The morning sun painted the capital's streets in warm golden light as Kael and Lyssa made their way toward the palace with their companions. The city was already bustling with activity—merchants opening their shops, street vendors setting up their stalls, early-morning crowds beginning to fill the thoroughfares.
"So what do you think we'll do today?" Lyssa asked as they walked. "Museum visit, maybe? Seraphina mentioned there's a historical museum near the central district that's supposed to be amazing."
"Could be interesting," Kael agreed. "Or maybe she'll show us some places we haven't seen yet. Parts of the city only locals know about."
"We could go outside the city walls, too," Lyssa suggested. "See some of the surrounding countryside. I heard there are some beautiful hiking trails in the hills to the east."
"All good options." Kael smiled. "I'm just looking forward to spending time with you both without having any specific agenda. Just... enjoying the day."
How domestic, Vera's mental voice carried warm amusement. You sound like someone planning a casual outing with friends.
That's exactly what this is, Kael replied. Friends hanging out. What's wrong with that?
Nothing at all. It's nice to see you relaxing.
They reached the palace gates after their now-familiar walk, and the guards waved them through with minimal fuss. Apparently, word had spread that these two young tamers were guests of Princess Seraphina herself, which granted them a certain level of access and respect.
They waited in the same spot as before, their companions settling comfortably while Kael and Lyssa made small talk about the previous day's training session at the lake. About ten minutes passed before they saw figures approaching from within the palace grounds.
Seraphina walked toward them with her usual bright smile, and Ripple glided beside her. But this time, she wasn't alone.
Duke Hadrian accompanied his younger sister, his water dragon moving alongside him with fluid grace. The Duke's expression was more serious than Seraphina's cheerful demeanor, but not unfriendly—more contemplative, as if he was carefully considering something important.
Probably here about the water dragon request, Kael thought. Seraphina must have talked to him about it already. This is either a yes or a very polite no delivered in person.
His mind also drifted briefly to the sanctuary mythbeasts. It was probably only a matter of time before people figured out he was the one healing them. Fourteen healed so far, with plans for more tonight. That kind of miracle work wouldn't stay secret forever.
But Kael found he wasn't particularly worried about it. The alternative—not healing those wounded mythbeasts, walking away from people and creatures in need when he had the power to help—was unthinkable. If his secret got out, he'd deal with the consequences. Some things were more important than maintaining perfect operational security.
"Good morning!" Seraphina called out cheerfully as they drew close. "I hope you're ready for today—I have the whole palace tour planned out!"
"Morning, Seraphina," Lyssa replied formally, dipping into a small curtsy. "And good morning, Your Grace."
"Morning, Sera," Kael said with a casual wave. "Hadrian."
The Duke's eyebrow rose slightly at the informal address, and he glanced at his sister with an expression that seemed to say you weren't exaggerating.
"I see what you mean, yes," Hadrian remarked to Seraphina. "About his attitude." He turned back to Kael and, surprisingly, smiled. "It's actually refreshing, this casualness. Most people are so caught up in propriety and formality that genuine conversation becomes nearly impossible. Feel free to continue as you are."
Lyssa looked at Kael with an expression somewhere between incredulous and resigned, as if she'd given up trying to understand how he could be so casual with literal royalty and somehow have it work in his favor.
"I have the whole day planned!" Seraphina continued enthusiastically. "The palace tour, the gardens, maybe the library tower if we have time—"
"Before all that," Hadrian interrupted gently, "I'd like to have a conversation with Kael regarding what you told me yesterday, Sera. It shouldn't take long."
"Of course," Kael agreed immediately.
Hadrian gestured toward the palace. "Seraphina, why don't you and Lyssa take her companion to the eastern gardens? Show her the seasonal flower arrangements—they're particularly beautiful this time of year. Kael and I will join you shortly."
"Sounds good!" Seraphina turned to Lyssa with an excited smile. "Come on, you're going to love the gardens. They have mythbeast-safe plants from all over the kingdom, and the landscape designers are absolute artists."
