Alexander found his way to the castle. Standing before the largest building in Celestial, he stared intensely at it. He loved how majestic it looked even though it couldn't offer protection to the villagers.
One of the reasons he also applied for this job was to prove that he also had something to offer. Although if he couldn't prove it, he didn't care a fickle.
The brick walls covered by creeping plants looked too exquisite to ignore. Whose background remained an enigma to him and everyone else.
The guard at the entrance permitted him to go in since he had seen him ride with their King in his carriage, assuming he was an important person.
As he entered the castle, he notified the guard that he needed to speak with the King.
"I'm afraid you have to wait for a little as the king is having a meeting now." The guard said.
"Tell him Alex wants to see him," Alex said.
"I just told you-"
"I heard you," Alex interjected. "But you see, I don't have the time to sit around and wait for the king to finish some boring meeting with old people who cannot finish a simple sentence without jumbling up words."
His words frightened the guard.
He quickly went to inform the King about Alex's arrival and when told him what Alex had said making the King exhale sharply. He followed the guard back out to find Alex seated on a chair lazily.
"Alex."
"King," Alex replied. "I offer my greetings, and also from the dragon's behalf, My King."
King relaxed a little. "So you wish to remain with her now?"
"Affirmative," Alex replied. "It's so fun."
"I wonder what could be fun about that." He murmured. "I believe you're here for your reward."
Alex smirked. That was his signature look. It made him feel brave and like he was in control of the situation.
The king signaled to the other guard, who went further into the castle. "In case of next time, try to be patient with whatever meeting I have."
Alex snorted. "The dragon requires attention, My King. It will be terrible if I leave her alone for a long time."
The monarch nodded in agreement. The guard handed over an enclosed box that was propelled by a long wooden handle. Before giving it to Alex, his Majesty grabbed it.
"Weighed and tested. That is the prize." He said. Alex smirked. He collected it from him.
"Thank you," Alex said nicely. He took the box and pulled it with him. After taking a few steps, he turned back to the king. "My king, can I ask one little favor?"
"Anything, Alex."
"Cool. I need one of your guards to take me to the hillside." Alex requested. The king, although a little annoyed, he still granted the request. The same guard whom Alex had spoken to was assigned to ride him. When Alex jumped down from the horse, he saw Marjun coming out of the cave. His smirk turned into a scowl.
Why would he not stay away from the cave?
Why can't he realize he was an irritating buzzing fly in their ears!?
------
Marjun had known when Alex left. He went into the cave to see the dragon. He wanted to prove that he could face her without shivering. This time when Alex wouldn't easily interrupt.
He climbed the hills and got to the entrance of the cave. He looked into the dimly lit cave but couldn't find Krystal anywhere. Marjun was surprised.
Did Alex leave with her?
The stupid brain didn't figure out that it was impossible to do that!
Taking two steps into the cave, he still couldn't find anything. He went further into the cave, admiring the place. If he was going to serve Krystal, he had to get accustomed to this place.
"You seem too stubborn." A soft voice said from behind him. Marjun turned quickly scared when he heard a voice. He hadn't expected to see a female with a soft voice.
He noticed the girl's skin was smooth as silk, and her dress danced in the wind. His eyes were drawn towards hers. They were so compelling, and enthralling to the point that he found himself getting lost in her big almond garnet-colored eyes. He stared at her in silence for a few minutes.
"Are you a mute? I was sure I heard you speak the last time you were here." She said again.
Marjun blinked twice. "Here? Have you been here too? What will a pretty damsel like you do in the dragon's cave?"
Krystal chuckled. "Pretty, yes. Damsel, no."
"Aside from that, I believe that from the two of us, only you should not be present."
"You know my name?" Marjun asked in surprise. A feeling of pride covered his face.
'The prettiest girl in the village knows my name. It looks like my name and fame are far and wide,' he thought.
If only he knew how his 'fame' spread 'far and wide'...
Krystal chuckled again. Her horn protruded from her head, and her soft clothes became rigid around her body, forming the warrior outfit.
"Yet you wish to serve me." She mocked. "Are you so easily carried away by the beauty that you fail to see what's before you?"
Marjun was in awe. The dragon, the mindless Beasty creature to which he had come to prove his bravery, was also the beautiful lady before him.
"Wow! You are the dragon!" Marjun exclaimed. "This is awesome! Has... has Alex seen you this way too? I bet that is why he wants to stay here. Alex is notorious for his womanizing attitude."
Krystal snorted. "Neither did I see any difference in you earlier."
"No, no. I am different from Alex." Marjun defended. "And I will prove it to you. I will win the duel. I will prove that I am better to serve you."
Krystal watched him walk backward slowly. She stared at him as he took each step away from the cave. Krystal stood unfazed.
"Hm." She hummed. She went back to sit in her usual position. Alex returned with a box right after Marjun had departed. She could already sniff what it contained. Gold. She smirked.
"Whatever floats my boat. It floated for a long time." She commented.
Alex ignored her remark. "What is Marjun doing here? Have you guys been meeting behind my back?"
"I'm not as petty as humans, Alex. I'm a dragon. I don't involve myself in human entanglement."
Alex frowned slightly.
Should he believe her?
Why do Marjun always show up when Alex is not around?
How did he know when he wouldn't be around? He narrowed his eyes at her.