I like to watch as the sun goes down. The sun sets just over the horizon, and in the snow the beams of light reflect like colored windowpane. Such a beautiful and serene moment in this otherwise chaotic life, more-so when the stars become visible and everything loses meaning; it’s just me and the stars. Those lost souls on the Forever River, onward always to the end, and to their rest. The comfort I get from it is that I know there is no end, just as it is with me; I want it all to end. All the pain, and now the fights, and the headaches and the wounds and the dishonesty and the friends and the pangs of conscience. It’s too hard, but it would be so easy just to pull out a knife and it's all gone, and I would be a lost soul on the Forever River. Would I be sated? Would I actually enjoy such a feeling of nothing and float onwards with the rest of them? I don’t know, and I don’t think I’ll ever know. Those in the sky have their place, as well I have mine down here.

Nuinat joined me on this night. For the pain, I could not sleep, though I chewed on opium leaves for the dullness and the dizzy spells, washed them down with wine from my cellars, and smoked from my tobacco pipe. The buzz from all three would keep me sated, though I knew I would be here all night, on this roof, staring into the sky as it spun from the effects. Nuinat was garbled in her first words as if she’d just come out of the womb, and I chuckled at the noise, but then I stopped chewing and realized it was just the noise of my jawbones keeping me from hearing her properly.

“What do you need, your highness?” I stressed the title mockingly. She said nothing, though I knew she touched her shoulders uncomfortably.

“I’m sorry,” she said simply.

“For what?” I growled. She huffed, then turned away.

“I knew I should have done this another time–”

“Stay,” I allowed, reluctantly. She hesitated, then turned back and sat down on her legs next to me. I fell onto my back, offered her the pipe, but she shook her head.

“You should not use too much,” she advised,” the opium, I mean. You’ll grow a fondness for it.”

“I know,” I coughed.

“Do you?”

“I do,” I growled, pettily. She did not respond. She, too, knew the argument meant nothing. She knew I wanted answers for her actions, but she was stalling because she had nothing to say. I nudged her leg and pointed at a streak of white that flew across the stars, and she looked up to witness it as well. It was the calm and the quiet, the serene of a river that moved slower than time. That was why I was here; and she, too, wanted the peace of mind as well. I gave it to her, for a moment longer, but then pressed again, and she finally responded.

“I wanted…” she trailed off, but found the right words,”... I wanted to experience things on my own. My uncle understands, which is why he remained quiet after he saw me for the first time. Though, he was angry at first…”

“Angry is an understatement,” I chuckled,” he looked like he was going to kill me. And I don’t even understand why.”

“I was in your house,” she suggested,” in your care and smelled of you. One can only imagine what he thought.”

“Another reason I should be mad at you,” I chewed again on the leaves,” but I’m too high to be angry right now. I should be so lucky he likes me.” She brushed her hair back behind a pointed ear.

“I’ve…” she started, then trailed off again. I looked over at her, then offered the tobacco pipe again. She took it this time, placed it to her lips, and inhaled the smoke from dying embers. I waited for her to breathe it out again and then looked back into the sky.

“You what?” I asked her,” From that first moment in Gotregot I was curious about you, but regardless of my curiosity it wasn’t my choice, was it? It was the fate of the gods.”

“You became important to me,” she told me,” but I can’t tell you how or why. It’s like… a tugging feeling. I don’t know how else to say it. You became my family. You, and Drecc, too.”

“I lost Kragen,” I blurted out under my breath,” perhaps the gods replaced him with you. Out of all the thousands of drakes, it has to be me to suffer.” I only jested with the last words, but she began to choke on her sorrow. I felt I went too far and so offered my hand, but she did not take it.

“I was only kidding,” I chuckled at her, but she looked at me with tears.

“It’s not that,” she said,” I don’t want to go back home. They’ll keep me there. And I don’t know how to explain myself to my father, nor my mother…” I dropped my arm, then raised my eyebrows with a sigh.

“I don’t know how to talk to a king,” I said,” imagine he knows about your… situation. I might as well just kill myself.” That caused her to laugh.

