Heartscale

by Lola Ford

  While Nerie couldn’t hear an exchange, she could see one was taking place.

  Ilex says that Soren wants to eat lunch with you. I’ll stay with him for now.

  Looking at the two dragons it was hard to believe they were siblings. While both had Soros’ smooth scales, they had drastically different body shapes, and without large wings, Ilex looked like a large snake.

  Karina was waiting patiently to the side and ushered Nerie though the door to the right. If the first room was just a lounge, this room was a private living room. There were more couches and tables scattered around. Nerie could see a study in an adjoining room.

  King Soren sat at one table, a plate in front of him, with another waiting across the table from him. Seeing her, Soren got to his feet - Karina quietly shut the door behind Nerie.

  “Nerie, thank you for joining me. I thought lunch would be a good chance to get to know you,” he said smiling.

  He gestured for her to take the seat opposite of him and as she sat, he pushed her chair in before seating himself.

  “Of course, your highness,” Nerie said, looking at her lap, her hands folded together tightly..

  It wasn’t like she had a choice in the matter. So far, her life in the palace had been a series of go here's and do that's. It was rather aggravating.

  “How are your rooms? Do they suit you?”

  He seemed genuinely curious, looking at her, not his food.

  “They’re perfect. I have never had a bathtub before.”

  Nerie still couldn’t believe the rooms belonged to her.

  He chuckled.

  “I’m glad to hear.” His face became sober. “However, I’m not so glad to hear how you treated Queen Alaena this morning.”

  Nerie looked down at her plate, avoiding his gaze. “I am sorry, your Highness. I just don’t do well with criticism that I don’t deserve.”

  “Nerie, first off , you may call me Soren - or father if you wish - when we are not in public. Second off, being ruler comes with all sorts of criticism that you don’t deserve.”

  He laughed this time, “You can choose to make one decision, and even if it works out, some people will still criticize it. What you eat, what you wear, who you’re with. It will never be enough for some people. One of the things Alaena will teach you is how to deal with those kinds of people. How to minimize the things they can comment upon.”

  Of course, Nerie thought to herself, feeling foolish.

  She hadn’t even given the queen time to teach her anything. Had her own mother been the one she had said those things to, she would have been spanked like a small child. Here, the consequences were not the same. She was crown princess - she would one day rule the kingdom.

  “I should talk to Queen Alaena and apologize,” she managed to say, her face burning.

  “You can do so tomorrow at your daily lessons.”

  When he said that, she frowned.

  Deciding to do something and being given a time to do so were two very different things. She looked back up at him, studying his face.

  He was looking at her, smiling.

  She had been right about the crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes. He must smile all the time. It was still strange to look at the man who was her father. The only thing she could find that she had in common with him was his skin tone. They were both a dark golden tan.

  “Sir - ah - Soren, you said I had a lot to learn about dragons. Will you tell me about them?”

  Mama had said to get him talking about dragons and she did love stories.

  “What would you like to know?” he asked, his eyes flicking in the direction of the garden, where the two dragons lay.

  “Everything.” she said in a rush.

  It was true. Thinking of Kiriga filled her with joy and wonder. She wanted to know as much about the dragonling and where she came from as possible.

  “All right then, I’ll start from the beginning.”

  He took a sip of water and cleared his throat.

  “Several generations ago, my and your, many times removed great grandfather Kyre was a general in the Great War. You know our two neighboring countries, Lutesia and Etria? Well they and our Situra were at war.”

  Nerie thought she knew where each was, but it had been a long time since she had seen a map. She nodded, having heard tales of the Great War.

  “The war started when Lutesia attacked Etria, trying to kill all the dragons. They believe - even to this day - that the dragons are monsters.”

  Her jaw dropped. How anyone could want to hurt a dragon was beyond her capability to understand.

  “But that’s not true!” she shouted, immediately covering her mouth in embarrassment.

