The Dragon Kingdom ♚︎

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 36 | ♚

I suppose he didn't want to partake in the conversation but I hope he took something away from it. He followed me to an open wooden table where he laid down the books. I tapped on the three glass balls evenly spread out on the table and watched them rise and stay afloat where they dimly lit up.

I love magic.

"Is this all the books on him?" I ask, wondering how I was going to manage reading such thick books.

"Well, he was the first dragon after all, however, most of these books often have false narratives. It's difficult to find information of such authenticity when there's no one around to prove it."

My lips dipped into a frown, there was no point in wasting my time reading information that is mostly false. I raised my head to see Alfred with a sly smirk, his fangs popping out ever so slightly.

"I hope you have a plan just as sly as that smile." I fold my arms and raise my brows with sass and he chuckles in return.

"That depends on the type of Queen you are, Kyra." His eyes bore into mine, challenging me with a hidden prompt. I was intensely curious as to what he could supposedly propose but I knew with his many years of life, Alfred must have already clocked the secret of it.

"Meaning?"

"We could stay here and read up on the books I've found to be semi-useful," His voice came out as a hoarse whisper, "or, we could sneak into the forbidden furrow." He nodded his head over towards the large door with multiple carvings, monstrous scratches as deep as the ocean, and wood the colour of demons.

It was forbidden for a reason. The most sacred of knowledgable books are hidden there, away from magic deciphering. I could not lie and say I was never the least bit intrigued as to what secrets lay beyond the pages, I always imagined if the place lived up to its name.

I remember reading a very old news report of a man who snuck in, some reported him a ghost since he didn't steal one thing and not a single piece of dust was out of place. However, one shard of broken glass from a lantern was what led the Royal Bureau of Surveillance to pursue the case.

The case went cold as the winter morning it was published and eventually the incident became a bedtime story to scare children. The ghost will come to get you.

My mind raked the pros and cons, there was no punishment set in place for a person who just entered but all was different for a thief. We wouldn't take anything besides the knowledge we retained. The news of me being a true Queen spread like wildfire and of course, several Royal and Nobles have reached out to congratulate Syfas and I on my crowning.

Call me arrogant, but I think I may have enough Royal privilege to commit an act like this.

"You have a plan to break in?" I question, accepting his ludicrous idea, almost regretting it when I saw his mischievous grin break out more freely.

"I wouldn't have suggested otherwise, Kyra."

"Queen Kyra." A gruff voice spoke out and I turned my attention towards Slate, who, if I was not mistaken, seemed to have a glimmer of concern in his eyes. "Even if you are not punished for breaking in, there will certainly be mass dirt put on your name and reputation if you're caught."

"She won't get caught." Alfred waved a hand in dismissal for Slates concern as if he's faced countless similar challenges before. Slates face betrayed a slight hint of doubt but his hands returned behind his back, letting the scene play out.

"How can you be so sure?" I ask, my brows furrowing inquisitively, I admire Alfreds confidence but the proposal at hand seems a little dire.

With a sinister smirk, he whispered, "I never got caught the last time, did I?", but his demeanour quickly shifted to carefree amusement as he burst into laughter at my deer-like expression.