Continuation of Laurence's POV:
"Young master," I heard my butler say softly, gently shaking me. "It's time to rise for the day. Your breakfast is waiting for you in the morning room. A maid kindly donated her blood for you this morning. Your schedule for today consists of festivities. I have taken the liberty of locking your study for the day so that you may take the day off in respect for Ertis. The servants are currently setting up a party in your throne room for you to go enjoy after you eat your healthy breakfast." He pulled the covers back and sat me up before he undressed me and put me in my day clothes, tying a bow around my neck and then knelt and got my shoes on for me. I rubbed at my eyes, remembering Ertis's death.
"I'd like to enjoy the garden later today," I told him. "The one that overlooks my pond." I waited for him to finish my shoes before I stood up and started my morning stretch to help loosen my muscles.
"Yes, my young master. I will have someone check the garden for you. You could take Baleen with you into the garden," he suggested. "He'd love to follow you."
"That's not a terrible idea. I'll take him with me. He'll enjoy the fresh air and sunlight." I gave a smile at the thought of him getting to enjoy the garden with me. I walked up to the mirror in my bedroom and ran my fingers through the curls, sorting my hair out. I started for my door then to take the long way to my morning room. I placed my hands behind my back. "Oh! Call that dragon downstairs to my morning room. Get him a loaf of bread to eat with some sugar on it. He might like that. Dragons like sugar. Get him some wine." He nodded and then followed me out.
"Of course, young master. I'll fetch him for you." He started down the other hall then towards the treasure room to go get him. I walked through the halls and found my way to the morning room. I glanced around at the morning light shining into the room. It felt heavenly in the morning room. A bright light was shining in through white curtains. The windows were open to allow a breeze to flow in and fill the room with morning air. I sat down on a couch facing a window that had curtains drawn back to the view of the garden by my pond. I crossed my legs as I eyed down the sunrise just on the horizon. I caught a glimpse of Paris resting in Richard's arms as the carriages were starting early towards my castle. They weren't but two days away now. I heard the door open before my butler lead Baylorik in, having managed to get him to take a human form and get clothes on him. He took him to the table and sat him down across from me and then served me a warm glass of blood and disappeared before he came back with a sugary loaf of bread. Baylorik looked towards the bread eagerly, catching its scent and reached for it with a hungry look. My butler laughed then handed him the bread, watching as the dragon moaned and went to eat it. I took my glass of blood and took a sip from it before I gulped down the rest greedily. I sat the empty glass down and licked my lips clean.
"I had a thought last night that a young dragon would be good to have protect my castle," I grumbled as I watched Baylorik consume the bread. "So... I'll give you a chance." I looked away and softened my eyes. "Where do you think dragons go when they die?" He paused eating the bread then shifted in his seat, looking towards me in confusion before he hesitantly took a bite of the bread.
"As hatchlings... we're told that we become one with the eternal flame when we die," he said then looked outside before he smiled. "Right there~" He pointed to the sun then. "Special dragons become their own fires in the sky though. You can see them at night only though...." He gave the sky a thoughtful look then. "I want to become my own flame...." So... Ertis might be a star in the night sky now? I looked up at the sky and smiled. That's a sweet myth. I glanced down at my lap before looking back at him.
"My visitors will be here within two days. Please be on your best behavior." I told him calmly. "We're celebrating Ertis's life today in my throne room. Afterwards I'm taking a walk into the garden. Do as you wish today." I stood up and wrapped an arm around my waist before looking at the ground. I looked back up at the sky before starting for the door. "I'll allow you bread and wine, but those are the only foods my servants can feed you. Fish and other meats will be rewarded to you if you continue to stay on my good side." I felt his eyes watching me curiously as I went before, he purred and settled down into the seat and continued eating happily. My butler was quick to follow me, trailing behind me.
"Young master, are you sure about him being here when your guests arrive? I could see about maybe convincing him to go off for the day," he suggested, giving a small frown. "We don't know him that well... and from what you've told me about the guests, they're very important."
"I can't send him off. He's a dragon. He's possessive over my gold. If I'm having guests, he'll want to be in it not far away from it. He'll probably bite our heads off if we asked him to leave." I frowned as I looked back at my butler. "I don't like it- I don't like him- and I didn't want to lose someone, but I have thanks to him. Maybe one of my friends will take him away and off my shoulder by offering him another treasure hoard to live in. But if he was to go away, another dragon would just show up and he might be worse." I shivered at the thought of meeting a worse dragon than the ones I've come across. "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," I reminded. If I have him under my thumb, I could use him, and if he dies from me using him, no tear will be leaked from my eyes. He'll deserve it.
