Jasmine's father, Claude, paced back and forth, his fingers drumming anxiously against his palm as he awaited news. The dragons were on their way to seal their part of the deal.
"Where is she?" Claud shouted as soon as the guards he sent looking for jasmine entered. "Weren't they sent back home last night? Where is jasmine?"
The guards trembled, immediately dropping to their knees. "Your Majesty, I beg your pardon. Regrettably, our efforts to locate Princess Jasmine have been to no avail, and her whereabouts remain unknown." One of them hesitated before adding "However, we have uncovered additional information that may shed light on her disappearance."
Claude's expression turned worried. Where could she be? Did she elope with a being? No, that wasn't possible, it was the blood moon the previous night. He had agreed to give Jasmine to the dragons. Selling her off had seemed like the best choice he'd made in years. Only when she's gone can his kingdom be safe and he'll not have to fight with the demons. It'll now be a fight between the demons and the dragons.
He smirked knowing how smart he was for making this decision. "What so special about that bastard, anyway?" he muttered to himself.
But if she is not here before the dragons, his plan might fail, so he decided to hear from the guards first. "And what relevant information might that be? spew out everything you know, spare no detail!" He commanded.
"All guardians and parents of all candidates have been invited to watch today's examination, Your Majesty." the guard replied
As he heard what the guard had to say, he stood frozen for a moment, his expression twisted in a mix of calculation and disdain. Before he could respond, the dragons materialized before him, their majestic forms radiating power.
"We are here to claim the debt," they declared as soon as they arrived.
Three dragons had arrived, less than he had anticipated. However, he didn't care about the number; he just wanted to get rid of his daughter.
"Ah, right on time," Claude said, bowing low. His words dripped with insincerity as he forced a smile. "We've been expecting you."
"Honourable dragons, I welcome you" he started. "I propose a gesture of goodwill, allow me to accompany you to the examination where my burden... I mean, daughter will be participating, will be. And from there you can claim her as agreed upon."
The dragons exchanged sceptical glances, their eyes narrowing. "Is this a joke? Why should we accommodate your request? we willingly handed our woman over to you 19 years ago and you promised to repay us back. Don't try anything funny unless you wish to not see the sunset" one of them spoke, almost losing their temper.
Claude smiled, a cruel smile. "How dare I?! This deal is of mutual benefit, you'll get the person you want and I'll be free of the inconvenience she's been."
The dragons seemed to consider his words. They knew clearly that Claude didn't like his daughter but they were not foolish to want her, especially when his majesty requested for her himself.
After a moment of deliberation, they nodded in agreement. "Very well, we will accompany you". They had to bring jasmine back to the dragon realm even if it meant they had to forfeit their existence.
With the dragons' consent, Claude led them to the designated location where a magic circle awaited to teleport them to the examination site.
As they stepped into the circle, Claude felt a sense of relief. Finally, he had been able to solve his problem without disobeying his late wife by not sending her to the demons. He would no more have to face the fear of the demons coming for him.