Zehra: Getting Entangled With The Dragon King

Our First Encounter

(Zehra POV)

The world has been divided into two since ancient times.

While the vast majority is dominated by the kingdoms ruled by Mundanes, there were small potions dominated by what is known as the supernaturals. While most of the kingdoms ruled in peaceful coexistence, opening culture and trade, there were a few that were ruled in a closed off land.

And one such powerful and prestigious kingdom was the kingdom of Nyxia, lying adjacent to my hometown. The land ruled by the dragon kings were known to be both ancient and mysterious, having vast different culture and lifestyle. Their traditions and values are almost unknown to the outside world, subjecting them to numerous rumors.

But that was until the Dragon king, Villain suddenly decided to form a trade alliance with my home kingdom. Our king on seeing such a huge opportunity couldn’t say no. It was a glorious event and the simple dinner they had planned turned into a grant ball to celebrate the new bond between the two.

A memorable event worth to be mentioned in history.

And I am late!!!

"Quickly! Get going! We are already 15 minutes late! We still have the hair!"

My room was in complete chaos as they tried to get me ready as fast as they could. They even had to call an addition of 5 more maids to cut short the time.

"Honestly, Princess Zehra! You knew how important the event was and you still decided to wander around like that!" my personal maid aka my nanny, didn't hold back her disappointment as she kept on lecturing through the entire time.

"The crown princess is supposed to be there when the guests arrive. You need to take care of them until the royals enter!" she fumed as I glanced at her through the mirror.

"I am sorry?" my sentence ended with a question mark, and I gave her an apologetic smile to which she rolled her eyes.

At just the age of 5, I was engaged to the crown prince of my home just because I was the girl who held the prophecy. Honestly, for me, it was not a bad thing. Everyone loved and respected me, and to top it off, I had a handsome fiancé who loved and cherished me so much.

Everyone would always praise me for being a hardworking princess doing her best to be the girl worthy of her position. Well, everyone except my dear nanny.

But this time, I swear it was not my fault.

(Earlier that evening)

I speed walk through the rose garden since it was my shortcut to my room. I was already late in schedule to dress up for the banquet.

But I stopped in my tracks as I saw an unfamiliar figure.

"Are you lost?" I asked walking towards. Even though I didn't see his face, just by the dress I knew he was one of the guests from the dragon kingdom.

"No, I am not," the boy said turning around. I felt my breath stop as I saw how beautiful this boy in front of me was.

His eyes were a striking gold colour, beautiful and mysterious enough to captivate anyone with a single look. He had red hair and pale skin, and I could see red scale prints peaking from his neck.

He was shorter than me although the way he stood with pride made me feel smaller.

I watched as his eyes widened as he looked at me.

"Wow," he said continuing to stare at me.

"It's the eyes, isn't it?" getting such a reaction was nothing new to me. Everyone who saw my eyes had always given such an expression.

"Well, it’s part of your mesmerizing beauty”.

"Th-thank you “Even though I always get so many compliments, something about him seems to strike deep into my heart.

Is it because I was still stunned to see such a beautiful man?

He smiled at me and started to walk towards me. Each step he took was filled with confidence.

I have heard that the kingdom of Nyxia was very reserved since they had always refused to expose themselves to the other kingdom but this guy in front of me showed no such thing.

"My name is Luka," he said extending his hand towards me.

"That's not right" I frowned making him raise one eyebrow at me.

"What's not, right?"

"Well.... is that your real name?"

"Are you doubting it?"

"No! I am not! I..." I paused.

As per my mentor’s instruction, I had memorized every single name on the guest list, and I am pretty damn sure his name was not there. But what if there is and I missed it?

"It's nice to meet you Sir Luka" I replied taking his hand, ready for a firm handshake. But I was met with an unexpected turn of events when he grabbed hold of my hand.

For some reason, I felt an odd feeling, a sense of shiver going down my spine. My heart tugged and I watched him stare at my hand with wide eyes, before taking a deep breath to calm himself down.

He was gentle in his ways as he kissed the top of my hand. "Are you coming for the grant ball?" he asked looking at me with expectation.

"Ah, yes? Yes, I will be there" I was taken in completely by surprise seeing him act like that.

He grinned satisfied by my reaction and did not let go of my hand.

"I am lost," he said making me look at him with a frown.

"What?”

“You asked me if I was lost right? I am lost” he gave me a perfect dramatic pout as if he mastered the art of pouting.

“You said you weren’t lost" I raised one of my eyebrows judgingly showing him how I knew he was lying.

“No. I am really lost. I am sure being from this kingdom it is your responsibility to take care of the guests?”

