The Red Dragon

Chapter Eight:

Charlotte’s POV:

“Come on, Char, at least try on one of the dresses?” Lucille begs from her pouted corner of the room. She has brought a whole rack of dresses in for me to try on for the event tonight. Apparently, everybody is meeting at sunset for the first Coronation event for the future king. I look at the neatly stacked layers of material, all covered in floral print and all bright and glamorous.

“I don’t like any of them. Why can’t I just go in my own clothes?” I ask, looking at my sister who looks almost offended by my words. I know these are her dresses and that she is only doing me a favor, but why should I be forced to wear a dress that is nothing to my own taste.

“What is the event for tonight anyway?” I ask, lifting my eyebrow. The dresses shine in silk, organza and glass beads of delight.

“Ugh, it’s a bit of a boring one, but a very necessary tradition where the King tells everyone about the history and stories of the dragon folk. It’s like around a big fire on a hill or something, so nothing that spectacular, but still. The future king is going to be there, so we must look our best.” Lucille says, her eyebrows wiggling at the mention of the future king.

“Seriously, Lucille” I ask, hardly believing my eyes or ears. She wants me to attend a bonfire event where we all sit around and sing Kum-Bah-Ya, in a satin gown?

“What? He is quite charming if you are into tall, dark and handsome.” Lucille ponders again and I throw a pillow at her from my bed.

“I don’t care if the future King is the greatest looking pickle at the picnic. Why must we wear those monstrosities to a bonfire event?” I ask again, this time earning an irritated look from my sister.

“First of all, they are no monstrosities! These dresses were handpicked by me, each holding a lot of value and a sentimental story. I really thought I was just being nice by helping you out, Charlotte. I am sorry that my kindness is so hard to endure.” Lucille begins and I stare at her.

“Secondly, if you want to be the only female at the event tonight dressed in rubbish attire, then be my guest. You are always complaining about being an outcast everywhere you go, so do not cry to me if you feel more alone than ever because you CHOSE to not fit in with your strange choice of wardrobe.” She concludes again. I can feel myself feeling more and more guilty as I listen to her. I guess she really is just trying to help me and make me feel more comfortable here. Her dresses are still hideous though. I sigh out in the air.

“I am sorry, Lucille. I am truly grateful that you are taking the time to show me the ropes. It really means a lot to me to have someone here for me.” I say, walking closer to her and taking her hands in mine. I can see a small smile forming on her lips as the warm energy starts filling the space around us. I do love my sister and I do appreciate this time with her. I look back at the dresses and feel my skin prickling again.

“But I cannot wear your dresses, Lucille. I don’t understand this…” I start but pause to find the right word.

“I don’t understand this fashion, as it is so different to what I have become accustomed to back at home. Is there a way for me to perhaps find something less bright and maybe more simple? The flowers are a bit overwhelming.” I say, looking back at my sister who is smiling. Her squeal of excitement comes undetected and she looks so happy at what I just said. What on Dragon Land is up with my sister?

“I have a perfect idea.” Lucille starts and I watch her start clapping her hands. By the quick and exciting movements and broad expression, I can tell that she is up to something.

“We are going to go shopping!” She says finally and I smile back. Shopping with my sister sounds absolutely perfect!

Dominic’s POV:

The events of last night still weigh in on my conscience, as I think about the innocent human that lost its life at the hands of a tormented witch. Even more disturbing is that blood-stained message. I can still see it staring back at me in all its red glory. Almost mocking me. My skin erupts into angry shivers.

“Still thinking about last night, son?” My father asks, his eyes scanning me over as we walk out the Palace towards the outdoor atrium. I look over at the sky, which is turning from its bright and humid blue into a shade of yellow and orange, signifying the end of another day and the start of all my crowning events. Tonight is held by my father and his men and will dive into the history of the dragon kings who have reigned. The whole aim is to feed me with the good, the bad, the pretty and the ugly truth of what is expected of me as a king and also to inform the people of this too. My mind goes back to his question.

