Morning came quickly for me, after speaking with Cassius I found it hard to get myself comfortable. I tossed around in my bed and shifted uneasily, after some time I just laid there.

When the sun filtered through the curtains on my windows, I got myself out of bed and looked around the room. My grey dress was still piled on the floor, besides that I only had my night gown to wear and I was sure it wasn't appropriate for breakfast.

Sighing in frustration I walked over to my door and pulled it open, I was about to walk down to the dining room but my foot caught on something laying on the floor. Glancing down I found a pair of shoes resting next to a wrapped garment, I picked them both up and retreated inside.

I set the shoes off to the side and unwrapped the little package, a beautiful dress glimmered inside the wrapping and I carefully lifted it out. The dress held a dark purple tone and the bottom of it swished freely, I trailed my fingers over the soft material and smiled.

Laying the dress on the bed I quickly stripped myself of my nightgown and pulled the dress over my head, my arms slid through the flowing sleeves while the rest of the dress flowed along my body. I weaved my fingers through my hair gently as I walked out of my room, I didn't bother putting the shoes on, I actually preferred them to be bare.

I made my way done the hall and entered the dining room, the three royals sat at their dining table with a mountain of food laid out before them. Numissa lifted her head and her eyes lit up, she clasped her hands together gently."Oh that dress looks amazing in you, I'll make sure to pick out more of those color tones." 

Lorik raised his cup in the air and smiled."Yes Emerald you look lovely, I'm overjoyed to see you with a smile on that beautiful face." He said.

Numissa's gaze slid over to Cassius and her lips turned downwards in a small frown."Have you apologized to our guest and your soon to be bride my dear son?." She questioned in an icy tone.

I picked a grape from the table and popped it into my mouth, I dusted my fingers on my dress and nodded."No need to worry, Cassius has given me a formal apology for his behavior. Everything is better now." I said with a small smile.

Lorik dabbed his mouth with a napkin and stood up from his chair."That's wonderful news! How about you come to the war hall with us and watch us spar, I think you'll enjoy it. "

I nodded my head eagerly and looked over at him."That would be amazing, I've never seen two people spar before." I said.

With out saying another word, Lorik guided me out of the room along with Cassius and we wondered through the halls. We entered a large room filled with weapons and mats, Lorik led me over to a chair and I took my seat. 

Cassius removed his shirt before grabbing a sword and Lorik grabbed his, as Cassius took his stance I noticed a mark on the back of his shoulder. For some reason it sparked my curiosity, I kept my eyes on his shoulder and slowly stood up. As Cassius began moving around his father, I slowly walked up behind him with my hand outstretched, just as the clang of metal on metal filled the air. My hand connected with his warm skin and I was throwing into a vision.

An older man stood over a younger Cassius, he sat bare chested and hunched over a chair. The older man clasped his hand onto his shoulder and let out a low grunt."You should be proud boy! Today is the day you earn the family brand and become a true member of our family!" 

I watched as the man moved away from Cassius and walked over to the blazing fire place, he retrieved a burning iron and held it carefully. He lifted the iron to the back of Cassius shoulder and pressed it into his skin. Cassius's shoulder sizzled and steam rose from his scorched skin, the sound of his agony filled scream tortured my sensitive ears.

A painful grip on my arm brought me out the vision and into the sights of an angry Cassius, his eyes blazed with such hatred and his lips curled in disgust."How dare you go into my mind witch! Don't you ever go through my memories with your dark powers or I will have you burned for your dark gifts!" He shouted.

Fear ran through my body and I quickly pulled my arm from his grasp, I ran from the room and ignored the urgent calls from Lorik. Tears stung my eyes as I ran from the castle, I ran outside and hid in the town barn. I collapsed onto the hay covered ground and took deep breaths, in hopes of calming myself down.

A low growling noise filled my ears and a scratchy voice could be heard."Little witch, why do you cry so?"

Looking up, I found myself looking into the eyes of a scaly Drecon. He blinked slowly and watched me with his dull reptile eyes. I sniffled slowly and whispered."Prince Cassius...does not like me. He threatened to burn me because I am a witch.

The Drecon rolled his eyes and let out a small hiss."Ah yes that selfish boy, you would think hiss heart is as cold as ice. All he does is chase after women and hurt people, do not listen to him. You are a very special witch and it is a gift to have you here, listen to old Rogure."

A small laugh bubbled from my lips, I pushed my hair out of my face and looked at the Drecon. He licked away one of my salty tears and nudged my shoulder."Your more powerful then all of these people little witch, do not let them control you."

A small bud of happiness bloomed in my chest as I spoke with the Drecon, I felt my fear and panic fall away as I stayed in the barn for awhile. Soon after I let my newfound friend behind and went back into the castle, I was cold and damp from hiding in the barn. Since I had been gone so long I was also hungry, I roamed through the dark halls trying to find the dining hall but instead I came across a room. As I peeked into the room, I saw a fire blazing in the fire place and I realized it was the same room I had seen from my vision.

Cassius stood in front of the fire place with his arms crossed over his chest, he must have sensed I was there because he began speaking."I...I'm very sorry for the way I treated you before hand, I had no right to speak to you that what or to hurt you. I really have no problem with you being a witch Emerald and I would never hurt you. For some reason you bother me so much, your so different from other girls." He mumbled.

I rubbed my sore arm and looked down, his words sounded sincere but I couldn't be sure if he was telling the truth. For once in my life, I was truly scared to be in Scalefire and to be married to such a man.