I opened my mouth wanting to counter but nothing came out. He knew I was trapped by that. He doesn't know who I am, but he knows I hold a very strong place in this kingdom.

“How old are you? 10?11?” I asked making his face go red. He knew I struck his nerve by asking that question.

“Excuse me. I am 14” he said making me grin.

“Are you sure? I am 12 and I am taller than you”.

“Just so you know, I am still growing. Besides you are wearing heels so what you say is irrelevant.

“Yeah, yeah. If you say so” I grinned knowing how I was winning this argument. I know I was putting my head under a carriage talking like that to him but for some reason, everything felt natural.

He seems to enjoy it as well so there is no harm done.

“So, will you please guide me to the guest rooms?"

I knew I had no option but to accept his request. He was a guest, and I was responsible for taking care of the guests. Besides I was having fun being around him. It's cool to have a dragon friend.

"You still haven’t told me your name," he said as we walked to the ‘G’ Annexure which was reserved for the guests.

"My apologies. My name is Zahra" I paused in my step and gave him a small bow, a courtesy I was taught to do to everyone important and above no matter where we are.

He looked surprised by my action and to my surprise he returned the gesture. Very floppily may I add. But his attempt made his falter seem adorable.

"That is a beautiful name for a beautiful lady."

I couldn’t help but giggle.

The whole time I spent with that boy was truly amazing and I couldn’t help but feel a little sad having to part with him.

Even though I reached the banquet late, I was not late enough to miss the grand entrance of both the royal families.

The banquet was in full swing, the loud music, the cocktails, and the endless meet and greet. On the corner of my eyes, I could see the dragon shifters, enjoying the party but keeping things to themselves.

The meet and greet with the high society involve a wide variety of topics. From the latest gossip with the ones my age to talking about duties with the adults. Even though I am just 12 years old I am expected to know well about the kingdom and its current affairs, or it really frowned upon

And I always do my best and that always impresses everyone. But today it was different.

My mind was complete.

I eyes couldn’t help but let my eyes roam around, trying to find that red haired guy.

“Who are you looking for, sister?”

My attention went to my young sister who decided to scare me behind my back.

“Hello there Hella”

My sister Hella is 2 years younger than me. While I am considered the mature sister who was trained to understand according to the situation I am in, she was the adorable one who gets what she wants.

“You were gone for a week, and you don’t even give me the attention. You always run around with work.”

Hella is a bit stubborn when it comes to me. She always opts to spend time with me. At times it gets annoying because she even comes to my dates and outings with the crown prince but there is nothing I could really do.

Besides Crown Prince Killian also likes her company since she is ‘fun’ and ’easy going’.

Sometimes I wish I could be like that. But I knew if I had to be the perfect person fit to be beside Killian, I needed to sacrifice my silliness.

“I am sorry, Hella. I am just so stressed. I hope everything goes well. This time the mother queen completely entrusted me with this evening ball and if anything is messed up, I am entirely at fault.”

Before she could give me a reply, the bell in the ballroom rang two times grabbing all our attention.

Two bells indicate the arrival of the Royals.

“Our great king Andreas and our beloved Queen Miranda”

My fiancé and his parents walked to the high balcony as all of us bowed.

“Thank you all for coming here” the king gave a short speech on how this is a glorious day worth mentioning in history.

Just then the grant bell rang once again. Like before it rang two times, indicating the presence of another royal family entering.

We all knew who they were.

The door opened wide as everyone in my kingdom watched eagerly. We have heard rumors of how extraordinary the dragon royals look.

Three people walked in. Just as they did, the dragon shifters who were silent started to shout in praise.

“All hail King Valian! All hail Queen Estella! All hail Crown Prince Lucian!”

They chanted, their faces glowing with pride and happiness on seeing them.

My eyes widened as I saw the three coming right next to my fiancé and his family.

“Oh. My. God” my eyes landed on a familiar 14 year old guy. “L-Luka” I muttered, staring at him.

How can I be so stupid!!

Luka! Lucian! It’s his nickname!

Oh, it's only been the first day of alliance with the dragons and I already messed up everything!

Prince Lucian’s head was held high in pride.

His striking gold eyes roamed through the banquet room as if searching for something.

And then his eyes fell on me. They widened as a wide smile fell on his face. He looked like he had succeeded in his search mission.

As both the kings gave speeches and glorified the alliance, his attention was completely towards me.

My heart suddenly skipped a few beats as he waved at me.

“OMG!” My sister suddenly whisper shouted, grabbing my hand. “Did you see that?! The dragon prince waved at me!”

I turned to look at her with a raised eyebrow.

“What?” I asked as she looked at me.

“You saw that right? He was staring in my direction, so I took my chance to wave at him. I didn’t think he would wave back!”

