Mass first thing, a break to study, training in the afternoon, lunch and back into his bedroom until dinner
Nighttime fell and the castle went silent. Thus, Dane knew it was safe to travel into the dungeon.
“I hope you’re in the mood tonight, I have a lot to talk about.”
Dane called out, his hand gliding against the stone bricks while he descended down the staircase.
“I’m always in the mood darling, unless you don’t mean…”
“Pardon?”
Dane halted in front of the cell.
Blaze’s grin widened. He was still in the same corner, this time sitting upright. Almost, expecting him.
“You heard me- whatcha got?”
Blaze tilted his head.
“A while ago you mentioned you were bored. It's quote, ‘not the same’ If you don’t get to kill your prey. So here.”
Dane threw in a live chicken. Curious what he’d do. He stood at the far end of the cell, watching. Anticipating Blaze’s move. Dane startled slightly when Blaze launched towards the clucking fowl. Sinking his claws in and ripping out its heart. Dane had to look away while he ate it.
“So kind, you shouldn’t have. Hey, why look so disgusted? It’s just the circle of life.”
“I’m good.”
“Wow, you really are a prissy little prince hm? Can’t stand to watch-a little violence? You’ll throw me the hen but you won’t get your hands dirty. You’re going to be a good king, if you ever- you know. Finish me.”
“I’m not going to kill you. We established this.”
“Figured, you sort of come off as the guy who doesn’t like to help people finish.”
“What does that even mean?”
“Don’t worry about it sweetie.”
“Are you making fun of me, or flirting with me?”
“Little of both, whatever will get under your skin more.”
“Wait… now I get it… Ugh, you’re gross.”
“Guilty as charged. So what do ya want? More yap-nation. Or something a little more fun? You seem like the kind who just lays there and takes it. So what, I could suck yer dick?”
“What is wrong with you!? Seriously, what would give you even a glimpse of the idea I would have such intentions. Especially with a-”
“With a what? Hm? A dragon, a monster, a beast?”
Blaze’s smirk deepend, causing Dane to shiver and for a weird warmth to rise in his abdomen.
“I’m not trying to insult you but- come on, I-I just met you. Besides, well, you know it's illegal for humans and dragons…Not to mention, you are also a male.”
“psch, you think I’m above breakin the law? Royalty can do whatever they want. You’re a teenage boy Dane. You can’t tell me you’ve never considered experimenting a little? I don’t bite, unless you ask nicely.”
“No- As a matter of fact I haven’t. Why are you being so provocative today?
“That's just how I am. I’ve always been this way.”
“Despicable. I have to ask, do you actually…“
“What?”
“I’m not sure how to phrase it.”
“Give it a shot.”
“Do you think I’m attractive?”
“Uh…”
Blaze took a moment Initially before responding. Fixated on him, Dane watched his expression for any clues or indications of a possible answer. Each second that went by felt like fire in his veins.
“I Mean, I’d hit. If that's what your askin?”
Blaze looked him up and down. Eyes scanning Dane’s body in a way similar to how he looked at the hen he ripped open.
“Plus, you're like dirty rich right? Since ur a prince?”
“Nevermind- “
The prince shook his head. A look mixed with disgust and something else hard to define-possibly disappointment.
“You into women then?”
Blaze tilted his head in interest.
“O-of course. Are you not?”
“Oh right- Farlinian people are super weird about this stuff. I don’t even know why I tried. Although I’ve had some human clients-”
“Can we please change the subject.”
Dane’s stomach twisted with discomfort. This man had sex with other men for money. That's what that whole promiscuity was all about. It wasn't an actual desire but more or less another attempt to further take advantage of the prince’s innocence and generosity.
This guy sucks.
“Fine, what do you wanna talk ‘bout? Wanna get real deep this time? What’s your relationship with your parents like?”
“Good lord, Blaze. I think that was sarcasm but wow, thaty awful. Shouldn’t it be obvious?”
“Wow, it was sarcasm. Good job buddy. So aren’t they super controlling or some shit?”
Just then, Blaze’s head turned as he heard a crack in the walls. Dane was confused for a second before he started to hear faint footsteps
“Sounds like we may have visitors?”
“Oh no- augh, where do- I need to hide, Quick!”
“Get behind me, try not to move much.”
Dane crawled behind him, ducking under his wings . Blaze extended them out slightly, hiding any bit of Dane‘s figure that wasn’t already covered.
His heart was thumping, his forehead sweating. The cell was stuffy enough, but the corner was even more enclosed. Dane never wanted to be so close to a dragon again, but now. He was right up against his back.
Blaze’s hair tickled Dane’s forehead. It was a dry, almost bristly texture. Dane’s first impulse would be to criticize his hygiene but realized that would be unfair in Blaze’s situation. Instead, Dane stayed quiet as a mouse and as still as a statue.
While the room was extremely warm, Blaze’s skin was ice to the touch. This confused the young prince. How could a creature filled with fire, be freezing?
Two guards approached the cell cautiously. Judging based on their hesitance, Dane assumed Blaze had attacked them before.
“I thought I told you fucks not to come back.”
“We have strict orders from Lord Connor to make sure you are still alive. Unfortunately I see that’s still the case.”
“Yeah yeah, well I’m here. Get on out, I’m not in the mood.”
“It’s a shame really, you’re quite the specimen. I could have gotten alot for your horns and wings. When he kills you, it’ll be like watching gold turn to dust.”
“When he kills me, huh? What about four-eyes?”
“Oh, he won’t be around much longer, Lord Connor is making sure of that.” The other one butt in
“Really? How is he gonna do that?”
“Why are you suddenly interested in human affairs?”
“Jealous I suppose, I wanted to kill that pathetic excuse of royalty myself.”
“Hey now, don’t tell it our secrets.” The first one teased.
“Why not, what’s it gonna do? Who’s it gonna tell?” said the second one, a slight grin could be made out through the slits in their helmet.
“I believe Lord Connor is going to poison him at dinner. I’ll save you a seat.”
The guard chuckled in unison while they walked off.
Once the coast was clear, Dane crawled out from the corner and sat with his knees to his chest.
“Wow, your fucked.”
Blaze scooted over, giving him space.
“I… can’t believe it. I know we don’t get along very well but w-we’re still family?!”
“That's just what humans do. Your kind is a bunch of small weak selfish creatures. Don’t tell me you're Actually surprised?”
Soaking in the cruel reality, Dane’s eyes began to water.
“Woah- hey hey. I didn’t mean you specifically just like. Humans in general. As a species, please don’t do that.”
“I don’t care about your insults. Don’t you get it?! After all this, after beating the odds and saving us both, I’m still going to die Blaze!”
“Not worth crying over, humans live for such short amounts of time. Is it really a tragedy if we are all fated to go at the end. You’re just showing up early to the party.”
“You still don’t get it! Blaze, you have seen so many things and had so many experiences already. My life is going to end, never having left this stupid fucking castle. I have never kissed anyone, I have never even been in love and I have never even made a single friend.”
The prince broke down, unable to hold back the tears flooding down his cheeks.
“How rude, I thought we were friends.”
“Seriously? You really consider me a friend. I find that hard to believe after all you’ve said to-and about me.”
“I mean, kind of? We hang out like every day. I’d say so. I don’t hate your company anymore.”
