The Red Dragon

Chapter Six:

Charlotte’s POV:

I look into the room, decorated in elaborate beauty that dances from one corner to the next. Unlike the rest of my childhood home, it would seem this one is the most different. I remember family dinners here, where the white walls were simple and the decorations fresh from the garden, which is contrasted to the deep navy that now sits on each wall and shines in glimmer against the thousands of candles. Even the furnishings are not any that I can remember and are now a far deeper shade of mahogany compared to the simple wood that my memories hold. I think the biggest difference now is the large, indented space on the wall that boasts a powerful and enormous family portrait. When I was still at home, the picture was a painting of my sister and me being smothered in kisses by both parents. It was the heart of the dining hall and oozed with joyful jubilee. I remember looking up with young eyes at my precious family and wondering how I ever became so lucky. My mind snaps back to reality as I stare at the rectangle painting that sits there now of my father, my mother and my sister sitting next to each other in a line. Their eyes are shining in deep gold and their faces hold only enough emotion to make the picture not seem awkward. I am not in the picture.

“Charlotte, is that you, my little girl?” I hear a deep, male voice from the other end of the room. My eyes turn from the “family” painting and zone in on the tall, middle-aged man standing at the head of the table. His eyes look glossy.

“Hi, daddy.” My voice squeaks out, almost child-like. He smiles at me and moves closer, eventually pulling me into a big, warm hug that only a father can give. I wrap my arms around him and embrace the comfort of the moment. He used to give me hugs like this when I was a little girl.

“Let me look at you.” He says again, pulling away from me and stepping further away. I watch as his eyes scan over me quickly and I feel myself becoming awkward. Did I choose the right outfit for supper or for a first meeting in so many years? Perhaps I should have just worn one of those hideous dresses of Lucille’s.

“My, you are just so beautiful. And your hair…” he says, looking at the unruliness of my curls and glimmering in amusement. I giggle out too.

“You always said it was going to fade, but it never did.” I reply in between my giggles.

“A true Burns…” My father says, his voice coming out thoughtful and searching. I smile at him and nod before linking my arm with his. I edge closer to the table and see my sister already tucking into her soup, but my mother’s eyes are solely focused on my every move. I could shudder under the stare of her yellow eyes taking in all of my legs, my mini skirt, my black t-shirt, my slumped human-like shoulders and then my face, which screams dragon.

“Lucille, did you not leave your sister appropriate clothing for the dinner table?” I hear my mother asking my sister and my heart sinks. I look down at my attire and frown. Why would I need to dress up for a family dinner anyway? Besides, this is my signature skirt and I was told my hair looks good when I wear black, so what is the problem?

“Mother, I did, but we cannot expect her to just change her entire wardrobe on the first evening here. I know her choice of clothing is very odd in this realm, but let us not forget that humans have different fashion senses. Small steps. ” Lucille says quietly, almost scolding our mother under her breath. I can tell by the way they look at me that they were not expecting me to hear a single word, as they knew I was merely human, but I of course heard every single thing because, for some odd reason, I have dragon senses. I quickly look away at the rest of the table, trying my best to not give away my deepest secret. They sent me away, so why should they know that their pathetic, human daughter is developing powers? My father quickly clears his throat, gaining everyone’s attention.

“A celebratory toast to having Charlotte back in our home. May this trip bring happiness and new memories for you. We really are so happy to have you back, my girl.” My father announces, his voice becoming gentle towards the end. My chest swells a fraction at his show of emotion, but I still hold a wall up to protect my heart.

“Yes, Charlotte welcome home. I can hardly believe you are so grown up.” My mother also goes in to say, raising her glass and meeting my eyes.

“Thank you, father. Thank you, mother. It is good to be home after so many years.” I reply and pause for thought. I can see three dragon eyes analyzing my every word and searching me for answers to my reply.

“I mean I would sincerely hope I have grown since last you saw me. It has been what?” I go again, dipping my spoon into the green soup bowl and stirring it.

“Around ten years I think?” I say, looking around at the three sets of eyes watching me. All three hold enormous amounts of guilt and the presence in the room is thick with it too. I huff out and slowly lift some of the liquid from the spoon into my mouth.

“Look, Charlotte, we are very sorry…” My mother begins, but I don’t feel like having their pity. I did not come here for pity. I came here to help them!

“Sorry for sending me away, like a naughty child who couldn’t be dealt with? Or sorry for not bothering to see or even ask how I am in all the time I have been gone?” I ask, lifting my eyes to meet my mother's cold, yellow ones. For a small moment, I see her love and my heart squeezes, but soon it is replaced with her cold expression from before. Has she no emotion for her own daughter?

“Which one is it mother?” I poke further, but my sister pounds on the table, breaking my trail of anger.

“Enough!” She says, wiping her lips with the napkin and looking between my mother and me with a burning gaze. I look at my father, who is avoiding the conflict at all costs. Clever man.

“Can you two just put aside the history for now so that we can enjoy your stay?” Lucille finally finishes. I am honestly surprised at the amount of authority and power she has in this space. My big sister has truly grown up to be a true dragon. There is a long and silent pause in the room, as both my mother and I think about what she is saying. I eventually cave in, not liking the vibe in the room.

