Chapter 1 - The Decision (Part 1)

My stomach churned as I sat at the table. It wasn’t just my fate that hung in the balance, and the thought of the possible outcomes made me dizzy. I clenched my hands under the table, and tried to focus on my breathing. War is coming and we desperately need help from the Dragon Kingdom and that help was never in question… until now. My actions might cost the lives of innocent citizens, and even my family.

Princess Syra kept her face as pleasantly neutral as possible. She had spent her life perfecting this pleasant mask she always wore. She sat between her Mother, Queen Opal, and her Father, King Consort Bashira. Syra watched her Father’s thoughtful expression as he listened quietly to the monarch’s arguments as they bounced back and forth. Syra’s gaze followed each speaker to give the image of respect.

I caused this. The blood will be on my hands. I knew better than to get involved with any of them. I feel the gazes of two of my lovers on me. I feel the blood on my hands, and try to wipe it off on my skirt under the table. If I look at either one, this whole conversation could turn into a fight. I could end lives with just a flick of my eyes. I was raised to be a perfect princess. How did I end up in this room?

Syra stifled a laugh as she took in a breath and held it. She exhaled quietly and resumed her bouncing gaze between the two reigning monarchs. She focused her attention on the conversation, leg bouncing under the table.

Perfect princess? We were way beyond that. Everyone at this table has their own secrets. I know my Mother believes some of hers, or mine, if revealed could sway the King in his decision. I am tired of pretending to be someone I am not. I refuse to play this game anymore. I will not be a puppet in this play again. But I need the perfect opportunity before I act.

Three Months Earlier

Princess Syra stood beside her parents outside the ornate castle doors. The entire Coral Reef Court gathered beside them, watching as an entourage of golden carriages grew ever closer. The princess shielded her eyes from the harsh light gleaming off the golden metal as the carriages finally stopped. She felt a pit of dread each time she saw those carriages. They were painfully bright and she tried to block out the light that seemed to be purposefully aimed at her eyes.

“Put your hand down,” the Queen whispered sharply.

“Mother, the light is getting in my eyes,” Syra sighed as she put down her hand, her hazel eyes blinking in the harsh light.

“For Oceania’s sake, stop squinting and look dignified. We need this marriage for our Queendom,” the Queen hissed, her face hidden behind her peacock feathered fan.

“Yes your majesty, I shall try and stop reacting to the light shining straight into my eyes.” She took a small step away from the Queen, out of the worst of the light,  and earned a glare from her mother, “This marriage was already decided anyway, since that’s the first thing I ever remember you telling me.”

“Hush.” 

The Queen curtsied in time with the bows and curtsies of the court, bringing her face into a pleasant smile. 

“Welcome to our Queendom, King Dracon, Queen Amaranth, and Crown Prince Aurelian,” her voice was a warmer version of her usual commanding tone that brought everyone to silence.

“Thank you for your kind welcome, Queen Opal,” King Dracon’s deep rumbling voice was easily heard by every ear present.

“We have been anticipating your arrival and have prepared a grand ball to welcome you. Princess Syra was especially excited to see Crown Prince Aurelian,” The Queen used her fan to gesture to Princess Syra, who in turn curtsied again.

“Of course, it is always pleasant to see my dear friend,” Princess Syra looked at Prince Aurelian’s golden eyes, the same color as his father, and smiled a perfect, practiced smile.

I hate those eyes. Those eyes that glared at me with every insult as we grew up. It is enough to have to tolerate his presence, I cannot imagine having to be married to him. At least now he can hide how much he hates me in front of all these eyes. Maybe he has finally grown up.

“I am beyond thrilled to see my most precious friend again. It has been a few years, has it not? I am surprised to see how you have changed in that time, your Highness,” Prince Aurelian tilted his head slightly to challenge for a response, Princess Syra bit back her words refusing to be baited into insulting him first.

