The Reign of the Dragons: Chapter 5: The Capital and The Crown Prince

I could hear someone calling for me gently. When I opened my eyes, I realized that we had stopped moving.

"That's it, Jane. Wake up, dear. I know you're tired, but let's sleep inside the house, shall we?" Narda said softly.

I nodded, still groggy from sleep.

Michel picked me up again and carried me inside. I should have been embarrassed, but exhaustion made me pliant in his arms.

The mansion was breathtaking. Even in my half-conscious state, I took in its grandeur. The white marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of lanterns, and the teakwood walls had intricate yet minimal carvings that added a touch of elegance. Antique pieces stood in the corners, whispering of wealth and history. The sheer opulence outclassed anything I'd seen—even my boss's mansion back in my time paled in comparison.

"You can use your own room, dear." Michel said to Narda.

She nodded and took me from him. "She'll stay with me for a week. She still needs to adjust."

Michel gave a knowing nod.

When Narda placed me on a soft, luxurious bed, sleep pulled me under immediately.

A few hours later, I was gently woken up for dinner. The meal was simple—warm soup, a few pieces of bread, and a glass of orange juice—but comforting. After eating, I was sent back to bed, my body still craving rest.

The next morning, feeling refreshed, I was eager to explore. Michel had assigned guards to accompany Narda and me for our safety as we ventured out into the capital. The bustling market was unlike anything I had ever seen—it felt like a historical version of a shopping district, with different floors placed next to each other instead of high-rises. It was lively, full of voices calling out, the scent of baked goods, exotic spices, and fresh fabrics filling the air.

Narda took me to a tailor first, where my measurements were taken. "Mom selected a few fabrics. See if you like them." she said.

As I examined the pieces she had chosen, I was stunned. Each fabric was of the highest quality—fine silk, embroidered with intricate patterns, the kind that I imagined only royals would wear.

"I know you're surprised by my choices." Narda said, smiling at my reaction. "They're quite different from what I used to select, right?"

I nodded, still overwhelmed by the quality.

"Since I'm divorced, I've reverted to my maiden name, Allois. You disowned yourself from House Blaze, and even though you carry its blood, you now belong to House Allois. Father already got permission from the king for you to use my family name."

"But... the embroidery?" I asked, running my fingers over the royal patterns.

Narda's eyes held a glimmer of something between pride and resignation. "House Allois is the former royal family. We swore an oath to protect the kingdom, as the current monarchy knows they are not as strong or influential as us. We even had a dragon ruler from our lineage once. Our status is higher than any minister or noble house. Only the king, the Crown Prince, and the royal family outrank us."

My head spun. Former royal family? Dragon ruler lineage? Why didn't Jane know this?

Narda must have seen my confusion because she sighed. "Astral forbade me from telling you about my family."

I clenched my fists. Just another thing he had stolen from Jane.

Narda gently nudged me back to focus. "Now, pick the ones you like."

Still reeling, I pointed at the ones that stood out to me the most. "The red, black, royal blue, and purple silks. The rest are nice, but these... these feel right."

She smiled and nodded, ordering the tailor to send them to the Allois mansion before paying for them.

"Where to next?" I asked, feeling excitement bubble inside me. This was history in motion, and I wanted to see everything.

"Jewelry shop." Narda said, but as we approached, she suddenly stopped. Her whole body went rigid.

"We should come here another time." she muttered.

I followed her line of sight and immediately understood why. Standing at the entrance was Karina Blaze—the woman who had stolen her husband and her title as Matriarch of House Blaze.

"Narda, dear, it's been a long time." Karina said, her voice sickeningly sweet.

Narda didn't move. I could feel the sheer effort it took for her to stay still, to not lash out.

I stepped forward slightly. "Please address her properly, Lady Blaze. My mother has a higher standing than you."

Karina's eyes snapped to me, darkening. "You will not speak rudely to me, child."

"Miss Allois has said nothing wrong." a calm male voice interrupted from behind me.

When I turned, my breath caught in my throat. The man standing there looked familiar—uncannily so. He was younger, softer in features, but I knew that face. It was the same face as the man who had shot me in my past life.

Narda's reaction told me exactly who he was. "Greetings, Your Highness, the Crown Prince." she said, giving a respectful bow. I followed her lead, bowing as well. Karina bowed lower than both of us.

"Please rise, Lady Allois, Miss Allois, and Lady Blaze." the Crown Prince said. His voice was warm but held undeniable authority.

His gaze landed on me. "It's been a long time since I last saw you. You were very young back then. You may not remember me."

"She might not, Your Highness." Narda answered. "She was just seven years old when we last met."

Seven years. Seven whole years that Astral had kept her away from her true family. What the hell was that idiot thinking?

The Crown Prince—Daniel Breeze—turned to me directly. "I am Daniel Breeze, the seventh prince. I was recently appointed Crown Prince, as I just mentioned. I hope we can get to know each other better."

I bowed slightly again. "That would be an honor, Your Highness."

Click 'Chapter 6' to read the next chapter.