The Dragon Heir (BOOK#1)

CHAPTER 10

✨️Into the Realm of Serpents: A.          
                           Quest for Justice✨️🐉

*Melik pov*

I had spent weeks planning this invasion. It was my birthright, my destiny. Every sleepless night, every sacrifice, every whispered prayer had led to this moment. But a hand reached out, pulling my back from the precipice of war.

'Melike,' Tolga, my husband, his voice a soothing balm against the thrumming of my own ambition, 'you cannot go alone.'

I turned towards him, my heart a drum in my chest. Tolga, a warrior king with a silver mane that flowed like a river of moonlight, was a force to be reckoned with. But he was not a dragon rider, nor did he possess the innate affinity for magic that I did. His presence, while comforting, was a hindrance on this battlefield.

'My love,' I said, my voice firm but laced with concern, 'this is my fight. I must face the Serpent Kingdom alone. It is our destiny.'

'Melike,' Tolga said, his voice deep and resonant, 'You know I cannot let you go.'

'Tolga, we must strike while the Serpent King is vulnerable,' I argued, my voice laced with steel. 'He is unexperienced and still young, his defences aren't this good. We can save the Emerald Serpent Kingdom before he even knows we're coming.'

'And what about us?' Tolga countered, his eyes filled with concern. 'What of our kingdom? You know the Serpent King is cunning and ruthless. If he learns of your plan, he will retaliate.'

'I will be careful,' I insisted, but my voice lacked its usual conviction.

Tolga shook his head. 'No, Melike. I will not allow you to risk your life for a kingdom that is not ours. We have Tygaria, a strong and prosperous kingdom. We do not need the Emerald Serpent Kingdom. Stay here, with me.'

My heart sank. I had hoped for my husband support and his understanding. Instead, I was met with his unwavering concern and his refusal to let me go.

But Melike was not a woman to be deterred. She had tasted ambition, and its sweet poison was already coursing through her veins. She would conquer the Emerald Serpent Kingdom, even if it meant defying her husband.

So, I turned to a more daring strategy - a gamble that might just save Luke, even if it meant risking my own safety. I sent a messenger, my heart pounding, to the distant Aquilonia Kingdom. The Aquilonians, renowned for their skilled archers and fierce warriors, were sworn enemies of Delilah's. They were also a proud people, easily swayed by a powerful offer.

My proposal was simple: safe passage through her territories in exchange for helping her overthrow Emerald Serpent and restore Luke to the throne. I knew it was risky. If the Aquilonians refused, I had no other choice but to risk everything myself.

Days turned into weeks, the tension in the Crimson Mountain Palace growing thicker than the smoke from the dragon's fire pits. Finally, the messenger returned, my face beaming with triumph. The Aquilonians had accepted! The news was received with cheers and relief, except by Tolga.

"Melike," he said, his voice tight with worry, "you know this is madness, right? What if they betray you?"

"Then we have to fight them too, Tolga," I replied, my eyes reflecting the fiery determination in my heart. "But I believe they will be our allies. They are just as eager to see Delilah fall as we are."

The preparations for war began. Adler, Queen of Aquilonia roared in excitement, eager to taste the winds of battle. I trained with her warriors, her blade a blur in the late afternoon light, her movements fluid and deadly.