An alliance

In relation to shapeshifters, they didn't have many problems, because dragons also practiced the act of transforming.

There were a few specific races of shapeshifters, which dominated the territory of Yuugen, currently the closest kingdom to Zhenan, they were the foxes and the serpents.

They hated each other, and because they were a little like serpents, or they were a little like dragons, the foxes hated both races equally.

With the elves the situation was a little strange, the elves had particular problems with the dragons as they disagreed on their personalities, and both thought of each other as petty and showing off.

There wasn't much about the mermaids, they practically lived in their own world, not caring about the other kingdoms. Not only them but also the fairies, who, like mermaids, have isolated themselves from the rest of the world. The reason most accepted by others was that both races were used for sexual exploitation.

Mermaids have a strange reputation for attracting men with their incomparable beauty, while fairies, well, the same thing. They are too beautiful and delicate, and an alliance with them is not worth it, although they are powerful in magic.

Other races like mages, vampires, healers, and humans also had an image that dragons thought they were superior and for that reason, they didn't like them, despite admiring them.

Rairin spoke calmly – I think everyone is aware of the attempted alliance made by the Kingdom of Waterfall a few decades ago.

– Waterfall? Is His Highness thinking of using diamonds in the nests?

Rairin nodded – It would be advantageous for the birth period to decrease by a few months.

Whispers started again, and those present discussed among themselves, presenting their opinions.

Waterfall is a friendly nation. Aside from Waterfall, only Nairot was completely dominated by mages, as were Zhenan and Argon with their dominant races.

The discussion lasted for hours, there were many who agreed with the king, but others still found it a kind of humiliation, mainly because before they had refused, it would be like now they were sorry and then they came crawling back to them in search of help.

This was no time to feel ashamed, their future depended on it.

For everyone present, it was as if his majesty had already decided on this, taking into account the order the queen had given earlier.

Therefore, there would be no point in prolonging the discussion. Rairin only invited them out of politeness, to let them know that he, as king, would make room for good discussions and listen to his subjects, even if he didn't really care.

– Ikalles – Rairin called out suddenly, motioning for him to present himself to the others.

The guardian walked to the center of the hall, turned, and knelt down – My king.

Ikalles was admired for his power and influence, everyone looked at him in awe.

Rairin nodded, looking a few more times at the others – You will personally go to the Kingdom of Waterfall for this alliance, I want you to show the power and courtesy of our people.

Ikalles was stunned by the request, while a new argument erupted in the hall.

– Your Highness, I think someone else should be sent, without wanting to discredit the Guardian...

Ikalles heard the comments easily. Polite? Asking the guardian to show courtesy was asking too much of him, perhaps he even scares Waterfall's ministers.

Ikalles furrowed his brows for a moment before adjusting his posture – It is an honor for me, your majesty, I will do my best for a good relationship to be born between our races.

Rairin didn't have time to respond before a new wave of comments surged in once more, most disagreeing with his going to Waterfall Realm. Maybe because they truly believed that Ikalles was too serious for that, or maybe because they didn't want their Guardian to go too far.

Ikalles pursed his lips, he didn't have a very good reputation, and to think that Rairin actually suggested something like a second marriage... he would be hated even more...

Ikalles, lost in his own thoughts, muttered lightly in mid-argument – Rairin, I can do this...

The hall was suddenly silent, Ikalles startled, thinking that the others heard what he said on impulse.

Looking up, he realized that the reason everyone had been quiet was that the king himself had given an order for them to be quiet.

Rairin held his hand up as a signal for them to calm down. His eyes remained on Ikalles from the moment he ordered him to come ahead of him.

He was also the only one who realized what he had mumbled.

Rairin smiled slightly – I know you can Ikalles, I trust that order to you.

Ikalles stared at him stunned.

Rairin called out to Leah, who walked towards him – Commander Leah, as a member of the southern royal family, you will go with the Guardian to ensure the success of the alliance and the safety of Ikalles.

Leah nodded with a serious expression under Rairin's orders.

Bavellis knew that this could happen since the king would never send Ikalles alone out of the Empire, and as he himself was only a commoner, nothing better than sending one of the princes of his race, to show how they cared for this alliance.

Remembering their earlier conversation, Bavellis pursed his lips.

