Adalia Mira Leon.

“Don't fashion me into a maiden that needs saving from a dragon. I am the dragon, and I will eat you whole.”

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Nickname(s):

Ada (Most of the time) or Lia (Only by (Your Character) when they were young)

Nicknames Given:

Open!

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Age:

22 Years Old

Birth Date:

June 29th

Gender:

Female

Sexuality:

Heterosexual

Royal Rank:

Princess / Heir for the throne

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Appearance:

Face Claim (1)

Skin -

Adalia’s skin differs from season to season. In the cooler months she holds a slight pale tone due to the harsh winters but in the warmer months when she is out and about constantly, her skin holds a lovely sunkissed tan. No one is perfect but she is as angelic as one could be. Her skin is flawless from blemishes and marks.

Build -

Adalia stands at about 5 foot and 5 inches tall but her attitude proves bigger. She weighs roughly 120 pounds and has a slender figure. For her stature she is quite strong, constantly finding something to keep her busy that also keeps her fit.

Hair -

Adalia has locks of blond hair that seem to be pure gold, reaching just under her shoulder blades and holding delicate curls. Usually she wears her hair down with just some strands pulled back out of her face, though her mother always tries to get her hair into a ridiculous style.

Eyes -

Two deep pools of blue. Her eyes are one of her most striking features, being a light shade of blue- they seem to see right through you.

Tattoos -

None

Scars -

Adalia bares a scar on her left forearm from playing with swords as a child, a reminder to always watch her blind spots.

Birthmarks -

None that are noticeable or important. She does has slight freckles over her nose and cheekbones.

Piercings -

Simple ear piercings

Jewelry -

Adalia usually is adorned with stunning pieces of jewelry, ones carefully crafted

Voice -

Adalia has a soft voice with an English tone, but when angry she knows how to use her voice. She is very educated and when in a situation needed, can sound very royal and trained.

Personality:

Smart ⋆ Skilled ⋆ Caring ⋆ Impulsive ⋆ Respectful & Respectable ⋆ Closed-Off Emotional ⋆ Protective ⋆ Reserved ⋆ Avoidant ⋆ Impatient ⋆ Loyal ⋆ Strategic Thinker ⋆ Difficult ⋆ Alert

Ada is what many would say a free soul. She would rather be in the woods, climbing trees or swimming in a lake rather than being stuck inside tending to royal duties. Growing up she was given more freedom to roam and get dirty, but as she has come to age, it is time to prepare for the throne, even if it could be years away. Ada is known for sneaking out of the castle and royal grounds, running rampant through the towns. She loves her people, constantly leaving to help shops and farmers.

She is a kind and caring soul, but she is fierce and hot headed. Her temper can flare like that of a dragon at times even if she does not mean it. And with that temper comes her strength. Growing up and even currently she has trained her mental and physical strength. She is smart, able to come up with quick solutions and is deadly with a sword, who would of thought for a princess.

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“The spell could only be broken by Love”

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Significant Other:

None as of now.

Familial Relations:

King Henry Leon [Father] ↓

Male / 65 Years Old

Queen Alicent Leon [Mother] ↓

Female / 59 Years Old

Other:

Adalia is the only child to the King and Queen of the Kingdom of Reyes. Growing up as the only child she has been given the best of everything. Teachings, clothing, care, you name it, she was given it. Being the only child means she is also the only and next heir to the throne, a position to become Queen once her father has passed.

Primary Information

Name: Hadeon Alchys

Alias(es): Placeholder

Sobriquet(s): Placeholder

Age: 25 years old

Gender/Pronouns: Male; He/Him

Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual - Uninterested in relationships

Job/Occupation: Commander of the Scarlet Sector

(Approximate) Height: Six feet and three inches

(Approximate) Weight: 215 pounds

Overall Appearance: He is a tall, muscular figure that commands respect and radiates unwavering power and pride. His hair is an onyx color, constantly slicked back while his eyes are a calculating umber. He has high cheekbones and a chiseled jawline, often deemed resemblent to a greek god of some kind. His skin is pale, almost ghostly since he is usually always wearing a cloak.

