Aster

  I was learning that being around humans took a lot more effort than living in a forest, and they really seemed to like looking good. Not that I could blame them. Staring into the mirror, I huffed at the way my look had changed. I was coated in different types of powder that made me want to sneeze, and I had my hair styled in a wavy pattern that I had to admit looked rather good, even if having it up would make using my bow easier. I heard a snort from Umbra. I looked at her through the mirror.

  “I didn’t ask for this. It feels so weird.” I almost touched my face but lowered my hand, remembering Roslin's look and the threat she would make if we had to go back again for a third time.

  “It's not bad, but you do look different,” Umbra observed, moving closer to me and sniffing the air. Her words were a silent reassurance.

  I nodded. My cheeks were almost a permanent light red, matching my lips and standing out from my dress color. Thankfully, my ears had remained untouched, but they had pressed me to put a blue bow over the golden clasp, which I did reluctantly. My tail, however, had been abused.

  I shivered, glancing at the brush that I now owned. It had been painful getting all of the knots out, and the fur that remained on the brush stood as a reminder of the promise of torture if I didnt keep it cleaned. I silently vowed to brush it every morning to avoid that happening again.

  The dress I now had on again matched Umbra’s colors of blue and purple almost perfectly, only a shade lighter. I had even managed to weave a ribbon the same color as her scales through the collar. Even the shoes I had gotten matched, the sandals on my feet colored a slight blue tint.

  There was a knock at the door, and I turned as Roslin walked in. She wore a red dress that flowed as she moved. It ended before her feet and was tighter around the waist. While she looked amazing, she had no makeup on, to my displeasure. I glared at her. It was unfair that she didn't have to wear makeup or a hundred different accessories.

  Roslin didnt even blink at my expression. “Don’t give me that look. I already explained that my Charisma is high enough not to need makeup, and yes, as I said, you’ll learn about it in the basics class in the academy.” She pointed a finger to the door. “We have to get going. The carriage is downstairs. Umbra, Silt will show you the way. The king has prepared a feast for you and the other dragons, and I think you’ll enjoy it in the back courtyard of the castle.”

  Umbra wasted no time leaving, only giving me a small nudge so as not to rip any of the fabric with her scales before she bounded out of the room onto the balcony and dove off the pavilion. From what she had told me, the lessons and tips she had been given from the other dragon today had really helped in her flying.

  I walked with Roslin to the stairs, looking up the way to the third floor before we started down. I’d yet to see another rider or dragon all day. When asked about it, I was only told by Roslin that most were away from the capital in nearby cities or elsewhere. She didn't elaborate when I asked what she meant.

  Outside, the carriage was waiting, with a man sitting in the front and two animals that identify told me were horses. The carriage, made of almost all dark wood, was fancy, with white trimmings and the crown of Arilon painted on the side. The inside was comfortable, and after we got settled, it started to move forward at a knock from Roslin on the side. The carriage had windows on both sides covered by drapes, which I peeked out of as we moved through the city.

  The spire was only a short walk to the castle, but because Roslin was a rider and I was a guest, we were meant to go through the front, which required going around the entire building.

  "Remember, Aster, most of the elven family will be in attendance. They have a daughter and son attending, and the king has his own children there. They will all be attending the academy." Roslin helpfully reminded me for the sixth time this afternoon.

  As dinner drew near, she transformed into a teacher of what she referred to as noble etiquette. The concept of etiquette baffled me; after all, why would one bend their body just to greet someone? On top of that, they employed three distinct forks and spoons for their meal. It was all confusing, and she agreed on that last note. Everything about it made my head spin.

  She had narrowed it down to three rules for tonight that I could follow. First, I would let Roslin or someone else introduce us, as she would be with me the entire time. Second, don't start any conversation that might cause issues. Third and most important, don't insult or challenge anyone.

  Apparently, challenges during court were a common thing in Arilon. Having a way for people to settle grudges without a duel to the death seemed like common knowledge to me. The whole idea was like in the forest when the wolves would fight for food or to show off to one another.

  As we passed through the castle gate, I looked around. It was well-lit. Guards in full metal, reflecting the light, watched over the tops of the walls in groups of three. I identified one of the two guards at the gate entrance as he waved us through.

  [Human - Castle Guard - Level: Unknown]

  Blinking in surprise at the lack of a level, I closed the screen. I’d gotten the guard’s second class but not their level. It meant he wasn't using an item to block my Identify, just that he was a higher level, or I thought so. It was something I learned by identifying people in the city. Apparently, an item often blocked almost everything someone would see, but just being at a higher level still gave classes. Even so, most times, I could see up a grade or two with levels.

