The Dragon Prince

5. A Trip Through Hoshido

Reina: Here's the next part! Sorry that it took a while to update!

(F/C) means favorite color.

(S/F/C) means Second Favorite Color.

When you woke up the next day, you had no idea where you were.

Then it hit you - Hoshido.

You get out of bed and yawn. It was strange living in a castle now as an official alchemist and not being a maid. But it was a huge improvement in your opinion.

As you dressed in the clothing provided to you, someone knocked on the door. "Come in," you reply as you put on the (F/C) kimono and (S/F/C) obi.

Cora barged in with a smile on her face. "(Y/N)! Let's go out!"

"What about-" You begin, ready to suggest breakfast before she cuts you off by grabbing your wrist. She dashes out your room and out of the castle, dragging you behind her.

"Cora! Slow down!" You yell.

"No can do!" She replied.

After a while, you reach a town with people bustling about. The two of you stare in amazement at your surroundings.

"This is different from Anna's town," you whisper.

"Who's Anna?" Cora asked.

"She sells stuff."

"Neat."

Cora walked to the market and you followed her. She stopped at a stand and handed you some food.

"To make up for earlier."

"Thank you."

The two of you walk to the town square and sit at the fountain. The two of you begin to eat.

"This food is delicious! It's better than synthetic blood!" Cora exclaimed.

"Not so loud," you warn. "Vampires are not well received in Hoshido."

"Oh. Right...." She muttered sadly.

"Hey, everything will be fine," you smile. Despite being in Hoshido, Cora still missed the Nohrians. You, on the other hand, didn't.

No it won't, Lamia insisted.

Not now, you mentally hiss.

Cora looks up at you and smiles weakly. "You're right. Thank you."

You nod and look back at the market stalls, people watching. As you bit into your food, your eyes widened.

At one of market stands was a young woman. She was busy buying a hair clip and chatting with the owner.

"No way..." You whisper.

Echo? What's she doing here? Lamia asked.

Echo finished her purchase and waved goodbye to the owner as she put the hair clip away. She turned towards the fountain and finally notices you. You could only stare at her as she waved to you and winked.

"Who's that?" Cora asked.

"It's complicated," you reply without turning.

Echo noticed Cora and her smile disappeared. Her head leaned forward and bangs covering her eyes, she turned and walked away, eventually disappearing into the sea of people.

What was that about? You asked Lamia.

Hell if I know, Lamia replied. Echo's a bit strange.

You know her?

Not really. She occasionally visits me. Says she's on a mission, but she's super evasive about it. She can also be really cynical.

I wonder what she's up to...

You'll have to tail her to find out.

"..../N)...."

You blink and turn to Cora. "Oh. Hi!"

"You were staring off after looking at that woman."

"Oh..." You reply. After a second, you add, "Her name is Echo."

"Weird name."

"Yeah... I don't think that was her real name. She refused to offer it."

Cora nodded. "Maybe she's doesn't have one. Or she's hiding it."

"She could have amnesia," you add.

Or she could be ashamed about something, Lamia muttered. Or scared.

Eventually, the two of you finish eating and stand up. "Where to?" You ask.

"Maybe.... I don't know," she sighs.

A few seconds of silence pass. You look at the market stalls, only to hear Cora squeal. You jump and look at her. "What's wrong?"

She suddenly takes off. "Cora!" You yell as you tail her.

When you catch up to her, she tackles someone, making them lose their balance.

"Hi Cori!"

You smile at the confused prince. "Hello Prince Cori."

Cori looks at you and winks. "I'd prefer it if you called me Cori, (Y/N)-chan."

"O-Okay..." You reply. After a moment, you ask, "What are you doing here?"

"Ju-Just walking."

Liar, Lamia muttered.

Before you could ask Lamia how she knew that, Cora turned to you. "Hey, (Y/N)! Can Cori walk with us?"

"Sure."

"Yay!"

Cori smiled at you. "Alright then."

Suddenly, Kaze appeared. You jump, and Cori sighs. "Hello Kaze."

"Queen Mikoto requests the three of you to return to the castle. We are preparing for the ceremony."

"Ceremony?"

Kaze turned to you. "To welcome Cora's return and to induct you into the court, of course."

"What?"

Cori laughed at your expression. "We have to celebrate our se- OW!" He yelled as Cora smacked him in the head.

"Don't be rude," she admonished.

"I wasn't," he protested. He sighed then looked at Kaze. "Lead the way."

Kaze nodded and walked off. As the three of you followed, you can hear Lamia sigh.

That prince.... He's rather interesting.

So? He's nice and sweet.

Nice doesn't always mean that he's a good person, Lamia warned. Be wary, (Y/N).

Reina: For readers who have read Leora's story in The Vampire's Servant, they'll understand Lamia's actions a bit. She's still really bitter.

So.... Any guesses on what Cori was going to say?

Five votes for more!