King Arlen

  I stand tall on the castle balcony, my royal regalia carefully arranged to project strength and authority despite the tremor in my hands that I've been struggling to hide all morning. The massive courtyard below has been cleared of all unnecessary personnel, the usual bustle of castle life suspended in preparation for our unusual visitors.

  "They're coming, Your Majesty," Captain Lorent reports, spyglass raised to the eastern sky. "Flying directly toward the palace."

  "How many?" I ask, my mouth suddenly dry.

  "The crystal drake as reported, a dozen smaller flying creatures behind it. I can see riders on their backs."

  I nod, feeling Amelia's presence at my side, her usual composure somewhat strained. She returned from the Monster Lord's territory with wild tales that I initially dismissed as exaggeration. Now, I'm not so certain.

  "He's younger than you might expect," she murmurs, for my ears alone. "And surprisingly... normal in appearance. But don't let that deceive you. The creatures that follow him are unlike anything in our bestiary records. They've evolved far beyond their natural forms."

  "And the drake?" I ask quietly. "Is it truly as formidable as reported?"

  "More so," she replies, her voice tight. "And she's bonded to him completely. Captain Voss saw her in battle at the mines. She obliterated an entire squad of Enclave soldiers with a single breath."

  I swallow hard, fighting to maintain my royal composure. What am I doing, inviting such power into the heart of my troubled kingdom? Yet what choice do I have, with rebellion simmering in three provinces and my treasury nearly empty?

  "Look!" someone gasps, and all eyes turn skyward.

  The sun catches on crystalline wings as a massive shape appears above the city. At first, it seems impossible, too large to be a living creature. Yet there she is, a crystal drake of such size that she darkens the courtyard like a passing cloud. Behind her, smaller winged creatures follow in formation, their crystalline features marking them as related somehow to the massive drake.

  "Remarkable," I whisper, awe momentarily overwhelming caution.

  The crystal drake circles once, as if surveying the reception below. I've arranged honor guards along the perimeter, the finest soldiers in royal livery standing at attention. Servants wait nearby with refreshments prepared according to tradition. Court officials in their finest attire stand in carefully arranged formation, a display of welcome and respect.

  Yet as the massive creature begins her descent, I realize our preparations may have been insufficient. The drake is enormous, her wingspan nearly covering the entire courtyard as she carefully maneuvers between the castle towers. The downdraft from her wings sends decorative banners fluttering wildly and forces several courtiers to steady themselves.

  "She's magnificent," Amelia breathes beside me, her awe overcoming her usual reserve.

  The drake lands with surprising delicacy for something of her size, powerful legs absorbing the impact as her crystalline body settles in the center of the courtyard. Her scales catch the afternoon sun, sending prismatic reflections dancing across the stone walls. The smaller flying creatures, which I can now identify as wyverns with crystalline growths on their bodies, land in a circle around her, their riders dismounting with practiced precision.

  For a moment, I allow myself a fantasy of commanding such a creature. What king would dare challenge Dawnhaven with a crystal drake fighting for the crown? What rebellious noble would maintain their defiance when faced with such power? The military applications alone are staggering.

  My attention shifts to the figure seated on the drake's back, a man in formal attire of burgundy and gold. The Monster Lord appears surprisingly ordinary at first glance, lacking the monstrous features of his lieutenants. Yet even from this distance, I can see strange glowing patterns on his exposed skin, and a crystal pendant at his chest pulses with inner light.

  There's a momentary pause as the Monster Lord remains seated. Then, to my surprise, he shifts slightly and kicks the drake's side with his foot. The massive creature turns her head, those crystalline eyes somehow conveying something I cannot understand, maybe her draconic spirit is still bucking against the monster lord’s control? But the monster lord’s stare appears to cow her, and she extends her foreleg upward, positioning her paw directly beside her rider.

  The Monster Lord steps onto the offered paw with practiced ease, and the drake gently lowers him to the ground with a delicacy that defies her enormous size. The gesture seems casual between them, an intimate communication requiring no words.

  "By the Eternal Dawn," I murmur, using the kingdom's sacred oath. "He commands her as if she were an extension of his will."

  I compose myself as the Monster Lord's lieutenants take position behind him. The evolved hagraven stands to his right, her transformed form somehow both monstrous and elegant. To his left, the goblin king's tactical eyes scan the courtyard with unsettling precision. Behind them looms the massive orc with metallic skin, his presence alone causing several of my guards to shift nervously.

