"How do I look?" I asked Maggy, flaring my wings out, offering myself for examination.
"Like the most handsome drake in all of Phyrria," Majestic answered sweetly, "And I'm not just saying that because I love you."
"Good," I chuckled, looking at my sparkly tan scales, "Because I don't want to keep Moorhen waiting while I get my scales shined again."
"You should wear a crown," Stonemover suggested, "It'll make you look cooler. Plus, Moorhen will know this is an official meeting, and that you mean business."
I looked back at myself in the mirror, picking up the golden laurel crown on my head. It was a more regal look, sure enough. Between my muscular physique, my shiny scales and the confident stance I now held myself with, I hardly looked anything like the meek little minion I was before.
This is what peak royalty should look like, I thought, Others might not like it, but this is the truth.
"Will Scarlet be here, too?" Stonemover asked, "I wanted to ask her how she's doing with her magic."
"Not today," Maggy said, "But I've already received word from her guards that we're welcome in her camp anytime."
Stonemover and I nodded at that. The Skywings showed up the day before, camping themselves between our camp and the Coalition. Fox had gone over to relay messages between us, and Scarlet confirmed that she was willing to back me on whatever decision I made about the Throne. Putting aside our romantic drama, her arrival was critical to the oncoming negotiations. For every Kingdom I pulled to my side, the stronger my proposals would become, until Glacier had no choice but to accept them (or so I believed). Of the Queens, Moorhen was the best place to start.
"It's almost lunchtime," I announced, turning to them both, "Maggy, Stonemover, why don't you go into town, see if the market's still open?"
"Shopping sounds lovely," Maggy agreed, turning and nudging Stonemover to the exit, "Stone, let's go. I bet there's some cool things we can find to enchant down there." The young Nightwing looked disappointed, but dutifully followed her out, leaving me and the servants to finish getting ready. The camp was pretty big between the refugees and my actual forces, so I had another couple minutes to get ready before Moorhen arrived. I sat at the table, watching the servants set the table, going over what we'd discuss in my head.
After a few minutes, Moorhen arrived. Big and powerful, you could be forgiven into thinking she ate all the dragons who challenged her. But don't be fooled - Mudwings are rarely fat, their mass made up of strong muscles meant to handle the most dangerous of swamp predators. Their wide, flat muzzles made it easier to root through the mud to get at critters that buried themselves in the muck and swampy water. Selective breeding from the monthly "breeding nights" had turned them into the biggest, beefiest dragons in all of Phyrria, a rough and tough fighting force no one wanted to trifle with.
Deep brown eyes took in me and the tent as she walked in, leaving her guards outside with mine. "Xerophilous," she inclined her head as he arrived, alone.
"Moorhen," I responded in kind, smiling and nodding back, "Thanks for coming, sorry the invitation was on short notice."
"Not at all," She said, "If nothing gets done before lunch, perhaps we can accomplish something during it."
I chuckled at that - perhaps she did have a sense of humor.
"Anyways, I hope you'll like it," He said as the servants came in, setting down the food for the meal, "We don't have saltwater crocodile in the jungle, but hopefully the passion fruit sauce is to your liking."
"Of course," She said, sinking her claws and teeth into the meal. At least I got the food right. More than anything, I wanted to show her I could respect the traditions and needs of my allies. The crocodile was delicious - well-cooked, with a sweet-and-sour sauce that had just the right amount of tang. We engaged in small talk at first, mainly domestic affairs - my queens and the council, her various sibs. It struck me as interesting that she pointed out the similarities between my leadership style and hers - basically identical minus the familial relations. Over the course of the hour, she seemed taken by my conversational skills, listening intently as I told her of my ideas and adventures.
As we finished our meals, Moorhen sat a little taller as she attempted to change the subject. "Well, as much as your council's antics are enjoyable to listen to," She said, "A king doesn't invite a queen to lunch without discussing matters of state."
Depends on the King and Queen, I thought, rolling my eyes at her bluntness.
"You know of the IceWing situation?" Moorhen asked, "What they can bring to bear, their intentions, their motives?"
"Some of it," I hedged.
"Then it is a simple calculus on my part," Moorhen said, "As I said to her, you are both closer to me and stronger. I believe you can protect my tribe. Can I trust you to?"
