The Rise of a Queen

In The Halls of a Queen

"Well this is lovely." Shimmer said sarcastically, drawing patterns in the sand. She glanced at Blackstar, who's jaw was clenched tightly, and he looked ready to jump into action and attack the SandWings. Shimmer stood and stretched. "Now, my yellow gents, how may we help you?" 

"Queen Sunseeker ordered the black IceWing to be arrested, along with any other random NightWing. We received word from Queen Tundra last night that the NightWings stole something from them, and asked us to help apprehend them." The leader of the band of SandWings looked at Shimmer, who was still carrying the spears and the bag.

"Listen, they are just trying to cover up a mistake they made! They tried to murder one of their own dragonets, and we just found out how to prove it!" Blackstar butted in. Shimmer sighed.

"And why would you two care?" Growled a dark gold and brown SandWing.

"Maybe because I was the one who nearly got killed as a dragonet." Shimmer replied with a shrug. "But whatever, take us to Queen Sunseeker, and we'll plead our case with the Queen." The SandWings looked at her suspiciously. 

"We will need to take your weapons and bag, IceWing." One of them said tentatively, holding out a talon. If you want to break out, I'll stab him. Shimmer thought, glancing at Blackstar. Her NightWing friend gave the slightest shake of his head. Shimmer handed the Sandwings her goods and sat down, looking pleased with herself. She couldn't let anyone know she was scared out of her mind. The SandWings got in formation around her and Blackstar and led them to the stronghold. 

"This is not good, Shimmer. What did you give them?" Blackstar whispered to her as they entered. Two animus enchanted spears, and animus light thing, and my records. She replied without looking at him. He nodded slowly, and stepped closer to her. She looked up into his face. He faced forward, head held high. Shimmer loved him more than any other NightWing, or any dragon for that matter. She had made sure to let him know. Her fear of no one loving her for being different and strange had made her aggressively protective, and slightly clingy. Before Shimmer could trace her emotions any farther, she was forced to focus on the real world. They were lead into the throne room. At the far end was a statue of a dragon made of gold, its wings wrapped around itself, and the eyes were closed. It sat basking in the hot sunlight that came through many windows. They were led in front of the dais, below the statue, and their escort bowed. 

"Queen Sunseek, forgive us for bothering you, but here are the dragons your requested." The leader said, deep respect in his voice. Shimmer gave Blackstar an amused glance when he scanned the statue, brows raised.

"Well," a soft voice chuckled, "this is a surprise. Much sooner than I expected." Shimmer jumped and she looked around for the Queen. Blackstar nudged her roughly and she looked up. The statues eyes had opened. The eyes looked like liquid gold, with a marble pattern of amber drifting through it. The Queen opened her wings, then folded them along her back, and looked down at the two NightWings. Shimmer and Blackstar hurriedly bowed with the guards. At first glance, Queen Sunseeker did look like she was made of gold, but in reality, it was a lot of the lighting. Ivory, mixed with light amber, highlighted her over scales, while her underside was umber and pale yellow. Her ankles clinked softly as slim chains, adorned with onyx stones, shifted as she stood. A solid band of gold was on each of her horns, and her ears were pierced with diamonds. "I assume my faithful guard has told you why we had you arrested on our lands?" She asked, cocking her head.

"They said Queen Tundra send word asking for your help." Shimmer replied, sitting down and looking up to the Queen.

"Because your're a thief." Queen Sunseeker laughed, her voice was like the song birds Shimmer often heard in the rain forest. "Now tell me, why shouldn't I had you over to Queen Tundra? We've been allies for centuries, and I'd hate to break that relationship." Blackstar nudged Shimmer before she could speak and stepped forward.

"We needed to get a hold of my friend's birth records. It's obvious she was born an IceWing, but we raised her as a NightWing." Queen Sunseeker raised her eyebrows and sat down, wrapping her tail around her talons.

"NightWings caring for an IceWing? Tell me, I'm intrigued." When neither moved, she motioned to her guards who backed away a little. "You do realize what you do or don't say could mean your freedom?" 

"I'm not sure where to start." Shimmer said slowly, her mind racing. "I was just a dragonet when it happened, and all I have are the records, which are in this bag." She pointed to it, which the guard was still carrying diligently.

"Perhaps, I may help fill in the holes, your Highness." A deep voice purred.