Birthday Bash 2024
Prompt Seven: Dragons
Princess Louise was already awake when the sun broke over the last morning of her life. Her ladies in waiting came in with the dawn with breakfast and the gown she was to wear, but they found her at her favorite seat by the fire, her needle flashing in the weak light as it carried thread through a long piece of silk.
Her large brown eyes flicked to her ladies in waiting before returning to her task. "Some tea and toast is all I require. I barely have the stomach for that much."
"As you wish, your highness. That will… speed along the…" her head lady tried to say before burying her sobs in a handkerchief.
The young princess sighed before finally setting her needlework aside. "Ladies," she stated firmly, making all of them straighten up, even though they looked like they wanted to cry as well. "This day hardly came as a surprise. I've had six years to come to terms with my fate, and I've already arranged with his majesty that all of you will be taken care of. Please don't send me off with tears."
Although her wish was a difficult one to obey, they did their best to honor her wishes as she slowly enjoyed her last cup of tea before allowing them to prepare her for the ritual.
Her body had been given a long bath and anointed with perfumes the night before, and her hair tied into rag curlers so that her hair would be perfect for her last public appearance.
The lady in charge of her makeup was unable to apply it thanks to how badly her hand was shaking. "I... I can't!" she cried, throwing the tiny brush across the room.
"You shouldn't have done that," the princess reprimanded softly, taking the lady's hands between her own to steady them. "It would not be appropriate for me to meet the public without the proper attire, including what is on my face."
"Your face is perfect!" she retorted hotly before throwing her arms around the princess's neck. "You shouldn't end like this, you deserve to be a queen! Why should you die?!"
Since she was genuinely fond of her ladies, Louise permitted herself a short embrace, wishing that she weren't too numb to cry.
She'd given all her tears away for this day a long time ago. "Everyone has a role to play for the kingdom," she stated, repeating the words she'd heard ever since she was little. "It is an honor to give my life for the kingdom. I will not even have to worry about a cruel or stupid husband," she added, allowing herself a small dab of humor for the occasion.
"Is that really worse than getting eaten by a dragon?!" a different one demanded as her tears burst out of her control as well.
"Of course. Being eaten will take no time at all compared to a lifetime being bound to someone that was dictated by necessity. Now," Louise prompted gently, pointing at the spare brush in the special box that held her makeup tools. "You wouldn't want me to try doing my makeup for the first time today of all days, now do you?"
It took a little more coaxing than that, but eventually a flattering palette had been applied to her face, more for the peasants seeing her off than the dragon.
The final touch was the delicate gold crown set with emeralds being settled into place. Louise's mouth twitched as she looked at it, since it was clear that it wasn't one of the family heirlooms. She admitted to herself that it made more sense to make a fresh one than say goodbye to one with history.
She smiled wryly. This crown was specifically for her and would only be worn by her. Considering the sheer amount of royal women born into any kingdom, it was a rare thing to claim, indeed.
The large bells could be heard clanging the hour, proclaiming that her time was nearly up.
Two of the ladies in waiting burst into tears as the princess stood up from her vanity chair to smile at them.
"It's been a pleasure, ladies," she told them sincerely before picking up the silk she'd been embroidering, finished the last two stitches, and folded it neatly.
"I'll take that, your highness," a count's daughter offered, but Louise shook her head.
"It will be more efficient if I hold onto it for-"
The soldier at her door opened it before standing to the side respectfully as the king marched into the room with his personal guard.
Louise looked at him sadly as all the ladies parted and curtsied so that his attention could be squarely on his child.
His gaze was just as sad. "I want all of you out," he stated, not taking his eyes off the princess. "I need a moment alone with my daughter."
Thankfully, they all knew better than to argue, clearing out of her personal chambers like water pouring out of a goblet.
Louise spared a glance to the door, giving the soldiers and ladies time to walk away before looking at the king with a sad smile.
His grief was thick as he stared at her, thicker than even she guessed. His mouth opened as if he had something to tell her, but his mind refused to find the correct words.
"If it please your majesty," she whispered while giving him another small curtsy, holding up the folded silk with both hands. "I have a favor before I perform the duty which is my life's purpose."
He flinched, even though the words were originally his own. She couldn't help but feel gratified that his jeweled hand was shaking as he accepted the silk and ceremoniously unfolded it.
The plain white silk was big enough to be made a tapestry, or perhaps a blanket for an infant. In the center were two cats nestled comfortably together, forming a complete circle with their bodies as they napped in perfect harmony. One was black, and the other white.
"I decided last night that it would be best if I slept only a little," she explained calmly, since no one would ever need an explanation of not being able to sleep before being given to a dragon. "I amused myself with making this. I believe you know precisely who I want this to be delivered to, with my love."
