Heartscale

by Lola Ford

  When her mother was finally brought into the room, Nerie leapt to her feet. She had at some point slid onto the floor, sitting cross legged. Her mother was pale, looking around the large room. When her eyes landed upon the dragons, she tried to take a step back. However, the man escorting her had a tight grip on her elbow. She shrieked and tried to pull away.

  “Mama!” Nerie exclaimed, at the same time that King Soren said, “Vizen, you can release her.”

  “Nerie! Why are you here? What’s wrong?” She took a step towards Nerie, forgetting the dragons at the sight of her only child.

  “Myha,” Soren said her name softly, but it pulled her to a jarring halt. She threw herself into a low bow before the king.

  “Myha, you may rise.” Soren’s tone was weary.

  She stood, looking between her daughter and her king. She was as pale as a sheet.

  “Now, why am I just learning about the existence of my daughter Myha?”

  “Your highness, what do you mean?” Myha’s gaze dropped to the stone tiled floor.

  “Myha, don’t play games with me. Nerie has been talking to us since I sent for you. After she was chosen by little Kiriga.”

  Myha’s eyes darted to her daughter, then to the dragonling behind her. If it was possible, her face became paler.

  “Astra, Aldis. Leave.” Soren didn’t raise his voice, or even look at his children, but both immediately vacated the room.

  “Now, why did you not tell me about Nerie?” His voice was sharper this time, and Nerie wasn’t sure how to feel about him talking to her mother like that.

  “What was I supposed to do? Come before you and Alaena and proclaim your bastard?” Myha’s voice was tight, her eyes still focused on Nerie.

  “Yes, that’s exactly what you should have done.” Soren ran his hand through his dirty blonde hair in frustration. “Now, the kingdom will think that the next queen is a commoner.”

  “She is a commoner.” Myha’s voice raised in pride at that, seemingly ignoring the statement that her daughter would be queen.

  “No, she’s not. She’s a descendant of the Therius bloodline. Kiriga knew that instinctively and chose her.”

  The king had started pacing, looking at the woman he had forgotten had even existed until early this morning. He had known whose child the girl was the moment he had laid eyes on her. He’d never wanted the guards to harm her, but there was always that overeager young soldier trying to earn attention. The guard in question would be doing latrine duty for several months. He was lucky it wasn’t worse.

  Nerie stood awkwardly to the side. What was she supposed to do? Her life was a lie. Her mother had known who her father was. She would be a different person if her mother had just told the king. Would have lived a different life. She wanted to fade out of sight, but at just that moment both her mother and well - her father, turned to look at her.

  “Queen?” Her mother seemed to just have realized the implications of Kiriga choosing her.

  “Yes, queen.” Soren’s brow wrinkled. “She is years behind in her education. Aldis knows more about foreign policy than she does.”

  Insulted Nerie felt the need to speak up, “I have an education!”

  Soren sighed, shaking his head. “You do, but not the right kind. Do you even know what Kiriga eats?”

  She twisted to look at the young dragon behind her.

  “Are you hungry?”

  No, I was fed while you were unconscious.

  She felt ashamed that she hadn’t even thought to ask the hatchling. Kiriga simply rubbed her head against Nerie, purring like a cat.

  We have a long time to get to know each other.

  “All right, maybe I do have things I can learn, but still, I am educated,” she told the king.

  “Nerie, Myha, you will both have rooms in the palace. We’ll send servants down to your home to collect whatever you need. From this moment on, we need the people to know that Nerie is my daughter. No matter how that makes you and I look, Myha. We cannot have people doubting in the dragons’ abilities to choose their ruler.”

  He paused for a moment while servants, again hidden in the corners and shadows, ran to do his bidding.

  “For now, let’s start with dinner. Nerie, I’m sure you’d like to get to know your brother and sister.”

  Nerie frowned at that. She didn’t really want to get to know Astra any more than she was sure Astra wanted to get to know her. Not after the way Astra slapped her when she woke. Nor did she want to leave Kiriga by herself.

