Out of all the bad things in the world that could've happened, this was definitely the worst.
This wasn't even on the list of things Soot had to prepare for.
He thought he would've avoided it for at least a few more years.
But here he was, the new General of the Guard, in replacement of his father.
Did that also mean he was going to be the Royal Advisor?
That would be strange. A fresh adult SkyWing as a Royal Advisor.
And yet he was the General of the Guard, and he was only 7.
Soot looked down at the dragons before him. It seemed as if the entire kingdom was here. That terrified him. They would all see him be coronated into his new positions.
They would watch as a fresh adult moved up in the ranks, all because his father died.
Soot heard a thud behind him. He turned around and saw a tall velvet-red SkyWing. She had piercing golden eyes, with ruby embedments, golden horn rings, and a large golden crown studded with rubies. She wore a long dark pink cloak that matched the flecks of dark pink she had in her scales. She wore many gold and ruby necklaces, as well as bracelets and rings. Her claws were painted a dark pink.
Soot bowed to the SkyWing. She smiled. "You may rise, Soot." Soot did so.
"It's a shame about y'er father, ain't it?"
Soot nodded silently.
"Well, I have you. Come along, young one." The SkyWing walked to the front of the pavilion, and Soot followed. She smiled to Soot and spread her wide wings. "Greetings, citizens of the Sky Kingdom!"
The crowd cheered loudly, chanting the Queen's name. "Skyblaze" rang throughout the arena.
The Queen smiled, then folded her wings in, and the crowd went silent. "I'm sure you have all heard of the unfortunate passing of our beloved General and Royal Advisor, Hawk."
The crowd made a sad awe, as if in agreement.
Soot lowed his head and frowned.
"Well, not to fret," Skyblaze continued. "Today is the coronation of Hawk's son, who will be taking his positions. Ladies and gentlefolks, let me introduce you to y'er new General and Royal Advisor, Soot!" Skyblaze wrapped a wing around Soot and pushed him into the spotlight. The crowd cheered loudly and chanted his name.
Soot smiled. He could get used to this.
But it still felt wrong.
...
Soot opened the door slightly, peering in. "Y'er majesty? You called for my assistance?" He walked into the room, looking around. It was a large bedroom, which held a large mattress with expensive cloths, a desk with a mirror, a large Chest, and many portraits of Queen Skyblaze.
Soot then heard the door close behind him. He jumped back, seeing Skyblaze behind it. Her eyes were running with a strange black liquid, which Soot had learned from his mother was called "Mascara." There was also a strange burn on her neck, which seemed to be rotting her scales away. "Tell me, Soot, do I still look beautiful?"
Soot could only sit in utter shock and terror. "Wh-what happened, y'er majesty? Do I need to get a medic?"
"Oh, yes," she hissed. "Get the animus. He's training to be a medic."
Animus? Soot thought. Since when do SkyWings have animus dragons?
"What do you mean?"
"He'll make me beautiful again."
"What do you mean?"
"Just go get him!" she demanded.
Soot nodded and ran out.
...
There were countless other stories that Soot could tell of Skyblaze. Her frequent beatings, her weird intimacy with Soot, her lack of responsibility for her queenly duties. Soot had remembered many incidents of these core things he didn't like about her.
...
"Oh my stars," Comet remarked. "Soot, I'm so sorry about all that."
"It's fine." Soot wiped a tear.
"Wait a minute," Cinder interrupted. "There's an animus SkyWin'?"
Soot turned to Eagle, who nodded. "I think it's time I tell you all my story."
YOU ARE READING
Cinder: In No Way, a Hero || Book 3
General Fiction|| BOOK 3 || Cinder and Angel reunited, but where are the others? Has IR returned? Has Skyblaze gotten to them? Were they even alive? Cinder was willing to find any way to know, which leads to an unexpected alliance, disturbing secrets finally shar...