He flinched, and his grief doubled. "I'm sorry," he choked, holding the silk to his heart. "I thought I was ready for this day, for losing… you."
"Please. Give me your word that this will be sent to the correct place?" she asked again, maintaining eye contact with the man. "I have done what I could to not ask you for much."
He swallowed hard before folding the silk and tucking it up a generous sleeve. "I'll make sure the one in question receives it." He gave a desperate look at the window, as if he were praying that he could somehow stop the cloudy morning as his guilt reasserted itself.
Louise stepped forward enough to pat his arm. "Perhaps you shouldn't witness it, Father. The people will understand why you can't force yourself."
He took in a deep shaky breath before looking at her and holding up one arm. "I'm the one that asked this of you. It's my responsibility to see you through to the end."
She tried to smile encouragingly as she took the arm, but her mouth felt strangely frozen as he escorted her from her chambers for the last time.
The young princess desperately fought her instinct to look at everything and sink each weeping face into her brain. This castle had been her home for so long, it felt strange that this was the last time her feet would touch these stones, her eyes would glance out those windows, down to the gardens she had loved so well.
No, she needed to be calm and collected, as was proper for a lady of royal birth. This was the last anyone would see of Princess Louise, she owed it to them not to cry and scream while being dragged to her doom.
Besides, she had been telling the truth to her ladies in waiting. It was more than likely better to be killed with a few chomps this day than the expected roulette of hoping that the political alliance she was sentenced to could at least prove loving or happy.
She maintained her regal pose, though she was careful to look at the peasants and soldiers that watched her pass with the king on a golden carriage to the appointed place by the large lake. She gave sad smiles and regal waves of the hand to silently say 'I am doing this of my own free will. I am not drugged or coerced, don't worry about me.'
The rescue attempt by a would-be suitor and his cohorts was flattering, but thanks to the sheer number of soldiers that had been marching around the carriage, it was little more than a distraction.
"Please give them a soft sentence," she wished of the king, who looked like he wanted them to succeed more than he wanted to breathe.
He gave her a mournful look and nodded while holding her hand tightly.
That surprised her. She never would have called their relationship warm, but perhaps the reality of what was needed had finally sunk in for him. After all, he was hardly sending off a complete stranger to die.
Before long, the carriage had stopped in front of the biggest dock the lake had, and the path had been strewn with flowers of all colors. The ones responsible were clearly peasants, since she could still see occasional flowers sent flying, in a strange perversion of the wedding she would never have. Instead of music, there was an unsteady chorus of weeping and tearful whispers.
Two pages opened the carriage door and offered a hand to the king.
He stared at it but didn't move a muscle for several seconds.
Louise took this last chance to lean over and kiss his cheek goodbye before prying her hand free to give one each to the pages herself.
They didn't want to help her down, but they still made sure she safely stepped down from the carriage and begin her graceful, steady march down the flower-strewn dock like she didn't see the flowers flying and occasionally hitting her or her dress. The tearful weeping was harder to ignore, but also comforting in its own way.
She hadn't exactly been allowed to mingle with the populace, but they still cared enough to want her not to go through with the horrible sacrifice. They couldn't stop it, but they could ensure that she knew she'd be missed.
Right at the edge of the dock, where another page was unhappily waiting to assist her into the small gold-plated boat, she decided that such devotion deserved a few words.
Princess Louise of Raloth turned around to seal the image of so many terrified, pitying eyes only on her. She gave everyone she could see one deep, meaningful curtsy, since she was now officially out of danger of being reprimanded for anything she did. "When you speak of me," she announced clearly enough to be heard by as many people as possible. "Don't forget to mention that I love my people this much."
Then she turned to the page and offered him her hand. "If you please?"
Tears were running down his face, but he was able to assist her into the fancy boat that was just big enough for her to lay down on the slim satin mattress that lined it. Once again, she was reminded of savage burials, where they were sent to the sea in a small boat that would be set on fire by arrows.
'This isn't so different,' she thought as she finished settling into the boat, nodding at the page, who was now openly sobbing as he began untying the anchoring rope.
Soldiers marched down the dock next, their expressions sad as they carefully used their spears to shove her out to open water as much as possible.
Since there was nothing else for her to pay attention to, Louise studied the cloud formations overhead. The sky wasn't dark, per say, but she was a little surprised that there was not even an occasional tap of rain. She knew the farmers could use the rain.
Her anxiety was getting worse as her eyes turned frantic, trying to catch the first glimpse of her doom as everyone on shore turned silent, as if a single sound could summon the beast and be the end of her.