“Most of our quote ‘hanging out’ is you saying you want to kill me, and telling me how stupid and pathetic I am.”
Dane’s voice cracked, choked up on his own words.
“Friendly banter I say, look- not the point. Here's the thing. I'm not nice for very long so take this in as much as you can. Dane, you almost beat me. Look, I totally lied when I said I let you win- Yeah I was pretty weak and tired but I wasn’t trying to die. I haven't been myself since I got here… but still. You almost beat me. You can wield a sword, that's somethin’. Plus Brave as hell. Either that or stubborn. Most of all, you have me. I'm strong and sexy, well. I think we have a real shot at getting out of here.”
“What does sexiness have to do with our ability to survive?”
Dane sniffled and wiped his eyes, a small grin forming in the corner of his lips.
“So you admit I'm sexy?”
“This is completely irrelevant, how on earth are we supposed to pull some sort of crazy escape? Do you have a plan?”
Blaze shrugs haphazardly “I dunno, I was planning on figuring it out as I go.”
“That kind of carelessness Is going to end up getting us killed.”
“Look bud, we are dying either way. Would you rather die super epic-ly fighting for your life in a plan of grand escape, or kick the bucket some stupid way like being poisoned.”
“I just won’t drink or eat anything at dinner! Especially nothing he’s touched.”
“Dane, that shit bag is not going to give up. If he fails at poisoning you. He’d just come up with something else. Fighting back won’t work either, you’re outnumbered if he has guards on his side.
“Can I at least have one more night to come up with a plan.”
Dane sniffled and wiped his face with the bottom of his shirt.
“Sure, but don’t get killed. I’ll find a way to resurrect you just to beat your ass.”
“Necromancy doesn’t exist silly.”
“I’ll invent it. Either that or find you in the afterlife.”
“That won’t be necessary, I will be returning. Rest well Blaze.”
“Leaving already?”
“Do you…want me to stay?”
Dane hesitated, his head over his shoulder with one hand on the cell door.
“I don’t care what you do, just asking.”
Blaze shrugged and blew a stand of hair out of his face.
On his way back, Dane couldn’t help but fall into despair. He tried to think about it logically. Connor most likely didn’t wanna kill him out of pure spite. He wanted the throne. This type of situation is one many kings before him had faced. Slaughter from a member of the family for power.
What if he can talk to him?
If Dane could explain he had no interest in the throne, perhaps Connor and him could work something out. Then there’d be no need to kill him. Keep the blood off his hands. Dane wondered what he could do instead if he had the chance to change his destiny.
He had ideas of things he’d want to do, but they didn’t reflect the reality of his situation. The young prince dreamed of traveling the world. Nothing but a backpack of supplies and the wind in the breeze. Complete and total freedom. He’d have his books and journal to relax, and he would go the distance on his trusty mare.
In reality, what would most likely happen is he’d end up stuck stagnant in a position he hates. The floor under Connor’s boot, the failure with no purpose. He’d be alive, but for what.
Maybe Blaze is right? I need to get out of here.
That night, Dane had trouble sleeping again. All he could think about was the dragon. The words he had spoken echoed through Dane’s subconscious. In a sense, he was right about one thing. Dane’s investment in this prisoner was entirely unreasonable. He knows he doesn’t have to help him, he owes the dragon nothing. However, he was fascinated. Beyond curious about what secrets and stories he could possibly hold. Dragons can fly, they are free. He’s seen so much of the world, while Dane has been trapped and alone for so long.
Despite every bit of rationality left inside, telling him not to do it, Dane returned. Just as expected, he was immediately greeted by bitter sarcasm.
“No way, you actually came back?”
The dragon had been sitting against the wall, arms crossed and a bit of a daze.”
“Yeah, don’t get too excited.”
“Didn’t get enough yesterday? What will it take? Do ya want me to fuck you up some more? Step one foot in here, and they’ll be dragging you out here a pile of meat with nothing left to bury.”
“You have such a graphic imagination.”
“Wanna see first hand? C’mere.”
Dane didn’t believe one word of it. Yesterday the dragon had a chance to do whatever he wanted, and all he did was scare him. This was just talk.
“Do you want More food?”
“...What?”
“The kitchen is right up there, I can bring you anything you want.”
“Okay, what’s in it for you?”
“I wanna talk to you. I have questions.”
“Really? That's it? you wanna have a little chat? I can do that, but I’m gonna need more than a couple drumsticks to justify not mauling you. Find me a pack of cigarettes as well, then we’ll talk.”
“Done.”
When Dane returned with the desired Items, he attempted to slide them through the bars. The cigarette’s fit, but there was no way to get the plate of chicken through.
“Guess you gotta come in hm? So what’s it gonna be, human? Still want that chat?”
He spoke in such unwavering confidence, Despite the fact he was the one in the cage. So, when Dane unlocked the door and stepped in fearlessly. The dragon was definitely surprised.
“You are a ballsy little fucker I’ll tell you that.”
“Do your worst. I couldn’t care less, not anymore.”
“Someone’s in a mood? What’s ruffling your feathers.”
“What feathers? I am not a bird.”
“I can see that. Thanks for clearin’ it up though.”
Since Dane forgot to lock him back up last night, the dragon boy was still loose. However, no sort of attack was made. He simply took a spot on the floor with the plate of chicken in his lap and stretched out his arms.
“First question, why are you…erm, like this?”
Dane stayed standing, keeping a path to the door constantly in the back of his mind.
“Excuse me?”
“Ah- I apologize. That came out…weird. I mean like- Okay so when I think of a dragon it’s like, a big scary lizard.”
“Hm.. Well” The dragon snorted, a mouthful of chicken.
“I am, but I am also a sexy man.”
“Really? I believe we have differing definitions of that adjective.”
“Okay rude. Basically to save you the details, I shapeshift. With magic blocks I cannot change forms. So I am stuck like this until I can get this shit off me.”
The dragon lifted up his hand, revealing the sigil on his forearm. The runes on it glowed golden in a language Dane couldn’t read.
“But, in the arena. You had your fire, so I assume you had the ability then? So why didn’t you fight me in your true form.”
“cus I didn’t feel like I needed to. It’s a lot of energy to transform and honestly, no offense, I was pretty confident I could take you on with a blindfold.”
“Offense taken-” Dane squinted.
“Sorry man, but you're puny. I could walk right over there and just flick you. Boom, gone. Humans are ridiculously fragile-”
“So why don’t you? You keep saying you’re gonna hurt me, what’s stopping you?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Food dummy. Sure I could eat you, but chicken tastes better. Give a man a fish and he eats a day, teach a man to fish and he eats forever.”
“Hm… You know this should have been my first question. Do you…have a name?”
“No, dragons don’t have names. We scream at each other in different frequencies to communicate.”
“Oh- Wow, that's super interesting. So like echolocation then I assume. I always wondered if dragons would have bat characteristics, due to the nature of their wings and sleeping patterns. Dragons also live in caves similar to bats- but that is also comparing reptiles to mammals which feels somewhat…”
From the floor, the dragon boy stared up at him with a blank expression. He blinked slowly and opened his mouth to stay something before closing it again.
Dane’s cheeks flushed a hot pink and he lost eye contact.