  “Can I just stay with Kiriga?”

  Soren’s eyes darkened. He wasn’t used to people disobeying him, even if it wasn’t a direct order. He decided to compromise.

  “You will, she can accompany you throughout the palace for as long as she is small enough to fit indoors. Even when she’s not,” he gestured to the open roof, “many rooms are designed like this. Ilex, Soros, and Eras can move around the palace as they like.”

  This made Nerie feel a little better. Until she looked at her mother. Myha was still pale and was looking at the floor again.

  “Mama, what’s wrong?”

  “I would prefer not to see our queen.” She glanced at Soren when she said that.

  “No - you will join us as well. Like I said, we need the kingdom to know that Nerie is our daughter. Alaena will not say anything.”

  Myha nodded, not feeling eased at all.

  “Servants will be in to dress you for dinner. There is a feast to be had, as the next queen has been chosen!” Soren put on an air of excitement, but it was easy to see through. “I must speak with Alaena and my children. I will see you both soon.”

  As he left the room, Myha swept Nerie up in a hug, sobbing. Nerie hugged her back tightly, Kiriga crowded in close too, trying to be involved. When Myha felt the little dragon, she screamed and stepped back.

  “Mama, it's alright! This is Kiriga. Kiriga, this is my mother.”

  Hello, Myha. You have raised a worthy daughter.

  Myha’s eyes went wide as Kiriga spoke to her. Nerie could hear it too and smiled.

  Myha dropped into another low bow.

  “Dragoness, I am honored.”

  You need not bow to any of us, Myha.

  If Kiriga’s voice was like chimes, this voice was like a gong in Myha and Nerie’s heads. Eras had curled down into a ball, his head over his tail, his large left eye facing the two women.

  Nerie turned and looked at the great orange dragon. She had not heard him speak before. He blinked his eye, three sets of lids slowly closing over one another. She liked him.

  I’m glad, we will be around forever.

  This voice was softer but reminded Nerie of thunder. Soros.

  “You can hear my thoughts?”

  Yes, all three dragons replied.

  A knock came from the door, and a servant came in. She introduced herself as Karina. She had brought both Myha and Nerie beautiful silk dresses of the royal navy and gold. She helped them dress, and then led them to the grand ball room. Kiriga followed behind, her small wings tucked against her body and her long tail dragging on the floor.

  As they entered the hall, cheers greeted them. They were seated at the high table in the seats of honor. King Soren was in the middle of the table, to his left sat Alaena, to her left Astra and Aldis. Nerie was seated to Soren’s right, then a small dais had been constructed for Kiriga, and then Myha. As the meal was served, Nerie picked up a small loaf of bread, laughing.

  What is funny?

  The fact that just before you hatched, I made this bread dough.

  Oh. May I have a small piece? I’ve never had bread before.

  Nerie broke a small piece off and offered it to Kiriga, who took it daintily. Soren saw this and leaned over to her.

  “You know, that will just give her a stomachache. Like I said earlier, you have a lot to learn. Dragons are carnivores. They only eat meat - and they like it raw.”

  Nerie flushed with embarrassment. It was too late now, as Kiriga
had already eaten the piece.

  Oh well, the little dragon laughed into Nerie’s head.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Nerie

  Nerie could feel the eyes of the people on her as she sat at the head of the large room. The laughter and cheering were boisterous, but every now and then would lull and she knew they were once again staring at her. Kiriga did the best that she could, whenever Nerie felt nervous or felt like she was being watched, Kiriga would stand up and stretch her tail or wings. The people would Ooo and Ahhh her, taking the attention away from Nerie. That was, until King Soren decided it was time to make a speech.

  “My people! Situra and I have both been blessed today. We have learned of Nerie, daughter of myself and Myha. From the moment I saw Nerie, I knew she was my daughter.”

  Nerie’s face burned red. She could see out of the corner of her eye that her mother and Queen Alaena’s faces also were flushed. One did not simply air their dirty laundry for the masses to see. But the king was adamant in his desire that Nerie be recognized as his daughter. That she be recognized as a descendant of the Therius bloodline.

