My eyes fluttered open, my mind swimming in a haze of pain and confusion. The soft glow of candlelight filled the room, casting warm shadows on the wooden walls. I felt a gentle pressure on my forehead and the comforting scent of herbs in the air. Slowly, I turned my head to see a kindly-looking woman standing over me, a damp cloth in her hand.

"You're awake," she said softly, her voice soothing. "You've had quite a rough time, young one."

Would she be angry at me now? I'm sure she would! I was a problem... and I slept a lot. This is bad...

"I'm sorry for sleeping. Please don't hit me..." I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my body, making me gasp.

"Easy now," a deep voice said from the corner of the room. A tall man in armour stepped forward, his expression stern but concerned. "Nobody will hurt you on my watch. You've been through a lot. Just rest for now."

"Yes, boy. No one will hit you here," the lady said with a sad voice.

"Where... where am I?" I managed to ask putting away my fear, my voice barely above a whisper.

"You're in the inn," the woman replied. "Those honourable knights found you in a terrible state, but you're safe now. I'm the innkeeper, and this is Sir Cedric, one of the knights who helped rescue you. Your name is Alexius, right?"

I just nodded.

My mind struggled to piece together the events that had led me here. The last thing I remembered was the brutal beating from my uncle and the desperate hope that before I die I'd get to see my dragon friend one more time. I looked around the room, searching for Or, but there was no sign of the small dragon.

"Or..." I murmured, my eyes filling with tears.

The knight, Sir Cedric, knelt beside the bed.

"Who is Or? Is he your friend? You've been calling him earlier..."

I hesitated, unsure of how much I should reveal. I didn't want to put the small dragon in any danger.

"He's... my friend," I said quietly trying not to say too much. Didn't want them to hurt him. "But he's not here. He helped me... fed me."

Sir Cedric nodded, his eyes understanding.

"I'm sure you'll be able to see your friend again, but for now, you need to focus on getting better."

The innkeeper lady brought a bowl of warm broth and a piece of bread.

"Here, try to eat something. It will help you regain your strength."

I took the offered food, my hands trembling. The warmth of the broth soothed my throat, and the bread, though simple, tasted like a feast after days of hunger. I didn't remember when was the last time I ate fresh bread or tasted warm soup that wasn't just water with a few roots. As I ate, the innkeeper gently cleaned my wounds, applying fresh bandages with a practised hand.

"We have a local healer coming to tend to your injuries properly," she said. "You're safe now, and we'll make sure you're well taken care of."

I nodded, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. After my head returned to the pillow, I could hear her voice in the back, as if she was talking to someone.

"I've been living here many years, and we never knew those people had a child... nor how they treated them. But how could they... this child is in such a horrible state..."

"I know madam. But we'll take care of him now..."

I closed my eyes, letting the warmth and comfort of the bed lull me back into a fitful sleep.

*

When I awoke again, it was morning. Sunlight streamed through the small window, casting a golden glow across the room. I felt slightly better, though my body still ached from the beating. I turned my head to see Sir Cedric standing by the door, talking quietly to a tall, regal-looking man. I was finally able to look at Sir Cedric with more attention. He was as tall as the nobleman, his hair brown, short and messy, and there was a short beard on his face, while his eyes were the colour of the grass.

"Good morning, Alexius," Sir Cedric said, noticing I was awake. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," I replied, my voice still weak. "Thank you for helping me."

The regal man stepped forward, a warm smile on his face. I thought noblemen were scary... and fat. But he had a delicate build and looked quite young I guess. He had blonde hair in a braid and his green eyes were always smiling.

"It's good to see you awake, Alexius. My name is Lord Egden, a trusted advisor to the King and so it happens that we've been searching for you."

I blinked in confusion.

"Searching for me? Why? Did I do something back? You will punish me?" I suddenly got scared, but I saw Sir Cedric shaking his head and smiling kindly at me.

Lord Egden sat down on the edge of the bed, his eyes kind but serious.

"We came to this town following the faint trail of the King's sister, who disappeared many years ago. She left with a stranger from the streets, and we've been searching for any sign of her. By rescuing you, we may not have found the King's sister, but we believe we have found her son."