  “What's the average level in Arilon? I couldn't identify the guard all the way, and there were some in the city that had the same type of lack of information," I asked.

  Roslin, who had been looking outside as well, turned her head to look at me. "I suppose you wouldn't know how grades work with an identify. The lower your grade, the less you see with an identify. When you get to grade two, you'll be able to see even higher levels, and it grows as your grade gets higher. For someone like me in grade six, I can see up to a grade nines level. As for your question, Well, that depends on someone's age and profession. Usually, for most people, I would put it around a hundred, so early grade three or late grade two, but an adventure or a guard is more likely to be around a hundred and thirty to a hundred and fifty or higher. Most people in the city don’t fight monsters or delve dungeons, so their levels are from their classes."

  I wanted to ask more, but the carriage was slowing down. The castle might have looked bland outside the wall, but inside the walls, it was amazing. The stone was clean, with trees lining both sides, and the pathway was made of white marble that led to wide stairs. Beyond that, two massive doors were opened with an inviting glow. I felt my excitement rise. I didn't know why, but this building felt special. The spire was taller and more imposing, but the castle had the feel of authority, like the difference between the inner and the outer areas back in the forest. A book I'd read a while back used the words 'the belly of the beast.' I felt like those words fit perfectly.

  Roslin got out first, and as I followed her using the hand, she offered me to balance as I stepped out. People were stationed on either side of the carriage. Walking up, I let Roslin take the lead, looking around. A man was waiting at the top with his hands behind his back. He was dressed in similar clothes to the ones next to the carriage, fancy but slim-looking blue cloth, but he had a tie around his neck.

  "Lady Roslin, and Lady Aster?" The man asked, and we both nodded. He gave a big smile and bowed. "His Majesty is still with his family preparing. Allow me to take you to the dining hall.” He bent his body, giving a low bow before turning.

  Roslin and I followed him into the main hall of the castle, and I was blown away at the size. A dragon the size of Roslin’s or Baldwin’s bond could have fit in here easily if the door was bigger. I gave an excited hope, a small one. The lights hanging in the air above looked like they were floating, but I could see a thin thread holding each one of them up. I wanted to explore every inch of this building. It was a real castle! Were there any secret doors? My jump earned a look from Roslin, and I huffed. Why make a place look so cool when you couldn't get excited about it?

  The room we were led to, the dining hall, was just as fancy, probably more so than the hallway. The high ceiling, long table, and two rows of chairs were the only pieces of furniture in the room. It gave the room an open feeling, but that wasn't the most interesting thing. There were four people sitting down, three of whom were elves, which was getting easier to recognize with the slimmer and taller builds they all had. The other Baldwin. I gave him a smile as we met eyes, and then I waved. I would have said hi if it hadn't been for the snort of one of the elves getting my attention. I turned to look at them. One was an older-looking woman with graying hair, sitting straight up and giving a disapproving look to a young male elf whose features matched her own. He was scowling at the moment, looking away from everyone. The last elf was a girl who looked around the same age as the male but was a good foot taller with broader shoulders. She was looking at me with a curious interest in her eyes. They all had the same green irises, blonde hair, and smooth skin. Even compared to the other elves I'd seen in the city this morning, they looked, well, pretty.

  “Ah, Lady Aster and Lady Roslin, you both look wonderful,” Baldwin said, standing up. He gestured to a seat next to him opposite and a little down of the elves pulling it out. “Please sit.” I sat first, a slight motion from Roslin, and she sat on the other side of me, letting Baldwin pull out her chair. After that, there was a small silence as I tried to avoid staring at the elves across the table. I didn’t want to be rude, and I knew staring too long was rude.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Baldwin gave a small cough. “Apologies, allow me to introduce Queen Sinoa Lennox and her children, Lady Holly Lennox and Sir Yarran Lennox.” Turning to the elves, he bowed. “May I introduce you to Rider Roslin Harrow and Lady Aster.” With that, he sat.

  There was a noise from Yarran, and I turned from inspecting the room to look at him. He was staring at me in confusion, but it was the girl, Holly, who spoke. “Does that mean you don't have a surname?” She asked.

  I opened my mouth and then paused. I may have had one, but Kulni had never gone by a second name. “I don’t think so,” I answered slowly, my mind going through all my memories, but nothing came up. “At least that I know of.”

  I didn’t really care about having more than one name, but I guess if someone had my name, it would be confusing without another to go by.

