Dragon's Breath

I push open the heavy iron doors leading to the throne room. The door screeches against the hard stone floor. Entering the spacious room, I am surrounded by the horde officials. They are all lined up side-by-side, facing fathers' throne. The ends of their gray robes trail behind them.  

    Standing just feet away from him, I place a fist over my heart and bow in our traditional greeting. "Father," I say, looking up at him. The depths of his cold violet eyes search mine.   

    With a forced smile, he says, "You may rise."  

     "Thank you, father, " I reply curtly. 

     Standing straight once more, he lifts himself from the throne and moves closer to me and the horde officials in a composed manner.    

  "As you all are aware, there is a rogue horde who calls themselves Betsalel. They have been threatening to attack from the south so as to claim our land for themselves," father starts.

"If they make it that far we will lose everything we have worked so hard to build. That includes the trust of the human kingdom Samirya which lies just beyond our borders. I am sure you are all aware of our dealings with Samirya in recent years. It has taken a long time to build the trust we have with them. If that horde attacks, we will not only lose their faith in us, but the coming battle as well," my father's words echo around us, heavy with impending doom. The officials nod in agreement.  

  One of many officials' steps forward to address the Chieftain, his gray robes dragging behind him.

"If I might be so bold, what is your plan to deal with the oncoming horde, Chieftain?" His eyes are cast down, unwilling to meet my father's intense gaze.  

  "That is the reason I invited you all," he says, pausing to scan the room. His cold eyes land on me and I stiffen up.     

"I will be sending my daughter to Samirya's capital city, Mimmgar, to serve and protect the people while we prepare for war," he says.

A wide smile grazes his lips as he gazes at me.     My heart stops beating as the room begins to spin. I put a hand over my mouth with the sudden urge to throw up. I cannot believe it; he is shipping me off to Mimmgar. This is outrageous! I do not want to be sitting in the capital with all those humans while the members of my horde die in battle. That is simply unforgivable.    

"Father, forgive me for being so bold, but I cannot go to Mimmgar. I will stay and fight beside my people," I refuse, my voice wavering. My body is shaking not with fear, but rage.       His face flushes with anger.

"Eleonora, you will listen to me; this is for the good of the horde and you, my only daughter," he states.    

How could sending away one of his strongest warriors do any good? I doubt that horde will even make it to Mimmgar; the people there should be safe. Even if they do make it to Samirya, why should I care?  

  "Father I do not think it is wise to send me away. I am one of your fiercest warriors you will be at a disadvantage if I am away," I voice.   

  The faces of all the officials are white as sheets as they watch our exchange. They are no doubt preparing for my father's impending rage.     

He sighs, running a hand across his face. "Nora," He says with sudden calmness, using my nickname, "Please understand, I am doing this for your own good, and the good of the horde."    

With how he is acting now I would only embarrass myself if I dare defy him. He might not be someone I get along with, but he is still my father. I can at least give him my compliance Infront of others.  

  "Fine. I will go to Mimmgar, on your order," I sigh, running a hand through my long, inky black hair.   

    My father claps his hands, the sound echoing throughout the room as he smiles widely, "Wonderful, you will leave for Mimmgar in two days' time."

I nod my rigid body straining against my clothes. After coming to the conclusion my father wants, he dismisses me with a wave of his hand.  

    I leave the room as fast as I can, slamming the door behind me.  Two days. I only have two days until I am going to be trapped in the birdcage known as Mimmgar. All those people roosted like swallows there, each leading wonderful peaceful lives within their cages. Simply because we dragons sacrifice our lives for them. Every time there is a problem, it is left to us to fix, all for their comfort. Because my father thinks that having a good relationship with them is important. He did not even like humans until recent years.       

I storm through the corridor, the earthen walls cold and unwelcoming. Making my way to a large ledge leading out, I stand in the windy glory of the Perilous Horde territory. The sky, a dark ocean of black, does much to abate my growing irritation as I strip, peeling off my leather garments. The cool air licks at my skin and a shiver runs through me as it plays with my hair in teasing pulls.