I stared at him in shock.

"I don't understand. How could I be...?"

Lord Egden placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"Can you tell us how you ended up with those terrible people?"

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts.

"My mother got very sick when I was little. Some men came to our house and took me away. They gave me to those people and said they would take care of me. But they didn't. They made me work, and they were always angry. It was my fault... I'm a bad boy and lazy and they had problems with me..."

Lord Egden's expression darkened.

"No boy. You're none of these... Those people were given a great sum of money to care for you, but they chose to use it for their own gain, planning an escape to another country. And so they mistreated you instead of caring. We've taken back what they stole and ensured they won't harm anyone else."

I felt a mix of relief and anger.

"What about my parents? Are they...?"

Lord Egden's face grew somber.

"We were able to put all of the stories together... Your mother passed away from her illness, and your father... he was not entirely human. He was a Fae who linked his life to hers so he wouldn't live hundreds of years without her. But what was supposed to keep them together, kept you all apart... when she died, he passed away as well. Had they been in the capital, we might have been able to save them, but out here..."

Tears filled my eyes as I processed the news. I felt a deep sense of loss and sadness, but also a glimmer of hope. I wasn't alone anymore.

Lord Egden gently wiped away my tears.

"I know this is a lot to take in, but you are not alone. You have family who awaits you, and we will ensure you are safe and well cared for."

I nodded, trying to hold back my sobs.

"Does this mean... am I really... going to have a family now? Am I allowed to be happy?"

Lord Egden reached into his coat and pulled out a small, ornate box. He opened it to reveal a beautiful necklace with a blue gemstone, adorned with a golden dragon symbol.

"This belonged to your mother. It's the royal family's emblem. Our mage confirmed your lineage. You are the King's nephew Alexius. And you can be as happy as you want. We'll all make sure you'll have plenty of reasons to be happy."

I stared at the necklace, a mixture of awe and disbelief on my face.

"So... what will happen to me now?"

Lord Egden smiled gently.

"We'll take care of you today, let you rest and recover. Tomorrow, we'll begin our journey back to the capital. We need to reach the castle before the winter storms begin. You have a new life waiting for you, Alexius."

My heart ached with the thought of leaving Or behind.

"But what about... my friend? Can... Can I say goodbye to him?"

Lord Egden's expression softened.

"We will do everything we can to find him and ensure he's safe so you can say your goodbyes. Tell Cedric everything you know about him. But for now, focus on getting better. You have a long journey ahead."

I nodded, feeling a mix of sadness and hope. I knew my life was about to change dramatically, but I couldn't shake the feeling of loss for leaving Or behind. And I couldn't tell them who my friend was... I clutched the necklace tightly, vowing to find a way to see my dragon again.

*

As the day wore on, the innkeeper and the healer took turns tending to me, ensuring I was comfortable and well-fed. The warmth and care I received were a stark contrast to the harsh treatment I had endured for so long.

But I knew... I wanted to meet Or. I had to... before we leave tomorrow.

Sir Cedric tried to get some answers from me but I kept silent. He looked worried. Maybe I could trust him... just a bit?

"I can't tell you about my friend. You can't see him, ok? But... can you take me to the place where we always meet? It will be quick. I will just say goodbye..." I pleaded with a naive hope that Or would be waiting there for me.

"I... I... I can't... The Lord asked me to tend to you and protect you and make sure you don't walk around... You're in bad condition. We can't go out like that" he said but when he saw tears in my eyes he coughed.

"Well... If I'm to tend to you and protect... then I guess if I'd carry you myself... you wouldn't be walking, right?" He winked at me.

He was going to be my best and most favourite knight in the world!

"Thank you, Sir Cedric!" I hugged him.

The man laughed and delicately patted my head. It was nice to be touched like that, without the pain and cursing.

"Ok. Now wear lots of warm clothes we prepared for you and get ready. We have to be stealthy," his smile was big and mischievous but kind. I think he was a bit of a bad boy too I guess...