  It's time. I can no longer delay on this balcony like a nervous court page. I am King Arlen of Dawnhaven, and I must greet this Monster Lord as an equal, regardless of the trepidation coursing through me.

  "Come," I tell Amelia. "Let us welcome our guest properly."

  We descend the grand staircase that leads directly to the courtyard, royal guards preceding us in strict formation. Court protocol dictates that visiting dignitaries approach the throne, not the other way around, but these are extraordinary circumstances. Meeting the Monster Lord in the courtyard rather than making him come to me is a calculated concession, demonstrating both respect and a willingness to adapt to unusual diplomatic situations.

  As we approach, I get my first clear view of the Monster Lord up close. He appears to be in his early thirties, with unremarkable features that wouldn't draw a second glance in a crowded marketplace. Yet there's something in his bearing, a confidence that comes not from royal training but from genuine capability. His glowing skin markings pulse slightly as we draw near, and I notice his eyes assessing me with equal curiosity.

  "Monster Lord," I greet him formally. "I welcome you to Dawnhaven Palace. I am King Arlen, and it is my pleasure to host you and your distinguished lieutenants."

  "Thanks for having us," he replies with surprising informality. "Nice place you've got here."

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  I blink, momentarily thrown by his casual response to formal court greeting. Beside me, Amelia suppresses what might be a smile.

  "You are most welcome," I recover quickly. "I trust your journey was comfortable?"

  "Flying beats walking any day," he says with a genuine smile. "Though I think Crystallis nearly gave some of your farmers heart attacks."

  "Crystallis?" I repeat, then realize he means the massive drake watching our exchange with intelligent eyes.

  "My fifth lieutenant," he explains, gesturing toward the crystal drake. "She prefers flying to diplomatic talks, so she'll probably hang out here if that's okay."

  The massive drake is a lieutenant? Not merely a mount or a controlled beast, but a recognized commander in his forces? The implications are staggering.

  "Of course," I agree immediately. "We have prepared areas for your companions' comfort. My staff will ensure Crystallis has everything she requires."

  I glance at several servants who stand frozen in terror at the thought of attending to the enormous crystal drake. They'll need to overcome their fear quickly; I can't afford to offend our guests.

  "She mainly eats meat," the Monster Lord adds helpfully. "Lots of it. But she can hunt for herself if that's easier."

  The thought of a crystal drake hunting in the royal forests sends a momentary chill through me, but I maintain my diplomatic smile. "We are well provisioned. It would be our honor to host all your lieutenants appropriately."

  I take a moment to formally acknowledge each of his companions, using the titles provided by our envoys.

  "Nerk, King of Goblins, you are welcome in Dawnhaven."

  The evolved hobgoblin inclines his head precisely, his tactical eyes never ceasing their assessment of our surroundings.

  "Lady Morrigan, First of the Evolved Hagravens, we are honored by your presence."

  The transformed hagraven acknowledges the greeting with surprising grace, her otherworldly features composed into a diplomatic mask that would impress my court chamberlain.

  "Gorthal, the Blood Sage, Dawnhaven extends its hospitality to you."

  The metallic orc's skin patterns pulse slightly faster as he nods, those vertical-slit pupils briefly meeting mine before returning to their vigilant watch.

  With the formal greetings complete, I gesture toward the palace entrance. "The banquet preparations continue, but we have prepared rooms for you to rest and refresh yourselves after your journey. Would you care to follow me?"

  "Lead the way," the Monster Lord replies easily.

  As we walk toward the palace, I’m relieved to note my guards maintain their professional composure despite their obvious unease. The Monster Lord walks with unexpected casualness, glancing around at the palace architecture with genuine curiosity. His lieutenants, however, miss nothing, their vigilance evident in every movement.

  "I hope the accommodations will be suitable," I say as we enter the grand hallway. "We followed the specifications provided by your envoys, though I must admit some of the requirements were... unprecedented."

  "Morrigan handled all that," the Monster Lord says, nodding toward the hagraven. "She's better with the diplomatic details than I am."

  "The accommodations will be assessed upon inspection," Morrigan states, her voice carrying those unsettling harmonics that Amelia had warned me about. "We appreciate the effort to accommodate our unique needs."

