Next to Cassandra, the Baby Dragon stood up, staring at the baby, and rubbed its head against Cassandra’s arm. Was it curious about its other half? Or maybe a bit jealous to not be in Cassandra’s arms? She couldn’t tell. The bond between those two was so unique.
“He is so tiny,” whispered Missandra next to her, staring at the baby in awe.
“He’s actually quite big for a newborn, Lady Missandra,” said Chantra with a smile. “Are you alright, Your Highness?”
Cassandra nodded, but she was absolutely mesmerized by the sight of her son. She had never thought such a precious existence could even be in her life one day. She had dreamed of having children and a loving husband one day, but nothing could compare to this feeling. It was her baby. This little, precious being she had created, with Kairen’s love and hers. She gently kissed the baby’s forehead, and he moved a bit, reacting to her touch. Cassandra smiled. She was glad he was finally born safely, the baby dragon as well. Despite the circumstances, it was all that mattered.
While the women were cleaning everything, Missandra stayed by her side, looking at her newborn nephew, amazed.
“He is really cute. Have you thought of a name already? For the baby dragon, too?”
Cassandra nodded.
“I discussed it a bit with Lady Kareen before. I wanted something that resembled his father’s name and mine, like the Dragon Empire tradition, and yet was inspired by our Rain tribe. His name is Kassian.”
“Oh... You’re writing it with their letters, then?”
“Yes. And this little one here...”
The baby dragon squealed when Cassandra caressed its head, growling softly as Krai would.
“This little dragon is Kian.”
Missandra chuckled.
“Kian? It’s rather cute. It suits him. Actually, it suits them both. Kassian and Kian.”
Cassandra chuckled, caressing the baby dragon’s head. It was so similar to Krai’s build, but a bit thinner, and a magnificent silver color. Its emerald eyes were like big jewels, too, making it cuter than the adult dragons. Cassandra was exhausted after giving birth, but she couldn’t forget about their current situation. They had been hidden in this cave for several hours.
The teenage boys had come back twice to give them information about the situation outside. As she had expected, the Second Prince was absolutely furious. His men were raiding the Diamond City, looking everywhere for her, searching every house, and threatening people. As Chantra had promised, none of the villagers would tell them a thing about the young concubine hidden behind the waterfall. However, Cassandra knew it wouldn’t be that easy.
While the three women were busy cleaning their hands nearby and chatting about how to go back without being noticed, the two sisters exchanged a look.
“How did you manage to leave?” asked Missandra. “You said you jumped from this crazy waterfall... Is Lady Kareen alright?”
“They caught me right after you left. Princess Phetra was there, too.”
“That crazy bitch! ...They didn’t hurt you, did they? How did you escape then?”
Cassandra took a deep breath.
“Missandra, I need to tell you something...”
The younger sister frowned.
“What is it?”
“When they caught me, Phetra tried to attack me. Dahlia got between us, and she... Missandra, Dahlia was killed.”
Her sister stayed speechless for a moment, completely shocked. Cassandra knew this was a huge toll for her. The two girls had bonded a lot in the last few weeks, and even Cassandra herself still couldn’t believe this had happened. Missandra’s lower lip trembled.
“W... what?”
“Missandra, I am so sorry. Phetra killed her while she tried to protect me.”
“Are you sure she’s...?”
Cassandra nodded. There was no way Dahlia had survived. Cassandra even suspected the poor girl was already dead when she had fled the scene.
