Chapter 5 - The Dragon Duke's Grand Entrance

Despite the fact that Princess Syra was not announced again upon her re-entrance, she saw every eye turn towards her and heard the hissing whispers. She sighed quietly and began to look for Prince Aurelian. She spotted him with his parents. She felt her stomach drop as she saw them look at her as well. Duchess Ophelia whispered as she passed by.

“Good luck, I will be nearby.” Lia glided across the floor and began speaking to some of the other nobles of the Coral Reef Court.

Princess Syra ignored the glances and whispers, even the ones loud enough that she was sure the speaker meant her to hear, and approached the dragon royal family. She curtsied before them.

“I apologize for interrupting, your Majesties, but may I ask Prince Aurelian for another dance?” Syra’s smile was gentle, perfect, and practiced as she rose to meet the gaze of the King’s golden eyes.

“Of course, Aurelian owes you an apology for his behavior. You are far more mature than my son to approach first. He will be on his best behavior, I promise, and I apologize, Princess Syra.”

 King Dracon placed his hand over his chest and bowed slightly, whispers began anew at this surprising behavior. “In fact, I also fancy a dance with my beautiful wife,” he turned to Queen Amaranth, “Would you do me the honor of dancing with me, my love?” He offered his hand towards his queen, she blushed slightly and smiled deeply as she took his hand.

“Princess Syra, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?” Prince Aurelian mimicked his father as he held out his hand, Syra tried to mimic Amaranth’s smile in order to fight the rumors. 

The King must have heard the rumors… Why did he bow to me? Did he not believe them? What did Aurelian tell him? Was he fighting the rumors by making it appear Aurelian was at fault instead to keep my reputation intact? What does he believe actually happened?

Princess Syra allowed Prince Aurelian to guide her towards the dance floor and noticed the King and Queen followed behind. As they began to dance, King Dracon and Queen Amaranth remained nearby. Syra noticed both of their eyes glancing towards Aurelian and noted them whispering to each other.

“I am truly sorry for injuring your arm, Princess Syra.” Prince Aurelian’s golden eyes looked away as he spoke.

“I forgive you for the accident. I apologize for meeting with a friend alone and allowing a misunderstanding to occur.” She looked straight into his eyes, he narrowed his eyes slightly.

“My father plans to apologize to your mother as well. He is concerned about a potential political incident. May I inquire as to what her Majesty, Queen Opal, knows of this incident?” Aurelian’s smile faded and he peeked towards his parents who continued to dance nearby.

“My mother does not wish to cause a commotion and they will likely find common ground. My wise mother wishes to continue to have a good relationship.” Princess Syra smiled at King Dracon and Queen Amaranth as both couples twirled around, “Especially with such dear and close friends.”

They bowed and curtsied, as was customary and polite, as the song came to an end. Princess Syra felt all eyes still on her and smiled at Prince Aurelian. She flicked her eyes to a group of whispering nobles before looking at him again. She could only hope he would understand what she needed him to do for her honor and reputation.

“May I have this dance, your highness?” A handsome, black haired man bowed before Syra, as his face rose she saw purple eyes that glowed with power.

“You overstep cousin.” Aurelian growled as his own eyes glowed.

“And you acted a fool, you treated a precious diamond as if she were glass. Were you surprised when she did not shatter to pieces before you?” This handsome stranger held his hand out to her, Princess Syra looked at the extended hand, then Aurelian’s face before gently taking the new man’s hand.

“I do apologize for bringing my family issues into your discussion. I feared my cousin would not dance with you again.” He gently twirled her around, he nearly floated across the floor.

“I am not offended, but I am surprised as I have not met you, yet Prince Aurelian referred to you as his cousin. I hope I do not offend when I ask who you are, thoughtful lord?” Princess Syra glanced over to see Aurelian’s fuming gaze following them. She could not see the King nor the Queen to gauge their reactions.

“I am not offended, I should have been introduced to you long ago.” He chuckled in a low voice, “I am Duke Eclipse. My father was the brother of King Dracon, but since his passing, I have inherited the title. I can see why everyone tried to keep us from meeting.” His purple eyes shone with mischief as he gazed over Syra’s face, she felt herself blush as she glanced away.

“Ah, are they afraid of you rising in rank due to an unfortunate accident Prince Aurelian himself caused?” Princess Syra giggled slightly, but then tried to hide it.

He has eyes I could get lost in. I need to focus and not stare into them. That could cause even more rumors that I desperately do not need.

“Oh, of course not. I hope my beloved cousin lives a long and healthy life.” Syra couldn't tell if he was serious or sarcastic in this remark.

Duke Eclipse waited until Princess Syra looked him in the eye again before continuing. “I believe they feared I would fall in love with my future queen. Whom I would only see in court with my future king. An unrequited love of course, and would then suffer from a broken heart for the rest of my days.” He twirled her closer at that moment as his eyes looked deeply into hers.

“I doubt his Highness will take kindly to you blatantly flirting with his intended.” Princess Syra felt her face go hot and broke her eyes away from those beautiful purple eyes.

“I am willing to risk my life and limb just to be able to see you look at me for a moment. Thus might be my fate, attending royal events just in the hope you look at me for a brief moment while I cannot dare speak of what my heart knows.” Eclipse twirled her closer and whispered into her ear.

 “Only you and I will know of what my eyes desperately speak.” He had a smokey smell that most dragons shared, but his scent made her want to get closer, “For whom my heart beats.”

“I am unsure what to say, how can you say you love me mere moments after meeting me?” Princess Syra tried to cool her face and desperately wished for a cool breeze or some cold salt water.

“We have only danced a mere moment, that I cannot deny, but I saw and heard how you dealt with my cousin. You have a sharp wit and the bravery to speak it. You are kind and protect those most in your station would not even think of. You are wise with your words and actions, even when an entire ballroom becomes your enemy. I am in awe of your bravery, cunning, and wisdom.” He continued to dance, despite the song having changed, his eyes stayed on Syra and seemed to peer into her very soul.

“You saw and heard for yourself what happened on the balcony and think my actions were wise? You must be the only one in the room who does.” Princess Syra scoffed slightly, mostly at herself.

“Even if an entire continent were to think poorly of you,” He raised his hand to lightly cup her cheek. “I would be your ally and fight until my death in your defense.” Princess Syra was captured in his gaze and had forgotten the rest of the room existed until a loud yell was heard.

“Get your filthy hands off my fiancée! You do not know your place.” Prince Aurelian was a few paces away and was already showing scales and claws.

“You are not yet engaged, her Highness is free to dance with anyone she wishes. It seems you are the one who does not know his place and does not know how to treat a woman, especially a woman whom he is meant to one day wed.” Duke Eclipse stepped in front of Princess Syra.

“So you are aware of our pending engagement and have the uncouthness to not only dance twice with her, but also touch her face?” Aurelian’s eyes looked into Syra’s for a moment and she thought she saw a tinge of hurt in his face before his rage filled eyes returned to his cousin.

“When she is your wife, I would not dare to approach, but how else am I to meet my future cousin-in-law? She does not match your descriptions, your Highness, she is far more beautiful and graceful.” Duke Eclipse shifted to the side so his back was towards the doors to the balcony.

“Are you this daring to do this because we are not officially engaged, despite our future marriage being common knowledge, or because you are vying for the throne?” Prince Aurelian had horns emerging from his head as smoke billowed from his nostrils. 

“I am concerned that she could find a better match than you, my dear cousin, as she should not have to tolerate your raging jealousy.” Eclipse slowly walked backwards and Aurelian followed him with his body while flexing his claws, “Whatever shall you do once you are wed, will you gouge out any eye that dares to look at her?”