"Chicken and phoenix, what a beautiful comparison," a male voice rang behind them, accompanied by the approaching footsteps of boots.
The three royal women turned to see a tall, regal figure stepping onto the balcony. It was Crown Prince Adrian, the eldest son of the king and the firstborn of Queen Marie.
His presence commanded respect, his broad shoulders and confident stride marking him as a leader. His dark hair was neatly combed, and his purple eyes, which look deeper than both the princess eyes, held a mixture of amusement and authority.
"Adrian," Queen Marie said, a smile touching her lips. "You are here. "
"Mother," Adrian greeted with a bow. "Sisters." He glanced at Elysia and Thalassa, his eyes lingering on the younger princess with a knowing look.
"Where is the king?" Queen Marie asked, her tone laced with irritation. "Did he not have the time to attend the ceremony when his daughters will be bonded to dragons?"
Crown Prince Adrian's expression remained composed. "Mother, he received urgent news from a foreign kingdom. He assured me he will be here shortly."
The queen's eyes narrowed as she turned her gaze away from her son. "Lies," she muttered under her breath. "He has lied countless times... just like before."
Adrian didn't respond to his mother's accusation. Instead, he walked toward the edge of the balcony, his posture remaining respectful yet firm.
The twin princesses, Elysia and Thalassa, exchanged a glance, their expressions reflecting a shared understanding. They knew their parents' relationship was strained, but the reasons behind it had always been shrouded in mystery.
Thalassa whispered to Elysia, "Do you think it's true? That he received urgent news?"
Elysia shrugged slightly, her eyes still on their mother and brother. "I don't know, Thalassa. But whatever the reason, we must focus on the ceremony."
The queen, regaining her composure, joined her son at the edge of the balcony. Her eyes scanned the arena below, filled with anticipation and hope.
"This ceremony is crucial for our kingdom," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, more to herself than to anyone else. The bond between dragon and rider is sacred." Her words hung in the air.
As she muttered to herself, her thoughts grew darker and more strategic. "If Elysia and Thalassa bond with the stronger dragons, it will strengthen your position even more," she mused, her tone low and contemplative.
" The second prince will never be able to compete with you. I hope Elysia's dragon is more powerful than theirs; then she will be the second heir to the crown..."
Her son, the crown prince, stood silently beside her. His gaze was fixed on the horizon, where the first rays of dawn were breaking.His face remained an emotionless mask, revealing nothing of his inner thoughts or feelings.
The queen, realizing the gravity and potential implications of her own musings, fell silent. She turned her attention back to the ceremony unfolding below.
The grand master of the ceremony continued his speech, his voice resonating through the arena. "The bond between a dragon and its rider is one of the most sacred connections in our kingdom.
Today, each candidate will prove their worthiness, their strength, and their courage. Only those who can truly connect with a dragon will succeed.
"After a moment of suspense, he raised his staff high. "Now, each candidate will step onto the stage. You will be teleported to different areas of the dragon keep, where your bond will be tested. May the spirits of the dragons guide you."
The first to walk onto the stage was Princess Elysia. As she stepped forward, the crowd murmured in admiration. Her long, golden hair flowed like a river down her back, and her light purple eyes sparkled with a serene wisdom. She moved with a grace and poise that captivated everyone present.
Behind her, Princess Thalassa walked onto the stage. Her ash golden hair shone brilliantly in the sunlight, and her purple eyes which were pale as comparison to princess Elysia exuded a fierce determination. The crowd was equally in awe of her beauty, but whispers of comparison quickly spread.
"Princess Elysia is so wise and composed," one spectator remarked. "She's destined to be a great leader."
Another voice countered, "But Princess Thalassa is strong and fearless. Some say she's cruel, but perhaps that strength is what our kingdom needs in these uncertain times."
Isabel,standing quietly among the crowd, listened to the chatter with growing unease. She hadn't forgotten the incident in the market, where Princess Thalassa had given her a look that sent chills down her spine—a look that hinted at the princess's ruthless ambition.
The grand master of the ceremony gestured for Princess Elysia to step forward. "Princess Elysia drá Ashéncrest," he intoned, his voice resonating through the arena, "approach the teleportation array."
Elysia walked with a calm grace to the center of the stage, where a large circular array was etched into the stone floor. The intricate patterns glowed faintly, awaiting activation. As she stepped into the array, the grand master raised his staff high into the air.
The array pulsed with energy, the runes and sigils coming alive with a brilliant light. The crowd watched in awe as the magic swirled around Elysia, enveloping her in a shimmering aura.
"May the spirits of the dragons guide you," the grand master declared, his voice filled with reverence. With a final flourish of his staff, the array flared brightly, and Elysia disappeared, leaving behind only a faint trace of magical residue.
Princess Thalassa was next. She stepped forward with a determined stride, her fierce eyes locking onto the array. The whispers in the crowd grew louder, some expressing admiration, others concern.
Thalassa stepped into the array, and once again, the grand master raised his staff. The array lit up with the same magical energy, swirling around Thalassa in a magnificent display.
"May the spirits of the dragons guide you," the grand master repeated. Thalassa vanished in a burst of light, just as her sister had. The crowd murmured in awe and anticipation, wondering what trials awaited the princesses within the Dragon's Keep.
On the balcony, the queen's face remained composed, but her clenched fists betrayed her inner turmoil. The crown prince stood silently beside her, his expression unreadable.