Or maybe he has simply learned how to double speak as anyone in court does. I think I might prefer his outright hostility and insults to yet another man who politely insults me. At least he spoke his mind before, but an Aurelian that smiles while using courtian double speak to insult me… that version made me feel sick. At least be brave enough to say what you actually mean, you stuck up prick!

“Oh, you two have always been so close! Ever since you were children, I am thrilled to see how you have grown into a beautiful young woman, Princess Syra.” Queen Amaranth grabbed her son's arm and he fell silent.

“Well, our servants shall show you to your rooms so you may rest before the ball tonight. I am delighted for your visit. Queen Opal grabbed her own daughter’s arm and nearly dragged her inside, Syra kept her face from wincing at how tight her mother's grip was.

King Dracon watched his family walk through the grand and opalescent doors before approaching King Consort Bashira before hugging.

“It is great to see you, my dear friend! It has honestly been too long.” The golden eyed King spoke earnestly with a warm rumble to his voice.

“Friend? Friend? We are practically brothers! We might not share blood, but with everything we have been through together, I think we are closer than any blood sibling I have!” The brown eyed King Consort exclaimed with a smile in his eyes.

A deep rumbling laugh emerged from King Dracon as he hugged the other once again. They laughed as they followed behind the rest of the crowd inside the castle. 

***

Princess Syra sat at the mirror as her attendants affixed her hair and make-up. She gazed into the distance, not listening as they bickered about which accessories best suited the dress her Mother had sent for the grand ball. 

“With her purple hair, she needs to wear something with gold! This wonderful gold and pearl necklace will surely attract the dragon prince’s gaze!” One of the attendants said, catching Syra’s attention.

“No, no, no! The gold will make her hazel eyes look more… humanly brown, they need to be reminded of her siren heritage! This dazzling silver and shell necklace will surely display her as a proud siren.” The second attendant contested.

“Are you trying to imply there is something wrong with her highness’s eye color?” Princess Syra’s personal handmaiden, Hestia paused with a brush still in her hand.

“No! Of course not! Her eyes are simply, unique, for sirens!” The second attendant backed away a few steps.

“Must I remind you that there are no siren men?” Hestia sighed, “No matter the partner a siren may take, the daughter of a siren will always be a siren.”

“Y-yes of course! We all know that. I am sorry if I offended your Highness.” She blushed a deep red and bowed before silently stepping back.

“You would think they would know better than to mock a princess. Especially if the Queen heard about this.” Hestia side eyed both attendants who quickly set down the jewelry and scurried away.

“They aren’t wrong. My eye color is unusual for a siren, especially for the royal family. My mother has eyes like the ocean itself. Pythia has icy blue eyes. My eldest sister has blue eyes. Even my human brother has blue eyes. The only one like me is Pearl.” Syra sighed and looked away from the mirror.

“Your Highness, you come from a proud lineage of royal sirens. No one can deny that, but you also come from a heritage of rare kirins. You might not have gotten some of his majesty’s fiery abilities, but he is also a part of you. The others may take issue with your heritage, but you need to show them that their comments do not bother you.” Hestia knelt down to look into Syra’s eyes. “The court will never be a kind place, but your betrothal has kept the worst at bay since you were young.”

“My entire being is only acceptable to them because the dragons wish to buy me?” Syra scoffed.

Hestia looked shocked and stepped back. Without a word she picked up the golden necklace and placed it around Princess Syra’s neck. Princess Syra looked into the mirror and her eyes caught on the pearl hair pins placed throughout her hair. The crown upon her head glowed with shiny shells, pearls, and sea glass, but as she looked down at the golden necklace she had to stifle a laugh. 

This will surely get the future golden dragon’s attention. My stomach is churning just looking at the gold. My entire outfit glitters with gold, could my mother’s intentions be any clearer? Why do I need to put so much effort to impress a man who hates me? A man who has no more choice in our future than I do, but refuses to even be cordial.