The Dragon Prince

Chapter 3

Captain Billy Tanken

Emberhelm, Vrinian

"Morning, Captain." One of my soldiers pasted by, and I sent him a polite nod as he continued on to his patrol. No matter how many times people said the words it still felt strange to be a Captain. I owed it to Zircon. I owe everything to Zircon. The brother I never had. The friend I can trust. Some of the things I have done in my past were in my eyes unforgivable, but he always forgave me, every time, no matter what it was. Even for taking Marnie all those years ago on Rowley's orders. I thought Zircon would have skinned me alive, but he didn't.

I leaned against the pillar. It had to be anytime now. I was nervous. I am always nervous this time of day, every day. I glanced down at my boots, kicking a small pebble, and then returning to my searching glances. There. I spotted her as she rounded the corner of the town square. Lady Grace always sent her out for a fresh bouquet of flowers, every morning, and here she was. I stood straighter, adjusting my uniform, and began my walk across the square, discretely. No one knew how I felt about her, but all they had to do was just glance my way, and it would be plain as day. I could never stop thinking of her. I could never stop staring. She is beautiful, perfection itself. She never thought so, I could tell. She was ashamed of her past, everyone knew it. It is why she cut her hair, setting her apart, and making her feel different than what she used to. Her blonde hair, which had once been straight as a stalk of wheat, was now holding large curls. She had it pinned back out of her face, even though the wind was not as strong today. She smiled to the seller, as she passed him the necessary coins for the bouquet. Her smile was bright, as were her eyes, which held the color of the sky on a clear day.

I sucked in a quick breath, catching the scent of her perfume as it stood apart from the flowers scent, and forced myself to glance away from her. I pretended to not look where I was going and barely bump into her shoulder. I whirled around, faking a surprise guilt. "I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going."

"It is alright. I am fine." She sent me a smile, as her eyes looked up at me. "We meet again, Captain." Was she happy to see me?

"Indeed, Miss Castian." I returned the smile.

She turned and collected the flowers from the seller then looked back at me. "You can call me by my name."

"Only if you call me by mine." I returned.

"Fair enough." She gave a soft laugh, causing my heart to skip a beat. "Billy." She added.

She made me want to fly, to soar above the castle and yell her name as loud as I could. What I wouldn't give to have her be mine. "Clarissa." I smiled again.

"It is a beautiful day." She glanced up at the sky, closing her eyes for a second, soaking in the sun, before looking back at me, but I didn't look away from her.

"It certainly is." I agreed. She caught me looking at her, and she glanced away for a second but I caught her cheeks reddening. Had I caused her to react so?

After a few quiet seconds she looked back up at me. "I should be getting back. Lady Grace will want these." She gestured to the flowers. "And Lady Adelina will need me to post her daily letter to the Prince."

"Of course." I said, my heart sinking slightly. Of course she was busy. She was always busy, which was why this was the only time I could see her. It never mattered how long it lasted, or what we said, or how horrible I feel when I am not near her, or how sweaty and anxious I am when I am near her, it was all worth it.

She started walking away, but as I watched her go, she turned back, her hair bouncing slightly. "I was going to ask..." She hesitated, but then shook her head as if she changed her mind.