Without a moment to lose, I jump off the ledge, my body becoming consumed in a cloud of my poison elemental. Thick violet fog shrouds my figure as I faze mid-fall. My wings are the first to burst through the fog. As the winds push under them, I take flight leaving the mountain behind me.     

Pitch black scales take over my flesh, shining under the moonlight. The deep night sky is cloudless and empty. For that, I am thankful.      I finally have some time to myself, which, starting in two days, I will not get much of. Going to the kingdom of Samirya is not something I want to do, but then again, to fight my father would be futile. His word is the law of the horde. A law I wish I could break free from.    

Humans have kings but we dragons have not had a king in over a thousand years since the Fires of Alira. Since dragons have broken away from the old kingdom of Highmire, individual dragon hordes are ruled by chieftains.      

One would think that being the daughter of the most powerful man in the horde would mean I have an easy life, but that is not the case. Because of who I am, I am held to higher expectations than anyone else. I must be stronger than most. If I am weak, it makes my father look weak.   

  I fly above the dense forest enjoying the view of the lush green trees and small streams. I land in a small moonlit clearing, with a thump in the tall grass. I take in a breath of frosty air, slumping to the ground. My muscles relax and all the tension drifts off my body. Even if it is just a moment.  

  As I lay out in the clearing, I think about the last time the Perilous horde helped the humans. About three years ago, a human kingdom known as Damirium was attempting to overthrow Samirya. As my father's eldest living child, I was sent to fight on the front lines. The battle was easily won. But we suffered losses due to the kingdom of Damirium having dragon slayers.

I sigh, brushing those thoughts away.      I spend what feels like hours staring up at the stars and enjoying the quietness of the night. That is, until I feel a sharp pinch on the end of my tail. I jump up releasing a thundering roar into the silence.     

Looking down, I see my little brother clamped down on my tail. The bright red of his scales glinting in the moonlight make it easy to see him. Little brat. What does he think he is doing? I thump my tail against the ground, knocking him off. He rolls off into the grass.   

  What is he doing out here? My mother should have put him to bed hours ago. Grumbling, I pick him up in my talons, careful not to hurt him with my sharp claws. I fly us back to the mountain.  Landing, I put him down and faze into human form a puff of violet fog releasing into the air.    

  "Loki, you are supposed to be sleeping," I scold, and the once-happy baby dragon puts his head down and whines.

After getting dressed, I pick him up, and to carry the hatchling back to my mother. The long tunnels of the mountain are dimly lit with torches. The jagged stone walls dancing with shadows. My bare feet lumber against the cold earthen floor. Wind whispers through the quiet, sleep-ridden mountain.     While taking him back to my mother, Loki falls soundly asleep in my arms. Reaching his nursery, I find my mother searching for her lost baby. She's tossing blankets and pillows all across the floor.   

  "Loki...Loki, where did you run off to? If you are hiding, you better come out now!" She shouts.     

I let out a light huff at the sight, "Mom, Loki is right here," I murmur so I do not wake him up.      As soon as the words leave my mouth she spins around.

Looking at me she breathes a sigh of relief, running a hand through her long blue hair.  

  "Thank you, Nora. I thought I had lost him," she sighs.   

  That is because you did. I turn my head rolling my eyes.  

    "Where did you find him?" She asks.      "Actually, he was the one that found me. I was sitting outside when he decided to join me," I explain nonchalantly.   

  "Well, I am glad you found him," she says, taking him from my arms.  

  Once I am free from Loki's weight; I sigh with relief. I stretch my achy arms out over my head and exhaustion setting in.   

  Scratching the back of my head I think for a moment, "Mom did you perhaps know about father wanting to send me away?" I ask.     

My mother looks at me with wide eyes, "No I did not."   

  I guess there was no use asking her. I mean what did I expect my father tells her close to nothing in the first place.     

"Okay, well I am going to bed, night mom," I say.     

"Goodnight, sweetie. Oh, and remember not to sleep in too late tomorrow. I would not want you to miss your combat training," she reminds me.     

Right, I have combat training tomorrow. Will I ever get a break? All I want is sometime to myself.   

  "I will not forget," I grumble walking away.     

As I make my ways through the rocky caves, I pass several warriors returning from border patrols. I greet them with a light bow, and they do the same.   