“Sorry- well then what should I use to refer to you since I don’t have the proper vocal chords to reciprocate your communication. I mean I’d love to respect your culture but-
“Dude that was a joke- of course I have a name.”
“Sooo, then what is it?”
“Fluffy.” The dragon grinned.
“I find that hard to believe, but it’s what I’m gonna call you regardless.”
“God no- My name is Blaze.”
“Stop lying to me, Fluffy.”
Dane giggled like a child. His legs started to hurt after a while of standing as his knees began to turn a very faint purple color. So he sat down, back against the wall and his legs crossed.
When Dane walked in, he was hoping for an end to it all. Now, after talking for just a little bit he began to feel better. Sure Blaze was odd, and definitely very scary. But he was company.
After Blaze was done with the chicken, again it was nothing but a pile of bones. Picked clean. Dane fed the bones to the royal dog. And so, this tradition began.
In the day, Dane performed his princely duties. In the night, he snuck into the cellar and talked with Blaze. It was a simple formula. Except, he wasn’t getting much sleep. Dane usually spent his mornings reading in bed before heading to breakfast, but he was lucky to wake up with enough time to get ready for the day.
After four days of this cycle. With him being confined to either his room, eating quarters or the training hall Dane started to crack. He suffers from cabin fever quickly and chronically. It seeps in and attaches to his brain like a leach, sucking the life from him. Usually, being able to wander the castle or beg to go on missions was his remedy. However, part of his punishment was being locked up and heavily monitored. This included places of relaxation such as the library, or garden. Even the stable was off limits. He was still expected to keep up with his school work. Textbooks and activities were brought to him instead.
“Guess who?” Dane called out.
He was met with silence.
“Blaze, you in here?”
“..Where the fuck else would I be?” He croaked.
“You sound awful. Is everything okay.”
“Absolutely peachy. I love it here. Having the time of my life.”
“I understand in the grand scheme, not much is okay. But, are you worse off then?”
“I’m just tired. Forget it.”
Dane set the lantern on the peg and unlocked the door.
Blaze was laying on the floor in the corner, legs curled under himself and arms tightly wrapped around his shoulders.
After a while, Dane had stopped re-chaining him. He couldn’t escape the cell, and he seemed to have no desire to anyways. It seemed a little unnecessary and cruel.
Dane located him in the dark, the bright orange of Blaze’s hair acting as a beacon. Cautiously he leaned down. Bracing himself. Dane leaned forward and touched him. His shoulder felt cold, almost freezing. Immediately his hand gets slapped away. Blaze reacted Significantly less violently than expected. Dane thought he’d at least get punched or kicked.
Blaze flipped back around, facing Dane directly.
“Don’t fuck’in touch me- What is your problem? I’ll still kill you.”
Dane noticed how he bared his teeth so often.
“Blaze, did I ever tell you? You remind me of a dog in the courtyard. Barking and snarling at me through the fence any time I passed by.”
“Yeah? Come any closer and I’ll tear you apart. Just like it would.”
“Oh, I know you will. Today I have something special. I’m trying to add some variety, you know.”
“Hmm? What is it?” Blaze sniffed the air.
“Steak, it’s fresh too. I told them I was going to feed it to the dog. I suppose I still am.”
“Quit your yammering, bring it here!”
Dane set it down and slid it over. Sitting just out of reach.
“His name is Maximus.”
“Hrm?”
“The dog- I swear I thought one day it would escape. Kill me and leave bones. I don’t know what came over me, but one day I tried to feed it. I thought I would lose my hand. Almost did. After a while, I kept giving it little treats and it stopped barking at me. I wonder if I pet it, would it let me?”
“Pet me, and I will seriously hurt you.”
Dane blew air through his nose, amused.
“Maybe one day.”
“No, I see what you’re doing. Not gonna happen. This is transactional, nothing more. You give me what I want, and I listen to your senseless ramblings. I will never trust you.”
“I trust you.”
“Well you’re fuckin stupid, but thats not news.”
“I suppose not.”
Dane watched him, almost envious of his ability to completely disregard any type of manners. It must be freeing, to eat and speak and behave entirely how he pleases.
Dane’s eyes fluttered closed and his chin rested on his knee. His body twitched after feeling the sensation of falling. Just another second longer and he might be asleep. Just then he felt a rock hit him in the face.
“Ouch! Hey, what was that for?”
“Don’t fall asleep in here.”
“I wasn’t, just…resting my eyes.”
“You’re doing it again- stop it!”
“What? I’m so…exhausted.
“You know you're not supposed to be here. Someones gonna find you here and we are both in trouble.”
“That would imply someone cares that I disappeared.”
“I'm sure they would, you're the prince.”
When Blaze was finished he curled back in his spot.
“Where are you going?”
“Sorry man, I know about our deal but I’m just not in the mood tonight.
A cold silence fell between them.
Dane reached out for him again, but stopped himself.
It’s not worth it.
“Goodnight, Blaze.”
“Mhm.”
Dane couldn’t help but feel somewhat disappointed. He wondered if he could have said something wrong to warrant the prisoner’s dismissal. On the way back up the stone steps, and through the tunnel Dane had time to debrief over their encounter. Reconsidering every word, every action. He didn’t realize the tight feeling in his chest until he was away. While it was normal to feel uncomfortable or nervous around someone you don’t know well, it was different than usual.
The next day came, whether or not Dane wanted it to. He followed the same routine he did every morning. Get up with the sun, bright and early. Listen to the birds chirp and sing at his window. Wash his face, brush his teeth, and comb his hair while Tabitha picked out an outfit for him. Mentally complain about her taste in style, politely thank her and get dressed.
Most of Dane’s thoughts lived entirely in his head. There, lots of petty insults, complaints and outbursts took up space for more important knowledge. Such occurrences where the thoughts were released only took place on special occasions. That was when something was deemed important enough for his emotions got the better of him. When he let the importance of his princely exterior slip away.
For instance, at this moment. He wanted to tell Tabitha to go take a hike and to give him a sliver of privacy, but he knew she was just doing her job.
Still, he wondered why someone would think it appropriate that an eighteen-year old boy should still have someone in the room while he got dressed. Even if he was covered up by the room divider, her lingering presence brought him unease.
This time, Dane made it to breakfast right on time. Connor made a snarky comment about his previous punctuality failure, but Dane ignored him. He wasn’t concerned with his brother’s antics in the slightest, not with the heavy presence of his father.
Even the small things simply alluding to his father made Dane cower. Like the clicking of his shoes, the silhouette of a large figure out of the corner of his eye, and the clunking of his cane with each step.
His father didn’t need a mobility aid. He carried a cane for no purpose other than to display his wealth and status.
Calvin Felis was physically a behemoth. He weighed more than both his son’s put together, and stood tall with an iron posture. His beard was overgrown and his hair cut short. Few people knew, but he was beginning to bald at the top of his head. His crown covered this, just how the title of king alone was enough to erase any undesirable imperfections. He was the most important man in the entirety of Farlan, something Dane would never be.
“I’m surprised you had the courage to show your face after yesterday.”
Dane swallowed hard. He didn’t realize he was staring until Calvin’s cold gaze pierced his bones.
“Forgive you? I wouldn’t even consider such a thing if you got down on your knees and dramatically took your life before me. I think you need to really let the gravity of your situation sink in before you make such a demand.”