The great leaders had nothing more to complain about since Prince Leah would go with the Guardian, he was very kind and would manage to win the hearts of those little bastards.

Commander Leah walked towards Ikalles, bowing slightly – Guardian, I will prepare the ships for the voyage.

Ikalles nodded, quickly leaving to get ready.

Jiaohui looked at everyone leaving the throne room, suddenly thinking that something was wrong.

It wasn't just two purebloods missing, but three, the prince, who was usually curious about meetings held by his father, was not present...

Jiaohui looked around worriedly. Rairin, looked at her – What happened?

– Where is Long?

Rairin frowned at her question, and looking around he noticed his son was missing.

– Bavellis.

The general went to him – Yes, your majesty?

– Where is the prince?

Bavellis was a little stunned, looking around he frowned – I'll go look for him.

Jiaohui got up – I'll help.

Rairin didn't stop her, and when she walked out of the throne room with Bavellis, he looked at the other guards – Find the prince.

On the morning of that day...

Long had gotten up in the morning a little confused by the bustle of the palace, later during breakfast he found out about this big meeting that was to be held.

He perked up for a moment, thinking of joining in to observe his father's actions, but pausing for a moment he thought this would be the perfect opportunity to find out something about the previous morning's attack.

He watched the palace bustle, and when several guests arrived, attracting the attention of the guards, he hurried to the dungeons without difficulty.

Long was a dragon who could manipulate light, making himself nearly invisible.

Even though he was only twelve years old, he already had some skills as he trained several times with his mother.

Dodging the soldiers guarding the dungeons, Long was able to easily reach one of the deepest regions, where he knew the suspects would be.

Inside the cell, the half-breeds talked sadly, lamenting their situation.

– What do you think they will do with us?

– Nothing, the new laws prevent us from being punished for an attack like that, we didn't hurt anyone, we just destroyed the government's material assets.

– I'm not talking about them, I don't care about the king and his soldiers.

– Oh… well, as long as we keep quiet, nothing will happen.

Long pursed his lips, they were indeed hiding something, but what confused him was that they feared "that person" more than his father, the king of dragons.

His father was so powerful, he definitely should be the most feared.

How would he get them to tell the truth...? There had to be something that could help him with that.

Is there a spell to force them to speak? If even the king's gift of domination couldn't make them talk, what would he do?

Long looked at the suspects thoughtfully, he should ask for help, and he knew who could help him. His eyes gleamed as he cracked a smile, quickly leaving the dungeons, he ran back to the palace.

Looking around as he thought: the meeting has already started… I wanted to participate but, Dad needs help, and as a prince, my duty is to help him solve these kinds of problems.

Running through the halls again, he descended several stairs, which began to get narrower as he passed through the doors.

Finally getting where he wanted to be, he looked around. He was now in a library, it was so big that it would be impossible to know it completely even in a year without leaving it. Smiling, Long turned his attention to every corner he could see, she must be here somewhere.

Risking getting lost in the huge library, he ran through the corridors, his footsteps echoing, attracting the attention of the one he was looking for.

Long was grabbed suddenly as he ran, looking at the person who grabbed him, he smiled – Big sister!

The girl, an apparently adult, laughed lightly – What are you doing here? You'll end up hurting yourself running that way.

– Big sister, I need help.

She nodded at the boy's speech – What happened? Does the king know you're here?

Long lightly held her hair, his older sister was identical to his father, her blond hair well portrayed the royal house of the west, the Soleil family.

– Is there a spell to make someone speak the truth?

She looked dazedly at her little brother, her smile slowly fading.

Pursing her lips, she looked at him thoughtfully – Well, there are spells for everything, there must be something like that…

Long got excited – I knew there was something like this, big sister, can you help me with this?

She smiled – I can help you, but why do you need it?

Long looked at her expectantly – Dad is having trouble interrogating a person, so I'm going to help him.

The young woman became serious – Are you talking about the suspects in the attack on the boats?

Long nodded, she pursed her lips – The king can make them talk using Dominate.

Long shook his head – I don't know what happened, but even after using the gift, Dad couldn't get them to talk.

The blonde-haired young woman was stunned, a little shocked by what happened, so the king's power wasn't as strong as they said... or it should be.

Sighing, she said – Alright, I'll take a look and see if I can find something like that, do you need it for now?

Long nodded heavily – I need it now.