My father rubbed his temples, frustrated by the conversation we are having. For the first time I noticed how tired my dads eyes were.

"We have been at peace for over four centuries Kana you need to understand how delicate this situation is and how carefully we must handle this!" I knew that, our Northern Kingdom had been in a decades long war with the Southern Kingdom centuries ago. Stories have been passed down about how brutal it was and the amount of innocent civilians slaughtered. Because of this our kingdoms have kept their peace but have never fully resided in tranquility because of the polar ways of leading their people each nation had.

"They are killing the dragon's Father! The South is crossing dangerous territory for no reason, and we are supposed to sit here and do nothing! It has been weeks since this started happening 14 dragons are already dead!" The dragons deaths were caused by Southern arrows that are laced with lethal poison. My heart ached at the thought of all of them suffering for the long hours they did while the poison took affect.

"We aren't doing nothing Kana, I had to think of the best solution to this issue that didn't lead to violence right away. That is why, as future queen of the North my child, I need you to go to the South to discuss the matters at hand with the prince."

"But Father-"

"No, just listen my dear I must stay to keep an eye on our people here, You will go by yourself, considering the situation we need to draw the least amount of attention to ourselves as possible. The journey will take about 11 days and you will make it in time for the ball they are throwing in honor of the kings death." The Southern king had recently died of a heart attack, the only news we have heard so far is that the 19 year old heir to the throne has been thrown into ruling. "There you will talk to the prince in an informal setting and if it comes to it go to the council to speak."

"Father I have never left the North before what if I fail I-" My father stepped towards me and cupped my cheeks.

"My sweet daughter, I have faith in you, I wouldn't send you there if you couldn't." He grinned softly, the wrinkles on his face faded from his worried expression. "Your mother would be so proud of you" He chuckled "If she even heard you doubting yourself right now do you know what she would say? She would say her beautiful, strong, and smart daughter could handle anything that is thrown her way."

I put my hand over his. "And what if they refuse to stop killing them?" The thought of war made my spine run cold.

"Then we fight." He dropped his hand. "But I sincerely hope it won't come to that"

My father was counting on me, my people were counting on my, Amree was counting on me. I gripped my mothers necklace tightly and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding in.

"Chief Toshio, the herbalist you requested has just arrived" My father nodded and turned back to me.

"Your horse is already ready as well as a bag with supplies. Don't forget your cloak to cover your hair. Silver hair is a very rare oddity in the South. We will try to come up with an anecdote to the poison while you are gone. Be safe my child."

I hugged him tightly wishing I could stay in my dads arms forever. "I will father".

With that, he went to greet the herbalist and I mounted my horse. Before I left I wanted to say goodbye to Amree. I tied up my horse by the gates and started walking up the mountain to where Amree loves to sleep. When a child is born a dragon chooses one to protect for life, Amree had chosen me when I was 4 years old. When a dragon has chosen a child the bond between them is unbreakable. Our people have had this relationship with them since our ancestors thousands of years ago.

The wind and the quiet of the forest was my home. Going deeper into the forest I picked up my pace as I started to reach the top of the mountain. I had taken this path so many times during my life it seemed like second nature. There at the top waiting for me was Amree. The most beautiful dragon I have seen in my lifetime. Her large stature and vibrant colors were electrifying. She held her head up high and mighty. I could never get used to the awe I felt when seeing these magnificent creatures.

“Hello Amre.” She lowered her head as I stroked it. Her scales glimmered in the light. “Today I'm leaving for a week, father is sending me to the Southern kingdom to go to the council about what has been happening.” She snorted in protest. Her head flailing up. I smiled “I know you want to take me but it is too dangerous to have you there with the current situation.” Her emerald eyes sparkled in the sunlight, dragons always kept a calm demeanor but after all these years I could tell she was feeling anxious. “Be safe while I am gone, I would much rather have you stay at the village but I know that won’t happen” I laughed. She nudged her head against me making me slightly off balance. “Hey I know you’re worried but don’t worry I will be fine I promise. It is my duty and honor to go. When I lead one day I also want it to be a safe place for not only my people but the dragons as well. I just hope that I can do this, i'm nervous Amree. Will I be able to handle this?" She nudged me once more and I gave her a hug. "Be safe, don't get into too much trouble when i'm gone, I'll see you in a week."

I turned around one last time to look at Amree. It was going to be the longest amount of time we have spent away from each other. I waved once more and walked back down the mountain to my horse. With that, I put my cloak on and headed towards the Southern Kingdom.