  “Why is she here then?” Yarran asked, his tone was somehow grating.

  Those words earned a shrug from me. I didn’t really know. But it also earned a glare from almost everyone else. Before I could comment aloud, Sinoa replied, her voice scathing, “Before you insult someone who is at the castle by the wish of a king, you should think first, my son.” Her eyes could have burned snow, and Yarran withered under her glare. I subconsciously scooted back in my chair an inch. Those eyes were the same one Kulni got when she was furious.

  The queen of the elves turned her gaze to me, her expression changing from one who could melt stone to a friendly smile that would attract a deer.

  “My apologies, Lady Aster, it appears my son has yet to understand how to act around people.”

  There was a small laugh from the doorway, and everyone at the table turned. Five more people were making their way into the room. It was apparent four of them were related by their matching black hair and blue eyes. Everyone stood up except for me until I was half-lifted by Roslin.

  “His Majesty Rasmoth Arilon and the Queen Lira Arilon, Prince Lucan Arilon, Princess Alica Arilon, and Flight Master Cassin Noel.” The man who spoke was the same one who led us in.

  Everyone bowed slightly, including me, after a slight tug from Roslin. Everyone was doing so many movements that weren't necessary. The entire family was dressed in blue and gold clothes. The king, a tall man, wore a crown made of gold and a silver-looking metal. It was smaller than I would have thought. His eyes scanned the room the same way I did the forest when I was out on a hunt. He had a smile on his face, and the room was quiet until he spoke. “Oh please, take a seat. This isn’t court. We are all here as equals today to celebrate the first and second years of our children or relations attending the academy.”

  Those words seemed to break the mood as both queens made their way to each other and started whispering. Everyone made their way to their seats and sat down, the king sitting at the front of the table, his family sitting on his left, opposite to the elves on the right, both queens next to him. Cassin sat next to Baldwin. There was soft talking, and I tried to avoid listening to anything. Instead, I tried the red liquid in the glass cup that was in front of me next to an empty plate. It had a sweet, fruity smell, so I took a large sip. The unexpected bitter taste that filled my mouth had my face scrunching up.

  “Wine not to your liking?” Roslin chuckled as she reached to pick up a pitcher, pouring a cup of water and passing it to me. “I suppose it might be for the best to avoid alcohol. There is no telling how much you could handle depending even if you did have a high Constitution.”

  I downed the cup of water, getting the flavor out of my mouth. “I don’t like it anyway.”

  “Lady Aster.” I turned at the voice to see Baldwin speaking, and seeing he had my attention, he continued to talk, “This is Flight Master Cassin.”

  My eyes turned to the person next to him. The man was slightly smaller than Baldwin. His short white hair and blue eyes did nothing to hide the non-human looks he had. His eyes had the shape of slits and scale-like skin around the corners of his neck, and his eyes reminded me of the dragons.

  Blinking, I thought it might have been his race class being related to his dragon, but I decided to ask him to be sure. “Is your race class related to your dragon?”

  His laugh didn’t hold the same quiet everyone talking did, and I felt everyone turn their attention to him.

  “I see Roslin wasn’t wrong when she said you were straightforward with your curiosity. I like that, and yes, my looks are because of my bond with Hemlock.” He gave me a grin that reminded me of the way Umbra smiled. "I take it your looks are for a similar reason, no?"

  I nodded, then shook my head. "Uhm, well, yes and no? My looks are from a race class but not a bond. They're from my mother, Kulni."

  "Do you mean Kulni, as in the Guardian?" A new voice spoke, and when I turned, I saw it was Queen Sinoa.

  I smiled, nodding. "Yup! Well, I’m almost sure. She’s never called herself that, though, but she's still in the forest."

  A mirthful laugh from the head of the table sounded, and Rasmoth spoke, "My apologies, Queen Sinoa. I meant to inform you when Lady Aster arrived from the forest, but before we continue this talk, let us have food in front of us."

  As if on cue, multiple people came from doors around the room, bringing trays of food out. There were three plates set in front of everyone, one loaded with greens, berries, and other vegetables, one full of all different kinds of meat. The last plate was set the furthest away, making me think it was meant to be the last thing we ate. It was brown and circular, and the smell coming from it was so sweet I almost missed the question asked to me in my excitement at the food.

  "Does that mean you lived in the Claw Wood forest? What was it like?" The question was from the son of the king. Lucan, if I remembered his name correctly, was looking not directly at me but at my ears with what I guessed was curiosity.

