The Dragon King’s Baby

“Addie, Poppy and I get to go with you to Wyvern, so you won’t be totally alone,” Jeanne told her as her hand ran down her sobbing friend’s arm.

Addie frowned as she looked at her friend. “That’s not fair! You two have to give up your lives here to go with me?”

“We don’t see it that way,” Poppy explained. “We’re excited to see new places and new things. We volunteered to go with you to help you.”

Addie stared at her fairy friend, absorbing the comfort she always exuded. Her little body, only a couple of feet high, flitted about, her fairy wings moving so quickly they looked like a blur of pink. Her skin was flawless and stained a sweet pink, and her dress was also pink. Addie’s father had rescued her from a were who planned to force her into slavery, and her loyalty to him, and to Addie, was absolute.

“Do you feel the same way, Jeanne?” Addie asked her handmaid, who held out a tissue as she sat on the couch next to her.

“All I’ve ever seen in my whole life is the human kingdom. I’ve only met a handful of other species during my very sheltered life. Going to the dragon kingdom, meeting new types of people, is incredibly exciting for me,” Jeanne finished with a squeal of excitement. “And besides, I get to be with you, my closest friend in the world. I would never want you to be alone.”

Addie smiled. At least her friends were going and she wouldn’t be completely alone. But that didn’t make the fact that she had to marry a stranger any better. “I’m so glad you two are going with me. Maybe it will help make it all better.”

“That’s my girl! Stay positive in a bad situation,” Claire smiled, squeezing Addie’s shoulders. “Now, I called the dress shop and they’re sending a few dresses over in your size. In fact,” she glanced at her watch, “they should be here in the next fifteen minutes.”

Addie’s eyes narrowed at her mother. “How long have you known about this little arrangement?”

Claire had the courtesy to look a little ashamed. “Okay, your father told me two days ago. I have no idea how long he’s known.”

Addie rolled her eyes. “I hope he at least put some thought into the plans he’s made for my life. Without consulting me.”

Claire sighed loudly and looked at the other two women in the room. “I know this is terrible right now, but lots of people have arranged marriages and have found their happiness.”

“Was yours an arranged marriage?” Addie asked pointedly. She knew the answer.

“No. Your father and I chose each other.”

“Exactly.”

“I don’t understand what you’re going through, and I won’t pretend to. Honestly, if I could stop this, I would.”

Addie sighed in resignation. “I know, Mom. But just so you know, I don’t care how this turns out. I will never forgive Father for this.” She didn’t share her threat to never return to Lomena, nor the threat that her child would never visit here.

Claire nodded but didn’t reply. Her daughter’s anger would burn hot for some time, she knew that. Her independence, her freedom had been compromised when her father had taken her choice away. Eventually, though, the anger’s fire would begin to die down and turn to ash. Claire just hoped it wouldn’t take a lifetime, though, like her father, Addie could be incredibly stubborn when she didn’t get her way. The ding of the elevator announcing guests interrupted her thoughts.

“The dresses are here!” she exclaimed. Independent and fiery were perfect adjectives for her daughter, but a third was girly. Nothing pleased her daughter more than to try on clothes, dress up, fix her hair, and do her make up.

“How exciting!” Jeanne exclaimed as she jumped up to help the clerks who carried what looked like heavy bundles of lace, tulle, and fabric, all in white. They laid the bundles on every surface in the room.

A man, the owner of the store, sashayed in, ordering his lovely minions about. When the bundles were strewn about to his satisfaction, he turned to the four women. “Hello, hello, Queen Claire and Princess Adelaide.” He took each of their hands in one of his and kissed the knuckles, bowing deeply. “I have brought the finest dresses in my shop for you to appraise.”

“It looks as if you brought the entire store,” Addie mumbled. Poppy poked her side and gave her a look. Addie nodded and changed her tone. “I have a specific style in mind, if you have it.”

“Ah, I like a girl who knows what she wants!” Pierre exclaimed with a clap of his hands. “Let’s get started!”

“While you are trying on dresses, I’ve got some details to attend to,” Claire claimed.

Addie looked at her. “Like what?”

“Oh you know, the dinner, the guests, the reception, the ceremony, the list goes on and on when you’re planning a wedding,” Claire answered with a wave of her hand and a small laugh. “Would you like me to wait so you can help me? I don’t want to make any decisions without you.”

“The only decision I cared about has been made for me, thank you,” Addie replied bitterly. “But I would like my opinion taken into account, so please stay here and work.”

Claire nodded. “Of course, sweetheart. I’ll have my assistant bring my laptop up here and make the calls and reservations with your help.”

“Thank you,” Addie said. She returned her attention to Pierre. “Ok, Pierre, let’s see what you have to offer.”