  We continue through the palace, court officials and nobles lining the halls to catch a glimpse of our unusual visitors. I've deliberately invited key supporters to witness this procession, to see firsthand that the Monster Lord has answered my invitation. Already I can feel a shift in the court's energy, uncertainty and fear mingling with fascination and calculation.

  "The guest wing has been prepared exclusively for your party," I explain as we approach the eastern section of the palace. "My chamberlain will show each of you to your rooms. The formal banquet begins at sundown, which gives you several hours to rest."

  "Perfect," the Monster Lord replies. "Gives me time to figure out which fork is for what."

  I'm not entirely sure if he's joking, but I smile regardless. "My chamberlain can provide guidance on court protocols if you wish."

  "That might be helpful," he admits with disarming honesty.

  As the chamberlain leads our guests toward their quarters, I touch Amelia's arm to hold her back.

  "Your assessment?" I ask quietly once they're out of earshot.

  "Exactly as I reported," she replies. "He's unexpectedly informal for someone commanding such power, but don't mistake that for weakness or simplicity. The bond between him and that crystal drake is unlike anything in our records. And his lieutenants are even more formidable up close than they look."

  I nod, processing this. "And our plan? Do you think he might be receptive?"

  Amelia hesitates. "He didn't seem particularly interested in marriage alliances when the Confederation merchants attempted similar arrangements. But perhaps a royal connection would be viewed differently."

  "It must work," I say, more sharply than intended. "We lack the gold to purchase his military assistance outright. A marriage alliance is our only viable option."

  "Eliana understands her duty," Amelia assures me. "She's been preparing since we confirmed their arrival."

  My daughter, Crown Princess Eliana, has always understood the political reality of her position. At twenty, she is already accomplished in court matters, educated in the finest academies, and possesses a natural grace that even our harshest critics acknowledge. In normal times, I would seek an alliance with one of the established kingdoms, but these are not normal times.

  "Make sure her dress is perfect," I instruct. "And remind her to focus on his interests. The envoy mentioned something about finance and resource management. She should emphasize her education in royal treasury matters."

  "I'll speak with her immediately," Amelia promises, though I detect a slight reservation in her tone.

  "What is it?" I ask.

  "Just... be prepared for him to refuse," she says carefully. "He doesn't seem to follow conventional political patterns. The Monster Lord built his territory in months, defeated Death Knights and routed Keenan's army. He may not see a marriage alliance as necessary or beneficial."

  "Everyone wants something," I reply firmly. "If not gold or land, then legitimacy. Recognition. A place among established powers. We can offer that through royal connection."

  Amelia nods, though her expression suggests she's not entirely convinced. "I should help Eliana prepare. The first impression will be crucial."

  As she departs, I find myself alone in the corridor, the weight of the kingdom's future heavy on my shoulders. The throne of Dawnhaven has stood for five centuries, weathering invasions, plagues, and internal strife. Now its continued survival may depend on this unprecedented alliance.

  I walk slowly toward my private chambers, needing time to prepare myself for tonight's banquet. The crystal drake's image remains vivid in my mind, her massive form dominating our courtyard, her intelligent eyes assessing everything around her. And the casual way the Monster Lord commanded her, not through force or fear, but through some deeper connection I can barely comprehend.

  Such power could restore Dawnhaven's stability. With monster forces supporting the crown, rebellious nobles would quickly reconsider their positions. Trade routes currently threatened by bandits and rogue mercenaries could be secured. The kingdom could begin its recovery.

  All I need to do is convince this Monster Lord that a royal marriage serves his interests as well as mine. Surely he must see the advantage in legitimizing his unusual domain through connection to an established kingdom? What man wouldn't want a princess and the eventual possibility of becoming king?

  Yet Amelia's warning echoes in my thoughts. The Monster Lord doesn't follow expected patterns. His casual manner, his partnership with the crystal drake rather than dominance over it, his evolved lieutenants who seem more like trusted advisors than subordinates... all suggest someone who might not value traditional royal alliances.

  No matter. The banquet will proceed as planned. Princess Eliana will be at her most charming. The full pageantry of the royal court will demonstrate exactly what Dawnhaven can offer.

  One way or another, I must secure this alliance. The future of my kingdom depends on it.