Adjunct(s): He is consistently wearing rings on his long and slender fingers, all of them silver due to his personal preference. In addition to this, he has scars covering his torso and chest, all of them a result of his violent upbringing.

Outfit Aesthetic: He is nearly always seen wearing his Dragon Rider attire, something that is usually required for those of higher standing such as himself. His outfit is a dark shade of grey- nearly pitch black- with crimson and silver accents here and there. Beneath the cloak he wears, he has armor that was courtesy of his dragon; it provides further protection from the elements and attacks

Voice/Intonation: His voice is cold, calculating, rarely holding the kindness that has long since vanished within his selfish heart. If one is able to detect emotion in his voice, they should surely consider it a miracle.

Alternate Information

Stars represent his view of their relationship; 5 being perfect.

Father (★☆☆☆☆): His father has been deceased his entire life, but he has heard of his ambitions and cruel methods that led to nearly everyone despising him greatly. A plethora of riders were hesitant to join the sector under his command due to his father`s renown.

Mother (★☆☆☆☆): He never knew his mother since she had abandonded him on the streets, leaving him in the hands of the General that cared enough to take him in. He knows nothing about his mother and wants to keep it that way.

Significant Other (N/A): None. He has no interest in such things, yet.

Fighting Style: Adding later.

Personality Overview

[Extrovert] [Malicious] [Meticulous] [Unpredictable] [Volatile] [Eloquent] [Analytical] [Controlling] [Authoritative] [Egotistic] [Mocking/Teasing]

Adding later.

Likes: He thrives on chaos and disorder, finding it far more entertaining and fulfilling than quietness and solitude. Of course, this only applies to everything other than his beloved Sector His true solace is found in his dragon, the gargantuan beast a beacon of strength and unimaginable power that people could dream of having.

Dislikes: He despises weakness and vulnerability, ridiculing any that dare show it. Furthermore, he has absolute no interest in relationships since he believes that he is undeserving of such things.

⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆

Known Name: Algernon [``Conquerer of Worlds``]

Personal Name [Reserved for Rider]: Aleron

Age: Elder; He is considered one of the more ancient dragons, meaning it is practically an engima regarding why he chose a rider.

Appearance: He is one of the largest dragons to exist, covered and riddled in scars whilst his wings are somewhat shredded and ripped here and there. His scales are pitch black and allow him to become nearly undetectable at night, sporadic hues of crimson scattered across his scales. Furthermore, his eyes are a blood red and his neck and spine are protected with sharpened spikes/crests. His tail also resembles that of a scorpion`s, capable of secreting venom.

Click Here for Photo Reference

The sun shone brightly upon the Kingdom of Reyes that morning, its amber rays illuminating the world below. The markets were alive, the hustle and bustle of everyday life echoing through the air. Vendors sold their goods and crafts, calling out to all who passed. The aroma of fresh pastries and smoked meats swirled through the air. The Kingdom of Reyes was known for its products whether it be crops from the farmlands to spices and textiles from the nearby sea port, the trading business booming through the realm. The Kingdom was also known for how happy its people were, there was no poverty besides those who had done it to themselves, thieves and killers. People conversed in the streets, women purchasing goods for their homes, men enjoying the chatter of work or a pint of mead. All was well that day, the weather welcoming, the town happy, it was all perfect.

Making their way through the busy streets was someone concealed by a deep blue cloak, hiding their appearance from all. The woman’s smaller frame slipped through with ease until she was far enough from the castle, avoiding any guards on patrol. A small chuckle escaped her lips as she pulled her hood down, looking around. It was the princess, and as always she had snuck away from the confines of the castle. The coast was clear, she had lost her guards, just as always. She hated being trapped inside the stone walls, forced to study day and night, she wanted to be free and to explore the land and people that she was to rule. The townspeople were all to use to the sight of the young woman as she roamed quite often. There were most days where she would come to help as well, she found it a useful way to connect with them. Plus it was a change of life from what she was used to living.

