The Dragon's Call

Chapter 6

-Ashes-

Interesting. The princess was... intriguing. She wasn’t at all what I had expected. I anticipated she would be less defiant, yet here she was, challenging me right in front of my men. Her reaction to my identity was one of surprise, but she quickly composed herself, meeting my gaze with her striking green eyes. They were like emeralds—unique and captivating.

“What are you doing so far in the North? You dragons hate the cold.”

It wasn’t surprising that she found our presence suspicious, but then again, had she not married Lord Keplin to bolster her father’s army?

“We do, but when your father decides to build a fresh army of a thousand men by marrying you off, we cannot just sit idly by, waiting for him to attack,” I said, noting the confusion on her face.

“You’re the one attacking us!” she shouted.

I moved closer to her. This princess was like a lioness—strong, defiant, and sure of her own power.

“Where is my father?” she asked in a lower, more intense tone as I approached.

“Dead.”

Her eyes widened in shock, then narrowed with anger. I could see she wanted to act, perhaps to hurt me, but what could she do against a room full of dragons? She was only one princess. I slowly turned my back to her, concluding the conversation.

“My Prince!”

She didn’t hesitate. She reached for my sword and pulled it free from its sheath. I turned around and grabbed her arm, but I was a moment too late. She held the blade pressed against my throat. I couldn’t suppress the laughter that escaped me. This princess was indeed different.

“What are you waiting for?” I inquired, amused.

She hesitated. Though her intent to harm me was clear, she was conflicted. She understood that killing me would likely result in her own death, and she was weighing her options. Was it worth sacrificing her life to kill me?

“Have you ever taken a life before, princess?”

“Someone has to be the first,” she sneered.

“Then what are you waiting for?”

“I want to,” she whispered, her hands trembling slightly. “You deserve to die!”

I couldn’t argue with that. This wasn’t my first fight, nor would it be my last.

“My brothers… where are my brothers? Are they dead too?”

“They are no longer your concern,” was all I said.

“They are my brothers!”

“I think you should be more worried about yourself.”

She took a step closer, and everyone watched her intently. My men had their hands on their swords but didn’t draw them, wary of provoking her. With the prince’s life at stake, they had to wait for the right moment to act.

“I’m concerned about my brothers and my people!” she said with powerful conviction.

“Then you probably shouldn’t be holding a sword to my throat.”

She stared at me, clearly puzzled by my words. I sighed.

“Your people are now under my control. If you truly want to protect them, you shouldn’t be trying to kill me. Besides, if you kill me, you die too. Who will then take care of them? Certainly not your brothers.”

She moved closer, applying a bit more pressure on my throat as she considered her brothers. Time seemed to stretch as I watched her weigh her options. Finally, she exhaled slowly, lowered the sword, and looked away.

I smiled in triumph and quickly took the sword from her, returning it to its scabbard. Tylon, my childhood friend who had brought her to me, immediately seized her, holding her firmly at his side.

“Prepare her for travel. We leave at dawn.”

-Laelia-

I was still wearing my bloodied wedding dress as I was led out of the castle, flanked by two dragons on either side. The sun had barely risen when I was pulled from my chamber and taken outside, where Prince Ashes and his men were already mounted and prepared to depart.

I was brought before Ashes, who was sitting astride a black stallion. One of my guards placed his hands on my hips and lifted me onto the horse, positioning me in front of Ashes. He enveloped me with his arms and massive body.

“Ready, Princess?” he asked, his breath warm against my ear.

I shot him a glare over my shoulder. I had never felt such intense hatred for anyone before. He was a true monster, showing no remorse for the death of my entire family and, likely, countless others from my people. Was this truly what dragons were like? Evil and ruthless, claiming whatever they desired? I had always believed they embodied elegance and wisdom, but now I wasn’t so sure.

“Do I have a choice?” I inquired, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

His amused smile widened slightly at my words.

“Not really,” he replied, before nudging his horse into motion and signaling the rest of his men to follow.