“He is a child, surely you can find it in your heart-” Queen Henrietta pleaded.
“First.” Calvin cut her off, as he always did.
“I want you to offer a public apology to the entire kingdom for dishonoring us and wasting their time. Then, I will come up with a list of tasks and chores for you to adhere to in the meantime.”
“...I understand.” Dane said through gritted teeth.
The rest of breakfast remained quiet, only small bits of conversation taking place between Connor and Henrietta. Things such as the weather or taste of the food.
The speech went by smoothly, Dane read off a script Tabitha prepared, only stumbling over a couple words and phrases. At the end, no one clapped. No one even smiled. Dane starred into an endless sea of people. Each one of them wanted him dead or at least wouldn’t be bothered by his absence.
Training was more vicious than it had ever been. By the end his arms were more sore and aching harder than they ever had in his life. He didn’t practice with his normal sword, it had been confiscated from him after the battle and is yet to be returned. The sword they gave him as a replacement must have been made of the densest metal known to man. He was struggling to even lift it properly to begin with.
As a dummy they had painted an image of the dragon's face on a stack of boulders. On top was a mop, to represent the dragon's hair, Dane assumed.
To him, it felt like some sort of slap in the face. Not only was the dragon being disgraced, but he couldn't help but feel a little disrespected as well by such a display. Suddenly Dane felt a hand grip his shoulder.
“You look like your struggling big bro- let a master show you how it's done!"
Dane glared in response and Connor ripped the sword from his hands.
Caught off guard by the weight, his hands dropped and his expression shifted. Then, Connor swung it over his shoulder in quick recovery.
"Here, like this!"
In one fell swoop and the mop went flying. A small piece of the rocks landed next to Dane's foot, and he bent down to pick it up. The edges were sharp and he graced his fingers against the sides.
Connor shoved the sword back into Dane's arms and wiped his hands in triumph. "Beat that!"
Dane furrowed his brows. Connor was a year and a half younger, yet needed to constantly prove in every way he was better. Gripping the rock tightly, he contemplated his next move.
Without warning, Dane flung the rock at him. It hit Connor in the back of his head as he was walking away, the younger boy rubbed his head and turned back around.
“You bastard-”
“You can’t call me that, our parents are married.”
“Can you shut your smart-ass mouth for once in your life!? God I’m so sick of you.”
Connor stormed off to wipe the dirt from his hair and Dane was left alone in the training center. Relieved to have a moment of peace he slumped down on one of the granite steps.
The training center was a massive slab of rock in the middle of the castle. The size caused everything to amplify where sounds of swords clashing could echo through all the way to the courtyard.
Circling the flat base was a set of stairs each had railings on either side with red Banners displaying the royal crest.
Dane was startled when he heard footsteps coming down behind him.
“Done so soon my lord?”
“Huh- oh, hey Serlax- My brother just left I think, so that’s why I'm sitting down.”
“Hey, don’t feel bad for resting. Strength spent, needs time to be regained.”
“Why are you here? Don’t you have any work to do?”
“Not right now, I’m on break. I thought I’d come in and see how you were doing.”
“Oh, thanks but there’s nothing to be worried about.”
“I think the kingdom is too hard on you. One day, you will be ready. Even if now isn’t the time, I know you’re strong, and I know you can do it.”
On the outside, he pretended to appreciate his comforting words but on the inside his stomach twisted with discomfort.
“Yeah…definitely.”
“Say, why don’t we give it a shot. Without your brother. I wanna see what you got.”
Dane shrugged nonchalantly and stood up.
Before entering the base he unhooked his cape and set it down on the steps. Last time he left it on during training, it got snagged on the hilt of his sword and he was left open.
That day he was wearing a plain white tunic and loose brown trousers. Perfect loose clothing for a fencing match.
“Remember, your stance. You like to have a sort of stiff closed posture, give yourself some room to move.”
“Yes I know, of course.”
Dane couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Growing up, Serlax was actually the one who taught him how to battle- that was before he was appointed as general of the platoon of knights. He was far too busy these days for such a lowly task such as prince training. Serlax taught Dane how to defend, to catch your opponent off guard, and even how to hold the weapon. Dane tried various weapons, bows, spears, axe’s and more but quickly settled on swords.
The prince’s uninterested expression suddenly shifted when Serlax pulled Dane’s sword off the wall and handed it to him.
“Just don’t tell anyone, it can be our little secret.”
The knight put a finger to his lip.
It felt right in his hands. Refreshing even, compared to what he was using before. Dane’s sword was custom made, perfect for his size and strength. It was a type VXa longsword, with a black handle and silver trim. His name and a Royal symbol was engraved into the flat of the blade which could be seen from up close.
Connor returned eventually, only to provide more unwanted input. However, Dane was too focused to pay him any mind. Luckily Serlax was a good enough teacher to keep him engaged for the whole lesson.
It was one of those nights where nothing could make him feel better. He couldn’t concentrate enough to read or to journal. He didn’t feel like leaving his bed at all. Even if his father let him have dinner, he didn’t have an appetite.
All that felt good, was to cry. For hours he laid on his Stomach sobbing loudly into his pillow until he ran dry. By the end, his pillowcase was soaked, snot ran down his nose and his eyes were beet red.
This went on late into the night, past when anyone was awake. Eventually his stomach began to complain. He barely ate breakfast, he skipped lunch to prepare for the battle and he wasn’t allowed to have dinner, so he was running off virtually nothing.
Dane whimpered, it just wasn’t fair. they know he hasn’t eaten almost anything and still, chose to let him go hungry. First they yell about him being too thin and then they go and withhold food as punishment. It made about as much sense as anything did.
Even though he knew he wasn’t allowed to leave his room, he really wanted to eat something. After another thirty minutes of rotting in bed he decided it was worth the risk.
The kitchen was dark, luckily Dane was able to find a lantern. He just needed to find something to light it. He scurried through the cabinets for a bit to find a match. Just then, he heard the sound of guards coming down the hallways. Dane panicked and hid under a table, hoping they would go away but they didn’t. The voices kept getting louder.
“Where are the buckets?”
“They always keep them in the kitchen.”
Damn it! of course they’re coming in the kitchen.
He looked around for a place to hide, the first thing he saw was a small trap door under the table. He knew there were underground tunnel systems as well as passages in the walls. Maybe this was one?
Carefully, Dane opened the hatch and slipped in. From inside he flicked the match and lit the lantern. The hatch opened to a small tunnel, about three feet in height and four feet in width. It smelled like dust and soil. He crawled until the tunnel ended, combining with a much taller pathway. After about fifty feet, the pathway ends, leading to a spiral staircase. Dane was terrified to further venture into the darkness, but he had already gone so far.
With each step he stopped, waiting for the echo to pass in case it were covering another sound he should be aware of.
The staircase led into an old dungeon . He could tell it was rarely used from the cobwebs and rundown state of the rusty metal bars. The wall had torches, but only one of them was lit.
It was the one second to last, near the end of the row.
Dane stopped in front of it, setting down his lantern on an empty wall peg. He squinted and peered in. The light wasn’t bright enough to see any details, but he could make out a vague silhouette.
Why was there someone being held here if this dungeon is clearly abandoned? Certainly there is some code of ethics for prisoners. I know they are locked up for a reason but this just seems cruel and unnecessary.
