Descendants of the Dragons

The Next Chapter

When Mei Lin woke up the next morning, every muscle in her body ached, a lingering reminder of the intense night she had shared with Prince Kael. Blushing at the memory, she pulled the bedsheet up to cover her nakedness. The sensation of the cool silk against her skin did little to calm the flurry of thoughts racing through her mind. But as she looked around the large, opulent bedroom, she realized she was alone. Had the Kael left early?

She sat up, keeping the sheet wrapped tightly around her. Her only dress had been torn to shreds the night before, leaving her feeling vulnerable and exposed in the Prince's room. She had no idea what time it was or what she was supposed to do next.

Just then, a soft knock echoed from the door. It opened to reveal a servant and the Prince's physician.

"Good morning," the servant greeted her politely. "His Highness requested a new dress for you."

Mei Lin's eyes widened as the servant held out a beautiful new dress, this one in a soft shade of pink. "Thank you," she murmured, taking the dress. The colour was lovely, and she couldn't help but admire it.

But then, she remembered something. "Isn't this the colour...?"

"It is the colour worn by the Prince's concubines," the servant confirmed. "From now on, you'll be wearing this."

Mei Lin's heart skipped a beat. Everyone would now know she had slept with Prince Kael. The realization felt surreal, almost too sudden to process. 

Sensing her unease, the servant added, "Do not worry. It is not uncommon for Princes and Emperors to take servants as concubines. Your life may become a bit easier now that you wear this colour."

The physician then stepped forward, his tone professional. "I need to conduct a quick examination. His Highness has instructed me to ensure you're in good health."

Mei Lin nodded, still holding the dress to her chest. The physician asked her a few routine questions—her date of birth and when her last menstrual cycle began—before proceeding with a thorough check-up. As he examined her, he discreetly inserted a small herb pill deep inside her. Mei Lin felt a brief discomfort but didn't ask any questions, assuming it was part of the examination.

Unbeknownst to her, the pill had been specially crafted by the physician at His Highness's request. It was designed to prepare her womb for carrying the Prince's heir, warming her womb and nourishing her eggs to make them fertile and strong. The process was done in secret to avoid any potential sabotage. In the complicated world of royal politics, every move had to be carefully calculated, and this was no exception.

"Everything seems to be in order," the physician said, stepping back. "You may get dressed."

Mei Lin hadn't expected that having sex would leave her feeling so drained, and she noticed mild bruising on her arms where the Prince had held her too tightly. Still, her wrist, which had been injured earlier, wasn't as painful as before. She gingerly put on the pink dress, the fabric cool against her bruised skin. The dress fit perfectly, hugging her curves and accentuating her figure in a way that made her blush.

Just as she finished dressing, the door opened, and Prince Kael walked in. His dark eyes immediately found her, taking in the sight of her in the new dress.

"You're up," he said, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Let's eat."

The physician leaned in and whispered, "Your Highness, everything is prepared. She has just reached marriage age—an ideal time for conception. I have taken measures to warm her womb, and we can expect good news by next month."

Kael dismissed the physician with a nod before turning his full attention back to Mei Lin. He walked over to a large armchair, gesturing for her to join him. She hesitated momentarily before he grabbed her arm and gently pulled her onto his lap.

He picked up a slice of meat from the table and brought it to her lips. Mei Lin, still blushing from their intimacy, accepted the food hesitantly. Kael took the opportunity to steal a kiss, his lips brushing against hers as he fed her. The act made her heart flutter, a mixture of embarrassment and excitement bubbling within her.

"Eat," Kael urged, his voice soft but commanding. "We'll be leaving for home soon."

Mei Lin suddenly realized that the Festival had ended that morning, and the Princes were now free to return to their respective lands. Her mind raced with questions. What kind of place did Prince Kael live in? What would her life be like there?

As if sensing her thoughts, Kael brought a grape to her lips using his mouth. Mei Lin took it, trying not to think too much. The fresh fruit, cheese, and meat were all new to her, and she couldn't help but savour each bite.

Kael watched her eat, his gaze intense and unreadable. He was mostly silent, occasionally taking a bite of food himself, but his focus never left her. His arm was draped casually around her waist, holding her close. Every now and then, he would feed her another piece of food, his fingers brushing her lips in a way that made her shiver.

Suddenly, Kael took her chin between his fingers and pulled her in for another kiss just as she placed a grape in her mouth. This time, the kiss was deeper, more insistent. He played with her tongue, stealing the grape and swallowing it before she had a chance to react.

Mei Lin was so surprised by his playful gesture that she didn't even know how to respond. Kael kept her close, not letting her back away. His lips were relentless, the taste of sweet and sour meat lingering as he deepened the kiss. When he finally released her, Mei Lin leaned back, trying to catch her breath. Her head was spinning, a mix of confusion and desire clouding her thoughts.

"Eat more," Kael said, his tone softer now. "You need the strength and nutrients."

Mei Lin was still reeling from his sudden change in demeanour, but she obediently grabbed more food for them both. They finished breakfast with Kael occasionally stealing kisses and feeding her more delicacies.

After they had eaten their fill, Kael stood up and grabbed two fur coats, handing one to her. She accepted it gratefully, feeling the warmth of the fur as she draped it over her shoulders. They headed outside, where a crisp morning breeze greeted them.

As they walked through the palace gardens, a group of men approached them. One of them bowed deeply before speaking. "His Highness, King Aldric, the Imperial Dragon, sent us to remind Your Highness that your presence is requested in three months for the Spring Festival. He also sends his congratulations on your new concubine. Gifts will be sent to Your Highness's palace for the Lady."

Mei Lin's eyes widened in shock. They were talking about her. The King was sending gifts to celebrate her becoming Kael's concubine. The whole situation felt surreal, and she struggled to process it all. Kael simply nodded in acknowledgement and continued walking, ignoring the men as if their words were of little consequence.

Mei Lin followed closely behind him, her thoughts racing. She had no idea what to expect from her new life, but one thing was certain: everything had changed. She wasn't just a servant anymore. She was Prince Kael's concubine.

As they reached the end of the large, vined garden, Mei Lin's breath caught in her throat. A massive creature covered in shimmering blue scales was waiting for them, its eyes bright with excitement. It was Kee, and it was clear that they were going to fly.

Kael turned to her, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he saw the awe in her eyes. "Are you ready?" he asked, his voice low and filled with anticipation.Mei Lin nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She had no idea what the future held, however, she was ready to face whatever came next.