Dragon Heart

Sorrow and Joy

The rain poured, drips of water ran down the castle windows as Iris looked out onto the kingdom below. Soon that would all be hers, in one more day. A fine black gown rested by her wardrobe, dark lace lining the edge of the skirt. Fenrir had his head rested on her lap, the great weight of his skull making her legs numb after a while, soon Father's funeral would begin.

After a few more hours of sleep, the servant knocked on her door, she was already waking at this point. Iris dressed herself and headed to breakfast, met by her siblings as they ate before the ceremony began. All dressed in black, heads hung low. 
"Today we shall be strong, hold our heads high. We must look strong for the kingdom. I have been informed that we can say one last goodbye before the coffin is taken to the temple to rest. You can take that opportunity, or not, I will not judge your decisions. The ceremony will be starting in an hour, with the coffin being carried to the temple. Just- stay strong, yes?"
"Yes." Laila whispered, her brothers nodding in agreement.
Iris decided to see the coffin before it was carried to it's place of rest. She stroked the shiny wood of the coffin, the kingdom colours draping over most of it. She knelt by its side. 
"Father. I am here to say goodbye. I hope your rest is quiet and comfortable, and I hope you watch over me and the others as we grow, and comfort Mother in the afterlife. Tomorrow I shall be crowned, but it already feels like my reign will be met with conflict, and questioning. I will try and make you proud, rule like you would want me to rule. But I must also follow my own path when it comes to the countless challenges that will face me, and my kingdom. I ask for your guidance and reasoning, even beyond the grave, guide me Father, I beg of you."
Teardrops escaped from her eyes and ran down her face, falling to the floor.
"I will be strong. And kind. And ruthless. I will be the queen that Kovaria needs. I will protect our people and nurture our lands. I will spill the blood of our enemies and keep the peace with our allies. I swear to you, Father, I will be a good queen. I only wish that you could see me tomorrow when I take the crown... Goodbye Father."
Iris kissed the coffin and walked out the room, wiping the silent tears from her cheeks, desperate to maintain the strength that she asked her siblings to show.

The children walked behind the coffin as it was carried down the streets of cobblestone. Children, yes, for they were merely children when the world commanded that they were adults. They were now orphans too. The people of Kovaria lined the streets, weeping as the coffin passed, dressed in dark cloth. They had loved her father, his kindness and his strength. Iris was directly behind the coffin, little Ares gripping onto her hand, Laila and Kodan stood behind them. Into the temple they went, following Father's coffin, flowers were scattered everywhere. The coffin was lowered into the hole in the ground carefully as every noble watched, many stepped forward and said goodbye, while many said silent prayers. The priest read prayers in the Old Language, ancient words full of power and wisdom. Laila began to weep while the kingdom colours were used to cover up the hole, later a stone slab with his name on would replace the cloth and he would truly be resting with Mother, who's coffin he was placed next to. Ares and Kodan wiped away tears while Iris controlled her breathing, her eyes focused on the red and black cloth.

The meal was large, and quiet. Voices were much lower than normal out of respect for the fallen. Iris nibbled on vegetables and pheasant, not particularly hungry. Each noble had offered their condolences before the feast had begun, each genuinely saddened by her father's sudden death. One man stood up suddenly, raising his goblet and clearing his throat, all eyes focused on him.
"To King Reagan, may he rest in peace!"
The guests raised their goblets and repeated: To King Reagan.
"And to Iris! Soon to be Queen!"
Iris nodded to the man and raised her goblet along with the crowd, as each minute ticked by she was closer to her crowning, closer to being ruler of all of Kovaria. The man was seated and the meal continued, less sorrow in the air.

That evening, Iris chose her dress for the ceremony. Red, and bold. It clung to her figure and each gem sparkled in the candlelight. She twirled, letting he skirts swish as if she were dancing, it was perfect. The crown had been cleaned and prepared but she dared touch it yet, it shone with precious stones and was heavy. Her father had always said that to wear the crown was to carry a heavy weight, that the crown made people fall under its power, but Iris was born to wear the golden treasure. Her ancestors had fought, spilling blood and cutting flesh, for that crown. When the dress was chosen, and ready, Iris clambered into bed, kissing Fenrir goodnight. She curled up the same way she used to as a child and closed her eyes. She had dreamed of this day, Queen Iris of Kovaria, first of her name, and... She didn't have any other names. Eventually Iris drifted off while Fenrir nuzzled her hand.

She awoke early before any servant had the chance to wake her. She snuck out of her chamber with Fenrir by her side and headed outside into the castle gardens. Wrapping her cloak round her, Iris climbed onto Fenrir's back and held onto his fur, the wolf ran towards the lowest garden wall and hurled his body over the top, Iris gripping the fur with all her strength. He landed smoothly and ran on, into the woods, this was a regular event. Iris had been sneaking out with Fenrir as soon as he was strong enough to carry her! They charged through the woods, snapping twigs and jumping over roots. Soon enough they reached the cave. Iris jumped off and patted Fenrir before disappearing into the entrance of the cave. 
"Rollo..." she whispered into the darkness.
The sound of bones being moved was loud, the remains of many meals, and a glow came from the back of the cave. The glow grew in size and intensity, revealing its source. Rollo had his mouth wide open, razor sharp teeth on show, and the glow was coming from the back of his throat. Iris grinned as the creature crawled towards her quickly. He snorted and blew warm air into Iris' face, making her laugh. 
"Hello, Rollo! I thought I should check on you before the ceremony. I feel like you and your brother, Fenrir, will be needed greatly during my reign."
She stroked the scales on his face tenderly, despite his ferocity and size, he was very gentle and sensitive. Rollo grunted, pretending to understand the words that his mother was saying.
"I will be very busy, but I will visit you for training as often as I can, I promise."

