The wind howled through the streets as a sandstorm raged across the desert. Outside, Ciro could hear the shouts of guards and servants caught in the gale. Cries to get inside rang out, flowing together with curses and accusations of Piilin and Dosne fighting. The shouting was drowned by the sounds of sand whipping against the large mosaic windows that lined the halls. It was a miracle they survived this long, considering the frequent and violent storms that had been kicked up as of late. The previously rare occurrences of fights between holy dragons had become more common, and it was a growing concern among the nobles of Suokhiba.
According to the ancient texts passed through generations of desert peoples, dragons have ruled the mortal realm since their appearance as the seraphs of the gods. Hundreds of years ago, there was a kingdom named Ryu Suoh, where humans lived in peace with these great divine beasts. Those lands were lost to time, however, and were now unable to be found despite countless attempts from researchers and adventurers alike. But despite the discouragement, his fascination only grew. Perhaps he could find answers there…
“Ah!” Ciro jumped, a sudden weight sprinting itself on his shoulders. Turning, he saw his friend Enkei hanging off his back, elbows propped high above his head as the short boy placed them on the taller Ciro’s shoulders. He shrugged, throwing the boy’s arms off him and turning to face the sudden arrival. Enkei chuckled, stepping back as he came to warn Ciro, “We better get back to our room before we get in trouble~” It was getting late, and their shift had ended, signaling a return to the servants quarters. The heads would check to ensure that everyone was sleeping in their own room every night, and that time was rapidly approaching. Ciro cursed under his breath as Enkei smiled and turned to run away. While Ciro may be late and get in trouble, he certainly wouldn’t be willing to risk punishment.
Taking one last look at the windows loudly rattling in the storm, he turned and was about to head back when--
The door behind Ciro slammed open, anger radiating through the motion.
“But father!” a female voice shouted from the entry-way, “I may be able to--” The footsteps stopped as the king stomped his feet to a halt. The loud clack sound echoed through the empty hall, reverberating through Ciro’s body as he quickly turned.
“I will not allow you to leave, Kyra. It is too dangerous for someone like you.” the king’s cold baritone sounding exhausted. This conversation had obviously been going on for a while. Ciro fell to one knee, his hand falling over his heart in a fist. The king acknowledged his presence with a quick glance and commanded, “stand.”
If the king was here, it must mean that the girl speaking to him is Kyra, the first princess. As Ciro rose to his feet, Kyra seemed to notice him as well, quickly bringing him into the conversation.
“Ciro! You agree with me, don't you?” Kyra asked, her gaze pleading with the man. Ciro stiffened, his mouth opening and closing as he heard the king mumble, “I have no clue how you can always remember every servant’s name.”
His face burned as embarrassment flooded through him. He should be used to this treatment by now, yet he wasn’t. Ciro lightly cleared his throat as he plastered a soft smile to his cheeks.
“I am sorry my princess, but I have no opinion either way and therefore cannot agree with you.” His voice was gentle yet not too kind, as to not come off wrong, just as he’d been trained. The king grunted a chuckle, knowing his daughter’s attempt to convince him was pointless. What kind of servant would so openly defy his king?
“Just let me look for Ryu Suoh, father!”
Ciro pricked up at this, his attention that was previously waning suddenly back on the conversation. A glisten of hope sparked in his heart, but he quickly shook it off. There was no way Kyra would be allowed to go, therefore no possibility of him tagging along. The king let out an exasperated sigh, wishing for the conversation to be over with. He had work to do, yet this girl was bothering him all day about the storms and fixing it. The two continued their verbal fight, Ciro losing the interest he once held as the conversation veered off of Ryu Suoh.
“What do you think will happen if you encounter one of those deranged monsters and it kills you?” The king threw at Kyra, scorn filling his voice. Ciro stiffened, his teeth gritting against one another. Dragons were the guardians and protectors of this kingdom, how dare he slander them in such a way? The king picked up on this change with his keen eyes, his gaze shifting to Ciro and a frown growing on his lips.
“Is there a problem, Sear?”
He couldn’t tell if the name was intentional, but the inquiry made Ciro freeze. Shit. He bowed his head and once again covered his heart with a fist, a sign of respect in the Kingdom of Suokhiba.
“I apologize, my king.” Ciro put on the most respectful voice that he could muster, his face turning to a careful neutral as he released the pressure in his jaw. King Gierko, the most powerful man in the painted desert, let a smug smile touch his lips. It quickly disappeared as did his cold attitude, the hint of amusement hidden near immediately. Kyra noticed, though, and couldn't help but feel disgusted at her father’s attitude.
Ciro, though, couldn’t have noticed as his eyes were shut tightly and his head was bowed facing the ground.
He didn’t return to his room that night.
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