4: Darken War

3: Thrain

Word had arrived from Queen Alexandria herself—she had agreed to meet with me here in Dourhold. Her letter was brief, formal, and unmistakably her own. She said she would depart immediately.

By my estimates, she would arrive in three days.

I looked up from her sealed message and turned to Theo, my advisor. "Any word on what she actually looks like?"

Theo, ever the cautious one, grimaced. "None, my lord. The stories... continue. They still say she's a monster. An eight-foot beast with wings and horns, who slays armies in a single breath. I fear what might happen when she arrives."

I sighed, rubbing a hand through my beard. "Why would she agree to a peaceful audience if she had ill intent?"

"Perhaps as a ruse," Theo suggested. "To catch us off guard."

"Perhaps," I muttered, but even I wasn't convinced. "I do hope the rumors are false."

"As do I," he said, then hesitated. "My lord... perhaps we should test her. Before she reaches the capital."

I looked at him sharply. "Test her? How?"

Theo leaned in, voice low. "We hire mercenaries. Unsavory types. Set an ambush near the border and observe her reaction. If she responds with violence, we know she's not to be trusted."

It felt dishonorable. Cowardly, even.

But I had a kingdom to protect.

"See it done," I ordered, and Theo gave a curt nod before leaving the chamber.

Alone again in my office, I sank into my chair, staring at the flickering hearth. I did not want trouble with another kingdom—especially not one so powerful. But I had to be sure. If she came here bearing destruction, I needed to know before it reached our gates.

By midday the next day, Theo returned, his face grim.

"I have a report, my lord."

I raised a brow. "Already?"

"The men I sent were waiting at the border." He looked hesitant. "They're dead."

I stood slowly, anger rising like smoke in my chest. "She murdered them?"

Theo nodded. "Without mercy. The scouts say she didn't even hesitate. Burned them down. Her companions too. It was a slaughter."

I clenched my jaw. "So the rumors are true."

"There's more," Theo said, swallowing hard. "They've already arrived."

"What?" I snapped. "They should still be two days out!"

"They left the carriages behind and rode hard. Their vanguard is already inside the city. They reached the castle before my scouts returned."

"How?" I growled, storming out of the office. "How did they get past our wards?"

"They didn't trip any of the perimeter alarms. It's like they flew here."

I didn't answer. My boots echoed through the stone corridors as I approached the great doors of the throne room. I paused only briefly before flinging them open.

They stood in the center of the room.

A strange group indeed—and unnervingly composed, as though they hadn't just traveled halfway across the realm. I could've sworn they looked clean, freshly pressed and polished. Magic? Trickery? Or perhaps something more... divine?

At first glance, my eyes were drawn to the dragon.

A tall woman with golden wings folded behind her like a royal banner. Golden horns curved along her head like crowns, framing her face. Her hair was jet black, gleaming like polished onyx, and her skin was the same rich shade of bronze as King Draus had once been. She wore an elegant black gown threaded with beads that shimmered like constellations. A silver chain-crown rested between her horns, amethyst gems dangling across her forehead. Her presence alone made the air heavier.