Dragon's little flower

Chapter one

....Above there is a representation of the greenhouse...
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There are two days left until the royal ball. Even though there is still a month until spring comes officially, the front of the castle and its intricate structure is covered with blossomed flowers. Lilies and Irises adorn the main entry and white jasmines decorate the ballroom.

Everybody knows about this event, and they prepared for a long time. The royal family organise this festival for well-known guests and simple people like the villagers. They want to accomplish more alliances with the ones that have connections. On the other hand, they show appreciation for the hardworking people from the middle class. They work all year and so, they deserve to be rewarded. Everybody has a good time whenever they come, the difference in status is never bothering. Tough there is also another reason why everybody is gathered at this celebration. The oldest son of the dragon king, Belletem, the youth leader who is feared by many, hasn't found his precious mate yet. He may look like a 25-year-old, but he is still a 1100-year-old dragon who suffers even more from the lack of his one true mate.

The king and queen don't like to see their son suffer, and they told him many times the chances of finding her are low. He should just take a strong princess and move on! But he doesn't listen because in his heart there is still hope.

Without him knowing, at a distance taken by foot of on hour from the castle grounds there lives a beautiful young woman called Seraphina. She is utterly flawless with her wavy white-blonde hair that cascades down in loose waves. Her hair has a natural, sun-kissed glow, giving it a radiant and ethereal quality, framing her face delicately.  Her complexion is fair and glowing, with a healthy and natural radiance, since she stays daily outside in the fresh air. She has bright, vivid green eyes that compliment the lightness of her hair, and a gentle, shy but welcoming smile.

„It's time to get my tomatoes in the greenhouse"- she thinks as she takes the pots filled with tomato seeds that grew some nicely strong roots. She puts them down, near the freshly made rows and then she starts working. Taking some soil to form an opening, she puts the ever-growing roots in the ground before she seals it with the thrown mud, and then she waters it gently. Moving to the next seed, she begins whispering a melody known only by her. Seed after seed she finishes the row, she stands up smiling to herself and enjoys the task. Moving to another row, Seraphina plants everything she sows: from tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers to spices like dill, parsley and basil. After she finishes changing the seed growing place, she goes outside to feed her darling animals. The rabbits first, them being the closest to her with some fresh water and hay, the chickens with ground corn, so they can enjoy their meal and, in the end, she feeds her lovely ducks with some pieces of homemade bread.

It's getting dark outside, so after admiring the courtyard more, she goes into the small yet welcoming cottage, the house she calls home. When she enters, she encounters Sunset, her gray cat that has a splash of orange on its head and tail. She takes her coat of and hangs it on the hanger, then she takes off her shoes. Before leaving the entrance, she polishes her shoes and brushes them well.

From somewhere in the living room there sounded the grandmother's voice, „Oh, my hardworking angel, did you finish your chores outside?" A little bit after her words, the brief swing of the armchair was heard. 

„She probably embroiders a new project while she is pendulating on her favorite but ancient furniture." thinks Seraphina, but doesn't bring voice to her thoughts. She decides instead to go straight to the kitchen, so she can start preparing dinner.

„Yes, I finalized everything that I had in mind. With the help of the Lord I am able to do them all!" she takes the pans from the oven and quickly inspects them. They are ready for cooking, just the mussels must be washed.

„My, my„ Her grandfather comes from the back door. „What good it is to be young!" Carefully he jogs to his lovely nephew, he bends down and gives her a peak on the forehead. „Indeed, the most terrifying force that gives our bodies force, harmony and cleanness is hope,..., the good hope when it is put in the One and truly God" he slowly turns to face the open space and goes with big steps towards his wife to give her a kiss as well.

Her grandmother stands up, puts her embroidery set in its safe place, and she heads to the strong smell that comes from the kitchen. Apparently, tonight her nephew makes something they don't usually eat. Her face brightens so much when she looks at Seraphina. „You have such a good heart, my child" she says. „And we know that all departs from the heart, all comes toward the heart, all goes through the heart and all exists in the heart." She passes the young woman and prepares to set the table for dinner.

In just a few minutes, they all sit down together and enjoy the tasty food. In between some bites, the old lady asks how is Seraphina feeling about the upcoming ball.

„I am honored to be able to participate in such a grandiose event and honestly happy to have a day when I can enjoy my surroundings. I can't wait to see all the beautiful ladies and their dresses." she answers. After that, they quietly eat their food. Once they are finished, her grandma tells her to just go to sleep because she'll wash the dishes. Both of her grandparents thank her for her doings, and they depart with a big, big hug.

Tiredly, she quickly does her bedtime routine. In the meantime, Sunset comes through the door and jumps on the bed. Both of them are happy to see each other. She slips into bed effortlessly and turns the lights off. Before falling asleep, she whispers a small prayer. She thanks God for all the blessings of that day, and she wishes for nobody to be alone or lonely at the royal ball.