“It’s not like that, I don’t think,” she reassured me,” I just want to be with you when you return to Fisclund. I want this, you know. I can leave and stay, I could look at the stars with friends. I could do whatever I wanted. I can’t do that at the palace. Mother is… overprotective.” She cupped a hand on the nape of her neck. She was much too old to be treated like a child, I thought, but I knew nothing of royalty. I knew of their importance, but even in the old days nobility were often married to gain favor with other lords, and to grow territory or align kingdoms; but none of that felt relevant now, and she should be able to do what she liked without interference from her family. Though, I admit, with the ongoing war and her infatuation for fighting, I could see why her uncle and father wanted to keep her safe, and much to her chagrin or discomfort, that was probably the right thing to do.

“You’re selfish, I think,” I blurted out, without much further thinking, and her head snapped towards me.

“What?”

“I mean,” I tried to defend my outburst,” think of it this way. What if the blood elves knew who you were? You could be used against the king. Your uncle allowed too much, and now he will have to suffer punishment for knowing you weren’t home. And now I have to explain to the king why you were in my service and face his wrath myself. All this, for your independence. And it is no one but you who is at fault.” She fell into a despairing silence. I didn’t mean to be so blunt, but she needed to know the truth of what would happen.

“I’m sorry,” she said quietly.

“You should be,” I growled,” now I have to tell your father of your oath, and how you are bound in service to me. I’ve heard his honor is impeccable. Let’s hope he agrees.” She brightened at that. I looked back up at the stars, and she took my hand, sitting as she was, and we stayed that way until the sun rose.

“You’re growing close. Too close. I can see it.”

Tsu’caro growled the words at me on the road to the palace. We waited two more weeks for my body to recover, and for news from our spies to return from Fyrnethsfjol. The town was built at the bottom of the mountain, which was due northwest of Fisclund. It would normally take one four days to get there on horseback if they moved casually, which is what we had ordered as not to arouse suspicion, then a few days of investigating before the four days it took to return. During that time, my horns retreated back into my skin, as if they’d never existed, and the wounds I took from the arrows scarred over. Nuinat– Princess Vysedda– stayed with me during my recovery, and Tsu’caro definitely took notice. We left Fisclund three days prior, and it would take another twenty or so days to reach the palace. Or, that was what I thought at first, but Tsu’caro informed me the king was making his rounds, with Prince Tallam in tow, and so we did not have to travel all the way to the palace to speak with the king. Instead, we were headed towards a city called Cuirtsaelie, which would take half the time. I’ve been to Cuirtsaelie before; it was a rather large city with four watchtowers and four gates. I remember there being three great halls: one for the elves, who’s ruler was called Petil Geali, who was famed for stories regarding the elven journey from Teles to Dractalemh, and there were many. The other hall was housed by a drake named Lord Hafsin, and the third hall was used to convene both races in the politics of the city. Generally, each race would take care of their own issues, but if something involved the entire city, that was when they would meet in the third hall. I was sure it was used more than frequently as of late, considering the racial divide as well as the war itself.

“Lord Rodwir?” Tsu’caro growled again, and I snapped back to attention. I must have lost myself in my thoughts.

“I’m sorry, lord prince,” I said under my breath,” what was it you were saying?”

“I said,” Tsu’caro sighed,” you and my niece have been spending a lot of time together. It has not gone unnoticed.”

“Ah, well,” I stalled for a moment, but couldn’t find anything to use as an excuse,” I have nothing to offer you.”

“You were in pain, and she took care of you best?” Tsu’caro offered, and I thought about that.

“That would have been a smart excuse,” I replied,” but I’m a terrible liar. Anyone could have taken care of me, I think.”

“So,” Tsu’caro asked me,” you are telling me you two have…”

“... oh no. No, lord prince,” I said hastily with a nervous laugh,” nothing of the sort. We’re just… two minds who’ve seemed to come together.” Tsu’caro narrowed his gaze at me. I tried to listen to the trotting of the horses, but his disdain for the conversation was palpable. He hissed out a bit of fire from his throat in agitation, then turned back to watch the road in front of him.

“All I ask is that you take care of her,” Tsu’caro spat,” though her father will more than likely rip your head off before you take her back to Fisclund.” It was my turn to look at him.

“Well, technically–”

“Fuck,” Tsu’caro scoffed,” technically, you say? Technically, she is in your service. That doesn’t matter. You don’t know the king. Matter of fact, you don’t know me so well, either.”

“I know you like me well enough,” I risked his ire and he growled in distaste.

“And that makes you believe you could get away with anything you want, does it?” Tsu’caro said, and I pretended to think about that.

“You’ve had plenty of chances to kill me, lord prince,” I told him. He ignored that, and we continued on.

