FSE

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Chapter 20

Though the startling news had them both in awe, Cordenth and Lyndis were swept away back to the castle. He was without words as he shrank in size, unable to comprehend where Elizabeth had come to this conclusion. He'd never told her to do this! With every stride he could feel the sharpness of Lyndis' eyes upon his scales, how she'd been silent until now was beyond him.

“Mother, have you gone positively mental?" Up went her arms as her voice carried through the halls. “Me? Run the whole kingdom? I ran away for this very reason! You want a round two of force my daughter to do things? Cause we'll see how that goes. Cordenth, let's get out of here."

The company stopped, all eyes falling to Lyndis as silence lingered across the hall. Elizabeth sighed, keeping her composure, and fixing her daughter with an empathetic look. “Its already been done, the decision made. I thought of it aplenty last night after sharing words with your dragon. It was he that made light of my cowardice and your deeds to unite us. It is you that carries the future of this kingdom, not I."

“Is that so?" Lyndis turned to Cordenth with an icy glare. “Then take this all back. I want no part of it. We only came to kick your arse into action, not take over your job!"

“I just explained I cant."

“You were charmed by the dragon's words!" She snapped as Cordenth's frills pinned. “Your thoughts were not your own!"

He eyed the door, panic twirling around his paws. She just spilled the beans like that? How fast could he snatch her up and gallop towards the exit? He shook his head lightly, would he have to now charm them all?

Elizabeth scoffed, patting Cordenth on his shoulder. “Hardly. He and I only shared words. My child, we had every enchantment we could think of. Rest assured my thoughts were my own."

Rogue and dragon exchanged knowing looks, this had to be of his doing.

While Cordenth shied away from his love's scathing look, she rolled her eyes. “And why can't you take back what you said?"

“Besides the laws being against it?" Elizabeth chortled, “Child, the nobles would be up in arms. Tis no matter if you like it or not, I have rescinded by right to the throne."

“How convenient for you than. You just get what you wanted and I get screwed over." She tossed up her hands. “Just couldn't accept me flying off for another adventure could ya mum?"

“I could always have your siblings take over." The suggestion was laced with in a tight tone. “If you would so choose."

“Bloody impossible." She cursed under her breath.

The throne room doors were spread before them by a whole company of guards, leaving the empty queen and king's thrones left before them. On either side were the advisors in the navy robes, gesturing to the empty cushion that seemed to call to Lyndis' ears. Priests filed into the room from the other side, chanting to bring life to runes that adorned the golden crown.

In a wave of the queen's hand the room grew silent, all eyes falling onto the future queen. The weight of their attention rested on the half-elf's face, biting tight her lip. She paused, shifting attention to them all.

“Mother…Please." Her voice was soft, “Its all Radiant Star's fault. There must be an exception. I'm not ready for this."

“But dear, you are." Elizabeth tried to grab her daughter's hands but she was batted away.

Cordenth's head drooped, guilt resting in his gut. “Lyndis, this isn't what we wanted to have happened, but we're forced to deal with it. You can either leave your kingdom with children as their leaders, or take command of it yourself. I for one greatly favor the second one."

Her eyes hardened into steel as she thrust a finger to the dragon's chest. “Only because you'd like to rule over this kingdom one day. Is that what matters to you? You can't feel for this great responsibility plopped into my lap because of you? Go to hell Cordenth." Lyndis spun a dime and stormed out of the room.

“Wait!" He called after her, whirling around.

“Daughter! You can't leave like this!" Elizabeth said.

Lyndis briefly spun, flipping both of them off. “Oh my, I don't know how I'm doing it, but I'm somehow leaving!" With a sarcastic salute she slipped down the hall and out of sight.

He went to follow after her, explain this great boon that was gifted to them. They were to be rulers, and all would have to obey their command. They wouldn't even have to use his abilities! His first step was met with a steady hand by not only the queen but Keerla. He could easily have pushed them aside, but he held himself in check. “What is the meaning of this? We can't just let her leave."

