The Royals of Silvercrest

21

The kingdom of Silvercrest has been rocked by the death of not just one but two of their Queens. For under their reign, the kingdom prospered. They made it their second most duty to provide to the people, the King first of course. Gardens were grown to aid in food production. Groups of laborers were sent out to gather more wood to restructure any buildings in need of repair. In the time that passed between Queen Ida's death and Queen Leia's, the people had seen a drastic change in their King. Queen Ida had a dragon rider's funeral, set aflame, her embers mixing with the sky. Queen Leia was buried in the forest as was her desire.

The once happy and thriving King who'd spent many a night celebrating and feasting with his people rarely showed his face. All duties were handled in private or by his Lords or knights. Black flags hung upon the castle, signifying the passing. In short time the town would know that neither the Queen nor babe lived. Soon the whole kingdom would know, then the other neighboring kingdoms. Rumors swirled that the King may be ill. Some perhaps wondered to themselves if he had himself died.

Then one day, he returned to court.

But nothing would ever be the same again.

King Shane's POV:

I enter the meeting hall where the council awaits.

"As to why have I been summoned?" I question

The lords look at one another, nervous.

"The first to spout the suggestion of marriage will have his tongue ripped from his throat. Now, out with it. If it is so urgent, make haste. Speak."

"Hayton Castle has burned to the ground. Hundreds have fallen thus far."

" What of the residence inside? A dragon attack?"

"All lost. It appears so, Your Grace. It is all ash."

The door to the chambers opens and Lord Julian stands there, bowing quickly before making his way over.

"Your Majesty, I come with urgent news from Castle Boltan. Prince Adam has been captured by the Prince of Astuga."

I let out an angered roar, launching my cup down into the marble floor.

My wife and child, gone.

Now my youngest brother is captured by the kingdom we were meant to be allies with. I pace back and forth angrily, deciding the next steps.

"Gather the riders. It's time to bring a show of force."

I meet the riders at the gate of the dragon stalls.

"I have had you all gathered here as you are the highest form of protection and defense that we have. All of you are aware of the war that rages between our kingdom and the Kingdom of Augusta. Prince Andrew has been captured. Spies have already been sent to gather the location. We ride as soon as that information arrives." I tell them

It would take a few hours but as soon as I read the name of the castle, I cimb atop Xythos, making our way out into the sky. Riders soar on their own dragons, following beside as close as they can. We sneak through in the dead of night, surround the castle. They too had a few dragons but they were small and rather inexperienced in battle compared to ours. We fly closer, I stare out at the stone structure, staring down the main entrance.

"Young Prince, I, King Shane, Ruler of Silvercrest, command you to release Prince Adam!" I bellow loudly

A distant and muffled voice answers.

"Prince Andrew has taken my wife to bed! She is with child! His bastard child! He is to be held for treason!"

"Against a King whose command he does not follow? He is a citizen of my kingdom. You have no authority to judge him." I shout

The voice stuns me for a moment.

He sounds to be even younger than I.

Just a boy, fighting another boy.

Suddenly the door slams open.

Xythos lets out a loud I'd grumble causing the man who enters to freeze as he is now staring into the eyes of a dragon. The man walks back into the room, voice carrying as he shouts. I'd recognized him instantly.

King Evon.

Ruler of this kingdom.

"An action such as this could instigate war! What foolishness have you brought upon us? Their dragons circle the sky, ready to burn us and all our people to the ground for your foolishness!"

I hear as he demands the location of my brother.

I hear them argue in a language I do not know.

Then the King returns to see me.

"I deeply apologize on behalf of my house for the actions committed here today. Your brother is being transported out to the courtyard. I humbly request your forgiveness as does my son."

I order the rider to my left side to gather my brother.

He nods, leaving.

Once he returns, I see an exhausted and pale Adam, sitting behind him.

"You have our forgiveness. Should another action like this be taken, we will have no choice but to act in kind." I say coldly

I pull at the reigns and Xythos loops around, heading for home.