The Dragon Princess

by Paris Hansch

  “And now, as one final test, the legendary Lord Reinhardt himself will duel the winner!”

  Reinhardt only just stopped his jaw from dropping. The crowd’s cheers intensified, and his eyes darted around. Perhaps one of his councilors would step in for him, give him some kind of emergency situation to which he must attend. But his councilors all nodded enthusiastically. Maybe he could feign an illness.

  “The man who can slice a single hair down the middle… who can move as quick as lightning… who single-handedly defeated more than one hundred opponents in a single round,” the announcer continued rambling.

  The crowd started chanting his name. Reinhardt slowly stood, brushing his cloak out in a grand gesture, like he was about to enter the arena.

  Alyssa batted her eyelashes. “Good luck, my lord.”

  He gave her a tight smile, taking a step forward as he spied his personal attendant sprinting toward him.

  “My lord,” Jonathan hissed in his ear. “The princess herself is reported to be riding toward our castle at this very moment.”

  Reinhardt let out a breath. A fantastic excuse—no, a legitimate reason. That’s what it was.

  “Go on, tell them at once.”

  Jonathan bowed and rushed to inform the announcer, who immediately began shouting again.

  “In an unexpected turn of events, our long-awaited imperial highness, Princess Mina, is gracing Eloria with her presence! We will commence immediate preparations!”

  Lord Reinhardt began delegating. They didn’t have much time to receive her as properly as he would have liked, but he was determined to make everything as perfect as possible. He strode from the arena, crossing the gardens to the front of his castle. His guards were lined up on either side of the path, standing at attention, their Elorian blue and white uniforms immaculate—as they should be. He glanced behind him.

  Eloria’s castle was one of the most elegant structures in the entire empire, second only to the imperial palace. The smooth white walls covered the spiraling, sky-high towers and expertly crafted archways and bridges. The floor-to-ceiling windows were crystal clear, with the two at the entrance depicting the great sea serpent, their mighty emblem. Waves crashed against the rocks at the base of the cliff beneath the castle, completing the picturesque scene. He was certain this would be a welcome change from Anadrieth’s drab city; Princess Mina would have no choice but to be impressed.

  The crisp, salty air filled his lungs as he took a deep breath. It was peculiar—and rather dangerous—that she would come alone. The entire empire had heard of her return, yet she was coming here first. He was certain that this was about the alliance, but the timing was off. She wasn’t an ordinary young woman, but there’s no way she could make that journey in a day. Even his messenger wouldn’t have delivered the news to Anadrieth too long ago. In fact, he hadn’t returned yet.

  But Reinhardt was no fool, and he knew full well that the legends behind the imperial family were more than just stories. He and the princess had only met once before as a child, but even then, she’d moved with the grace of a warrior, her mind as sharp as the blades she carried.

  As the princess eventually galloped into view, he could clearly see that she was as beautiful as he remembered, but he wouldn’t be taken in like the others. His people gathered before the castle, dropping to one knee on either side of the path.

  Reinhardt bowed deeply from his waist.

  “Your Highness,” he said. “Would you like a hand?” He knew that she didn’t need one.

  Mina dismounted with ease. “I’m fine, thank you.” Her horse didn’t seem the least bit exhausted, and neither did she. She carried no baggage, no supplies for the long journey. Peculiar, indeed, almost as if there was something otherworldly going on.

  “I only wish we could have had more time to prepare for your arrival,” he said.

  “No need. I won’t be staying long. We both know why I’m here.”

  “Of course. Please, join me inside.” Reinhardt gestured toward the castle.

  She placed a hand on his outstretched elbow, and he led her inside. The windows caught the afternoon sunlight at just the right angle to reflect the stunning colors across the marble floor. The entrance hall was just as beautiful as the exterior, but it was no place to discuss matters of grave importance. He led her to a smaller room, where a table displayed their finest selection of sweets and baked goods.

  Reinhardt pulled out a chair for her. “My chefs are preparing a special meal for us as we speak, but please, help yourself.”