Vysedda and Brund both joined us on our journey. The fenny was asked to join us so he could plead for the safety of his kind, as well to out his kind's existence, and Brund had to deliberate first with his skulk before he could agree, though they did not send with him any others as emissaries or to further prove the existence of his kind. I was sure he would be enough, but Tsu'caro was hesitant. He described to me how Ciluyue, the lady of the forest dwelling, was an elk of whom Dúleardi, the goddess of natural balance, breathed into her awareness and the gift of sorcery. As well, he said– as if I would ever meet this mythical being, she had antlers to attune her gifts, rather than the natural sign of gender that accompanied her kind. I scoffed this knowledge off as nothing more than stories, but he told me this as if one fenny wouldn't be enough to convince the king of the existence of an extinct race who went into hiding.

"There's no doubt he would believe you," Tsu'caro explained," but he would press for further proof. Bringing just the one fenny will prove to be a wasted effort."

"What else are we to do?" I asked him," we can't force the skull out of hiding." Tsu'caro nodded at that.

"No," he agreed," now imagine. We tell the king about the dragon bones, and how they are being used to kill our kind. Who was supplying them? The king may not look so favorably on that."

"You know him best," I replied curtly, then added," would he really believe the fenny knew what they were doing?"

“No,” Tsu’caro agreed again, then fell silent. He looked as if he was weighing his thoughts, as if there were things he could not tell me; and I was sure there were, though the royal court could have their own conspiracies and agendas. I only cared about what happened around me. Sure, I wanted this war to end, but that would take time. If I could focus my efforts into what I knew, and into the territories I had, I was sure I could make my new home just as peaceful as if the war never happened.

Tsu’caro did not tell me anything further. I think we were both convinced our stories didn’t matter, and that King Asmondius would more than likely believe what we told him. It was what happened after that we were concerned about, and it bore down heavily on my mind for the rest of the journey. I was nervous, after all; I’d never thought I would meet with the king in my lifetime, and now to explain my actions as well as to figure out what was going on with me personally. What was it the king knew that the prince did not? Perhaps the prince did know, but he felt he needed a second opinion, and the king was such he could confirm Tsu’caro’s thoughts. I felt my forehead, and though the horns had retreated I could still feel a slight bump from where they rose before, as if I hit my head on both sides. So curious a thing.

It took us a few more days to reach Cuirtsaelie. Some nights during our travel I was alone, but others I spent with Vysedda, much to Tsu'caro's chagrin. We did nothing but talk and watch the stars, though I was sure the mix of scents and thoughts bothered the prince heavily. I didn't care. For what it was worth I was happy, and Vysedda seemed content herself; and on one night, we fell asleep together. She curled in my arms and I kept her warm, and that, I was sure, was what made Tsu'caro despise me for the first time since I met him. He did not speak to me the rest of the way, and he surely did not acknowledge my presence when we reached the east gate.

"Who are you?" An elf shouted down from the rampart in elder speech.

"I am Prince Tsu'caro," the prince called back," I've been told by an informant the king is here."

"Ah, yes, Lord," the elf said hurriedly," I will open the gates right away. Who, may I ask, is with you?"

"You may not ask," Tsu'caro growled," it is none of your business." The elf hesitated, but then I saw him nod. He called something to the enclosure above the gate and it began to open slowly. We approached in a cautious manner, our horses hooves padding along in the snow, until I pulled back my reins and stopped. The gate revealed two nobles with circlets on their heads, and neither were the lords who ruled Cuirtsaelie. I heard Vysedda stop behind me, and watched as Tsu'caro bowed his head when the two came out to greet us on horseback.

"Lady," Tsu'caro called, respectively.

"Brother," the elf called warmly," we were not expecting your arrival."

Brother? I didn't know Tsu'caro was half-elven, let alone had any blood relatives. Rather, he did not speak of them, and only told me of his niece and his wife.

"I would not have come if it was unimportant," Tsu'caro straightened himself in his saddle, uncomfortably, which made me nervous. Whoever this was had power over him, and I could think of no one else but the queen of Dractalemh, Nanthaliene.

"Who is with you?" she asked, nodding towards me.

"This is…" Tsu'caro growled, now having to acknowledge my presence for the first time in days," the Lord Rodwir." The queen smiled softly, as if she knew who I was and why we were here. As if she knew everything, and as if we could not hide anything. I began to sweat, but I bowed my head respectfully.

