"Where did you come from? Are you the crystal dragon?" I ask the large creature in front of me.
It looks like a huge, blue giant. Its body is covered with thick scales and its skin appears to be made of glass. It has sharp claws, four eyes, and a small mouth surrounded by two rows of teeth. There is a metallic ring around its neck and another on each leg. One of the legs is missing a large chunk of flesh and blood is dripping down its side.
"Am I dead?" the dragon asks in a deep voice. "The last thing I remember is running through the mountains and being chased by humans. Then I woke up here."
"Did the humans kill you?"
"No, we aren't human. We're dragons, just like you. Only our kind are smarter, stronger, and more powerful. You're lucky we didn't eat you alive."
"Why are you doing this to us?"
"We don't have a reason. We only want to survive, just like you do."
"What makes you think we want to be part of your tribe?"
"Don't you want to be free from persecution?"
"Prejudice?"
"Prejudice."
"All I want is to live in peace and be left alone."
"That's not possible. The humans will never leave you alone. They hate you because of your appearance, and they hate you even more because they fear you. They've tried to wipe out our kind for centuries, but they've never succeeded. Sooner or later, they will find a way to exterminate us."
"Is that what you want?"
"Of course, it is! What else would I want?"
"Then why haven't you done anything about it?"
"We have been trying to make contact with other races, but it has been difficult. If humans knew we were here, we wouldn't stand a chance."
"Why not go to the humans and tell them you're willing to negotiate?"
"Because they would only mock us and laugh at our efforts. We would never win against them. They have far superior technology and weapons to ours. Plus, humans have a strong sense of unity. They will never accept us into their society. We would only be slaves to them forever."
"So you're saying you're helpless?"
"We're not powerless, but we can't win against the humans. We're no match for them. This is the only way we have of stopping them."
"So you're willing to sacrifice everyone else if it means you can live?"
"Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying."
"Do you believe that?"
"I don't know anymore. Everything seems pointless now. All I want is to be left alone."
"Well, that's not going to happen. I intend to stop you from doing whatever you're doing."
"And how do you plan to do that?"
"I don't care as long as I can save my people from extinction."
"That's terrible."
"The world doesn't need weaklings like you. I will use your corpse as bait to lure the humans into coming after me.
The conversation between Galena and the dragon had left her feeling conflicted. On one hand, she understood the dragon's fear and desperation to survive, but on the other hand, she couldn't condone their actions if they meant sacrificing innocent lives. Galena knew she had to find a way to stop them before it was too late.
That's a weird dream Galena thinking about the last dream.
But Gelena stops thinking about that dream and back to Jirawut. Gelena knew that Jirawut's desire for multiple wives was not something that she could change, but she could at least help him find suitable partners. As they traveled together, she scoured the countryside for potential matches, hoping to find women who would be a good fit for Jirawut and his goals.
"Excellent! Bring them to me."
One woman and a man walking toward us. Their faces are bruised, broken, and bloody.
"These are my wives," he says proudly. "I will take the woman on the left as my second wife."
"And where will you keep your concubines?"
"I don't need to worry about them. I will let my soldiers decide who they want and kill the rest."
"Do you realize what you're doing? You're condemning the rest of your clan to death.
" Ladies What is your name," Jirawut said to the woman.
"My name is Kari. Why do you ask?"
"To make sure I marry the right person." He takes both her hands in his and squeezes them tightly.
When they came across Kari, Jirawut was immediately taken with her. But Gelena could see that Kari was not interested in being another one of Jirawut's wives. She was determined to find someone who would truly love her for who she was, not just as a political pawn or a means to an end.
Galena tried to convince Kari to give Jirawut a chance, but Kari was skeptical. She had heard rumors about Jirawut's violent past and was afraid of what might happen if she got too close to him.
"I told you before, I will never be yours." She tries to pull away from him, but he won't let go of her hands. "Please, let me go."
"You know we can't allow that." He releases her hands and presses his lips against hers.
Kari feels disgusted and repulsed by the kiss.
"Are you going to kill me?" she asks.
"Only if you try to run away again."
But Gelena was persistent, and eventually, Kari agreed to meet with Jirawut and see if they had any chemistry.
Galena said " please merry to my husband."
"I don't know why I bother," Galena says. "Why would you ever want to marry me when you can have anyone you want? Even your concubines are better than me."
"I don't have any concubines."
"Really?"
"Yes. But I could easily get a few for myself.
Despite their rocky start, Jirawut and Kari soon found themselves falling in love. Jirawut promised to treat her with respect and kindness, and Kari began to see a softer side of him that she had never noticed before. Kari feels relaxed and agrees married with Jirawut.
"I will gladly marry you," she says to him. "But I'm afraid you're mistaken. I don't belong to you."
