8

The carriage pulled to a halt which made Amaris look out to see what was going on. Everyone was getting off of their horses and was setting up camp. One of the guards had walked up to her carriage and gave her a reassuring smile. "We are going to camp here for the night, Princess Amaris. To give our horses a break for a time until we continue our journey in the morning." Relief washed over her at the explanation provided. The guard opened the door and helped Amaris out of the carriage. King Rhys watched the interaction between them. Noticing that the guard was bringing her his way.

"Your majesty," the guard bowed before turning away and helping the rest of the guards set up the necessary things. King Rhys noticed that Princess Amaris didn't say anything to him. In fact, she wasn't even looking at him at all. "Princess Amaris, is everything alright?" he asked. His voice filled with concern.

"Everything is fine, your Majesty. This is just my first time traveling," she replied with a pleasant smile. One that did not reach her eyes. This made him even more concerned. He felt something wasn't right and was going to push on the matter further but couldn't when guards came up to him and asked for him.

"I'll be back," King Rhys stated before leaving with the guard. Amaris couldn't help but sigh heavily. She was glad that he wasn't around her for she didn't know what to say to him at this time. Not long after, she began to look for somewhere to sit. Not wanting to bother anyone. She saw an exposed tree root. Slowly walking over to it. Checking to make sure there were no animals or people around before she took a seat. Looking up at the sky in awe. The colors of yellow, orange, red, violet, and blues graced the plains above. Captivating her attention. She didn't know how long she had been sitting there but for the first time in a long time, she felt at peace. A cool breeze washed over her. Causing a small smile to form upon her lips.

"Lovely view, isn't it?" A soothing male voice whispered into her ear. Frightened she looked around her to see who that could have been but there was no one in sight. A gentle chuckle was heard. A look of confusion was evident on her face.

"Don't look so frightened, child or the guards will come rushing over to see what is the matter that has caused you to be on such high alert." Spoke the soothing voice once more.

"Who... or what are you?" Amaris asked. Curiosity getting the best of her.

"A friend of sorts. Beware of the dragon. Do not anger him for the consequences of such actions will lead only to your ruin, sweet child. I shall watch over you the best I can and help you. Take this so I can be with you child of the moon..." the voice trailed off before disappearing. This only led to further confusion. Moments later a small wolf pup appeared in front of her.

"Is this what he meant?" she asked herself out loud. Hesitant as she reached out to touch it. So close but she wasn't sure she should touch the small pup. It took a small step towards her. Brushing against her hand. Reassuring her that it was alright. Picking up the pup and placing it upon her lap. Scratching it behind the ear before kissing it upon the head.

"May I call you Luan?" she had asked. A small bark escaped the pup's mouth as its tail wagged happily. 'I guess it likes the name,' she thought happily.

"Princess Amaris!" She heard her name being called. Carrying Luan in her arms as she got up and quickly went to where she was being called from. Soon she stood in front of Princess Audrey and Lady Layla. They looked at the furball in her arms in puzzlement.

"What is that in your arms?" Asked Lady Layla and Princess Audrey at the same time.

"It's a wolf pup. It walked up to me when I was sitting by myself," Amaris told them. Knowing it wasn't the whole truth but she didn't want to tell them it appeared out of thin air after she heard a mysterious voice. Audrey went to pet it much to the pup's displeasure. It began to growl at her. Audrey quickly pulled her hand back in embarrassment. Layla on the other hand eyed the creature in her daughter-in-law's arms. It was strange to see a wild animal cozy up to a human so easily but she couldn't speak outright about the matter.

They conversed with one another until they were shown to their individual tents by a guard. Amaris was the last one shown where she would stay for the night. She gave her thanks to the guard before entering the tent. Placing Luan down, she made her way to change into her night shift.

She soon noticed that there was a plate of food awaiting her at the small table within the tent. Grabbing a chunk of dry meat from it, she gave it to Luan as she gnawed on a piece of bread and cheese. Watching Luan eat the piece of meat happily made her smile. Finishing her food, she made her way to the sleeping pallet. Getting under the covers. Seeking the warmth and comfort of it. She was close to falling asleep before she heard small whines come from the floor. Chuckling, she picked up Luan and laid him next to her. His warmth coaxed her into a deep sleep.

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"BEWARE OF THE DRAGON, CHILD OF THE MOON." The voice echoed in her dream. The voice grew louder and louder.

"Don't give him your heart. Not anything...." The voice had trailed off. She was surrounded by a thick fog but she had recognized that voice.

"What dragon?" She yelled. Her words echoing back at her.

"The one with golden eyes and drowned in darkness," He spoke back.

"Do you mean Rhys De Vere?" she had asked back only to be told one last thing.

"Beware the man who is quite similar to him but not..." then a gush of smoke blew into her face causing her to wake up completely startled.