"Your highness," I croaked, unable to say anything else. She raised an eyebrow, then raised a hand.

"Who do you believe me to be?" she asked, and I looked at Tsu'caro for answers. His lips twitched in response, but he offered me no help.

"You are…" I answered cautiously,"... The Lady Nanthaliene… are you not?" She blinked, and her smile widened.

"Clever, aren't you?" she responded," my brother does have good instincts, does he not?"

"He does, my lady," I replied dutifully, and that was something I truly believed; but I didn't realize the trap she had set, and her smile faded into a frown.

"Instinct is a funny thing," she said, tartly," it comes and goes. Sometimes it is unreliable. For instance, it takes my brother months to realize his niece has been under his nose the entire time." Tsu'caro cleared his throat.

"My apologies, sister."

"Your apologies," her eyes narrowed in response.

"Mother," Vysedda pushed her horse through. Brund whined under his hood where he sat behind her. I had completely forgotten about him, but I was glad he knew well enough to be silent for now. The queen smiled again and I had the feeling it was not a real smile, more a formal one.

"My daughter," she said," I am glad you have returned."

"It is not uncle's fault," Vysedda challenged her mother," it is mine. He did not know I was on the lines until I was in the service of Lord Rodwir, who took care of me as well. I am to blame for it all, not them." Nanthaliene shifted in her saddle, then cleared her throat after a moment's pause.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"We shall speak of this again soon," the queen ordered," come, we shall talk of these more pressing matters in the hall."

With that, she turned her horse, and the second noble raised his eyebrows at Vysedda. She smiled at him, and he rolled his eyes with a playful grin. This must have been her brother, Prince Tallam. I spurred my horse forward, trotting parallel to Tsu'caro with Vysedda in tow, trying my hardest not to look back at her with increasing concern. Tsu’caro’s face looked as if it was permanently pained and I knew then not to say anything until we arrived at the hall. Instead, I took notice of the buildings we passed and the people who bowed respectfully to the royal family. The buildings looked well-maintained for a large area, though I reckoned those who lived here had plenty of time to build and to fix things in their expansion to what Cuirtsaelie was now, and to maintain those standards for as long as the city was not invaded. It seemed as if the war did not touch this place, and everyone looked as if they did not know what happened on the outside, though i was certain they did. The war was close to Cuirtsaelie, evident in its reach to the towns I looked after; and if it was two weeks away in Fisclund then it could have surrounded the large city in ways I did not think about. Though, in our path to the third hall, I realized I did not think about the bigger picture at all, and that my conservative mindset was indeed selfish as I had thought before; and I was calling Nuinat– Vysedda– selfish for her wishes to be independent. I saw that in all the faces I passed. I did not see there was an overabundance of settlers and worried faces from towns that had burned down during the war efforts and winter raids. I did not see the husbands of those wives who had been possibly raped and then killed, or the wives whose husbands had died defending their families and homes. The children who lost their parents, and were now orphaned in the strange and large Cuirtsaelie, where the balance of law was separated between two kinds and two ordinances; all confused as their lives were torn apart and I…I was a part of their plight, and I did nothing to help them.

In my despair I did not realize we had reached that third hall and everyone had dismounted. Tsu’caro waited for me as the rest went inside, but it took me a moment longer to dismount as I stared at the beauty and size of the third hall, especially the mural that hung above the entrance. It depicted the first joining of the elves and drakes; so fitting for the hall’s existence as a middle ground between the two of them, and the carvings seemed to dance in front of my eyes as my vision blurred.

“Rodwir?” Tsu’caro put a hand on my leg.

“I’m just,” I muttered,” I keep zoning out.”

“We are needed,” Tsu’caro growled,” this isn’t the time to zone out.”

“I know, but…” I trailed off.

“Get down. Let’s go,” Tsu’caro ordered. I shifted out of my saddle and jumped to the ground. He led me to the entrance where we were asked to relinquish our weapons, and that made sense. I was sure in larger meetings tensions could rise and parties involved would wish to fight, so it was best that they had less chances to kill one another and could be stopped more easily without their swords. So we gave them up, then went inside to hear arguing booming around the hall. I hesitated, realizing there were so many more bodies here than I had previously expected, but Tsu’caro pushed me forward impatiently and I tripped into the light of the flames. The room fell silent as I did; I felt like a prisoner, though reassured myself that I wasn’t, and so I cleared my throat and looked to the prince. He whispered in my ear, beckoning me towards the right side of the room where the drakenfolk stood, and so I shuffled my feet awkwardly over to them.

