Godsquana - The dragon's life

Chapter 3

The entire castle was in a tizzy. Tristan couldn't believe it as well. It was absolutely impossible that the dragon egg had been stolen. He had cherished it like life itself and had watched over it until this morning. When he had solemnly handed over the gift for Prince Joshua's fiancée, Tristan had felt so incredibly proud of the work he had done for the kingdom. But now he felt like in a daze. To the Tasmanian king it seemed like King Scⱥr was taunting him with this faux pas, and the language barrier did not contribute to the reconciliation. It was only due to the diplomate's great skill that the royal family had not departed yet. Princess Izabel was astoundingly self-composed. The failed welcome's insult seemed not important to her, for that she fascinated Tristan. Up to this point he'd had not many good experiences with the temperament of the Dehnarian royal family and he was amazed how gentle the princess from the North seemed. Whereas on the Tasmanian royal couple it gave the impression that the Dehnarian folk had dispersed the dragon egg on purpose to humiliate the princess and demonstrate their displeasure towards the wedding. Of course, Tristan was sure that this was just contrived nonsense, but the hate that had stirred up between the two countries for centuries was too deep and no wedding could change that. And much less if it starts that ominously.

Princess Izabel sat in the garden of the castles curtilage and held her face out to the sun with a delicate smile. Unlike her four court ladies she was not hiding underneath the canopy, but sat slightly away on a bench between two rosebushes, completely at the sun's mercy that pulled her in the center of attention like spotlights. Her pale skin beamed like alabaster and her blonde hair flowed like a golden curtain over her shoulders in soft waves. She really was a fascinating woman and Tristan was not the only one that was fond of her. Her reputation as Princess of Hearts preceded her and even in Dehnaria, a country that hated her, people fell for her beauty and grace by the score. Tristan thought to himself, that she was probably the only one that could bridge the differences between the two countries at least for the eyes of the public. For him, the decisive factor was not her beauty, it was her calm. The unyielding calm she showcased even after this horrible escapade, as if the public humiliation would just deflect off of her. Unavoidably he wondered if she really was that calm of if she was just a good actress that knew how to stifle her real emotions. Those open questions made the Princess in Tristan's view even more interesting.

"Be careful that you don't start to drool." A familiar voice startled Tristan as if stung by an adder.

"Moné. What are you doing here?" Tristan shouted out surprised. With a wild-racing heart he faced his pretty vis-á-vis. He felt caught out.

"I've heard of the thievery and wanted to make sure you're okay." The girl answered and eyed him with her dark eyes.

"That is very obliging of you. But I'm fine, you don't have to worry." He looked deep into her eyes and gave her a warm smile. He knew about the effects he had on the ladies, but Moné was different – she could see through him.

"I've barely seen you in the past few weeks. Now, that your task is over, I've hoped you would spend more time with me again." Vigilantly, she surveyed his reaction. Her eyed spoke suspicion and skepticism.

Tristan didn't answer, but she sighed when his sight became thoughtfully.

"I miss you." She said in a low voice and came closer with a step. Tristan knew that it was an effort of will for her to show herself that vulnerable in his presence. Since it was clear that their families wanted a union between the two, she had struggled with jealousy time and again. They were not even married yet and she already knew that he was cheating on her. He amused himself with other women, was flirting and lived his bachelor life. If Moné had behaved like her fiancé, her reputation would've been ruined inevitably, but the worst thing was that she would've not wanted it. She has been in love with Tristan ever since and would've given anything if he would finally reciprocate her feelings. Not only he, but everybody at the court knew that. He felt bad for her to see her like that. Because he knew he was hurting her. Day by day.

"Let's go out tonight." He suggested half-heartedly. "Or dinner with the family. Whatever you want."

A smile appeared on her pretty face and coquettishly she pushed back a long strand of black hair.

"I would have a nice idea on how we could spend the night." She whispered with a seductive look and clung to him. Her breath tickled his cheek and he almost followed the temptation and enticement in her voice, but then he shook his head.

"You know that's not a good idea." He repulsed her. His sight drifted to the princess that still sat in the sun, briefly. For one short moment he had thought that she was watching him, but then she already had averted her face and Tristan turned towards Moné sighing.

"Why? We are betrothed." She spat at him angrily. Tears glistened in her dark, sensual eyes – but she hid her disappointment behind her well-practiced mask quickly.

"Tristan! There you are at last. I've been searching for you everywhere." Breathing hard, General Loyd hurried up to them. Tristan moaned in annoyance. He only wanted to be left alone and dwell on thoughts. But now he had the possibility to escape Moné. And maybe whatever Loyd had to tell him really was important.

"Here I am." Tristan answered, whereas he could not completely hide his displeasure. "What is it?" He asked General Loyd, while Moné crossed her arms saddened.

She was a real beauty, almost as extraordinary as the Princess, but as different as sun and moon. Instead of the blond magnificent head of hair Moné had raven-black shiny hair that went all the way down her hips and her olive skin intensified the contrast to her white tunic that emphasized her female curves even more. The luscious lips where usually twisted to a moue, but Tristan could not deny that the where beautifully kissable. He didn't know why he still resisted her charm that much.

"It is about the dragon egg. May I talk to you privately? It is important." Tristan shoot a glance at Moné, then nodded.

"Of course."