"So, what do you mean the air exploded?" Felix asked aloud, kneeling down in front of Zira. Night had fallen by the time he, Eri and Aluin had teleported to her and Kyrith. Thankfully, it looked like the amethyst dragon wasn't seriously injured.

"That's what happened… The air made a boom," she answered, her tone filled with exhaustion.

He let out a sigh. "I meant before. Did you try what I did to you, back when Eri had run and hid in the forest?"

"No… I don't think so, anyway. I felt… I felt something building up inside me and then, boom."

"Boom," he repeated. "So you used your magic, then? That's what it sounds like. You know you're not supposed to do–"

"I know!" Zira snapped. "But I…didn't have much choice. The trees were right there, I didn't have time to think and my mana reacted all on its own."

All on its own? He glanced up to Aluin, who was finishing up his assessment of Zira's condition. "Can that happen?"

The elf lifted his hand from Zira's side before responding. "Of course, remember when you had your mana high? It's pretty much the same thing, strong emotions can cause that."

"I see…" He stood up and made his way over to the elven man. "What did you find out?"

"She will be fine, a day or two of rest is all that is needed–"

"We don't have time for that!" Zira growled, interrupting the Sage. "Kyrith and I must practice more!"

"Zira! Relax… There is still time," Felix said, hoping to calm her down. "Besides, I thought you'd hate having to do something like this again."

She snorted in frustration. "Normally, yes. But this is different. This is about us."

"Us? You mean–"

"As in family? Yes, of course. I refuse to be grounded! I will practice and I will put on a show for the ages!" Without warning, Zira began to stand. Her body shuddered and shivered and she fought through the exhaustion.

"Wait! Hold on, Zira! Please–" He stepped out of the way as she forced her legs to work. Damn it Zira! Listen to me! Just lay down and rest! You'll still have time to practice!

But I want this to be flawless! She shouted back. I know what I did wrong and I plan on correcting it!

You'll only end up hurting yourself! Please, Zira, calm down!

I will not calm down until I have mastered this!

"AND WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN YOU PLUMMET TO THE GROUND? WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE TOO INJURED TO FLY?" Felix roared out, too furious to keep it contained to just their bond.

Silence. The two stared into one another's eyes with fury and he felt something draconic stirring inside him once more…

"Felix! Zira! Both of you stop!" The shout came from Eri and she quickly rushed in between them. Even Kyrith made his way over and peered down at them, letting out a deep rumbling growl.

"Felix." She turned to him first. "This is very important to both Kyrith and Zira. It was supposed to be a gift from them to us, not just some sort of show. Something only they could do and no one else."

He began to settle down, taking in a deep breath. Meanwhile, she shifted her attention to Zira.

"And Zira, there will be no more practicing tonight. Kyrith is exhausted too and both of you need a good night's rest. The two of you can continue only once both of you are in good condition."

Neither Felix nor Zira immediately responded. But the anger in both had diminished to almost nothing.

"Is…that true?" Felix asked hesitantly. "That this performance is meant to be a gift to me and Eri?"

"Yes, but not just for you two. It was meant to symbolize our bond as a family. To show the world our strength and trust in one another."

Well, it started out just as a show… But Zira got rather excited– more excited than me even –and she wanted it to be something important, Kyrith interjected through their bond.

Felix slumped his shoulders, the last dregs of his anger completely gone. "Okay… Okay… Let's just end things here for tonight. We'll figure the rest out in the morning. If the two of you are feeling up for it, then by all means, continue practicing. But only after Aluin, another Sage, or a Healer takes another look at both of you."

Zira seemed to consider his proposal for a moment. "Fine, but I refuse to be grounded for an entire day."

He threw up his hands defensively. "I never said that, but I only ask that you don't put yourself in another situation where you have to use your mana. You remember what Ithea said about that."

"I am aware," she huffed.

"Good." Felix smiled before turning his attention over to Aluin, who had wisely kept out of their fight. "Can you teleport us back to the clearing?"

***

Felix laid down and stared up at the stars above and watched as they put on a show for anyone to see. They twinkled. They shimmered and danced. And they did it all silently and perfectly. A truly beautiful performance.

For a moment, he was transplanted back in time. Back in Fea's chambers and looking up at her false sky. He let a smile form as another thought entered his mind.

That's what Zira wants…

A visage appeared above him, obscuring the breathtaking scene playing above him.

Felix, Zira whispered into his mind. About earlier… I did not mean to be so petulant. She tilted her head, just enough so that she could look directly into his eyes. I'm sorry.

No, I did not understand how important that was for you. I should have realized it, but I was so wrapped up with concern that I refused to listen or understand. For that, I am sorry.

The ground beneath him began to rumble as another dragon approached, and accompanying him was Eri. She laid down in the grass next to Felix and subtly reached for his hand, grasping tightly.

The two of you were both stubborn idiots, she deadpanned.

Yeah! And you're our idiots! Kyrith decided to add.

Everyone gave him a look.

What?! It's true…

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

Kyrith, you're the biggest idiot of us all. A lovable idiot, but an idiot nonetheless, Eri countered. He let out a whimper as she continued. Still, I can't help but love you all…

Felix's smile grew. But if we're your idiots, what does that make you? The Idiot Queen?

Eri rolled her eyes. That wasn't very funny. But I suppose I should have expected that from an idiot. Anyway, it's already pretty late and me and Kyrith decided that we would sleep with you two.

And we don't get a say? Zira asked, not serious in the slightest.

Nope.

Felix shook his head. Oh, I get it. You're abusing your Queenly powers to make this happen. But it's okay, I understand, Your Majesty. It's a good thing I've had practice with the Princess here…

Zira let out a huff but it was Eri who spoke first. Please, I know you like this.

