A Tale of Blood and Dragons

Chapter 1

VELARYA

  Even before I had stepped out of the carriage along with my father, I, as a child who had just turned the age of 10, had already known the reason why I had to dress in a fancy red dress and white shawl embroidered with my family's crest— a dragon embracing a steel shield, symbolizing our ancestors. It is duty, my father told me. The cold wind that brushed off my face and how my eyes were almost blinded by all the lights lit up at the entrance of the palace hall are still vivid in my memory. Every step as we approached the large double door was filled with human royal guards. I kept my hand strongly holding my father's rough hand as I walked beside him at the entrance of the event, with every eye of a noble—others being elven and dwarven nobles from neighboring kingdoms—focused on the two of us.

"A pleasant evening, Lord Veron." One man with a white beard touching his chest approached him before he turned to me and said, "Good evening, lady."

My father's eyes turned to me, and he gave me a warm smile as he always did, contrary to what people thought—that he was cold.

"Good evening, Lord Swenz." I greeted him back. It was probably the only sentence I had ever said for the rest of the night, as the hall was filled with only adults, and I never made any friends among all the children in our circle—not that I was a snob or arrogant, but they seemed to always avoid me. I was silent the whole time, trying to fight my eyes from closing, it was a tiring day.

I looked at him who was speaking with people who circled around him. Father seldom attended events such as this for he must always be at the fortress, but tonight he showed up for me. It was only a short moment when a voice echoed around the big hall, announcing the arrival of the royal family. I stood as everyone else fixed their eyes on two people, the highlight of every event in the kingdom, king Gonduir, queen Mycell, and their first-born son, Prince Evaile. The king, who was noticeably far older than the young queen—his aged hair, of which only a few strands were left black, deep eyes, and a wrinkled smug face—waved lightly as they walked into the wide marble stairs. Behind them was a boy probably 5 years older than me who raised his hand and gave a small wave into the crowd with a smile that reached his hooded eyes.

"Good evening, everyone. May we have a wonderful night celebrating our prince's birthday." His deep voice echoed around the big hall, of which no one else, not even a sound of whisper was heard.
"Let us rejoice in welcoming my second son, Prince Eusares!"

  From where our seats were, I aimed my eyes slowly on the opened door, where everyone's eyes along with mine, were fixated on a boy around my age who was wearing fine clothes colored in gold and a black coat. The first thing that came to mind was that he was short, that in my thoughts, I was sure to myself that his head probably didn't even reach my ears at the time but his eyes were an exact replica of those of his father.

"As we continue this joyful celebration, I'd like to share with you news that is important for the future of Arthwen." The king spoke and stood beside the queen, whose hands were on prince Eusares' shoulders.

  He looked in our direction, and my father looked at me and smiled. I knew what was about to happen and was well aware of the responsibilities it would shoulder me in the future and probably, in my entire life.

  I gave him a small smile and said, "I am alright." After hearing my answer, he walked towards them, leaving me alone in the center.

"Along with Lord Veron of House Lychanger, we are happy to formally announce a marriage in the near future between the House Lychangers and the royal family of the kingdom of Arthwen."