wanted to show that my identity was much more than being the ill

ride,” my father said witho

but after a full year without a child, he welcomed another bride; a princess from the second kingdom who was beheaded on her wedding night. The third wife remained barren for two years and the fourth went the way of th

ed his entire family for the throne and annexed eight kingdoms in

cruel, Father.

ld not. Yet, I could not agree. To become the bride of the monstrous drag

ut what of Xur

e room recoiled from the intensity of my father’s anger. When he raised his head, my feet carried me several

strode over to me and before I knew it, my back hit the door. His shadow darkened my view and I c

name in your filthy mouth.” The w

bruised cheeks and bleeding lips. My head bobbed wit

ded, swallowing the metalli

t o

breath that stuck in my chest with the urge to scream. Every breath I took suffocated me, as if even the very atmosphere was agains

all the way to the servant’s quarters

d out as soon as I entered

en they were crushed but I never thought I would be in this situation. Why me? What evil had I committed just fro

end asked, coming to put a hand

g me to the dragon

t?” He w

my palms. Choked sobs and stifled gasps soon filled the small space. The

ould –“ My choked sobs gradu

ad no princesses. Our ruler had two sons so it was my father’s duty as his second in command to produce the dragon’s next victim. Xuri was my sister, my fa

rds were shocking enough t

nd his eyes burned with an inte

ould find me. There was nowhere in t

would we go

his eyes. “I will get you out of here, Lila

esperate so it was okay to be foolish but I sho

t. George met me halfway and hand in hand, we left th

gate with my eldest brother when we got the

like clockwork. “We w

orge’s hand trembled in mine. “I have raised you for seventeen miserable years

ragon lord!” I screamed the words like a plea. “I will do better, be better – but

name like a curse. “Yo

leaded, salty tears dripping into my

did not understand why anyone would refuse being wed to

her to her room.” The words were spoken to my brother who immediately grabbed me by my biceps. “Take this one to the dungeons.” He jutted h

help. I was screaming, shouting and thrashing in my mind but in reality, my body was limp. Darkness hugge

o my father but I was speechle