  Entering my room, I jump onto my messy bed that is covered with blankets and pillows. Groaning, I roll over on my stomach, shoving my face into my pillows. Why, just why did I agree to go to Mimmgar? I know this is my father's ploy to keep me under control and away from the fighting. Considering how I got last time I guess I cannot entirely blame him. But he is also trying keep our relationship with those humans strong. I cannot help but think he is also got a hidden motive; my father could have sent someone else, anyone else, so why me?

     Well, I cannot dwell on this forever. Grabbing some of my blankets, I pull them over me, snuggling into the warmth. I wish this was just a dream. If I leave for Mimmgar right as a war is about to begin, then who knows how long it will be before I get to come back?  

  Turning onto my side, I close my eyes and fall into a restless sleep.                               

      ***     

I wake with the cool morning breeze tickling my face, feeling as though I did not get a wink of sleep. This is just great. Not only am I worried but now I am in a bad mood. Fisting my dark locks, I yank my hair frustrated.     

Releasing a big sigh, I get up from my bed and put on a pair of black leather pants and a grey shirt, tying my hair back. If I start early, I will get to blow off some steam before in the training grounds. But I do not think all the training in the world will prepare me for what is to come in Mimmgar.      Leaving my room, I bolt through the cave the smacking of my bare feet echoing through the caverns. Reaching the training room, I see my father standing in the doorway.

"I knew you would be here early Nora, please come in. We need to have a talk," he says.    

  His words cause worry to shoot through my body, and the grim look on his face does not help matters.   

  Either I am in trouble or my father has some terrible news. I can only hope for the latter.

My heart drums in my chest as I follow my father into the room, closing the doors behind us. The inky blackness that surrounds my father engulfs me snuffing out the frail bit of light I have left. Now, only silence lingers in the air. I shiver, beginning to feel claustrophobic at our close proximity. 

      I swollen the lump in my throat breaking the silence, "What was it you wanted to talk about?" I cringe when my voice cracks.  

  He stares at me a moment, not saying a word. His emotionless eyes bore straight into my very soul. These moments of silence are what scare me the most. The longer he spends just staring at me, the more my heart rate picks up.

    "Eleonora, you are my only daughter, and I love you very much. You know that right?" He says seriously.

    my body goes rigid, as I feel my palms become clammy. What is he talking about? He never says he loves me.

     "Y-Yeah, I know," I say, stumbling over my words. The fear of what he is to say making me want to vomit.   

  "I needed you to agree to go to the city of Mimmgar before I tell you everything that will be happening. I am not just sending you there to simply protect the humans," he says, implying there is more I must do.

    My chest clenches at his words.

"What do you mean," I ask through gritted teeth. I take a deep breath, trying not to burst out in anger.

    "You are going to the capital to protect the people. But I am also sending you there to marry the king's son in order to strengthen our alliance," father states.

    My heart stops. What the hell does he mean? I am being sent away to marry some foreign prince, and a human at that. I am no longer nervous. Burning rage hisses through my body like a deadly poison, screeching a demanding release in the form of much-needed violence.   

  "Why did you not tell me from the beginning that I would be marrying some human? I am waiting for my mate just like everyone else! I will not take someone else; it is cruel of you to ask that of me," I shout, the sound bouncing off the stone walls. 

    "Nora, you are being unreasonable. This is for the good of our people. If you marry into their royal family, then we will have long-lasting peace with them. Think of future generations, sometimes sacrifices must be made," he tries to explain.

    His words do nothing to calm the wrath bubbling inside me. It is like a volcano erupting, fury sweeping off me in ferocious waves. Wrath consumes me, engulfing my moralities and destroying the boundaries of my loyalty. I feel the urge to snap at him. Clenching my fist, I manage to control myself for now.

  "Why am I the only one who has to sacrifice my happiness? I would rather die an honorable death on the battlefield than live my life as the wife of some human prince," I snarl.

    My father's face flushes with anger, reaching out, he grabs my face squeezing it in his large bear-like hand. I hiss in pain.

    "I am thinking about the future of our horde, just as you should. Stop being selfish. I have already made up my mind, and the king of Samirya has agreed to my request," he tells me, releasing my face from his tight grip.