Adalia took a breath before she began to stroll, greeting a few familiar faces. She had just wanted to come to town to stroll, nothing too crazy, she knew she was safe among her people as they adored her. She made her way through the vendors, looking over all the produce and goods, examining some items brought from other Kingdoms. She enjoyed the warmth of the weather against her sun kissed skin, her golden locks falling in bouncy curls across her back and framing her face. She kept her looks simple, so she did not stand out too much if any guards were to roam by, that way it was easier to blend in and hide, she wasn't guilty unless she was caught.

It was not long though before patrols were heightened in the area, someone had already found her missing from the safety of the castle. The sound of hooves and metal fittings began to echo down the streets, guards beginning their search. Adalia slipped her hood back over her head to conceal herself, slipping off down some alleys to quickly return to the castle. If she made it back without getting caught, how could she be blamed? She was a stealthy one, using her small form to hide in the shadows and slip through tight areas. Though she was racing against the clock, this only brought a smile to her lips. The thrill of a “pursuit”. It brought a rush of excitement to a normal boring day.

She was in the clear…for now. Making it back to the large stone walls that surrounded the castle itself. Hidden on the eastern wall was a small hole in the foundation, a perfect size for her to slip through. It was camouflaged by an assortment of vines and foliage, no one having any clue it was there. She had found it one day as a child and still used it for her escape. Slipping through with ease brought her behind the stables, dusting herself off she took a second to collect herself, dropping her hood and fixing her hair. She was about to round the stables walls when she heard a scoff from behind her, a guard standing on the opposite side with his arms crossed.

Adalia let out a soft sigh, though her smile remained, followed by a short chuckle.

“You are getting quite better at finding me Marco, but I still won by getting out.”

She teased lightly. The man’s lips curled into a smile as he stepped forward, her crossed arms falling to his sides, his right hand falling to rest on the hilt of his sword.

“And you are getting worse at sneaking out quietly, your handmaids heard you running down the halls”

He teased back, stepping forward,

“Now come on, your father has an important meeting, a special guest and talk of the annual games.”

Marco escorted the Princess back inside the confines of the castle, his armor clinking against itself as they walked. Marco was an older man, about late 40’s and the King’s personal guard. Though now being sent on missions of finding the escaped royal. He had watched the girl grow through her years, being there when she was born to guard the Queen and her room to now, still serving the family. There was a soft fondness for the girl, understanding her desire to be free, but he had a job to do. But that didn’t mean he didn’t turn an eye to let her have a moment of freedom.

Now inside the castle walls, Marco escorted her to the chamber hall, stopping at the end knowing he could not go further.

“Change and meet your father in his study, do not run off again.”

He said with a small smile and nod before he turned, leaving down the corridors. Adalia let out a soft sigh before heading to her bed chamber, her handmaids already waiting for her. It was time for the ridiculous task of being dressed to the nines for a simple meeting. She found it pointless but she went with it. She was dressed in a deep crimson and gold dress while one maid fixed her hair, brushing it out and braiding a few pieces back. Next was her jewelry and her crown. Why all of this to meet her father? She had no clue the severity of this meeting.

Once finished, her hand maids all curtseyed and left, scattering off out of the room and down the halls. Adalia sighed, glancing in the mirror at herself before she too left. Her heels clicked and echoed down the long corridors as she made her way to her father’s study. It was a large and vast room, the walls made of wood with carved elements. A table of stone sat in the center with a carved map of the Kingdom and all that surrounded it. Books line the walls as well as trinkets and treasures. As she neared the door, a guard opened it for her, announcing her arrival to her father and his associates. They all stood, everyone but the King bowing their heads at her arrival.