"Yes," I said, quickly and emphatically. I smiled internally as I got her to flinch back, surprised by my answer. "That's all I've ever wanted of you. Of anyone, really."
"For a hundred years?" she chanced.
"I don't know about that long," I chuckled, "But as long as I'm still alive…" I paused, remembering Stonemover's offer of immortality and reincarnation. Suddenly that offer became a lot more tempting, with the promise of more power and stability right in front of me. Would it be so bad, being around forever, an eternal arbiter of peace and justice? Realizing that I had gone silent, I quickly added, "Of course."
She stared into me, looking for any sign of deception when there was none. "Then I'll take it," she said, extending a paw across the table, "My tribe is paramount, and I'll not leave them to drown for the delusions of a snooty icicle."
"Ooh, that's a good one, I'll have to make a note of it!" I laughed, taking her paw into my own, "I'll let Grandeur know to start preparing the treaty stuff."
The rest of the lunch passed quickly, returning to lighter subjects. When she finally left, I was convinced to have found not merely an ally, but a friend.
The next week or so followed a steady (if increasingly tense) routine. I woke up, having breakfast with Maggy, Stonemover, Fox and Grandeur. After checking in on the troops, the camp and the newest batch of refugees, it was a long, downright painful afternoon of trying to negotiate with the icy stone wall that was Queen Glacier. This would go on until evening (or until each and every member in attendance just got fed up with the Icewing Monarch), and we retired back to our respective camps for dinner and rest.
Four days into our stay was July 11th, also known as "Scorching Day". Nearly five thousand years ago, dragonkind had been preyed upon by scavengers, as the tiny critters would sneak into our homes, kill us and take our treasures. One day, however, the strongest females of each tribe - the future Queens of our Kingdoms - rallied dragonkind together to set fire to the largest of the scavenger dens, taking back all the treasure stolen from them, and reasserting ourselves as the dominant species in Phyrria. Every kingdom had their own way of celebrating it, and in my homeland, it was a night of bonfires, drinking and dancing. With every royal dragon in the known world all gathered together for this "Concert of Kingdoms", it was decided to turn the festivities of Scorching Night into a royal ball.
It was impressive how quickly the remaining staff were able to transform the courtyard into a party pavilion on such short notice. Between the plentiful food, the band and the lavish decorations, one could be forgiven for thinking nothing had happened these past six months. Dragons from every tribe could be seen around the castle, as servants helped set everything up for the Royals, VIPs and everyone else to celebrate the night. I spent a few minutes watching the festivities start up, and I thought of my dream with my daughter and granddaughter. This was the future I intended to build, and every day negotiations were bringing it closer and closer to fruition.
I went to the dance with Maggy in tow, both of us donning our finest regalia. I managed to find matching necklaces for us - I wore a silver necklace of sapphires and lavender amethysts, while she wore a gold necklace with onyx stones. Servants and guests bowed as we passed by, parting ways as we entered the courtyard. Some looked on in envy, in admiration. Others looked on with fear or disgust. Were they jealous of my position and power? Did they hate that some "street-rat" had become the savior of our tribe? Or did they think it "beneath me" to have a Rainwing as a mate?
It didn't matter. I was the most powerful dragon in the kingdom, if not the world, and I would do as I pleased.
As we approached the dance floor, I offered her my tail. "Your Majesty," I said regally yet playfully, "Would you honor me with the first dance?"
"I would be delighted, My King." She smiled, her tail grabbing mine just below the stinger. We danced a Sandy Circle - an old dance that involved tailholding, where the couple would sway with the music, occasionally with the lead spinning his partner around. It was simple and quaint, but it was easy to learn and easy to perform, and she was as yellow as a pineapple as she spun for me. Her joy was contagious, I'll say that much.
We'd been dancing for several minutes, when the music hit a lull, a signal to stop and switch partners. As we did, she turned a wary dark-purple, looking over my shoulder as I felt someone approach.
"Xerophilous," Queen Glacier asked from behind me, "Would you like to share the next dance with me?" I looked back to see that grim-faced witch, extending her wing even as her expression was one of mild annoyance and disgust. It was clear she was doing this purely out of obligation, one I (unfortunately) had to reciprocate.
