Imperial Year 155AU
Cassian POV
Cassian woke with a groan, sunlight spilling through the thin curtains of the small upstairs room. His head throbbed faintly, a reminder of the previous night's indulgences. He squinted, trying to make sense of his surroundings before the reality hit.
"Oh, shit. I'm late," he muttered, scrambling from the bed. "Father is going to have my head."
He tugged at his breeches, tugged his red-and-black imperial tunic over his shoulders, and fastened his sword belt. The woman still in the bed smiled at him, dark hair spread like ink across the pillow.
"Thank you for the company," Cassian said, smirking.
"It isn't every day I get to share a bed with a prince of the Empire," she giggled, tossing him a playful glance.
"True," he said sarcastically, "you should be honored. But I must go now."
He dropped ten silver coins onto the bed.
Her eyes widened. "A huge bonus? I must have done something right," she said, voice playful and teasing.
Cassian chuckled and slipped from the room. Two knights stood at the doorway, silent and imposing.
"My prince," the taller one said, voice neutral, "are you ready to face the day?"
"Ready enough," Cassian replied, slinging his cloak over one shoulder. "Let's make this quick. I can already feel the judgment in the air."
They descended the narrow stairwell and emerged into the bustling streets of the capital. Merchants shouted their wares; carts rattled over uneven cobblestones. Children ran through the crowd, darting under horses' hooves with fearless precision. Cassian nearly collided with a baker carrying a tray of steaming bread.
"Watch it!" the man shouted.
"Apologies," Cassian called over his shoulder, nudging his horse forward. His mind raced, calculating shortcuts, possible informants, and how quickly he could reach the palace before his father noticed his tardiness.
"Is it wise to do business with a brothel owner, my prince?" one knight asked cautiously.
Cassian grinned. "Information is key. It lets you manipulate the odds in your favor. Planning ahead is survival."
"Yes, my prince," both knights responded in unison.
As they wove through the city, Cassian couldn't help but take in the details. The capital was alive with color, scent, and sound: the tang of salt from the nearby harbor, the faint smoke of forges from the artisan district, and the metallic glint of imperial guards at every corner. Stone statues of dragons and serpents, reminders of the Empire's power, loomed over the streets.
By the time they reached the palace, Cassian had to rein in the horse. The walls towered like cliffs, five enormous stone dragons perched on every column at the gates, wings spread as if poised for flight. He could feel the hum of power radiating from the palace, a pulse that spoke of centuries of dragons, emperors, and endless court intrigue.
"This place... every time I see it, it amazes me," he murmured.
"My prince," the knight commander said, "allow me to guide you to the Great Hall."
The hall itself was a spectacle: red-and-black banners lined the walls, silver trim catching the morning light. Courtiers whispered as he passed, some daring glances, some veiled suspicion. Every eye in the hall seemed to measure him—though he had learned long ago to measure them right back.
By the time he reached the back, Emperor Draven's commanding voice filled the hall.
"What issue does the south have with the Crown?"
A sharp-featured man with short blond hair stepped forward. "My Emperor, southern barbarians have raided our farms and castles. We request the Empire's mercy and action."
"We will send a Dragonlord to patrol the border," Draven said with calm authority. Approval murmured through the hall.
"All hail Emperor Draven!" a few nobles called, some louder than others.
"That is all for court today," Draven said. "Darius, call a family meeting."
"Yes, brother," Prince Darius replied, his tone measured, as always, carrying the weight of a Dragon Regent.
As the nobles filed out, Darius' eyes locked onto Cassian.
"Has fostering at Goldenmane taught you to be late, or is that simply who you are?" he asked, voice cold and sharp.
Cassian grinned, leaning casually against the wall. "It also taught me how to fight... and command ."
Darius' gaze narrowed. "Useful skill... in a brothel, perhaps."
Before Cassian could reply, Kaelen, his tall, dark silver-haired cousin, stepped forward. His calm presence contrasted sharply with Darius' icy demeanor.
"You must forgive him, uncle," Kaelen said smoothly. "Time with the lions hasn't improved his punctuality."
Cassian bowed dramatically. "My imperial Dragon Prince," he said with mock solemnity.
Darius rolled his eyes. "Twenty minutes. That is how long you have to gather yourself for the family meeting. I will summon your aunts, uncles, and cousins. There are too many snakes at court for a public council. Today, we stand united, in front of family. There are many things to discuss. And you, Cassian, must marry. Strengthen the bloodline. No bastards for now. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Father," Cassian said, brushing his dark hair back.
Kaelen chuckled. "Today is also the day you get to claim your dragon . Lucky you."
Cassian smirked. "Not like I have a newly adult dragon like some people."
"Well, would you want the chance of it failing... and being eaten?" Kaelen asked, smirking.
"Oh no," Cassian said, laughing, as they began down the hall toward the family chambers.
Thirty minutes later, all nine members of the royal family had gathered. Emperor Draven entered, commanding and serene.
"Yes, Father," Kaelen said, acknowledging him, as the others took their seats. The chairs were black and red, trimmed with silver, echoing the banners above. The room was filled with the faint smell of burning incense and old parchment, a scent that reminded Cassian of the libraries at Goldenmane.
Draven sighed, settling into his seat. "So, what are the problems?"
Darius spoke first. "As you know, there have been raids on the southern territories."
"Rhaena, you are married to one of the lords in that territory. Should we send an army?" Darius asked.
"No," Rhaena replied, her tone even, cool. "It would appear as a declaration of war. The great lords are restless. We must avoid conflict until internal threats are addressed."
Draven's gaze shifted to Cassian. "And you? What do you think?"
Cassian's pulse quickened. This was a test. He stood, shoulders squared, voice steady.
"I did not come here empty-handed. I have information... and a potential solution."
All eyes turned toward him.
"The raids are not the Horde," he said.
Draven's voice was calm, but his eyes sharpened. "Then who is responsible?"
"Someone is paying them to make it appear the Horde is behind it. I captured one and interrogated him—before he died, he said, 'Magic will be upon you.' If the Horde realized, they would have killed him immediately."
"Either someone is aiding them from within, or the Horde is using them as a proxy to test our strength," Cassian explained.
Draven allowed a faint smile. "The lions have been teaching you—or perhaps it is in you naturally. How do you propose we handle it?"
Cassian's grin widened. "Simple. Deploy an adult dragon to patrol the border, accompanied by a thousand soldiers. Threat neutralized, Empire secured."
"Good. We will do as you suggest," Draven said.
"Next," Darius said, "marriages. Cassian, you must marry. The youngest princess is now twenty, eligible for union."
"Let my wife draft candidates," Kaelen added. "The next generation will be paired strategically."
"Yes, sir," Kaelen confirmed.
"Third: a potential new empire may be rising overseas. We need intelligence. Contact the Eye Clan," Darius instructed.
"That is all for now," Draven said.
"One more," Darius added. "The dragon bonding ceremony. Are you ready? May the Great Fire guide you both."
Cassian's heart thrummed with excitement and nerves. The first chapter of his adult life, the first test in the imperial city he hadn't seen since he was sixteen... everything was converging. And for the first time in years, he felt the full weight—and thrill—of being a prince of the Draknia Empire.