AVERY

  I watched as Typhone's pet dragon ate loudly. The loud crunching and slurping made me swallow thickly. I looked up at my husband and he just grinned at me.

  "So it really was your pet dragon that you brought on our wedding?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

  "Yeah. I didn't let him stay in Ynkerthia, though. I did not want my dragon to be hunted." Typhone replied and looked at his dragon who was now licking its mouth clean.

  Once it was done eating, it approached us and I squeaked, hiding behind Typhone's back. I took a peek as his dragon tilted its head to the side.

  He chuckled, "Calagon was abandoned behind my castle a long time ago. He just hatched from his egg when I found him."

  "How old were you when you found him?" I looked up at him then at the dragon.

  "I think I was... 10 at that time. My father went crazy when he found out, but I was stubborn and took him in anyway." Typhone reached out and scratched the dragon's chin. The dragon purred and like a cat, it tilted its chin up, making Typhone scratch him even more.

  "You have such a big heart, dear husband." I commented, teasing, and moved a bit closer to the dragon.

  "Do I? I don't think so." He glanced at me and I hesitantly moved another step closer to the dragon.

  I flinched when its eyes darts towards me and I closed my eyes, reached my hand out to try and touch the dragon, but did not move another inch closer.

  Suddenly, I felt cold hard scales touch the palm of my hand and I looked up to see the dragon pressed his nose onto my hand. My eyes widened and its golden eyes met mine. My cheeks flushed and I tentatively caressed the dragon's scales. It purred softly.

  However, that moment of happiness was short-lived when the dragon breathed through its nose and flew away. I pouted and watched the majestic creature leave.

  "He's not used to being touched by other people, princess." Typhone stated, chuckling, and I just huffed.

  "He's kind of an aloof creature just like his owner." I glared at my husband and he just chuckled.

  I turned on my heel, a little upset that Typhone was mocking me for being rejected by his pet dragon.

  They're both rude and arrogant.

  **********

  After touring the castle and meeting everyone, Typhone walked me to my room. I looked at him and bowed my head, pretending that I was still upset with him.

  "Thank you for introducing me to everyone." I said coldly.

  "It was a pleasure, princess. Please don't be upset. I'm sure Calagon will warm up to you soon," He took my hand and kissed the back of it, "I'll see you tonight at dinner."

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  He bid before walking away. I watched him leave before I shut the door of my room. I walked towards the table where the bouquet of roses were located. I took a sniff of the flowers and heard a knock on my door.

  "Come in." I called out.

  When the door opened, Meylin entered and behind her was a woman with short curly brown hair, emerald eyes, and was wearing a yellow dress. She's as tall as Meylin and had a cheerful expression.

  "Good afternoon, Your Majesty. I'll be your lady-in-waiting alongside Lady Meylin. My name is Senha. Nice to meet you, Your Majesty." She greeted excitedly and bowed to me.

  I smiled warmly, "It's nice to meet you, Senha. I'll be in your care from now on."

  Senha smiled widely and nodded. Then, when I sat on the couch, she served me tea while Meylin stood by and watched her.

  She looks too young to be a lady-in-waiting.

  "Senha. How long have you been working for the king?" I asked before taking a sip of my tea.

  "I've been a servant here since I was a child. My mom worked in the castle even before I was born." She said, smiling at me.

  So her mom even worked for the late king.

  "I want to know more about... Lady Emillya." I felt Meylin's eyes on me and I swallowed a lump in my throat. Senha's eyes widened and was hesitant for a moment, but she spoke soon enough.

  "Lady Emillya. Well... she stayed here for quite some time because she was supposed to be married to our king. I became her lady-in-waiting and... I was the one who told the king about her affairs." Senha said. Her cheerful face turned serious.

  "You did...?" I asked, voice soft.

  She nodded and started fidgeting with her fingers, "I couldn't watch her bring man after man in her room and spend our king's riches on so much luxury. I found out that those men were from her empire. The king was outraged and that's when... the king began sleeping with other women."

  Meylin and I stayed silent while we listened to Senha. The mere mention of the king sleeping with other women made my heart sunk to my stomach. I bit my tongue and just nodded.

  "His Majesty is not heartless. He just... became the way he is because of Lady Emillya." Senha waved her hands in front of her and I smiled at her a little.

  "It's alright, Senha. I understand." I lied.

  Was that why he didn't want to sleep with me? Was I... lacking?

  "I could see how much His Majesty values you, Your Majesty. I'm sure... you're put off because of that, but... let me assure you that His Majesty cares for you. Truly." Senha said, grabbed my hands and held them to her chest.

  I giggled and nodded, "Alright. Thank you, Senha."

  I don't even know if I should believe that he truly cares for me. Maybe he's just pretending that he does.

  **********

  During dinner, I was silent and I was sure that Typhone noticed that. I was eating slower than usual and I was poking my food as I chewed.

  "You know... Jareth will be upset if he finds out that the Queen is not enjoying his food." Typhone broke the silence.

  I snapped out of my thoughts and I gasped, "Oh. No. The food is really good, though. I really like it. It's just... there's some things on my mind is all."

  "What's keeping your mind busy? If you don't mind me asking."

  You. Everything about you.

  "I'm just thinking of what I could do here as the Queen. Like... maybe look at some ledgers or some documents. I want to help you in any way I can now that I'm the Queen." I lied. I smiled at him and he just looked at me suspiciously.

  Thankfully, he just brushed it off and continued eating. He hummed in thought.

  "Maybe you could read the history of Lazarith first? I'm sure the counselors still can't accept the fact that I'm married and would want to bring me down," He paused and looked at me, "I'm not saying you should impress them. I just want them to know how smart my wife is and that she can drag them down when it comes to political matters."

  I blushed at his words and looked down at my food.

  "You flatter me, Your Majesty," I bit my lower lip then added, "But yes. I should learn more about Lazarith if I want to stand by your side and help you rule."

  "Nothing is off limits in the library, princess. You can read whatever you want. If you have questions, you can ask Grimorefor help." He placed a big hand on top of mine and I just smiled at him.

  I want to know more about you. I need to find out what other secrets you're hiding, dear husband.