The gardens of the royal palace of Urabusal stretched farther than most villages did. Marble paths curled between silver fountains and flowerbeds shaped like moons, stars, and curling vines. Pale willow trees swayed in the warm breeze, their leaves whispering softly above the heads of passing servants. Everywhere, banners of deep royal blue hung from the ivory stone walls of the castle, embroidered with the ancient crest of the Sashama-Ja Shi bloodline — a silver crown surrounded by thirteen stars.
Today, the palace was alive.
Servants hurried through the halls carrying trays of crystal goblets and folded silks. Knights polished armor until it gleamed under the sun. Musicians tuned golden harps near the grand ballroom. Noble families from neighboring kingdoms had begun arriving since dawn for the annual gathering of rulers — the one day each year where alliances were discussed, promises were made, and hidden rivalries smiled politely across dinner tables.
Yet despite all the excitement, Princess Sawako Sashama-Ja Shi III wanted nothing to do with it.
She sat alone beneath a flowering tree in the western gardens, a thick book resting carefully in her lap.
Her silver-lavender hair spilled around her like moonlight woven into silk. The upper half had been braided delicately into a crown waterfall ponytail, while the rest cascaded down her back in soft waves past her waist. When the sunlight touched it, the strands shimmered with cool shades of silver, ash violet, and icy pearl.
She turned another page quietly.
The book itself was ancient — its leather cover cracked with age, the corners worn smooth from years of careful handling. Legends of Forgotten Creatures and Ancient Beasts. One of her favorites.
Most princesses her age enjoyed dancing, jewels, or gossip about future marriages.
Sawako preferred books.
Especially books nobody else bothered to read.
A soft breeze moved through the garden, carrying the scent of roses and fresh rain. Somewhere nearby, fountains trickled peacefully.
Sawako smiled faintly to herself as she read.
"...The creatures of the northern mountains were believed to possess intelligence equal to mankind..."
"Princess Sawako!"
The loud voice shattered the peaceful silence instantly.
Sawako blinked and slowly looked up from her book.
A young man strutted toward her along the marble path with all the confidence of someone far more impressive than he truly was.
Prince Hans Husbarg IV of Jays Kingdom.
Unfortunately.
Sawako recognized him immediately from last year's gathering. Back then, he had spent most of the evening bragging about his horse collection to ambassadors who clearly did not care.
Hans was tall in the awkward way boys sometimes were before fully growing into themselves. His expensive cream-colored coat was overloaded with gold embroidery, jeweled buttons, and unnecessary lace at the sleeves. Rings gleamed on nearly every finger.
It looked less royal and more like someone had lost a fight with a jewelry box.
His blond hair had been slicked back heavily with oil, though several strands stuck upward stubbornly near the back of his head. He wore an expression he likely believed was charming.
It was not.
Sawako closed her book politely.
"Prince Hans," she greeted softly.
YOU ARE READING
Dragon King and The Princess from Urabusal
FanfictionWho said that a dragon can't fall in love with a human? Reality does... But fantasy approves with all its rights!
