TAKING THE PRINCESS

News of the dragon sighted in the Tamar kingdom was quick to spread even among neighboring kingdoms. The humans were afraid as no dragon had visited the humans in its dragon form for years now and this dragon that visited was a royal one.

Azar was unaware of the uproar he had caused and quietly entered the throne room. He was silent but his presence was loud enough because even King Elliot was almost trembling. Azar met the king, the chief commander, and Morat, an adviser to the king there. He was quickly given a seat to sit down.

The king started speaking, “You are highly welcome to our land. To what do we owe this unexpected visit?”, he spoke politely.

“I am Azar and I want to talk in the presence of the royal family of this land”, he said in his deep and rough voice without a care in the world.

The atmosphere became tense.

“Excuse me highly revered, but we are here. You can talk to us”, Morat was quick to say.

The king cut him off, “It’s fine, Morat. Order a soldier to bring the Queen and Kenna”.

Morat froze, the king was protecting Kaliyah but not his niece and her child! He was not going to let that happen, “My king, should Princess Kaliyah not be here too since he wants the entire royal family?”

The king stared at him angrily for mentioning Kaliyah.

“Princess Kaliyah is now betrothed to the Slavcan prince so she does not really matter here”, The chief commander quickly came in.

“Oh, I heard. I want her here too”, Azar said calmly. The so called “Kaliyah” was the one he was here for after all. He was here for the one to be married off to the Slavcans. He almost smiled when he saw the faces of the people in the room.

“We have already made an agreement with the Slavcans, please have mercy on us and excuse Princess Kaliyah”, the King was quick to say.

“I want your two daughters here”, Azar repeated, he was running out of patience. First of all, they had to make him wait on air for about 5 minutes, now, they were making him wait for the unworthy royal family of this human kingdom.

“Ok”, the king replied and then turned to Morat, “Make sure they are here in 5 minutes”.

Morat bowed, stood up, and left.

* * *

Kenna was bubbling with excitement while Brenna stared at her with confusion.

“The disgusting reptile has ordered the royal family to come to the throne room immediately and you’re happy? Even your father would never summon us with such short notice”, Brenna spat angrily as they hurried down the hallway to the throne room.

“Whatever! It is a chance for a royal dragon to notice me! Kaliyah is betrothed anyways so I’m next in line”, Kenna said happily.

Brenna abruptly halted, “Over my dead body will you be with a reptile!”

“Do not call him a reptile mother!”, Kenna cried out, “Do you know what it means to be with a dragon? It will be beneficial for the two of us. If I even wanted this kingdom, I would have it with a powerful royal dragon by my side! Besides, you should look at the bigger picture, marriage between a human and a dragon is for a better future for us humans”.

Brenna hissed and continued walking while Kenna hurried to meet up with her.  

Kaliyah, on the other hand, was nervous. She was sure that the dragon was here because of her letter but what had he come to say? She was completely unaware of how troubled and undignified she looked. Unlike Kenna who had dressed up like she was going for a royal ball, Kaliyah was just in a simple but elegant gown, one she found suitable for staying within the castle walls.

She entered the throne room and saw Brenna and Kenna sitting already. She immediately turned her eyes away and locked eyes with the dragon. He came! He came! This was the father of the child she was carrying. She turned her eyes away, bowed, and sat on the seat provided for her.

“So, this is my wife and my two daughters. As I said earlier, Kaliyah is the one betrothed to the Slavcan prince”, The king had to make sure he emphasized on that singular fact and Azar chuckled. It came out low and hoarse. They all looked at him with confused and fearful faces; all, except Kaliyah.

Kenna was happy deep down because she knew that meant that her father was not willing to give Kaliyah out as she was betrothed to the Slavcan prince and she knew the Slavcan prince would not accept her because of her pregnancy. ‘Poor Kaliyah’, she thought in her mind. She planned to get this dragon with whatever means possible and put Kaliyah and some others under her feet! She had suffered and endured insults from Kaliyah!

“You’re welcome, I am the Queen of the Tamar Kingdom”, Brenna greeted coldly wondering why he was here and why he wanted to see them. She really hoped it was not to pick a bride because she would never allow Kenna get married to a reptile. Looking at him up close, he had the looks and a good body but she was not falling for that façade!

“About Princess Kaliyah”, Azar started and smiled, “I assume you’ve also been taking good care of her as she is carrying my child”, he just dropped the bomb.