The Adventures of Rose Hood

Chapter 14: The Kings Remorse

King Dalis POV
"Your majesty, what should we do?"
This kingdom had made a grave error. We alienated 2 dragons who wanted to live in peace. I met with the 12 that came with us to fight the duo.
"Don't tell anyone of Rose's identity."
"But your majesty-"
"Deasal, listen, you fought the dragon before she became an adventurer. You are one of the 3 aces. She easily could've killed you and justified it when you attacked. Am I wrong in saying so?"
"No, Sir."
"Yet, she spared you with kindness, and that Royce would be willing to defy my orders to defend her. I doubt he'd do that for just anyone."
"I'd have to agree, Sir."
Jalad and I were of one mind on this.
"Jalad, you were close to Rose, correct?"
"Yes."
"You stated that you were right when she revealed herself, why?"
"During the fight with Saliad, I was remembering before the fight, when she said we wouldn't be saddened by her death, followed by saying we were rational for it. She fought on even ground with him, something that people said only an S rank or a dragon could do. Plus, her knowledge and the way she spoke differently than most catkin stuck out to me. Then when you factor in her surprising court etiquette it became a decent guess, I still thought it was ridiculous, but I couldn't put it out of my mind."
"You are a smart person; it makes sense that you'd put it together before we did."
"Also, I heard you mention she killed Galswell, what happened?"
"I, in a foolish move, told Galswell to exterminate the fire dragon. Before he could even react, his head was missing."
"I see."
Mammon spoke out,
"Is there a way to clear our relationship with her?"
Mammon only spoke clearly when he was serious, otherwise he went overboard in a dwarven accent.
"I think so."
"Dallel?"
"When I saw her, her glance was dark, but there wasn't any anger except when you mentioned Saliad and Galswell's deaths."
"Why wouldn't she be angry?"
"Perhaps because she understands why people are scared of dragons."
"That could be it."
"Even if she would be willing to forgive us, I doubt we could build a bridge with the fire dragon, we destroyed her nest and broke her eggs."
"Perhaps. We need to mend the bond with Rose. From the two interactions we've had relating to her siblings, we can determine dragons are defensive of family."
"Yes, that aura, when she heard her brother was killed, would've broken the arena if not for the barrier."
"Where would she have gone through?"
"Maybe back to her home village?"
"I doubt that."
Royce entered the room with a stern glare at all of us.
"What do you mean?"
"Rose is smart, she managed to hide her presence for years before it was discovered through a draconic contract."
"She is contracted?"
"She broke it off by request of her master."
"I see."
"Why wouldn't she head to her village though?"
"She thinks we will spread it."
"So, she thinks that even that village will be dangerous?"
"Yes, if I had a guess, based on direction and expression, she's heading to Calesen."
"The elven capital nation?"
"Yes, they hate our nation, so they certainly won't listen to any messengers, and they have a population of dragon cultists, so she may have rationalized that even if they did figure out her and Thalia's identity, they would still protect her."
"That... makes a lot of sense, especially given the rumors."
There were rumors that a dragon recently took dominion of the nation of Calesen, so if she was aware of the rumors, she may have gone there to meet a sibling.
"This could be bad."
"Could be? It is bad. We've managed to anger 2 dragons... and if the rumor is true, that's 3 dragons and an elven army with a blood vendetta."
Royce had a point.
"Well, we need to send someone she trusts to try to cool things down."
All of us looked at Royce.
"I was already planning on heading out, solo."
"You need defense."
"I can guard myself."
I nodded.
"Please be careful and tell both of them that I am sorry. I let fear drive me."
"I will."