Lyssa followed Seraphina toward the eastern gardens with Granite rumbling along beside them, casting one last look back at Kael that clearly said don't do anything too ridiculous while I'm gone.
Hadrian led Kael and his companions in a different direction, toward the palace's main building. "We'll use a meeting room near the front," he explained. "Easier access, and it won't spoil Seraphina's grand tour later."
They entered through massive doors of carved wood, into an entrance hall that made Kael's breath catch despite himself. The architecture was stunning—soaring ceilings, intricate stonework, and tapestries depicting historical scenes. Everything spoke of centuries of craftsmanship and care.
The meeting room Hadrian chose was relatively modest compared to the entrance hall, but still impressively appointed. A large table dominated the center, surrounded by comfortable chairs. Windows looked out onto a courtyard where several mythbeasts lounged in the morning sun.
They'd barely settled into their seats when a maid entered, a small rabbit-like mythbeast trailing behind her. She set a plate of confections on the table between them—delicate pastries and small cakes that looked almost too beautiful to eat.
"What would you like to drink, Your Grace? Young master?" she asked politely.
"Coffee, please," Hadrian replied. "Black, two sugars."
"Tea would be great, thank you," Kael said.
The maid curtsied and departed with her small companion, leaving them in comfortable silence for a moment.
"So," Hadrian began, leaning back in his chair and studying Kael with those sharp, intelligent eyes. "Seraphina told me about your conversation yesterday. About what you might want as a reward for rescuing her and ensuring her safe return."
"The water dragon," Kael confirmed. "I understand it's a significant request. If it's not possible—"
"Under normal circumstances," Hadrian interrupted, "the answer would be an immediate no. Even I can't make that decision unilaterally—that authority belongs to my father, the patriarch of our family. And he's... let's say he's not easily persuaded about matters involving our traditional mythbeasts."
Kael nodded, unsurprised. "I understand. It was probably presumptuous to even ask."
"Perhaps." Hadrian's expression shifted slightly. "But there may be a possibility. Not the one you were expecting, but a possibility nonetheless."
The maid returned with their drinks—steaming coffee for Hadrian, fragrant tea for Kael—and then departed again with another curtsy.
Hadrian took a sip of his coffee before continuing. "Last year, one of our water dragons had an offspring. The hatchling seemed healthy initially, but as it grew, we discovered it had a birth defect. It can't use even an ounce of its elemental powers—no water manipulation, no enhanced swimming, none of the abilities that define its species."
Kael felt his interest sharpen. A mythbeast with a condition that prevented it from using its natural powers? That sounded like something Divine Restoration might be able to fix.
"Because of this defect," Hadrian continued, "the elder dragons in our territory asked if we would take the hatchling somewhere else where it could be cared for. They understood how other young mythbeasts—who don't know any better—would react to one of their own being unable to even summon a simple water ball. Ostracism, bullying, and exclusion from the group. They wanted to spare the hatchling that suffering."
"So you brought it here," Kael said.
"We did. It's been living in the palace grounds for several months now, being cared for by our staff." Hadrian's expression was carefully neutral. "It's a sweet creature, gentle and intelligent. But it's also been deeply affected by its inability to do what comes naturally to its kind. The psychological impact has been significant."
Kael understood what wasn't being said directly—the young dragon was probably depressed, isolated, struggling with feelings of inadequacy.
"I'm asking you again," Hadrian said, meeting Kael's eyes directly. "It might not be what you expected—not a powerful, fully-capable dragon from our legendary bloodline, but a young one with a significant disability. Are you still interested? We can go see it now, see if there's a connection between you."
"Absolutely," Kael replied without hesitation.
I can probably heal it, he thought privately. Restore its ability to use elemental powers. But definitely not here in the palace—I need to keep Divine Restoration hidden for at least a bit longer, until I'm ready for people to know.