“Father”

Adalia said, walking to his side to kiss his cheek before she took her seat. After she had sat, the others around her followed, everything done in unison. The King prided himself on the formality of his ruling, and it showed with everything. The meeting started off slow and boring, the men all continuing their talk of civil duties and trade. Honestly Adalia had zoned out for most of it. It wasn’t until the talk of the annual games started did she focus. She found the games stupid, men fighting for their egos, but at least it was funny to watch them fail. The King asked Adalia for her opinion on which games should be added this year, wanting her to become more involved.

As Adalia stood and began to speak, offering her ideas for this year's event, her words were interrupted by the sound of the wooden door opening. The guards stepped to the side as a figure began to enter the room. His large form slipped through the door, his shadow melting onto the light of the floor below. Adalia stopped herself mid sentence, her lips parted in silent speech as he blue orbs looked up to the guest arriving. It took a moment for her mind to fully comprehend who had just arrived, but she knew that face and those eyes. Her heart felt as if it had stopped, the feeling of it plummeting in her chest. The princess for once was speechless.

The Kingdom of Reyes was a beacon of power and trade compared to the hundreds of miles of open plains and heavily wooded forests that spread across its surroundings, all of it a gorgeous concoction of nature that was nothing short of absolutetly ethereal. Streaks of orange, yellow, and pale red- a shade similar to that of pink yet not so vibrant- danced across the horizon as a result of the rising grandour of the frighteningly beautiful sun. The scents of food, staple crops, and smoke from ignited fires wafted up into the atmosphere, instilling an almost cozy and serene feeling deep within those that dared to venture Reyes` streets.. or its skies. Oh the dauntingly revered skies, the one place where few men dared to even consider venturing into the realm brimming with dangers a common man could only deem a figment of his imagination. The skies, no matter how stunning and serene they were with their contrasting colors and unique clouds, were home to beasts and dangers that could easily force a grown man to his knees.

Dragons: colossal reptilian beasts with wings that could block out the sun`s rays and the moon`s pale light, jaws designed to crush through nearly every known metal to man, talons that could tear effortlessly through human skin, and other attributes that were unique to certain species of this creature. The Kingdom of Reyes was one of the few fortunate that held a history that was intertwined with these magnificent beasts, the very same ones that used to rain down hellfire upon every civilization in sight. Dragons had minds of their own and it was a mad man`s tale once that humans had the ability to earn their respect, forming a bond that ran deeper than that of a father and a son. Centuries had passed since then and now the Kingdom of Reyes had something they were utmost proud of: dragons and their select few dragon riders.

Hadeon Alchys, a man that was haunted by his father`s corruption and his mother`s untimely demise, was one of the three Sector Commanders within the hierarchy of dragon riders; his position had been hard-earned and it had taken him a little over a decade to reach it, yet now the only person he had to heed the orders and commands of was the overarching General of the Kingdom of Reyes. Hadeon was an incredibly free-spirited and controlling man- a fact known by nearly all that dared to cross his path- yet he understood the importance of listening to the General. Although he was ambitious and sought out power and authority over all else, he was surprisingly satisfied with the way his life has been ever since he became a Sector Commander. Of course, it was also well-established that he was the one to go to compared to the other two Sector Commanders, their names not as well-known as his was.

The man was currently seated upright open a gargantuan dragon that was clearly in his prime, his onyx scales solidified and acting as an impenitrable shield that weapons could only dream of piercing and reaching the delicate flesh beneath. Each powerful fluctuation of the beast`s wings was enough to send the clouds surrounding them scattering like frightful deer, a small display of the strength these creatures held. Hadeon Alchys had his dextrel hand resting limply upon the sheath of his sword while his alternate one rested upon the cool surface of Algernon`s scales. He was quiet as they flew, his thoughts being entirely open and vulnerable to that of the dragon he rode; communication was incredibly difficult between dragon and rider, more so for the rider. Algernon casually emitted a deep growl as he gave his anatomy a harsh shake, leaving Hadeon to curse beneath his breath and grip harder on the scale that peaked out slightly. Saddles were highly encouraged for dragon riders to put on their dragons, yet he had never done so. Besides, he had spent the majority of his years learning how to ride him with little to no error and fear.

