzzled over the strange woman in front of them.
“Ruhn, Raya, this is my mother. The Dragon who helped start all this.” I said, gesturing to her as best I could.
“Because someone decided she was going to stab me in the ass with a spear.” Mother remarked, pulling on my cheek playfully.
“Would you all mind catching us up to speed on things, in our private quarters perhaps to avoid listening ears?” Ruhn gestured to the western wing of the Castle which was the Royal’s private residence.
I nodded my agreement and followed the Royals into the western wing, the rest of the family trailing close behind. Once we were out of sight of the knights and the majority of the Servants I saw them relax and become the two I had come to know in my time as Champion, two far more relaxed young people.
We spent the next few hours explaining the events of the past few weeks and how everything had happened and when we had finished our tale I saw both the Royals and my parents trembling with rage. We had revealed what Tiran had told us about Argan and the four of them looked livid.
“The more I learn of that damned Paladin the more I want to wring his neck.” Ruhn growled.
“I agree, but for the moment we cannot touch him. If we do, the Church will not support the Crown in the coming battle and we cannot afford to lose their soldiers. But once this war is over… We will make that bastard pay.” Sir Greyson said through gritted teeth.
“I’m willing to wait if it means surviving this war.” Tiran said quietly.
I tried to turn the conversation towards less grim matters and eventually I got them engaged in normal conversation. I also found myself sharing a rather small couch with the Royals after a shuffling of seats. They were seated on either side of me and I suddenly felt very awkward sitting there. I felt my mother brush up against my mind.
‘You know you could do a lot worse than a pair of very attractive royals.’
‘Are you encouraging me to try to seduce them?’
‘Oh they are already quite seduced, you just need to let them know you might be interested. Though if you do stay the night with them, please come home by tomorrow evening.’ She said with a wink as she used some excuse to have the rest of our family leave.
Leaving me quite alone with the Royals.
“So…” I said as awkward silence filled the room.
“Well Naravie, do you have anywhere to be tonight?” Ruhn asked.
“I… don’t believe I do.” I said as my heart quickened.
“Are you alright? Are we coming on too strong?” Raya asked, probably noticing my quickened breathing.
“No I just… Are you two trying to do what I think you are?” I asked.
“Seduce you?” They asked in unison.
“Ah that answers that question. That didn’t take long.” I said with a small giggle.
“Didn’t take long? Naravie do you realize that we were trying to drop hints the entire time you were Champion?” Ruhn asked.
I gave him a look of absolute shock.
“You were WHAT?!” I cried.
The both of them broke out into laughter and I felt my face grow very very red.
“What do you mean you were… the entire time?” I asked.
“Well it took a few months for us to decide we liked you. And that you weren't some fanatical Church follower. But…. once we realized that… Well, you were quite handsome. Almost as beautiful as you are now.” Raya said, pressing up against my arm.
I’m fairly certain my heart stopped for a moment there, from embarrassment or in anticipation I wasn’t sure.
“Am I the only one you two had eyes for?” I asked, trying to say anything to buy time to catch my breath.
“No, we've taken a handful of people to bed but… you were the one we pursued the longest and the one we had an interest in more than just a night or two of pleasure.” Ruhn answered.
“And is this offer still standing now?” I asked, my words little more than a whisper.
“Only if you want it to be, Beautiful.” Raya whispered in my ear.
“I think I do. I’m not… experienced with this body.” I said softly.
“We can teach you. Though, it may be prudent to take this somewhere else. The Summer estate perhaps?” Ruhn asked.
I gave him a look and the two of them chuckled.
“Well if you think that you’ll be able to stay quiet once the two of us get our hands on you…” Raya said, her lips grazing against my ear.
“I see your point. Perhaps we let the Guards know to head there and I could fly us there this evening.” I said trying my best to not simply squeal in delight.
“I think that might work. I have never seen the world from flight before. Can you carry both of us?” Ruhn asked.
“I can. I might be a little winded by the time we arrive but nothing a few moments of rest won’t cure.” I said as I rose to my feet.
Ruhn let the Knights know that they were heading to the Summer Estate and that they would await their arrival before heading home while Raya packed a bag of spare clothes and a handful of other things. Within twenty minutes we stood on the upper balcony of the castle.
“Now, I’ll look different but I promise I’m still in here.” I said before I began to shift.
Both of them nodded and I smiled before I fell to my hands and Knees and felt my body grow into its full size. I stood before them in all my glory as I flexed my wings. Both of them were enthralled immediatley by my scales. It was several minutes of compliments and mental conversation before I took off from the balcony with them astride my back.
I knew the way to the Summer Estate quite well, I had accompanied them there several times and it was only a short flight for me to land in front of the large building and allow them to climb off of my back. I shifted back into my humanoid body and they both looked at me with awe.
“That was amazing!” Raya said, eyes wide with excitement.
“Indeed it was. Is it as exhilarating for you?” Ruhn asked me.
“It's different, even more exhilarating when you are the one who is flying. It feels so… free.” I said looking at the both of them with joy.
“Well, shall we head inside?” Raya asked, looping one arm through mine and the other through Ruhn’s.
I felt something akin to nerves as we entered the house. There were no Servants about, those would normally be brought with them when they arrived and those charged with the upkeep of the residence were nowhere to be found today. It didn’t take long for both of them to begin stroking my face and neck with their hands, slowly figuring out what I responded to. It was nothing like it had felt when I had been with Sophia. That had felt like a chore, something I had to do and to get through as quickly as possible. This was calm and slow and if I didn’t like something they stopped. We had been in the estate for an hour before we reached the bedroom, I could feel the marks that both of them had left down the sides of my neck. It was well past midnight before they finally stopped and I don’t believe there was an inch of me that they had not explored.