“That's what yer gonna be doin." Keerla's said sternly, “Lass needs her space. Yer just going to be messing that up. She knows what needs to be done."

“Which is why you need to be patient." Elizabeth shook her head. “Children need their space to figure things out, sometimes a push to flourish." Up she looked to Cordenth's gaze. “Are dragons taught to fly the very same?"

He nodded with a heavy sigh and pinned frills. How he'd panicked when first dropped within the vast blue expanse below. Yet as he stood, every fiber of his being begged him to leave. Catch this woman before she had enough of him. There would go every chance of him being a king. “Are you certain we must stay?"

Keerla nodded, massaging his scales. “I know it seems unproductive but trust me wee one. She'll come back, head on straighter than an axe. Best thing fer ya would be to clear yer head. I suggest a round of archery or breathin funny."

He wrinkled his snout at her. “Breathing funny?"

“Isnt that what ya dragons do for relaxing? Using your breaths to make art and stuff?"

He sighed, “I suppose I could look to my visions, figure out what we need to do next."

She poked his snout with a grin, “That sounds like a mighty good idea. Doesn't it my lady?"

Elizabeth nodded, politely striding to the throne as the audience murmured among themselves. Evidently this sort of thing didn't happen every day. “I suggest one of the battlements." She sighed, “I'll send word for your privacy. No one will trouble you."

There were worst fates to be sure, and it would keep him out of trouble. Even now he longed to follow her, insist that she make her case before him. Though what could he say? They were going to get what they wanted! What mattered if it was do to a misunderstanding? He stared at his paws, Lyndis' look digging icy claws under his scales. “That will be acceptable."

“Then it will be so." Elizabeth turned to Keerla, “I ensure you to let everyone know?"

The elf nodded, “Don't worry. Any guard that be interrupting him will get to guard Lynalla when this be over." Her coming grin made every male guard shift in place, recalling what she could do with tray or boot.

Even that little bit of humor did nothing for the dragon as he slunk out of the throne room. He ignored calls for his name with a swish of the tail. His mood was as murky as the sky, rolling clouds having overtaken everything in sight. For a time he didn't move, merely taking long drags of the crisp air that stung at his snout. She'd warned and trusted him, and he'd pushed what would have been years from now into her lap. Just like his mother, he'd trapped her in another cage. She was too good of a person to leave her people leaderless. She'd swallow it down and carry on, and the thought stabbed at his paws.

Cordenth pounced into the sky, to lose himself with heavy beats of his wings. What was there to say to his beloved? What could he say? His arrogance led them into this mess, even despite it being well deserved. He spun and raced around the chilly sky, making a mockery of gravity with every breath. The clouds were sliced in two in his wake, he was master of the sky.

But was it arrogance? He was a dragon, and she but a mere half-elf. His abilities both mental and physical were superior by nature's design. Was he to be blamed for such a thing? Deep within his bones he knew this to be a great boon. Years had been shaved away, gift wrapped to them in the moment. She should be grateful for such a thing, kneeling down to kiss and worship at his paws.

Cordenth grinned, drifting along the sky as he pictured such a thing. Just as his mental beloved was caressing his forepaws the dragon snapped right out of his daydream. Such things were not to be thought, she was his beloved and not some inferior. He shook his head, pounding ever harder as if to punish himself. He was better than his mother. Would create a future together, not where dragons were holding mortal's leashes.

Satisfied with his flight, the dragon curled around the castle walls. How amusing that what he did would cause humans of old to panic and call to arms. Instead, he was met with waves, honest smiles, and gesturing to the battlements that awaited his perching. He landed upon the cold stone and wood, claws clacking to announce his arrival.

There he planted his haunches, rose his head and let the moment take him. His eyes drifted closed, his tail curled inward and he simply focused on his breathing. Softly the wind and scattered voices faded from his consciousness, the dragon himself spinning mentally to his practiced plane.

