Years had slipped away like whispers through the palace halls, but the queen remained unchanged—cold, stern, untouched by time or sentiment.
Nazar, on the other hand, had blossomed into a stunning princess. Suitors from all kingdoms came seeking her hand. Fayro, too, was preparing to become the future king of Nairon, undergoing rigorous training and learning the secrets of fire and leadership.
But the most profound change was in Dalerina.
Once a nameless shadow among palace maids, she had grown into a breathtaking young woman of eighteen. Her beauty was unlike anyone else's in the Kingdom of Fire—strange, otherworldly.
She had mastered horseback riding, archery, and even the art of taming dragons.
On this day, she sat beside Fayro, speaking of dreams and futures unspoken aloud. And beside her lay Elinor—her once tiny dragon—now colossal, her wings wide enough to eclipse the palace gardens, her presence a storm wrapped in scales.
But beyond that quiet conversation, the palace was stirring with unrest.
Commoners, palace maids, and guards from visiting realms had gathered before the royal court, voices rising in complaint. They feared Elinor—feared her size, her presence. They claimed she was dangerous, a threat to their children and homes.
The king summoned Dalerina and her dragon to appear before him.
She entered the court with Fayro by her side, Elinor's heavy steps echoing across the marble floor, shaking the palace itself.As Elinor stepped into the court, silence fell. Even the guards gripped their spears tighter, eyes wide. Her breath steamed through the hall like smoke from a volcano.
The king stared in disbelief and muttered:"This cannot be… the Big Dragon? In our palace?"
The royal dragon expert was called at once and confirmed it—Elinor was indeed of the Big Dragon breed.
A stunned silence followed.
That species could never be tamed. Not by anyone.
Then Fayro stepped forward and declared:"Elinor is completely obedient to Dalerina. She follows her without hesitation. Dalerina trained her. She's tame."
The king stared at the girl in disbelief and said:"Unthinkable… Such creatures bow only to the Fryze bloodline."
And from the side, the queen finally spoke, her voice flat:"Perhaps the dragon simply imprinted on Dalerina after hatching… Perhaps she thinks Dalerina is her mother."
The explanation seemed enough. The king nodded, and reluctantly ordered Elinor to be confined—for everyone's safety.
Dalerina broke down.
She dropped to her knees, begging through tears, her voice cracking with desperation. But no plea could bend the king's will.
Tears streaming down her face, she ran out of the hall.
Fayro followed, holding her in his arms, whispering words no one could hear.
High above them, from her balcony, Nazar watched it all.
She saw Fayro embracing Dalerina—and something inside her cracked.
Then her mother stepped beside her, voice low and poisonous:"Look at her… wrapping herself around your prince like a snake. Will you let a maid steal the crown meant for you?"
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