"Young master Laurence," I heard a maid call after me from down the hall. "Lady and Lord Grimm and Lady and Lord Dracula have come to see you. I put them in the day room since you were occupied in the morning room- plus your throne room is being used for the celebration- and the other rooms didn't seem appropriate- I could have put them in your study but then they'd be alone- the li-" I nodded and placed a hand up to silence her.
"I understand." I changed my directions to head to the day room. Looks like they're here to see about Paris and Richard's whereabouts. My butler trailed after me, stepping back a little way to give me space. When I got to the doors to the room, I could hear Lord Dracula discussing something with Lord Grimm quietly about Richardo's punishment once they get their hands on him- the main one being tossed around of imprisonment and a defanging punishment. I cleared my throat as I stepped into the room.
"I'm sorry you caught me on a terrible day. I just lost something precious to me last night." I told them and gave them a frustrated look. I sat down in an armchair and watched the two grown men. "Are you here over your sons?" Lord Dracula looked towards me and frowned.
"Yes, we were wondering if you knew where they were going so we could catch them," he told me then stood up, looking down at me. "They're traitors, Laurence. If you know anything, you need to tell us now or else if we find out you did know something but didn't say anything, you'll be put on trial in front of the council for obstruction of justice." He straightened his shirt out then before he ran his fingers through his hair. I could see he was frustrated and angry with his son for running away like he had done and was getting fed up with trying to find him without much help.
"I thought I told you many years ago they would be close," I said calmly. "I tried to warn you. Paris and Richard are coming for your heads. They see you as the traitors. They're busy making allies as we speak. With... all the children of the council. Your days as royals are becoming numbered. They even have council members on their side. If you fight them... you won't survive," I warned. Dracula frowned at me then before he narrowed his eyes.
"Laurence," he hissed. "They're just children. They're in the wrong, and they know it. It's wrong to bite like Richardo does, and it's wrong for a man to love another man. He's no son of mine. Now, you tell us where they're at, or I'll come back with more members of the council to have you arrested."
"I told you where they are. Making allies." I let out a small sigh. "Try Italy. Russian. Germany. France. They could be anywhere. I wouldn't know." He frowned as he thought about it then looked back at Lord Grimm.
"Dante is over in Germany. He's already king," he said then looked back at me. "Laurence, you better stay out of helping them," he hissed lightly at me. "You know what happens to traitors." He gave me a threatening look then before he walked over to Lord Grimm. "We'll see if Dante has seen them. It makes sense that Richardo would attempt to make contact with a king his age."
"I'll stay out of helping the traitors," I promised and smirked. I eyed them over. "The last time I saw visions of them was when they were just outside of Transylvania. They must have got a witch to block my visions of them," I sighed out. "Good luck finding them. I'm afraid I won't be of much use to you." Lady Dracula gave me a suspicious look before she got up and walked over to me, giving me a hug then looked over at her husband.
"You shouldn't threaten Laurence that way, my dear. Come on, let's go ask Dante if he's seen them. You know Dante is loyal and would tell us." She reached for her husband's hand then and started to tug him out of the room. He frowned at her then looked back at Paris's father about to say something before she pulled him out of the room completely. I chuckled as I watched them. My eyes turned to Paris's parents.
"You said something happened to you," Lord Grimm told me. I nodded and gave a small frown.
"Just dragon problems." I waved it off. "Nothing I need help with. I'd like to be alone." I urged them to leave with the other two. I watched as Lady Grimm took her husband's hand and lead them out the room. So, Lady Dracula is suspicious of me? Good. Let her slowly find out that she's doomed to hell already. My butler entered after they left and looked towards me with a sigh.
"Is everything alright, my young master?" He asked me as he walked up then scooped me up into his arms.
"Yes. Everything is fine." I looked up at his face and blushed. "You enjoy me in your arms too much." He laughed a little then.
"I'm too much of a father perhaps," he told me then smiled as he carried me towards the door. "They're ready for you in the throne room." I smiled big then.
"Well today should be fun. We'll get to give him good wishes on his journey in the afterlife and celebrate his life he shared in the castle." I gave an excited noise. This is all going to be for him. He laughed softly then.
"He was a really special dragon," he told me and smiled. "He lived a long, wonderful life, and I'm sure his favorite part of his life was coming here and sneaking his way into your treasure hoard. I've heard lots of stories passed down in my family about him. I'm glad he lived long enough for me to meet him and serve him and you." I teared up a little and laid my head on his shoulder for comfort.
"He was supposed to die of old age here," I mumbled. He nodded and rubbed my back gently.
"I know.... He was a part of your family in a way," he whispered to me. "I'm sure he's happy wherever he is... chasing gold coins and catching fish."