     "Did you ever think about the fact that without my mate I will die?" I say, bringing my face dangerously close to his. My eyes bore into his violet ones so similar to my own.

    He smiles, "Do not worry, I have already thought of a solution. You will brand Prince Geoffrey as your mate to make sure that you live a long life," he tells me with a smug smile.

"If that fails both the prince, and I could die," I exclaim.

    His words make me feel sick. Branding is very sacred to us dragons, and is only used to mark our mates. Things could go horribly wrong. I cannot believe he is asking me to do this, but I have already agreed to go to the capital. I never go back on my word, so I have already signed my own death warrant.

      "No one has ever tried branding someone that is not their natural mate," I cry out.

    "There is always a first for everything. We will never know the result until we try," he says indifferently.

    Looking my father in the eye with as much hatred as I can muster, I say as loud as my voice will allow, "You bastard!"  

  I spit on the floor at his feet. With those words, I storm out of the room. Mates are very important to us dragons. They are better than any gold or jewels. I have been waiting for mine for as long as I can remember. 

    I cannot believe he is willing to risk the death of his only daughter just to keep those humans on our side. Why am I always the one that gets hurt?    

I pull away from his grip, my face pulsing in pain. Turning away from father, I run out of the room. Bounding down the hall, I reach the familiar opening in the mountain. I do not even bother to take my clothes off as I faze. Violet fog surrounds me as I begin fazing. The sound of fabric ripping fills my ears as I watch my now torn clothes flutter to the ground. I take flight, releasing a powerful roar, causing the trees beneath me to tremble.

    This feeling of hatred I have for my father is like a volcano ready to erupt, magma ready to spill from every pore of my body. Sending me to the capital to defend it is one thing. But sending me there to marry someone is completely out of line, especially since he waited to tell me.

    I fly around my horde's territory trying to stall for time as much as I can. I do not want to face my family. I know my father is not the only one that planned to sell me to the humans, my mother must have been a part of it too. She knows some things that go on in the horde but chooses to turn a blind eye.

    Landing in a small clearing on the backside of the mountain, I lay on fresh green grass, stretching my body out. The midday heat warms my scales. If I could just stay here, I would. 

    Sometimes I wish I could run away, but every time I feel this way, I think of my brother Fafnir's words. 'You have to be strong; I will no longer be here to protect you.' Running away will do me no good. Thinking of him brings me great sorrow. I miss him. If only things had happened differently.

    Fazing into my human form, I sit, pulling my knees to my chest. A few stray tears escape, sliding down my face. I wish my brother were here. He would know how to help me, he could comfort me. But since he is gone, I have no one to turn to. I am completely and utterly alone. I cry for a long time, allowing my anger and frustration to leave my body. 

    After a while, I get up with a new determination setting in. I faze, heading back to the mountain, my wings pumping against the harsh winds. Reaching the mountain entrance, I head to where I know I will find my mother.      When I reach Loki's bedroom, I shove the door open. It smacks against the wall with a loud bang. 

    "Mom!" I yell.   

  She turns to me, scowling, "Nora, be quiet. I just got Loki to take a nap," she whisper-yells.   

  "You hid it from me that dad was planning to marry me off to some human prince? You cannot tell me you did not know!" I accuse her.    

Guilt flushes her features.

     "Nora, I wanted to tell you, I really did. Your father...he, he told me to stay out of it. He said he would handle it. I am sorry, I really am," she says.

    I can tell she is genuinely apologizing, but that does not mean I am not mad at her anymore. She always does this, cowers from my father. Behaving like a good little mate.

    "You should have told me. Do you realize what is going to happen because of this? We are not supposed to brand someone that is not their mate," I breathe out.

    My mom pulls me into a tight hug, rubbing my back. I stiffen at the sudden contact, trying not to recoil from her.

    "I am sorry. I tried to get him not to do this to you. He just would not listen. Maybe the man you are going to marry will not be so bad. You could be happy," she tries to convince me.  

  Happy? That must be a joke. I am losing my chance at gaining real happiness all because father wants to get along with those humans.     I know my mother is trying to make me feel better, but it is not helping. I push her away and hurt flashes across her face at my rejection. I leave the room without another word and head to my bedchamber. 

