Jewel | XiaoJin Fanfic

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 7

A/N: I know I said we would update regularly... but I had exams and a research paper to do so it got a bit busy and stressful. Anyway, here's three chapters to make up for it! :>

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Xiaoting

I observe the human make her way clumsily through the tunnel and I snort quietly. My scales itch and I desperately want to change back into my human skin, but I can't. I can't let the girl see me in my other form— not if I'm going to return her. And for now, I do plan on returning the little whelp to her kingdom. Surely the Kalopsian king will trade my treasure back for his daughter. It's the only wise decision he could make in such a situation. I shake my head, moving from the ledge toward my piles of treasure, inspecting them as I go.

Part of me is still distressed that humans even dared to intrude on my nest. Was nothing sacred anymore? It's true that there have been problems between the dragonkin and the humans in the past, small flareups of theatrical violence, for the most part. Never, however, have humans been so stupid as to raid a dragon's home. At least, not that I've ever heard of. Though, it's entirely possible that the dragons whose nests had been invaded were just too embarrassed to speak of such a violation. I don't consider myself a particularly vain person, but even I am upset that a human would dare intrude upon my home. It's no secret that our kind is prideful, obsessive, and superficial in nature.

I could reenforce the mountain, but the fact that they know the location is a threat enough. I could also leave and find a new nest, but this was the home my mother and father built. Besides, the little hatchling has yet to hatch. Moving nests now would put its safety in danger. At least I'm assured that it is safe in here.

I will simply decide when the time comes for getting my treasure back and after the egg hatches.

I lament at the other treasures taken from me. The sad thing about this is that dragons remember each and every treasure in their hoard. I've always been particularly fond of pretty things, no matter their value. I know of dragons who hoard only gold, or only silver. Those things are monetary in the humans' world and it makes sense for a dragon to keep such things. You never know when you'll have to deal with the other creatures.

The crown fits my own archetype more closely.

It's a very valuable piece of art, since it belonged to the former queen. But that's not why it became my most prized treasure. The crown holds memories of the two women who have influenced my life greatly, aside from my mother, of course. One was the queen, and the other a friend whom became a mother figure. I value that crown. And while I may not be attached to it in the way the old dragons speak of, I will not be cheated out of my treasure.

My claws dig into the stone beneath my feet as a familiar face flashes across my mind. The black hair tuck behind a tie, the way she held the sword so ferociously, as if she might actually use it. The Fernweh's— as they call themselves—presence at the jubilee in Kalopsia confused me. I know that, in all their years, they have never signed the accords that the humans of Ilanpek struck all those years ago. What changed?

I know, without a doubt, that they must be plotting some political scheme to suddenly want to join the ranks of the other human kingdoms. And although I try not to concern myself with the politics of humans— or even the dragonkin for that matter— it was curious to see her face in the throng.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when I smelled smoke coming from somewhere. I quickly raise my head and search for the source. I approached the princess' crown that was suddenly being engulfed in smoke. Sorcery. My lips snarl back, my fire clicking in my throat as I wait for something to happen.