Chapter One – A letter

Princess Melosa gazed into the mirror and gave a sigh. Her lips were as ruby red as ever, her eyes as piercing blue as the sea and her skin was soft and cocoa coloured.

Mel brushed aside her items that were lain strewn over her vanity table. It was a blue, to match her room. Floral curtains spread the windows, and a bright sun streamed light over her desk.

She picked up her quill, and pressed it against a book. Its cover was delicately engraved with silver spirals, and its edge a brilliant blue.

Mel thought for a moment, and started to write.

'Dear Mother, and grandmother,'

She finished inking the letters with satisfaction.

'It is morning. I woke up before everyone, even the kitchen maids. I've been thinking a lot lately, about everything. Especially the future.'

Mel placed her pen down and gazed at her neat, calligraphic writing.

'It has been hard, managing. But I'm doing my best, and I think it's working. Sometimes I feel as if...I shouldn't keep things inside. I know it will hurt me later on. It's so easy to ignore everything and live my life. Not letting anything in...it helps. Grandmother always told me I was too level headed for my own good. I realise that it's right.'

Mel twitched, and a sound made her jerk even more.

"Caaaw!" A silverish dragon, the size of a small dog appeared from the doorway and rested on Mel's arm. It nudged her affectionately.

Mel smiled and scratched the dragon under its neck.

'Anyway, I had better finish up. Papa is resting, and the healers say he will be fine in a few days. He misses both of you as much as I do, maybe even more.

Draykor sends her love as well, she's been taking very good care of me since Papa was taken ill. I train with her a lot as well, and have been reading dozens of books from the dojo library! The history of Rados is so very fascinating. Also, I have made a new friend-'

Mel cut the last few words off and hastily wrote a different sentence.

'I have so many questions I want to ask both of you. Many things are unclear to me...and nobody in the castle tells me anything. I am sure the truth lies hidden somewhere, outside these stone walls. One day I will find the answer.

One day, but until then, I am on my own.

I miss both of you so much, and I will continue to remain strong.

Love,

Melosa'

Mel finished the last letter and flipped to the first page of the book and gazed at the words. To my darling Melosa.

Draykor looked at her, with big blue eyes.

"I'm fine." Mel told her guardian and gave a wary smile. "Really."