It seemed we had interrupted a council– a rather large one, in fact, and there were more nobles here than I had ever seen before. This wasn’t just the city’s council, but a convention of war. I risked looking down the hall at the great chair to notice five occupied chairs; three at the top and two at the bottom of the steps. On the bottom two steps were the rulers of Cuirtsaelie: The Lady Petil Geali sat as a representative of the elves, and The Lord Hafsin a representative of the drakes. They sat regal and important, though my nerves only acted when my eyes fell on who sat behind them. Queen Nanthaliene took her seat on the elven side of the dais, while Prince Tallam took the drake side, but in the middle, his wings folded open and terrible behind him, was the king. His arms folded over his bare chest, reminiscent to how Tsu’caro liked to show his comfort, though one couldn’t help but notice the shimmer of his scales, bright as mythril, nor the hazel eyes that seemed to pierce into mine– as they did not move elsewhere. He seemed to drown out the words that boomed in the hall, as well did I. Everything seemed to dissipate and it was just the two of us in darkness, and I could feel a bead of sweat roll down my temple at his unwavering, snake-like eyes, and I knew I would not sleep comfortably for a while. I felt as if he was going to kill me in that instant, and I did not help myself by instinctively moving for my sword-hilt, forgetting entirely that I did not have my sword with me. I saw the grimace on his face, then he unfurled his arms, and the room turned to stare at him.

“We will discuss these matters later,” the king boomed in elder,” for now, my apologies. I must ask all of you to leave the hall. My family and I must speak for a moment, but we shall return to all of these matters after a break. Go and breathe, and stretch. Make certain those in your care are well, and we will reconvene in two hours.”

Those who weren’t standing stood up, and everyone bowed to the king. Petil Geali and Hafsin took their kin from the hall, and after a moment of shuffling and murmurs the hall had been emptied. Tsu’caro put his hand on my shoulder as if to calm me down, and I heard Brund whine softly under his cloak behind me. I reached my arm back and Brund took my hand, then his whining stopped.

“Bring him forward,” the king ordered in Red Sky. I thought he meant me, but he was speaking to Tsu’caro and the prince gently ushered Brund forward instead. I stayed back in the shadow for a moment, but then the queen ordered me to stand before them as well, and I dutifully obeyed. Tsu’caro removed Brund’s hood, and as he did the fenny’s ears twitched from the friction. King Asmondius’ eyes shifted brightly at the fox-like creature, and I felt a sense of relief that he was not all as serious as I had expected.

“Suimi,” he spoke in a language I did not understand,” cerdat urgo?”

“Ah, uh…” Brund seemed excited, and just as intrigued,” Brundhindlot, Erh Ra.”

“Anbhi geoler agaiban?” the king asked.

“Ai, Erh Ra,” the fenny replied,” geoler treibh, ui drair.” The king nodded to that.

“Folac?”

“Ai. Min, feo gheal sui.” Brund chittered excitedly, but in between those sounds the king looked at me.

“Lord Rodwir,” he said in Red Sky, which surprised me,” how did you come of this creature?”

“Lord King,” I bowed my head respectfully,” to put it plainly, I was hunting with…” I trailed off, trying not to look over at Vysedda, but the king noticed the strain in my neck and breathed, so I continued. “ We were hunting, and the fenny ambushed me. It wasn’t his fault, we must have startled him. In fact, he was on his way to speak with… the former lord of my estates.” The king nodded, accepting the truth for what it was. I believed he knew of my relationship with his daughter, though he tried his best to hide such knowledge, while I grew increasingly more uncomfortable with every passing second.

“And what was Hestal doing with this…renaisie?” he asked me, and I shifted my stance.

“He was trading what the skulk had found in their excavations for food. Then, he took what he found to the enemy.”

“What did they find?” The king asked, genuinely intrigued by this point. I looked over to Tsu’caro and the prince felt for something in the bag that rested on his hip. He brought out a folded cloth, then approached the dais and handed the item over to his brother. The king accepted it gently, then unfolded the cloth and narrowed his eyes. Prince Tallam bent over his chair to see what his father had, but could not decipher why his father seemed so distressed, but Asmondius would relieve him his inquiries.

“Dragon bones,” the king spat in disgust, and Tsu’caro nodded.