"Of course, Your Majesty," I said neutrally, turning to my mate. Maggy bowed, walking off to join Glacier's chaperone. I took the Ice Queen's paw, and stiffly tried to follow the previous dance. She looked like she just stepped in scavenger poop, and I felt the same, but I did my best to hide my distaste for the moment. "So, have you considered my proposal?"
Somehow, the Icewing managed to scowl harder. "You aren't seriously-?"
"Yes I am." I gave her a twirl and pulled her close, forcing her to look me in the eyes. "I don't think you appreciate just how alone you are. You have burned many allies in this fool's errand for glory. You can accept my terms and go home with honor, or bleed yourself dry trying to turn sand to ice. Because let me assure you of one thing, Your Highness: The Sandwings will never accept a foreign despot as their Queen."
"Even if it means more chaos?" She challenged, "Even as they weaken themselves?"
"We're a resilient tribe," I reminded her, "We'll adapt and survive. Those that don't fight you will fly to the Jade Mountains, or to my kingdom. And one day, sooner or later, a Sandwing will sit on that throne. Whether it's Blaze, Smolder's heir, or one of my own, Sandwings will humble anyone who tries to take their home."
Glacier said nothing. She remained stonefaced as we completed our dance, walking off as soon as the music stopped. "Nice dancing with you too, bitch," I muttered. Behind me, I heard familiar heavy footsteps approaching.
"Your Majesty," Queen Moorhen asked, using that same monotone she and her kind seemed to love, "May I have the honor of the next dance? I can assure you that I'm a much better partner than that Icewing."
I was caught off-guard by this request. I hadn't expected her to be so outgoing, or frivolous. Still, I wasn't going to deny an ally (and an admittedly attractive female), so I gave her a polite smile and took her paw, and together we started swaying with the music.
"You have a very peculiar way of acquiring allies." She told me, a statement of fact rather than an accusation or question. I looked at her curiously, as she continued, "Glacier has the opinion that you let your other head do most of your thinking. Between your marriage of Greatness and enchantment of Scarlet, I find myself agreeing with that sentiment. You're much more friendly with kingdoms after you've wooed their Queens, one way or another."
"I don't-" I started to protest, before she placed a fat claw on my lips.
"I understand," She said, taking the lead in a slightly different dance, "You're a drake. You have needs. Promises made are more easily kept when both partners know each other intimately."
I blinked, trying to figure out what she was getting at (and not liking the conclusions I was making). "I'm not offering myself as another wife," She continued, "That's not how we Mudwings do things. But should you desire to experience a Mudwing Mating Night, you're more than welcome in my tent and my bed." She pressed her body against mine, almost intimidating with her subtle seductive energy. I suddenly pictured myself as a young drake back in Oasis's court, the Queen suddenly taking an interest in me. I... admit that I was tempted by the offer - both to secure the loyalty of the Mud Kingdom, and out of a selfish lust to know what a Mudwing was like. But I was just as firmly scared of succumbing to that temptation, and betraying my own queens yet again. I glanced over to Majestic, seeing her off by the punch bowl, chatting and laughing with a band of Mudwing sibs. Seeing her reminded me of my bonds and my love, and gave me the strength to create an out.
"You should talk with Majestic about this offer," I said quickly, trying to find a middle path, "My Queens and I have an agreement: No sleeping around without their permission or their presence. If you want... me... she has to be there."
"A threesome, then? I accept your terms," She said plainly as the music ended, "I shall inform your bodyguard-queen. May I see you soon, King Xerophilous." With that, she turned and walked away, tail raised just enough to tease. I looked away, feeling my cheeks flush and my heart flutter in embarrassment. Spirits, I hoped no one saw that. Why do females always go after the drakes in relationships?
"Hey Xero," A familiar voice asked behind me, "I see you've been dancing with all the other Queens. Can I ask for one last dance, for diplomacy's sake?"
Sure enough, Scarlet had taken her spot behind me. By the Three Moons, she was breathtaking. Her scales had been shined, the torchlight making her orange scales pop even more. She wore jewelry again, though it was a more modest affair with a pair of horn rings, floral earrings and a gold chain necklace with a ruby at the center. She held her head high now, some of the old confidence finally coming back. She was checking me out as much as I was checking her, the romantic and sexual tension downright palpable.