“Does it ever get easier to watch innocent life become lost?” I ask back, this time making my father stop in his steps and look at me.

“Never, but you learn how to cope with it.” He answers again, his expression thoughtful with a hint of amusement. We carry on walking and I can see he is itching to ask me something, which makes me chuckle.

“Get it out. I say, making him chuckle too.

“becoming king has made you a bit softer towards the humans? I told you that becoming king changes you.” He asks, his eyes glistening with humor. I think about what he says. Truth is, humans are part of the non-magical creatures who roam and share our lands and they have always lived completely oblivious to the magic around them. In all tales told across the Lands, humans are described to be the weakest of them all. They have lost countless wars because of their lack of strength or stamina. They are inferiors with intelligence in all fields and magical technologies have way surpassed their ways. They are also volatile and live with emotions instead of with instinct and intuition. I have heard countless rumors of how they can become wrapped up in their scandals, even going as far as harming one another. Magical creatures need to endure A LOT to betray their kind, especially dragons who are truly committed to their clans.

“I still think they are weak and maybe even lucky to live in such unawareness to what is actually going on in the world.” I answer truthfully. I can see my father is slightly shocked at my bashfulness.

“But, a great man once taught me that we need to look after even the weakest in the lands. So, whilst I may never quite understand the way of the humans, I will always mourn for innocent lives lost, so matter the creature.” I say again. My father smiles at me, his eyes proud and glimmering. It is in moments like this that I truly feel the wonderful connection we have as we share our wisdom.

“Spoken like a true king.” He says finally, before straightening up his attire and dusting off my shoulder. I smile and then turn away from his smile to see the hundreds of dragon-folk waiting in the outdoor atrium for us. They are roaring and applauding in cheers of delight at the person who is speaking on the stage. My eyes zone in and I notice it is Charlie, who has always had a way of entertaining an audience with his carefree nature.

My father nods at me and we make our way to the crowd. I can hear Charlie announcing to everyone that the event is going to be commencing and that everybody needs to shift into their dragons and follow my father and me. This is supposed to be a symbol of gathering and community as we fly in silence to the sacred hill of our fallen. My father starts shifting into his dragon and I watch as the crowds erupt into loud applauds again at the sight of their king. His dragon is impressive, standing large and tall in all of its navy blue and black. I was told that a navy blue dragon is a sign of being an intuitive, inspirational and sensitive king, which is everything my father is to the people. My mother comes swooping in from behind the Palace bell, causing everyone to gasp and cheer at her delicate white dragon. She is so much smaller than my father, but her power is powerful fire and a big heart that has captured the land. I hear the crowds pulsating in roars as they slowly walk out the atrium, all eyes marveling at the current King and Queen who are putting on a flying show of wonder for them.

“Time for you to join us so that they can follow suit, son. They are waiting for you, their future King.” My father roars through mind link. I look back at the crowds whose energy is so vibrant, so thick with pulsating cheer and so loud that the air is vibrating in waves around me.

