In which Naji returns

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It was raining. Not an abundance of rain, but a light drizzle.

Outside the window of the castle, I watched Daniel leave. Rain pattered down on him and the two guards escorting him.

Earlier today, the requests were taken. Luria's request was shelter, so  she'd be staying in the castle as the baker's apprentice. But at least she'd be staying. Ingram had already left hours ago. I missed him and didn’t even get to hear. He filled in that fatherly hole in me.

And now Daniel was leaving. Luria was off in the kitchen, learning the basics of cooking. Calysta was out of the castle, dealing with a few problems. And I was left alone as I watched Daniel leave.

I wore a silky dress. It was a soft blue with gold lacing and fluffy sleeves. I think the dress was blue to match my very blue mood.

Calysta told me that as a princess, people would come and go. It was best not to make friendships that were formed out desperation.

How terribly sorry I was that I had not known that before.

So I watched Daniel vanish into the forest, never to be seen by my tired eyes again. I had lost so many friends…

My coordination as princess would be coming soon. Three weeks, to be exact. Calysta said it would be better not to invite Ingram and Daniel, as that would only sharpen the pain of losing them.

I sighed, realizing staring at the window was hopeless. He was never coming back.

I guess I should make new friends… I thought to myself. Perhaps a trip to the town would work. Maybe I’d find another friend like Daniel.

But as I went to stand, I realized I couldn’t. I just couldn’t forget them. I had lost Anselm, Maegrythe, Eri, Ingram, and now Daniel…

I let out a long sigh, then forced myself up. When I turned around, I nearly fell backwards. An elf stared at me with awkward blue eyes.

“Fenna…” I said, forcing down a shriek of angry fear. “I… didn’t see you there.”

Fenna let out a nervous laugh. “I’m sorry, Princess.” She said, bowing, “Your coordination has been pushed forward to tomorrow.”

I nearly choked. “T-tomorrow?” I gasped. “B-but why?” I wasn’t ready!

“The Queen is leaving the day after your coordination. She’ll be gone for a month. She said she wants you to come with her officially as a Princess.”

I smiled at Fenna a bit annoyed. I’m thrilled. “Thank you.” I told her, although I was anything but thrilled.

“I, as well as two maids, will be accompanying you in chosing your dress.” Fenna said, her bright blue eyes sparkling with excitement.

Now, Fenna wore a light green dress with white and beige lining. It was simple, but beautiful, nonetheless. I looked down at my own dress, which was elaborate and well detailed. Suddenly, I grew a bit envious. I didn’t want to stand out.

“Alright.” I said, “When do we go?”

“Now would be ideal, Princess.” Fenna said, her posture perfect and tense.

“You know, you can relax.” I told her. “And you can just call me Ayla. I don’t think princess is really my style.”

Fenna smiled a bit. “Oh.” She said, “thank you, Ayla.”

Two maids showed up, then I was escorted outside and taken to the greatest seamstress.

It was apparently a formal event, so a dress was picked for me. It was emerald green with gold and silver patterns. The bottom was ruffly and soft, with many gems to cat-ch the light at an angle that made the dress glow. It was beautiful… but it just wasn’t my style. I wasn’t a big fan of dresses. Having grown up with unappealing, stained clothes, I wasn’t used to this. And the dress fit rather tight on me. If it were any tighter, I would probably pass out.

“The joys of being a woman.” Fenna had joked, and I was beginning to like her more and more now that she wasn’t being extremely formal with me.

Finally, we returned to the castle. Night was nearing. My coordination was coming soon.

I walked into the castle, then remembered something… Naji.

“Where is my dragon?” I said, breaking the silence.

Fenna smiled. “Don’t worry.” She said, “we’ve been taking good care of him.”

I felt my heartbeat quicken. How had I forgotten about him?

“Can I see him?” I asked her.

“Oh, of course.” Fenna said, and suddenly, she was my favorite person.

I smiled widely, then followed Fenna as she led me to the stables. And there he was, lying down in a plush heap of hay. All of his wounds were dressed and his scales sparkled. It looked like he finally got a bath.

“Naji!” I yelped. The dragon lifted his head, then jumped up when he saw me.

Naji bounded over to me, then leaped on me, knocking me down to the ground. I laughed as he drenched my face in saliva from countless licks.

“I'm happy to see you, too.” I bubbled through my smile.

I looked up and saw Fenna, who was tense and slowly backing away. Dragons were usually a rare sighting, so I wasn't surprised she was scared. It was actually kind of funny how someone could be scared of Naji. He was a young dragon who wouldn't do anything to hurt anyone.

I sent her a light smile, and she smiled back, although it was tense and forced, just like all the other gestures of kindness I've been shown here.

I blinked in surprise. Why did that even come to my mind?

Before I could finish my thought, Naji covered my face in another layer of saliva. I would need to bathe after this…

And then Naji looked around as if he were expecting someone.

“They're gone.” I muttered. “And they're not coming back.”

Naji looked up at me, giving me enough time ti stand up and wipe off my face.

“Yeah…” I said a bit bitterly. “they both left. Apparently Eri was planning on killing me, or something.”

But if that was true, why would she wait so long? I thought.  

Naji snorted, disgusted by Eri's betrayal.

“I know.” I said, “I want to backhand her, too.”

“Umm, it's getting late.” Fenna said, her eyes flicking between Naji and I. “Your coordination is early in the morning. I suggest you rest now.”

“Oh.” I said. “Yeah… ok. Can I bring Naji with me during my coordination?”

Fenna seemed hesitant, but she nodded. “Ok.” She said. “I… guess.”

“Thank you!” I said, then looked at Naji, who was utterly confused. “You have a lot of catching up to do, little guy.” I smiled, poking his snout.

And then after that, smiles became a luxury.