"I would be delighted," I replied, taking her paw as soon as she offered it. The band played a new song, slow and sultry and seductive. We started to dance and spin around each other, not too different from the dance I shared with my Rainwings. Our wings hooked together, flaring out as displays. She crooked her neck around mine, the heat of her scales pleasant and comforting. She smelled of lavender and charcoal - had she been bathing?
"You're being awfully bold tonight, Your Majesty," I chuckled, keeping my voice low so only we could hear, "Though I'm glad to see your confidence is back."
"I'm only taking it as far as you'll let me," She replied, her expression dreamy, "I respect boundaries. Though I admit I'm enjoying this more than I should."
"Likewise." I caught her tail with mine, holding it up as I made her pirouette. "I cannot overstate how much your support in these negotiations mean to me. We stand ready to end this war here and now, thanks to you."
"Think nothing of it," Scarlet said, pulling me into her chest as we spun around, "You've done so much for me, for this world. I would be honored to be at your side, in whatever capacity you'll have me."
I felt my fin stand taller. Her wings shuddered, and she looked down with embarrassment. "I'm sorry," She murmured, "I shouldn't-"
"It's okay," I assured her, "This is new for me, too. But for what it's worth, of all my current allies, you're the one I trust most. If you keep watching my back, I keep watching yours, alright?"
She smiled and nodded, and we stared into each other's eyes. Her scales felt so warm. Her gaze was so captivating. Her lips looked so soft...
It had taken every bit of both of our wills to stop a scale's length from each other. We both realized what we were about to do, and pulled back immediately. The music stopped, and I made a quick bow as I took my leave. Stars and Stones! Can't I control myself for five minutes without falling for another desperate dragoness! What would Batty think if she knew!? I scanned the crowd. Off to one side, I saw Blaze chatting with a drake I'd never seen before. Charcoal scales, constellation tattoos under his wings, a Sandwing's fin and a devilish smile. A hybrid, and a handsome one at that. I hoped my dragonets would be as handsome and confident as the random drake who thought he had a chance with a Princess.
Then I spotted Majestic, talking with a handful of Sandwings and Mudwings. She caught me approaching and turned to face me. "My Ki-"
I cut her off as I kissed her, deeply and passionately. The other dragons stared at us in surprise, but I didn't care. My wing hooked around her neck and pulled her into me, holding my queen in place as I used all the tricks she taught me to work her up. I felt my fin continue to rise, watching magenta starbursts bloom across her body. When we pulled back to breathe, her frill was flaring, her eyes lit up with surprise, amazement... and arousal.
"Leaping Lizards, Xero!" She declared, "Someone's feeling frisky tonight!"
"I just wanted to remind you how much I love you," I told her, "And that no matter what happens, I'll always be yours."
Lavender scales turned as rose as a sunset, her frill flaring in delight. "And I'm honored every day to wake up worthy of your love." She placed her wing on me, ushering me away from the dancers and onlookers. Leaning close, she added, "So one of Moorhen's guards was talking to me earlier-"
"Is there anything you want to do tonight?" I cut her off, not wanting to think of the other queens right then, "Anything you want, just for the two of us?"
"Anything?" She teased, raising an eyebrow, "Even that one thing you've been saying no to all this time?"
"If that's what you really want, my love, there's nothing I wouldn't do for you."
"Careful with your words, my king. I might just hold you to them."
And indeed, she did. And I have no regrets from that night, or the nights that followed...
'King Xero' arrives to large crowds, popular acclaim
King Xerophilous of the Rainforest arrived at the palace yesterday to cheers from crowds of peasants and workers, followed by many SandWings who had attached themselves to his considerable entourage for purposes of security. After a brief tour of the environs, the militia responsible for guarding the palace invited the king inside. Xerophilous is reported to have met with several high-ranking civil servants, many of whom later commented on his forthrightness. The king's technocratic ideas, meanwhile, have found much popularity among the civil service, with readings of 'Project Technocracy' and other works by Xerophilous being widely attended and well-received by those in the employ of the vacant Sand Throne. Xerophilous is expected to begin talks, which he has dubbed the 'Concert of Kingdoms,' with his fellow heads of state, including Glacier, Moorhen, Scarlet, Mastermind, and Coral, the latter three of whom accepted invitations from the RainWing King.
