2. The Test Of Valor

"Father, Mother. The Trials Of Valor are nearly upon us once again." Alexandra says.

"Prince Sergio of Nojon and Prince Dartanian of Osai will be in attendance." Tatiana says, just as excited as Alexandra.

Olivia rolls her eyes. "Father, I wish to partake in the Trials Of Valor." Olivia announces.

All eyes turn to Olivia, Alexandra smiled, amused at her Step-sibling's attempt at validation.

"You know the rules, Olivia. Dragons and half-Dragons cannot participate in any ceremonial event." the King says sternly.

Olivia was hurt, her Father had managed to do the one thing that she thought he couldn't do: wound Olivia's heart, not even her Father's outright rejection of her hurt as much as this.

She felt the sting of tears welling up in Olivia, the auburn haired woman refused to give her Father the satisfaction of seeing Olivia cry in front of him, the King once again eyes his daughter, looking for any sign that he could exploit, but the look on Olivia's face told the King everything he needed to know: Olivia was determined to enter the Test Of Valor."You're afraid." Olivia growled as she touched her Shimmering Eye Of Troc, an amulet that her birth Mother, Arlath had given to her before she disappeared.

"I beg your pardon?" he said with venom in his voice.

"You're afraid to let me showcase my skill in combat," Olivia said as she glares at her Step-Sister, "I am a far greater warrior than her, but yet I cannot take part because I am half-Dragon?"

"Do you think any Prince would want to take you for a bride?" Tatiana asks in a mocking tone."

"I could care less about marrying some coddled Prince." Olivia said.

"If not to have a Prince take your hand in marriage, why do want entry into the Trials, Olivia?" the King inquires.

"To prove myself a capable warrior." Olivia says quickly.

"A fine reason indeed, Olivia. One befitting a true Princess." Tatiana says with a degree of pride, which earns her a hateful glare from Alexandra.

"Are you willing to endorse my daughter, Tatiana?" the King asks, the Queen looked at Olivia and then at Alexandra.

"Yes, I will whole-heartedly endorse Princess Olivia in the Test Of Valor."

"Hmph." Alexandra says before storming off, her Father following close behind.

Olivia looks at Tatiana, confusion in her eyes.

"I have something of importance to discuss with you, but not right now." Tatiana says, speaking in a low tone as if she doesn't to be heard by anyone other than Olivia.

"Alright, when and where?"

"Tonight, in your quarters."

"Okay."

Melinda just stood there, watching and listening, she picked up on the tension between Olivia and the blonde Princess almost instantly.

"You interfered in the business of another land!? And it's Osai, the very Province that I am trying hard to forge an alliance with." the King said, enraged.

Melinda is standing behind Olivia massaging her neck and shoulders, the half-dragon is still healing from using her Blood Healing Art, Melinda's gentle touch eased the tension that was ravaging Olivia's sore body.

"Where did you learn this most useful skill, Melinda?" Olivia asks, closing her eyes.

Melinda hesitated for a moment, but she sighed before she began explaining.

"Before my Mother abandoned me, she taught me various pleasure techniques." the Human said shamefully.

"Melinda..." Olivia said softly.

The ebony woman walks around the chair and stands in front of Olivia before falling to her knees in tears.

Olivia kneels down beside Melinda, the Knight gently touches Melinda's left shoulder. She looks up at Olivia, tears still sliding down her chocolate hued skin.

"Do you think that I would judge you harshly or think less of you, Olivia?"

Melinda searched Olivia's beautiful eyes, finding truth in them,

"No Lady Olivia, I know that you would never do either of those things to me or to anyone knowingly." Melinda said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

Soon after that, Tatiana arrived with a suit of armor and a sword for Olivia.

Tatiana paid no mind to Melinda massaging Olivia, she smiled as she uncovered the armor she had brought in.

"Olivia, this armor is special, it was forged with only one person in mind: Arlath, the Flame Mistress. Your Mother."

"What else did you need to tell me?" Olivia asks.

"Your Mother is alive, in Nojon, your Father swore her to secrecy and banished her to Nojon to keep you from her."