The Prince and His Dragon

🐲 2🌹

   "But father, why can't I play knights with Tanner?" Rose complained to King Drew as they stood across from one another in the empty throne room. Well, empty except for the two knights standing at the doors. Drew sighed.

   "It is unbecoming of a princess to play such boyish games," he stated. "You could've gotten your gown dirty, too. Those poor maids would've struggled to clean it." Rose pouted frustratedly. "Now, no pouting. You wouldn't want a bird to land on your lip, would you?"

   "No, father," she sighed as she sucked her lip back in.

   "Good. Now, I'm expecting a lady from a neighboring kingdom to arrive at any moment. I want you to get your hair brushed so you like nice."

   "A lady? Like, a new mom?" Rose asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

   "If I marry her, that is the plan," Drew stated with a shrug. "Now, go."

   "Yes, father!" The princess exclaimed before dashing out of the room and up the spiral staircase.

   As soon as she got into the bedroom, May was already there reading a book. She looked up at her younger sister and arched a brow

   "What's got you in such a rush?" She asked.

   "A lady is arriving at the castle soon!" Rose loudly said as she grabbed her brush.

   "A new lady? You mean, a lady-in-waiting?" May asked.

   "Father said she could be our new mom!" Rose giggled as she brushed her hair. May scoffed and looked back at her book.

   "Whatever," she huffed.

   "You don't want a new mom?"

   "No, I do not. Our mother was fine."

   "Well, I want another mom."

   "Good for you."

~~

   The lady-in-waiting was a widowed queen named Ella. She had long, dark hair and deep brown eyes. When Drew saw her, he was immediately enchanted by her beauty. He did a respectful bow for her, and she did a short curtsy.

   "It's a pleasure to meet you, your Highness," Ella politely said. Drew smiled.

   "And I am honored to meet you, your Majesty," he replied. May glared at the woman from her spot beside the king's throne. Rose was all smiles. Tanner was tugging at his suit's collar.

   "And these must be your children," Ella stated as she eyed the children. May narrowed her eyes in disgust.

   "Yes. My eldest daughter, May. The middle child, Rose. And my youngest son, Tanner."

   "Oh, how quaint," Ella giggled. She raised a brow when she saw May's glower. "Why are you angry?" She asked her.

   "Bad mood," was all May said. Ella hummed and shrugged. The rest of the introduction went as well as you'd imagine. Awkward, but well.

~~

   "I hate her," May bluntly said as she got into her pajamas behind a divider.

   "She smells weird," Tanner stated as he brushed his teeth in the attached bathroom.

   "I like her," Rose said as she bounced on the bed.

   "She's evil," May huffed.

   "Smells like it," Tanner agreed. Desiree approached the bedroom with blankets. She paused at the door to listen to the conversation.

   "You two are such jerks," Rose scoffed. Desiree gasped and opened the door.

   "Watch your language," Desiree snapped at the young princess. "That is unbecoming of a princess." Rose rolled her eyes.

   "It's true! They are calling Lady Ella evil!" Desiree looked over at May and Tanner and narrowed her eyes.

   "Is this true?" She asked them.

   "No," Tanner quickly said.

   "No," May said. Desiree looked back at Rose.

   "Lying is unbecoming of a princess," she said. "I shall alert your father at once."

   After the courtier left the room, May walked up to Rose and shoved her.

   "Snitch," she called her.