“Show me what must be done to get victory." He whispered to himself, willing the world to form its way around him.

That it did. The darkness bursting outwards with life as though he a forming god. Rocks and desolate trees raced from him like a wave, sprouting corpses and snow as if troubling flowers. He was back to the fateful battle at Struport, the one that would claim those he held dear. Around he looked, only able to hear the steady beats of his heart.

“Show me how. What must I do to avoid this?" He searched across the body lidden countryside, wincing at the shattered walls. He could make out the ivory feathers of pegasus riders, their final resting places shared by scores of gryphons. Defenders could still be heard, their weapons sounding through the night. It was a fleeting thing, a light that would be snuffed out.

He flicked his tail and focused again, finding a slight calling to his ear. It sounded like his name, swallowed whole by the rushing water of a river. The countryside went rushing by him in a multicolored blur, forcing the dragon to pin in his wings as the wind stung at his scales. Wincing, he still held his focus, even when thunder shattered what silence that was given. As his heart skipped a beat and he practically leaped in surprise, everything came to a halt.

Cordenth was standing before the sprawling forest that had been calling to him before. High above the mountains in the distance, rested a golden glow. One that pierced the darkened skies above. Thunder sounded from the mountains were it dwelled. The coming wind brought sulpher, dragon, and the ever-looming shadow of dread

He crouched with a racing heart, knowing what awaited him should he be caught. His soul shivered as he scampered for the forest's base, scattering the crumbling soil below.

Trees that had once been filled with life were instead clinging to it instead. Bark was peeling away, the flesh riddled with a multitude of parasites. Leaves were stripped bare, the branches all cracked and ragged. Nothing remained here but a hallow shell, smoke rising like a signal above the once vibrant treeline.

“Dragon." A deep voice resounded through the forest, coming from every tree.

He spun around, frills pinned. Could these visions speak to him?

As the golden light swelled in the distance, a pheonix burst free from the dead forest like an arrow. It's red and golden feathers were spread wide, radiant fire billowing in it's wake. It had but one word to say before its warmth burned away the vision. “Rebirth."

*

He snapped out of his trance with a shivering down his spine. Hours had passed in what seemed the blink of an eye, darkness had gripped the land. His heart stilled as he almost swore he could see streaks of gold piercing the blackened clouds above. Even now he looked over his shoulder, almost expecting to see a golden, slitted eye. How close had he been to being found out? He clambered down from the battlements to the courtyard below.

“What did it mean by rebirth?" He whispered, “Did it mean the forest?" It had been so devoid of life, not even having a trace of the unicorn of wolf from before. This was why he missed his brother around, Lyyreth would have been able to make sense of such cryptic things. “Graahh.." He hissed, thrashing his tail in frustration. Then came the threatening clank of a suit of armor from the castle's doors.

“Have at thee dragon!" Albert announced at the top of his lungs and charging with a sword twice his size. He was clad from head to toe in oversized, golden armor that clanked like a kitchen of pots of pans with every stride. “You'll not steal my mother's throne! I'll slay you first!"

The dragon casually flicked his tail away from the blusterous youth, padding away as the sword was swung with the skill of a drunkard. The boy tripped, collapsed to the snowy ground. Cordenth tilted his head, peering over the panting prince. “May I help you?"

“I've come to slay you dragon!" Albert blustered, red faced and struggling to stand. He managed it with a couple of tries, even then his legs trembled. “For what you've done to mother! I heard Lynalla! Your foul sorcery has bewitched her! Undo it I must say!"

Frills pinned as he avoided yet another exaggerated swing. If all combats were this easy, dragons wouldn't be slain! With every shout and attack, the dragon leaped or slipped out of the way. “I think you're quite bad at this. Is it your first time?"

Red cheeks only got turned darker. “Only cause you keep moving! Stay still and taste my steel!"

