Rise of Fire: Dragons Reborn [COMPLETED]

Chapter 39

Talia sat in her chair with a bored expression while Lotus bustled around her room preparing various aspects of it for future use. It was a nice enough room, a wide cushy bed smattered in thick quilts and colorful pillows, a large mastercraft Diomabe rug to cover the stone floor, tapestries and paintings, and of course old wooden furniture that looked as if it hadn't been used since the first era.

"Was this really the princess's room from the first family to rule Arboros?" Talia asked out of boredom more than anything, there was little else to do while playing the role of prisoner. As much as she wanted to focus on freeing herself from the invisible chains she knew there was nothing to be done yet.

"This room has history, though I do not know it." Lotus's voice was always curt and monotonous. It was like listening to a scared servant, one smart enough to even out their tones as not to draw attention. Except Lotus wasn't scared, nor was she ever Talia's servant. She was something else, though just what she couldn't pin down yet.

'Spellwork is obviously in use here, but it's not got a mana trail.' Reezara remarked coolly from the bed. She had quickly taken over the room and settled in. Talia could feel the dragon's weariness as if it were her own, both of them were struggling against the effects of hard travel, battle, and rough healing. It would be several days yet before either of them were back in fighting shape.

'I can handle spellwork at least.' Talia retorted as she cracked her knuckles. Magic wasn't new to her, if there was something the King had done to bewitch Lotus she'd figure it out. It might take a while, she'd likely end up having to knock the woman out, but she'd find her answers with enough time. The only question was how much time they had.

Lotus was pulling out another dress from a wardrobe the King had sent to her quarters when Talia heard a knock at her door. Lotus dropped the foul article of clothing and went to open it, she checked first to assure it was no one nefarious before pulling the slab of wood open to welcome in the head healer. Talia's heart dropped in disappointment to see the creature lingering once more. She had hoped to leave them behind her now that she had a new room, but that would have been too easy.

"I've come to check in on you. How are you feeling? Are you hungry?" The questions were all rather common, she had heard them a dozen times before from Madora. She rolled her eyes before answering,

"I'm fine, just tired. I'm not really hungry either, I'd rather just settle in and go to sleep." The sad part was it wasn't a lie, she was more exhausted than hungry. She couldn't recall the last time she had managed to eat but she was certain it was quite a while ago. It would seem the healer had an inkling as well,

"I have already ordered your dinner to be made. It shall arrive within the hour, I'd like to see it eaten up before you retire for the night. I'll have your handmaiden report back to me when you've gone to bed. In the morning I would like to check your back to see if there's been any improvement. My knowledge on half-giants is limited but I feel food and rest will do you well." Talia hated the creature's raspy voice. More than that she hated wondering if it was truly intelligent or if it was a mouthpiece. Either way she had to play the game.

"Thank you for your forethought, I'll certainly eat what I can." Her reply was curt as it was sharp. The healer seemed to take that as a sign to leave, it bowed deeply before departing. Reezara's tail thumped loudly against the bed as she stretched and yawned.

'They better bring me something too. I may just pass out here before they even get here though.' She nestled her head between her forelegs and closed her eyes.

"Am I expected to do anything tomorrow?" Talia asked Lotus after assuring there wouldn't be any more intrusions. Lotus returned to the box which had once held at least five dresses. She picked up the discarded one to inspect it closely.