Chapter 9

Kendra waltzed into the dining room, with a bright smile lighting up her face. "Good morning," She greeted cheerfully. Navarog gave her a puzzled glance before he got up and pulled back her chair for her.

"As thoughtful as always, Kendra remarked. Thank you." She leaned in giving him the gentlest peck on the cheek. Navarog froze, startled. Like a deer caught in headlights. Kendra giggled. "Why are you looking at me like that? Did I do something odd?" "Not at all my dear, Miranda assured her. It's perfectly natural for you to want to show your affection towards your fiancé? I bet he just didn't get enough sleep last night. Poor thing." "Well that would explain why you look so dreadful," Kendra teased. "Yeah that must be it, he stammered in response. Sorry but, may I be excused?" "But we haven't even eaten yet." "I'm not really that hungry after all. I'll eat later."

He walked out of the room, giving his mother one last glance. It looked like he was angry. Had she done something wrong? Kendra felt like she was missing something. Like she'd forgotten something important. A key piece of information that would have explained everything. It was right at the tip of her tongue, yet Kendra just couldn't remember.

Mirandas cheery voice brought her back to the present: "Sit down dear, lets have some tea." Kendra nodded smiling. At least her loving mother in law hadn't found anything strange about her behavior. Maybe he was just upset about something else entirely, she thought brushing of her fiancés strange behavior and sitting down to join her step mother for morning tea.

"Kendra, called a voice from somewhere behind her. She turned around just as Navarog caught up with her. Can we talk?" "Of course. I was just on my way to the library, but I suppose you could always come with me. Kendra took a hold of his arm and they continued their journey towards the library. So what do you want to talk about?" "Are you feeling okay?" "Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?" "It's just that, you seem a little different."

"Strange, Kendra wondered. I don't feel any different. I'm probably just nervous about the upcoming ball. I was actually hoping to brush up on the demon realms traditions." "Why would you need to do that?" "It's a part of your culture, silly. I want to learn all about it. We're engaged after all and it will soon be a part of my culture too." "Oh"

"Do you think you could help me with my dance lesson later. Just between you and me, miss Bachara isn't the most encouraging teacher and it doesn't seem like she likes me much. I think having you as my dance partner would make life a lot easier for the both of us, if you're up for it." "um…Sure." "Great, I can't wait."

Kendra leaned in to kiss him, but he leaned away, turning his head. Why was he acting so distant? "I have to go, but I'll see you later okay." "Okay." He turned and walked away leaving Kendra completely alone. She was a bit sad to see him go. She wouldn't have minded the company. Why was he acting so strangely? It couldn't be just a lack of sleep. Had something happened? Well what ever it was, Kendra was sure he'd talk to her when he was ready.

Navarog shoved his brother against the wall a bit harder than he had intended, but right now he didn't care. "Oh hello, brother. I do hope you know that there are more simple ways to start a conversation. Orogoro stated indifferently. Now what on earth has gotten you in such a rotten mood?" "You know exactly what. What did mother do to Kendra?" "And why would I know?" " Who better to ask than mothers faithful lapdog. "You're just jealous that my favorite parent is still alive. Remind me, who was it who wanted to be exactly like daddy when he grew up? Remember how you used to follow him around like a little lost puppy?"

"Cut the crap. What did you do to Kendra." "Honestly, I don't understand why you're so cross with me. You finally have a shot with her. Isn't this what you wanted. What's the problem?" "None of it's real. Whatever she's feeling isn't real. I'd rather she hate me than pretend otherwise." "Why do you care?" "Because I … he trailed off. Why couldn't he say it? His father had never taught him to use that word. The father who he'd always looked up to. Since he had been little he had always been taught that being in love meant having a weakness. And having a weakness meant that you yourself were weak.

"You what? Love her?" Orogoro laughed. "Truly that is the sweetest thing I've ever heard. The great Navarog, demon prince of dragons is in love. This is just like that time you befriended the unicorn prince. Now how did that end again?" "That happened hundreds of years ago, Navarog argued. I'm not that same stupid kid anymore." "Maybe not, but you're just as pathetic as you were back then."

"It's really a shame you turned out to be the exact opposite of him. Father I mean. You're weak. How are you supposed to rule the kingdom? Do you honestly think anyone will accept your marriage to that girl. She's fairykind. She's the reason we're all trapped here. Which makes her the enemy."

Navarog didn't answer. How could he. His brother was absolutely right. Navarog let go oh his brothers shirt collar.

Orogoro sighed. That's what I thought. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. You were a disappointment back then and you're an even bigger disappointment now. I'm glad father isn't here to see what you've become. Orogoro pushed of the wall and turned to leave shoving his hands in his pockets. He glanced back one more time before disappearing down the hall. He would be ashamed of you."