“Hardly, do you know how terrible it is?" His snout wrinkled as he continued to make a mockery of the youth around the courtyard. Despite the amusement naturally bouncing with his paws, he couldn't help but feel responsible and sympathetic for the youth. He was only trying to defend what he knew as a threat. To be fair, he should have seen what better rulers they would be!

“Stay put!" The prince snarled, his movements slowing.

“And meet your sharpened stick? I'd rather not. If you're trying to do as you say, you've got a long road ahead. I haven't even used my wings!"

“You'd think that dragon, but I've got you on the ropes!" Albert thrust a trembling arm towards the sky as if his victory were assured. “Take flight and leave us forever you contemptible devil!"

And now what was a moment of humor was one of rudeness. Cordenth puffed up his chest, strode towards the human with a swaying tail and casually flicked his sword to the side. “I think thats enough of that." He growled, easily towering over this youth.

The prince gulped, eyes widening as the gap between them was made clear.

“Swinging a sword against me? I can understand and respect that, but there was no need for your rude words." He snorted, rolling his eyes. “You don't see me going on in length at your pitiful sword swings. Honestly, I think they might be the worst I've ever laid eyes upon. And the armor you wear?"

The boy poked his golden plate. “What's wrong with my armor?"

“Clearly ceremonial." Cordenth flared his wings, and with a powerful flap sent the young prince onto his ass in the snow. “And look at that!" He chortled with pride. “With but a wing flap you are defeated. Perhaps now we can have words?"

“Words? Words?" The young man shouted, wiping his face of his clear embarrassment. He tried to stand, his shoulders bounced as a thick dollop of sweat ran down his brow. “That's what you want isn't it? To bewitch me like mother and make my sister cry!"

“Your sister cry?" Up went his brow. Since when did this one care for Lyndis? 'Surely you mean your little sister Valencia. I didn't even-“

A snowball crashed into his snout, splattering to the ground. Valencia stood beaming, curling her hands to summon snowballs to her palms. “Got you dwaggin! You be slain now!"

When he didn't reply at first, her brow stitched together. “Hey!" Her hands went to her waist. “You're not even playing right! I call unfair!"

Albert sighed, “Sister, we're trying to slay him for real. We're not playing."

Cordenth rolled his chuckle, tapping his chest. “Were we not playing? I thought we were!"

Valencia merely gasped, turning to her brother. “You lied to me? I don't wanna kill him!" With renewed fire in her eyes the little mage started flinging her swarm of snowballs at her brother.

He was forgotten as the pair bickered, the prince too tired to dodge his sister's barrage of frozen snowballs. Cordenth slunk to his belly, waiting for this to naturally run it's course. When they started to come around he made himself known, using his paw to wash both of them in a wave of mushy snow.

“That's enough of that." He growled, snout traveling between the two. “You're going to pierce my ears if this continues."

“You got me soaked!" The prince flung water from his gloves. The princess merely giggled like mad.

“And you tried to kill me with a sword! You're lucky you're only wet!" He advanced on the young man in question, resting his snout inches from his face. The human looked away bashfully.

“Sorry." He gulped.

“Accepted." Cordenth huffed, ruffling the boy's short brown hair. “Now what of your sister? Clearly she isn't crying."

“He means Lynalla!" Valencia giggled. “She was so sad. So we stalked her."

“Followed." The prince sighed.

“Teacher says stalked. So that's what we did!"

Crying? The dragon froze upon the stone, not a sliver of movement as he stared out to the drifting clouds. He'd made her cry? He'd never made anyone do that before he was certain.

He scratched at his chest, frills pinning to his head. The cold wind upon his scales masked the deep chasm formed within his ribs. He had to make this right somehow. The queen's words were but tiny whispers as a pounding resounded between his horns. Eyes of purpose caught Albert's. “Tell me failure of a dragon slayer…Where is your sister?"

