Better Monster

In that moment, Lady Sophia contemplated the choices she had made and the path she had taken. She wondered if it was better to embrace the monster she knew, Sir Arthur, rather than venturing into the unknown with Gamaaloth.

.

After all, how could she determine which monster was truly better if she didn't make an effort to understand Gamaaloth?

The words of Elder Cryica echoed in her mind, suggesting that perhaps she was reluctant to discover the existence of a better option.

Was it possible that she had settled for familiarity instead of exploring alternatives?

As these thoughts swirled in her mind, Sophia considered if there could be another way, an escape from the confines of her current situation.

Perhaps there was a hidden path or a different choice that could lead to a better outcome. She knew she needed to delve deeper and explore all possibilities before making a final decision.

As Sophia wandered through the forest, her mind filled with thoughts and possibilities, she ascended the gentle slopes of the hills.

The warmth of the sun caressed her skin, comforting her as she ventured deeper into nature's embrace.

Her footsteps led her to a familiar place, a hidden gem she cherished dearly—a small waterfall nestled amidst the hills.

Its cascading waters whispered secrets of serenity and tranquility, inviting Sophia to find solace in its presence. The rhythmic sound of splashing water filled the air, creating a soothing symphony that eased her troubled mind.

With a purpose in her heart, Sophia also sought the healing power of nature's bounty. She carried a wicker basket, eager to collect medicinal plants that would aid her in her journey.

With every step, she scanned the surroundings, recognizing the vibrant hues and familiar shapes of the plants she sought.

Under the canopy of ancient trees, Sophia immersed herself in the realm of flora and fauna. She carefully plucked leaves, petals, and roots, selecting each specimen with precision and knowledge.

As she pushed through the thick foliage and arrived at her destination, Lady Sophia was taken aback to find another person already present.

A man stood before her, his bare upper body glistening in the sunlight as he engaged in playful interaction with the tiny Gamaaloth scout dragons submerged in the water.

At the same time, the largest Gamaaloth dragon rested serenely at the stream's edge.

Startled, Lady Sophia swiftly turned on her heels, attempting to retreat without being noticed. However, her movement caught the man's attention, and his gaze locked onto her.

"Lady Sophia," he called out in his big, raspy, gruff voice, "I thought you were busy partying in Everkeep and wouldn't be returning to the war frontier."

Sophia remained composed, her voice steady and devoid of anger as she responded, "No, my lord, not all women are as cowardly as your troops who haven't arrived until now. They're probably hiding out and trembling in fear."

She kept her gaze fixed on the opposite direction, waiting for Ragnar to dress. The sound of his heavy footsteps echoed through the air, accompanied by the splashing of water as he made his way across the river.

Sophia didn't catch a glimpse of his face as Ragnar was engrossed in rubbing his small dragon, which obstructed her view.

Moreover, contrary to the rumors, Gamaaloth didn't possess a scaly, fish-like body. Ragnar, in fact, had a physique akin to a regular human with pale skin and well-defined muscles.

His body exuded strength and beauty, a sight that would be the envy of many girls in Everkeep. In terms of physicality alone, Gamaaloth stood head and shoulders above the average man in the capital city, surpassing them on a whole different level.

The sight before her was akin to witnessing a war deity descending from the heavens, albeit from the statues she had seen in Castile's front yard.

Ragnar's body was a manifestation of ethereal beauty, surpassing ordinary human standards.

"This has been my favorite place with Ymat and Qedren for the past few days. Can you not come here again?" Sophia laughed.

It seemed that Ragnar and his companions had given names to their dragons. How adorable! She was curious to know more about them.

"Which one is Ymat, and which one is Qedren?" she inquired, wanting to learn more about the dragons.

"Ymat, The Eternal, is the jet-black dragon I usually ride. Qedren, Lord of Green, is Ymat's son and serves as the scout dragon for our army."

"What beautiful names. You have magnificent dragons," she praised, genuinely impressed.

"Thank you," Ragnar replied.

Well, at least they were capable of showing gratitude, Sophia thought to herself.

"But unfortunately, I found this place before you, and besides... you can't just kick me out of my own land," Sophia retorted.

"Tsk! Women can be quite bothersome when they still have their tongues. No wonder they used to be sold with their tongues cut off," Ragnar muttered, clearly irritated.

Sophia felt a surge of annoyance at his comment. She turned around to face Ragnar directly as he donned his face visor, hiding his expression from her.

"You should refrain from buying women from that despicable trader. It's not the proper way to treat women," Sophia expressed firmly.

"Oh, really? And is Cescil treating you well? Your king was so desperate that he offered his own daughters to the neighboring princes. And now he's promising us as many girls as we desire once the war is over," Ragnar scoffed, his laughter filled with mockery.

Sophia fell silent. She had hoped that Ragnar would deny the deal and that her husband had merely been boasting. But the truth was undeniable, and it weighed heavily on her heart.

"At least in Gamaaloth, we treat women better. We don't subject them to torture or let them starve, and we certainly don't force them into war," Ragnar asserted.

"You have no idea what you're talking about, Ragnar. You're mistaken in so many ways," Sophia retorted, her voice filled with conviction.

Ignoring Sophia's words, Ragnar leaped onto Ymat's back, settling himself on her wings.

"Come on, Ymat, Qedren, let's depart from here! Before this feisty female warrior starts lecturing us again!" He clicked his tongue a few times, urging the dragons to move.

Qedren screeched angrily, emitting a high-pitched sound. He appeared displeased, resembling a child who was reluctantly being called home while still engrossed in play.

"Qedren can remain here," Sophia reiterated.

Ragnar shook his head in disapproval. "You're a fearless little woman, Lady Sophia. Qedren could easily incinerate your petite body in an instant."

Sophia glanced at Qedren and then shook her head. "He appears to be a gentle dragon, my lord. I witnessed the close bond between you two, akin to that of a father and son. You have raised your dragons admirably."

Sophia raised her gaze to meet Ragnar's eyes as he sat atop Ymat's back. For a brief moment, their eyes locked before Ragnar averted his gaze.

She noticed a hint of a blush on his cheeks as he had been stern and haughty just moments ago.

Was it possible?

Did Ragnar blush at her praise?

Sophia couldn't help but feel a sense of delight and intrigue. She decided to confirm her suspicions the next

  time they crossed paths.

Suppressing her smile, she made sure not to reveal her thoughts too overtly.

As Qedren screeched one final time, Ragnar clicked his tongue to signal their departure. Ymat leaped into the air, her powerful wings propelling them forward.

The rush of wind hit Sophia's face, causing her headdress to droop backward. She watched as Ragnar and his two dragons disappeared into the distance, leaving her behind.