"Then let's go meet it," Hadrian said, standing. "And Kael—thank you. For being willing to even consider bonding with a mythbeast that most tamers would see as useless or burdensome. That speaks well of your character."
They finished their drinks and headed back outside, rejoining Seraphina and Lyssa in the eastern gardens. The two women looked up from admiring a particularly vibrant flower arrangement, Granite and Ripple both looking content in the peaceful space.
"How did it go?" Seraphina asked immediately, though her expression suggested she already knew the answer.
"We're going to visit the water dragon," Kael explained. "See if bonding might work between us."
Seraphina's face lit up, and she immediately crossed to her brother and wrapped him in a tight hug. "Thank you," she said quietly. "I wasn't sure you'd agree to this."
"You made a compelling argument," Hadrian replied, returning the embrace. "And after meeting Kael, I understand why you trust him."
Seraphina returned to Kael's side, practically bouncing with excitement. "This is wonderful! The little one deserves a chance at a real bond with someone who'll actually care about it."
They set off through the palace grounds, heading toward another section of the extensive gardens. This area was clearly designed with mythbeasts in mind—large open spaces, comfortable resting areas, a pond for aquatic creatures, and even some training equipment for those who wanted to practice.
Several mythbeasts were visible—likely companions of palace residents or staff members, taking advantage of the space to relax and socialize. They found the water dragon quickly, and Kael's heart immediately went out to the small creature.
It was tiny—barely the size of a large dog, when a year-old water dragon should have been much larger. The birth defect had apparently suspended its growth somehow. Its scales were a beautiful pale blue, almost translucent in the sunlight, but the creature itself looked... diminished. Curled up alone near the pond, watching other mythbeasts play but not joining in.
Kael approached slowly, Vera walking beside him to provide translation. The little dragon's head lifted as they drew near, eyes wary but not hostile. Just resigned, as if it expected yet another person to examine it, pronounce it defective, and leave.
"Hey there," Kael said softly, crouching down to be at eye level. "I'm Kael. These are my companions—Vera, Ember, Fulminus, and Mushy. We were wondering if you'd like to come with us on an adventure. Maybe bond, if we click with each other."
Through Vera's translation, he added something the others couldn't hear—a private mental communication just for the young dragon.
And I want you to know—I'll do anything to help heal your defect. Even if it takes years. Even if nothing works. You'd still be welcome as our friend.
The dragon's eyes widened slightly, clearly not having expected that level of commitment.
Are you sure you want a useless dragon on your team? it responded, mental voice small and sad. I can't do anything the others can. I can't fight, can't use water powers, can't even grow properly. I'd just be a burden.
"Of course I'm sure," Kael replied gently. "And I don't believe anyone is truly useless. Even if someone couldn't fight or use powers—which I emphasize I don't think is true of you—they'd still be worthy of friendship and belonging. Or..." He paused deliberately. "Do you not want to be our friend?"
The little dragon's gaze shifted, looking past Kael to where his other companions waited. Vera, with her calm, protective presence. Ember's cheerful flickering. Fulminus's fierce determination. Mushy's gentle swaying.
Then, to Lyssa and Granite, standing slightly apart, both radiating patient acceptance.
Finally, the dragon's mental voice came through to Vera again, quieter but carrying a tiny spark of hope. Okay. If you're sure. I'll try.
The young dragon stood and slowly walked over to the group, gravitating naturally toward Mushy. The gentle mushroom mythbeast seemed to recognize the dragon's need for calm, non-threatening companionship, and lowered themselves slightly to make the dragon feel more comfortable.
"Seems it works out," Hadrian observed with satisfaction. "Kael, if for any reason it doesn't work out—if the bond doesn't form, or if circumstances change—the little one is always welcome back here. No judgment, no questions asked."
"Understood," Kael replied. "Thank you for this opportunity, Hadrian."
"Take good care of it," the Duke said, and there was genuine affection in his voice. "It's been through enough already."
With that, Hadrian excused himself—apparently, he had other duties to attend to—leaving Kael, Lyssa, Seraphina, and all their companions to continue with the planned palace tour.