Her lips managed a wry smile. Wouldn't it be something if the dragon didn't really want her? That the threat was only to test the king and kingdom's sense of loyalty and selflessness. How amusing, since life would hardly be a picnic if she didn't need to die this day.
Dragons must have extraordinary speed, for no sooner did the people start screaming that she was suddenly staring at ivory scales of an enormous chest, and the boat crunched as giant talons permanently ruined the gold plating and wood underneath.
Louise was glad that her secret reason for not sleeping the night before immediately came into fruition.
Her exhaustion made it easy to faint from fright and be oblivious to the proceedings.
ooOoo
Louise was first aware of the fierce wind passing over her body as she slowly regained consciousness. Next she was slowly aware of her bed swaying slightly as massive sails billowed rhythmically.
… No. The beat was too steady to be wind catching sails, even keeping a perfect time with how her bed swayed.
Her eyes fluttered open before she suddenly realized those weren't sails.
They were great golden wings. She couldn't see all of the dragon thanks to how it was cradling the boat between massive claws, and it was well into the afternoon.
A shudder of pure fear ran up her spine before she forced herself to settle on the large pillow supporting her head. 'So much for not being awake when I'm being eaten. Easy girl, just stay calm. You don't want to give this overgrown lizard a reason to double back and burn the kingdom down anyway.'
A selfish part of her wanted to climb out of the boat and fall to her death, but she decided against it. The dragon would likely be able to catch her if this speed wasn't a problem, and she still didn't want to annoy the dragon into terrorizing Raloth in spite of how she had tried to leave with her head held high.
'At least no one will see me cry this way,' she realized with a sad smile.
There had been children in the crowd, despite the soldiers trying to forcefully clear them out. The last thing she wanted was to permanently scar their minds.
It was another good hour before the dragon's pace slowed, and it finally landed where the air was chillier than autumn back in Raloth. It was surprisingly careful about setting the boat down on gravel, even steadying it when the natural curve of the wood threatened to spill her on the ground.
Although her blood ran cold at the thought of touching the scales, Louise still carefully inched around the long talons and take a few steps away from the boat to look at her future.
The dragon was every bit as golden as the boat it now allowed to tip over without a care. The underpart was all ivory, though, and the eyes were somehow a more beautiful green than the emeralds in her crown as he silently looked at her.
'What am I supposed to do?!' Louise thought in a panic. She'd had many lessons and reminders to go to the lake and boat without a fuss, but nothing had prepared her for the dragon taking her somewhere else.
The dragon then looked past her with a deep rumble in its throat. The princess looked around and flinched at the sight of the large cave mouth.
'He took me home to eat me.' Her throat was still frozen in terror, but she was able to point at the entrance while tilting her head toward it.
The dragon nodded before raising one talon to gently nudge her in the right direction.
Since there was nowhere else to run over the rocky mountain range without killing herself anyway, she forced her legs to step closer and closer to that dark mouth.
It shouldn't have surprised her that it was only dark in the cave when the dragon came in after her, folding its great wings in order to fit through the opening, though it would have been able to unfurl them again once inside.
Louise carefully looked around, trying to ignore the insect-like chitters that meant bats were up on the distant ceiling. It was large, but the only things that truly looked out of place was a large spring near the middle and that half of the cave was overflowing with random treasures, most of which were golden or at least bejeweled.
The dragon wasted no time lumbering to the spring, dipping its great head into the water to drink greedily.
Realizing that she was also thirsty beyond belief, the princess hesitantly stepped around the dragon and knelt to use her hands. After the first mouthful, a golden cup suddenly fell next to her. She looked up at the dragon, who almost seemed to be smiling at her.
"Thank you," she managed to squeak, using the now dented cup to drink her fill as well.
Her lipstick came off on the cup, and she suddenly felt ridiculous. Here she was, about to be a dragon's meal, and she had a full face of makeup. Setting the cup aside, she used her hands again to splash water on her face and use a generous sleeve to finish cleaning her face.
That alone made her feel refreshed. If she was going to die, at least she'd look a little like her real self. She stood up and looked at the dragon, still not bearing a single trace of hostility other than its more than generous size. "I'm ready," she sighed in resignation. "Whatever you're going to do to me, let's get it over with."
He was definitely smiling now. He raised one large set of talons to her, making her close her eyes and wait for whatever would-
The weight of the crown soon left her head. She blinked in surprise, able to see the dragon delicately use two talons to perch the gold and emeralds on an old velvet pillow at the highest point his hoard could reach.
Louise blinked. All that to get another crown? Or was he trying to say that she was now part of his hoard?
