Dragon Origin: Scales Kingdom's Rise

Chapter 6: A New Age

Location: Soranika, Scales Kingdom - 1834 - 14 years later

Zaila: 123 Irie: 123 Farris: 53 Imara: 52 Henrich: 52

Noir: 18 Nuri: 18 Maricel: 14

With the years passing the war between the changeling and the Night seekers came to an end bringing the reign of King Silas of the Night kingdom. The Lavin Kingdom began negotiations with the Night Kingdom holding Irie back between the two kingdoms. Meanwhile with the boys turning eighteen and Maricel fourteen, Zaila knew she needed to figure something out. "Mother the king wanted me to meet the Prince's for dinner tonight," Maricel said as Zaila fixed her hair. "Tell me dear, do you find affection in either of them?" She asked as Maricel looked down. I haven't really spent time with them to consider that but the king said I should be able to choose who the strongest is as my husband" She said as Zaila chuckled. "You will choose the one that lives. That is all," Zaila replied. "Lives? Is one of them ill?" Maricel asked. "No, but they must prove it they are worthy of you like they made you and your sister prove it," She said.

"Prove it how?" Maricel asked. "Don't worry darling, I'll take care of that," Zaila said smiling, making her way to King Farris chambers. "Zaila, do you have the results I requested?" Farris asked. "No, I actually got rid of them. You know... Your sons, they were tied in all their tests. The only way we can decide would be a test of strength in our public's view. "I have overheard some doubt that your sons would be even capable of holding their own." She said as Farris got up.

"What nonsense. Why would they even doubt it?" he said. "They say Imara has never proven herself nearly as strong as you to be considered a Queen and that Prince Noir is maybe being favorite because of his closer appearance to his mother." She added. "You said for many years Noir is the strongest." Farris said. "I did and I thought about it too, but I began to question whether I was looking at things through bias. That's why I suggest your kingdom to bear witness of their strength though Prince Noir winning and his appearance to the Queen would make you seem genetically inferior with your looks so close to Prince Nuri..." She said,

"The boys are twins." He growled. "Yes as dragons but as humans they couldn't be any different." Zaila shrugged. "So you suggest I have them fight?" He asked. "Is that not what you did to get your crown? You would be letting them win their position as king fair and square" She said as he smiled. "Of course you're right," He said as Zaila smiled, stepping out.

They announced to the kingdom of the fight. The two boys began to train even more the day finally arrived when the kingdom gathered in the arena. "Lady Zaila, I promise I will win and protect Maricel," Prince Nuri said walking up to her. "I'm counting on it, Prince Nuri. You are her favorite," She said, handing him Maricel's brooch. "What is this?" He asked. "She sent it to you as a good luck charm for you," Zaila said as he smiled, holding it tightly. "You really think I can win?" He asked. "Of course you just gotta give it your all and don't hold back no matter what," Zaila answered, patting his back as he went into his room to wait for the match to start smiling at the brooch. She went to check on Prince Noir.

"What did you tell father?" Noir asked, turning to her. "I don't understand where you're going with this," She said. "He's been treating me coldly these past few days and now this?" He said as Zaila sighed. "You know your father. He simply can't handle that you are more like your mother than him. He doesn't want you to win, no rather he doesn't think you are capable." She answered. "You tested Nuri and I, shouldn't that have been enough?" He asked.

"He burned them out of my hand. He saw your scores overpowering Nuri and didn't believe that you would be strong enough to do it. He thinks I forged the numbers," She answered as he furrowed his brow. "Why would he think you would do that for me?" He asked. "Because, I've always told him you are the king this place needs." She said, "Does Zuri think I can be a good king?" He asked. "Zuri? You mean your brother Nuri?" She asked. "No, your daughter. Her name, the one you gave her its Zuri. Does she trust I can guide the kingdom?" He asked as she cleared her throat. "...Maricel, hope's that you will show everyone, not just the kingdom but your father that you are strong enough to lead." She said as Noir nodded. "I won't leave him with even a breath of doubt." He said as Zaila smiled. "Wonderful, I look forward to it." She replied.