Wings of Fire: Crowned In Chaos

Prologue

Circium flapped her tired wings as she flew over the bustling sky city as she made her way to the palace. Her mate, Deadleaf, followed closely behind her, carrying their two dragonets on his back.

They were all not used to the liveliness of the city, and both the little ones looked uncomfortable. The leaf kingdom was much quieter and darker with the jungle blocking most of the sunlight.

"Halt!" A loud voice boomed, stopping the Royal Leafwings in their tracks. A large female Skywing, glided to a hover, stopping in front of them. She was dressed in heavy, gold armour. "State your business being here!" She said, loudly. The younger dragonet, Cotton, covered her ears.

"I happen to be the Leafwing Queen. I have a meeting with Queen Sunset." Circium said, scowling at the guard. "Surely she told you I was coming. I should not be greeted with this behaviour."

The guard rolled her eyes at Circium's remark. "Very well, if you will follow me, I shall take you to my Queen."

The Skywing began to fly towards the castle. It took Circium a moment to follow after her. This guard's behavior towards her was completely unacceptable. But, she was also tired from the flight and wanted to land.

The guard lead them onto a platform that leads them directly into the throne room. The guard was quick to take a seat next to the Queen. Circium walked into the throne room, giving the Queen a small nod.

"Good afternoon, Queen Sunset."

Sunset gave Circium the same nod back. "Good Afternoon, Queen Circium. Hope the journey was well."

"The flight was fine. But you're guard's behaviour towards me was a little aggravating." She finished with a growl.

"Yes, you must forgive Kulta," Sunset said, looking at her guard. "She takes her job, very seriously."

"Well, I didn't come all this way for you to ask how my flight was, or complain about your guard, did I?"

"Right," Sunset said, cusing back on Circium. "What is this business proposal you were wanting to discuss?"

"Well, I've noticed a lot of tension happening between kingdoms, lately, especially with Queen Valhalla ruling those Nightwings. We don't even know what her daughters are capable of" Circium started. "I'd like for our kingdoms to form an alliance. In case of a war, we'll fight alongside each other."

"Hmmm," Sunset said. "It's an interesting proposal. But why us? What are you offering?"

"Well, we as Leafwings are still learning how to live with each other. We were divided between Poisonwing and Sapwings for so long. We aren't entirely ready for war." Circium said. "But, Skywings are warriors,  with your military alongside ours, we'd be strong. And our medic group has access to medicines and practices that aren't available to you here. We'd be a great medic team, healing your injured from Sandwing poison to freezing Icewing breath."

"I see what you're saying, Circium." Sunset sighed. "But how can you be sure this alliance will stay? I'm not going to be Queen forever."

"Might I suggest a betrothal?" Circium said.

Sunset gave her a confused look. "A betrothal?"

"Yes," Circium said, confidently. "We pair your son, Charcoal, with my Daughter, Venus."

"Venus?" Sunset questioned. "We both know both Charcoal and Venus have a history of being aggressive. Are you sure they'll be the best match?"

"Cotton is too soft. She'll never be Queen. Venus is next in line, and betrothing Charcoal with her will ensure the Leafwing Queen will be related to the Skywing Queen." Curcium said. "Family working with family."

The throneroom was quiet as Sunset thought about Circium's plan. She felt the pressure of all the eyes in the room. She closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh.

"While I'm not sure about betrothing Charcoal and Venus. I do think that an alliance would benefit both of us. So, I agree with your plan."

Curcium smiled as she agreed. "Perfect. Shall we sign a contract? Make it all official?"

Sunset nodded nervously, asking one of her dragons to write a contract. The room was awkwardly silent until a young Skywing returned, laying a scroll in front of Sunset. She was still hesitant and signed the contract slowly. The young Skywing brought the scroll to Circium after Sunset finished. Circium was quicker to sign it, happy that her plan worked.

The atmosphere seemed to get darker and heavier as Circuim lifted the quill off the scroll. Storm clouds began to roll and a loud crack of thunder roared.