The Royal Bride

A disturbing noise woke me up in the middle of the night. I thought it was only a dream, but when I realized I was having difficulty in breathing, I moved my heavy eyelids at once to open my eyes. Smoke. I could smell smoke. And the noise outside... it seemed like people were shouting, panicking. It didn't take long before I realized what was happening. The smoke was suffocating. There must be a fire outbreak in the palace! My eyes widened in horror, terrified for myself and for everyone else inside the palace. It’s just a few days after the royal occasion. How could this happen? I hurried down my bed and went straight to the door, never minding what I was wearing. I don't think I have the luxury of time to change my long nightdress with something more decent. My legs shuddered to a stop when I saw how thick the smoke in the hallway was. For a moment, I was afraid of going further. I could feel it. I could feel the heat from the fire. I could

I didn't know exactly what to believe. Hours ago, I was just sleeping peacefully in my bed. Then suddenly, the fire happened and I just found myself at the brink of death. I was ready to die when something strange happened to me. Then a voice kept on talking in my mind, and now claiming that he's actually a dragon spirit, my dragon spirit to be exact. Worst, I was just informed about my ability and the possibility that my mother lied to me. How could I take that all at once? I'm sorry if everything is confusing you. But there must be a reason why your mother hid your real identity. That is what we need to know, Raja said. The caravan is now moving. "What else do you know? How about my father? If he's not a mage, then what kingdom is he from?" That is something beyond my knowledge, Ophelia. "And what about this birthmark? I'm very much confused..." That's something you have since you were born, only hidden by some sort of

I looked around the interiors of the tavern. I never had seen one before this, but I've read and heard about it before. It was forbidden to go outside the palace so the only thing that can connect me to the outside world was—books. Reading became my some sort of hobby to ease boredom and to somehow marvel around different things through imagination. It was the only thing I could do. The woman who introduced herself as Thiara, looked symphathetic and horrified as I went in detail with the story I've made up. She seemed really kind so I felt a little guilty telling her those lies. I just really pray that the deities would spare me for that. After all, I do not have ill motives against anyone. "You've went so much hardships, Ophelia. I cannot imagine going through that alone!" "Thank the heavens I was lucky enough to survive," I said. "I could not agree more. Here, eat. You must be hungry all this time,"

"Oh my. You look utterly fabulous!"A small smile crept on my lips as I watched Thiara's expression after I dressed up at the night of the royal occasion."Be honest with me. Are you a goddess in disguise?" she humored."You look stunning in your dress, too." I didn't say that for the sake of returning the compliment but because it was true."I know I'm beautiful, but note that your beauty is definitely on the higher level. I suppose your mother was as beautiful as you.""More than, actually.""Oh don't be too humble, Ophelia. I know your mother would say the opposite.""But it's true that I got my beauty from her.""Must be true," she agreed and then pulled me out the tavern.* * *The music can be heard from the streets. Lanterns were flying over the horizon and everything was on lit. Everyone was on the

Am I dead?I can't move my limbs and all I can see is total darkness. Where am I? Definitely not in heaven considering how dark this place is. But is this hell? I was under the impression that it should be scorching but why do I feel cold?You are not yet dead, my lady.Wait. Raja? Is that you? Why do I feel like I'm paralyzed? Or am I unconscious and since our souls are linked, that is why we can still talk?Indeed. After you threw fire balls to the rogue, your body weakened. Must be because you were not ready to produce such attack yet. Once you've mastered your ability, your body will no longer hold you back from your capibilities.I don't care about the ability thing. All I'm concerned of is if I'm still alive or not. I don't even know how that happened to me. Did the rogue died? Or did he attacked again?That attack isn't enough to kill a full bl