  “Now she is your future queen! Therius blood flows through her pure. It called to Kiriga. The dragoness has chosen.”

  While he was speaking, the queen started to slide her chair back, but Soren laid his hand on her shoulder and continued.

  “For over a century, the heir apparent has been chosen by the offspring of the Mighty Eras and the Eternal Soros. Nerie is next in this ever-enduring line. My people, welcome your future queen!”

  There were screams and cheers as Soren finished speaking, but after several long moments faded into silence. The people so loud before, were now so quiet that when the door from the kitchens opened, it sounded like it had been smashed into the wall. The resounding clatter seemed to be a signal that they may start talking again. This time, it was in hushed tones, and the looks at Nerie became much more frequent.

  She tried to focus on her food, but it was richer than she was accustomed to. Her stomach began to ache, and all she wanted was to go to bed.

  You know, I’ve never slept before. Is it fun? Also, my stomach hurts too.

  The sudden thought from Kiriga surprised her. The hatchling was twisting her small yellow head back and forth, stretching her neck out. Nerie reached out and rubbed the small protrusions above her eyes and Kiriga calmed a bit. Unsure what to do, she leaned slightly towards Soren and whispered to him.

  “Sir, Kiriga isn’t feeling well. Will we be excused soon?”

  Soren turned his head towards her, smiling. “Of course. I’d forgotten how small they were when they hatched. Ilex is so big now, and Soros and Eras are even larger. I’ll have Karina show you to your rooms.”

  He beckoned, and once again from the shadows a servant stepped forth. It was the same woman who had brought the dresses for her and her mother. Nerie stood and waved to the crowd who had cheered when she stood. Kiriga tripped getting to the ground, but she kept her head up and perked her wings up. She knew she was being watched and enjoyed it. Myha stayed seated as she had not been dismissed. Nerie looked back at her, but followed Karina, as she could feel the little dragonling’s growing discomfort.

  They headed out of the hall the same way they had come in. In a series of turns that she would likely not remember, they ended at a set of doors that were gold plated and easily nine feet tall. Karina pulled them open, and bowed Nerie inside.

  She couldn’t believe her eyes. Inside was the most elaborate sitting room she had ever seen. Off each wall was a doorway to additional rooms. From here she could see a bedroom, a closet and full wardrobe, and a bathroom that might be made out of jewels. The sitting room itself had several lounge chairs and a table that was ornamented with obsidian and gold. A chandelier hung with crystals that cast glittering rainbows on the walls. She was frozen for a moment, unable to urge herself to step into the room. It was so grand and extravagant that she felt that she didn’t belong.

  Kiriga however had no such compunctions. She trotted in, looking around. She stood on her hind legs reaching upward towards the chandelier, chirping happily. She toppled over however when one wing became untucked from her back and pulled her sideways.

  “Kiriga! Are you alright?”

  Of course, I am! What are those sparklies! I want them!

  “They’re crystals silly.”

  I want them.

  She waved one clawed paw at them in a feeble attempt to grab them.

  Nerie realized she had entered the room when she had rushed to the little dragon’s aide. She looked around abashed. Karina stood just inside the door watching them. She’d said these were to be Nerie’s rooms. Rooms. The thought of such wasted on her clouded her mind. She had thought Karina was leading her to the rooms she and her mother would share. A bedroom each.

  Feeling the urge to explore, Nerie walked into the bedroom while looking at everything. The largest bed she’d ever seen was in the center. Next to the bed was a large cushion, presumably for Kiriga. Another door on the far wall was open and she could see it led to her own open courtyard.

  She could see Eras’s orange hide and curious, she walked across the room. Her feet sank into deep into the plush carpet, making her wish she didn’t have her shoes on so that she could rub her toes into the soft fibers.