  Soren chuckled darkly, then continued, “You’re correct, it’s not. Everyone but the people of Lutesia seem to know that. At first, Situra was not involved. This is our greatest shame. It was not until Eras and Soros came to the king of Situra to ask for help that our people got involved.”

  That man did not help us. He turned us away, Soros’ voice rang angrily in their minds.

  Your ancestor, Kyre, pledged to help us. High in the military, he took as many soldiers as he could recruit to our cause and marched to Etria. To get there from here, you have to go through the southern mountains. By the time they arrived, the capitol had been destroyed, Eras’ said somberly.

  Carcasses of our loved ones littered the country. We found no survivors. Kyre helped regroup the humans of Etria. Reclaimed their cities, routed the invading force from Lutesia, Soros continued the story.

  Nerie could feel the two dragons’ sorrow. Flashes of dragons she had never seen, lying dead before her eyes, caused tears to spill down her cheeks.

  “Kyre found the heir to Etria’s throne, left a force of men to defend her, and came home. The war was over. Lutesia was defeated - left to retreat to their own borders. But it was too late, they had succeeded at their goal. Eras and Soros were the only dragons to survive.”

  We returned here with Kyre for two reasons. First of all, we couldn’t stand the sight of our homeland. Memories of those we loved, lying dead - it was too much, Soros said.

  We also had a score to settle. The people of Situra were unhappy with the leadership of the man they had called king. Kyre was a better fit for that role. We gave him the throne. Not long after, we laid our first egg. When she hatched, she Chose Kyre.

  Eras projected the image of a small opalescent dragon and a man who had the same golden skin, but dark hair and bright blue eyes. He reminded Nerie strongly of Soren - the strongest impression being that he was kind.

  He was, a faint, voice whispered into her mind - a voice that she didn’t recognize.

  That would be Wyla - our eldest daughter, Eras said.

  Nerie’s eyes went wide.

  Of course everyone knew that dragons lived a long time - Eras and Soros were ancient - but she had forgotten about the dragons who had Chosen the previous rulers.

  A chuckle came from Soros.

  It’s all right dear. When their partners passed, our children spread out, choosing a city to protect. We cannot bring back those dragons we’ve lost, but we can continue to have children.

  “Why have I never heard this story?” Nerie asked Soren.

  “I don’t know what your mother has or hasn’t taught you. My father’s dragon - Mazen - had already left the city before you were born. So, it’s simply possible he was never mentioned. Eras and Soros stay here in the capitol by choice, and Ilex always stays with me.”

  Soren shrugged.

  “How many dragons are in our kingdom?”

  Nerie was mystified that she had never known there were more dragons in the kingdom.

  “Well, there is Ilex, Kiriga, Wyla, Soros and Eras -” He counted off with his hand, “They have four more children. Tiryn, Riya, Galean, and Mazen.”

  As he said each name, an image of the dragon flashed in her mind.

  Ilex the bright acid green.

  Kiriga with her soft yel
low.

  Wyla was an opalescent white.

  Soros was a dark purple.

  Eras was a fiery orange.

  Tiryn was a dark green.

  Riya was a purplish red.

  Galean was as orange as his father.

  Mazen a soft purple.

  Nerie realized they were the dragons in the tapestry on her mother’s wall - they were beautiful.

  Thank you, we are quite proud of them all, Eras laughed.

  Nerie frowned. “You said that Wyla chose Kyre - after you’d already made him king. What does that mean?”

  Dragonkind has an incredibly special connection with mankind. We have powers that are amplified through a Chosen human. We can choose at birth or later in life. The earlier a bond is formed, the stronger the powers manifest. We can also bond with more than one human; our family has just chosen not to, Soros answered.

  “What kind of powers?”

  Telepathy for one. That is why Wyla was able to speak to you. Never bonded with Chosen, our telepathy is weaker. I believe it’s only about five miles - Wyla is at the border in Cian - far from here right now, Eras explained.