"He was a red dragon," I mumbled. "I loved his scales so much." I rubbed at my eyes and sighed. He laughed softly then.
"Yes, he was gorgeous, wasn't he? Too bad he didn't leave you with a hatchling of his...." He shook his head then and held me a bit closer as he got the door to the throne room and took me inside. Why didn't he give me little hatchings?
"Laurence! I made you a flower crown with the help of the maids. Want to wear it?" I heard Baleen ask as he ran up to me. I glanced towards his voice, finding him holding a daisy flower crown. He held it up to me. "Some of your flowers might be missing from around the castle. I hope you don't mind." I blushed and nodded.
"I'll wear it for you," I told him. My butler sat me down then so that Baleen could put it on my head and chuckled as he watched us. Baleen placed it on me before giving me a huge smile. "Thank you, Baleen," I purred out to him. I ran my fingers through his hair and gave him a pat on the head. He gave me a wide-eyed stare before giggling.
"You're welcome!" He grabbed my hand and tugged me to my throne and pushed me down into it gently. "We put together a play for you before this celebration begins. I've been working all morning to learn my lines and so has the other servants. So, you'll watch it." He giggled and ran off to a miniature stage and went behind a blanket. I laughed softly- realizing what the servants had done. A little play for me. I saw some of the maids and servants going back there to join Baleen with smiles on their faces. I laughed softly and watched them with amusement. I can't believe they had time to set something up like this.... Some of them must have got up real early. I gave a soft smile then. My servants are so adorable. I should give them a day off. My butler glanced towards me before he smiled and went behind the curtain to help them out with the preparations. I crossed my legs and bounced my free foot as I watched the curtains. When the curtains opened, the play went off on a heroic tale of Ertis coming to my castle for the first time. A common rumor that the servants talk about. I laughed softly as I watched them play it out.
After it was over, my butler came over to me and smiled before he knelt down by my throne. "My young master, is there anything you require yet? I could go fetch you some blood for you...." He suggested before he looked up at me. I could hear a few of the maids giggling off to the side as they put flowers in Baleen's hair, making him pretty.
"I could use a glass of blood," I told him. I watched as Baleen giggled and touched the flowers in his hair. He nodded and then got to his feet before he went over to a small wine glass on a table nearby and then picked up a knife, nicking his wrist before he watched as his blood poured into the glass. He smiled as it filled and then pulled his wrist away, wrapping it in the cloth by the glass and tied it on him before he picked up the glass and brought it to me with a smile.
"Here you go, young master," he said sweetly and handed the glass to me. I looked the glass over curiously before taking a sip of his blood. I let out a small moan and downed the rest of the blood. This is so delicious. He laughed as he watched me then gave me a huge smile. "I didn't realize I was that good," he teased me lightly then looked towards his son, watching him as the maids stuck a rose in his hair.
"You're delicious," I told him and watched Baleen thanking the maids. He nodded before he looked back at me and sighed.
"Young master, would it please you if I found an egg from another red dragon for you to have... or would you prefer to not get another one?" He asked me softly and looked down into my eyes. "I know you liked the color of his scales...."
"I'm not sure if Baylorik would allow me another dragon," I said softly and looked down at my lap. He frowned.
"I can get some of the treasure moved into another room to make two treasure hoards, and I can get an egg for you. Baylorik wouldn't have to share a room with the hatchling." He knelt in front of me then. "I could contact the Dragon Order for you too.... They could come and try to tame Baylorik down for you and make him obedient. We might be able to obtain an egg from them too." I nodded as I thought it over.
"Send a letter to the Dragon Order and have them come tame my new beast. We'll tame him before introducing a new egg around him. That way he doesn't eat the egg." I'm getting a little Ertis- well not exactly from his line... but it'll be close. He nodded and smiled before he got to his feet and bowed to me.
"I'll have a letter dispatched immediately for you," he told me before he started to walk off with a purpose to go do as I asked. Baleen ran up to me and giggled.
"Laurence, did you enjoy the play?" He asked me.
"I did, thank you." I reached out and rubbed his cheek. A few maids giggled and followed him, watching Baleen with adoring eyes before they looked towards me and smiled hugely.
"More of th-" Baleen's eyes trailed off to watching his father leave the room before he looked at me and straightened up. "More of the servants have decided to play a few songs as well for you to help cheer you up. Maybe you should take a maid's hand and dance to the music." He gave me a cute look. I heard a piano in the room start up before one of my butlers was playing a waltz in the corner of the room. I heard the servants laughing before a few of the butlers started to take the maids to dance in the room. A maid walked up and scooped up Baleen.
"Baleen, you should dance with me~" She teased him lightly and touched his nose.
