Descendants of the Dragons

Military Camp

The first rays of dawn crept through the small window of Kael's chambers, illuminating the room in a soft, golden light. Mei Lin stirred awake, her body sore from the previous night's intensity. She blinked, her eyes adjusting to the morning light, and slowly became aware of her surroundings. The fur cloak Kael had thrown over her lay across her bare chest, providing a bit of warmth against the morning chill. She could hear the soft rustling of fabric and the heavy footsteps of Kael moving about the room.

Mei Lin slowly sat up, feeling a twinge of pain in her back. She glanced over at Kael, who was in the process of putting on his pants. He noticed her gaze and turned towards her, his expression softening.

"You can sleep more," he said, his voice low and calm.

"I'm fine... Are you going back to the Military Camp?" Mei Lin asked, her voice still thick with sleep.

"Yes," Kael replied, fastening his belt. "And you're coming too."

Mei Lin's eyes widened in surprise. "With you?"

"Of course. After yesterday's incident, I think it's best you stay by my side."

A protest formed on Mei Lin's lips, but she hesitated. "But there are so many things yet to be done at the castle," she argued, her mind racing with the responsibilities she had yet to fulfil.

Kael's expression remained firm. "Well, you have two hours before we head to camp," he said, his tone brooking no argument.

Realizing that she wouldn't be able to change his mind, Mei Lin decided to make the most of the time she had. She gathered the fur cloak around her and stood, her thoughts already shifting to the tasks that needed to be addressed. "I'll need funds to run and manage the castle while I'm away," she stated, her voice steady as she met Kael's gaze.

Kael paused for a moment, considering her request. Then, without a word, he reached into a drawer and pulled out a small, ornate key. He handed it to her with a serious expression. "You are in charge now, my wife," he said, his voice filled with a mix of authority and trust.

Mei Lin's breath caught in her throat. The weight of his words, combined with the term "my wife," sent a thrill through her that she wasn't entirely prepared for. Her eyes widened in surprise as she accepted the key. "Do you know what you're saying?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kael gave her a rare, genuine smile. "Of course, I'm well aware. Now go, we really need to leave on time."

With that, Mei Lin set to work, her mind racing with the responsibilities she now bore. She gave clear instructions to the servants, ensuring that the castle would continue to function smoothly in her absence. She allocated funds for farming and livestock, making sure that the crops would be planted and the animals cared for. She handed out coins to the servants for basic necessities, her heart swelling with a sense of pride and purpose.

By the time the two hours had passed, Mei Lin had done all she could to prepare for her departure. As she made her way back to Kael, the weight of the key in her pocket served as a constant reminder of the trust he had placed in her. She was determined not to let him down.

Kael was waiting for her outside, Kee, the dragon, was already prepared for the flight. The massive creature greeted Mei Lin with a low, rumbling purr, its eyes gleaming with affection. Mei Lin couldn't help but smile as she approached, reaching out to stroke Kee's smooth, warm scales.

"Are you ready?" Kael asked, extending a hand to help her onto Kee's back.

Mei Lin nodded, accepting his hand and allowing him to pull her up. As they settled onto Kee's back, Kael's arm wrapped securely around her waist, Mei Lin couldn't help but marvel at the vastness of the landscape below as they took off into the sky. The wind whipped through her hair, and she felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration that only came from flying.