He nudged her behind a rock where he couldn't see her, and although she was surprised to find a deep narrow pit surrounded by smooth stones, she was more than grateful to relieve herself in privacy.
Feeling better, she hesitantly stepped back into the dragon's line of sight, even though it was now facing away from her, and she could smell smoke and cooking meat.
The dragon was insistent on her eating the unseasoned deer with him. It didn't matter that she was still too nervous to eat more than a few mouthfuls, his green eyes didn't leave her until she had swallowed some of the kill he'd obviously taken before coming to fetch her.
What disturbed her even more was that as the sun set outside the cave, the dragon more or less forced her to rest against its side before partially covering her with one wing to serve for a blanket.
All of it was too much for her. Her eyes were heavy even though she'd spent most of the day sleeping, and at least the scales and wing were warm. She nestled as comfortably as she could and tried not to worry as the world slowly turned black.
'It obviously doesn't want to kill me if it fed me and is being this careful taking care of me. Maybe I'm its new pet? Ah well. It's a problem for the morning.'
ooOoo
Louise was very comfortable. She sighed, burying her face into her pillow to try to block out the light and not need to move a single inch. She sighed again, wishing that she could stay just like this, on a bed that felt like the belly of a swan, covers that felt as soft and warm as rose petals, a comfy pillow that smelled like…
Like…
Louise tried to remember where she'd smelled something like this before. It wasn't any perfume she knew of, perhaps a cologne?
No, that's ridiculous. She was a respectable princess, one that wouldn't be caught dead even innocently sleeping with a man unless she was married.
Her mind slowly became more awake, and she realized that her pillow wasn't comfortable because it was soft. It was firm like a rock, but perfectly contoured to her head and neck in a way that even now, felt like enough to lure her back to sleep.
It might have too, if she didn't realize that she was also partially resting on a smooth chest, and her legs were brushing against muscular legs. There was even a weight around her waist that could only be from an arm.
Her eyes snapped open in mute terror to see what situation she'd woken up to.
Her bedmate was already awake, giving her a gentle smile that was somehow familiar. The man was almost disturbingly handsome, enough that he could have turned the head of every woman in court, married or no. His skin was a shade of ivory that chilled her to the bone, since she was more than certain that she'd spent over an hour staring at it the day before. He was crowned with golden hair that could have put the hoard to shame, but the most telling was his beautifully intense emerald gaze that could see nothing but her.
"Oh dear," she croaked as her face turned as red as a rose, trying to withdraw her arms from his neck and chest. She was certain that even the cave had changed, but her eyes refused to leave the transformed dragon.
His smile turned into a smirk as he held her tightly against him. "I can't wait to boast about you to my friends. You handled our marriage ceremony with more grace than I'd ever heard of!"
"Marriage?" she squeaked, feeling like a trapped mouse.
"Oh yes. You walked into my home, drank of my water freely, and ate of my food before sleeping in my clutches without a word of complaint, thinking that a cold cave was all I had to offer. I really can't understand why even peasants would believe we could be placated with a scanty meal instead of a mate."
Louise couldn't help but understand the logic of that. If a meal was enough to pacify a giant fire-breathing lizard, leaving a cow tied out in the open would provide a much more filling meal than a maiden, even a robust one. On top of that, what was to stop a dragon from picking off as many as they like in a herd if the only concern was their belly?
Frankly, a mate would make more sense than even a pet.
He hugged her a little tighter to make certain that she couldn't escape his grasp. "Tell me your name, dear."
That made her blink in confusion. "Princess Louise of Raloth. You know that."
He laughed low and cynical. "I knew when I made that threat that they wouldn't really give me their princess, dear. Try again."
She froze up in shock.
"I'm not upset. Far from it," he purred, burying his face into her neck to savor her scent, making the poor girl nearly swoon from embarrassment. "But when I received my shard of the future, I knew that if I made that threat at a specific time, my soulmate would be delivered up on a golden platter in her stead. You must love her a great deal to be so dignified, even when we left Raloth far behind us," he added a bit more gently than before.
Her lip trembled with sorrow and from his tender touch. "… She's my dearest friend," she whispered, closing her eyes and letting two tears escape her control. "We're closer than sisters. We had to be so that no one could tell there were two of us."
He nodded without surprise. "I wonder how the king plans to reveal his daughter isn't dead."
The imposter shook her head. "She's already married under a new name in a distant kingdom I wasn't given the name of, insisting that any resemblance is incidental. As far as the world knows, Princess Louise died a martyr yesterday."
He hummed before nodding. "It's for the best, I suppose. Your name, dear?"
She swallowed hard before uttering the one thing she'd been forbidden to say, ever since that duke found her begging by the road after being orphaned.
"Haru. I'm Haru."