It doesn’t take much to convince my dragon to come out in all of its green glory. I was always told that my green dragon is a sign of rebirth, growth and renewal in the Lands and that I will be a king that takes action as new seasons emerge. I can’t help but think of how the war is an impending symbol of change and how I just hope my taking action will be one of positive growth, not negative. I lift into the air, swarming up in all my heavy, strong and powerful energy to joy my parents, who are now slowly flying towards the forest. I make one circle in the air over the atrium, looking down at the crowds of my people hooting and cheering for me, before I start gliding in the direction of the current King and Queen. After almost catching up with them, I look behind me and notice the hundreds of specs glittering the sky in shades of the rainbow. I wish I could laugh in joy at how magnificent it looks to have so many dragons up in the air, all different shades of the color spectrum, all different sizes and all different designs. I can hear the way their wings are soaring in unison with mine, I can smell their dragon fire pulsating within each soul, I can taste the warmth of the dragon air and I can feel the energy of so many dragons pulling at me as the clouds dip and swirl from all the turbulence. Here within the Dragon Land borders, we fly freely and revel in who we are. We are first and foremost dragon-folk. I notice the deep shades of purple slowly turning darker as nighttime starts to slowly creep in on the horizon. I swoop low, following my parents down below the clouds to where I see them slowing their pace towards a large, grassed hill. I see there are multiple bonfires already sparked across the hills and seating waiting for everyone across from a small podium. We all make our way down, landing and shifting back into our human selves. Everybody is absolutely exhilarated from the journey and I cannot help but look in awe at my people swooping in and shifting before my eyes. It is like natural instinct takes over and the human and dragon are so closely in sync that at the flick of a finger they can become either-or. I smile, as my eyes scan over the crowd, the sun now only peeping over a small edge of the horizon. I look up at the sky and notice everyone has landed and when I look back down, I see that everyone is seated and chatting in excitement around the bond fires. All but one yellow dragon, who is standing very still in the distance, as if trying its best not to move.

“Just shift back, Lucille. Stop being a pansy! Everyone is waiting for us and you cannot just sit in your dragon form all night.” I hear a female voice shouting out around the yellow dragon. Is this dragon nervous to shift? Perhaps it is a youngling. My eyes zone in closer now, trying to recognize the dragon, for the name is very familiar. I look at the mustard shimmers of the dragon scales and the shape of her and immediately realize who she is, but Lucille is a mature and powerful woman?

“I swear if you do not shift right now, then I will jump off your back and probably break more bones than I would if you just shifted!” I hear the other female voice again, but nobody is speaking to the dragon from the ground. I frown as my eyes start searching into the fading light above the dragon. That’s when I see a tiny woman sitting on the dragon’s back. Before I can react, the dragon shifts and Lucille lands on her feet, huffing out and then becoming laced with worry. I watch as the tiny woman from before falls in one, loud and heavy thump onto the ground. I almost feel amused watching her, but I know I should be worried for the dragons in my land. I look at the figure of the woman on the floor, huddled up in her very simple, black, floor-length dress. I watch as she lifts herself and stands, rubbing her head.

“Owe!” She moans, making me chuckle.

“Well, you wanted to be stupid and come with!” Lucille says, her arms folded as they slowly edge closer. I wonder who this stranger is and why she didn’t just shift into her dragon to get here. This event is sacred and only for dragon-folk.

Lucille grabs onto her friend's hand and starts walking towards the front where her parents are sharing a seated area with mine. As she walks closer, I cannot help but stare at her friend. With each step towards me, I notice how her hair is a deep, bright and flaming shade of curled red, that sits wildly on top of her head in long glory. She is paler than the usual dragon skin, but her skin is so smooth and porcelain which gives it a pearly shimmer. Her whole body is shorter than any of the female dragons around us, but she holds herself up with confidence and judging on her performance from on top of the dragon, she is fiery, just like her hair. She seems different from the rest of the females here, as she edges in between the crowd in her simple dress that shines in darkness against her unique features. I can see the other women watching her, pointing to her and even whispering amongst themselves.

“Such a strange choice of dress color.” I hear one of the elderly dragon ladies whisper next to me. I look at her dress again, but there is something about how she carries herself in it against the vibrant colors of the dresses around her, that shouts power and respect. This dragon girl is unique, but who is she? Lucille and the girl get closer, almost right in front of me now. When Lucille sees me, she immediately straightens herself up and then bows with a smile. I nod in acknowledgment and then turn to the other girl, completely smacked in half by her magnificent and bright yellow eyes. Why does she look so much like…

“Charlotte!” Lucille breathes out under her breathe, motioning for the girl to bow. I frown at this. Does the girl not respect me? What insult is this?

