Dragon’s Breath

Chapter Six

Entering the dining hall, I find the room empty except for a few maids cleaning. How odd. I thought there would have been people here by now. Maybe I missed breakfast? I did not stay out that long, though...did I?

    Turning around, I head back to my room. When I reach my chambers. I throw the door open and jump onto my bed, burying my face in the soft silky pillows. I am so bored. I normally have a lot occupying my time, whether it be training, reading a good book, or even taking care of Loki. But now I have hardly anything to do and it feels strange to me.

    I never thought I would miss my brother as much as I do. Even though Loki can be annoying, I actually miss the little guy. I can almost see him now, running into my room, trying to get me to play, jumping, and prancing around trying so hard to get my attention. I smile at the thought.

    I know it has only been a day since I have seen him, but he is one of the things that brings me joy. I do not find myself missing my mother, since we hardly talk anyway. As for my father, I can do without the cranky old bastard. If one good thing came from me being here, it is the fact that I do not have that old coot breathing down my neck.

    Father and I have never really gotten along, but our relationship worsened after Fafnir died. He blames me, and it does not help that I am not what he wants me to be. He wants me to be the perfect princess, prim and proper, and only speak when spoken to. But that is just not who I am, and father cannot seem to accept that.

    When I think about it now if I did not have to listen to my father, I would probably be halfway across the world enjoying the freedom of being a rogue dragon. I would seek great adventures and vast amounts of knowledge all the while exploring the lands of Midgar. I would love the chance to learn new things and see new places. There is only so much I can learn living in the mountain, and that is simply not enough for me. When I have finally had my fill of adventure, I would search for my mate and hopefully settle down. That would be ideal. In fact, that is all I have ever really wanted in life. It is so simple yet so alluring.

    But here I am in a castle full of humans getting ready to marry their prince. Not exactly what I had in mind for myself. I am a dragon, but lately, I have felt more like a beast that has been caged.

    For as long as I can remember, I have felt trapped in my own life, shackled by responsible and loyalty. Being here in the capital has made me feel more isolated than ever. I was lonely in the mountain, but here I feel worse. I was invited as a welcomed guest but rather than feeling welcome, I feel everyone recoil from me. As if my very presence burns them to the bone. I want to leave, but I am just not so sure I can do that anymore.

    My thoughts are interrupted by a loud knock on the door, the sudden sound causes me to jump. Sighing, I go towards the sound. I wish they would have left me alone for a little longer, but alas, I cannot keep myself locked in here forever.

    "What do you want?" I snap.

    "Well, um, your highness, it is time for breakfast,” the girl on the other side of the door squeaks.

    "I will be out in a moment. You may leave," I respond.

    "All right, I’ll be on my way." She rushes the words out as I hear her scuffling away.

    Humans get scared so easily. Such frail creatures they are. Jumping up from the bed, I look in a mirror checking my appearance. My hair is sticking up wildly in all different directions. Running a brush through my unbridled mane, I leave the room taking my time to walk to the dining hall.

    Upon my arrival in the dining hall, Geoffrey turns in my direction. He gives me a once over. I can feel his eyes as they move across my exposed mid rift, causing my skin to crawl. I shudder, looking away from him.

    "You are quite muscular for a girl. You might even be on par with some of the knights,” he mocks with a light chuckle.

    He has a glint of humor in his eyes, but I find his comment less than funny. First, he stares, then he insults me. I cannot believe I am to marry such a man.

    "It is looked highly upon for dragon females to be strong. Most of our males desire an independent female. They would most certainly find distaste with human women who are weak and anything but self-reliant,” I requite.

    Geoffrey's face contorts in annoyance, “What is that supposed to mean? Are you implying that your women are somehow better?" He questions.

    Walking further into the room, I pull out a chair the sound screeching through the room. I kick myself back into the chair, propping my feet up on the table.

    Looking up at him, I smirk. "That is exactly what I mean, do you have a problem with it?" I instigate.

    Geoffrey begins to laugh. “If you ask me, there is nothing better about your women. They are ill-tempered, arrogant, rude, and completely immodest. Human women are simple, delicate, kind, and they have an innocence that is truly endearing,” he retorts.

    I pout putting a hand over my heart in mock hurt. “You have wounded me your highness. I never knew you thought so harshly about my kind.... does this mean you are willing to reconsider your marriage to me?" I ask hopefully.

    He is silent for a moment then without warning he knocks my feet off the table, grabbing me by the chin. His warm fingers press into my face, and I find myself too startled to pull away.

    He brings his face so close to mine that I can feel his breath fan across my face, his lips lightly brush against my ear as he says, "Not a chance."

    He releases me, sitting back.

    "So, what now you have nothing to say?" He drawls.

    Damn, he actually shocked me for a moment.

    "Do not be so rough with me Geoffrey, you might make me cry," I pout, in an overly dramatic voice.

    Before Geoffrey can respond, the room is filled with booming laughter. Turning towards the entrance of the dining hall, I see the king standing there.

     "I see you kids are getting along,” he says.

     I sigh. “Sorry to spoil your good mood old man, but what you are seeing is far from us getting along,” I respond.

    At my words, the whole room falls under a cold silence.

    "Princess Eleonora, my father is the king. How dare you refer to him as an old man? Show some respect. Apologize now,” Geoffrey bites out at me.

    Oh, I have really done it. Now he is pissed. I snicker to myself.

    "Now, now, calm down. I do not think Princess Eleonora meant that as an insult." The king says with an amused smile.

    Thank the gods the king seems like a pretty decent man.  Now that I think about it, I still do not know the old man's name.

     "How can you allow this dragon to be so disrespectful?” I hear the queen's voice filter through the room.

     "Calm down Evalene; she will be family soon." The king reassures her.

    "How could I ever accept that beast as my family,” Evalene grumbles.

     "That is fine, it would honestly be an insult to consider such an old witch as a part of my family,” I remark while rolling my eyes.

    Evalene's face becomes red with anger. But before we can continue with our talk, a bunch of maids coming rushing into the room, filling the table with food. There are different kinds of bread, eggs cooked in almost every way possible, along with ham, sausage, bacon, and pancakes piled high with golden syrup. My mouth is watering at the sight. If there is one thing that I say humans do well, it is cooking.

    "Breakfast is served, your majesty,” a maid announces when the table is set.

    The king heaves a sigh of relief.

    "Well now, let us eat,” he shouts taking his seat at the head of the table.

    Breakfast is silent, which I am very thankful for. If I had to talk to these people any longer, I would lose my mind.

    I eat my food as quickly as possible, shoveling it into my mouth. I smile at the thought of how 'un-ladylike' I look. I do not know what it is, but I love seeing humans' reaction to things it thrills me how they get worked up over the silliest things. Finishing my food, I wipe my mouth and leave the room without saying a word.