Don't forget, you're a Lord as well. The Dragon Lord, the amethyst dragon added. The way I see it, we're a family of nobles.

He threw his hands over his face and groaned. Gods… Don't remind me of that! That title…I don't like it!

Oh! Oh! What does that make me? A prince–

The Jester, Zira quipped, interrupting Kyrith.

Once again, the poor dragon let out a whimper. I'm not that stupid…

Feeling bad for him, Eri quickly turned it around. Being a jester doesn't mean you're stupid. It means you're funny, and you're the funniest one out of all of us.

Really?

Really.

The ember-colored dragon let out a draconic smile. Then I am Kyrith, the Jester!

They all broke out into laughter…

Right. As fun as that was, Eri is right. It is getting late. Felix looked back to Zira. Your pillow awaits, Princess.

Perfect! She let out a low, rumbling purr as she carefully laid her head onto him. And, beside them, Kyrith did the same to Eri.

Oof! How… How do you manage this?! Eri gasped, slapping at her partner's snout. The dragon promptly lifted his head in confusion.

I'm used to it, he answered. But there is also a sweet spot behind the snout, gives just enough room for you to breathe.

I see… She focused on her partner. Scoot your snout a little more forward before you lay it down.

O-okay… Like this? the dragon asked, slowly lowering it down onto her.

That's better. I think… I can at least breathe now. And as if to prove it, she took a deep breath and exhaled. A little uncomfortable still, but I think I can manage.

Felix chuckled. Like I said, I'm used to it so it doesn't bother me any.

I guess I'll have to get used to it then… Anyway, good night all.

Good night.

Night!

Love you…

Starved.

Exhausted.

Frightened.

Those three words best summarized Torm's condition.

For three days now he found himself trapped within a cave. For three days he did not eat. For three days he suffered in pure silence.

Yet, for those three days, he was alone. He was by himself. He was starting to hope. A hope that his master was dead. That his master had fallen in battle.

That is what kept him going, even if he was still compelled to remain in this rotting hole. He would survive, somehow, and be set free.

He envisioned a wandering soul stumbling upon him. He daydreamed of a tribe of elves deciding to use the cave as shelter and finding him, feeding him. He yearned to be rescued…

Please… To any God out there, save me.

Torm pulled his arms tightly around his legs as he once again laid curled up. It was going to be another restless night.

Please…

He let out a choking sob. No one was coming. No one even knew he was still alive. The two dragons, his only real chance of escape, were swallowed whole by his master– No, that monster.

If two powerful dragons couldn't stop that monster, then who could? No one. He came to a realization. I am doomed…

Torm fell silent, his fear turning into rage. He wanted to lash out at the world, at everyone who wronged him.

All I wanted was to restore my ancestors' former glory. If it hadn't been for those Gods-forsaken eggs! His so-called master had lied and set him up for failure, but if those dragon eggs hadn't existed then he would not have been lured into the monster's trap.

If I can get out of here, if I can escape, I will find them and destroy them. I will destroy them like they destroyed me. He let out a curse, damning that woman Eri and that bastard human. They should be here! Not me!

An inky void appeared, silently crossing the distance between him and the cave's opening. Its shadows somehow even darker than that of night.

Ah, there it is, a cold and condescending voice echoed in his mind. I was wondering when you would stop pissing yourself and start hating the world.

From the void the shadow panther appeared, silent and stalking. You elves have always thought of yourselves as high and mighty. But when you are broken and beaten, you are no different than a rabid beast.

The panther began circling him. Your actions have screwed everything up. By being discovered, we can no longer continue my original plan. At least, not without some modifications…

Torm gulped and slowly unwound himself. "W-what modifications–"

SILENCE!

A jolt shot through him, sending him convulsing to the floor. The monster waited until he stopped.

I have spent the last few days going to my various stashes to get the items we will need. And, no thanks to you, none of them had been found. I might yet still be able to complete my task.

However, you shall do something for me.

Gasping for air, it took Torm a moment to realize the monster was waiting for him to speak. "W-what shall I do?"

The panther, the beast, the monster the…devil approached and lowered itself. It stared directly into his eyes.

You shall cause a distraction…

Several items fell to the ground, two in particular caught his eye. The first object was a necklace with a small pendant and the second was a small wooden disk.

Wear the necklace, it will hide you from a certain pesky Goddess. You will never take it off, do you understand?

"Yes…master." Torm quickly scooped up the necklace and put it on.

Good, next up is something very unique. Something a slave like you should be thankful for even seeing.

The disk floated up on a cloud of darkness. He tried to grab it, but it was whisked out of his grasp at the last second.

Careful, you stupid fool! This is a charm, a rare and powerful magical artifact. It is designed to be easily broken! Not to mention, it is the only one!

It was lowered back towards his hand and this time, he cautiously accepted the charm.

When I tell you, you will snap it in half and think of the manor– Yes, that place. You will be instantly transported nearby… Frankly, I am quite irked that circumstances require using this artifact, just so you know. It was for a contingency, but I suppose this counts as one.

Besides, what I will have you do will more than make up for your monumental fuck up.

Torm shuddered, not liking where this was going. The rest of the items, crystals not too dissimilar to the one Hanzel received, floated into view.

Anyway… You will cause a distraction for me and these crystals will be how you do it.

Holding out his hands, the crystals fell into them. Immediately, their power was noticeable with each one threatening to detonate at a moment's notice.

When you get to the manor, you will wait for the coronation. You will do what you must to either hide or fit in, and get as close as possible to your soon-to-be Queen. Once the ceremony starts, swallow them.

"What will happen to me?" Torm asked, risking the monster's ire.

The panther, however, began to laugh. Do you know what every ceremony needs?

He froze and his master leaned in towards him, whispering into his ear.

"Fireworks."

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