“Oh right, sorry future King.” The girl says quickly and then dips her head very slightly before springing it up. I don’t miss the roll in her eyes at her sister's command, which only makes my dragon stir more. Bowing to royalty, especially at these events, is common practice and not applying to this rule is seen as disproval of the throne. I frown further, as I watch the girl shrug her shoulders and look away. She is a beauty, but who does she think she is?

“I do not take kindly to disrespect, Miss Charlotte.” I warn, still looking at the girl. Her yellow eyes meet mine, almost challenging me. There is something about those eyes that scream at every edge of my soul and invite me in, but mixed into that is her defiance. My chest rumbles in a low growl, causing Lucille’s eyes to widen in worry. The girl still hasn’t broken her stare and she has something coming for her if she thinks I will be the first.

“Your majesty…” Lucille begins.

“Your Majesty!” Caroline Burns runs closer, her eyes wide and pointed as she looks at the girl. She bows before me but doesn’t break her scolding gaze for the girl.

“I am so sorry for the behavior of Charlotte. Please forgive my daughter. She knows nothing of how things are done in Dragon Land and barely even understands our customs.” Caroline says, her anger evident as she looks between Charlotte and me. My eyes go wide at this news and I slowly look between the three women. Red hair and yellow eyes. Charlotte is Lucille’s sister! How did I never know she had a sister?

“How so, Caroline? She is here at an event with the dragon folk is she not?” I ask, my eyes burning with confusion and also anger at Charlotte's disrespect. Who does she think she is? I search Charlotte’s eyes further, looking deeper and deeper…

“Well, Your Majesty…” Caroline begins, but I hardly hear what she has to say, as I become curious about the fiery girl in front of me, who refuses to submit her stance as she folds her arms and challenges my gaze. I allow my dragon to take over, hoping this would give me a clue on how to break her.

I see the way her irritation bubbles in her veins, making me smirk.

I can taste her salty and earthy defiance, which is unique and fresh.

I can hear her heart beating indicating her strong heart.

I can feel her warmth coming in waves across the air.

I smell…

I smell…

I smell again and my eyes widen. It cannot be?

“What is a human doing at my event?” I boom, completely breaking my daze and my stares on the girl. I can see Caroline looking completely pale at my question as she realizes I have figured it out. Her daughter is a pathetic human, but how is that possible even?

“That is what I was trying to say, Your Majesty, unfortunately, Charlotte was born with a defect…” Caroline says and I don’t miss the slight wince from the girl at these words. I look back to Caroline who is rambling on.

“She has been living in the Human Land for most her life, so she knows nothing of our standards here. I am so sorry.” Caroline breathes out. I think about what she says and decide it makes sense. I may never understand how this is possible, but I cannot blame them for such an outrageous tragedy.

“What a shame that such a powerful family came to have such a horrible incident?” I comment, looking back at Charlotte, whose eyes have widened at my comment. I can see that my words have truly struck a nerve. Good, that will teach this little human to challenge a dragon king! Charlotte’s face becomes slightly blushed, as I see her trying to think of something to say back to me. Lucille looks at her mother and quickly pulls Charlotte away, walking to where their family is seated and saving me from irritation.

“I am very sorry about that, Your Majesty. I will make sure Charlotte does not cross paths with you. It was a very unfortunate event when we realized she was just a human, but thankfully we had our dear Lucille, who made up for everything Charlotte does not have. I say, perhaps you can sit next to Lucille and get to know her better?” Caroline says again, causing me to look at Lucille. She is tall, strong and elegant. Everything I may look for in a queen, but something is missing there. She is not my fated and although dragons very rarely find their fated partners ever, I still have hope that mine may appear. I am twenty-eight now and have decided to wait until I am thirty before taking on a chosen Queen. I only nod and smile at the lady, whose eyes are dancing with the excited possibility of me becoming friendly with her daughter. I suppose I can entertain her for the evening.

“Sure.” I reply, offering out my arm and leading her to take our seats. Time to get the event started.