Chapter 0: Prologue

- Unknown P.O.V

Quiet. The throne room was quiet. Never once in all my years had the massive room of soot and stone been silent as the grave. Nervous advisors and nobles cowered in a herd. As far back from the entry doors as possible, even pressed against the overwhelming ivory pillars that supported the ceiling. The very one they wished would cave in to put them out of their misery.

My heart thrummed in my chest. Beating wildly as if it was the last time it would. My stomach turned in knots and my palms sweat. Only worsening as the people stared to me; to their king, to guide them. To inspire and reassure them. I put on my most relaxed face, to hide the fear that creeped up my spine and chilled me to the bone.

The great doors slowly crept open, revealing the face of Sir Eldridge. His once strong features dirty and bruised. His sword stained with dried blood, and his eyes dull. His ruined and dented armor creaked with every step. He wearily treaded along the carpet that lie in front of him, muddying it with his boot. He stopped in front of the throne, bending into a weak bow. He then stepped to the side, the sea of onlookers parting around him.

I could then feel the presence behind him. The darkness that loomed as the woman then entered. Four imperial guards carefully following her as she shuffled in behind him. With every step she took, the stench of death became stronger, mind-numbing. Her hidden face drenched in red and golden blood. When she reached the side of Sir Eldridge she stopped. Strong, bloodied hands lifted the hood from her face as her golden, reptilian eyes bore into mine. It was then that she removed her cloak and let it fall away.

Her ethnicity now obvious, and evident. From head to toe she was dressed in the garbs of the Outlanders. Tanned animal hides wrapped around her chest and her legs covered with loose, undyed, white cotton fabric, though they were mostly covered by shackles. Lean muscle rippled along every visible limb. Her skin was the deep tan of the people who came from the desert, and was decorated with whorling patterns of golden dragon blood. Her striking features made some of the nobles draw their weapons. Though with a curt wave of the hand, they nervously lowered their swords.

"That is all Sir Eldridge, I expect a report in the morning." I muttered to him, watching him meander his way out of the room. Before turning my attention to the Outlander that stood before me. "Do you speak the common tongue?"

She narrowed her feline eyes at me. "I may be a savage but I'm not stupid." She spat. Her voice coated in a heavy accent.

I paused for a moment, not expecting an answer. "Clearly." I muttered under my breath. All my assumptions about those people thrown out the window in moments. "How did you come to be found by an imperial dragon hunter?"

"Wrong place, wrong time." She hissed, looking me down like a predator surveying its prey. "It just happens that those looking for dragons tend to search for those who can get their hands on dragon blood. Something my people have no trouble procuring."

I gulped down the dread those words had given me. "So, you've seen a dragon in that case." Not a question but a statement.

"More dragons than I have people, and in my experience, they are far more benevolent than you belligerent sword swingers."

The gasps and whispered now filled the silence. I cleared my throat. "Well, I hope that your observation changes with your time here, as its only right you be taken in as a ward."

She let out a deadly hiss that sent shivers through my body. "What gives you that idea? Do you truly intend to turn the dragon-loving savage on your doorstep into a proper lady of the court? A servant to care for this mound of stone bricks? A dutiful wife for a respected noble? Or perhaps you have other ideas in mind. Am I to be turned into an exotic concubine for your most privileged guests? Perhaps you plan to fuck me yourself? Please do tell. Your grace." She snarled through grit teeth. She had a sharp wit and an even sharper tongue. A few onlookers ran out in haste and the guards tightened their grip on their weapons.

"I didn't realize that the Outlanders thought so little of the kingdoms. I truly hope that-" Was I could get out before I was interrupted.

"So, which am I? A prize or a whore?" She snapped.

I let out an awkward chuckle. "Nobles are permitted to return to their chambers." Aware of the eyes that glared at me as she watched them funnel out in an orderly fashion. Waiting until they were gone and the doors closed so only the guards remained. "That is still undecided."

She just rolled her eyes in response. "So, you do plan to benefit off me."

I just ignored the remark, wanting to continue. "What are you called, and which dragons call upon you?"

"I am called Cahira, of the Western Winds people." She answered.

I knew of that group. They were infamous for supposedly lying with dragons and producing half-breeds. The most aggressive and fanatic of the savages, the only group able to track down Ancients. Most knew better than to go near their territory. But their people were named after the Ancients themselves, they would never have such a name.

"What is your true name, child of the Winds?" Remembering to use proper terms in the presence of such a barbaric Outlander.

She had a feline smirk. "Nothing to concern yourself with. Your weak throats could never even say my name without chocking on your own words."

"I suppose that was all I needed to hear. The guards can take you to your chambers then." I instructed. They swiftly left, the shackles on her throat and wrists clattered as they did.

The only remaining advisor looked up to me. "Respectfully your grace, you can be serious about giving that vulgar savage a room."

I chuckled, "I didn't give that thing a room. She is to live in the old palace where she will only be kept with servants and guards, in solitude. Though I suppose I can't send the tutors into such a place, so she will return for her weekly lessons in etiquette."

"Do you truly think that it can adapt to the life of high society?" He asked.

"I can't expect perfection, but even beasts can be trained. Eventually."

A/N Thanks so much for reading! Sorry this is so short, but the actual chapters will be much longer and be more interesting. But stay tuned for future updates.