6
Princess Esme's POV:
Castle of Marshwood:
The large black stone castle stands majestically against the lavish forest that surrounds it. Behind us, a large deep underground pit made to hold our dragons. The once run down, war torn castle had been restored by King Ronan and Queen Cara for Xavier and his future bride. Although we would travel to other castle in other towns, this one would be ours and pass to our blood.
The large grey turrets rise in the sky, so tall it seemed as if the dragons may knock them to the ground whenever they flew overhead but of course, that never happened. Inside the estate past the massive gates was a large pond with sparkling blue water, a large dragon as it's centerpiece, made of grey marble, water gushes from its mouth as if it is breathing it out like a fire ball.
To the right, a lavish garden full of a large array of fruits, vegetables and flowers. It was full of color and made the estate smell sweet and gave a relaxing effect.
I sit inside the castle walls, watching from the open window as Annyth screeches out. She spins about in circles in the sky, tucking her wings as she swirls. To most she would simply look like a faint red sparkling glint in the sky. I watch as she opens her wings, gliding through the air before she dives down into the sea, snatching a large fish in her sharp talons. She flies off gleefully to enjoy her feast. I enjoy the warm sun on my skin, only turning when there's a knock upon my door.
"Your Majesty," Lady Agnes greets curtsying
Lady Agnes's raven hair falls in perfect waves.
Her green eyes cast downward in respect.
"Good morning, Agnes."
"You have been summoned to the throne room, Esme."
The way she looks at me flashes danger.
My brows furrow in confusion as I place the finishing touches on, adding a bracelet to my wrist.
"By whom?"
" Ambassador Michael."
I withhold a groan.
"Very well. Please accompany me."
She nods following behind as we exit.
I am joined by Caerel and my royal announcer.
Walking through the large halls, the air is filled with the scent of dusty air as I pass a large wooden bookcase of ribbon- bound books. I cough, still taking a moment to scan the shelf. Seeing a few that catch my eye, I make a mental note to take them to my chambers later. Continuing down the hall I pass by a suit of steel armor. It stands taller than I, glistening from the skyline above.
A group of noble ladies on their way to the dining hall curtsy as I make my way through. I give them a smile and a wave.
"Her Grace, Princess Esme, of Eldora!" The announcer says from behind me as I enter each room, as is custom
I make my way into the small meeting room.
Inside the right space was a table, a flag of the crest upon the wall and a few hand drawn maps of the kingdom.
Standing in the room is a single man.
Every noble inside bows or curtsies.
An older gentleman, I recognize Mikael immediately. I'd dealt with him on a handful of occasions. At minimum I found him unpleasant. As I take in his image, I can tell something is wrong. Normally standing tall and looking distinguished, he now has ruffled hair and looks as if he hasn't slept in weeks.
He bows.
"Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, Your Majesty." Mikael says
"Of course, good sir."
There is a long pause.
He looks like he is far away in his mind, his face white, not blinking. I clear my throat and he blinks, turning back to face me.
" As to what services can the Crown aid you with?"
"We find ourselves with the need to increase our security." He speaks slowly, as if each word exhausts him
I know what this means.
He needs dragons.
Dragons are only captured and trained by the experts in Eldora.
"We have word from our…friends that an attack is soon to come." Mikael admits
At the word 'attack', I tense but do my best not to let it show.
"Do your friends have more information on this attack?" I ask
I'd been around the monarchy enough to know he was referring specifically to spies he had planted in other countries and kingdoms, a safer way to gain information. Of course, if what he speaks is true, this is information I should pass along to my husband. The more I think, I realize I need more information before I can bring such a topic to his attention. I couldn't raise our riders for some small inconvenience. It was a hassle and risk to fly them about the kingdom for the damage to buildings if they get to close. Dragons are beautiful and powerful but still wild.
"Word spreads that the dragons in the Wild Lands will be ridden to our lands and burn us all to ash. From where these whispers originate, I cannot say, Your Majesty."
His words cause the blood in my veins to freeze.
A war of dragons….
Nothing is deadlier…
Then, his last words ring again in my mind.
He just called me, 'Your Majesty.'
"Sir, this should be handled by my father, not I."
He stands confused then embarrassed.
His face turns red, his eyes cast downwards.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, I thought you were made aware. Your father, King Arthur, Ruler of Eldora has passed."
My father is…dead?
"How did this happen?"
"He fell ill at home in his castle after a dragon flight. It is assumed that they became entangled into something that caused them to fall ill. Both he and his dragon, Makiné also passed not long after. They returned ill and passed the same night. There was nothing the maesters could do."
My chest feels tight, as if I cannot breathe.
I nod to acknowledge that I had heard this.
"You are now the ruler, in name, of Eldora."