The sun was beginning to creep over the horizon, casting golden rays. Iris was hurrying back to the castle, Fenrir jumped the wall once again and Iris snuck up the stairs and into her chambers. She quickly bathed and slid on the red gown. A servant knocked on the door.
"Come in!"
The servant came in and gestured for Iris to turn around so she could assist her with the corset. Iris must of look flustered because the servant told her to take deep breathes. Iris brushed Fenrir's fur in an attempt to make him look presentable. Iris didn't have breakfast with her siblings, deciding to simply eat some bread in her room. She was escorted by guards and Fenrir down to the castle entrance where her siblings waited, dressed in fine cloth. They bowed as they saw her and followed her outside where adoring fans cheered and threw flowers at her and Fenrir. The cheers followed her to the temple where she kneeled with her head lowered.

"Iris, daughter of Reagan, Princess of Kovaria, after the death of your father, the crown was instructed to be passed to you. Do you accept this crown?"
"I do."
"Do you promise to serve our people and our lands? Do you promise to stay true to your word and rule fairly?"
"I do."
"I grant you with all of Kovaria, the land of your ancestors. I grant you with the power to control all of Kovaria and the people within, and with this crown," Iris felt the weight being lowered onto her head," I crown you as Iris, Queen of Kovaria, from this day forward! Rise Queen! Rise and greet your people!"
Iris stood and turned, adjusting to the weight of gold resting on her head. Cheers erupted, clapping and rejoice.
"Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen!"

The Hall was packed with people, who cheered as the doors open and Iris entered. She walked carefully and turned to the crowd and sat in the throne, her father's throne, now hers. She smiled and nodded at them all. Many lords and kings came forward to greet the new monarch. They looked wary of Fenrir who sat by Iris' feet and kept a watch over all the potential threats to his mother.
"Queen Iris! I am not sure that you will remember me!"
"King Laton!"
"Ah she remembers!"
"How can I not remember the man who gave me Fenrir? Many years have passed, and as you can see, Fenrir has grown like you promised."
"Certainly, what a fine young woman you have become with such a beautiful beast at your side. Queen, I am very sorry for the loss but I am very glad that you, such a noble woman, have been chosen to rule."
"Thank you, King Laton, your words are comforting."
"May I introduce my son, Prince Alfred. He is a similar age to you."
A handsome young man stepped forward with fluffy brown hair, he bowed in front of Iris.
"Welcome Prince Alfred, to Kovaria."
"Thank you, your Majesty. You must come and visit Westolden soon-"
The prince stopped when his father jabbed him in the stomach.
"Sorry! I meant you are welcome to visit Westolden whenever you please as our noble guest."
"Thank you, for such a kind invitation."
"May I say how beautiful you look tonight, in such a fine gown."
"Thank you. I do love your cloak, excellent embroidery!"
Alfred nodded at Iris, smiling.
"So has Fenrir served you well?" Laton asked, eyes fixed on the vigilant creature.
"He has been perfect, bigger than any horse, stronger than any man, and rows of dagger-like teeth. When I visit Westolden, Fenrir must come too. I rarely ride horses as I prefer to travel on Fenrir's back."
"Ride Fenrir? How brave you are!"
"He is fast and strong, and I trust him with my life."
"Will he be used for war?"
"I have no plans on going to war, but yes, he would take me into battle."
"You?"
"If I am fit to fight, I shall fight. But I hope war is far away, if war is to happen at all."
"Certainly, Queen Iris. If war is to ever be declared on Kovaria, Westolden will stand by your side, a promise I kept with your father and intend to keep with you."
"The same to you, King Laton! We are allies, and allies we shall remain."
"Yes, certainly."
"It was nice to meet you, Prince Alfred. I hope we can see each other again soon. But please excuse me while I greet the rest of my guests."
The prince and king bowed and walked back to their seats while the next set on nobles stepped forward, it was going to be a long night.

After the feast had ended, just the siblings remained in the hall.
"You are a very beautiful queen." Ares whispered to Iris.
"Thank you Ares!"
"And you are the best fit for our kingdom. Kodan is jealous of you."
"I know, a toxic trait, but he is not bothering me yet so I will dismiss any snide comments."
Kodan approached Iris, clearly drunk from all the ale he had been consuming.
"Sister! How is it in daddy's chair?"
"My chair now, brother."
"The crown sits atop your head, when really it should be mine!" he laughed.
"Kodan. Stop talking before you regret something."
"You are a woman, weak and merciful, and father wanted a real ruler. Yet he chose the you! And I hate that!"
Fenrir began to bare his teeth and growl as Kodan edged nearer to his mother.
"Kodan, this is foolish talk. You are not fit to rule, Father saw that."
"Don't say that! I will have that crown!"
"Will you?"
"I will do anything!"
"Even murder a queen?"
Kodan stopped talking and stepped back.
"Go to bed, brother, before you embarrass yourself further."
Kodan grabbed another goblet of ale and stumbled out the hall. 
"I fear his intentions, Ares, I fear his ambition will bring nothing but trouble."
"Kodan would never betray his own family though."
"Do not be so trusting, little one, even your closest friends can be your worst betrayers."