"Nicely done, Kael," Seraphina said warmly, crouching down to look at the small dragon. "Welcome to the group, little one. You're going to have so many adventures."
"It's a wonderful addition to the family," Lyssa added, approaching the dragon with Granite. "Hi there. I'm Lyssa, and this gentle giant is Granite. We're all really happy you're joining us."
The young dragon nodded but remained quiet, clearly still processing everything. Kael could sense through Vera's psychic connection that it was subconsciously convinced this wouldn't work out—that eventually Kael would realize it really was useless and return it to the palace. That belief was deeply ingrained, born from months of feeling inadequate and different.
We'll prove it wrong, Kael thought firmly. And once I can safely use Divine Restoration on it, we'll fix that defect and show it exactly how powerful it can become.
"Alright!" Seraphina clapped her hands together. "Tour time! First stop—the royal training grounds!"
She led them to an expansive area on the palace's eastern side, where dozens of guards were engaged in various training exercises. Some practiced with weapons against training dummies. Others sparred with their mythbeast companions in controlled mock battles. Still more worked on conditioning—running drills, strength exercises, and maintaining the peak physical condition required of royal guards.
The mythbeasts themselves were impressive—not legendary tier like the water dragons, but still powerful and well-trained. Kael recognized several species types: wolf variants, bear types, bird-of-prey mythbeasts, and even a few serpentine creatures.
"The guards train six hours per day minimum," Seraphina explained as they watched. "Three hours of physical conditioning, three hours of mythbeast coordination and combat practice. The royal family's safety depends on them being at absolute peak performance."
After observing the training grounds for a while, they moved on to an outer tower on the palace grounds—a tall structure of pale stone that stood slightly separate from the main building.
"This is the library tower," Seraphina said as they approached. "If my eldest sister were in the capital, this is where you'd find her, guaranteed. The entire tower—all seven floors—is one massive library. Historical texts, magical treatises, adventure accounts, fiction, poetry, everything you could imagine."
They entered briefly, just long enough for Kael to gape at the sheer volume of books. Shelves stretched from floor to ceiling on every wall, with spiral staircases connecting the levels. The smell of old paper and leather bindings filled the air.
"Your sister must be quite the scholar," Lyssa observed.
"She's brilliant," Seraphina confirmed with obvious pride. "Currently traveling abroad, studying with masters in other kingdoms. But when she's home, you literally have to drag her out of here for meals."
From the library tower, they returned to the main palace building. Seraphina led them through ornate corridors, past tapestries and paintings depicting the kingdom's history, until they reached an absolutely massive set of double doors.
"The throne room," she announced. "It's empty today—no court sessions scheduled, which is why I chose today for the tour."
The doors swung open to reveal a chamber that defied belief. Easily a hundred meters long and half as wide, with ceilings so high they seemed to disappear into shadow. The throne itself sat on a raised dais at the far end, crafted from what looked like white marble and silver, with cushions in royal blue.
Windows along both walls let in streams of sunlight that created patterns across the polished floor. Banners hung from the ceiling, each representing different regions of the kingdom.
"This is where major court affairs are held," Seraphina explained. Audiences with the King, important diplomatic meetings, and formal ceremonies. It can hold over a thousand people when needed."
They explored the throne room briefly—Kael was particularly interested in the historical murals adorning the walls—before Seraphina declared it was time for the final stop on the tour.
"The kitchens!" she announced cheerfully. "I arranged for us to have dinner there. The head chef is a friend, and the food is always amazing."
The palace kitchens were enormous, filled with the sounds and smells of dinner preparation. Several cooks worked at various stations, preparing what looked like a feast. When they saw Seraphina, several of them smiled warmly—clearly she was a regular visitor.
The servants did look a bit oddly at the Princess, though, as if surprised she was eating in the kitchens rather than the formal dining hall.
"Don't you have dinner with your family?" one brave servant asked.