  There was a soft knock at the door. Vizen, who seemed to be Soren’s personal servant, opened it.

  “Sir, my lady, I apologize for my interruption, however, it’s nearing dinner time - also the small council is waiting for you, your Highness.”

  “Oh yes, well they can wait. Nerie, you’ll meet them soon enough, but for now you may go back to your rooms. Karina will have your dinner brought to you.”

  Soren stood and motioned for Nerie to do the same.

  Kiriga joined them in the antechamber, and once again it was time to follow Karina. This time however, Nerie paid more attention to the path from her room to the king’s. She expected that would be a trip she made often.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Nerie

  They arrived back at Nerie’s quarters - the sight of which once again hit her like a dream. The glistening jewels, the bright paint, and the soft carpet - all were overwhelming to consider as her own.

  You’ve done so well today! Kiriga told her cheerfully.

  Turning and hugging the dragonling’s small head she smiled.

  Karina went to fetch their dinners, and Nerie took the opportunity to look in her wardrobe. The gown she was wearing, while sleek and soft, was not what she wanted to spend her evening lounging in.

  Finding a soft shirt after several minutes of searching, she laid it on the bench in the middle of the room. Walking around, her fingers gliding over the fabrics, she frowned. Shirts, skirts, dresses, and more skirts.

  Where were the breeches?

  She unhappily chose a soft skirt and changed into the more comfortable clothing. Making her way back into the living area, her feet padded silently on the carpet, her toes sinking into the soft fibers.

  Karina returned with an elaborate meal carried by a manservant Nerie didn’t recognize. He set the tray down and promptly left.

  While lunch had been a light affair of fruits and small sandwiches, the aroma wafting from the laden tray was savory. She almost started drooling, instead she turned her focus on Karina.

  “Karina, will you please bring my mother here? I wish to dine with her this evening.”

  “Of course, your highness,” and a bow was all that said before she was gone.

  Taking the chance to look over the meal which had been placed on a table, Nerie saw a stew and fresh bread, steamed vegetables, a small fruit and cheese tray, and again a large tray of raw meat for Kiriga.

  Oh good! Ilex was telling me about hunting today. Apparently when I’m big, I’ll be able to get my own food!

  She sounded so excited and dim images flashed through Nerie’s mind.

  “Did he show you those images Kiriga? When you showed me, they were kind of dark and blurred,” she told the hatchling, smiling.

  She will have to learn to focus on one image at a time, Eras said as he joined the conversation.

  He seemed a lot more talkative than his mate, Nerie thought. Going through her bedroom to the courtyard, Nerie found him lounging in the same spot as the night before.

  This one is my favorite. I’ve worn quite a divot into the large rock here. Extremely comfortable.

  He winked one large orange eye at her, its catlike pupil narrowing, the colors within seeming to spin and whirl a calm green tone inside the tangerine.

  I might also be more attached to my hatchlings than my mate.

  I do not need to hover to know that my children are safe, mate. Though she was not present, Soros’ voice was as sharp as if she was right there.

  You were going to feed me? Remember? Kiriga’s voice, so shrill compared to her parents, complained.

  “Yes, sorry.”

  Nerie spun back around to their waiting meals.

  Tossing a chunk into the air for Kiriga to catch, quickly became a game for the two. Lobbing piece after piece in different directions across the room, Kiriga darted after them. Just as the door opened to admit Karina and Myha, the last the piece Nerie had tossed reached them. Kiriga jerked herself out of her dive to avoid the two women.

  “Nerie! I thought you were old enough that I didn’t need to tell you not to play with your food!” Myha scolded, the meat having landed at her feet.

  “It’s not really my food,” she said with a slight whine all the while grinning at her mother. “It’s Kiriga’s!”

  “Uh-hu.” Myha rolled her eyes at her daughter. “You wanted me here?”

  Straightening, Nerie nodded.

  “Yes, I’d like to eat dinner with you. Karina, while we eat, will you find me some breeches to wear? They are my preferred clothing choice for evenings over skirts.”

