The Dragon Princess novel Chapter 86

Two Years Later

The Crown Prince rubbed his eyes to get rid of sleep. He had so much paperwork to complete the night before that by the time he reached his bed, the sun bashfully peeked from behind the snow white clouds.

"...you will also have to look into the new recruiting program for the Royal Army that begins next week, Your Highness." The chief butler and Aiden's appointed advisor, Alfred said.

"The recruiting program will take in willing females of all races. Please, let the ministers know that it is the one rule that I will not take any more complaints on." He said firmly.

"Indeed. That is all for today, Your Highness." The Butler said, gathering a bunch of parchment in his hands.

"Thank you for your hard work, Alfred. I don't know what I'd do without your competence." Aiden praised. He rose to stretch his legs.

"It is an honor, Your Highness." Alfred said.

He turned around to leave but paused. Aiden noticed his hesitation and waved his hand for him to speak.

"Will you be visiting her today?" The Butler questioned.

A smile subconsciously graced Aiden's lips at the thought of her. The question sounded rather silly to him. There hasn't been a day that passed by without Aiden visiting her. In fact, he made sure to keep his schedule cleared out in the evenings just so he could sit in her presence without interruptions. Those few hours were the only thing that kept him going and fed him the need to strive better.

Aiden gazed at the clear aqua sky framed by the misty pearl clouds. His fingers fiddled with the cerulean amulet around his neck - a habit he developed recently to soothe himself. Outside the window, the kingdom bustled with life.

Returning the high kingdom back to its original state had been a gruesome task. Their spell had made sure to destroy every structure and creature, tampered with dark magic but it did not bring back the countless lives that were lost on the fateful day. So many families broken and left stranded without a home and barely any food on the table.

But they survived the ultimatum and that was enough to keep them going. There was no class or status difference when it came to war. Somebody shows you kindness left you do your best to pass it on. It had been hard but two years is a long time. And a lot of changes can take shape when given time and proper care.

Aiden took over as the Crown Prince of Corona, a few weeks after the war ended. Derek wished for him to so.

"The throne isn't mine to call anymore. It's rightful owners have emerged and it would be selfish of me to turn a blind eye." Derek had told Aiden.

He returned to Avrael soon after as their residing King but never once turned Aiden away when he came to him with a question or a call for help. That could be said for the other kingdoms that were affected during the Dark War as well. Together, the kingdoms strived to get their world back in place - it is a work in progress but they had come a long way from the end.

"Yes, later during the day. Is there a problem?" Aiden said.

Their attention snapped to the door when it opened without prior notice. The chief butler cleared his throat and eyed the commander-in-chief with an unimpressed look. It is protocol and polite to always knock before entering.

Julian panted like he had run the entire way to the Crown Prince's study, which he did. His wild lush emerald eyes locked on Aiden's questioning stare. His parted lips transformed into a smile, enunciating his dimples. Aiden's eyes widened slightly. He brushed his fingers on the little mark printed in the crook of his neck. Julian simply nod once. But it spoke volumes.

A silhouette by the window cast a shadow in the room momentarily. Aiden looked just in time to see Kyro's large crimson red form pass by him. The dragon roared as he flew towards to the west wing of the palace. Glace followed him closely with a delighted rumble of her own.

"Your Highness, may I ask-"

Aiden zipped past the doors before the butler could finish his sentence, leaving him to wonder what triggered the ecstatic expression on the Prince's features.

-#-#-

The Crown Princess looked around her. A meadow of white lillies surrounded her. It matched the white sundress that she wore. The Princess noticed she had company when she saw a woman walk toward her. Elina felt the need to rise and show her respect at once. And she did so.

The woman had the same platinum blonde locks as her and eyes so brightly golden that it mesmerized Elina. Elina knew who she was at once from the portraits and pictures in the books she borrowed from the palace library.

"Greetings, my child." Atahrah said kindly. Her voice was silky and as melodious as a finely tuned instrument. Yet, there was a regal stance to her. Something that made you want to respect her.

"It's an honor, Your Majesty." Elina smiled. Atahrah made a sound of disapproval.

"Call me Atahrah. My days of being Queen are behind me. I am simply an entity who will help you find your way back to where you belong." She said. Elina's cheeks flushed. "Would you like to walk with me?"

"Of course." Elina said.

"Did you rest well?" Atahrah asked.

"I think so. I mean, I don't really remember much. My heart stopped and then it began again. But I don't understand." Elina admitted. It suddenly felt like she had done this before - walking beside Atahrah.

Atarah hummed as she delicately ran her fingers over the flowers. "Well, you did die in the mortal realm. But you wished to return when given the choice that not many are subjected to. It is a reward for your hardwork and sacrifice."

Elina's face expressed her absolute confusion. "Then, why haven't I returned. What is this place? Am I still dead?"

Atahrah laughed. Elina's cheeks turned a brighter shade. "So many questions, so little time."

They sat down on a small bench. Elina smoothed out her dress and placed her hands neatly on her lap. Some part of her wanted to please the late Queen.

"You are not dead, no. Your soul is still very much alive. This place is whatever you call it be. It is a medium where your soul rests before moving on to its next life." Atahrah explained.

"As for why you haven't returned yet, well, your body needed time to heal and rejuvenate." She continued.

Memories surfaced in Elina's mind and she gasped, touching her stomach. "That's right. I was stabbed with the shadow weapon and poisoned. I remember now." She said.

Atahrah rubbed her back soothingly. "Yes, that is right. The poison of dark magic is extremely potent and dangerous. And it is exactly why your body needed time to cast the toxicity out of your system, healing you into a new person."

"So I was here the whole time? How long has it been?" Elina asked.

"Not very long in this medium. But in the mortal realm, I'd say a long time. Years." Atahrah said.

Elina's eyes widened. "Years?" She whispered.

"Do not fret, my child. It is all well. Your absence did cause pain but it has been spent well." Atahrah smiled.

"My family...Aiden..." Elina felt a pang of hurt when she thought of him. Her bonded.

Atahrah noticed her expression change. "He is well. There hasn't been a day when he hasn't visited you in the mortal realm. Your family is not complete but the ones who survived lead a happy, healthy life."

"Who did not...?" Elina trailed away afraid to know the answer.

"I'm afraid I cannot disclose that information but you will find out soon. Once you return." Atahrah said. "Are you ready to return?"