A subtle tilt of Hadeon`s head within Algernon`s peripheral vision was more than enough to cause the dragon to shift in the air, angling his wings downwards as they plummeted towards the landing bay of the Kingdom of Reyes. Algernon emerged from the clouds they had used to keep themselves hidden, abruptly landing upon the metal platform with a harsh clamor as his elongated talons grinded against the surface. Hadeon cringed at the ungodly sound, the dragon seemingly content with the look of disgust on his rider`s face. The man rolled his eyes before he effortlessly slid down the shoulder and base of Algernon`s front leg before safely landing on the ground himself; the dragon was large enough to where a mounting block was neccessary, unless the dragon was in a mood to lower himself into a crouch. Hadeon gave the dragon a rough, firm pat on the base of his leg before he walked around him and headed towards the king`s study. He could hear Algernon`s pouts and eerie clicks of protests, all of it sounding like a desperate siren`s song. Even though the dragon was too prideful to admit it, he did consider his rider family and preferred him to be in his sight.

Hadeon mumbled a word or two of gratitude as he walked past the guards that opened the doors that led into the castle itself, his stature upright and calculatingly confident. He knew that everyone was aware of who he was and all of his most recent feats; he would love to take all of the credit, but it was because of Algernon and their combined cunning that had made them so successful. Hadeon silently slipped past the doors that led into the private study, an almost wicked smirk gracing his handsome and striking features as he caught sight of the king. The two of them were close, but not as close as the king was with the general, of course. He provided a grand bow, ensuring it was low enough to appease the king before he straightened himself completely.

``My apologies for being late, your Highness.``

Hadeon seemingly purred as he glanced around the room to observe and identify the men present. When his gaze fell on the familiar form of the princess, a paramount part of his childhood and upbringing, he gave her a curt nod of acknowledgement; he was not too surprised to find her here, even if it had been years since he had last seen the gorgeous woman. Silently, he stalked across the room before he took a seat in the empty chair, crossing his legs and propping his chin with a fist. He despised these pathetic meetings with a passion, especially when they involved the yearly games; he had to endure it despite his disdain for it, unfortunately.

10 years… 10 years since she last saw the man who now took a seat in the empty chair across from her. Her brows seemed to furrow just a bit as she watched Hadeon find his place, her mind flipping and spinning in all different directions. 10 years had passed since she was devastated in losing her one and only true friend, being fed lies by her father and nobles that he had run off one day to pursue a new life. For all the Princess knew, her friend had left her side, never being told the truth, the truth that they had been separated for a reason. She had spent so many years worrying that something bad had happened, never knowing what he had become. It was easy for the nobles, they never used his true name when mentioning him, only his title. Now here he was, grown up, healthy, a high rank and sitting across the carved stone table as if a day had not passed.

Adalia knew better than to speak of it at that moment, it was not the time. She also knew her father would not allow it. Taking a silent breath to herself, she folded her hands over one another, the golden rings and colorful jewels that adorned them glistening in the stream of light that passed through the windows. As the King continued to speak, offering ideas of games of ring catch and jousting, Adalia gave slight glances to Hadeon. He had grown up so much. His height, his hair, his build. Everything was so different, it was as if a new person had filled his appearance.

Adalia looked back to her father as his already boisterous voice spoke her name.

“Adalia, what do you think? This is the first year you shall commence the games”

Her blue orbs flicked from her father to the men at the table, her mind taking a moment to think as she stood from her seat. She crossed her arms behind her back, clasping her hands together as she took slow, meticulous steps around the room, her eyes traveling to the treasures and trinkets that lined the shelves.

