TWENTY-TWO YEARS AGO IN THE MAGICAL REALM
After her hunt, Princess Rose heads back to her quarters feeling content and at peace. The shift and the hunt have left the dragon princess feeling happy, and the anger she was feeling earlier has reduced significantly.
"You look happy," Lisa says as she looks at Princess Rose with a knowing smile.
"You know how shifting into my dragon form always makes me happy," Princess Rose responds with a huge grin. The transformation into her powerful dragon self always brings her a sense of freedom and joy that she can't quite explain.
The thrill of the chase, the rush of adrenaline as she pursued her prey, and the satisfaction of a successful hunt all contribute to her current state of happiness. Hunting is not just a physical activity for Princess Rose, but a way for her to connect with her instincts and embrace her true nature as a dragon.
The anger that had been simmering within her earlier in the day has dissipated, replaced by a sense of calm and satisfaction. The physical exertion of the hunt has allowed Princess Rose to release any pent-up emotions and frustrations, leaving her feeling lighter and more at peace.
The bond she shares with her dragon form is a source of strength and joy for her, and she knows that there is no better feeling than the one she gets when she is her dragon form.
"Are you going to talk to Lord lungu?" Lisa asks.
"I am not sure I want to talk to him. I do not think there is anything for us to talk about. He has already made a decision." Lisa can tell that even though Princess Rose is saying that she does not want to see her mate, her eyes show how much his decision has hurt her.
They continue to walk in silence and the atmosphere is peaceful. Princess Rose is content with her thoughts, and Lisa respects her friend's need for solitude.
As they reach the entrance to Princess Rose's quarters, Lisa hugs her and whispers, "I am here for you, no matter what. If you don't want to be in the Crystal Kingdom any longer, we can go back to the Oval Kingdom."
Princess Rose smiles gratefully at her maid and friend before entering her quarters. The warmth of the fire crackling in the hearth welcomes her, and she settles into her armchair, feeling the fatigue from the hunt start to seep into her bones.
As she sits in the quiet of her chambers, Princess Rose reflects on the events of the day. From her conversation with lord lungu to the amazing hunt she had.
As the fire crackles and the shadows dance on the walls, Princess Rose closes her eyes and lets herself drift into a state of relaxation. The anger and frustration that had plagued her earlier in the day are now distant memories, replaced by a sense of tranquility and acceptance.
"Your Highness, your bath is ready," Lisa says as she comes into the room.
"Thank you, Lisa, you are the best."
"You are welcome," Lisa says as she leaves the room.
Princess Rose is about to go and have a shower when she hears a knock at the door. She opens the door and finds Lady Ruby, Lord Lungu's other mate.
"He is not here." Princess Rose states without even greeting her. She knows that it is not Lady Ruby's fault that fate is playing games with her; she just wants to be angry at someone.
"I know," Lady Ruby says.
"Come in," Princess Rose says as she leads the way inside her chambers.
"I am sorry about everything. If I had known that this was going to happen I would not have agreed to mate with lord lungu six years ago. You are his fated mate and you are the one who has rights over him." Lady Lungu says.
"Do not apologize for something you have no control over. The things that have happened were always meant to happen. It is no one's fault."
"I am just worried about my daughters. I don't want this to affect them. But I also don't want to prevent you from being with your mate." Lady Ruby says.
Princess Rose nods, understanding Lady Ruby. She appreciates the sincerity in her words and the acknowledgment of the situation.
"It's okay, Lady Ruby. I know you don't mean any harm. Fate works in mysterious ways, and we can't always control it," Princess Rose replies with a gentle smile.
Lady Ruby nods, relieved to see Princess Rose's understanding. The two women sit in silence for a moment, the crackling fire providing a comforting backdrop to their conversation.
"I just want you to know that if you decide to agree to what lord lungu asked you, I will not resent you, Princess Rose. And If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask," Lady Ruby says sincerely.
Princess Rose's heart warms at the genuine offer of support. "Are you okay with being in a triad?" Princess Rose asks.
"In this situation, I have no other choice but to be okay with it." Princess Rose can see the pain in Lady Ruby's eyes even though she is acting strong on the outside.
"But you do not have to be in the situation if you do not want to be." Princess Rose states.
"I can not rush decisions right now, I have two daughters to worry about. At the end of the day, the decision is between lord lungu."
"The decision has already been made and I am going back to the Oval Kingdom."
"What do you mean you are going back? Princess Rose, please don't leave. I know that you dragons do not share but please think this through. And if you cut your bond with lord lungu he might not survive." Lady Ruby pleads.
"Don't worry, I won't break the bond so lord lungu will be fine. But I will not be part of his life." Even though Princess Rose is saying all of this her heart is breaking but she does not want to show. "I don't mean to be rude but before you came I was about to have my birth. I went for a hunt earlier and I am feeling tired. Can you please come back some other time?"
"Okay, I will take my leave but please think about what I have told you." Lady Ruby says as she leaves. Princess Rose looks at her retreating form and lets the tears she has been holding fall down her cheeks.