Dragon Blossom

Siblings

Eri had been disconsolate, but Queen Eyren was much worse, she was indifferent. She looked at people without speaking to them if she could, she used the most basic courtesies to excuse herself and, of course, she did not participate in the meetings.

Runaesthera, princess of Artemia, had brought her family to Meyrin a couple of weeks ago at the request of King Bestolf, who intended to use Eri as part of his plan to disinherit his son, a spoiled brat named Bestenar; but of course Runa was very careful not to call him that, she considered the feelings of his mother, who had already lost her daughter and had enough with Eri reminding her of her for no one to vilify her son, no matter how much damage he had done. If only Frey wouldn't forget so often that the queen was in the room.

That day Runa had once again gone to the throne room to discuss alternatives to King Bestolf's succession plan. She found it abhorrent to participate in such a matter as a representative of another kingdom, but it was inevitable given the king's insistence on including Eri. Runa would have to be firm, she would not accept any agreement that would put her on the throne directly, such a deal would turn the people against her, it would be seen as a diplomatic invasion of Artemia, that was the kind of thing that started wars, she had learned that from her father, King Alistor of Artemia.

Luckily for everyone, Prince Bestenar's rebellion had fallen before it began, most of the people of Meyrin thought the same as the king, that the prince had abandoned them in their worst moment. Barely a handful of soldiers had joined him and one of them ended up betraying him, handing him over to the royal guard and he was now a prisoner... in his rooms in the castle.

However, it turned out that although support for the prince was scarce, discontent with the king's plans had joined the voices of those who thought Eri was dangerous, and called the royal family of Artemia "dragon sympathizers", it was incredible how a thousand years of joint struggle were forgotten for a prejudiced and unfounded fear. Eri had spent the days following her altercation with the prince wearing her emerald pendant day and night without anyone asking her to. Lady Meracina was mortified that she didn't want to take her flying lessons. Luckily the blood on her nails had been the result of clenching her own hands in anger. The dragoness's devotion to her mistress seemed to intensify as the days passed.

That day they were not going to get anywhere either, the king was stubborn, the queen did not say anything, although today at least she had attended, the counselors were learned and intelligent men, but also slaves to law and tradition.

"I fear, your majesties," said Rimpidon, the oldest counselor, "that we find ourselves in a no-win situation. Perhaps if the king were willing to appoint a seneschal from among the candidates for regent that he has already proposed..."

"No!" The king sounded even more energetic than the previous five times he had rejected that proposal. "I am willing to appoint a guardian if my heir is young, but a seneschal could secure his own dynasty, besides I still don't understand why..."

Runa stood up, her princess pose in all its splendor, "we will not allow you to name Eri your heir, King Bestolf, you have to accept it, she is not Erina, you cannot recover your daughter through mine." Frey stood up too, he didn't say anything, he was showing her that he supported her words, although he gave her a reproachful look.

The king seemed red as a pumpkin for a moment, after which he let out a long sigh. He looked down and his eyebrows fell heavy over his eyes that already showed the shadow of lack of rest.

"You are right, Princess Runaesthera, I think I am not thinking straight." He approached his wife, who looked at him and took his hand, still with her distant expression, "maybe all this is my fault..."