  Mina picked up a sweet, a pale yellow one in the shape of a shell, and popped it in her mouth.

  “Just as good as I remembered.”

  Reinhardt smiled. He waited for several minutes as she sampled more of their treats.

  She looked at him expectantly. “Well?”

  He paused. “Please, elaborate.”

  Mina wiped the sugar from her hands with a napkin. “I’m waiting for an explanation.” She laid a letter on the table, the wax seal broken. So, she did receive it. She couldn’t have been traveling for much more than a day or two.

  “I don’t regard Anadrieth as an enemy by any means,” he said carefully. “But I’m afraid that since they didn’t deliver on their terms, I cannot offer them my assistance.” She was watching his every movement, and he wondered whether she could tell that it was a lie.

  Mina crossed her legs, leaning back in her chair. “I was asking why you offered them an alliance in the first place. Eloria lacks nothing.”

  Reinhardt raised his eyebrows. He wasn’t expecting that. “You’re right, there’s not much that Anadrieth can give us right now. Lord Alexander is a talented leader, but he also lacks the judgment to put the right people in the right positions. He projects his self-absorbed, heroic image onto those that don’t deserve it and shelters those who would blossom under adversity.”

  Mina smirked. “A perceptive assessment, as usual.”

  “I have my sources. But I understand the considerable tension they face with Lanadrin, and I wish to avoid bloodshed. I felt I’d be more... inclined to assist if I cared for someone who had strong ties with her homeland.”

  “I didn’t think you were the type to pursue marriage that way.”

  Reinhardt shook his head. “I’m twenty-eight. Lord Alexander isn’t the only one under pressure to provide an heir.” He waved a hand. “Of course, I never planned to marry her if she didn’t desire me. I have no use for an unhappy ornament, beautiful as she may be.”

  “And if she’d refused, would you still have supported them in war?”

  “I’d honor my agreement, and I’d hoped that the alliance would dissuade Lord Tamar from proceeding with the war entirely.” He sighed. “I never actually promised to support them in the battle itself. If both Lanadrin and Calvera march, the battle is already lost, whether Eloria joins or not.” He didn’t really want to leave his region, anyway. “And Prince Yukiya has officially supported the war.”

  Mina stiffened, her fingertips brushing along her swords.

  Reinhardt reached inside his breast pocket, pulling out a letter, this one marked with the imperial seal.

  “Eloria will not, under any circumstances, aid Anadrieth in the coming war. The penalty for high treason is death, by order of Prince Yukiya.”

  Mina snatched the letter. “Yuno…” she muttered. She cast it aside, meeting his eyes. “And if I ordered you to?” she articulated. The air around her changed, and he could feel a storm brewing.

  Reinhardt fought to remain expressionless. “It is not my death he is referring to,” he said quietly. Though he would probably die, too, he understood the meaning of the threat, loud and clear.

  Mina’s face softened, and the tension evaporated. “May I see her?”

  He narrowed his eyes slightly. So, Mina knew about her, as well. Nothing got past the imperial couple, it would seem. It was a heavily guarded secret, and only his most trusted people had knowledge of her existence. It dawned on him t
hat this might have been what the princess had come for, but he couldn’t pinpoint a possible reason.

  Leverage, perhaps? It had to be more than sheer curiosity. There was no point in refusing since she already knew. Reinhardt nodded silently and led the way.

  The east tower was guarded at all times. No one was allowed to see her unless he was with them. The two guards immediately bowed in unison upon their approach and stepped aside. Reinhardt unlocked the door with his key, pushing it open. As they ascended the white staircase, Mina spoke.

  “One would assume a prisoner resided within these walls.”

  He grimaced—she wasn’t wrong—and changed the subject. “How did you know about her?”

  “I have my sources, too.”

  How cryptic. Reinhardt unlocked the door at the top of the tower with a second key. The spacious interior appeared anything but a jail. The room’s central feature was an enormous four-poster bed, complete with dainty curtains and sheets made of the best white spidion silk. matching silk curtains and sheets. They would tear under the slightest bodily weight.