“We took care of Hestal,” the prince explained,” we destroyed his warriors, took him in for questioning, then killed him.”

“What were your findings?”

“The dragon bones were used as a material for weaponry,” Tsu’caro explained,” such weapons were able to puncture our scales and kill a lot of our fellow drakes. Hestal supplied Lord Ursun, who now resides near Mount Fyrofskyn, in Fyrnethsfjol. The Lord Rodwir has ordered spies to be sent frequently. We are only awaiting knowledge of his plans, and then we will deal with the Lord Ursun.”

“And so you brought this lord here?” the queen intervened,” why did he not stay behind to defend his lands?”

Tsu’caro fell silent. It was a bad time to not say anything, but the king seemed to get the hint that my being here was not so simple. He looked to his wife, then to his son, and they stood. Gradually, they began to leave the hall into the back rooms when the king made one last order to his wife. She nodded, although hesitant, then shot a glance at Vysedda before leaving. We waited for a time in silence with the king staring intensely at me. I knew then what he wanted, but we would speak about it later, though I had the strongest feeling that I should have said something in that quiet. Then I heard Tsu’caro inhale sharply, and I didn’t have to look at him to see why his heart began to beat rapidly; from where Nanthaliene left came a striking figure dressed in a long, white dress, crowned with a silver circlet. Her black hair fell straight down past her shoulders, and her bright blue eyes shone with a passive joy at the sight of the prince.

“My love,” Tsu’caro muttered with a greeting bow, and she smiled.

“My heart,” she responded,” it has been too long.”

“Irlaede,” the king called simply, and she nodded.

“You’ve summoned me, brother?”

“Lord Rodwir,” he seemed to ignore his sister,” step forward, please.”

I obeyed, approaching the dais with the sense of nervousness I had felt when the king first set his eyes on me. He raised a hand, signifying I had come close enough; then his sister walked down the steps, staring at me all the while until she stopped right at my feet, and raised her hand to my forehead. I felt the smoothness of her skin as her fingers ran over the two bumps in my skull. She turned to the king, hesitated, then nodded. She retreated back up the stairs and, as confused as I was, I wanted to move back myself, but then the king stood. His wings stretched menacingly, and my eyes widened at the feeling of danger that shivered up my spine. The next thing I knew I was pinned down to the ground, his claws around my throat as I gasped for air. I tried to pull his arm off but he was immensely strong. My scales tried to defend me but they could not appear under his grip, as if he was in control of my system. I hissed in defiance, but it sounded more like a mouse squeaking as my legs flailed underneath him. I heard Vysedda shouting and Brund whimpering but Tsu’caro and Irlaede made no gestures to help me. My claws extended and I tried his arm again, but his scales were stronger than any I had encountered before. I began to black out; I could see the encroaching death and I wanted so badly to give in but, too, did I not want to die in a manner such as this. The black turned to red, and the mouse-squeaks continued until I gargled flame into my mouth, then spat it upwards to the king’s face. He recoiled, letting go of my throat and I punched his cheek as hard as I could before rolling him over. I screeched a roar, as my throat was still sore, then pulled my arm back. Before I could bring my claws down to kill him, Tsu’caro wrapped his own arm around mine and pulled me back, then pinned me down. I hissed at him in defiance, throwing curses in his and the king’s direction, feeling a mix of betrayal and anger as the murderous intent grew in my mind.

I was able to pry the prince off of me and uncontrollably rushed towards the king again, but Tsu’caro was quick and grabbed me again. This time, I felt a tug at my head, and the king as well came to pull me by my horns and help drive me to the ground. I tossed and hissed as if nothing would stop me from what I wanted to do, but then I saw Vysedda and the tears in her eyes, and everything stopped. Suddenly, time was slow and I lost my sense of hearing. I knew they spoke to me. I knew of my surroundings, but all I could see was Vysedda; and, as if it had not happened at all, the flurry of emotions left my body and mind and my vision and my hearing came flowing back. Time returned and I blinked, recoiling at the largest headache I had ever felt.

“Fuck me,” the king expressed.

“Like a wild animal,” Tsu’caro growled. Neither of them removed their grips from my horns, but I shakily grabbed Tsu’caro’s wrist gently to signify he could let go.

“I’m okay,” I huffed,” I’m okay. I’m okay, right?”

“You’re okay,” Tsu’caro breathed.

