Within the Castle

***

"Your Highness, are you planning on visiting the Willow estate again?" Turning around to see the assistant of my father, who wore a disapproving look. The old man has heard far too many rumors if he's trying to prevent me from leaving the castle.

"No, I see her daily, there is no need." I turned away from the man, stepping down the hall. I've felt uneasy the whole day, rumors have filled the halls on who the culprits of the rotten eggs were, not even close to the true ones.

Rebecca left at her usual time, leaving with her guard, giving me a light encouraging smile that helped me through the day. After the egg incident, she didn't plan on staying any longer, than needed, which helped the rumors of us die down.

The Duke finished our lessons with extra homework -half the time I handed it over to Rebecca- then departed to the throne room, to help the King if needed. It was then, that I could speak to Rebecca for a couple of minutes, before escorting her out to the front.

"The Council still hasn't found the culprit, I wonder who it could be?" I overheard the sentence, hundreds of times, and couldn't help, but smile. The members of the Council have steered clear of both Lady Willow and me, however, the glares that were our direction could be seen distinctly, pointing mostly in her direction.

"Your Highness, wait!" A voice shouted as I turned down another hallway. "Wait, you have to go to the gardens, for your sword practice." Alfred, my servant, and butler caught up to me, bowing in respect.

I let out a sigh, the Council has done everything to prevent me from going to the Willow estate, luckily were rare times that the Duke can convince them. It was then that I could speak freely to Rebecca on what happens here at the castle.

"I'll be there in a minute, I'm doing something at the moment." Waving him off, I watched the middle-aged man walk with a slight limp. 'Such a pity, that some people won't accept him, for just a minor injury.'

I allowed Alfred to study like a scholar because while he has the potential, I need all the people that will secure my throne. Not stab me in the back, like the current council members.

Turning down the hall to the library, I looked for a certain book that spoke of a certain time. It was rare to find dragon totems, and it was really rare to keep them in possession.

To keep up with other dragons in knowledge, I studied in silence, since I had no teacher. Hiding the book in a secret compartment, that no one has found, I would find time to sneak it to my room with ten others, that I've collected.

The sun was bright, in October. The air was getting a sharp edge, with the wind picking up every once in a while. The leaves crunched with every step I took toward the dreadful stadium.

The Council thought it was best to assign weak, spoiled brats, to spar with. I couldn't help, but think what Rebecca thought of me every time I complained about a swat.

That's right, she'd hit me again, calling me exactly what I was. I miss training with her and walking in the gardens with her. The only time I get to hear from her is on phone calls that are cut short, and lessons that I sleep halfway through. She looks lonely, and I can tell she is still flustered about having a dragon speak to her in dreams.

'What is that dragon doing? What does he want? Why her?' I thought to myself, as I stepped into the stadium. Ready to defeat these weaklings, and prove to the Council that they need to send somebody stronger.

With wooden swords, I spared the three boys, one was slightly overweight with little knowledge of the sword. One was my size, had muscle, about the same height, however, he left vital areas open. The last one, gave up instantly as a sword was breezing in the air.

Brushing the dirt off of my hands, I looked up to the audience box, where two council members were overlooking the match.

"I'd say that you're getting the hang of the sword, however, your stance could use some work. Why don't you study one of those boys and figure what is wrong with how they fight." Brom spoke in a chiding tone, with a hint of sarcasm. I ignored his statement.

"Council members, I want you to relay to Councilor James, that I won't learn anything from weaklings. I want my old teacher back." Nodding my head to them, I placed down the wooden sword, walking away from an event that was a waste of my time.

Taking the long way to my room, I bumped into Duke Willow who looked nervous about something.

"Duke Willow?" I asked, pulling him aside. When he didn't make any move to speak, I dragged him into my massive royal bedroom, full of gold lining with a hint of blue. "What is it?" Setting him in a chair, I took one across from him. Crossing my legs as I gave him my full undivided attention.

"I think Rebecca is in danger. Your Father wants to speak with you about something. He's not pleased about the rotten egg problem." I kept a straight face when he gave a pointed looked about the incident. I narrowed my eyes when he mentioned that Rebecca is in danger.

"Why do you think she's in danger?" I asked the question, noting the worry in my tone. He looked away, focusing on the fire. Seconds turned into minutes before he spoke again. I was agitated that I had to wait for an answer, but I allowed for the man to gather his thoughts.

As a dragon there are few things that I had tolerance for, however making accusations with no evidence, I had none.

It angered me when lies were spilled everywhere in the castle, how there was barely any truth in what is spoken, to the royal leaders. I could tolerate rumors since it gave the maids something to do, as they work hard.

Dragons that get attached to people, and treasure them, will forever be protective of them. Surprisingly Rebecca become one of those people since that day of their first meeting left a huge impression, and sometimes Elias felt guilty that he was putting her in danger.

She always said it wasn't something to worry about, but it just made it harder to believe, as she is a magnet for trouble, especially when she causes them.

"The Council is being biased to the Willow household, but mostly targeting my daughter. I fear that they're planning something out of our control. The King even notices how they are targeting Rebecca. Elias, as a human, please stop dragging her into your pranks of the Council." I noted that he knew what I was.

"I can pause my pranks at the moment, but she is independent and can make her own decisions. As royal blood is flowing through my veins, I won't let anything harm your daughter. Like I said earlier, they're cutting me off, trying to isolate me. There is a reason I'm keeping your family close." I spoke and he lowered his head in respect of the divine beast.

Duke Willow, saw how the young beast's eyes lit up, in anger, at the mention of Rebecca. He noticed how close the two youngsters were, although it was nothing that he had to worry about.

It seemed Rebecca was on a different path than the Prince. She didn't pine over the young man, like other ladies, she simply thought of him as a friend.

Even though Elias said that he has no romantic feelings for her, eventually it would lead to it, it was the fate of the dragon. Rebecca's beauty was rare, but her intelligence and independence caught the attention of many, and the Duke was not happy that the Prince was one of them.

"I trust your words, although we cannot fight fate." He muttered ending the conversation, with the youngster. This kid has a long way to go before he even has a chance with her.

***

"Send a messenger bird to the Eastern sea, I want to strike a deal with someone who will take something off my hands. An acquaintance, I should say." Holding a glass of wine, the Councilor sat in his leather chair, with three of his assistants -other members of the council- waiting for further directions.

"What should this letter say?" One of the men asked as the other two set up their ink and feather-tipped pens, and paper.

"I have lots of things to interest you, although I have a trophy to add to your shelf. Come and we'll speak in year's time." He recited aloud and the men sat there with their focus on writing neatly. Whoever this man was, they wanted to make the Councilor look his best.

"My friend, Captain Ayden Cortez. Signed, Councilor James." He finished with a flick of his wrist, sipping the rest of his wine. He smiled darkly, his plan would soon fall into place, and once that wretched child leaves the country, it will be in his palm, once again.