Dane scratched his chin thoughtfully and picked the lantern back up. He was about to keep walking until he heard a soft grunt.
Who was even in there?
He didn't know of any prisoners currently in holding. About a week ago the last of them had been sent to prison or executed. Dane tried to rest his hand on the bars when he felt the door slide open. Someone had forgotten to lock this cell.
“Hello?” Dane whispered.
There was no response, maybe they were asleep? He wondered. Only one way to find out. Dane stepped in, holding the lantern tightly to his body.
He almost screamed when he realized who he was looking at.
Before him, the dragon hung from the wall. Chained upright by his wrists. His feet dangled an inch above the ground, and his arms were hung above his head.
His dark tank top had been tattered and red whip marks scattered across his body. Blood dried to the fabric and his skin a dark crimson color.
“H-hello?”
Still no response.
“Oh my gosh… is he dead?” Dane whispered. Taking a step closer to investigate.
Just then, the dragon’s eyes shot open. They appeared to be glowing, bright and yellow like two small suns.
His expression snapped into alertness, eyebrows lifting, eyelids widening and pupils shrinking.
Dane soon realized he made a mistake by standing so close. The dragon kicked him square in the chest. Knocking him into the ground and making him drop the lanturn.
Dane screamed and landed on his forearm, wincing when pain shot through his muscle. The lantern crashed and oil spilled out onto the floor.
Terrified, Dane quickly got back up on his feet and ran out of the cell. He didn’t get too far when he realized he dropped everything in the cell.
Cautiously, Dane returned. Sneakily tip-toeing in.
“Here to finish the job blondie?”
“Augh- please don’t attack me, I just want to get the lantern.”
“Wow, you are possibly the most pathetic human in the entire world. I’m chained, what can I do?”
“You just kicked me!”
“Maybe keep your distance, hm? Ever heard of boundaries?”
“Oh yeah, well why haven’t you lit me up?”
“Magic suppressing rune, dipshit. Don’t you fucking live here? How do you not know how this shit works? What do you even want from me?”
“How often do you think we have dragon prisoners? Anyways- I don't want anything. I was just wandering around and I was curious. Why are you here?”
“What kind of question is that? Where the fuck else would I be?! They're probably keeping me around until either- your balls drop, and you kill me, or until they can get rid of you and let the other one at me.”
“Get rid of me? Why are you such an asshole?!”
“You started it!”
“When? What could I have possibly done?”
“Oh I don’t know… maybe when you tried to fucking kill me!? Does that ring a bell?”
“I didn’t want to, I didn’t ask for any of this. I was forced to, you should be nice to me. I did you a favor.”
“You think you did me a favor? Really?” The dragon chuckled.
“Uh, yeah? You’re alive aren’t you?”
“You think they’re gonna let me live? So you’re pathetic and naive. I’m either going to starve to death in this cell, or they’re gonna kill me some other way. Maybe I’ll get my own execution, how fancy.”
Hmm…Oh- that’s what I was doing.
Dane had completely forgotten the entire objective of his mission. He was so caught up in the chaos he forgot he still hadn't eaten. Perhaps the dragon would be more cooperative after a meal. Since, it was unlikely the prison guards were taking very good care of him.
“I’ll be right back.”
“Yeah I’m good actually, whatever you’re up to doesn’t have to involve me.”
On the way out, Dane made sure to close the cell door, he knew the dragon boy couldn’t escape but he felt safer knowing he was enclosed. There were so many questions filling Dane’s mind on the walk through the tunnel, he hoped he would have enough time to ask them all.
“Hello? Mr dragon- I’m back.”
“Yay, I’m so excited.” The dragon hissed sarcastically and rolled his eyes.
“Oh, you don’t want any chicken? Oh then I guess I’ll leave.”
“Woah woah, wait- Hey, come back!”
“No, I guess you just want to be left alone and I’ll honor that.”
“You asshole, come back! Uh, please?”
“Well…Since you asked nicely. I’ll let you have a break from those shackles. If I unchain you, are you going to attack me?”
“No, pinkie promise.”
The dragon weakly lifted a pinky. It looked like it hurt to move. Clearly he was too weak to be a hazard, Dane assured himself.
Reluctantly, Dane set down the food, pulled the ring of keys off the wall, opposite to the cell and began unlocking the chains holding him up.
As soon as the last cuff was removed, and the dragon's feet were firmly planted on the ground, Dane felt his back slam against the wall of the cell.
The dragon boy had practically thrown him across the cell and backed him into a corner.
“You really are fucking stupid, I’m a dragon. What made you think it was a good idea to listen to me?”
The prince’s wrists were pinned against the wall. The dragon’s grip was tight and his nails dug into Dane’s skin like needles.
face to face, he was able to see more details. Some he missed through the armor. The dragon had an orange goatee-matching his hair, a constellation of freckles spotted across the bridge of his nose and a scar above his right eyebrow. His expression twisted into a menacing look that tore through Dane’s soul.
“You’re defenseless without all your metal. I didn’t realize how tiny you were- Now I’m sorta embarrassed I let you get that far. I’m not even sure where to begin. I could bite your face off right now, or-”
His grin widened and his mouth opened slightly, revealing his sharp fangs, one of which was gold. The prince could smell the dragon’s breath, it reeked like metallic smoke.
“Maybe I could drag it out a bit. You know, rip you apart limb to limb. Starting with your pathedic flat teeth and short fingernails. Shred you to ribbons until there is nothing vaguely human left. What do you think your family would say when they finally found you? Or whatever was left-”
There's many types of fear out there. As a prince, he never experienced some of the more intense kinds. He mostly dealt with surface levels of anxiety or worry, but in the presence of the dragon, anything he’s felt before was like small crumbs. He realized, this is exactly what anxiety was made for, the reason fear exists is to protect yourself from life ending threats.
Trembling, Dane squeezed his eyes shut. If it was going to end, at least he gave it a real shot. This was worse than in the arena, he wouldn’t die a hero.
He’d die an idiot.
Much to his surprise, the grip on his wrists loosened and the dragon stepped back. Putting distance between them.
“Nah, I’m just kidding. Hey, this looks pretty good.” The dragon boy said, turning and walking over to the food Dane had set down.
Like a vicious beast. The dragon tore apart the roast chicken, when he was done there was nothing left but a pile of bones.
Dane stayed frozen, back flat against the wall. His face was still glued in an expression of terror. His breath was heavy and rapid, almost hyperventilating.
The only movement in his body was the quick rising and falling of his chest. He waited until the dragon wasn’t looking before tip-toeing out. At the sound of the metal door clicking shut, announcing Dane’s escape- the dragon looked over his shoulder.
“Going so soon? We were having fun, were we not?”
The dragon said, wiping his mouth. As he approached the bars of the cell he chuckled sinisterly, the low growl erupting from deep inside his chest.
“No- that was not fun. Not for me. Never, ever do that again!”
“Or what? I’d be surprised if I ever saw you again. I think you know better than to play with fire, is that right Dane?”
“H-how do you know my name?”
The dragon face palmed. All sense of dominance erased by the visible frustration.
“You’re the fucking prince, use your brain!”
The dragon boy gripped the bars with fury- the only physical object protecting Dane from him.
“I-I’m not scared of you.”