Civil service support set at 'Popular' in the event Xerophilous claims the SandWing Throne.
All six Pyrrhian monarchs meet outside the palace to begin talks on the future of the Kingdom of Sand.
Five days into my stay, I received a letter from the Jade Mountains, stamped with the logo of a green mountain surrounded by yellow, red and black rings. It was addressed to "High King Xerophilous", and was from the "Voice of the Jade Assembly". Attached to it was a copy of what I later learned was the "Jade Constitution", a legal document unlike anything ever created before. I would read it in the days and weeks that followed, studying it like any study sheet for a test in school. Law wasn't my field of expertise, but I knew a contract when I saw one, and I wanted to know exactly what I was signing before I committed myself.
I had no idea it was the first hints of the Republican Revolution that followed in the wake of my success.
Your Holiness,
Greetings! I will endeavor firstly to explain myself, for unfortunately I have not had the honor of making Your Holiness's acquaintance. I am Gila. In the Sand Kingdom, I was a modest library clerk, serving in the royal archives. Following the destruction of the palace, I was compelled to flee to the Jade Mountains. I have since made them my home, and find myself the mayor of my new hometown. In addition to this duty, I have taken on two others.
The first of these was as a delegate to the Jade Assembly. This body has only recently been formed, and so I will explain it to Your Holiness. Endeavoring to ensure a greater level of cooperation and organization in these mountains, to be manifested as a proper government, I, along with the leaders of the many towns nearby, resolved to form a legislative body, the Jade Assembly, to represent all the towns and permit them to act as one, as is needed of any nation. Fifty delegates have been elected to the Jade Assembly for this purpose. As the Voice of the Assembly, an honor for which I was elected by my colleagues, I represent the Assembly and am tasked with seeing its will done. I assure you that we have the utmost allegiance to our constituents, and to a moderate course, rather than the radicalism of Wadi and the Dunists. It is my hope that you will understand the desire of us Jades to govern ourselves, and that Your Holiness does not begrudge us the formation of a representative government, for lack of other options, to further this proposition. In addition, I must apologize to Your Holiness for preemptively contacting King Mastermind of the NightWings, to discuss the matter. He has informed me that he would be willing to relocate those of his tribe who have not already resettled in the mountains to the Broken Claw, if Your Holiness consents to it.
Now that a semblance of order and stability can truly be said to have come to these mountains, however, and with Majestic having consented to the formation of a judiciary, the Assembly has turned to finding a proper executive. To this end, it was decided to ask the dragons of these mountains themselves their opinion. In particular, we determined the most plausible path to be enthroning Your Holiness. The question was therefore posed to the voters.
The results, a summary of which I have attached to this letter, speak for themselves. The Assembly has in light of them unanimously resolved to offer you the Jade Throne (currently under construction) and the title King of the Jade Mountains, if you would accept them. I will, however, note that this offer comes with one condition attached to it.
Far be it from me or the Assembly to doubt your benevolence, but recent events have displayed the severe drawbacks of absolutism. As such, we ask that, in return for assuming the throne, you agree to sign a constitution. This document, a stipulation of how we are to be governed, will preserve some powers to the Jade Assembly, as representative of the dragons, but likewise reserve others for a Council of experts and Your Holiness personally. Provision will also be made for a Governor to represent Your Holiness, as the distance to the Rainforest, while modest, would nonetheless impair speedy execution of your decrees, among other technical changes needed to ensure the easy governance of the mountains. It is my hope that, following your signature of this document, your enthronement as King of the Jade Mountains, on a throne built for that purpose, shall be ready by your return from your conference in the Sand Kingdom. Best wishes, and may your return be safe and speedy!
Your humble servant,
Gila, Voice of the Jade Assembly
"I've told you already, this is the best deal you're going to get, Glacier. You can either have the land or your puppet, but not both, and I'll take away both if you keep saying no."
"No."