My sister seemed excited as a wave of disappointment ran over me.

So that was the case. He waved at her and not at me.

I feel so stupid.

I looked back at the balcony, this time keeping my eyes completely on the dragon king.

“I am going to go grab a drink.”

“You’re 12” Hella replied making me roll my eyes.

“Apple juice” I muttered walking away not wanting to be with her any longer.

Why am I feeling so heartbroken hearing that? Why am I feeling so irritated and angry? It felt so natural, and it was making me even more frustrated.

Once the speech was over, the two royal families walked down to the ballroom to interact. I wanted to do my best and hide from the dragon prince, but I was obligated to go and greet the royals.

I was supposed to meet them with my fiancé, but he was missing. Not wanting to waste time, I approached them directly.

“Your majesties” I bowed. I looked up and my eyes immediately landed on the dragon prince.

“Hello there, Lady. We meet again” The prince smiled wide making me blush.

“Pleasure to meet you again.”

“You both know each other?” my queen asked, confused.

“Oh yes. She helped me when I got lost.”

“Ohh, I see. That’s wonderful. Good work, my dear.” The queen looked happy knowing how well everything was going.

If only she knew how much I sassed in front of the dragon prince.

“Let me introduce you all to my favorite child. This is Zehra. She is my son’s fiancé and our next queen.”

I saw the light on the eyes of the dragon dim almost instantly. He looked shocked and distressed by what he heard.

I was surprised when he went silent, excusing himself and walking to his friends.

For some reason, guilt filled inside me, and I don’t know why. It's like I wanted to clear something with him, tell him it was something that the parents decided.

“Hey, Zehra” a familiar voice came from behind.

“Prince Killian”

I smiled as he smiled back but it was not his usual wide smile. It was something as though he wanted to ask me something.

“I have a favor to ask you.”

Here you go. I knew it. I just know he wanted to ask me something.

“What is it?” I raised my eyebrow as the boy in front of me grinned, his hands scratching the back of his neck.

“Don’t be mad when I say this ok? You should know I am a man of honor and I have no other choice.”

“Ok….” I waited as he prepared himself.

“Your sister asked me for a first dance.”

My eyes widened as he said that.

First dance? First dances are always reserved for the crown prince and his fiancé. It has been a generational tradition for such a long time.

But before I could open my mouth, he beat me to it.

“I know I know. It's wrong. We are to dance with each other, but the thing is that I had given her a promise by accident, the other day. I had no other choice but to do it. You knew it is related to my pride.”

I stared at him for a few seconds. He still continued to try and convince me to allow him to dance with my sister.

“I am your fiancé, Killian. There will be a lot of talks happening if you don’t dance with me.”

“I know but it will be even more embarrassing if I break a promise.”

“It's my sister. You can just talk it out with her.”

“Still….”

Seeing his persistent behavior, I knew he wanted to dance with her as well.

“Fine. Go and dance with her.”

“Really?” His smile turned bright as he leaned forward and kissed my cheeks. “This is why I love you. And don’t worry, my next dance is reserved for you” he waved before running to my sister.

“Thanks” I replied waving back with a forced smile. “How lucky I am.”

It didn’t take long for the dance to begin. Everyone looked shocked at the scene in front of their eyes. The prince was dancing with another woman while his fiancé was watching.

Ha! What a great way to start a rumor and feel pity for me!

“Zehra” I heard my mom call as I looked at her. “What is going on?! Why is your sister dancing with him?” My parents looked shocked as well.

“I don’t know, ask them” I muttered. I knew this would be bad but why am I feeling the desperate feeling to cry? Why do I want to just run away from all this mess?

“Princess Zehra, are you ok?”

I didn’t look up to see who was asking. Everyone had a face of pity, looking down at me.

“The poor princess must be heartbroken” “How can the prince dance with another woman and her sister at that?” “Are they secretly in love?” “Oh my, the poor prince. He must have loved the younger sister but because of the prophecy had to marry the elder.”

I bit my cheeks as people around me started to create their own version of reasons.

At that moment, my mind only screamed at me to get out of this place. I turned around, ready to dash out of the banquet room when a hand grabbed onto my wrist.

“How dar-“ I stopped as I saw it was the dragon prince.

His eyes didn’t hold any pity like the others. Instead, it was a confident and pleased look.

“My lady? Why in a hurry? I want to ask you something.”

“Yes? Prince Lucian?” I asked, knowing I had no other choice but to attend to him.

My eyes widened as everyone around us gasped. The dragon prince didn’t hesitate to give a low bow, extending one hand towards me with a wide smile.

“Will you do the honors of being my first dance?”

“It’s my Pleasure”