  "It, um, was like living in the forest?" I didn't really know how to answer. To me, the forest was, well, the forest. "I hunted a lot more...Oh! The trees are a lot bigger there, too. Well, everything is larger, and I suppose there are a lot more animals, but no cows or sheep." Reaching out with a hand to grab a berry and put it into my mouth.

  My words earned a chuckle from a few people. The king leaned forward, looking amused as he spoke, "I guess they wouldn't last long there. What would you say is the toughest animal or monster you fought there? For obvious reasons, we don't get many beasts around the capital unless it's an event, and I’m curious about what the forest holds."

  "Oh dear, we're all eating. Asking a lady about fights at the table is improper," Lira admonished a hand on his.

  The king winced slightly, turning to her before back to me. "My apologies, Lady Aster, just the one question, and I shall ask no more until after dinner."

  I didn’t see a problem talking about fights, but I didn't answer right away, instead putting a big slice of pre-cut meat into my mouth with a fork. The smell of the meat was too good to pass up, and the taste was even better. As I chewed, I thought of all of the beasts that I'd fought recently, nudging Umbra through the bond to get her input. She was eating and talking to the other dragons in the back of the castle. Apparently, they were also having a type of feast, and she had met Cassin’s bond. I got a vague image of the white dragon, and I was surprised by how well Cassin's eyes matched his.

  "I guess it would be a Jagged Limb Spider. I think it was level seventy-five, but there were wolves around that helped. Kulni wasn't happy when she learned it had made its way to the inner forest. She had the whole nest destroyed, but I wasn't there for that." I took another bite, confused at the stares I got. Was it normal for people to look at you without blinking? I thought it was rude.

  An awkward clearing of the throat, and the king frowned. "If I may ask, and by all means, feel free not to answer, but what level did you say you were?"

  "Thirty-two," I answered.

  The king nodded and put a piece of food into his mouth. I followed his lead. Wow, the meat was delicious. I didn’t know how they made the food taste this good, but I wanted to learn.

  “Mother, you wanted to ask about the coin?” The sound was a whisper that I probably shouldn't have heard, but I just picked it up. It was Alica, the princess, who had spoken.

  “We can ask later. Let her eat for now.”

  “Say, Lira, have your children thought about the classes they're going to take?” Sinoa asked.

  The human queen let out a chuckle. “Oh yes, I can hear them whispering even now, but they refuse to tell me or their father. They say they want it to be a secret, but with them being twins, I suppose they’ll be taking similar classes. They do enjoy working together.” She covered her mouth with her hand and chuckled when Alica and Lucan, who had been talking in low voices, looked up to her. Lira and Sinoa shared a knowing look. “What about yours?”

  “Mine.” She looked at her children. “Are the same, but with Holly in her second year, I have my suspicions.”

  “Mom and Queen Lira, we are all here,” Holly said.

  “Oh, Holly, just call me Lira. I was there when you were born, and we aren't at court,” Lira said.

  I was starting on the plate with the greens, having cleaned the plate with the meat. I had to adjust the way I was sitting more than once. The corset was even more uncomfortable when sitting down. I silently promised myself the next dress I had to wear would not have one. Looking around the table from the half-gone berries on my plate, I must have missed something because the conservation had changed.

  “Darling, what do you say to the idea of it?” Lira ask.

  There was a humming noise from the king. “I suppose it would be fine. We can set it up after dinner, but it is up to the children.” Turning his gaze to Sinoa. “That is if you approve?”

  The elven queen let out a laugh. “My kids always enjoy a challenge, and I can’t deny my curiosity. Might I recommend Lord Baldwin as the judge?”

  I leaned toward Roslin and whispered, “What's going on?”

  “They’re discussing a friendly duel of two.” She replied, and at my titled head, she elaborated, “Everyone enjoys a good friendly feud, and without them being in the academy exams, I bet they're itching to show off. Like I explained earlier, there’s a whole set of rules for it, as well as places around the city that host the duels.”

  I perked up. I hadn’t seen any other fighting skills used by humans or elves, and I felt my excitement rise at the idea of watching them fight.

  “You know this will be too easy. Holly and I would win in moments.” Yarran scoffed. His tone was arrogant but also a challenge, daring anyone to disagree.

  That seemed to light the fuse, and in less than a few seconds, Yarran, Holly, Lucan, and Alica were all throwing jabs. No one did anything to dissuade them. In fact, I caught a gleam in both mother's eyes. I couldn't help my excitement either, and I felt my tail start to sway. I’d get to see a fight!