“Fascinating, indeed,” the king said, removing his own grip cautiously. He turned to Irlaede,” what do you think?”

“It is… a trigger state,” Irlaede spoke, stun evident in her words,” defensive, desperate. One I haven't seen since…” She trailed off, unable to find the rest of the words. Tsu’caro looked up at her with concern, but the king stared at me with a high interest.

“Since Obsidian,” the king muttered. He offered me his arm and I grabbed it cautiously, then he pulled me up to my feet and I stumbled. Tsu’caro caught me just as the ache came back like a wave to crash into my head, I growled my discomfort and the king told Vysedda to grab a chair. She did, then brought it to me and they helped me to sit down. We stirred in the silence as the pain throbbed in my forehead, their words beginning to muffle as the ringing set in and the colors began to spot in my eyes; and just as quickly as it set off did the pain leave again, causing me to let out a sigh of relief and go limp in the chair.

“Feels like…” I felt like I choked on the words,”... feels like a really bad hangover…” The king nodded.

“I’m sure,” he said,” do you need rest?”

“No, Lord King,” I said,” I’ll be alright.”

“Good,” he said simply,” you and I must speak. Vysedda, you will join us. Brother, you may retire with Irlaede. The gods know it’s been long enough.”

It was the mention of Vysedda joining us that caused me to wince. Tsu’caro seemed to retract as well, but nevertheless went to his wife and led her out of the hall. She caressed his face and I could see how in love they were when he looked back into her eyes, and I saw the hint of a smile as they went out the door to the back rooms, Brund nervously scurrying after them. Vysedda wiped her cheek with her wrist, then brushed a loose strand of hair back behind her pointed ear. In my heavy breathing I instinctively reached out for her hand, but she hesitated. I did not think, and when I looked up the piercing hazel eyes of her father bore into mine. His pupils sharpened, but then quickly released to a more comfortable state. It was only then did Vysedda take my hand, and I massaged her fingers gently with my thumb. The king turned his back to me, paced the room for a moment, then flapped his wings irritably before folding them into a resting position.

“Now,” he said, a hint of ire in his voice,” how long has this been going on?” Vysedda cleared her throat and sniffed.

“It is nothing,” she said simply, but it wasn’t so simple, and we all knew it.

“You sneak out of the palace,” her father growled,” you lie your way into the front ranks. You imprint on the first damned drake you find and then tell me it’s nothing?”

“Lord King, if I may interject,” I said, and he turned to me sharply,” nothing has happened. We just… we talk, and we watch the stars.” The king scoffed at that.

“Just that,” he growled,” just as I did with my wife, and just as Irlaede did with Tsu’caro.”

“Then why scold me?” Vysedda argued,” you cannot blame me for something you’ve done yourself.”

“It is not so simple,” the king argued back, then sighed after a moment’s pause,” I don’t know what to do about it, to be completely truthful. You would resent me if I tried to stop you.”

I never expected the king to be so casual about all of this but, then again, he was a father, not just a king. It intrigued me that he swayed his emotions so carelessly in front of those he cared about, but was able to hide all of it in the face of those he ruled. In truth, I was still thinking about his sudden attack, and how I felt like I was going to die, and I was still angry with that rather than his approval or otherwise of my relationship with his daughter, princess or not.

“Lord King,” I growled, something he took notice of,” let’s not pretend you didn’t just try to kill me.”

“Don’t be so dramatic, young one,” he barked back,” if I wanted you dead, you would be. Now, relax. If you let your anger take over again, that primal rage will come back. Who knows what I’d have to do then. Breathe.”

I scoffed my ire. He scowled, went to one of the tables, poured a glass of ale and returned, handing me the cup. He spoke with Vysedda while I drank, squeezing my fingers into my empty palm. He muttered incessantly, wanting questions for the missing time between him and his daughter, and she seemed fairly relieved that he wasn't so angry with her, a sharp contrast to how her mother had greeted us earlier. He smiled during the good parts of her story, and through the sad he wiped her tears, and I could see the intelligence on his face. He realized she needed this; this, her own stories and her own life, not one that would keep her back from the harsh realities of life, or the beauty that twisted between. I knew he thought of this, because as I listened I could understand it, as well. I saw in his eyes the acceptance of what she needed, and as both king and father, all he had to do was let her go.

"Are you feeling better, Lord Rodwir?" The king asked, which startled me. Some time must have passed without me realizing it.