“You'll not get a sentence out of me. I may not be able to slay you dragon, but that doesn't mean I'll help you hurt her further!"

The dragon rolled his eyes. Did he not even know of his sister until they first arrived? Either way, he'd have to convince him. “I'm not here to charm or twist your thoughts. The princess, Lynalla as you call her…" He took a deep breath, peering away. “To hear of such things pains me. Worse than what your sword would have done. I must make this right." He turned, offering the boy a look over. “I just want to see her happy. Is that not what a brother would want? As an older one, I would only want my sibling to be happy as possible."

Albert didn't stir, his hands winding their way across his chest. Evidently more coaxing would be required.

Sighing, Cordenth slunk around the steadfast human, fighting the urge to gently push him over with paw or snout. “What possessed you to even try? You're hardly larger than my forepaw! You should've at least brought some guard, an army, anything to aid you." He chuckled deep in his throat, “You never do hear of one human besting a dragon on their own. They need help, allies, and a whole mess of luck." He finished with a condescending snort, hiding the embarrassment of having been bested by Arcturus and his allies months ago. They didn't need to know that.

“I don't know." The boy sheepishly replied, trying to pull himself from Cordenth's gaze. “Brothers are supposed to defend their sisters. ESPECIALLY their mums. Especially against dragons with silvery tongues. You qualify as both."

Cordenth stuck out his tongue. “Does this satisfy you? Cleary it is not silver."

“That's not what I meant." Little boy's brow stitched. “You're mocking me."

“Do you not have jokes?" He gently prodded Albert with the back side of his paw, sending him tumbling to the snow. He couldn't help but grin as Valencia giggled and cheered in celebration. “See? Your sister is convinced I didn't mean harm, why not you?"

Air stilled as the embarrassed youth stood, dusting himself off of snow. The fire within his eyes was whisked away with a heavy sigh and shrug. “Just didn't want to see her cry. What were you going to do?"

“Find her of course." He tapped his chest, gently fluffed his wings. The urge to not grin as guard's gazes fell upon him. “What do you think these are for? Show?"

“Mum says that won't work." Albert wiped his nose, “Yer just going to make it worse."

He stomped a paw, “What do you know? You hardly even know the girl!"

“Yea, but when Valencia is mad at me. I don't keep trying to hang out with her. That right?"

Valencia nodded, “I hurl snowballs at him!"

“Exactly."

That was certainly vexing. Around the courtyard he began to pace. What was he supposed to do if not find her? Thoughts brought lengthy grumbles, exaggerated snorts, and the occasional batting of snow. All he could do was wait? He turned to the little ones acting as his shadow. “What do you do when your sister is angry."

“I cook her dinner." Albert thumbed at his chest. “I make her favorite!"

“And what would that be?"

“Cake!" Valencia belted with a large smile. “Oh please mr dragon. Are you going to make cake? Cake makes any girl happier!"

“Cake for dinner?" He chortled. “I think that's just little girls and boys."

“Nu-uh! Everyone likes cake! Just be better than Albert. It was icky."

Albert's face turned beat red, turning to his sister with a stomp of his boot. “Hey! It was the thought that counted!"

“And it was ICKY!"

“And it worked?" Cordenth tilted his head to Valencia, sweeping the courtyard with his tail. Her nod brought some confidence to his scales. “Then it's decided." He held his head high. “I shall make for her one dinner."

“Have you cooked before?" The little ones asked, as if to deflate his terrific idea.

“Can I request the help to do it?" He sheepishly grinned, only to frown as they both shook their heads.

“It has to be by you!"

“But I thought the thought was what counted."

“Uhuh!" Valencia smiled innocently, “And that's got to be you!"

Course it had to come with that. He stared at his paws. When was the last time he'd even attempted to cook? Hunting down a meal was standard for a dragon, they took pride in it. Roasting it with magic? Easy, but to actually strip something down and use human techniques? He shivered at the thought. He was better off trying to squeeze milk from a nut.

