Dragon Heart

Return of Ares

"Sister!"
"Brother! How I have missed you!"
Ares ran towards Iris, embracing her tightly.
"I heard of Lord Feldo, I wish I had killed him myself..."
"Ares! I can kill my own traitors!"
"I know, I know. You are a very strong woman, and Queen."
"Enough! Tell me, how is school?"
"Amazing! I build and learn each day, sketching and experimenting, I only wish the school was closer to home..."
Ares inhaled deeply and sighed.
"What on earth are you doing?" Iris giggled.
"Smelling Kovaria! It smells like home."
"We will have to travel to Howson soon, Laila will be having a very large wedding. It will strengthen our alliance with them too."
"You really are like Father..." Ares whispered.
"How so?"
"You and him strive for alliances, yet I know you barely trust them. You remind me of Grandfather the most."
"Grandfather?"
"Yes, I see him in your eyes."
"Grandfather was a crazy warlord!"
"And he was so fond of you. He adored you, barely paid any of us attention, but to him you were the world. When you are angry, I see Grandfather the most, his longing for blood and vengeance. But you balance it out with Father's kindness and compassion."
"Thank you, Ares. For your kind words."

Iris found Laila in her chambers, at the sound of the door opening, Laila stood up and wiped away the tears that were running down her face.
"What is the matter, Laila?"
"Nothing! I am fine!" she insisted, forcing a smile.
"Do not lie. You are an awful liar..."
"I- am just worried. What if he doesn't really love me?" she cried.
"Then I will kill him, and take his throne, and let you rule over his precious kingdom."
"Must you always be so violent!"
"I am joking!"
No she wasn't, luckily Iris was an excellent liar. Iris hugged her sister, providing the sort of motherly comfort that brides needed.
"Now! Collect your things, we will be leaving soon."

While Iris was gone, a noble would deal with any issues in Kovaria. But hopefully there would be no issues, nor conflict. The entrance of the kingdom of Howson was decorated with blue and yellow, cheering folks lined the streets as the Kovarian Royals trotted through the gates. Many gawked at Fenrir, while they waved at Laila who sat delicately on top of a white horse. They were welcomed with open arms.
"Queen Iris! Prince Ares! And, of course, Princess Laila! Welcome to my kingdom!"
"King Racnen, we are grateful for such a warm welcome!" Iris nodded.
Racnen was a fat man, his face was aged and his wrinkles were as deep as the sea. He looked so different to his slender son, Ronan.
"Father!" Ronan shouted, "Lay your eyes upon the beauty of my wife! Look at how her skin glows, how her hair shines like gold!"
"Yes, son, you have chosen a fine bride!"
That evening, they feasted together, two families as one. King Racnen chuckled, his belly wobbling, it was clear to anyone with an understanding of health that this poor bastard would die soon, meaning Ronan would be King, and Laila, Queen. The thought made Iris smile, how Father would of loved to see the day where Laila became Queen with her husband by her side. 
"I heard, " King Racnen began, "That you have declined all offers of marriage. Is it true?"
"Certainly. I marry when I feel the time is right."
"It must be hard for you as your sister is leaving home to stay here, and your brother Kodan... locked away..."
"I have a happy sister, a smart brother, and a traitor in the castle dungeons. I am very happy, my Lord. My kingdom has triumphed in battle under my rule, and I have a loyal wolf, Fenrir."
"I hear of a dragon..."
Iris sipped her wine and turned to the King.
"A dragon? No there is no dragon. There is only MY dragon, Rollo. He was a gift from the gods, and he sees me as a mother."
"I have heard stories of how fire fell like rain on your enemies, so it comforts me to know that I have an ally in the kingdom of Kovaria."
"Allies." said Iris raising her goblet.
"Allies." King Racnen agreed.

The morning of the wedding was hectic, there was excitement in the air. Iris dressed in a blue gown, brushed her hair, and slid into her shoes. Today was very important, for Laila and for the future of Kovaria. As soon as she was ready, Iris headed to Laila's chambers to assist her in getting ready. Laila was being dressed by a small group of ladies, they pulled on her corset and tidied her hair.
"Good morning, sister."
"Iris!" Laila beamed, turning around to greet the familiar voice.
"You look beautiful, but you are missing something."
Panic spread across Laila's face like wildfire.
"What? What's missing? Tell me!"
Iris moved her hand out from where it was hiding behind her back to reveal a shiny silver crown, sapphires glistening in the early morning sun. Laila gasped and smiled sadly.
"I thought you would want this..."
"Mother's wedding crown." Laila whispered, trying her hardest not to cry.
"She would have wanted you to wear it."
Iris placed the crown delicately on her sister's neat hair.
"Thank you Iris!" 
Laila threw her arms round Iris and held her tightly.
"I forgot to ask, who is walking you down the aisle?"
"I would love it if you could..."
Iris was taken back by the idea of her walking her little sister down the aisle. It was usually the father's job, however that was not possible in their circumstances.
"I- I would love to! It would be an honour, Laila!"