"Not tonight," Seraphina replied cheerfully. "Tonight I'm eating with my friends!"
They settled at a large wooden table in a corner of the kitchen that was clearly set aside for staff meals. The food that arrived was incredible—roasted meats, fresh vegetables, savory pastries, and desserts that rivaled the confections from the meeting room earlier.
As they ate and laughed and shared stories, Kael felt genuinely content. This was nice—just spending time with friends, no pressure, no formal expectations. Even the little water dragon seemed to relax slightly, though it still stayed close to Mushy.
---
Meanwhile, in the formal dining hall elsewhere in the palace, King Aldric 8th sat at the head of an elegant table with Queen Catherine to his right and Duke Hadrian to his left. The twin Prince and Princess occupied seats further down, engaged in quiet conversation.
The King looked way older than his actual years, his condition lending him an aged appearance that didn't match his true age. But his mind remained sharp, his eyes observant.
"Where's Seraphina?" he asked Catherine. "She usually joins us for dinner."
"She's currently eating in the kitchens with her two new friends," Catherine replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. "The tamers who rescued her from the carriage accident."
"Oh, really?" The King's expression brightened. "It's nice to see that girl finally being more social. She's spent too much time isolated in the palace, too worried about court politics and propriety. Friends her own age will do her good."
He paused, then frowned slightly. "But why didn't she invite them to dine with us? They're guests of significance—they saved my sister-in-law, after all."
"She either didn't think of it," Hadrian suggested, "or didn't think they'd agree. One of them—Kael—is remarkably casual about status and formality. Seraphina probably thought a formal dinner with the royal family would make them uncomfortable."
"Hmm." The King considered this. "Well, next time they visit, we'll insist on it. I want to properly thank these young people who helped Seraphina. And I'm curious to meet someone so casual about royalty that they'd turn down a formal dinner invitation."
"I think you'd like him, Aldric," Catherine said. "He's... refreshingly honest. Direct without being rude, confident without arrogance."
"High praise from you," the King observed. "Very well. Next visit, a formal dinner. Make it so."
---
Back in the kitchens, the dinner was winding down. They'd all eaten their fill and then some, the conversation having ranged from tournament expectations to funny stories about mythbeast mishaps to speculation about what other kingdoms were like.
Eventually, Seraphina checked the time and made apologetic noises about them probably needing to get back to their inn before it got too late.
They made their way back to the palace's outer gates, their companions trailing contentedly behind. The little water dragon was now riding on Granite's broad back, clearly exhausted from the day's excitement and barely staying awake.
"This was wonderful," Lyssa said sincerely. "Thank you for the tour, Seraphina. The palace is incredible."
"I'm so glad you enjoyed it!" Seraphina beamed. "We should do this again soon. Maybe I can show you some of the city's secret spots that most tourists never find."
"We'd love that," Kael agreed. "Same time in a few days?"
"Perfect! I'll see you then." Seraphina hugged them both goodbye, then crouched to address the small dragon still resting on Granite's back. "Take care, little one. You're in good hands now."
They waved farewell and began the walk back to the Silver Griffin Inn, the evening air cool and pleasant. The little dragon had fallen fully asleep on Granite's back, its pale blue scales catching the lamplight as they passed under street lamps.
"So," Lyssa said quietly as they walked, "when are you planning to heal it?"
"You noticed?"
"Kael, I've watched you work for weeks now. Of course, I noticed. The same look you get every time you see someone or something in need that you can help." She smiled. "When?"
"Not sure yet. Need to find the right moment, somewhere private." Kael glanced back at the sleeping dragon. "But soon. It deserves to know what it's really capable of."
They reached the inn and carefully transferred the still-sleeping dragon from Granite's back to a soft spot in their room. All their companions settled in for the night, the new addition already fitting naturally into their group dynamic.
As Kael lay down to sleep, he felt satisfied. A good day with friends. A new companion who needed help and would receive it. And after a few hours of sleep, more healings at the sanctuary at midnight.
Life was good.