"Okay!" He told her and gave her a sweet smile. "As you wish." I stood up slowly before eyeing the servants over. I felt my eyes land on Tera. One of the most hard-working maids serving me. I walked up to her, noticing she was without a partner.
"Tera, may I have this dance with you?" I asked her and held out my hand for hers. She looked towards my hand then up at me and blushed a little before she took my hand.
"You may," she said softly and then smiled as she gently led me to where the others were dancing and started to dance with me, letting me lead. I lead her in a dance and smiled at her.
"Tera, I hope this isn't you thinking I'm crushing on you. This is just me wanting to give you something special for the hard work you've done lately. Think of it as me thanking you. You're a sweet girl." She giggled.
"Of course, I know that. I just didn't think you'd dance with a servant," she told me and smiled at me happily. "I thought that if you were going to dance with anyone, it'd be Baleen because he's smaller than you."
"Baleen has a dance partner," I chuckled out. "He's a big boy now. I'm sure he'd much rather dance with a beautiful servant." She nodded before she glanced towards Baleen.
"He's adorable. I'm so glad he was born. Timothy loves him. His face lights up whenever he sees his son," she told me and giggled. "Baleen makes everything better here."
"Baleen has a great personality," I told her in agreement. "I hope he doesn't change as he gets older." She nodded quickly.
"I hope to see him become a fine butler for you. Hopefully he won't change as he ages. We'll have to see how he gets when he's coming of age. He might not be so cheerful then." She shook her head at the thought then looked at me. "I washed your bed sheets in a flower scent. I hope you don't mind. I have your bed already made for you for tonight... and I made you a warmer blanket," she told me and giggled. "Maybe you won't lose your feet this winter." I blushed at the thought of having to get my feet sawed off again this winter and having to grow them back. Growing limbs is tiring and painful for vampires.
"Thank you for the blanket," I told her and smiled. "I'm sure it'll help keep me warm and cozy." I gave her a thoughtful look. She nodded.
"Of course. I hope we won't have to take your feet off you this year. I hate seeing you miserable without your feet. Timothy has to carry you everywhere."
"It would probably help this year if I had servants watch over me in my sleep... but I don't want to force anyone to turn to night shifts and miss out on the sunlight," I told her. If I had servants tend to the fire and keep my bed warm while I rest... I might not lose my feet. Sometimes storms will break through the windows and my balcony doors and force its way to destroy the warmth in my room and freeze my feet- killing them. They get it every year due to having poor circulation as it is. They'll be cold on a warm summer's day- it's just how they are. I'm a cold vampire. Somewhere in the future, I'll stop having harsh winters as electricity becomes invented. That's far off in the future. She frowned then.
"I can do it for you, master Laurence. I wouldn't mind staying up through the night to make sure you don't lose your feet."
"You wouldn't mind?" I asked her. "You'd have to give up the day during the winter to tend to me at night. Nights are cold. I'm sure you'd much prefer it in a warm bed." She shook her head then smiled.
"I'm fine. I'll tend to you at night this winter. I hate watching you lose your feet. I'll be fine." She pulled away as the song ended, and I heard my butler walk back into the room, looking around before he headed for Baleen and scooped him up with a laugh. He kissed the top of his head then offered him a small treat. Baleen giggled and took the treat, beginning to eat it.
"Thank you, Tera," I told her before giving her a kind smile. I walked up towards my throne and sat back down in it, crossing my legs. I laid my head back against it before shutting my eyes. I heard a few maids giggling before I felt them playing with my hair and felt them putting flowers in my hair with the flower crown. I opened my eyes to see their hands at work. I gave them a kind smile. One of the maids slipped something into my hand then, and I saw it was one of Ertis's scales on a cord. They had turned it into a necklace for me. I glanced it over and widened my eyes. It's so beautiful. "Thank you," I whispered and placed it around my neck quickly.
"We thought you would like it if you had a piece of him to carry around with you," the maid said softly. "That was a scale from when he was younger."
"That far back?" I asked and widened my eyes. She nodded.
"My mother found it in the halls one day when she was cleaning," she told me and smiled. "I thought you would need it more than me. You loved his pretty scales." I looked down at the scale, running my finger against it to feel the texture.
"He had the pretties scales I've ever seen. Red dragons are beautiful. He was beautiful to me." She nodded before she put another flower in my hair.
"The color red is my favorite," she told me then smiled sweetly. My butler walked up to me then with Baleen in his arms.
"I sent out a letter to them. They should be here in about a week I believe. I asked for a red dragon egg for you as well." I nodded and gave a smile.
"My friends will see a dragon being tamed," I said in a little excitement. Plus I get to show off my dragon egg and teach them a little about dragons.
