The convoy had traveled hard all day, winding down the narrow mountain passes that led away from the Draconic Palace. By the time the sun dipped low and painted the cliffs in deep oranges and purples, everyone was weary. The human guards and dragon escorts agreed it was time to stop for the night.
They chose a sheltered meadow beside a clear mountain stream, protected on three sides by towering rock walls and ancient pines. The air smelled of pine resin, cold water, and distant woodsmoke. Tents were pitched quickly—sturdy canvas structures for the delegation, a larger, more luxurious one for Seraphina, and a smaller one beside it for Ash.
Seraphina stretched her arms overhead with a happy sigh as she stepped out of the carriage. Her flame-red hair was slightly windswept, and her golden eyes sparkled with excitement despite the long journey.
"This is perfect! Much better than staying cooped up in the carriage all day. Come on, Ash—let's walk by the stream before dinner."
Ash smiled at her, pushing down the quiet ache that had followed him since leaving the palace. "Lead the way, Princess."
They walked along the pebbled bank as the camp settled behind them. Seraphina's tail swayed lazily, occasionally brushing against his leg in a friendly, unconscious way. Her three-eyed pet—whom she had named Spark—perched on her shoulder, blinking contentedly.
"You've been quiet today," she said after a while, glancing up at him. "Is something wrong? Are you worried about leaving Father behind?"
Ash's stomach twisted. Worried didn't quite cover the storm in his chest. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Ignis standing alone on those steps—tall, regal, and heartbreakingly solitary. Those golden eyes had burned into him until the mist swallowed the palace.
"I'm fine," he lied smoothly, offering her a gentle smile. "Just adjusting to the road again. And… yes, a little worried about leaving your father. He seemed… tense this morning."
Seraphina laughed softly. "He always does when I go somewhere new. But he trusts you. That's rare." She stopped by a smooth boulder and sat down, patting the spot beside her. "Sit with me?"
Ash joined her. The stone was still warm from the day's sun. For a few minutes they simply listened to the stream rushing over rocks. Seraphina leaned her head lightly against his shoulder. She smelled faintly of cinnamon and smoke, comforting in a way that should have made his heart race—but didn't.
"You know," she said quietly, "I was nervous about this trip. I've never left the palace for so long and so far before. But being with you… it feels right. You're like a companion I never knew I needed. "
Guilt stabbed through Ash like a blade. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her a little closer. She was warm, soft, and genuinely sweet. A perfect princess.
"You deserve adventures," he murmured, pressing a light kiss to the top of her head. "I'll make sure this one is memorable."
Seraphina tilted her face up, her golden eyes searching his. For a heartbeat, Ash thought of golden eyes similar to her. But more older, mature and thoughtful.
" You better be. We dragonkind don't accept lousy things."
For a second there was silence between them and then they both burst into giggles.
Amidst their chats and laughter. A servant came to announce that dinner is ready.
Dinner was simple but hearty—roasted meat, fresh bread, and spiced wine brought from the palace. They ate around a central fire with the senior guards, sharing stories.
Seraphina's laughter rang out often, bright and infectious. Ash played his part well, teasing her gently, making sure she was comfortable, and steering conversation away from heavier topics.
Later, when the fire had burned low and most of the camp had retired, Ash walked Seraphina back to her tent.
"Sleep well, I hope our hospitality will be enough for you once we reach Seiena." he said, brushing a stray lock of red hair behind her ear.
"You worry too much," she said brightly. "The alliance is solid. And I'm excited to see your capital! The markets, the palaces, the people. Will you show me the libraries? Father says humans have books on everything."
Ash relaxed a fraction, letting her enthusiasm pull him back. "Of course. The royal library in Seiena has entire wings on magic theory, history, even dragon lore—some of it wildly inaccurate, I'm sure. You can correct them all." He grinned. "And the night markets have lanterns that float like stars. You'll love them."
Her eyes lit up, literally glowing soft gold in the firelight. They talked easily after that—about her favorite flying routes back home, his childhood mishaps sneaking out of the palace, silly stories that made her laugh until she leaned against his side. Ash found himself genuinely enjoying it. Seraphina was bright, kind, and refreshingly unpretentious.
After their conversation, Ash stood outside for a long moment, staring at the canvas flap before retreating to his own smaller tent.
Inside, he stripped off his outer tunic and lay down on the thick furs, one arm thrown over his eyes. The aphrodisiac had long since left his system, but the memory of that night refused to fade. He could still feel the heavy weight of Ignis beneath him, the gravel-rough voice cracking into a moan, the powerful tail wrapped tight around his ankle.
"Damn it," Ash whispered into the darkness.
Sleep came slowly, restless and filled with fragmented dreams—golden eyes watching him from the shadows of the cliffs, a dragon's roar echoing through the mountains, the brush of scales against skin.