A Pet for the Dragons

113.

IVRET

"Ah, is that who I think you are?" The old dragon lady greeted me when I was let into her garden. I approached her with a careful smile, aware of all the guards and prying eyes hidden in the bushes surrounding us.

"It's your old disciple, Ceikalyn. I've returned," I told her, sitting beside her. The old dragon lady stared at my face long and hard. Her eyes had gotten hazy due to old age. Seeing her like this troubled me a bit. She was in far better health before I left this place for good.

I wondered how she had deteriorated so much so quickly.

"Ivret... yes, I remember that voice." She said, reminiscing. Her voice was hoarser than before. "I remember you left for good. What are you doing here now?" It relieved me to know that she still remembered me.

"The Empress summoned me," I told her, and she sighed deeply.

"Of course," She said, "It makes sense. When did you arrive here?"

"A couple of days ago," I told her.

"Shame you didn't visit me the first thing. I've missed you so terribly. You were my last disciple... my last..." She didn't complete the rest of the sentence, making my heart ache even more.

"I wish I could take you with me when I left," I told her, "I felt so guilty leaving you here,"

She laughed at my words.

"You shouldn't feel guilty. I'm here because of my wickedness. But I'm glad to see you again. So glad... I've nothing to look forward to these days," She sighed deeply, making me feel guiltier. But it was a situation where I couldn't do much. She was a Royal prisoner and wasn't supposed to leave the palace as long as she was alive.

"I'll try to see you daily, but they've upped the number of guards and the protocols to meet you." The old lady chuckled at my words.

"That's my fault. I got bored one day and killed a couple of them. It's alright... as I said before, I'm here because of my wickedness, but enough about me. How have you been, Ivret? What did you do all these years?" She asked with so much hope in her eyes, and it made me feel worse because I knew I would disappoint her with my answers.

"I went to the Arctic with my group. Things are very different there," I told her. "And..." I swallowed. I need to tell her about Arika quickly. She was one of the reasons I was here, after all. "And I've taken a human bond with my group,"

Ceikalyn gasped at my words, but instead of disappointed, she looked intrigued.

"Is that so? I'm happy for you, Ivret. I wish to live long enough to see your younglings." She said excitedly, but it only made me anxious.

"I'm glad you approve of my bond," I said. "But I need your help. She has caught Mavie's eyes." I told her, and she laughed.

"What do you wish me to do? Take her eyes out?" She asked humorously, but I knew that she meant what she said.

"No... I'm curious why Mavie summoned me and the others long with my bond. I thought I was done with her for good," I told Ceikalyn, but she only laughed at my words as if I was the biggest fool. It reminded me again of when I was under her training.

"Mavie... and done with you? I thought you were wiser," Ceikalyn smirked.

"I don't understand. What does she want from me? I have taken a bond now and—"

"And?" She questioned.

"And she cannot do anything about it," I told her fiercely. "I'm not going to leave my bond for her if that's what she's planning for," Ceikalyn burst out laughing at my words. She continued to laugh at me while I sat beside her, clueless as ever.

"I don't get it. I've given up my titles. I don't hold the Lordship over—"

"She's after the magic you carry in your blood. Not your title or you," Ceikalyn cut sharply. Her tone was grave and crisp this time. She almost sounded offended.

"I cannot believe you haven't caught onto it yet," Ceikalyn said. "Mavie only cares about uniting the five ancient bloodlines under the throne. She has already united four of them through alliances and bonds. You're the only one remaining. If you pay attention to her younglings, you'll find she has only borne children from the dragons belonging to the ancient bloodlines."

Her words hit me like a punch straight to the gut. It was such a blatant fact, yet I'd never paid attention to it. I couldn't believe I was so careless and clueless in my observations.

"She wants my youngling?" I asked.

"It could be one of her ways," Ceikalyn nodded, "But it's not guaranteed. She will do anything to unite the ancient bloodlines, but it's not as easy as she seems. Trouble is brewing for her, especially for her princes. The four princes don't get along. Two couldn't care less about the throne, while the other two would go to war for it and slay each other if they could.

The oldest is too prideful, the second is tarnished, the third is the manifestation of greed, and the fourth is dying. Can't you see? Mavie is in deep trouble, but this is only a minuscule amount. There are nobles who are already pitting the first and thirdborn against each other. Their fathers are stroking the flames blatantly to have their son sit on the throne. Everything is on the verge of falling apart for Mavie. She's somehow keeping it all afloat,"

It took me a few moments to take in everything Ceikalyn told me. It was a lot.

"I was not aware of such things... I left when the princes were younglings, and one wasn't even born," I told her.

"I know," Ceikalyn sighed. "This kingdom will enter the most turbulent period once Mavie steps down from the throne. Ah, yes... there's another thing. A war is coming too,"

"War with whom?" I asked.

"Not many know of this, but Mavie has a sister. She was a bastard red dragon. She fought in Dacva and didn't return like most. She was almost considered dead until a few years ago when news of her mating with the Kings of the Banished surfaced. They say she has her vengeful eyes set on the Empress."

I was speechless this time. I'd grown up in the court with Mavie, but I was never aware of her bastard sister. Like most dragons, I always knew Mavie to be the sole daughter of the Emperor. This was a new revelation for me and too much to take in at the moment.

"Where does she need me in all of this?" It was the only question I could come up with. Ceikalyn sighed.

"That's what I wonder too. She's already having trouble with the existing ancient bloodlines. I'm not sure how she'll incorporate yours under her throne. But no matter the troubles, Mavie rules with an iron fist. I'm sure she has something planned, or she wouldn't be preparing for a grand celebration right now,"

"Do you think it'll be possible for me to leave again?" I asked. This question had been bothering me since the day I'd been summoned.

"No, I don't think so," Ceikalyn answered darkly. "I don't think you and your group will be able to leave for a long time," 

~

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