"I think so," I said," I feel the pressure in my head. It's… pretty intense."

"But the headache is gone?"

"Yes, Lord King."

"Good," he nodded," I think it is only fitting you stay in the hall tonight. I don't believe traversing around with horns on your head is the best idea. But we've food, and drink, here. Tomorrow, we will discuss what to do with you. Irlaede knows more than I on this matter, but I doubt she would appreciate being bothered for now."

"Nor Tsu'caro," I agreed," I don't think I want to face his wrath again." He chuckled at that.

"Faced it before, have you?"

"Not really," I said, rubbing my neck," it was more… I was in the vicinity." The king made a gesture that he understood, then took another look at Vysedda.

"I've more to discuss with the council, but I shall find you later, my daughter," he said, putting his arms on her shoulders. Then he leaned in and whispered something in her ears, which made her smile, and he dismissed the both of us. Vysedda helped me to stand and I bowed my respects to the king, who nodded at me just as respectfully, but before we left through the back doors, I had Vysedda stop.

"Lord king, one more thing," I said, turning to face him. I caught him drinking from my unfinished cup of ale, and he turned with a raised eyebrow.

"What is it?"

"Your daughter," I said," she gave me her oath. She is one of my warriors and advisors. Among my best."

He said nothing to that, but just stared at me as if dumbfounded, then he smiled shortly and nodded his head. We left the hall and Vysedda guided me to an empty guest room and dropped me onto the edge of the bed, then grabbed a stool for herself.

"Not a smart thing to leave on," she chided me.

"I made a promise, didn't I?" I smiled at her, then she leaned in and kissed my cheek.

"Foolish," she chuckled. I saw her hesitate, then grabbed her hand. She looked up at me with her shining emerald eyes, and I couldn't help myself. I kissed her. She did not resist, and instead pulled herself on top of me and wrapped her arms around my neck.

Tsu'caro and his wife, Irlaede, guided me and Vysedda out of the city a couple days later. Brund decided to stay behind, chittering with the king and queen about his people. I believed Nanthaliene knew what I was to her daughter, but she made no mention of it. In fact, I was certain the king spoke to her, and insisted that Vysedda be allowed to do as she pleased, much to the queen's ire. I didn't blame her for being protective, nor would I have blamed her for a hatred of me, but she seemed quiet in her contempt and peaceful, for the most part.

Tsu'caro, as well, must have known Vysedda and I slept together, though in his case, Irlaede must have tamed him from his reactions; of that, I had no doubts. Irlaede seemed intelligent and level-headed, as well as carefree when the mood called for it– evident in how she rode her horse next to her husband's, and how she hummed a sweet and soft melody that seemed to ease Tsu'caro's frustrations enough to speak with me comfortably.

"We are taking you into the forest, where you can lose your temper safely."

"That's a funny way to put it," I retorted. His arm twitched. He stopped his horse, waited for me to catch up, then grabbed my reins and pulled me to the side, allowing Vysedda and Irlaede to go on ahead.

"If you wish to protect my niece, then you need to get this under control," he hissed at me," I do not care what you are doing together. So long as she is safe.*

"My apologies, lord prince," I responded," I am only irritated with this… affliction." He stared at me for a few heartbeats longer, then growled, letting himself loose of my reins.

"You remind me of the king," he snarled," when he was young and foolish. It is almost uncanny."

"Was he… a handsome young man, full of adventure and promise?" I jested," full of pride as a drake, fierce as a warrior, and quick-witted?" Tsu'caro daggered me with his eyes, then playfully pushed my face with his hand.

"Yes, actually," he admitted," though I don't see what any of that has to do with you. Especially the quick-witted part. Let's go."

We caught up to our companions and continued casually into the nearby forest. Vysedda brought her bow for hunting, deciding to venture off on her own so she could bring us food if we camped for the night. We went off-trail, finding a grove where we could set up if we felt it was necessary, and dismounted from our horses. I thought, initially, that was the purpose of the grove, but Tsu'caro soon told me that it left us enough space to fight without harming the trees.

"To do what?" I asked him as he rotated his shoulders.

"To fight," Tsu'caro said, a tone of excitement in his voice," Irlaede will watch, and examine. She will instruct you if necessary."

"I don't need instructions on how to fight," I scoffed," though I do appreciate your help, my lady."

"Trust me," Irlaede smiled softly," you will need my advice." I heard a trilling noise emit from Tsu'caro's throat.