Dragon’s Breath
Chapter twenty-four

The dining hall is filled to the brim with people, some I recognize, others I do not. Slumping in my seat next to Geoffrey, I await Gregory's announcement.

After Flavius went home, Gregory called for a late dinner meeting. For what, I am not sure. Gregory makes a grand entrance, coming in through the mains doors, Evalene hanging off his arm. Her blond hair is done up in tight curls hanging mostly loose, a silver crown with glittering diamonds placed atop her head. Gregory is dressed in long golden robes, his long silver hair pulled back into a half ponytail, with a golden crown placed neatly on his head.

Everyone at the table stands to greet their king and queen. I am quick to follow, caught off guard for a moment but making up for it rapidly. As we resume our seats, Gregory takes his place at the head of the table.

"Thank you for joining me tonight, my friends; I come before you tonight bearing joyous news. I would like to announce that the wedding between my son Geoffrey and Princess Eleonora is to be held in two months' time," Gregory cheers.

The room roars with applause at Gregory's announcement.

My heart, clenches in my chest, suddenly turning my blood to ice, and my body burns with discomfort. I had completely forgotten what I was originally sent here to do.

"Well, dragon, it would seem that you and I are really meant to be. Mind you, I haven't forgotten what you did to me in the hallway," Geoffrey whispers so only I can hear him.

Turning to him, I flash a gentle smile, deep malice underlying it.

"We'll see about that won't we?" I say.

I turn to Gwen, who is seated next to me, watching as she lowers her head, hiding a smile behind her hand. She thinks she has everything figured out. How can someone be stupid enough to think it will be this easy?

Throughout dinner, I'm drowning in the sounds of the many nobleman and women. They talk with false words and excitement although it is clear they are secretly wishing for failure. My temples throb with pain. Leaning forward, I lay my head on the table. I hope this dinner ends sometime soon. The different noises and smells envelope me like water. All the voices around grate on my ears, every cell in my body is begging me to leave the room. Why must there be so many people? Why now?

A warm hand creeps up my back, clutching my shoulder. I jump slightly at the claw-like grip.

"Your highness, would you like me to escort you back to your room? You look awfully uncomfortable," Gwen asks.

"It's quite alright, I will wait until dinner is over," I say, flashing my best smile.

"Are you sure, because I'm certain grandfather wouldn't mind you leaving if he knew you felt unwell. And you really do look unwell," she urges.

Gwen has her brows scrunched together in confusion and worry. If I was unaware of her true intentions, I may have believed her.

"Your concern is much appreciated, but I assure you that I am alright," I press.

Gwen stares at me for a moment, eventually releasing my shoulder and retreating to her corner.

Dinner continues for another agonizing hour until people finally begin to leave. Soon, there are just a few remaining in the dining hall. Now, I just need to wait for the perfect time to excuse myself. I watch carefully as Daniel stands from his seat giving a light bow.

"Please excuse me, I must be on my way. I'm going to have an early start to my morning and would like to get some rest," Daniel excuses himself.

Pushing his chair in, Daniel begins to leave the room.

I quickly stand and follow after him.

"Please excuse me," I rush out.

I quickly stand from my seat and jog after Daniel until I reach him outside the dining hall.

"Wait!" I call out.

"Was there something you needed, Your Highness?" He says.

"Actually, yes, there's something I've been meaning to ask you," I say.

"Go ahead, I'll answer any questions you have," he says, giving a wide, closed-eyed smile.

"Today in the dungeon, while I was observing you I noticed something strange," I voice slowly.

"And what might that be?" He questions.

"I want to know, Daniel, are you of dragon descent?" I ask.

I watch as he goes rigid. "What makes you ask that?" He questions stiffly.

"The way anger resonated off of you is a feeling I'm all too familiar with. Not to mention your eyes were glowing, which happens to be signature to a raging dragon," I state.

Daniel sighs, his hand instinctively running through his hair.

"Nothing seems to get past you. You are indeed correct, I'm a half-blood, my mother was human," he informs me.

"I see, are your parents mates?" I ask.

"Mates? No, I'm not even sure what that is. My mother, she was raped," he seethes with disgust.

His face is shrouded in darkness and I can nearly taste the venom in his words. My stomach drops as I feel a wave of nausea.

"That's awful. I'm surprised you don't hate dragons," I admit.

"Why would I hate an entire race for the crimes of one person? Not all dragons are evil," he points out.

I reflect on this revelation a moment. Daniel is the exact opposite of me, I admire him for not turning against dragons for what they did to him.

"Your mother, where is she now?" I ask.

"She's dead," he states calmly.

"Dead? How?" I can't help but ask.

"My mother killed herself a few years after I was born. It was his majesty that took me in. Being a half-blood I have certain abilities. I would often unwittingly make things catch fire. His majesty found out about it, so he took me in and taught me how to get it under control," he explains.

Sometimes I can't believe how someone like Gregory exists in this world.

"That sounds like something Gregory would do," I speak quietly.

"Yes, he's done so much for me, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to repay him for his kindness." He pauses here, somberly, as if he's just tasted something bitter and is trying to wash it out of his mouth.

"Now if you'll excuse me, Your Highness, it's been quite a long day, and I intend to get some rest. So, I'll be off. Goodnight, and get some sleep. You look like you need it," Daniel says, and with a slight bow he takes off down the hall.

"Goodnight," I call out after him.

Heading back to my room, I wash my face and change my clothes.

My body is tense with exhaustion, but when I climb into bed, sleep doesn't come to me. Instead, I find myself rethinking the day's events. Everything's happened so fast. I wonder if I was too forward with Flavius today. It must not be easy for a human to accept the idea of being lifelong mates. I worry that I may have pushed my feels onto him far too quickly.

Turning on my side, I pull my blankets close over my head. I lay like this for a while. I am so tired, and sleep is within arm's length, but I find myself feeling far too restless for it.

When sleep finally does take over, it's not the pleasant kind. I toss and turn uncomfortably until I'm finally swallowed up by the abyss.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter don’t forget to like and comment.- Ray

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