The Dragon's Gift [Rewriting]

Chapter 16

In which a life is lost

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It all happened so quickly, I had no idea what to do.

Slowly, Calden raised his hands to show he couldn’t reach any weapons.

I did the same.

The figure held the knife tightly to Calden’s neck, but her eyes were locked on me.

“You musn’t draw attention.” The voice said. It was femenine and hard. Femenine and familair. “You must do whatever you’re told.”

The figure wasn’t speaking like she was telling us what to do. She was reciting words.

“At all costs, you must keep your true identity hidden.” The figure continued, her words sharp. “If anyone knows who you are, they must be eliminated.

“Who are you?” I growled, angry at myself for being ambushed so easily.

The figure didn't reply. She just continued to stand her ground.

I tried to stare her down, but her face was completely masked by her hood. I backed down, knowing I wouldn’t be able to win. She had a knife held against Calden’s throat, and I wasn’t about to get him killed.

The figure let out an audible chuckle, then pulled off her hood to reveal a pair of burning hazel eyes, and a smile too much like my own.

“I invite you into my castle and you sneak around?” Queen Calysta of Terria chuckled. “Maybe I should pay more attention to my guests.”

My heart nearly skipped a beat. My eyes widened with… What? Fear? Shock? Relief, maybe?

“Calysta!” I gasped! “What- what are you-?”

“Can I not spend time alone?” The Queen asked. “I just needed some fresh air.”

I looked at Calden, who wasn't moving.

“Ah, Calden.” Calysta moved the sword away, and Calden stumbled forward, his hand drifting to his own sword.

“Do not take a weapon on your Queen.” Calysta warned.

Calden just stared at her.

And then he charged, pulling out his sword.

Calysta raised her sword and sliced at Calden, but he dodged the attack, then kicked her to the ground.

“Calden!” I yelled, “drop your weapon!”

But he just ignored me, then brought his sword down on Calysta.

The Queen of Terria was gone, her body turning to smoke when the sword cut through her.

I let out a gasp, then brought my hands to my mouth.

“What the Hell?” I screamed at him, biting back tears.

“Relax, princess.” Calden spoke too calmly for my likings. “She wasn't real. It was a shifter.”

“W-what?”

“A shifter.” The Captain of the Guard repeated. “Someone wants you dead.”

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Hours had passed since the incident, and I was still a bit shook.

Calden assured me Calysta was still alive, then showed me the Queen. After, of course, I said some not very ladylike words to him. I apologized to him. Someone of me meant it, but another portion of me was so angry at him for scaring me like that.

But at the same time, I was so overcome with fear. No one really knew I was alive, so why would someone want me dead?

And that shifter… if someone really wanted me dead, what else would the send?

My mind was so overcome with thoughts that I didn't even notice Luria enter the room.

“Ayla…?” Luria asked, standing at the door, that was now unlocked by my request.

I looked at Luria, then gave her a weak smile.

“It's the middle of the night.” I said, looking up at the moon. “What brings you here, Luria?”

“I heard noises from your room and just wanted to make sure you were okay.” Luria spoke with so much innocence… it made me envy her.

“I'm fine.” I smiled. “Thank you.” And then I paused.

“Why don't you come sit next to me.” I told her. “I'll tell you a story.”

Luria's eyes brightened, then she pranced over to the bed and sat down next to me.

“Once upon a time,” I began, “there was a beautiful maiden.”

It was a story I still remembered hearing. Maegrythe told it to me over and over again, and I loved it. The dragoness was more of a mother than my mother would ever be.

“And this maiden was called Kaari.” I continued. “Kaari was supposed to executed by the King of Elpina. But the merciful King took pity on her, and let her live, only on one condition.” Luria leaned forward, entranced by my story. “The maiden Kaari must never return.” I glanced down at Luria's big, bright eyes. “Kaari left her home and fled to the forest, where she met Arian, the Prince of Terria. The two of them instantly fell in love. But that love was taken away when a jealous witch appeared. As she went to kill Kaari, Arian sacrificed himself to save her, the witch taking Arian's life instead of Kaari's. Kaari managed to stab the witch and kill her, but her beloved Arian was already dead. The God of the underworld, Syde, witnessed this, and declared Arian's death to be unjust. But Arian could not be revived. So, Syde sent the both of them up to the heavens where they became Gods. Kaari became the Goddess of marriage and family, while Arian became the God of the skies. And the two of them ruled the heavens.”

Luria looked up at me, her eyes wide with awe and wonder.

I smiled down at her. “It's cool, isn't it?”

Luria nodded, and then fell into silence to dissect the story deeper.

“Alright.” I spoke at last. “You should probably head back to your room now.”

“Yeah…” Luria mumbled, clearly tired. “Thank you!”

And so the child ran out of the room, leaving me alone, once again with my thoughts.