(SCRAPPED) Wings of Fire: The Turning Tides | The Turning Tides #2

Chapter 1

The day Auklet decided to become queen of the seawings was also the day Turtle said he'd leave.

A part of Auklet thought it was her that made him leave because he was the first dragon who found out about her desire to become queen. But that was not the case.

Back when the Paradise Palace was only half built Queen Coral still invited queens and important members from other tribes to dinner or even a party. Auklet attended one such party and then convinced herself that she'd rather eat a whole, living octopus than to attend another party. This time, however, was not a party. It was an important meeting between Queen Coral and the mudwing queen, Ibis.

Which was why Auklet had no inclination to come, that was, until Turtle convinced her. Out of the thirty-something older brothers she had, Turtle was always there when Auklet needed a wing to listen to, or when she couldn't fall asleep and he'd tell her stories - both real and made up. Especially her favourite story about a heroic dragon and her trusty sidekick that saved the world from a tyrannical king.

Though, Auklet only thought Turtle just wanted some company that didn't pester him constantly. He usually joined such meetings to document them and add them to a growing library of "Affairs of the Royal Seawings" for non-royal dragons to read. Surprisingly, it was quite popular.

The diplomacy floor was the third floor in the palace and was completed at the time. Queen Coral and Queen Ibis sat opposite a long table with members of both tribes on one side, respectively. Apart from Turtle, three of Auklet's brothers had also come as they were members on Mother's council.

Auklet sat in the middle of all the seawing members, next to Turtle and opposite to both of Queen Ibis's daughters - a pair of dragons that Auklet had the rare sight of seeing. (In fact, it was the only and last time she'd see the pair together, for not a year after the meeting, Princess Banksia had attempted to fight Queen Ibis for the throne but lost and died.)

Princess Banksia had pale brown and dry muddy, sandy scales, and in comparison to Princess Willow, who had paler scales, was bigger than her little sister. They whispered to each other eerily with low heads and voices, and when they didn't, their eyes darted all around the interior walls.

Auklet tried to sample their attention once but received a quick, empty glare.

Well, Auklet thought with a sting of frustration. I tried to make conversation.

The discussion was led by the queens and handled by dragons Auklet didn't know the names of, so Auklet was devoid of any engagement.

As far as she was concerned, the discussion was about an alliance, which was an odd thing to propose but mostly Auklet didn't listen because her mind screamed: BORED.

This is the last time I come here. Not even Turtle can convince me next time.

Turtle, who sat next to her, had his face stuck into a scroll with black dripping claws as he wrote. When Auklet leaned to peer over his shoulder, he simply tilted forward, blocking her view and Auklet went back to staring at the ceiling.

If I was queen I wouldn't waste my time with these meetings. I'd be in my kingdom doing what's needed of me.

I wish Coast would come too, even if he's not apart of Mother's Council. I'd have someone to talk to at least. She thought, giving another glance at Turtle.

Her thought relapsed. That's not a bad idea, actually. If only I was queen. Could I become queen? Am I strong enough?

Turtle would know.