Give Me Your Power, Rhysann

"I want you to give me the blue dragonfire," she whispered close to his ear, and Rhysann swiftly turned his head to face her, shocked.

"What?!"

"Give me your power, Rhysann. I know sooner or later, you will have to choose between Raiken and me as your successor, so I'm making things simpler for you. Make me the next monarch of Scalethorne. We both know that Raiken is very irresponsible. He might be older than I am, but I'm the better sibling."

Rhysann stared at Nessie incredulously. He couldn't believe that his cousin was eagerly waiting for his death, just to claim his power and become queen.

He had always known that Nessie was cunning and deceitful; sly as a green snake hidden in the grass, but seeing the excitement and anticipation in her eyes devastated him.

Nessie was impatient for his demise so she could become queen, and that was the reason why she demanded the blue dragonfire from him.

"I can't believe you would dare to ask something like this, Nessie," he uttered with a low growl, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

"What have I done wrong, Rhysann? You should be thankful because I'm being considerate." She rolled her eyes, her tone almost desperate. "I know what's best for the dragons, therefore I would be the better ruler after you, not Raiken."

"The twelve elders will make that decision," Rhysann stated after a brief silence and Nessie's eyes widened slightly in surprise.

"What?! You're letting those old decrepit fools decide who should rule?! That is your duty—"

"Enough, Nessie!" Rhysann quickly cut her off with a loud, authoritative voice. She flinched a bit at its intensity. "I have left that matter to the twelve elders. They will handle it, and my decision is final. Now, leave!"

Nessie, her face taut with annoyance and displeasure, turned sharply and began to leave his chamber. As she made her way to the door, she paused and cast a glare over her shoulder at him.

"This isn't over yet, cousin!" she hissed and left, slamming the door aloud behind her.

Rhysann thought deeply for a moment. He was heartbroken. He had always known that Raiken and Nessie were secretly looking forward to his death so they could vie for the throne, but he never expected Nessie especially, to be so open and straightforward about it. It was at that moment that it dawned on him just how lonely he was.

No one truly cared about him; nobody loved him. Everyone around him wished for his death so they could take his place. His chest ached, and his body felt cold as his fire flickered, but he struggled to maintain his composure. He needed to be strong and brave, especially now in his final days.

His thoughts briefly shifted to Aria, and the moment he remembered her words, his heart ached so badly. His dragon had found its mate too late, but it didn't matter. Aria was human, with her own life to live.

She needed to be with her family in Eldoria. Being with him during these times was a punishment he didn't want her to bear. After a thorough thought, he decided to find any means to take her back home before his flame went off.

***

After getting dressed properly, Rhysann went out to the main palace chamber to meet his guests; the twelve elders. These old men were the oldest living dragons from both the Dragonborn's realm of origin, Phoenix, and the kingdom of Scalethorne.

They had lived for centuries, seen the reigns of countless dragonborn kings and given their infinite wisdom and guidance to each ruler.

They were dressed in red, silver and gold robes that draped over their hands and bare feet, with crimson and gold belts securing their ensembles in place.

Their tresses were pure white and straight, cascading down their shoulders like an abundant shower of white clouds. Dense, straight white beards covered their faces, and their eyebrows were also made of thick, white hair. Their eyes ranged from deep blue, green, brown and hazel. They seemed to look alike, almost as though they were brothers.

The twelve elders were often thought to be gods, but that wasn't the case either.

They stood with their hands clasped behind their backs, waiting for Rhysann. The moment they sensed his presence, they pivoted in unison to face him. Rhysann approached the group but maintained a good distance. The sheer power radiating from their dragons was incredible.

"King Rhysann," the leader of the elders, Azaris, spoke up.

Rhysann inclined his head slightly, a gesture that showed his respect.

"It's an honor to be in your presence, great elders."

"Rise," they spoke in unison.

Rhysann obeyed and raised his head.

"Your Highness, your time—"

"Is almost up, I'm aware of that," he interjected, slightly narrowing his gaze.

"You've yet to find a mate and produce an heir, and I'm sure you understand what that means, don't you?"

Rhysann exhaled deeply and nodded.

"I do, great elder."

"The crown and more importantly, the blue dragonfire will be stripped from your lineage and given to another; one of your father's brother's children, to be precise." Azaris clarified.

"I know that great elder," Rhysann said with an expressionless look on his visage.

"But... It is never too late just yet." Azaris continued. "You have only but three months to find a mate and ensure she bears an heir to carry on your line. In three months, you'll be turning thirty, and the moment that time strikes, your flame will begin to fade."

"When it does, your power will automatically be passed to your offspring, even as an unborn child. That child will become the next ruler of Scalethorne. However, if you fail to find a mate by then, your flame will fade, and your power will be passed on to one of your uncle's children."

There was a brief silence.

"Do you understand?"

"I understand, great elder." Rhysann nodded once and inclined his head.

"Good. Now son, can you do it? Can you... Find a mate and ensure she carries your child?"

Rhysann opened his mouth to speak, but no words came forth. He squeezed his eyes shut and opened them again. His blue eyes were like a raging storm over the sea. They were filled with dread.

"I... I do not know the answer to that now, great elder."

The elders scrutinized him for a brief moment.

"Your dragon, Rhyssar is powerful. He is due to find a mate. Why haven't you found any yet? There are hundreds of eligible female dragonborns in the land. If you can't find a mate here, you can always return to the realm of Phoenix to choose from them." Azaris spoke with concern in his voice.

The other elders murmured to each other in agreement.

"I—"

"Don't worry, son." another elder, named Ignis, spoke up. "Since you're having difficulty finding a mate, we will host a feast in Phoenix, where we will present the most eligible maidens for you. Your dragon is bound to find a worthy eternal partner in one of them."

Rhysann lifted his gaze, his eyes wide in surprise. Surely these old men couldn't be serious, were they?!

The other elders quickly agreed to this idea.

"Marvelous idea, Ignis," Azaris uttered with gleaming eyes and a hearty chuckle, then he cleared his throat and adjusted his ensemble, turning to face Rhysann again.

"So it is settled then. When we've finalized our plan, we will get back to you."

With that, they turned and walked towards a bright, gleaming warm light that had appeared out of nowhere in the center of the chamber.

After they vanished, Rhysann's shoulders slumped as he exhaled deeply, tilting his head back with his eyes closed. Then, he opened them again and gazed at the distant ceiling.

How could he possibly explain to the elders that his dragon had chosen a human as his mate?!