Greatness: Chapter 1

40 2 12
by Poison117
by Poison117
                                    
                                              A YEAR AFTER THE WAR OF SANDWING SUCCESSION
                          I was speaking to one of Queen Glory's guards.
                          "Can you please inform Queen Glory that I wish to request a private audience to discuss an important matter with her?" I asked Bromeliad.

                          She stared at me like I just spoke a different language. We stood there, in the middle of the NightWing village.
                          "Why do you want a private audience with the Queen?" Bromeliad demanded.
                          "I don't have to discuss my private matters with you."
                          "Yes, you do if you want a private audience with the queen."
                          Before I could respond, the rusting of wings sounded overhead as Queen Glory flew through the trees; Deathbringer in tow. The RainWing Queen's bright orange wings flared as she landed softly beside us.
                          "Is there a problem, Bromeliad?" Queen Glory asked.
                          "Yes, there is. This dragon requested a private audience with you, and she refuses to tell me why."
                          "Is that the problem?" she inquired. 
                          "Yes, Your Majesty," Bromeliad confirmed.
                          "Oh, it's completely alright, Bromeliad. Not every dragon must discuss their private matters with you before seeing me," Queen Glory stated.
                          The Queen cast her green-eyed gaze to me, silently urging me to speak. 
                          "If I may ask, Your Majesty, I would like to speak with you in a more private place." My eyes trailed to the curious stares of my fellow NightWings. 
                          Queen Glory's attention turned to the NightWings who were intently watching the exchange. She bobbed her head in understanding. The Queen beckoned me to follow her before spreading her wings and launching herself into the air. Taking a deep breath I, too, launched myself into the air. The Queen led us to the Royal Hut, where we landed on the wooden platform. Queen Glory turned to Bromeliad.
                          "Bromeliad, stay here and guard the door. We will only be a moment." 
                          Bromeliad glanced at me before nodding to her Queen. As Queen Glory led me inside, Deathbringer behind me, she took her place by the entrance to guard. The RainWing Queen settled herself upon a sitting mat made from the leaves and vines from the rainforest. She gestured to a mat across from her. The mats were decorated with beautifully vibrant, colorful flowers. 
                          When I plopped down on the mat adjacent to the regal dragon, Queen Glory finally addressed me.
                          "Well, what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Greatness?" Although Queen Glory's face held no emotion and her scales no shift, her voice sounded slightly curious.
                          I took a deep breath, worked up the courage, and said," I want to be Queen of the NightWings."
                          Both Queen Glory and Deathbringer stared at me as if I had gone mad. Perhaps I had. 
                          Queen Glory's face remained expressionless, and her scales remained the same. 
                          "Why do want to be Queen of the NightWings," Glory asked," you never wanted to before."
                          I thought about her inquiry for a moment, then said," I had a change of heart."
                          "And who inspired you to have a change of heart, Greatness." Queen Glory questioned.
                          I looked her in the eyes, and my face softened.
                          "My family. My daughter. My son-in-law. My granddaughter and grandson. They inspired me to have a change of heart, Your Majesty."
                          Glory seemed to take in my words as she bore her gaze into me. 
                          "You want me to hand over the NightWing throne to you?" The majestic queen questioned. 
                          I nodded. "Yes."
                          Glory continued," Before I do that, I want you to prove that you are worthy of the NightWing throne."
                          Immediately after, I knew what the Queen was about to say. 
                          "You have to prove yourself by participating in the RainWing Royal Challenge."
                          In his place by the wall, Deathbringer tensed, appearing to be waiting for my response.
                          "I accepted your challenge, Queen Glory. I'm looking forward to it." I said.
                          The Queen nodded her head, a small smile on her face. 
                          "Why don't you go get some rest, Greatness. We have a lot to discuss." Queen Glory arose from her spot, spreading her wing to lead me to the door. 
                          Walking through the door of the hut, I noticed the glare that had made an appearance on Bromeliad's face. Ignoring her, I dove off the platform. 
                          It wasn't until I reached my hut that I realized I had been holding a breath in. Exhaling loudly, I collapsed on my sleeping mat and fell into a seamless sleep.