“That’s right.” The dragon, without warning, he reached his hand out between the bars. Nearly grabbing Dane but missing by an inch. Dane sqeaked and jumped back.
“You’re terrified.”
The dragon let out an insensitive laugh.
“Hands to yourself- touch me again and I’ll leave you here to rot. I was going to try and help you but I’m not too comfortable with how you’re talking to me!”
“You think I want your help? I’m not a complete dumbass. I know what this is, try and gain my trust then when I’m not looking, betray me- bla bla bla. I’ve played these games, you’re not nearly smart enough to fool me.”
“I’m not trying to trick you. I literally ruined everything for myself by sparing you. Is that not enough proof I mean no harm? I was so close, I could have done it. I could have killed you. I didn’t, and I won’t.”
“You don’t have the guts. You’re not merciful, you're weak. Seeking the company of a monster doesn’t make you brave, it makes you stupid. I know why you haven’t left. You don’t want to, is that it? You’d rather sit here and listen to me insult, berate, and terrify you, than spend another second alone.”
“You don’t know anything about me- You know what. Go ahead and Die here. Tell the maggots that feed off your corpse to clean up after themselves. Not that you have any more manners than they do.”
Dane turned on his heel, his cape swishing behind him and returned into the dark tunnel. When he made it to the top of the stairwell. He couldn’t help but look back one last time.
The dragon boy had slunk back from the bars and disappeared into the darkness, blending in like a raven in the night.
It was officially an hour until it was time for the challenge, his leg bounced with anticipation. The duel masters kept him waiting in a training room. Going over sword tactics, dragon slaying techniques, and offering him words of motivation. Dane wasn’t paying attention, too busy imagining what his maker would look like.
Would it have Sharp teeth and pointy horns? Would it be sixty feet tall? How big were its wings?
Ten more minutes remained. He started putting on his armor and took a long sip of water. He was told to stand just outside the gate, in a tunnel leading to the arena.
Sword in his belt, a sturdy suit of armor covering his body head to toe. Dane tried his hardest to keep his mind from wandering anymore. Dragons were crafty and intelligent, he would really have to focus.
When the chains started rolling, signalling the opening of the gate Dane considered running back inside and somehow quit being a prince.
He felt as if he was watching himself walk rather than actually experiencing it. His legs betrayed him by taking him closer and closer to the destination of his demise. When the gate fully opened he was shocked by just how bright it was. The light reflected on the white sand blinding him and he had to stop for a moment just to let his vision focus.
A nearby guard nudged him forward and he shot them a glare. Hidden by the helmet.
There were more concerning factors in his situation, but the first thing he noticed was how much he hated walking on sand. Also- that the arena was too bright and too loud. The crowd cheered and roared at his entrance and the arena seemed to amplify the sound, every sound. His footsteps, the sand blowing of wind- even the rattling chains of the opposing gate. If only they could hear his rapidly beating heart.
Sweat already began to pool at the base of his hairline, back and chest. Leaving him disgusted and uncomfortable.
“Can they hurry up already...” Dane muttered to himself.
He immediately regretted saying that when a loud roar echoed across the arena. A gust of wind picked up a cloud of dust, obscuring Dane’s vision. He squeezed his eyes shut, letting them water a little.
When his eyes re-opened, he saw it.
Standing about twenty feet in front of him.
It or, he- was standing wide, eyes locked on Dane.
The dragon did have red horns and wings- like in the illustrations, but the rest was completely unexpected.
He had the body and face of a young man, similar in age. The only features the prince could clearly define from the distance was dark brown clothes, pale skin and long choppy orange hair.
Was this one of its tricks?
Dane allowed himself to be confused long enough, to be caught off guard when it charged.
A cloud of dust kicked up behind the dragon boy as it ran. It moved way quicker than a normal person could. When Dane was able to make out his face, he saw golden yellow eyes.
Laced with hatred.
It was angry and looking for blood.
“Augh!” Dane yelped, nearly missing a punch in the face.
The dragon boy formed a flame on the other hand and Blasted him with it. Dane was able to block it with his shield but he could feel the stray flames reflecting off the side. It was too close, he had to get some distance between them.
After regaining his stance, the prince swung his sword at the dragon, nearly missing it by half an inch.
Mockingly, it grinned- sharp fangs juxtaposed against its otherwise human smile.
Frustrated, Dane clenched the sword tighter.
How dare it taunt me.
It circled him, faster than Dane could respond it shoved him. The prince’s grip on the weapon wasn’t as tight as he was trained to, and he dropped it.
In an instant, the dragon kicked the sword, launching it five feet away from Dane.
“You don’t need that, come on. Face me head on.” It spoke up.
“Is this fun for you!?” Dane snapped. Too angry to be surprised by its communication.
“A little, come on. At least put in a little effort would ya?”
The draconic boy was bigger, taller and more muscular, but weighed significantly less than Dane at the moment- considering the armor.
Planting his feet firmly into the sand. He still had his shield, he could still win this. Or at least survive for another five minutes.
The dragon blasted him with fire breath, which was blocked. Then it sliced at him with it’s claw-like fingernails, scraping Dane’s armor. Each strike made a horrible ear piercing screech on impact.
Dane waited until the dragon looked unsteady and knocked him a few feet back with a powerful swing of his blade.
The prince felt confident for a moment, but once it steadied in the sand, the dragon formed a fireball in the palm of it’s hand.
At first Dane had thought the fireball was increasing in size, but as heat filled the air he realized it was coming straight for him. Blinded by ash and frozen in place, Dane failed to dodge the dragon's incoming charge.
It tried punching him again and screamed in pain as its knuckles banged against a corner of the metal of the armor. it shook its hand and squeezed it to regain feeling.
While it was distracted, Dane picked up a handful of sand and threw it at the dragon's face. A dirty trick- but it was effective at incapacitating it long enough for Dane to get a good 10 feet.
It roared louder and angrier than it had before. Hands desperately rubbing its eyes.
“Oh you’re dead- you are so dead mother-fucker.”
“Over here now!”
A slight hint of arrogance could be detected in Dane’s voice, the dragon's senses dulled and it seemed that Dane's advantage of a more steady mind could be what it takes.
Maybe I can actually win this, maybe I can actually live
He never thought it possible, but this wasn’t the dragon he imagined either.
Dane held his sword tighter than he ever had before. When the dragon caught up, he left, predicting that it would try to dodge it. Then, Dane slid to the right at the last second.
The dragon cried out when the blade sliced its forearm. Just as most creatures, its insides were a dark crimson red. It splattered on Dane’s armor in a thin patch. Even through the layers of cloth leather and iron Dane could smell the metallic stench of blood.
“Still think this is fun!?”
Dane attacked him again, this time with a thrust of the blade.
Mentally, Dane cursed when it missed. It was so close, he could have got it then and there if he just aimed a little better.
Before Dane could react, Its wings opened and the dragon ducked down. With a powerful push off the ground the dragon boy flew forty feet into the sky. When his wings caught air, it hovered above with a vengeful fury. Fire swirled around its waist and arms like a twisted feather boa.
Dane wasn’t sure what to do, he thought about throwing his sword but he wasn’t very confident in that working. He needed to make it come back down.
“Who’s the coward now?”
“You want me to come down? Granted.”
Just then, it tucked its wings back and the dragon boy’s body acted as if it were a biological meteor, diving into the ground right where Dane stood.