“You can't cook can you?" Albert sighed.

Not one to admit his failings, Cordenth laughed in jest. “Me? Cook? Of course I can cook! That would be preposterous! I just have to think of the best thing to cook!"

“Cake!" Valencia practically leaped. “And I call a flower piece!"

“Flower piece? I thought cake was some sort of treat?"

“Uhuh! And frosting flowers are the bestest!"

Albert tapped his sister's shoulder. “I think their dinner will be just for them."

“How come? That isn't fair!" She stomped her foot, crossing her arms with a troublesome glare. “I wanted cake!"

Great, now he was going to upset another of Lyndis' family? Cordenth growled at the annoyance and shifted into his anthro appearance, clothing and all. Even the little one's astonishment didn't lift his spirits. “Well? What am we waiting for? Lets return to the kitchens, I'm sure we can whip something up."

“Cake?" Valencia asked, giving him puppy dog eyes.

“Maybe a cake."

“Yay!" Valencia, hugged him tight. “You're the bestest new stepbrother like ever!"

*

“Why did you go through all this trouble? You just needed to come find me and talk." Lyndis slipped through the dinning hall's doors, clad in homely black trousers and a simple tunic. Her eyes fell to steaming silver trays of, lavender Drenedarian moth slathered in an amber pineapple sauce, browned rice, and assorted green veggies.

“Really?" He tried to maintain a calm composure, only a single brow twitched to give his frustration. Hours of preparing with the queen and the staff to make sure it was only her and him wasted. “I was told…otherwise."

“Someone fails to understand me then." She gently tapped his chest, sliding into a navy cushioned chair when offered. She wagged a finger, “Don't think you're out of the shite yet. I'm still cross with you."

“Still?" He sat opposite her. “Even after all this?"

“You still went and did it without me knowing. Look what happened Cordenth, just the disaster I was expecting."

Grabbing the plate she divided out equal helpings of the offerings. “What was I supposed to do? I was surprised and had to go do it. I wasn't going to let our chance go to waste."

“Our chance or your chance? I could have thought of a way."

“From the confines of your tower?" He grinned.

“I was on my way out thank you!" She twirled an offered fork between her fingers. “This is just like the temple all over again."

“It's nothing like that incident." He snapped, “This time nothing has gone wrong for us. Yes it was a mistake but so what? Look around you, everything went out way! We got the reinforcements, and you're to be queen! Win win all around!"

“And we should be just fine with it?" Fire brimmed in her eyes.

“Of course!" He chuckled, starting to slice into his moth. “I know that's not what you exactly wanted, but we have to face that now."

“How can you not get this through your skull?" She groaned, “I didn't want to be queen yet."

“And here we are."

“Thanks to you!" She growled, “You left me with but two options. Take my place as queen and sacrifice my freedom or leaving it in the hands of some advisor until my siblings are of age."

“But you get what you want right? You could lead the armies back without being queen. Why worry about it?"

“Cause it's not right." Her sighed softly, pushing her food around her plate. “They deserve just as much time as I got to figure out what I wanted. I'd be no better than my mother forcing responsibility on them. They deserve to be children for now."

“Sometimes we must set aside our personal wants." He rolled a hand, “For the greater good of course."

“Really? You're saying that?" She leaned her cheek into her palm. “The one whose whole point was to defy his mother. He is the one spouting this now?"

He sighed, taking a long drag of the air. Words that he'd prepared died within her questioning eyes. His soul spoke to tell her of their coming greatness, of how the future was theirs to hold, but nothing came. Confidence that'd been present within his chest deflated, the kingship he wished for not so certain. How could be set her future into such a destined path when he'd fought fang and claw to defy his?

“You're right as always." He drooped, “I've been a hypocrite. I see our future and make it fit, accept as it's been what I've wanted. Truth is, how could I force you upon such a path? I'd be no better than my mother."

