Sey the dragon

Chapter 2

Weeks had gone by since the phoenix's appearance, and the truth had settled deep in my bones—I wasn't in my own time.

Most days were spent in the court, fumbling to recall the strange language and foreign customs that surrounded me. Other days, I wasted away, consumed by thoughts of escape. Surely, this couldn't be my reality now.

Here, I was bathed, fed, fanned, and dressed—treated like a fragile relic rather than a ruler. Today, however, was quieter. A banquet loomed in the evening, a celebration of some battle I'd supposedly won before succumbing to poison.

"Your Highness," a servant announced with a low bow, "your favorite seamstress has arrived to design a new dress."

I nodded absently, waving her in. If there was one thing I had control over, it was the wardrobe. No one questioned my choices there.

"Your Majesty!" The seamstress exclaimed, setting her bag down. "It's such a relief to see you standing. The last time I saw you, you were as pale as a ghost."

I forced a smile. "It's always a pleasure, Sila. My servant Arl mentioned you've served my family for generations."

Her eyes darkened slightly. "You've forgotten me."

"I'm recovering," I lied, steering the conversation. "Now, let's get on with the dress. I have ledgers to write."

With an odd tilt of her head, she began measuring me. Moments later, the lilac gown she had brought slipped over me like a second skin. The servants whisked it away for safekeeping, and Sila departed to attend to other matters.

Her reaction to my memory loss lingered in my mind, gnawing at my nerves. Should I keep hiding it?

---

The evening unfolded as planned. I was squeezed into the gown, its fabric cool and unforgiving, and after an eternity of waiting for the others to arrive, I made my entrance. The hall glittered with light and laughter, the air thick with the scent of roasted meats and sweet wine.

From my throne, I observed it all. Drinking, dancing, and merriment filled the hours. Yet, beneath the surface, I couldn't shake the irony. For all their pomp and ceremony, these people were no different from the humans I'd studied—still plagued by hypocrisy, envy, and betrayal. The same petty emotions that toppled kingdoms persisted here.

Perhaps we never truly learn from our ancestors' mistakes.

The night's peace shattered with a sudden roar of fire outside. Screams pierced the air, followed by the clash of metal. I moved without thinking, grabbing a dagger as I rushed toward the commotion.

At the entrance, a red-haired man stood in shackles, a sword pressed to his throat.

"Aurora," he greeted me with a mocking bow of his head, his voice smooth yet barbed. "What an honor for the queen to grace me with her presence."

I studied him carefully, my chest tightening. Something about him felt off, like an itch I couldn't scratch.

"Lower the sword," I commanded, my voice steadier than I felt.

"Thank you," he said, flashing a sharp grin. "Your guards really ought to work on their hospitality."

Arl stepped forward, his lip curling in disdain. "You're trespassing, Dragon. What do you want here?"

*Dragon.*

The word sent a jolt through me, and suddenly, my headache made sense. His bloodline—his cursed lineage—had been a thorn in my kingdom's side for generations.

"What do you want, Dragon?" I asked, my voice colder now.

"Call me Sey," he said with a smirk. "And I merely came to talk. Our kingdoms have a shared history, after all."

"Take him to the dungeons," I ordered sharply. "I'll deal with him later."

---

Sleep did not come easily that night. I lay in bed, twisting and turning, haunted by the sinking feeling in my chest. If I could rewrite history—undo the suffering my family had endured—perhaps I could change everything.

But could I ever go back?

The thought refused to leave me as the hours ticked by. Eventually, I slipped out of bed, splashing my face with cold water. The reflection staring back at me in the moonlight didn't feel like my own.

---

At dawn, I made my way to the dungeons. Arl stood guard but left us alone at my request.

"Phoenix," Sey greeted me, his voice laced with mockery. "What have I done to deserve your radiant presence?"

I ignored his tone, stepping into the dimly lit cell. "Why did you let yourself be captured?"

"Still sharp as ever," he mused. "Your guards couldn't catch me if I didn't want to be caught."

I folded my arms. "So why are you here?"

He leaned back, his golden eyes glinting. "Have you found the map yet?"

"Not yet," I lied. 

"You know the deal, Aurora. The map in exchange for your parents' freedom."

I froze. "My parents are free."

"Not from debt."

He let the words linger, a wolfish grin spreading across his face. "And if you don't deliver, there will be war."

I stepped closer, my voice dropping to a growl. "Try me, Dragon."

His grin only widened.

I set the loaf of bread I'd brought onto the floor, my hands trembling. "I've heard the food here is vile. Consider this a feast for old times' sake."

Sey picked up the bread, his eyes never leaving mine. "You always were soft beneath all that fire."

I turned on my heel, leaving the cell. But his laughter followed me, echoing down the corridor.

Whatever hold he had over me—it was working.