Chapter 74: Bittersweet reunion

In a narrow desolate alley within the capital city a large column of dark flames suddenly erupted from the ground. It vanished soon after, making one wonder if it was but a figment of their imagination, and in its wake stood the figure of a man with long dark hair. It was Admetus, who after several fire jumps across the kingdom was finally able to make it to where he felt the strongest resonance with the crystal whistle. He hasn’t been part of human society for quite some time but he’s wise enough to know the importance of discretion. He could have appeared within the exact proximity of the whistle, but he chose this dark alleyway instead to keep a low profile.

Venturing out, he did his best to blend in with the bustling crowd. As expected, people often gave his choice of garb a second glance, but as a proud dragon Admetus isn’t one to shy away from public scrutiny. Humans are such a judgmental bunch, quick to label things based solely on sight, they look down on him now because they deem him to be poor. Let’s not mention the mountains of treasures in his cave in kyalien valley, or the heaps of rare gems in his storage ring that easily make him richer than any king alive.

Of all the races to exist, they are his least favorite, but for her he would try to focus on their redeeming qualities of ingenuity and growth. It is with this mindset that he passes through the packed streets with relative ease, like a seasoned swimmer cutting through the tides, he follows the call of magic. Yet he finds himself frowning with each step, noticing the closer he gets to the source the closer that gaudy castle looms over his head.

‘It can’t be?’

He is dismayed at the thought that his beloved might be trapped in that opulent cage. His worries are confirmed when he stands before the guarded gates to the palace, unable to move forward, yet unable to leave because of the strong pull in his gut. He stands there in confusion for several minutes, thinking of all the reasons why Meti would be here of all places. He can clearly recall their first meeting in the forest, the clothes she wore were that of a commoner, not nobility. She shouldn’t have the status or wealth to be there. Could she have found a job as a maid? But that would be a waste, he remembers how determined she was to be a good healer like her father. Did the harsh realities of life strip away her dream?

He finds himself trapped in a cycle of troubling thoughts, unable to move. The guards didn’t pay him any mind at first but after standing there for such a long time without stating his purpose, they began to eye him with suspicion.

“Who are you?”

“This is the Royal palace, tis not the place for the likes of a country bumpkin like you!”  They summarily decide he is a poor man from the countryside trying to loiter around to catch the eye of a noble entering or exiting the palace with his handsome face. They have seen such tactics played out countless times before. So, the four guards step forward with their spears, threatening him to leave the vicinity or face incarceration. Their threats go in one ear and out the other, what could a flimsy human do in comparison to his great might, it’s truly laughable. Admetus barely pays them much thought, his mind still running through countless scenarios of what could have happened to Meti while they were apart.

“Make way for the Crown Prince and Princess!” 

While the four armed guards were struggling to move Admetus from his spot, they heard the loud announcement from behind. They all turned around to see a gold carriage bearing the royal seal stuck at the closed gates. Their faces were as pale as sheets, belatedly realizing that they had abandoned their post to deal with this strange riff-rat. Fearing for their lives, they rushed back to open the gates, bowing their heads as low as they could to the floor in hopes that their behavior might be overlooked.

“It seems the discipline of the royal guard has become too lax, even neglecting their post to gossip with peasants is now allowed.” A cold sweat runs down the spines of the guards at the tone of obvious displeasure in the deep voice from within the carriage.   

“Don’t let this ruin your mood your highness, we are almost home now.” A softer voice can be heard trying to appease the man from within as well. Time may have passed but it’s a voice Admetus would never forget or mistake. His head snaps towards the large extravagant carriage, his red eyes narrowed in thought.

‘There’s no mistake, that is Meti’s voice. I can feel her mana from here.’ His troubled heart can’t begin to understand the strange circumstance of their current reunion.

“Clear the way peasant! I said make way for the Crown Prince and Princess!” This time the old coachman’s ire was on him, daring to raise his whip, threatening to strike if Admetus doesn’t move.

Again, he is not afraid of what the decrepit old coachman could do with the toy in his hand but rather he’s too stunned to react. He allows himself to be pulled away by the troubled guards because his mind is too busy trying to process what had been said.

‘Crown Prince and Princess?...then does this mean that she is to marry the prince? Am I too late!’

The black dragon’s mind churns like the waves on a stormy night. He watches the gold carriage finally pass in slow motion, catching a glimpse of her beautiful face behind fluttering curtains. She had not changed, still as lovely as ever with longer lush brown hair pinned up with expensive jewels and expressive green eyes…yet now a gloomy shadow lurks at her side. An unknown man with blonde hair and dull hazel eyes. Attracted by his growing malice, the two men make eye contact.

‘Why is it him!’ Admetus is shocked to see the young dragon slayer that had managed to wound him back in the mines ten years ago. The other did not recognize him in this form but the look of displeasure on his face is mutual.

“Hahaha even peasants now have the audacity to stare at this royal prince, how distasteful. He is to be hanged by morning for this slight, if not him then your necks will replace his.” After such chilling words, the grand procession continued into the palace like nothing had happened. Admetus could only stare as the large iron gates closed once again before his eyes.

‘Why is she there!’

 Rei can’t help but feel pity for his grandfather whose dreams of romance were thoroughly crushed by this devastating news.