"Oh for Spirits' sakes!" Moorhen growled, as every other member of the conference growled or groaned their annoyance and frustration. We'd been going at this cycle of negotiations for a week now. Every other king and queen had abandoned Glacier to side with me, for one reason or another. It was the world against the Icewings, and she wasn't giving an inch.
If anything, her obstinate behavior was a good thing, as we all got to bond over our mutual annoyance with Glacier. Even if they were on my side before out of realpolitick reasons, we were all on the same page after having to put up with the stubborn mule that was the Icewing Queen. We started calling her "Queen No" when she wasn't around, and it was taking every ounce of willpower to not torch her or take my army and just leave.
At least my coalition was strong. Between Scarlet, Mastermind, Moorhen and Coral, I had an ironclad alliance. Mastermind was easy to bring along, of course - he was far more interested in science than politicking, as any proper thinker would. His biggest contribution was agreeing to everything I said, and little else. Not quite a puppet, but clearly over his head, and deferring to my call in all things. Coral was also following my lead, which was rather surprising at first - though from Sparkling's intel, she was starting to see which way the currents were going, so to speak. When paired with Scarlet's infatuation and Moorhen's bold moves, Glacier now stood alone against the entire continent. I had wanted to call our impromptu alliance the "Alliance of Technocratic Kingdoms", or ATK. Scarlet, however, pointed out that was an abbreviation of "attack", and might not be the best name to keep the queens from getting scared. Instead, she suggested the "Phyrrian Alliance for the Advancement of Technocracy", or PALAT. I thought the former was more pithy and witty, but not wanting to upset my allies (and, truly, it did seem more PALATable a name), we went with that instead.
Despite all this, Glacier refused to face the facts.
"Come on," Scarlet finally added, getting just as annoyed by her constant refusals, "It's five monarchs to one. You're outnumbered three to one. Do you not see those numbers?"
"Can you even count to five?" Coral muttered, earning an amused snort from Mastermind.
"Lies and *cough* intimidation," Glacier spat, growling low, "I will have what *cough* I *wheeze* came-"
"Spirits, at least cover your mouth!" I swore, leaning away from the Icewing, "We're all going to catch it!"
And then started coughing in earnest. Everyone had seen her ill during the past few days, but no one had thought to say anything. I chalked it up to her catching a bug from spending so much time in a warm climate with so many foreign dragons. As she got out of her chair, however, Scarlet looked over worriedly at the entrance to the chamber.
"Get a doctor," She said to the guard, one of her own, who saluted and left. Glacier, meanwhile, vainly tried to continue to vainly try and speak through her coughing fit.
"Always… no…"
And then she collapsed. Oh shit.
Scarlet nervously rushed over, just in time to get a gush of vomited blood as Glacier drowned on her innards. I reared back, nearly getting hit by the foul emissions. I rushed over as she placed her claws on the Icewing's neck, only for her to immediately pull them back, wincing as she grabbed her head. "Are you alright?"
"What was that?" She murmured, staring at the limp, bloody body before us. She looked down at her paw, flexing it. "I tried to heal her, and... it was like something stung me. I could feel it in my head." Her eyes went wide, and she looked at me with fear. "Something blocked my magic."
"What?" I uttered, completely shocked, "But that's, that's impossible!" Scarlet had magic, the ability to change reality on a whim. Nothing could block her. Nothing, except...
"It's not Stonemover," Scarlet said, thinking the same thought, "It didn't feel like him."
"It's not Jerboa," I replied, "She doesn't even use her magic."
"Which means-"
"-There's another Animus out there."
As we processed this revelation, one of the doctors came in. A cursory examination and the checking of her pulse, and he pronounced that Queen Glacier was dead.
A/N: Brief aside, The GM based the Jade Mountain Constitution on the "Statuto Albertino", which was written for the King of Sardinia in 1848. I hadn't thought about it until writing this, but for those history buffs out there, this may or may not be a case of unintended foreshadowing. And somewhere in the multiverse, there's an AU where Xero's great-great-grandson is the puppet of a Rainwing Dictator named "Duce", and the Rainforest Kingdom is a junior partner to the Ice Reich and Empire of The Poison Jungle in Dragon!WW2.