“Fine. I am only here for three or so weeks anyway.” I reply, folding my arms and looking at my sister with a pointed expression. She smiles and nods, but then turns her cold expression onto my mother, who is twirling her spoon about her soup as well. She notices my sister and huffs out.

“Yes Lucille, but you need to prepare your sister properly for this visit. She cannot just walk around Dragon Land in her revealing outfits and with an air of wildness. I expect you to make sure she becomes well vised in the schedule over the next three weeks, including all the luncheons, galas and meetings that need to happen leading up to the King's Coronation. This is an important event and I will not sit about and watch a human ruin such a momentous occasion for the dragons.” My mother replies, barely offering me a glance and excluding me from choices that need to be made regarding me. I feel my veins boiling over.

“Excuse me!” I shout out, hardly able to comprehend what my own mother has to say about my inability to be appropriate around dragons.

“Charlotte…” I hear my father, but the energy is already too buzzed. My mother looks at me again, her yellow eyes glowing with frustration.

“No, Charlotte. We asked you here because we had no choice! Every living creature born under dragon land HAS TO be present for the King's Coronation in order for it to be legitimized. Your father and I are under enormous stress already with everything happening around us…” My mother booms out.

“Caroline…” My father tries to stop my mother again, his voice almost pleading, but that doesn’t stop her.

“We had no choice but to invite you back, but you cannot just walk about and act inappropriately. You are amongst dragons now!” My mother continues.

“And whose fault is it that I learned inappropriate behavior amongst the humans?” I shout back, standing from my seat and allowing my emotions to pour out. Who do these people think they are?

“Charlotte!” Lucille shouts at me, but I wave my hand at her and dismiss her entirely.

“I will not parade around like a plaything here! I know I am only human, but let me tell you something I have learned by living with the pathetic and weak non-magical. They have hearts bigger than any other, they are resilient like no other I have met and they look after their family! This is more than I can say about you. I am so sorry that I am a human, born of no status and that you had no desire to keep me, but I cam here for YOU and I WILL NOT spend three weeks being scolded for being the very thing you all sent me away to be.” I conclude, huffing out in irritation. I can hardly control my annoyance at how this has turned out, so I decide to throw my napkin down and storm out the dining area. I can see Chris watching me with shocked and worried eyes, as I make my way away from the table. I don’t even spare a second glance at the “family” sitting there. They can have their little dinner in peace. I am not hungry anyway. I decide to run up the stairs, skipping a step between each jump. My mind feels fussy from what has just happened, but with each inch away from them all I almost begin to breathe again. I continue my walk down the passage, counting the paintings until I find my bedroom door. I look at it, ready to open the golden handle, but a glimmering light catches my attention from down the hall. My brows furrow a little, as I try to zone in on what is there. I slowly edge closer, noticing it is coming from behind the slit of a door. My father’s office.

I look around me into the stillness of the shadowed passageway, making sure that nobody is around before slowly sneaking into the space. I smile as the smell of my father’s warm, earthy and friendly husk vibrates through the air. Even the smell of his last glass of whiskey only adds to the flavor of his office. I notice how the space is well organized, each book placed in perfect harmony on the never-ending bookshelves and his desk is clean and straight lines. The only misplaced item is the piece of paper sitting on the desk. I move closer to take a look, the cursive font of writing pulling me further and further in as if begging me to read the contents. I hold it up and allow my eyes to scan over the words.

(Letter begins)

Victor, I come with urgent and astonishing news that must be conveyed to the King with utmost urgency.

Upon my latest travels through the lands, I came across a group of witches. They were of the friendly type but were working under the radar as to not get caught. I spent an evening with them and they told me of the Red Dragon. I could hardly believe what they were saying, as the Red Dragon is only born every decade or even more, but they performed a spell and showed me her on a piece of glass. At first, I could not believe my eyes, but there she stood, proud and powerful. I could hardly believe what I was seeing, but the magic never lies. I never managed to recognize her, which means she is not in the Dragon land, but I have gone out into the other lands to try to locate her with dragon sense. It is proving to be rather difficult, but I know I will eventually come right. A small word came back to me that there have been some minor dragon activities happening in the Human Land, so that is my next visit.

We need to find her before this war gets out of hand. We have already lost too many people to the rebellion and I fear without locating the Red Dragon, our kind, as well as many other magical will be lost forever and become part of the storybooks. I have seen the rebellion display itself in the most brutal forms. Children burned at the stake, dragons slaughtered for no reason, vampires burned, wolves tortured with silver and even some humans caught to be used as distractions.

I am sorry I do not come with better news, but I will not stop until I find her. Our lives and many others depend on it. You may not hear from me for a while. I am being tracked and my every movement watched, so I need to stay under the radar for a bit. Burn this letter as soon as you have conveyed the message and trust nobody.

Stay safe my friend.

-P

(End of Letter)

My eyes go wide, as I scan over the last few sentences. The Red Dragon? I thought that Red Dragons were only a silly children’s tale that spoke about life lessons. I quickly place the letter down and head out the room, my steps fast and rushed until I eventually close my bedroom door behind me.

I just found the first puzzle piece for what is going on in Dragon land.