The Second Dragon

Subzero Chapter 1

I rode hard.  Through the woods and towards the capital of the empire of the Crimson Dragon.  My horse was exhausted and I  was still in my uniform streaked in blood, ash, and soil.  I pushed myself forward and shot through the gates.  The days of riding hard to get to Clove and make sure she was still alive.  I had to be sure.  Alesia, my horse, was exhausted.  We both where but I couldn't shift into dragon form and risk the Crimson's finding out.  My only hope was to get to Clove and make sure she was alive.  My uniform was shredded  in places and the wind bit and howled as Alesia raced into the palace gates and stopped at the entrance.  She reared up,scaring maids and making noise as a sign of dominance.  I regarded the soldiers who were advancing and noted the crimson color.  Soldiers.  Highly trained.  A female raced out of the double doors and down the steps before walking up and stopping a yard away.

"What is your business here?"  She commanded and my eyes flashed in rage before I noted her appearance.  Clearly of pure blood and noble birth.  I looked pitiful in my blood stained robes the color of the sea and snow and ash smeared on my face.

"I seek Clove.  Where is she?"  I said coldly and the female stiffened.

"My name is Kharis.  Princess of the Crimson Line.  State your name."  I narrowed my eyes at her.

"My name is Saphira.  Crown Princess of the Azure Throne.  Divine Prodigy of the Cerulean Beast.  And... I want to see Clove."  I said sharply and Kharis beckoned for me to get off my horse.  I stepped off of Alesia and patted her side before walking forward and up to Kharis.

"It's a pleasure to meet you.  But Clove is busy with... er... with talking to Kyro at the moment."  I raised an eyebrow at her and she smiled back at me.

"Please.  I need to see her."  My tone dropped to a softer one and my eyes softened.  Kharis must have understood my urgency and she nodded before growing serious and leading me inside.  I followed her to a set of double doors and she beckoned for me to follow her.  I moved silently, my cape swishing behind me and raised my head high.  Blood and ash stained clothes, exhausted form and mind, and a weakened body but I kept my head high as we entered a throne room.  A male a little younger than my age stood glaring and talking down to a female figure who I recognized right away.  Her red hair whipped back and forth as she argued with the male about something.  Clearly... the two did not get along.  Kharis kept walking but I stopped in the doorway and waited patiently and silently as Kharis addressed the male and Clove.

"Clove!"  Her voice was high and excited.  Clearly different from the Kharis I was with moments ago.

"Hello Kharis."  I felt myself relaxing a touch at the sound of her voice.

"Someone's here to see you!"  Kharis sang and the male stepped forward.  glaring down on Kharis.  I assumed he was the crown prince Kyro.

"What do you mean by that?"  His voice came out threatening and I observed the area but turned my direction back to Kharis when she made the hand signal to come over.  The shadows slipped from my face as I stepped into the light and walked silently closer to the trio.  Kyro stiffened, Kharis smiled, Clove froze and then ran towards me as I walked closer.  She launched herself into my arms and I hugged her protectively to my chest and held onto her and stopped moving forward.  Just waiting for her to talk and tell me if I should stay or leave.

"I missed you."  The words came out like a whisper but I caught them and smiled into her hair.

"Me too."

"Where have you been?  No wait.  I know that already.  Where did they relocate you too?"  Clove questioned and pulled away and folded her arms over her chest.  I bit my lip for a moment and thought.