Drakon

the dragons

{📜t e r r i s h u n t e r📜}

I hiked up the stairs to the top of the palace where the dragons were kept. I grumbled to myself, groaning as I watched the steps wind up and up and up and up... "Why couldn't they have kept the dragons on a lower level? I know they fly and all, but seriously?" I continued to grumble, pulling up my robes and tunic as I continued to walk up. "I'm a freaking scholar, not a dragon rider, although I am handy with my batons."

I gripped the railing, preparing myself for one last burst, and sighed. "Here goes nothing." I ran up the stairs, skipping two steps at a time, and smiled slightly when I finally reached sunlight. "Agh! Bright!" I groaned, squinting and looking away from the light.

"Miss Hunter. I'm glad you managed to make it." The weathered King stood before me.

"Not that you made it easy." I muttered bitterly, before my face became a mask of respect. "I meant, of course, your Majesty. Your word is my command."

"You really are like your father, Teresa. I assume you are ready to calm my son down? He has brought this girl to the palace. She has black messy hair and dresses like- ugh." He made a face and fluttered a hand to show his point. "Anyways, Alistair and his new friend are along there. Make haste, Miss Hunter. He's waiting, and he's never been very patient."

"Of course, your Majesty." I hurried along, before stumbling into a dark haired figure clothed in all black. I narrowed my eyes, scrutinizing the newcomer. She seemed familiar, like an urban legend, like- oh my god. Prince Alistair had to be kidding. "The Shadow Queen herself. I guess it's a privilege to meet the thief they can never catch."

Her hands snuck to something- probably her blade- hidden behind her back, and she crouched down, hissing as her street instincts took over. "How did you know?"

"Except for the fact you look like a bunny rabbit I tossed into a lake?" I scoffed. "It's obvious. I'm a scholar, I see things. Also, I won't hurt you. The only one I'm tempted to pummel is miss pretty in pink, Lady Celeste. I swear I was about to shove my scrolls up that tiny nose of hers when she bossed me around in the library. My name's Teresa Hunter. Call me Terris."

The girl grinned a sly smile. "Kitana Drake. Kia to you. You seem better than the rest of these palace folks."

"You mean I'm grouchy and realistic unlike all these pompous bastards?" I asked. "Yeah, I get that a lot. Apparently my father is the same.  I wouldn't know.  He doesn't spend much time caring for his daughter.  And guess what? I got elected to look out for the great old prince himself. Absolutely. Wonderful."

Kia grinned.  "Do you know the princeling tricked me to get me here? He didn't tell me he was the Prince, he used his middle name."

"Sounds like Royalty to me." I said, rubbing my eyes. "Let's go see the dragons shall we? I know I'm a grouch and all, but I mean, it's dragons. I'll let myself be interested for once."

I walked along the path, before nearly bumping into a tall figure. "Watch where you're- oh great. The man of the hour has arrived. Hello, your Highness. Going to bring us to the dragons?"

Alistair raised an eyebrow. "Erm, who are you?"

"Apparently, I'm your new babysitter." I drawled, fingers curled around my scroll. "Overprotective daddy wants someone near your age to join the dragon riders to keep itty bitty baby princey safe."