Prologue
"I'll tell you one more time, Gerald, back off," Prince Kerrson growled, his elongated fangs glinting in the dim light.
"How can I back off," King Gerald rumbled, his draconic form looming large against the dawn's first light, "when you took what was mine?"
Gerald snorted, releasing a plume of black smoke as he crept closer.
"She is not just a claim," Kerrson spat, fury sharpening his voice. "She is a mother, a wife, a beautiful person. You never deserved her."
Gerald's eyes narrowed, his voice thick with venom. "You don't get to tell me what I deserve. All you have are scraps, leftovers." His serpentine body coiled, poised to strike.
"And yet, here you are, fighting to take her back."
Gerald's pupils flared with rage as he tightened his grip, claws flexing. "You are in the Crystal Kingdom, MY territory, when you should be helping your concubine deliver a healthy pup."
"What? You want her too?" Gerald's voice dripped with scorn.
Just as he prepared to attack, Gerald's gaze darted to the side. Three handmaidens rushed the princess toward safety, but one of Gerald's men closed in on them.
"There you are," Gerald sneered, his voice cold. "I was wondering where you went. You're coming with me."
He positioned himself between Princess Darya and the dracaenas, blocking her escape.
"No, Gerald, let me go!" Princess Darya cried, struggling as his serpentine coils tightened around her.
"I heard you were pregnant again," Gerald said, a twisted grin spreading across his toothy maw. "I'll take care of that soon enough. Don't worry, I'll forgive you for being a whore."
"You abandoned me!" Darya spat, her voice fierce as she sank her fangs into his tail, tearing at his flesh.
"You insolent wretch!" Gerald seethed, loosening his grip just enough for the dracaenas to help their princess escape. As they fled, Kerrson lunged forward.
A vicious screech split the air as Gerald dodged Kerrson's attack, raking his claws across Darya's back as she ran, nearly gutting her and severely damaging her wings.
Kerrson barreled toward her. With a single tackle, he tore into Gerald, ripping a chunk from the king's leg. But before Kerrson could deliver the final blow, Gerald's archers arrived, arrows aimed at the prince.
Gerald took flight, retreating into the sky. Kerrson dropped to his knees beside Darya, his breath ragged.
"My queen, let's get you to a healer," he whispered urgently, lifting her with tenderness.
"Handmaidens, help me get her to Healer Gretchen," Kerrson instructed, his voice tight with worry.
Kerrson stood solemnly by Healer Gretchen, never taking his eyes off the princess's pale face.
"What say you, Healer?" he asked, his voice a low, gravelly whisper.
"She's losing too much blood. The baby must come out so we can stop the bleeding," Healer Gretchen replied grimly.
"Do whatever you can to save her," Kerrson pleaded, his voice strained.
"Yes, my prince," Gretchen responded, determination etched on her face. As the sounds of the birth filled the room, Kerrson whispered over the queen's limp form.
"I will never forgive him for this. I swear, I will avenge you, my queen," he promised, his voice thick with emotion, even as the cries of his newborn pup echoed in the background.