    Once I make it to my chambers, I leave outside into woods through the opening in my room. I spend all my time outside until day turns to dusk, sending the sun sinking behind the horizon.

Tomorrow I will be leaving for Mimmgar.     I go to bed before dusk, trying to help prepare myself for what will be awaiting me in the capital.

                                 ***    

I wake up before dawn the next morning, my body screaming at me to stay in bed. Getting up, I look at myself in the mirror, seeing dark circles hanging under my eyes.

      My mother comes to my chambers after I wake up and helps me pack the stuff, I will need for my time away. I really do not want to leave. I wish I could just crawl back in bed and stay there.  

 I bid Loki and my mother farewell, not bothering to acknowledge my father. I stand at the ledge leading out the cave.   

  "Eleonora, when you reach the city of Mimmgar, fly to the roof of the castle. There will be people waiting for you. And Eleonora, remember to behave yourself," father tells me.  

  "Yes, I will remember that," I reply.

    Looking out at the vast forest, I sigh. I am going to miss this sight. This is the first place I go to rest my mind, a place where serenity flows as cool as river water. Clothed in the greens of every palate, the vibrant hues of nature's wild dreams. In this place, I become a part of the art, of that three-dimensional creation of time and space.

I am saddened that I will no longer be able to enjoy such a peaceful scene.     Fazing into a dragon form, I begin my journey to the capital city of Mimmgar.

After hours of flying, I begin to tire. My wings burning with every movement of my body. I finally see the city of Mimmgar up ahead. It is made of many small buildings and houses surrounding a large castle. The castle is bright on the blue beyond. Every stone is even and square as if those who built it were set on perfection. The walls were made to protect a community, to echo with laughter, and be the shelter they needed for the millennia to come. I admire its bold beauty.  

      I wrinkle my nose. While the sight is beautiful in a strange sense, the city reeks of humans. And I cannot believe I am to marry one of them.    

Doing just as my father told me, I fly straight to the castle at full speed. Looking down at the city below, I see people jumping and screaming in fright as my large shadow looms over them. This should not be their first-time laying eyes on a dragon. The smell of their fear fills me with a strange sense of delight. I want more of it, but unfortunately, I am here to protect these insects. That does not mean I cannot give them a bit of a scare, however.

    With that, I lift my head up in the air. A dark violet fog-like gas spewing from my mouth along with a powerful roar. The people below screech, running around like ants. They must think I am here to kill them. Who invites a dragon without first warning their people?

    Flying to the top of the castle, I spot a group of four men. They must be the ones here to greet me. I land with a swoop of my wings in front of them, the ground rumbling under my heavyweight. Looking over the group of men, I see some staring in awe while the rest either seem scared or disgusted by my presence.

     A short bald man approaches me, his body trembling with every step. His mouth is hanging open in a silent scream, and his eyes look as though they are ready to pop out the sockets.      As he gets closer, beads of sweat drip down his body.

"You must be the princess," he greets.

    His words come out shaky and uneven. I release a grumble, loving the sight of the scared little humans. I bring my face down to his and puff my hot breath across his body, letting out a grumble. Not a moment later, the man staggers back, the front of his pants wetting. I am glad to be in dragon form so they cannot see me laughing, poor humans. They get frightened so easily.

    I faze back into a human, causing a puff of violet fog to engulf my body. I face the men of Mimmgar completely bare, with my bag sitting at my feet. Many of the men turn red and look away while others stare on lustfully. I roll my eyes. They are acting as if they have never seen a female body before. 

    "I am princess Eleonora of the Perilous Horde," I confirm to the bald man who just pissed himself.

He looks flustered at my sudden change in form but tries to recompose himself.  

  Clearing his throat he says, "Princess, if you would please put some clothe yourself. It is improper for a young lady of your standing to be nude in front of so many eyes." 

    I rumble with laughter. These humans are indeed very strange. Growing up in the mountain, it is quite normal for one to be nude. Since it is physically impossible for us to switch between forms and keep our clothing. So, seeing one naked is not abnormal. But I must be respectful of the humans and their customs, I suppose.