“I think there should be a change to this years games”

Adalia began, standing beside one of the windows to glance over the gardens before turning back to the men.

“These games are to showcase the talent and strengths of each Kingdom, yet we host the same events each year. Jousting, Ring Catch, silly games that have no true skill. Games children play.”

She spoke before she began her stroll once more.

“Why don’t we up the skill, test each man's true ability? Archery, Sword fighting, Combat?”

The Princess suggested, a smile tugging at the corner of her red lips. Her slender fingers slipped around the hilt of one of her father’s decorative swords, easily lifting it from its resting place in its hilt. With the flick of her wrist and with ease, the blade spun in her hand, her eyes watching the sunlight reflect off the silver steel. Admiring its craftsmanship before sheathing it once more.

“We call it the Tournament of the Kingdoms, let us see which one truly has what it takes to rule them all, for the men they produce and train does reflect their skills.”

The Princess set the sword back down before turning to the men once more. The nobles all seemed to nod, small whispers spreading between them while her father sat with a smile at his chair. Proud of the woman his daughter had become, her eloquent words bearing truth.

Her blue orbs slipped just momentarily to Hadeon, trying to read any thought his cold expression may hold. Her father soon stood, his proud smile still carved onto his lips as her clapped his hands in front of him.

“Then it shall be, my lovely heir has chosen the games. Men, please send word and begin the preparations, I shall speak with my daughter and Sir Alchys alone now.”

The nobles all quickly stood as the King finished his words, bowing to both the royals, mumbles filling their group as they all swiftly slipped out the doors and into the halls to begin their work. All that was left were the three in silence. Why had her father wanted to meet with them alone? What could he have planned? The King’s pleasant expression seemed to dissipate just a bit as he looked to his daughter who stood behind her chair, her brows furrowing once again with confusion.

“Adalia, you know I love you dearly, more than anything that the gods have created. I am so grateful to have an heir as perfect as you. And this is why I must do this.”

The King began, only causing his daughters confusion to grow.

“You are only becoming a larger target with every day that passes, and I do not want to have to dream of the day something happens but you do not listen to me or your mother anymore. Your free spirit is going to harm you. Sir Alchys has arrived to be your personal escort, to ensure your welfare, to protect you as you ascend to the throne until you realize the precaution you must take.”

Once again her heart fell into the pit of her stomach, her head swirling as she took in her father’s words. An escort? And for it to be Hadeon? This had to be a sick joke…right? The Princess could not hold back her discontent, a scoff leaving her lips as her furrowed expression looked to Hadeon, then back to her father.

“This is quite amusing father, a hilarious joke.”

Adalia began, her hands resting on the back of her chair, looking deep into her father’s eyes. She could tell this was no joke, that expression he held only revealing it’s truth.

“You must be messing with me father, an escort? I am no child, I can easily defend myself if needed. I do not need a man to protect me.”

She said, her voice raising as her temper slowly began to rise, flush nipping at her cheeks. Before her father could even speak to calm her, Adalia knew she must leave, knowing if she was to stay she would say something and regret it. With a last scoff she turned, heading furiously out the doors as the guards quickly opened them. Her steps were quick and harsh, her golden curls bouncing with force as she travelled through the halls. She had to find somewhere to calm herself and her mind, to think over the news she had just learned.

The King sighed softly, knowing already this would happen. Looking to Hadeon he gave a small, lopsided smile.

“She will calm, but as you can tell this is why I have asked you here. I believe you are the only one left that can speak to her, to get to her. I know my actions years ago in separating you two were not the kindest, but I do hope you can find a way to help. I am scared that keeping these ways will only lead her to harm. Go, speak with her.”

The King spoke, dismissing the new arrival.

Adalia had ventured to her normal hide-away, a secluded area behind the stables near her escape route, hidden behind old wooden boards and crumbled walls of stone. She sat herself upon a few wooden crates, her fingers fiddling with each other as her mind raced. Did her father truly think she needed a governess? A babysitter? Did he not realize she could protect herself? That just because she was a woman she could not defend her life?