  Karina bowed deeply to Nerie, but her answer when it came was unexpected.

  “I’m sorry my lady, I cannot. Princesses are not to wear pants like a common man.”

  “But it's what I want!” Nerie looked down at the skirt unhappily, “I wear them all the time at home.”

  “I’m sorry my lady. Queen Alaena forbid it several years ago with Princess Astra. Skirts and dresses are what princesses wear.”

  “Karina, you told me that I was to have anything I wanted, per the king. I want this.”

  Nerie knew she was being petulant, and her mother was frowning at her, but really? All she wanted was to wear pants in the privacy of her rooms.

  Bowing even deeper, Karina responded, “My lady, you may address the issue with Queen Alaena during your lessons tomorrow.”

  Seeing that the woman had not stood from her bow yet, Nerie felt bad for her, adding, “Thank you Karina, I understand you’re just following your orders.”

  Karina straightened, her blond hair swinging around her slightly pink face. She retreated to her preferred corner where she could observe the room.

  The rest of the evening passed smoothing. Nerie and Myha talked about what was going to happen to their shop, what changes they could expect in their life, and once again about Soren and Myha’s relationship. It was late into the evening when Myha saw her daughter’s eyes start to flutter. Excusing herself from the room, she took Karina with her to serve as her guide back to her rooms.

  Nerie stumbled into her bedroom where Kiriga had already curled up on to her enormous pillow.

  I would not lay down yet, your brother is on his way, Soros’ voice normally so loud, whispered.

  Her brother? Did Soros mean Aldis? Nerie turned back to the sitting room.

  No, he’s currently climbing the roof to get here, Soros sounded worried.

  Nerie did an about face, quickly walking to the door that hid the courtyard from sight. Stepping outside, it was much darker than Nerie expected. Only the glowing orange and purple eyes of the two dragons lit the large space. The stars overhead were bright and the sky cloudless.

  What is he doing? Kiriga asked, having followed her mistress.

  “Climbing the roof. I’m not sure why though,” Nerie said, looking at the d
ark rooftops for the young boy.

  She suppressed a scream as he dropped down next to her. He immediately bent over double, panting hard.

  “I wanted - to meet you. For - real - this time. - Mama said - that I - needed to give you space,” he wheezed out.

  As soon as he’d recovered his breath, he was moving again. This time he walked over to Soros and climbed up her back to rest between her giant wings. Nerie was impressed - her brother seemed to be quite the acrobat.

  I like him. A lot, Kiriga told her, then added - But not as much as you!

  Walking over, Nerie looked up at Soros’ great purple eyes, “May I join him?”

  Of course, child.

  She carefully climbed her way up the dragoness. Her skirt catching on one large scale, she apologized to the purple dragon. Soros’ shoulders towered above the roof in the position she was sitting. From here, Nerie could see many courtyards just like hers littered across the palace.

  “So, do you do this often?” Nerie asked Aldis once she was situated on Soros’ broad back.

  “All the time. It's the easiest way to avoid the guards.”

  That’s because we are the guards. And we like you visiting us, Soros said softly to them.

  Nerie chuckled. Aldis seemed like a sweet boy.

  He is, Soros told her.

  Nerie was fairly sure that one had been said only to her.

  It was, he would have made a good king. You will make a better queen.

  Nerie looked at the boy again in the starlight. His dirty blond hair was dark in the night, but it blew gently in a breeze. He was smiling at her, his face just on the point of thinning from childhood into manhood. While they had only spoken briefly after Nerie had awoken after the incident with the guard, Aldis had been kind to her.

  Impulsively, she reached out her hand grabbing his.

  “I’m Nerie. I’ve never had a brother before, but I’m glad to meet you.”

  She could see him light up in the dark, his blue eyes twinkling in the starlight.

  “Hello Nerie - I’m Aldis. I can’t wait to get to know you better!”