He grabs her shoulders and pulls her close to him.
"I have searched for you since the day you left," he whispers in her ear. "You are mine, now and always."
"How can I trust you?" she asks. "I have seen the way you look at my concubines.
"I understand that you don't trust me," he says softly. "But I promise you, I will do everything in my power to make you happy and keep you safe."
Kari nods, still looking unsure. But she can see a glimmer of sincerity in Jirawut's eyes, and she decides to take a chance.
"I will marry you," she says, "but you have to promise me that you will treat me with respect and kindness."
Jirawut smiles at her, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knows that he has a lot of work to do to earn Kari's trust and love, but he is willing to do whatever it takes.
"I promise," he says. "I will be the husband that you deserve."
With Gelena's help, they were able to work through their differences and build a life together.
"Congratulations," she says, smiling at the couple. "I wish you both all the happiness in the world."
As they returned to their village, Gelena couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. She had always harbored feelings for Jirawut, but she knew she is the first wife of Jirawut, she was happy for Jirawut and Kari and knew that they would make a great team.
"What's wrong?" Jirawut asks. "You look sad."
"I thought I loved Jirawut," she admits, "but now that I've met you, I realize how much I care about you."
Jirawut looks surprised.
"You love me, don't you?" he asks.
"Of course, I love you!" she replies enthusiastically. "You mean so much to me. You are my husband."
"I love you, too," he says. "I don't know what I would do without you."
***
After the wedding, Kari and Jirawut settled down in Galena castle.
Galena wants to know more about Kari.
"So," she says. "tell me something about yourself. What do you like to do in your spare time?"
"I love to read," Kari says. "And I love to write, too. It's one of my favorite hobbies."
"That's nice," Galena says. "What else?"
"I also enjoy dancing," Kari adds. "It makes me feel free and alive."
"Oh, wow," Galena says. "I didn't think you would have such a passion for dance. That's wonderful."
"and your family, Kari" Galena ask
"I don't have much family left," Kari says. "My parents passed away when I was young, and I don't have any siblings. But I do have some close friends who are like family to me."
"I see," Galena says. "It's always important to have people who care about you and support you, no matter who they are."
"Yes, it is," Kari agrees. "What about you, Galena? Do you have any hobbies or interests that you enjoy?"
"I love to paint and draw," Galena says. "It's a way for me to express myself and capture the beauty of the world around me. And of course, I love spending time with my husband and our wives, and working on building our vision for a better world."
"That's amazing," Kari says. "I'm so happy to be a part of it all."
"Wow, that's quite an adventurous life you've had," Galena says with amazement. "I'm sorry for your loss, though. Losing a loved one is never easy."
Kari nods sadly. "Yes, it was difficult, but it taught me the value of family and made me cherish the time I have with the people I love even more."
"I understand," Galena says sympathetically. "And what about your dreams for the future? What do you hope to achieve?"
Kari takes a moment to think before answering. "I want to be a writer and share my stories with the world. I also want to help others in need and make a positive impact on the world in my way."
Galena smiles at Kari's response. "Those are wonderful goals. I do not doubt that you'll achieve them."
"Thank you," Kari says with gratitude. "And what about you, Galena? What are your passions and dreams for the future?"
Galena pauses for a moment before answering. "I want to create a better world for everyone. I want to help those in need and make a positive impact on society. And I also want to be a good wife to Jirawut and support him in his role as king."
Kari nods in understanding. "Those are very noble goals, Galena. I'm sure you'll be successful in achieving them."
Galena smiles gratefully at Kari's kind words. "Thank you, Kari. I appreciate your support."
"What are both of you talking about? maybe a fun story," Jirawut said.
"Okay, I will tell you the story," Kari said.
"Once upon a time there is a boy. he meets a girl. he falls in love. they get married." Kari started her story.
"haha," Jirawut laughed.
"And then" Kari continues her story.
"They live happily ever after," Jirawut finishes the story.
"No, not yet" Kari replied. "there is more than just that. so, it was a true story.
"I believe this is the part where you say 'and they lived happily ever after,'" Jirawut joked.
Kari shakes her head. "No, actually, it's the part where the boy and girl go on adventures together and save the world from evil."
Jirawut laughs. "Well, I guess you're right."
"Oh, by the way," Kari says. "Do you know why I decided to marry you, Jirawut?"
"Why?" Jirawut asked surprised.
"Because your kind and generous, and because you love me."
"You are beautiful and smart too," Jirawut adds.
"Of course," Kari says. "But I mean it when I say those things. There's something special between us, and I knew it immediately."
"I can see that," Jirawut says. "You're a great woman, Kari, and I'm honored to be your husband."
"Same here," Kari says with a smile. "Now, let's get back to work."