Adalia heard approaching footsteps not too long after, knowing any moment the man she dreaded to see would step through the shadows. The friend she lost years ago who was now replaced with a foreign stranger. Another guard puppeted by her father’s worry.

The woman sat and played with the rings on her fingers, spinning the golden jewelry slowly as she ran through the thoughts in her mind. Her whole life she had been undermined, no one believing she had talent and skill, knowledge and strength. She was merely just a woman, she could do nothing but bear future children to the throne and be a pretty face to her kingdom. Her free spirit was seemingly formed to prove otherwise. It was as if it was a quiet way to prove that she could do it all. She could defend herself alone while also learning her people. She spent time with them, taking mental notes on their needs, to hear their opinions for when she takes the throne. What could she do differently to better the lives of those who give their life to their Kingdom? What was hurting them? It seemed that her father only saw her being a rebellious child and not that she was trying to better her knowledge and skills. She was just a woman.

The ground shivered as the enormous beast landed not too far away, the horses inside the stable walls nickering at the sudden shift. Adalia simply kept her gaze to her hands, letting a few strands of her hair fall beside her eyes, the curls becoming loose during her leave.

It was not long before the voice of her once known friend filled her ears, though her gaze kept away, not moving from the target it had chosen upon her fingers. She was quiet, silently choosing her words. His voice only flared the fire in her chest, not towards him, but her father. She knew it was not his fault he was given this position, that was her fathers choice. But it was him, the one person she had trusted, had become so close to, and with a snap of one’s fingers he was gone.

Adalia still stayed silent, though her eyes lifted as the beast just beyond the crumbled stone wall let a deep, guttural grumble. A beast that with a single move could obliterate the building beside them. Royals were never really allowed this close to the creatures, for they still have a mind of their own. Though they had their riders, no one could truly control them. Her blue orbs traced over the creature's features, the deep colored scales, the crimson eyes, the more she looked over the beast the more a small smile tugged at the corner of her lip.

Adalia simply sighed softly as she stood, stepping around Hadeon to stand between him and Algernon, still keeping a good distance. Her back faced the man, her arms crossing over her chest.

“I’m not ecstatic to find I’ve been assigned a governess”

She simply said, that slight tone of sass still lacing her words even from her childhood. Her eyes still flicked over the dragon before her before finally turning to face Hadeon. His form towered over her, though she still stood tall, her brows furrowed softly.

“I’m sorry my father has wasted your time, but I do not need your protection”

She said, her voice holding an unwavering strength. She knew she had to be strong, if Hadeon was anything like himself as a child still, she knew he was relentless, he would get his way especially if assigned by the King.

“I know he called for you because he has no more ideas, but it will fail just like each and every attempt before.”
She said, giving a small smirk before turning once again, stepping softly towards the edge of the crumbled wall, resting her hands upon it as she looked at the beast once more. She had always dreamed of having her own, to be free to the skies above, the fly among the clouds. But that was a dream she had snuffed out. Knowing it would never come true. For now she would enjoy this brief moment to be at least this close.

It was quite interesting to see how relaxed the beast was near this stranger, maybe he knew? Understood their job to protect her? Or was it mere luck?

“I never expected that once you left you would find yourself venturing to the Roost”

Adalia spoke, never imagining that a story they once created would come true. As little kids play fighting, watching the dragons above, all of it was just a kids dream, but here it was a reality. A small flick of pain bit at her chest as the thought of their once great friendship swam through her mind, knowing it now was long gone. Quickly she extinguished the thought, only for it to be replaced once again with the anger of not knowing what had happened to him.

Shaking her head she let out a small huff of a chuckle.

“This whole time you have been flying above us. I had spent so long wondering and worrying until I finally had to give up.”

