Lucian was on his way towards the Dark Lands. It was a place underneath the Dragon Realm. It was a parallel place that could be accessed from where Draco had take Liana, to retrieve the poison used in killing Kiara.
Lucian had been to that place a few times. But it was not easy for a Dragon to be there. Not for a long time atleast. It was a place where a Dragon was stripped of his dragon essence. He was basically reduced to being a human.
Lucian was over ambitious .
He was there to take what was called the Forbidden Pearl.
It was not really a Pearl but more like a stone. Nobody really knew if it really existed or if it was in the Dark Lands at all. But Lucian was determined because it was a widespread rumour in the dragon world that the Forbidden Pearl could actually bring back dead ones.
There was no authentication but it was a fable that was well known. Lucian planned to use it on Draco. Play with his emotions and trick him into doing what they wanted him to do.
As Lucian set off on his quest for the Forbidden Pearl, he felt a strange thrill coursing through his veins. He was already thinking about the things he would do when he would have Liana back. It was an unexplainable parody. He was planning to murder his brother to have his wife. The sun was beating down on him, the heat intensifying with every step he took, but he knew he couldn't let that deter him.
Lucian's mind was racing with excitement as he talked to himself, "This Forbidden Pearl will be enough to persuade my thick headed brother . I must find it and I should do it fast."
As he walked through the dense forest, he saw a clearing up ahead. The area seemed to be surrounded by ancient ruins, with large stone pillars and crumbling temples. Lucian's heart raced with excitement as he realised that he had stumbled upon the entrance to the Forbidden Pearl's secret hiding place.He was exactly in the centre of the Dark Lands.
He carefully approached the entrance, his eyes darting around for any traps or obstacles. As he stepped inside, the air was thick with the scent of ancient magic, and the sound of whispers filled his ears.
Lucian whispered to himself, "This place seems like it is alive with magic, and danger lurks at every turn. But I will not be deterred. I will find the Forbidden Pearl, no matter what.I don't know if it really can bring back the dead, but I will bring you back Liana. I will bring you back at all cost. "
As he made his way deeper into the ruins, he came across a large chamber with a pedestal in the center. Resting on top of the pedestal was the Forbidden Pearl, glowing with an otherworldly light.
Lucian's eyes widened in amazement as he reached out to touch the pearl. But just as his fingers brushed against it, the ground began to shake, and the chamber started to crumble around him.
Lucian yelled to himself, "I must get out of here! This place is collapsing!"
With the Forbidden Pearl in hand, Lucian made a run for it, dodging falling debris and dodging traps as he dashed through the ruins. And finally, he emerged from the crumbling entrance.
Lucian grinned to himself, "I did it! "
And he kissed the Pearl. He could feel the tremendous energy that the Pearl held , even when he was not back in his dragon form.
" The myths and tales might not be in vein. Let's get her back home brother. "
Lucian exclaimed with another devilish grin.
*******
Trying to get back to normal
Draco, entered his court with a fierce expression on his face. He was back because he needed to. His people needed him. And he needed to normalise things for his son. His ministers quickly rose from their seats, bowing in respect. But they looked unprepared. And some even looked uncomfortable. They definitely didn't seem to expect Draco to come back so soon.
The Dragon Lord acknowledged their presence with a sharp nod and took his seat on the throne with a sharp twirl of his cloak. It sent a gust of wind which made all his ministers cover their eyes . His eyes scanned the room in the meantime, taking in the familiar surroundings that he had missed during his absence.
One of the ministers, a small dragon with bright orange scales, cleared his throat. "Your Majesty, we are pleased to have you back in your rightful place."
Draco's expression did not soften. "Thank you, Minister Glimmer. Now, let's get down to business. What affairs require my attention?"
A dark green dragon stepped forward. "Your Majesty, there has been an uprising among the dragon miners. They are demanding higher wages and better working conditions."
Draco's eyes narrowed. "And what have we done to quell this uprising?"
"We have tried negotiating with them, Your Majesty," the minister replied, "but they refuse to back down. They have become emboldened and are threatening to halt production."
Draco's expression turned to one of contempt. "Those miners should count themselves lucky to be working for me. They will receive no more than what they are currently paid, and if they continue to cause trouble, they will be replaced."
Another minister, a large dragon with deep blue scales, spoke up. "Your Majesty, there is also a matter of a neighboring kingdom that is encroaching on our borders. They have been stealing our resources and harassing our patrols."
Draco's eyes frowned, " The Hounds? "
The minister shook his head and added, " The Wyverns. "
The Wyverns were driven out from the borders of the Dragon realm by Draco's father, himself. They were unheard of as a threat till that moment. They must have heard about the inconsistency in Draco's leadership and thought the moment was great to get back what they once had.
Draco's eyes blazed with fury. "How dare they disrespect our sovereignty. Send a warning to them, and if they do not heed it, we will respond with force.I will rip their serpent hides with my very hand. Master. " Draco turned with a sharp twist at him,
" Yes my Lord. " He came forward.
" I want the heads of the Hounds, arranged on a platter and sent as gift to the Wyverns. "
Master bowed with a hint of a smile on his face, " It will be done as you have instructed my Lord. "
Seeing Draco back in his essence, satisfied Master like nothing else.
The ministers nodded in agreement, and the meeting continued with various other matters being discussed, including trade negotiations with other kingdoms and the construction of a new headquater and other expansions.
As the meeting drew to a close, Draco's expression was one of satisfaction. He knew that his rule was absolute and that his kingdom was strong. He may have been ruthless, but he was also fair. Those who served him loyally were rewarded, while those who dared to cross him were swiftly dealt with.
" We will take out leave then! " Master dismissed the ministers after the court was adjourned.
Draco nodded.
As the ministers filed out of the court, Draco remained seated on his throne, lost in thought. He knew that there were always those who would challenge his authority, but he was prepared to meet them head-on. The Dragon Lord was a force to be reckoned with, and those who dared to oppose him would soon regret their actions.
However, despite of everything, he found himself so alone even with a court full of dragons. He felt hollow. He sat there with his chin, resting over his hand. His feet tapping to some silent music, the rhythm of which only he could hear.
He did feel like going back to his chamber, nor did he feel like taking a flight outside.
He sat there like a sculpture in making, lost in deep turmoil with his melancholy.