The sound of his own screams tormented Dane, echoing his fear back at him. He attempted to run out of the way but He wasn’t fast enough. It caught him and they crashed into the sand, forming a small crater.
The prince’s vision blurred for a moment and he felt himself fall in and out of consciousness. When he was able to regain control of his muscles he gasped for air. It did little to ease him of the pressure on his chest. The dragon had pinned him down and was pushing all its weight against him.
“I could make this quick, but I won't.”
It started to blast Dane’s armor with fire.
Dane wiggled under It, desperately trying to escape the heat but he was still recovering from the shock of impact.
Maybe I should have ate my veggies-
Dane screamed again as the armor began to heat up, burning his skin. It almost instantly became hard to breathe. The stench of smoke caked his nostrils and his eyes began to water. It felt like he was being cooked alive in a metal pot. He didn’t want to die in such a painful way.
Not like this!
“If it’s so hot, take off the armor.”
The Dragon above him shuttered with a deep guttural chuckle, amused in its own sick and twisted attempt at a joke.
Dane could barely see it through the slits in his helmet. Only make out the vague shape of a person-like figure above him. He wished he had a white flag to wave.
For a split second, the dragon’s grip loosened as it reached for the top of the helmet. Dane could see a dark shadow reaching over the eye slits
He took advantage of its confidence and elbowed it in the face with his free arm.
It yelped in supprise and leaned back. Dane had enough room to sit up and immediately picked up his shield. He knocked the dragon boy over the side of the head repeatedly until it got off.
“You annoying mother f-”
It held its head in its hands. Blood trickling down its forehead and the side of its face
Dane threw the shield down and Picked his sword back up.
The dragon tried to tackle him again, aiming to drag him back down into the crater, but Dane kicked it in the face. It desperately pulled at his waist and legs, it looked more like a monster than ever before.
Dane stomped on its hand before it could even get back up. Then he kicked it in the jaw, the force sending it onto its back. It flipped onto its stomach, in the middle of pushing itself back up onto its feet but this time Dane had the upper hand.
He pinned its back down with his knee, one foot on his head.
It cried out, the yell more human than monster.
The dragon boy writhed in pain underneath the prince. His chest lifting and falling rapidly with his desperate breathing. Blood painted its pale freckled skin like wallpaper.
This had to be quick.
Lifting the sword was easy, all he had to do was drive it into the monster’s back and this would all be over. There was no humanity in this abomination. ‘
The creature wasn’t human, it only partially resembled a person. Its disgusting humanoid disguise only served as an illusion. Manipulation.
Dane aimed his blade and was nearly seconds away from drilling it into the dragon boys’s back before he paused.
He could kill it, easily. Maybe it deserved to die. Maybe it didn’t-
Could the prince really decide whether this creature deserved to live or die.
On a more selfish note, Dane remembered killing this beast is one of the final steps he has to take before his future is sealed and he gets to spend the rest of his life on some miserable throne. Emotions aside, In a logical sense- Dane acknowledged that killing this creature didn’t benefit either of them. So it should be an easy decision to make.
The dragon boy turned his head to look at Dane, his yellow eyes no longer looked hostile. The only expression Dane could read was pain.
He saw the fox in his face. Even with the horns adorned on his head. Through the boy’s angular features and his bright orange hair. He saw a beautiful creature vulnerable to his hands.
“I forfeit.”
“What? Hey where are you going- come back here ya coward! Finish me off, why don’t ya?”
Dane shook his head, ignoring the dragon's comments. His sword impaled the dirt in a quick fluid motion as he toothpicked it into the ground.
One look back, he laid eyes upon the dragon again. He was now sitting up, legs bent by his side. The dragon no longer had the same menacing threat. Just a bloodied boy covered in sand.
The arena echoed with Loud angry boo’s. People started throwing trash, food and any other useless objects on him. Dane scowled, their reactions solidified exactly what he needed to know. They wanted death, and he wasn't going to give it to them. Why should he?
Guards filled the arena from both sides, two grabbed Dane by his arms and pulled him out.
At the other side, Dane heard sounds of a struggle. He wasn’t sure what was happening behind him except he knew the dragon would be recaptured. He heard the loud screams and shouts mixed with profanities of what was almost his victim, followed by the responses of guards. Then eventually a despondent silence.
Dane dropped his head down. Preparing himself for whatever hell was next.
The first person to greet Dane at the exit of the arena was his father. He lovingly showed his gratitude and relief with a hard solid slap in the face that jerked Dane’s head to the side. Giving his neck a sort of whiplash.
“How dare you! Kid, you have done a lot, but I could have never imagined you would dare disgrace this family- no, this country, in such a selfish way.”
“Selfish!? I never wanted to do this. Not that anyone would ever ask what I wanted- It's so obvious! Of course I wouldn’t want to do this. I spent my free time reading biology books and staring at birds through my window. You should know how I feel, but that's stupid to even consider. Not a single one of you cares about me.”
“Don't blame this family for your failure when you are responsible. I cannot begin to understand why I was burdened with the most worthless excuse for a offpring. I hope you're satisfied. I hope you enjoy your little temper tantrum.”
“You’d have preferred it if I lost, didn't you?” Dane sneered.
“Maybe we do. Get out of my sight, I don’t want to see you for the rest of the night.”
Dane audibly gasped, jaw unhinged and eyes wide.
“ Well- well, I don’t care about any of you either. I hope you all fall ill of dysentery and I hope the maids find you all lying dead- face down in the bowl.”
Dane tried to sound assertive but all that came out was a whine.
The entire walk back to his room, Dane mumbled insults and threats under his breath. That night he still made an effort to slam the door- even though no one heard.
“Dane Felis, son of Calvin and Henrietta Felis turns eighteen today. This is the day he was honored with the glory of the ultimate challenge. In order to prove his strength and ability to be the future king of Farlan, He must kill a dragon with his own sword in one to one combat.
Free admission to all Locust citizens
Failure to attend will be met with legal repercussions.”
Dane shook his head, soaking in the sheer hopelessness of his situation. This was the fourth time that morning he read the same newspaper cut out.
Crumbling it up and tossing it in the trashcan across the room was his attempt at defiance. He didn’t understand what exactly murder proved.
Killing animals was never something Dane enjoyed.
Learning to hunt was one of many expectations a prince must adhere to. It was also on another nearly identical list, that of which represented all the things he was incompetent at. While a royal would never have to kill for survival, they would for sport. He should know how to string a bow so not to be an embarrassment to the other riders.
“Weak, Pathetic, yellow bellied”
All were adjectives used by others to describe his inability to cause harm to the living.
The maid, Tabitha knocked on his door reminding him to get ready shortly. Dane sighed, the day was already off to a bad start. He was running late for breakfast. To the average person, that wouldn’t be day ruining, but things were different in the castle.
“I’m coming.” He called to Tabitha, while slipping on his white button up shirt.
Putting on his clothes under a time limit complicated things further. Dane yelped as he nearly tripped putting his sock on and crashed into his wooden dresser while sliding up his pants. The corner of the dresser dug into his side and he winced in pain.
That won’t be the most painful thing he will experience today.
“Are you alright, your highness?”
“Yep yep, fine.” Dane hissed, combing wisps of blonde hair out of his face.
