Today was a very important day for all who dwelled in the beastly highlands.
Because the kids passed the trial of hunt, Agni Igris now had full confidence in announcing them as his heirs to all the various notable figures in his kingdom.
As the children were humans, they would face discrimination and be looked down upon by all of the beasts for their inferiority.
However, having passed their trial just as any young beast would, Agni Igris could proudly show them off without giving any opposing beasts a platform to stand on.
The grand announcement of Rudra, Iris, and Thor as the princes and princess of the Beastly-Highlands Kingdom was a historic event, marking the first time in decades that new heirs were presented to the kingdom as well.
The morning of the ceremony still lingered fresh in Rudra's mind as he, Iris, and Thor were cleaning themselves and getting ready for the announcement.
The success of their hunt had been a pivotal moment, but the weight of what it truly meant was just revealed to them a few hours ago.
"Do you know why this hunting test was so important?" Agni Igris asked them, his gaze piercing and unyielding. He leaned towards them as they ate breakfast, his golden eyes glinting in the light of the kitchen.
"To prove we're strong," Rudra had said immediately, his arms crossed. His voice was certain like there could be no other possibility.
Agni Igris snorted, a plume of smoke curling from his nostrils. "Strength, yes, but not just the kind that wins battles"
He then told them about the announcement and the reason that they had to successfully complete their hunt before he could do this.
He explained, "The beasts out there are no mere prey—they are symbols of the kingdom's trials. Fail to understand them, and you fail to understand the land you live in and will one day rule."
Iris, always the composed one, had spoken next. "And if we don't?" Her voice was calm, but there was a flicker of tension behind her words. "What happens then?"
"Then you won't be worthy," Agni Igris had said bluntly, his tone heavy with finality. "You'll remain children of this kingdom, not its heirs."
Thor, seated quietly with his blindfold secured over his eyes, had tilted his head toward their father. "And if we succeed, do you think the beasts will see us as worthy? Even as humans?"
Agni's silence was answer enough.
To be honest, Agni Igris couldn't fully predict how this announcement would go. However, he had faith that these children were worthy!
Standing now in the midst of the gathered beasts, Rudra's thoughts churned.
'We already proved ourselves during the hunt' He thought with a solemn expression as he gazed at the crowd.
But here, with hundreds of eyes staring at him, he could tell that the battle was far from over.
Rudra clenched his fists, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd. He could hear the whispers, the muttered doubts, and even some outright disdain.
"They look so fragile," one beast sneered, a wolf-like creature with fur as dark as the void. "They're nothing compared to the dragons of old."
"They'll crumble at the first sign of war," another said, a bird of prey perched high on a tree branch.
Rudra's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to remain calm, 'Let them talk. I'll show them'.
Beside him, Iris kept her face serene, though he could see the tension in her shoulders. She was always the one to keep them grounded, but Rudra knew the weight of their situation was bearing down on her just as much.
Thor, for his part, remained silent. Rudra knew his younger brother was listening intently, though his expression was unreadable behind the blindfold.
At this time, notable figures, beast kings and queens, and some of their subjects had gathered in front of the waterfall that housed Agni Igris' castle.
All of the beast kings were in attendance and at the forefront was Byaku the Fang, the leader of the Sabertooth Clan, whose silver fur glistened like moonlight.
His saber teeth, long and curved like scythes, caught the light as he prowled with an air of silent authority.
Beside him was Soliel the Soaring Flame, a phoenix whose wings seemed to shimmer with the colors of dawn. Each movement sent tiny sparks cascading to the ground, where they fizzled harmlessly.
To their left stood Malkor the Horned, a massive minotaur beast whose horns were etched with glowing runes that pulsed faintly in rhythm with his deep breaths. Known for his unmatched strength, Malkor radiated an aura of stability and power.
Kitsune the shapeshifter, a nine-tailed fox with fur that glowed faintly in the dim light, and Areo of the Winds, a sleek griffin known for her speed and agility.
