Dragon Born

Chapter 4

Atlas's P.O.V 

I had read about Eldoro, but I never imagined it like this. It was absolutely breathtaking, it was so different from my home. It was bright and sunny, it was full of life, everyone was so happy.

I spent the whole day exploring the village with Skyler, Kyren, Callum and Faye. Kyren and Callum were really cool, they weren't as nosy as Skyler was, but they still talked with me a lot. Faye on the other hand didn't say much to me, she mainly talked with Skyler. Which I understood, it was natural for Kyren and Callum to feel comfortable talking to me, but Faye was a girl I had just met and I could tell she wasn't as eager to meet people as Skyler was. Same as me.

The day went by fast, I got to see so much of the village. The books I had read didn't really talk about the size of the Kingdom. It was actually a smaller kingdom, we basically saw all of it in one day. All of the main part anyway, Eldoro had an inner and outer part of the kingdom but the outer part was even smaller than the inner village. We made our way back to the castle, it had been an amazing day but a tiring one. I said goodnight to Skyler and the gang, then made my way to my new room. I couldn't believe how fortunate I was. I had already made four new friends, I had a place to stay and there was no sign of my father or anyone from my home. My only hope is that it would last, there is no doubt that my father sent soldiers out to look for me. He isn't going to let me go without a fight, I just hope I have enough time for Skyler and the others to get to know me before someone finds out where I am. But for now, I just want to focus on my friends. Throughout the day I noticed a few things, Kyren is definitely Skyler's boyfriend. Faye is Skyler's best friend and seems to be very protective of her. Callum seems to be good friends with everyone but particularly Kyren. Also Kyren and Faye tend to bicker with each other. Skyler fascinates me the most, she is so kind and caring. Everywhere we went she addressed the people as friends, equals. Not as subjects. Everything about her was different than the royalty I was used to. It was a nice change. After I got to my room I went straight to my loft and crawled into bed. Within a few minutes I was asleep.

***

I woke up the next day at sunrise. I figured the others wouldn't be up yet but I wanted to be outside as much as possible. I grabbed a light blue shirt and black pants from the wardrobe, then I took the journal and quill from my desk and went outside. While Skyler was showing me around yesterday I noticed a large tree at the edge of the village. It must have been here for at least a millenia. The roots spread across the land like a spiderweb, the trunk was strong and wide, and made the perfect nook to sit in. I climbed up and started sketching in the journal. I wanted to remember everything about Eldoro and the people I've met.

I don't know how long I had been drawing but I had been so withdrawn I hadn't heard Skyler calling for me. I only came out of it when she placed her hand on my shoulder causing me to jump.

"Atlas?"

"Oh, hey Skyler. Sorry I didn't hear you coming."

"That's okay, I was just worried. We came to get you this morning but you were already gone."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to come outside again."

"Did you draw that?" She pointed to my journal.

"Oh yeah."

"Atlas! This is amazing! Where did you learn to sketch like that?"

"Back home, I used to sketch what I thought the rest of the world looked like to pass the time."

"Atlas?"

"Before you ask, I'm still not ready to talk about my past."

"I wasn't going to. I was going to tell you, when you are ready I'll be here. But I also want to encourage you not to hold it inside. I want to help you, but I need to know more about you first."

"Okay, I'll think about it." She smiled at me.

"Come on, let's head back to the castle. My father wants to meet you."

"The King?"

"Don't worry! I'll be there with you."

"Okay, let's go."

When we got back to the castle, Skyler took me to what I assumed was the throne room. I was definitely having second thoughts though, and Skyler as usual could tell.

"Don't fret, my Dad is going to love you." She opened the door and the two of us walked in, the throne room was beautiful. It was lined with marble pillars, red and yellow banners hung from the ceiling and the room was painted white giving the room a bright feeling. The King and Queen were on their thrones, and as we entered he rose and walked towards us.

"Atlas, it's nice to finally meet you. Skyler has had nothing but good things to say about you."

"It's nice to meet you too sir." He stared at me for a minute.

"Dad? What's wrong?"

"Where did you get your necklace Atlas?"

I looked down, I had completely forgotten I even had it on.

"It's my family crest..."

"Really, so you come from the Cadmus line then?"

I didn't say anything, I didn't know what to say. I didn't think anyone would recognize the crest, but I suppose if anyone would it would be the King.

"Cadmus? Isn't that the line of royalty in the Kingdom of Dragons?"

"It is. Which is why it is curious to have a member of that family here."

I still had yet to say anything. This is one thing I had avoided telling Skyler.

"It's true. My father is King of the Dragons."

"You're a Prince Atlas? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I don't want to be!" Both of them were silent. "I ran away from that life, from my father!"

"Your father?" Crap. I didn't mean to mention my father.

"Just forget it." Not wanting to talk anymore, I ran out of the throne room and back to my room.