"Can I name the baby dragon when it gets here?" Baleen asked me sweetly. His father laughed softly then looked down at him.
"Baleen, you should let our young master name him," he whispered in Baleen's ear. "He's going to be taking care of that dragon long after we're gone once it hatches."
"Awe, but I wanted to name something," Baleen whined out.
"If you can find a pretty name for my red dragon... I'll consider it," I told Baleen.
"Really?" He asked me and gave a huge smile. His father frowned slightly but didn't argue as he sat Baleen down on the ground in front of me. A maid giggled at the sight of Baleen before she moved from me to him and played with his hair. Baleen gave me sweet look as I nodded his way. He giggled and looked towards the maid in excitement. "I get to find a name for the baby dragon."
"Awwww, how adorable! Are you going to play with the hatchling every day?" She asked him before she kissed the top of his head. "You should chase him around all day and make him want to play with you."
"I'm going to grow up big and strong with him to help protect our young master Laurence." He gave a confident smile. She giggled then before she kissed the top of his head again.
"I think you're already big and strong," she teased him then scooped him up, starting to tickle him. Baleen giggled and tried to get down from her arms.
"No- stop it," he begged her and squirmed. She giggled then put him down on the ground before she took his hand and slowly spun him then knelt to his level.
"You're going to have to keep him safe all the time," she told him sweetly. "You'll be head butler and accompany our young master everywhere." His father laughed and then patted his son's head.
"I'll have to teach you everything I know. When I retire, you'll be in charge of all the servants and be the one administering our young master's care and carrying out his orders to the upmost of your ability. I want you to remember this though~" He leaned down to his son's ear and smirked. "Our young master may look like a kid, but he's ancient. He still needs lots of care though because of his size, so it's very much like caring for a kid." I blushed and glanced away. I'm not that hard to take care of.
"Can we get the young master toys? I bet he would enjoy them." Baleen said thoughtfully.
"Yes, we can get the young master some toys," his father said then laughed a little. "I'll ask your mother to make him a teddy bear to match yours."
"I-" I blushed as I watched them. I don't need a teddy bear! Baleen was looking at me with huge pleading eyes. "Fine," I sighed out.
"We're going to throw tea parties with our matching teddy bears." Baleen giggled at the thought. His father laughed then.
"But don't pester the young master too much," he warned. "He's still your master, Baleen." He tapped his son on the nose then. "Maybe soon there will be another little guy running around for you to play with and not just a baby dragon~ Who knows what the future holds?" He laughed then at the thought. Baleen gasped.
"Am I getting a baby brother?" He asked his father with interest. He widened his eyes and looked thrilled at the thought of a brother.
"You might be depending on what your mother thinks of the idea," he purred out and rubbed his son's head.
"Tell mommy that a baby sister would be fine too as long as she promises to not be a sissy. I really want a baby brother though." Baleen told his father and giggled. His father nodded.
"I'll ask your mommy to give you a brother to play with. You can teach him lots of things when he gets a little older like how to play hide and seek." He kissed his son's head then looked towards me with a small smile. "What do you think, young master? Think little Baleen should get a brother? He might start running off with him more."
"As long as he doesn't forget who he is and what duties he has to me. I still want his opinion for my night clothes," I said and laughed a little. I'd get two opinions most likely. Baleen would make his brother help pick out my outfits. Baleen giggled.
"My baby brother will help us dress you, young master Laurence." Baleen gave me a sweet look. I glanced towards the windows before getting up. His father paused as he watched me and then frowned.
"Are you alright, or are you wishing to head to the garden for now?" He asked me then put his hand on his son's head, pulling him close against his leg.
"Let's go into the garden," I suggested. He nodded before he let his son go and started to lead us to the doors.
"Right this way, young master," he said happily and held the door open for me, letting me walk this time instead of carrying me. It's good to know he still realizes I have feet. I felt Baleen snatch my hand and tug me after his father.
"I'm coming too," Baleen said in determination.
"You were expected to," I teased lightly. His father laughed a little as he watched his son in amusement before he looked towards me and closed the door behind me. I could hear my servants scurrying to clean up my throne room now that I was gone as he led me down the hall and then outside to the garden. I saw Baylorik looking at some of the more yellow colored flowers in amazement, his eyes wide with delight. Baleen came to a stop and gave my hand a squeeze before hiding a little behind me.
"Is that the new dragon?" Baleen asked me softly. "The one that sent Ertis away?"
"That's Baylorik. That's the one." Baleen's father frowned before he looked at me then at Baylorik.
"Do you want me to send him away?" He asked me calmly. "I can get him back in the treasure hoard." Baylorik's eyes shot to us then as he heard us, and he sniffed the air slightly before he looked at Baleen then at me before he returned his attention to the gold flower and purred happily.