  Matching curtains wafted in the light breeze from the large open window, which was far too high for anyone to climb from the outside—or inside—but he had guards patrolling below regardless.

  A long chair on which one could lay was positioned near the window, in perfect view of the sea. It was made of stonewood, making it impossible to break or move closer to the window. The closets, cabinets and drawers were overflowing in enough feminine finery to last a lifetime.

  A smaller, plainer nook with only a bed was attached to the side of the room for the maid, with no doors separating the two spaces. Tabitha, a servant girl, was currently preparing tea inside. Lord Reinhardt’s most trusted maids would only leave when another came to take their place.

  Everything had smooth, rounded edges.

  It was a beautiful cage, but a cage, nonetheless.

  “Brother,” a voice murmured from the bed, carefully tucked amongst the pillows. Her voice was a mere whisper of what it should have been, but Reinhardt’s ears were trained to hear even her slightest sound.

  He took her hand and sat by her side. “I’ve brought someone to see you.” He turned to Mina. “This is my little sister, Lady Rosalie.”

  She smiled. “My name is Mina.”

  Rosalie turned her head with some effort. Her skin clung to her bones, and the dark circles around her eyes heavily contrasted with her abnormally pale skin. Her hair was withered and frayed as it sprawled across the pillows. Her hazy eyes lit up at the sight of her new guest.

  “Is that… Princess Mina? Forgive my… impertinence… I cannot…”

  “It’s quite all right. I came to talk to your brother and thought I should pay you a visit.”

  “I am… honored,” Rosalie wheezed, managing a weak smile.

  Tabitha came over with the tea. “Pardon me, Your Highness. It’s time for my lady’s medicine.”

  Mina nodded, and the maid placed the tray on a side table. She produced a tiny vial of dark red liquid, which seemed to stick to itself as it sloshed around inside. She gently tipped back Rosalie’s head, opening her mouth. A single drop of liquid thicker than water slid down her throat, and the vial was carefully stoppered and placed back in a secure box.

  Reinhardt held his breath. His sister closed her eyes for a moment, then sat up. A slight color was returning to her cheeks, and the dark circles were becoming less prominent. He smiled. This was his favorite part of the day.

  “Would you like to be near the window today?”

  “Yes, please. I have a feeling it will be a lovely day today. I want to take advantage of the cool breeze,” said Rosalie, with more volume in her voice. She was like a flower frozen in winter that had come alive once more.

  He carefully scooped her tiny frame into his arms and carried her to the chair, positioning her until she was comfortable. Reinhardt glanced over her. Her limbs were thin and bony, with an uneven coloring from the lack of sun. It was a significant improvement, but today was no different from any other day.

  The medicine wasn’t a cure; it just prolonged the inevitable.

  “Princess,” she said, a little livelier, “may I be so bold as to make a request?”

  “Go ahead.”

  “Will you tell me something of the outside world?”

  Mina nodded, taking a seat beside her.

  Reinhardt stepped away, letting the two of them talk in private. He approached Tabitha, opening the box and peering at the vial.

  “How long?” he asked her in a low voice.

  “A week, at most, my lord. Will another vial be arriving soon? It was rather small this time.”

  He nodded noncommittally. It was intentional—and cunning—on the prince’s part, meant to keep him on a tight leash. The medicine was unique, unlike any potion, toxin, or remedy that they had ever seen. His best medics and alchemists couldn’t recreate it at all, but without it, Rosalie would die within days.

  In his youth, he had stolen a drop of it himself, the metallic taste instantly confirming his suspicions. Energy had surged through his veins, and he had dashed around the castle, sparring everyone in sight in order to work off the energy. The rumors of his combat prowess hadn’t stopped following him around since.

  Reinhardt closed the box once more. If that was what an ordinary person felt like after taking the medicine, how close was she to death every day?

