Draconia Offline vol. 1

39.1. Political Relations - Part 1

"We're here, love," Erik says encouragingly. I'm holding him tight, not willing to let go just yet.

I slowly open my eyes and because the elevator isn't moving anymore and the door opens, my head stops spinning. I sigh out, relieved. I'm used to feeling dread during my panic attacks but there's usually some trigger I can identify and logically assess later. This time, however, was different. I got hit by claustrophobia just because I'm a Celestial and that's supposed to be our racial weakness.

But a rather understandable weakness, hm? Erik caresses my feathers. Considering how huge your wings are, it's no wonder you don't feel comfortable in narrow spaces. It sounds logical to me.

I want to reply something but I'm interrupted by an overly cheerful and annoying voice of a person standing in front of the elevator.

"Good morning, Your Majesty! I was told you're coming so I'm waiting for you. Oh, are you okay? You look pale."

It's the EU ambassador Dubois, literally the worst person to see me in such a vulnerable state. He's staring at me while I'm still desperately clutching Erik and there's a spark of recognition in his eyes. He must have studied everything about Draconian races so he put two and two together quickly. While I can't read his thoughts without touching, I can tell that he's making a mental note that I became claustrophobic.

"I'm fine," I try to sound confident but I know that I'm failing. At least I finally let go of Erik and grab his hand the normal casual way.

We step out of the elevator, me making an effort of not obviously running away from the confined space.

"Your Majesty!" Luviael appears from behind the door and hurries towards us, her wings fluttering behind her. "My apologies that I wasn't waiting for you in the morning but we've been so busy! The conference starts in half an hour!"

"What conference?" I freeze.

"The world political leaders are meeting today," Luvi explains and chews her lip. "Sorry that I didn't tell you beforehand but... well... you wouldn't be able to prepare for it anyway and it would only stress you unnecessarily. Her Excellency wanted you to have a goodnight's sleep at least."

"It stresses him now," Erik rolls his eyes.

"Your Majesty, can I join you for breakfast?" Dubois is suddenly standing next to me.

So close that his arm is touching my wing. He's doing it on purpose, he wants to make me feel uncomfortable. Luckily, I can't read his thoughts because the layers of fabric that make his suit are in the way of direct touch but it still gives me goosebumps when his emotions intensify. I don't think Dubois means us harm, I can feel he's here to keep peace between humans and Draconians, but that's where his kindness ends.

There's an egoistic person behind that fake smile. If I didn't demonstrate my powers, he'd be definitely looking down at me. But I did, twice, so he's wary. My Celestial Emperor's nature reacts wildly. I can't let him play with me!

"Personal space," I hiss and my guards step between us.

I have no doubt that they were meaning to do so even without me saying it. Can it be a good thing that they know about my telepathy after all?

"No touching His Majesty without permission," one of the guards says and her golden eyes are piercing the ambassador.

"Oops, I sincerely apologise," Dubois bows but there's a hint of smirk revealing that he did it to test our reaction.

Ryuu, your feathers are all puffy, Erik points out. Don't give that bastard any satisfaction seeing you flustered.

I force myself to calm down and my feathers flatten. Celestial wings mirror our emotional state, especially anger and irritation. It's wrong to consider them simply as our additional limbs. They mean so much more to us.