"I don't think he'll be much of a bother," I told my butler before rubbing Baleen on the head. "Let him stay."
"Alright," he said softly then looked around, checking our surroundings before he looked towards Baylorik and walked up to him. He earned a sharp growl as Baylorik looked towards him suspiciously and then narrowed his eyes at my butler who laughed softly at him. He reached out and then quickly went for under his chin, watching as the dragon melted at his touch and began to purr loudly like a tamed kitten and fell into him. I felt Baleen coming out from behind me slowly at the sight of his father and the dragon. His father had the dragon on his knees within minutes while he was sitting down on a nearby bench as the dragon leaned his head into my butler's lap and stretched out his neck for attention. "Look at that~ You're not so scary. You're just an oversized cat, aren't you?" He teased the dragon as the dragon gave a soft moan and began to nuzzle his head against my butler as he rubbed Baylorik's chin. "You're going to be tame too before too long~" Baleen walked up to his father with caution.
"Why're you doing that daddy?" Baleen asked.
"Because we need to tame the new dragon so that he won't bite our young master's head off," he told his son then smiled softly before he reached out for Baleen's hand and placed it on the dragon's chin and had him rub the dragon there. "Dragons love it when their necks and chins get rubbed. If you can get close enough to a dragon to do this every once in a while, they might let you closer more often without a fuss- unless they're in their hoards," he told him and smiled. "Don't go near this one though without me around. I don't want you touching him unless I'm with you in case he gets angry."
"Yes daddy," Baleen said and pulled his hand away from Baylorik. "I'm looking forward to the hatching more." Baylorik tensed quickly then let out a sharp growl as he heard Baleen. My butler's eyes widened before he quickly knocked Baylorik out then sighed, looking him over as he slumped to the ground unconscious.
"Well, I don't think he's going to be too pleased about the hatchling," he said then nudged Baylorik with his foot. "The hatchling will grow up sweet though." He looked at his son then. "You can be with the hatchling alone if our young master tells you that you may. Just don't play with this one when you're alone." He ruffled his son's hair before he got to his feet then stepped over Baylorik, ignoring him. "Young master, I had a thought. You should keep the hatchling in your bed at night while you sleep so it can keep you warm. A warm hatchling might help you keep your feet in the winter," he suggested, looking towards me. "Of course, once he gets too big, he'll have to be removed, but when he's little, he'll serve as a nice little feet heater for you." I thought it over before nodding in agreement.
"That would be a great idea," I told him. "Thank you for your thought. I might allow the hatching a place in my bed to keep me warm." He nodded to me.
"What do you want to do about keeping the egg warm once we obtain it? We can't very well give it to Baylorik. He'll devour it before it can even put it's little snout into this world. Should we have a maid assigned to it to make sure it hatches alright and keep it warm?" He walked up to me then and looked down into my eyes. "We'll need to prepare for the egg in case they bring us one like we've requested. Perhaps maybe heating a blanket over a fire much like water would be a decent plan to keep the egg warm... maybe body heat as well. The tamer they send should be able to inform us well enough so we can take care of the dragon egg."
"The egg will stay with me for bonding purposes," I told him calmly. "I should be there when it hatches so it bonds with me." I let out a small breath before heading down a path in my garden. I could hear Baleen chasing after me. My butler followed by my side.
"Of course, young master. We'll place the egg in your bed at night so there are no chances taken," he told me then paused as he saw something flying high in the sky. A large icy blue dragon landed a few feet away, and a man slipped off the back, dismounting it. He had a leather bag on his back, shifting it carefully before he glanced towards the castle and rubbed the dragon's shoulder before he patted the dragon then began to walk towards my castle. The dragon let out a small roar before it took off, flying off a little way to explore. "I... just sent out the letter," he said and frowned as he saw the man going for my front doors. "That's impossible."
"Anything can be possible," I told him before letting out a small laugh. "Looks like they knew I was wanting their help." I started back for my castle, interested in the sack that was around the person's neck. Baleen crashed into his father's legs as he caught up to us. His father looked down at Baleen then quickly picked him up and followed me back inside where a maid was taking the man to the day room. He cleared his throat then, making the maid pause.
"We have it from here," he told her then looked towards the man as the dragon rider glanced back at us. He blinked, looking the three of us over then bowed his head.
"Lord Laurence," he greeted me. "An elder sent me. They said that you would have a dragon problem soon... and that I was to bring you this," he told me then pulled the leather sack off and cradled it in his arms. "They told me to help you with anything you needed and tell you that they're pleased that you attempted to contact us instead of dragon killers. Mirada, my dragon, will sleep nearby at night for the remainder of my stay with you in order to not upset the dragon currently residing here. You may call me Abbott." I eyed Abbott down and looked towards the sack. An elder sent him with the egg I'm wanting along with instructions to train Baylorik. They're wiser than I remember them being.
