In the dawn of the realms, at the beginning of time, there was harmony between the beasts and the humans. The mortals were unawares of the existence of these beasts, until a harsh winter plagued the northern border of Anatia and forced the beasts out of their homes. Fear spread like a wildfire through the villages of men, the stories of huge beasts with scales and fangs rang horror throughout the people. War wages between the invading creatures and the meek humans, who dared to face the wrath of the dragons.
In an attempt to save their kind, the humans began to practice the art of will. They believed that if they thought strong enough, willed long enough, and spoke truthfully, their wishes would come to fruition. Magic was born, and the humans had an advantage over the mighty beasts with fire proof flesh.
War waged on, and the numbers of both sides dwindled close to nothing. Only a handful of humans survived, and it was believed only one last dragon lived. A user of magic, Althea, attempted to escape her people and find this beast once and for all, believing that one could harness the powers of the beast and become a new version of a mortal.
She trapped the beast in a stone, willing the creature to lay dormant and offer its powers to her through her magic. She returned home with fairytales and fables, which many did not believe. Yet when she breathed fire and disintegrated a house with one breath, the people fell to their knees to worship her everlasting glory.
Many years later.
Today, I am to be married. I have never seen my betrothed before, and he has never seen me. Perhaps in portraits my future husband has been able to paint a picture of me in his mind, but a lowly soldier with the title of war hero would not be as lucky to have portraits painted of him. My father, the duke, had agreed to a marriage between the soldier and I, in hopes that he would rid himself of my presence. I mustn’t allow my fears to take hold of me, I am to be married and I am to be a good wife. We are to move to my father’s earlier estate and enjoy the fruits of my husband’s labor. But I cannot help but wonder, is he as ruthless and cold as the tales speak? Will I be enough to fulfill the dragon slayer’s needs? Or will I always just be…
the duke’s disappointment.