“I don’t mean to rush you b-”
She startled and jumped back as the door swung open. Dane frantically started power walking out the door and down the hall.
“Wait- your crown!” She called to him, picking it up off his desk.
“Ugh-” Dane whined and turned back around. Meeting Tabitha halfway as she carried it to him, making sure to touch as little of the surface as she could.
“You don’t have to be so careful with it, I really don’t care.”
“It’s no trouble, you're highness. I wish you luck.” She bowed.
Dane cringed and took back his crown, placing it carelessly on his head. Already beginning to regret putting any work into styling his hair.
“Thanks Tabs, have a good one.”
For the rest of the way to the breakfast hall Dane practically sprinted. He almost bumped into a couple guards after taking a turn too quickly. They dodged him just in time. Dane winced when He heard them mumble something under their breath, he couldn’t hear exactly what they said but figured he probably wouldn’t want to.
The second he entered the breakfast hall, he could feel the uncomfortable aura that just seemed to be floating around in the air anytime his whole family was in one location. It was like a thick heavy cloud, weighing him down.
The source of the cloud could be traced back to the head of the table, emitting from his father like a faucet. When he spoke, it was almost as if his mere voice alone could shake the floor.
“Look who finally decided to grace us with his presence.”
“Sorry-”’
That was his second mistake.
“Sorry? Did you just say sorry? Excuse me, but we did not wait for fifteen minutes while our food chilled, just for you to run in and spit out a careless sorry.”
Dane cleared his throat, offering a more sincere attempt. “I apologize for making you wait, it will not happen again.”
“Good enough, you may be seated.” The king waved him off, finally allowing for the cook to begin serving their courses.
When Dane pulled out the chair, it rubbed against the wooden floor making an offensive scraping sound.
“Dane Michael Felis!” His mother scolded him, and he flinched in response.
“S- I apologize… I will adjust the furniture properly.”
Dane picked up the chair, sat down, and hopped it to the rim of the table quietly, this time making sure to not make a single sound.
Breakfast was three courses. A sausage and Veggie Quiche, roast pig stuffed with loin meat and raisins raisins. Decoratively six layer yogurt parfait waited beside it taunting him. No desert until the main meal is done, that’s the rule.
Pork was often lined with fat and had a more tough texture in comparison to other meats. It required a bit more chewing than Dane could stomach. He made a small attempt at it with a microscopic portion sectioned off the least fatty part of the animal. Still, even after two bites he gave up. The second the animal fat squished between his teeth he felt shivers twist up his spine. It was like gripping a hot iron with bare fists swallowing what he had in his mouth.
“I don’t see you sticking your nose up at the roast pig, do I? ” the king introjected.
“I don’t want any…” Dane mumbled.
“You know to use your voice when speaking to me.”
“I’m just not that hungry right now.”
“Nonsense, a growing boy needs lots of protein, carbs too.”
“Maybe you’d finally get a girlfriend if you didn’t look like a deformed scarecrow.” Connor- the youngest of the two Felis eirs, snickered.
“Who asked for your opinion!?” Dane snapped.
“I’m just saying, girls prefer men that are a little more built. See how I actually take care of myself, and how I have no problems finding someone to love me. You on the other hand?”
“Enough, be nice to him. It’s his special day after all. Please, though, eat a veggie or two.” Their mom gestured to the quiche with her fork.
“Veggies are empty calories. Take another slice of pig, if you don’t at least try to get any bigger that poor dragon is going to starve.”
“You know what, I’ve had enough to eat.”
Dane stood up abruptly slamming his hand down on the table.
“No one said you could be excused-” The king glared.
“Ooh, someone is mad-” Connor chuckled.
Dane was silently cursing them as he stormed out the hall and back up the stairs. He had to start getting ready anyway. He didn’t care how angry it made his father, that wouldn’t matter if he was dead in the next few hours.
Why am I in trouble, and Connor’s just off the hook? I was the one being antagonized-
When Dane got to his room, he started shining his sword. There would be blood on it soon, but at least it would be pretty until then. Dane also made an effort to clean his shield and wipe his glasses as well. There was time to kill since he left breakfast early.
Where are they even gonna find this dragon?
There’s no way they’d take one directly from the kingdom of dragons- Baratrum. It's too far away and far too dangerous. Maybe it’ll be a prisoner of war? However, that was also unlikely since none of the fighting has reached The city of Locus, where he lives. Dane’s heard a lot about the war in school, mostly since it will be his problem in a decade. Possibly less depending on his father’s health and wellness. The current dragon and human conflict started around the beginning of his father’s reign but the two nations have been at each other's throats for the last two-hundred decades. History interested Dane, he enjoyed it much more than he did most other subjects.
Today, the most important thing he’s ever learned is Dragon slaying. He took an entire class for it in an empty block last year, he figured it would be useful for what was coming. Dane knew about his challenge since he was thirteen years old. Around the same time he was given his sword. When he was little, he was super excited about slaying the dragon and being king. Now, he saw it in a more realistic way which didn’t excite him. He knew it wouldn’t be easy. Not just the battle but the duty that shadowed. He struggled maintaining a conversation, yet he was going to be negotiating trade deals.
A couple months ago, Dane had finally shot a fox. While it took several misses and close calls, he still had accomplished his first kill. However, It didn’t feel good like he thought it would. All the excited people shouting and praising him didn’t drown out the screaming deep in his soul.
He was supposed to hit it’s heart but he pierced its thymus and it bled out to death.
That entire night he saw flashes of the bright orange coat, painted red, rising and falling in a sickening rhythm. Until it didn’t.
On the more selfish side of this conundrum. Attempting to kill a dragon was Leagues above the small mammal. Deep down, Dane knew he wasn’t going to win the fight. At least not without leaving burned, bleeding and bruised. Dying was one thing, but he really hoped he didn’t end up losing a limb. He preferred to lose his life, over living a much worse version of it. Getting burned was the least desirable outcome in his mind . The way he saw it- If he dies, then he is free of his responsibilities. If he got burned, that could disfigure him and diminish his value as a husband- not that he felt particularly esteemed in that aspect anyway.
The prince’s pondering was interrupted by a light knock on the door. The politeness of the knock let him know it was Tabitha, and not his parents here to scream at him.
After being politely welcomed, Tabitha sauntered in and shut the door behind her.
“Did you see the clothes I left out for you on your bed?” She asked.
“Huh?” Dane twisted in his chair. “Oh, guess I should look nice so it can be an open casket.”
“Oh my- your majesty, why would you say such a thing?”
“It’s the truth, Isn’t it?” Dane picked up the pile of clothes and walked behind the room divider.
In the awkward silence, he fumbled with the button of his pants. He was slightly annoyed that she chose the pair she did. They were definitely too tight for such an active event. At least they wouldn’t be too bulky under the armor. The shirt also wasn’t much better. It buttoned up all the way to the neck which freaked him out a little, and the cuffs went past his wrists.
“Wow, you look absolutely dashing, your highness. You are such a handsome young man.”
He was considering making a joke about her needing new spectacles but decided he’s already been self deprecating enough for one day.
After he was done getting ready, he hugged Tabitha tightly. Just in case that's the last he sees of her. She felt very hesitant to accept the affection but didn’t want to upset him either. In the end, she hugged him back.
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