"I have guests coming in two days, and I'd like my problem- Baylorik to be tamed or close by then. Can you do that?" He frowned slightly.
"Two days to train a dragon. I can do my best," he told me. "If he's not tamed by then, he'll be close enough to not misbehave or cause you too many problems. I'll start immediately. Where is he?" He asked me and then walked up, holding out the leather sack to me.
"He's outside in the garden," my butler told him. "He's asleep." Abbott nodded then put the leather sack in my hands and went outside quickly without another word to go get Baylorik. My butler took in a deep breath and watched him go then looked down at me.
"Let's see that egg," he told me and laughed a little, eyeing the bag over. "I've never seen a dragon egg before." I looked the sack over before opening it and pulled out the egg that was gifted to me. I glanced its hard shell over before looking at my butler.
"Please make sure to give Abbott money for his service. As well as extra for his dragon." I rubbed the egg before holding it close to my chest. Baleen leaned over and touched the top of the egg that was exposed and giggled.
"Daddy? Why is it they're born in eggs but we're more complicated than that? Momma said I come from her tummy." Baleen waited to hear what his father would tell him. His father looked down at his son and laughed.
"Because that's just how their kind is born. They have eggs because that's how their bodies have babies," he told him then rubbed Baleen's head before he looked down at the red egg in my hands. He smiled softly before he looked at me. "I'll go pay Abbott immediately," he told me then disappeared from my side. I heard small chirps start up inside the egg before the weight shifted in it towards my chest for warmth. A small scratching sound against the egg reached my ears before another sharper, louder chirp.
"I hope you're not female," I grumbled to the egg. That would suck if my new egg was a girl- Mating season would be hell in the castle either way- now that I have two dragons. I rubbed the egg before heading for my bedroom. I heard a small bubbly purr come from the egg before it chirped again and began to settle against my chest, the egg shaking a little with the purrs as it slowly got softer. I brought the egg into my bedroom and placed it down on my bed. I made a little nest for it with my blanket and rubbed it once more before heading towards my balcony. I pushed the doors open and sat down in a chair. The balcony overlooks the garden I was just in. I lingered my eyes on the gold flowers before searching for Baylorik. I felt weight in my lap- startling me as Baleen crawled into it and curled up. He gave a tired yawn and placed his head on my shoulder. He must've run away from his father to be with me. I saw Baylorik in his dragon form flaring up his wings and growling at Abbott in anger as Abbott calmly approached him slowly. I heard Abbott say something in a foreign language- dragon. Baylorik looked Abbott over and snarled, moving back in uncertainty as he started to lose control of the situation. I saw Abbott quickly take over, reaching out and grabbing Baylorik's chin before he pulled him closer and started to rub under it, going for where the jaw met the neck. Purring, the dragon collapsed to the ground and started to kick his feet lightly as he closed his eyes in pleasure.
"You're not that bad," Abbott said calmly and laughed a little. "You look about three centuries old. You're a big boy, aren't you?" He looked Baylorik over before he pulled his hand back. "Now listen here! I'm not going to pet you or reward you unless you behave, understand?" He told him firmly, making Baylorik look him in the eyes. "If you want this~" He pulled out a small fish then, watching as Baylorik's eyes locked onto it and started for it quickly, "then you're going to behave and do as I tell you." He put the fish back in his bag then and lightly smacked Baylorik on the muzzle, making Baylorik sneeze. "Now stay," he growled at him then started to go around him to check him out, inspecting him. Baylorik snarled and went to move, but Abbott snarled back in dragon and looked at him sharply, watching as he quickly backed down and laid his head down on the ground, glaring at Abbott as he obeyed. Abbott smirked then pulled the fish out and tossed it in front of Baylorik and petted his side, watching as Baylorik's eyes lit up and he ate the fish quickly in delight. This is outstanding. Baylorik is tamer than I expected him to be to a total stranger. Maybe it's because he's being fed fish. I haven't let him have fish. I shouldn't even be allowing Abbott to feed him fish. I should talk to Abbott about his diet.