"I am sorry. I shall change immediately. You see, where I come from, being like this is not uncommon," I state.

     Pulling my leather garments from my bag, I change. The bald man looks up at me with forced kindness.

"Now that you are ready princess, I will give you a tour of the palace. You may call me Nickolas," he says offering me a hand.

I try to shake his hand as politely as I can, but I end up squeezing.  Nickolas pulls away from me as fast as lightning, wincing. I roll my eyes at him. I did not even squeeze that hard.  

  We make our way off the roof and head inside the castle. Looking around, I find that the castle is much different from the interior of the mountain. It is decorated lavishly in silks and gold. Not to mention there is not as much open space in here, so it feels very cramped. 

     The floors are made from a deep marble with silky red rugs covering them. Above me hang golden chandeliers glittering with diamonds. Humans seem to love extravagant things. We dragons love gold and treasure, but we would never leave it out in the open. The possibility of their riches being stolen is high. Their choices truly baffle me.  

  I follow Nickolas and the other three men around the castle as they show me various things and places. Which I could honestly care less about. But I feign interest, giving a nod here and there. I will probably forget it all soon anyway.  

  Finally, when the tour is over, I am shown to my chambers. 

    "This is where you will be staying. You have an hour to settle in. After that, some maids will be sent to get you ready for dinner with the king and your intended." One of the men informs me.

By intended, they must mean prince Geoffrey.    I just got here and I already have to meet my 'new' family. The day I love or marry a human will be a day when unicorns return to the lands of Midgar. 

     I thank the men that showed me around, then I slam the door in their faces. I am glad that is finally over. I wish I could just hide out in this room and never leave.  

  I take some time to examine my new quarters. It is much smaller than my last one. The walls are painted a wine red, and the floors are a dark marble with golden rugs laid out. The bed is sitting in the back against the wall, covered in a silky white comforter, with more pillows than I can count. This room is indeed beautifully decorated, but it is just a bit much for me. I would have preferred something simpler.    

                              ***    

Time passes quickly, and I now find myself being forced into a chair. Several maids are trying to do my hair and makeup, grabbing and pulling me every which direction. Irritation bubbles up inside of me.

    "Princess, you are so beautiful! I have never seen someone with such perfect hair or skin. Dragons truly are as the rumors say." A maid with dirty blond hair compliments.

    Rumors. There have always been many false rumors about us, but one that I can say is true is our beauty. Dragons have always been known by humans for our other worldly beauty. Because we are born beast, our human forms are mere imitations, that is why we look perfect. We are simply beasts hiding our true face.

     "Do not let the beauty of a dragon fool you. We are still monsters," I say with a straight face, looking into her innocent brown eyes. The maid simply holds a hand to her face in an attempt to hide her giggles.  

  "What is so funny?" I question fiercely. 

    Calming her laughter, she looks at me and replies, "You may fool others, but you do not seem quite as monstrous as you claim." 

    The only reason I do not seem so bad to her is because I am holding back. My natural roguish nature keeps me from wanting too much social interaction.

    Looking at the little maid, I smile and say, "I can assure you that I am quite the monster."    

"Excuse me for being so bold as to say this princess. But it seems to me that you want people to view you as a monster as a way to keep them at a distance," the maid voices quietly.   

  Her words strike a nerve, but before I can refute, my short-lived conversation with the maid is interrupted when someone walks into the room.

"Hurry up, and get the princess ready. I do not want to keep the king and his family waiting any longer," an older maid says with an arched brow. With those words, the maids get me ready in a rush.   

  When they are finished with me, I look absolutely horrendous. Reflecting the little time, the maids had. I am wearing an atrocious saffron-colored floor-length gown. My hair is piled on top of my head, but not neatly. There are bits, and pieces of hair hanging all over the place. Many pins are digging into my scalp. My lips have been coated in a light pink lipstick, and my already pale face has been smeared with chalky white powder, completely washing me out.

    I laugh to myself. Maybe with this look, the prince will be so revolted that he begs his father not to have to marry me. That would be a dream come true. There is only one way to find out. I leave the room and head to the dining hall.     

Time to meet my prince.