The stone courtyards of the royal castle shimmered under the early midday sun. Blue light leaked from the floating energy sigils above the towers, dancing over the polished marble floor. Wind whispered through the banners bearing the golden crest of Lumisgrave.
The Mythic-ranked warriors stood in formation at the foot of the high steps — each cloaked in calm power, their presence sharp and poised like unsheathed blades.
Arslan stood still at the center of them. His dark hoodie ruffled gently in the wind, his black, messy hair casting a faint shadow across his pale face. Though his expression remained unreadable, a storm of thought lingered behind his crimson-tinted gaze.
Next to him, Caelis Morvayn adjusted his froststeel gauntlet. Seris Vahla scanned the sky with a soft huff. Tarric Vohl chuckled, murmuring, "Royalty always needs an entrance."
And what an entrance it was.
A deafening gust swept over the castle as a mighty roar echoed through the skies above.
"Hoooooaaarrrrh—"
The air trembled.
All heads turned skyward as Queen Maria descended atop a massive, obsidian-scaled dragon. The beast's wings stretched like black velvet sails, vast and majestic, each beat disturbing the wind like a wave crashing against rock. Its eyes glowed with sapphire fire, and its tail coiled like a serpent of thunder.
Queen Maria, barely twenty-three, sat upon the beast with regal poise. Her silver-blonde hair was braided down one side, jeweled pins catching light with every flicker. She wore an elegant combat dress of violet and gold, flowing around her yet woven with enchanted silk that shimmered with defensive runes. Behind her, five Magical Knights hovered midair, standing on discs of floating arcane energy.
They all landed with thunderous grace. The dragon touched ground, wings folding slowly, rumbling with a low growl as it exhaled steam from its nostrils.
Kabir, standing beside King Farhan, blinked. "She… came with that?"
King Farhan's laughter boomed across the yard, warm and teasing. "Maria always did love the dramatic flair."
He stepped forward, arms wide. "Welcome to Lumisgrave, Queen of Kaivelle! Did the skies bow to your beauty, or are you just trying to upstage my guards?"
Queen Maria smiled, her lips curving with pride. "Upstaging your guards is easy, Farhan. I brought company to make sure you know who rules the clouds."
She gracefully dismounted, her boots clicking gently against the polished floor. The Magical Knights followed, silent and intimidating in armor laced with glowing magical veins.
King Farhan strode forward and kissed her hand with mock courtesy. "And here I thought you'd ride a horse like a normal guest."
"I am no normal guest." She smirked. "And I never was."
Farhan chuckled. "Fair. But next time, land a little farther away. My windows are still trembling."
He turned to the Mythics. "You lot — wait here. I'll summon you again. We have to discuss one more matter....."
Arslan said nothing, but his eyes flicked once toward the dragon.
Queen Maria gave them a polite nod, eyes lingering a moment longer on Arslan than the others.
Then she followed King Farhan into the castle halls. The Magical Knights remained outside, lined beside the dragon like silent statues.
The castle's golden dining chamber was silent save for the clinks of cutlery and the soft pouring of honeyed wine.
Maria sat across from Farhan, posture elegant, eyes fixed. "Enough of past grudges. I didn't come here to echo our fathers' mistakes. I came to build forward. Trade, alliances, co-defense — Lumisgrave and Kaivelle can stand stronger as friends."
King Farhan sipped his wine, thoughtful. "Wise words from a young queen. And I appreciate the gesture. You've grown into the role well, Maria."
She raised an eyebrow. "Flattery doesn't move me."
"It wasn't flattery," Farhan smiled. "It was recognition. I do agree — we should move forward."
They signed trade drafts. Reviewed merchant road safety. Discussed magic tax disputes. By the end, both were smiling like old friends.
Over sweetfruit and cheese, Farhan glanced at her Knights. "Those with you — they your strongest?"
Maria nodded. "Kaivelle's finest. Each one capable of tearing through armies. You'll meet them properly someday."
"Perhaps," Farhan smirked. "But allow me a Lumisgrave tradition." He clapped once.
Servants entered bearing ornate boxes and silken bags. "Gifts for guests — blades forged in our northern fires, enchanted cloaks, and spelljewels from our Deep Mines."
Maria arched a brow. "Always the generous king."
He leaned back. "Always the showman."
When Queen Maria exited the castle again, the Mythic team was still waiting, arranged in quiet formation.
As she approached, each Mythic bowed respectfully — a nod of honor toward visiting royalty.
But before she could speak—
The dragon moved.
With a sudden grunt, the massive beast lowered its head — not toward the Queen… but toward Arslan.
Its eyes met his, glowing deep with ancient understanding… and it bowed.
The ground trembled as its mighty chin touched stone.
Gasps erupted.
Even the Magical Knights turned their heads in shock.
Queen Maria's lips parted. Her breath caught.
King Farhan broke the silence with a laugh. "Ha! Look at that! Even the beast knows who's valuable around here!"
Maria stepped closer, voice low. "For once… in all of history… a dragon bowed to no master… but this…"
Her gaze locked on Arslan. "Who are you really?"
Arslan tilted his head. Calm. Cold. He took one slow step toward the dragon, then raised his hand.
Queen said " If you truly respectable then let's come to Kaivelle some day... I will test you against my Warriors"
He gently patted the creature's head — respectful, calm, like greeting a familiar friend.
Then, without arrogance, he bowed toward Queen Maria.
"I will come to Kaivelle," Arslan said evenly. "Not to win. Just for your pleasure."
That final word carried more weight than it should have.
Maria's pupils dilated slightly. Her lips parted as if to say more… but she held it in.
From deep inside Arslan's mind, Kar'Thæl chuckled like fire licking stone.
> "She is damn hot."
Arslan didn't react outwardly, though the corner of his mouth ticked slightly upward.
Maria turned and climbed atop the dragon once more, her posture straight but mind swirling.
The dragon lifted, wings stretching again with great booming force.
Wind surged across the castle as they ascended.
Farhan raised a hand in farewell. "Safe travels, Queen of Storm and Sky!"
Maria didn't look back… but her eyes stayed on Arslan until the clouds swallowed her whole.