  Kiriga had also spotted her father and was making a beeline for his gigantic frame. She reached him and rubbed her little head against his front right leg. His paw was bigger than her whole body. Kiriga herself was the size of a large dog. Eras lowered his enormous head and gently licked Kiriga - in response her little tongue darted out and licked his nostril. Nerie giggled at the sight.

  Nerie was mesmerized by them and couldn’t seem to look away. She thought that the dragons were the most beautiful creatures she had ever seen. Her thoughts were clearly heard when both Eras and Kiriga preened in happiness. Every movement seemed to cause them to shimmer in the fading sunlight. Nerie didn’t understand the fear that so many people had shown the dragons, including her own mother.

  That’s one of the things that makes you special, Nerie, Eras’s deep voice boomed in her head.

  “I’m not special though,” she protested.

  You are special because you are mine. Kiriga sounded so earnest that Nerie couldn’t do anything but smile.

  She walked over to the two dragons and petted Kiriga’s little head. Then she reached up and scratched Eras’s eye ridge, he groaned in pleasure and almost knocked Nerie over when he rolled his head so she could reach better. She laughed and scratched harder.

  He’s as easily pleased as any of our hatchlings, Soros’ voice thundered in Nerie’s mind with amusement.

  Nerie didn’t know where the great purple dragon was, but she still asked, “Would you like me to scratch your eye ridges?”

  Thank you dear, but no. I am resting in the hatching sands. Gentle laughter rang for Nerie to hear.

  It was like being part of a secret group. Just her and the dragons. She loved them already and wanted to know everything about them. That reminded her of Soren telling her she had so much to learn. It also reminded her that Kiriga’s stomach was still upset.

  “Kiriga, how are you feeling?”

  Tired, and my belly still hurts some. But not as bad.

  “We should sleep then. Remember you said you’d never slept before?”

  Oh yes!

  Nerie led the little dragonling back inside.

  “This pillow is for you, love. Just lay down and get comfortable.”

  The yellow dragon sunk her little claws into the pillow as she climbed up, then walked in a circle three times before collapsing into a crescent moon shape.

  Now what?

  “Now you close your eyes. Quiet your mind.”

  Oh. Lay with me Nerie?

  “Okay, but just this once.”

  She walked over to her big bed and grabbed one of the soft blankets. She bundled it around herself and climbed onto the over-sized pillow with Kiriga.
She cuddled close and found the small dragonling to be quite warm. She used Kiriga’s hind leg like a pillow and curled up tight.

  “Good night Kiriga.”

  Good night Nerie.

  Karina, forgotten, went around the room putting out the small flames that illuminated the space. Once she was done, she shut the door to the courtyard, then quietly exited and shut the bedroom door behind her.

  Both Nerie and Kiriga were sound asleep before she left.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Nerie

  Nerie woke the following morning to the sound of thunder. Or at least that’s what her sleep-ridden brain told her it was. As the sound continued and she became more alert however, she realized the sound was coming from much closer.

  Right below her ear.

  Nerie! You’re awake! I’m hungry! Kiriga’s little voice chimed crystal clear in her mind.

  As she blinked the sleep out of her green eyes, she looked around confused. Nerie had forgotten she had not fallen asleep in her normal bed the night before. Instead she was sharing a giant pillow bed with Kiriga. She’d been using Kiriga as a pillow, and at some point, her blanket had slid to the floor. It hadn’t woken her because of the heat the little dragon was outputting.

  The thunderous noise sounded again, and it clicked into place that the noise was Kiriga’s stomach.

  Yes! I’m hungry, remember?

  “What do I feed you?” Nerie looked around uncertainly. She wasn’t sure what to expect her first morning in the palace.

  Food.

  Nerie rolled her eyes at the dragonling.

  “Yes food. I even know its meat you eat. But where do I get the food?”

  Ask her!

  Kiriga’s head swung towards the door that lead to the sitting room. It was closed, and in the corner next to it was Karina, waiting to be acknowledged by the princess.

  “Um. Good morning Karina. Kiriga is hungry…”

  She wasn’t sure what to say and trailed off. Until her own stomach growled.