Silence fell around the hall as the princess' eyes widened. Of all the things she'd expected to hear from him, this had been the last. Gently her hands crossed the table, caressing his drooping snout. She pulled it up with a caring smile. “You're better than her. Least you can see when you've been an ass."

“I wasn't an ass. Maybe unhelpful and saying unwanted things but never an-" He tried to protest but was silenced by a finger.

“I wish you'd consulted me on your plan before you tried it. If we're a team, you need to act like my opinion matters."

“And that it does." Somewhere in his gut wretched at the idea. She was only a human after all, what opinion did she have that merited any worth? He shook his head of such thoughts and tentatively held her hands. “I just wanted to impress you further." His frills pinned. “To prove that I was a desirable mate, worthy of such a beauty as yourself."

Chuckling she patted his cheek. “You needn't worry at such a thought. Countless fools have blathered and thrown themselves at my feet, don't feel bothered to do such things." She pulled him closer, cupping his jaw. “I'm already impressed, and you're no fool right?"

“Only when it comes to you it seems."

Weakened laughter eased the tension, ending it with a brief kiss shared between the two.

“Just, consult me next time. It may not have helped, but maybe we would have come up with a better plan."

“Would it have though?"

She sighed and drifted off in thought. “Maybe not, but at least then I'd be partially to blame."

“What would your choice be then? Stay the adventurer and keep your freedom, or take your place as queen?"

The words were simple, but the words heavy. They brought a anxious filled silence to the hall as Lyndis continued in contemplation. She rose from her seat, slid herself onto Cordenth's lap and secured herself with his hands. Back she leaned, staring off above as if to a far away place.

“Before you say anything." He whispered, pulling her close. “I have a compromise if you'd hear me out."

“And what would that be?" She sighed, squeezing his hand. “Some draconic trick up your scales?"

“Trick?" He rose and waggled a claw, “Just accept to be queen."

“Cordenth." She groaned, trying to stand. “That's not-“

He gingerly grabbed her by the wrist. “You didn't let me finish."

“Hmmph." She sat, leaning against his chest. “Then finish so I can resume leaving."

“Stay Queen until your siblings are old enough." He tenderly whispered as he massaged her shoulder. His soul thrashed like an untamed wolf. He was throwing everything away! “Then depart and have the life you want. I won't fight it, nor chastise you. In fact." He brushed her hair with a smile. “I'll be there for you the entire time…If you'll let me of course."

She was stunned. “But…You'd be giving up that dream of being king!"

“I'm aware." He sighed, frills pinning.

“Huh." Hands found his face, pulled the dragon close. She wasn't smiling as he thought. “I must be going mad. What would you do?"

He gestured to the table, “Clearly go into business being a baker. Maybe even a specialty chef. I'm a dragon Lyndis, anything I wish to do. Do adventurer's need cooks for them?"

“Like hell they do." She pulled him in for a passionate kiss that left cheeks blushing and frills fluttering. “What quite the drop though. Do you think anyone will mind the great dragon king becoming a baker?"

Even the words stung at his frills. Closing his eyes he let it pass with a heavy breath. “They'll have to. Perhaps even mention how great he was of relinquishing his shared rule." The coming kiss dulled the sting and eased the mind. The fluttering of her heart was music to the dragon's soul. For minutes they were caught within each other's auras. Only seconds for breath passed between their passionate kisses. In time everything was lost to them, only the closeness and warmth the other provided being the most important things.

“I think that's a compromise I can live with. We'll find away you can make that dream of yours true. Unless you really wanted to be a baker."

Cordenth the confectionary cook." He chuckled. “People will come from all around." He nuzzled against her, cooing when she returned the gesture. The coming kiss dulled the sting and eased the mind. The fluttering of her heart was music to the dragon's soul. For minutes they were caught within each other's auras. Only seconds for breath passed between their passionate kisses. In time everything was lost to them, only the closeness and warmth the other provided being the most important things.