There was Astra, the pegasus.
Jormungander, the Basilisk Serpent.
Damascus, the Lynx.
Aslan, the noble stag.
And, Kong, the giant gorilla.
Each figure bore marks of respect for Agni Igris, though some carried curiosity or skepticism regarding the young heirs who would be introduced.
The Beastly-Highlands was a kingdom where respect was earned through trials and strength, and the siblings' hunt had only been the first step in proving their worth.
The crowd erupted into a mixture of cheers and roars of approval. Some beasts bowed their heads in respect, while others eyed the siblings with measured scrutiny.
The ceremony was both a celebration and a test; acceptance was not guaranteed but had to be earned through continued strength and leadership.
From the crowd, low murmurs began to rise, growing louder as some of the more outspoken beasts voiced their displeasure.
"A human prince? A human princess?" growled Malkor the Horned, the massive bull-like beast whose glowing runes seemed to flare with his anger.
"The blood of dragons has always ruled this land. Why should we bow to them?"
Soliel the Soaring Flame, the phoenix, ruffled her fiery feathers and spoke with a hint of sarcasm. "Perhaps they'll bring us the secrets of human kingdoms, Malkor. If they survive, that is."
Others muttered their agreement, while some, like Byaku the Fang, remained silent but watchful. Byaku's piercing yellow eyes studied the siblings with a calculating gaze.
Agni Igris silenced the dissent with a deep, resonant roar that shook the ground. The air grew still as all eyes turned to him.
"Enough!" he bellowed, his voice a commanding force. "You question my decision as if I have not ruled this land for centuries, as if I do not know strength when I see it. These three—Rudra, Iris, and Thor—have passed the traditional hunt. They have faced their right of passage and proven themselves worthy of standing here. Any who challenge their place challenges me."
The weight of his words hung heavy, and the crowd quieted, though not all looked convinced.
Agni Igris continued, his tone shifting to one of calculated persuasion. "Our kingdom does not stand isolated from the world. Human or not, I have chosen these children and claimed them as my own. They have made me proud. And their strength qualifies them as according to the laws and traditions of my father and his forefathers before him"
Soliel tilted her head thoughtfully. "You make a fair point, my king. But what of their loyalty? Humans have a tendency to think only of themselves."
Tired of being looked down upon, Rudra stepped forward, his piercing gaze meeting hers. "We may be human, but our loyalty lies with our family. We're loyal to the dragon emperor and have risked our lives to prove it, and we'll do so again if needed."
Malkor snorted but said nothing more, and the murmurs of discontent began to fade. Agni's fiery resolve and strategic reasoning had tempered the crowd, at least for now.
As the tension eased, a sudden gust of wind swept across the field, carrying with it a sense of immense power.
All heads turned skyward as a majestic dragon descended from the heavens. Her scales shimmered in hues of black and white, like moonlight dancing on dark waters, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of warmth and danger.
It was Aura, the Dragon Empress, and Agni Igris' mate. She landed with a thunderous impact, her wings folding gracefully as she approached the dais. Despite her fearsome presence, there was a playful spark in her movements.
"Well, well," Aura said, her voice bright and teasing, though it carried an undercurrent of steel. "I see my mate has been busy riling up the kingdom. And these must be the famous heirs I've heard so much about."
The children looked at the new dragon in amazement as she transformed into a form similar to Agni Igris'! They had never seen another dragon besides Agni Igris before after all.
The Dragon Empress stood with an air of regal grace.
Her scales were a shimmering blend of iridescent white and shining black, and her eyes held a depth of wisdom that spoke of centuries of experience.
*****
Mass Release Goal:
Join the Patreon to get exclusive content, fan art, character ideas, and bonus chapters!
5 new members- 2 extra chapters!
10 new members- 5 extra chapters!
25 new members- 10 extra chapters!
You can join as a free or paid member, either will count!