Chapter 42

I bolted into the rain as Orion requested. The rain immediately soaked me.

"What's wrong?" I said.

"One of the horses got away. We need to go get her."

"I can get her." I said, untying up another horse.

I got on her wet back and rode into the darkness searching for a startled horse.

After riding down the road north for a bit, I found her. I had little difficulties roping her and bringing her back.

"Zander, you got her! You were so fast, I didn't even have a chance to follow you."

"It wasn't hard. She was just a bit spooked down the road." I hopped off my horse and returned them to the tree.

"You should rest." I told him.

"Alright. Let me know if you need help with your next wild horse chase."

"I think I can handle it." I said.

He entered the tent and turned in for the night.

I was tired the next morning. The rain had slowed, but the clouds didn't leave. They looked over us, almost like a warning for what was ahead.

"It was impossible sleeping with all that sound!"

"The thunder?" Galen asked Charles.

"No. Orion's snoring! Shook my tent!" He huffed.

"Oh, that was Orion? I thought it was you!"

"Me! ME! I'll have you know I am a perfect bed partner! I hardly move in my sleep let alone snore!" Charles defended.

"The thunder was quite bothersome, but it could not compare to the sounds coming from Orion's tent."

The sky was kinder to us. After several more days of travel, we made it to the castle of Naporia.

It was night when we arrived. The moon was full and white. It brightened up the rest of the dark sky.

There was a glimmering in the distance. The moon proudly beamed down on the crowning jewel of Naporia; the crystal castle.

"Wow. It's stunning." Galen said in awe.

A twisted stone path led to the guarded gates. Even those were beautifully crafted, with a crystal pattern etched into it.

"I don't think it's that impressive." Charles said.

I approached the gate and called to the other side.

"Who dares to disturb the queen?" A rough voice grunted on the other side of the gate.

"My name is King Zander Bray and my team. I have requested an audience with the queen."

"Hmm. We have been expecting you, don't you think it's a bit late to arrive and request a meeting?" He said.

"I apologize, the weather set us a little behind schedule. Please, we will be nothing but respectful." I said.

Be grunted and lowered the crystal gate. The guards swarmed us like hungry bees.

"We mustn't be too careful. Proceed." He said, allowing us to enter.

The landscaping was breathtaking. Everything was accented with crystals, even the trees. The moon's light reflected off the beautiful crystals, creating a radiant glow.

Inside was just as marvelous. The throne room was large and decorated with crystals and glass sculptures. The throne sat on top of a tall set of stairs, separating the queen from her commoners. I could only imagine how small we looked from up top. Above us hung a chandelier that made the throne room sparkle.

The group of guards split up to our sides. A small man came out and began to play a flute.

"Presenting her majesty. Queen Lapis Vitrum, queen of Naporia." A guard announced in a deep voice.

We fell into a proper bow at the bottom of the stairs. Her majesty entered from the top of the stairs and stood at her throne

Her skin was as white as milk. Her dark hair was slicked back. She was bony, her wrists were small. On her head she wore a crown decorated with bright amethyst.

She looked young. She couldn't have been any older than me. For a moment, I almost doubted her status.

She kept herself in perfect posture as she strutted down the stairs. She stopped several steps above us.

"You may rise." She said.

We did as she said and lifted our heads.

"Your majesty. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is-."

"I know who you are, King Zander Bray of Lafayette."

"Great. Thank you for meeting with us."

"Yes, it is quite late, isn't it?"

"I apologize. We had some difficulties on our travels, and it is urgent I speak with you." I said to her.

She set one hand into another.

"What is it you ask for from Naporia?" She asked.

"I am fighting a war with Vendov. Belmonte has joined our side. Vendov has allied with the Mullis Islands and Sulkon. He's taken Solaris. He wants to take over all of the kingdoms for his own, or have them surrender to him. We cannot let this happen."

"Why?" She asked.

"What do you mean why?"

"As in, why is this a concern to me?" She said.

"Orion here is the son of the Vendov king. He believes that Naporia will be Vendov's next target. We came to ask if you would become our ally and support our efforts in the war."

"No." She said shortly.

"Excuse me?" I said, stunned for her fast answer.

"No. I do not want to join you."

"Surely you aren't going to join Vendov?" I asked.

"No. I do not want to join either of you. Why involve my kingdom in an unnecessary war?"

"It's not unnecessary. Vendov will come for Naporia and take it by force."

"You underestimate our strength." The queen said.

"Your majesty, forgive me, but. I know my father. I was in the war room by his side for many years. I know he's coming. You are his next desired target."

"My final answer is no. We can hold our own against Vendov. I do not want to involve myself or my people in this petty squabble."

"It's not a petty squabble! We need your help!"

"My FINAL answer is NO!" She shouted.

The room went quiet.

She cleared her throat and returned to her original tone.

"As I have said. No. I apologize you traveled all this way for nothing. You may stay the night, but not a moment longer. Goodnight."

She turned her back towards us and walked up the stairs. The train of her dress dragged softly behind her.

"Wait! Please!" I begged her. She did not stop. She did not turn around.

The guards showed us to the guest quarters. With a final friendly threat before departing, they allowed us to sleep.

I was frustrated. She barley even gave me a chance to speak before telling me no. Why put all of us through coming all the way down here to not even listen to what we had to say?" I vented to Orion.

"She seems to have already made up her mind before we arrived. Perhaps we can try speaking to her tomorrow before we leave." Orion suggested.

"I can't seem to contribute anything to our side, yet I'm the king. I can't control the dragon or make allies. What good am I for?" I said with my head down. I ran my fingers through my hair. My leg anxiously bounced.

Orion took of his cloak and tossed it onto the guest bed. He stood next to the vanity I was sitting at.

"There would be no fight without you. If it weren't for you, all the kingdoms would be at the vicious mercy of my father. We would all be living in his empire if it wasn't for you."

"Maybe that would be best." I rested my elbows on my knees and put my hands together.

"No. Never say that. You haven't seen half of what that man is capable of."

"He killed my parents. Did you forget?"

Our words fell. There was a moment of silence.

"You're right. I'm sorry. My father killed your parents, manipulated you, and killed your people. I wish I could make up for all he has done. But that's why you need to keep fighting. You can't let him keep doing this to whoever he wants. Promise me, no matter what happens, as long as you are alive you won't stop fighting him." His voice came close to breaking.

Orion was strong. After all the atrocious things his father had put him through, he still kept fighting. He fought for everyone.

"I promise. I will keep fighting until my last breath." I looked into his dark eyes. His beamed down to mine.

A strong wind-like sound interrupted us. I looked outside the windows. The moon was still out, and there was no storm present.

"What was that?" I jumped off the vanity stool.

The wind had only gotten louder, closer. I grabbed my sword.

Orion copied me, noticing the panic in my face.

"What do you think it is?"

A roar puffed out with the wind. The wind of a dragon's wing.