Baylorik looked towards Abbott before he got to his feet and nudged Abbott onto his back, going for his bag with a hungry growl. Abbott's eyes widened, and he quickly got to his feet then snarled at him. "No," he hissed at him. "You're not taking the fish!" He put his hand on Baylorik's muzzle then and glared him down. "You didn't stay," he told him then narrowed his eyes before he pulled his hand back. "The rest of this fish will go to a more deserving dragon." Baylorik looked at him then narrowed his eyes before he went for him again. Abbott smacked his muzzle again calmly before he pulled away. "You didn't behave," he hissed again. "I don't reward bad behavior. It's going to be a long time before you get another fish if you can't obey simple words, understand me?" He spoke something in dragon then before he looked Baylorik over then snapped his fingers, pointing to the ground. Baylorik narrowed his eyes and growled at him, raising his head up defiantly. "Lay down," Abbott hissed at him, tilting his chin up at him. "I've dealt with worse than you. You won't have dinner if you don't obey me." Baylorik slowly sunk down to the ground then glared at Abbott again, watching as Abbott crawled onto his back then laid there. He began to whistle with a smug look on his face and smirked, putting his hands behind his head and looked up at the sky. I could hear Baylorik growling at him, starting to get annoyed at him for it, but he didn't dare move and glared at him instead. I widened my eyes as I watched the two. Maybe Baylorik was tamed by someone before? Who knows...? He does have some centuries on him in age apparently.
"How long are you going to lay there?" Baylorik finally growled out.
"As long as I want. Do you have a problem with it?" Abbott hummed out and smirked, obviously messing with him.
"Yes, get off," he snarled.
"There won't be any supper~" Abbot told him and laughed. "Don't argue with me. I'm your tamer, got it?"
"I'm not going to be tamed by the likes of you," he hissed and then got up, shaking Abbott off. "I'll fish nearby!" Abbott raised an eyebrow then reached down to his belt before he made a quick movement with his wrist, throwing something at Baylorik. His wings were suddenly closed in on his body by steel chains that expanded out with a purplish glow and fastened around his body quickly, snaking towards his muzzle to subdue him. Baylorik's eyes went wide with horror and he went to run but it ensnared around his feet and made him fall to the ground as it tangled around him and made it to where he couldn't move an inch. Abbott smirked then.
"Didn't I warn you, dragon? I'm your tamer, and I've told you countless times that you'll obey me." He walked up and put his foot on Baylorik's muzzle then leaned over him, looking down into his eyes. "Behave, or else you're going to be in this position more times than you can count. I have two days to tame you, got it? I'm not going to play with you forever and get you to be a tamed little beasty for this kind King." He looked him over then. "You'll learn some manners tonight. I hope the ground doesn't get cold." He sighed then pulled away before he looked Baylorik over and shook his head. "You're going to have to learn the hard way tonight." He began to walk off then, going to abandon him in chains. Baylorik let out a sharp whine and struggled to move, but the chains tightened a little more on him. He cried out quickly and looked towards Abbott pleadingly as Abbott looked over his shoulder at him. I saw his eyes soften at the sight before he walked back over and began to rub Baylorik's chin softly, watching him as he began to whisper sweet things to him. I frowned. He's practically tamed already. I got to my feet- picking Baleen up and started for my bedroom.
"I still have to figure out the hatchling's name," I told myself. I placed Baleen down on my bed to let him rest and glanced over the egg next to him. I suddenly heard a loud roar from the garden before Abbott's screams then the cackle of Baylorik. There was a loud thud before I heard Baylorik's wings rustling.
"Ugh! GET BACK HERE!" Abbott shouted outside. "YOU'RE IN SO MUCH TROUBLE! YOU TRICKSTER!" Baylorik's laugh reached my ears before I heard him leave the garden, flying off from Abbott to get away while he could. "Great... I'm going to have to catch him.... MIRADA! I NEED YOU!" He called out quickly as I heard his footsteps racing after where Baylorik went. The egg shifted slightly as I heard a soft chirp come from the egg, calling out.
"You must be ready to hatch soon," I mumbled to the egg. I nudged Baleen awake, waiting on him until I had his full attention. "Go find your father and inform him I'd like to be in bed early tonight." I told him. He nodded and rubbed his eyes before leaving my bedroom to do as told. I heard the egg chirp again before it got quiet and still. His father walked in after a few minutes then up to me.
"This way, young master," he said softly then sat me down on the edge of the bed before he went into my closet and came back out with some warm night clothes for me. He walked up and undressed me then put my night clothes on before he picked the egg up then frowned. "The egg is cold," he murmured then held it close to him as the door opened, and a maid came in, going over to my bed warmer and began to set it up for me. He looked back at me then shifted the egg to one hand then moved me onto my back and pulled the covers up to my chin. He slipped the egg in by me and tucked it under the covers with a sigh. "Don't roll over onto it," he warned me, looking me in the eyes firmly before he went over to the balcony and drew the curtains shut then came back. He watched as the maid swiftly left then blew out the candles for me and began walking towards the door himself. "Good night, young master," he said softly to me.