Ever since the invasion of my kingdom Wildspire and persecution of my people in neighboring kingdoms, I've since learned to never trust any ambassador claiming to benefit my people.
As an old balding sweaty man prostrated at my feet offering me and my people rest and protection from the invaders of Thundra I knew his true motives. To kick out my people from our land and take our dragon's rich lands which any crop could grow on year round. Any King or Emperor would be willing to sacrifice thousands to have the agricultural stability we have. The only problem being, they would kill the dragons that reside there and make the land that is so priceless a barren arid wasteland.
I crossed my legs in my throne as I looked down at this aging man. I smirked down at him, I knew what a shit bargain this was, "I'd be willing to lower trading taxes on your kingdom if you simply provide us with a few hundred men. There's really no need to surrender this warfront to you. We have this all under control, but a few more men couldn't hurt. However I am not willing to hand over my rightful land just yet."
The man gritted his teeth in frustration or anger, I couldn't tell and I didn't really care. "But your majesty, we are offering to completely take this war out of your hands, and we'd still provide your people a safe place to live. How is this deal not benefiting you? Why would you want to continue to fight a losing war with Thundra?"
I tsked at the man, "That land was gifted to my ancestorial line by the Gods before any of you foreigners came to this continent. We have cared for all the magical and mystical beings that have resided here side by side with our people for centuries, as long as this continent has been on this Earth we have been here to take care of it alongside our dragons. Now, kind sir, what makes you think I would give it up to you and your kingdom?"
Just as the man lifted his head to meet my gaze he was met with the piercing gaze of my second in command, the green eyed crow seated above my throne flew straight at the man's face letting out a terrifying screech. The man squealed similarly to a pig. Just before the crow's sharp beak plucked out the eyes of the ambassador he transformed into a tall man, with dark skin, equally dark hair, and vivid green eyes. He was dressed in the tight fitting black uniform of my personal guard. He looked down at the man, who was now covering his head muttering prayers and condolences for his insolence.
I scoffed, "Tell your king, I am not interested in his offer, but to consider mine instead." I called out to my right hand, "Noah, please escort this man to his chamber, and have his letter delivered as soon as possible."
He kneeled to me head bowed, the ambassador copied his movements, "As you with your Majesty." He then proceeded to stand and escorted the ambassador out of my throne room.
I sighed, tired from all these offers of surrendering this war to other countries and leaving them with our land. On top of the neighboring countries persecuting and murdering my people, it has also come to my attention that our impending warfront against Thundra will ultimately end in more losses for us than previously thought. While we are the Dragon Natives, and have dragon riders, my spies have recently reported a possible Hound army.
Hounds have not been seen in centuries, and our people have always respected them, but we've never tried to tame them as we have the dragons, the dragons were promised to us by the gods, the Hounds were there to ensure balance between the apex predators. There must be more than one ruler in the world, and the Hounds are there to create that balance.
I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on, hopefully Noah doesn't bring me any more offers tonight. I sighed again, suddenly feeling her absence in my life once more. I remembered tonight was going to be a full moon, the nights where dragons perform their mating rituals and dance in the sky side by side, dancing and performing ariel displays. She loved watching the dragon's dance among the night sky and stars. If only I could see her ice blue eyes sparkling brighter than the stars above us, one more time.
