The Royals of Silvercrest

27

Lady Giselle's POV:

I stand inside the halls waiting.

I had been given a position as one of Queen Celeste's ladies.

It was not common knowledge in the castle that I was the mistress to the King. In truth I did not know if I still held this position. In the few months before he was betrothed, I was called to his chambers. At first, for company, as court was held to strict curfew in the beginning. After he was wedded, I was called upon a few times to please him, then, nothing.

Not one word.

She did not have a comment on the matter and did not treat me unkindly but it was clear my presence was not desired, at least by her loyal ladies. I understand this to some extent. I am an outsider, they have been friends since birth. However neither being the mistress of the King nor being his new wife's lady was a choice I myself had made. The castle is amaze with activity and people from nobles to staff. Out in the courtyard, swords clash as the young squires practice their sword fighting. I hear the sounds of footsteps marching and turn in the other direction.

"Her Majesty, the Queen!" An announcer calls out

I curtsy deeply as do the other ladies in the hall.

"Lady Giselle." Queen Celeste greets

"My Queen," I respond.

"His Majesty has invited me to join him for a ride on dragonback. Please have a bath drawn upon my return as well as my evening gown."

I nod, staring downward in respect.

She turns and continues on down her way.

I head for her chambers.

Queen Celeste's POV:

Making my way to the outer courtyard, I go to where King Shane stands, his dark red dragon towering above him like a giant. I stop in my stride when he turns his scaly head towards me, blood red eyes locked upon the threat to his master. I admire his dark red scales, allowing King Shane to make his way to me. He grins, his green eyes lighting up with joy at seeing me.

"My dear, are you well?"

"Indeed, Your Majesty."

"What do you make of him?" He asks head turning to look at the large dragon

Xythos lets out a huff, releasing steam into the air.

"He is magnificent."

Taking my hand in his, King Shane and I make our way to the saddle, hunkering down as King Shane commands Xythos into the sky. My hair blows behind me, the misty warm air blowing against my face. Xythos flaps his wings, letting out a loud shriek of joy, flying higher. He tilts slightly to the left, my body shifting as well. I wrap my arms tighter around Shane, whooping with joy. This is by far the coolest thing I'd ever done. No one in my own kingdom owns a dragon. The most exciting activity I'd participated in in my life was riding horses. My parents had been paranoid after losing every babe before me. My mother lost a handful before her labors and a few in the cradle. A devastating blow to themselves and each other.

When I came to be, I was kept away from the world, learning everything from books. I'd grown up with a fleet of guards keeping stride with mine and being deep in the woods, only coming to court for public celebrations. My ladies had grown up alongside me, daughters of the most powerful and rich nobles. They along with my parents were my only company for years.

I hold up a hand, shielding my eyes from the sun as I take in the view of rolling hills and snow capped mountains.

"Husband, I have a request."

"Do tell."

"Could we fly out to the Wild Lands?"

I feel him tense up.

"No. Do not ask such a thing again."

The Wild Lands are where the untamed dragons live in their natural state. Over the years I heard whispers of dragons that lived there. Dragons with fire that burned so hot it turned forest to ash in moments. Others with sharp spikes for tails or venomous mist. Dragons larger and deadlier than any the human eye had ever witnessed in history.

I sulk at his rejection, knowing I could never be able to visit without him.

Any who had gone there never returned.

Still, perhaps if we kept at a distance...

I sigh, staring out at the wilderness, wishing for more.