  She’d contracted the mysterious illness when she was four, and that was when Rosalie died to the outside world. She was far too frail to venture outside, and if anyone else knew, she’d be a sitting target. It was no way to live one’s life, and that knowledge was a stake in his heart, twisting ever deeper.

  No one seemed to have any answers to her illness, so when an imperial messenger first arrived with the vial, he was undeniably suspicious. He’d held his breath for the day when it would be used against them. Nineteen years had been far too long to use it as leverage, but the favor couldn’t simply be out of benevolence. Perhaps the previous emperor had been kind, but Prince Yukiya, too? Impossible. He had no choice but to obey whatever the prince asked of him.

  After a while, Mina stood, bidding his sister farewell.

  Reinhardt pressed a gentle kiss to Rosalie’s forehead. “I’ll come see you soon.”

  “I look forward to it,” said Rosalie, smiling.

  When the door was safely shut and locked behind them, he searched Mina’s eyes. “You know what’s wrong with her, don’t you?”

  “I do.”

  Hope surged through his chest, and he fell to his knees. “Please,” he whispered. “If you can help her, I would gladly follow you. Into battle, if that’s what you wish. Anything. I don’t know what else to do.” He held his breath.

  Mina slowly shook her head. “War has many casualties, Lord Reinhardt, and not all of them are on the battlefield.”

  He clutched the hem of her dress, pushing his forehead to the floor. “Please! Any information would—”

  “I cannot help you.”

  Reinhardt leaned back on his heels, his mouth dry.

  “I can tell you this. It’s not an illness. You’ve got the wrong people looking at her. But I cannot give you what you seek.” Mina looked away. “I must leave. Time is imperative.” She dashed down the stairs, two at a time, without looking back.

  For a moment, he couldn’t move. Perhaps he had misjudged her. Why wouldn’t she tell him more? His fist hit the floor. His face was burning up, and his eyes were wet. Did she have no compassion? Or was she as double-sided as the rest of the imperial family? In that case, she was on her own.

  He chose his family, and he always would.

  19

  Chapter Nineteen

  Adelia

  “How many does that make?” asked Adelia, her hand poised over a piece of parchment. She was currently stationed in the great hall, overseeing the preparations with Anton. He hadn’t taken quite as active a role as she had, as his voice cracked
every time he spoke and he couldn’t look people in the eye. He’d ended up disappearing outside with the soldiers, but she couldn’t afford to worry about how he was faring.

  Vivian gave a little bow. “All the nobles have been moved inside the castle, and all the villagers from the western sector have settled into the far side of the castle grounds.” The head matron waved her hand toward the city. “The eastern sector is still filing in as we speak, but it will be a very tight fit. We won’t have enough shelter for them.”

  Adelia tapped her finger to her lip. “We received a delivery of tarps a while ago, didn’t we? That should help. Otherwise, distribute all the blankets and straw we have available.”

  “Yes, Milady.” Vivian nodded and hurried off.

  “Lady Adelia,” said Jane, gasping a little. “Reporting from the infirmary.”

  Adelia smiled. Little Jane had really found her place there after Elaine had taken her under her wing. But upon seeing her, she frowned. Jane’s skin was quite pale, with more color seemingly draining away every second. Her eyes had dark bags under them, and she looked like she was about to collapse. Then, she felt it. Adelia’s eyes widened. It was the same sickness as her brother, James, had had, though not nearly as advanced. Was she becoming an undesirable?

  “Sit down, Jane,” Adelia instructed. “What happened?”

  Jane wiped her brow, falling into the nearest seat. “Not sure, Milady. Don’t feel all that well. But I should be right with a little rest. About my report, we’ve prepared the field medical supplies… with those who will be traveling. The rest are staying here with… Elaine,” she huffed. “We’re toting a lot of water for her, too.”

  “No, I mean when did you start to feel ill? I’ll get someone else on all that. You just rest.” Adelia pressed the back of her hand to the girl’s forehead. She was ice cold to the touch, and bits of her skin had begun to flake off.

  “This morning, I think. Didn’t do anything different, I swear.”