When their lips tired and laughter filled the air, the food was no doubt stone cold upon the plates. With spells they warmed it up but it did little for the taste. As they sampled it, the wretched concoction curled lip and wrinkled snout the same. Though for Cordenth the spine tingling shock was enough to wrest concentration from him. In a puff of purple smoke and clatter of silverware, the dragon was full size.

“Here I thought a bit of skill would rub off on me." He pouted, gazing upon the absolute shambles the dinner table was left in. “Gods I hope that wasn't valuable."

“And thus the dream is shattered. Thank goodness you got years to improve huh?" Lyndis chuckled and shook her head, leaning up against his sauce covered scales. “Lets get you and this cleaned up, then maybe check the cupboards for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches."

“Are they any good?" He tilted his head.

“More importantly." She booped his snout, “There's no way bloody way you can mess them up."

*

The next morning, they were led to the city square, were scores of citizens awaited the arrival of their future queen. Silence fell as all eyes narrowed to her, weighing all their hopes and wishes upon her shoulders. The clerics and advisors patiently waited with the royal family beside them, welcoming them with a gentle wave.

Lyndis took a tentative first step, doubt flickering in her motions. Closer she pressed to Cordenth.

“You can do this." Cordenth whispered, nuzzling along the princess cheek. She kissed him back and fluttered his frills.

“And you got me all the way?" She asked softly, fingers brushing across his scales.

He nodded without hesitation. “I'd not let you do it alone. It wouldn't be proper would it not? For a knight to let his beloved go into such danger?"

She weakly chuckled, kissing him on the nose. Nervous she may have been, but it wouldn't stop her. With courage anew she marched towards her destiny.

Chanting started as they took their places, anticipation swirling around every gathered face. Eyes locked upon the blue robes of the clerics of Startren, and grew wider as their Archbishop in gilded robes emerged with the crown.

As the Archbishop neared the chanting increased to a frantic pace, ceasing when he stood before her. Silence hung in the air, not a person daring to utter a word out of bad luck. Even Cordenth shifted from paw to paw.

“Princess Lynalla, in front of you now is the path you and your bloodline has walked these many years." One man asked softly. “Are you willing to take the oath as they did?"

She trembled for but a second, eyes focusing on Cordenth. When he smiled so did she. “I am willing."

“Very well." He cleared his throat,

“Do you solemnly swear and promise to govern the peoples of the great kingdom of Drenedar?"

“I solemnly swear to do so."

“Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgements?"

“I will."

From his robes the Archbishop procured a lengthy scroll that when opened cascaded to the floor like a waterfall. A cleric padded over, offering a feathered quill to the waiting queen.

“Then you will sign the oath."

She bowed her head and did as was requested.

“Then kneel before us, Lynalla queen of Drenedar." He held aloft the golden crown, gently lowering upon Lyndis' head.

Courage welled in her chest, pooled in her eyes and brought a smile to her face. Princess became queen in but a breath as the crown rested upon her head.

Like an explosion had gone off, the entire square erupted in unfiltered joy and glee. Songs were sung to the rooftops, the announcements proclaimed to the heavens. Even a dragon warbled and trilled to such an extent that he thought no more joy could be left. Without warning he pressed in at her side, nuzzling with warmth in his heart. When she took refuge in his touch and pressed close, he could never have been more proud or happy. She kissed him and he chuckled with a tapping tail.

Flowers were starting to be tossed as gasps radiated through the crowd and talk soon turned to who her king was to be. Bells rang throughout the city, announcing what those gathered here already knew. The future would be bright, no darkness would be suffered, and in unity would be their strength. Lyndis would be the one to guide them, with a loyal dragon every step of the way.

*

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This month I'd like to keep thanking my patreons! We have a silver dragon reference in the work thanks to them.

Current Patreons: William Pecket, Sinixz, AkitoWolfi, Nyk Verien, David Simmons, The Dread Sky, Dragonaquis