Years of pent up thoughts clawed at her mind, though she fought to hold them back. So unaware of the truth that had been hidden, the lies spoken to “protect” her.

Adalia kept taking in all the details of the magnificent beast that laid before her, each and every scar and mark, the way his eyes seemed to observe her soul, everything. The fact her old friend now held a bond with this creature when years before they were simply dreaming of ever coming in contact with one, it was all so curious and shocking. Today surely had been a day, a new chapter in the book known as her life.

Adalia, who moments ago stood tall, strong, unaffected by the words of Hadeon, soon had a change. Her brows furrowed tightly, her blue orbs seeming to darken as she heard him speak.

“Innocent, little princess.”

His words caused her cheeks to flush as she quickly spun around on her heels to face the man who had stepped closer. His body casted a shadow down upon her fragile frame though she took no faltered step. He had found a soft spot beneath the scales she had built upon herself, his words like a knife sticking in her chest.

“I do not need the protection of some man”

Adalia snapped, her hand raising a pointed finger towards him as she too stepped in. Her once calm, eloquent voice now one laced in strength and venom. The one thing that bothered her the most in her life was being belittled by a man, to be assumed she was helpless against the world. She was tired of being treated as if she was just a prize for the royal family and not a person.

“I am no innocent little princess anymore Hadeon. I am the heir to the throne. I can defend myself in battle or with words and I will not stand here anymore to be told I am less than that. I am not the small girl you once knew years ago. I have trained both mind and body, to protect myself and my kingdom no matter what may come. You may stand here and believe with my father that I am nothing more, but I will not stop and mold my life to the image that he desires.”
Adalia spoke, her eyes locked onto his own as she stood merely inches away. It was true, clearly she had changed. She was a strong woman now, her words proving it as she faced the man before her. She kept her gaze on him for a moment of silence, her eyes flicking between his before she shook her head, turning and moving away from him. She looked to Algernon as he simply let a cloud of smoke leave his nostrils, seeming unbothered by the tension that began to boil between the two. What did this beast know? Adalia listened as Hadeon’s voice gradually became cold, a subtle hint of a tease in reply to the attitude she gave apparent. A small threat that things would not go well if she attempted to escape. The princess stayed quiet, letting his words shift through the cool air, partially trying to collect herself once more from her outburst.

Her lips parted to speak after a few silent moments only to be interrupted as the beast who laid before them rose from the hard ground. Adalia’s slender fingers gripped the stone wall for just a moment as the earth below their feet shook with each step, her eyes rising to watch him as he neared. A mix of wonder and fear swirled in her chest, fear for the beast who’s eyes had stayed locked on to the woman, but wonder at being so close. Aldernon lowered his enormous head towards the Princess, holding his gaze as if he was searching, reading, examining her. She stood tall and still, only until his head seemed to shift closer, heat beginning to radiate from his form and onto her skin. A smile pulled her lips up as she carefully raised her hand, ignoring the man beside her who watched on.

Slowly she extended her hand forward, watching the beast for any sudden signs. His head shifted again slightly, the palm of her had now upon his snout as a soft purr like grumble erupted from deep in his chest, his eyes flicking closed for just a brief second of time. This powerful beast who’s species was known for killing strangers considered lesser, seemed to accept the presence of the female before him. After a minute of more still and silence she rubbed his snout softly before pulling her hand away. Looking to Hadeon her lips stayed pulled into an almost teasing smirk.

“Things will not go well for you as well old friend, I will not be held back by any man, even one that may have been my dearest friend years ago.”

She simply said, her voice a much softer and calmer tone. With that the princess shifted around Hadeo and began her way back towards the confines of the castle. Glancing up to the beast as she walked by, his form making her seem like a miniscule ant compared to her, she gave Aldernon a soft smile, his head tilting so his crimson eyes could follow her. She walked past him without a care or fear in the world, the train of her dress rippling behind her as she followed the stone pathways and ascended the stairs in the distance inside.