CHAPTER 52: AMBITION IN RED

Meanwhile, back at the nest, screams and grunts of frustration echoed through the marble halls like the cries of a beast caught in a trap.

"What is this insanity?!"

Smack!

The smuggled scroll she had been holding slammed to the floor, the sharp crack of parchment against polished stone reverberating like a slap to everyone’s dignity.

The assistant, who had been standing nearby in the official "I am invisible" stance, reluctantly moved to retrieve it. He didn’t need to read the thing—honestly, who in all of Eryndra hadn’t heard the news by now? Even dragonlings confined at the nest were apparently gurgling about it.

But still, it was one thing to hear about Dragon Lord Kael Dravaryn’s human mate in passing. It was another thing entirely to watch dragons lose their collective minds over it.

"How could anyone even insinuate such a thing?! A human?! What baseless accusation!"

The assistant’s hands twitched. He wanted to say that it wasn’t entirely baseless—given that the words had come straight from the Dragon Lord himself. Yes, maybe the original declaration could have been played off as some kind of elaborate joke... but after multiple race leaders had witnessed the scene between the Dragon Lord and his so-called mate? Well, calling them all liars was a death wish.

And the assistant had no plans to die today. Especially not for pointing out that half the outrage was coming from dragons who had never even met the Dragon Lord in person.

Still, here they were. Livid. Over someone who wasn’t even theirs.

"You! Go to my family and tell them to fix this madness!"

The assistant bowed in submission. It was easier than explaining that her family could do absolutely nothing about it.

Seris Thorne, red dragon and master of dramatic pacing, slammed her fist against the armrest hard enough to rattle the decorative carvings.

"For the dragon clan to be disgraced like this?! Are they all itching to die?!"

"Chancellor Veyth," she snapped, turning toward the dignified man seated across from her, "this is madness!"

"Ah, Seris." Chancellor Veyth’s voice was the kind of calm, cultured tone that could make an execution sound like an afternoon tea invitation. "Perhaps I shouldn’t have shown you the scroll at all. After all, it’s merely speculation. My apologies."

Seris spun on her heel, pacing across his office like a lioness in a too-small cage.

By most standards, she was breathtaking—fiery red hair tumbling over her shoulders, flawless features sharpened by the glow of her anger. But at this moment? Murderous didn’t even begin to cover it.

As he’d expected, the news had struck her like a spear to the chest.

Because just like every other well-bred dragonling in their little circle, Seris had been privately taught since hatchlinghood that she—yes, she—was a prime candidate to become the Dragon Lord’s mate.

And what better way to watch all those dreams crash and burn than to hand her a scroll saying the title had gone to a human?

If Chancellor Veyth had been a more honest man, he might have admitted that sharing the news had been a test. A way to gauge the reaction of those who thought themselves contenders.

And Seris Thorne’s reaction? Oh, it was spectacular.

He looked at her, studying the practiced poise, the straightened back, the carefully schooled face. After so many years, Seris certainly looked prepared enough for the role she believed was hers.

"I am deeply bothered by this as well," he said in a tone as smooth as polished marble. "But if it’s Kael... then there is a likely possibility this is false."

Of course, he knew perfectly well it wasn’t. Not after he’d personally verified the news. Not after hearing it from far too many credible witnesses. Which, if anything, made the situation all the more delightful—because wasn’t this, in a twisted way, beneficial to his own cause?

"Chancellor, is it impossible to let me go earlier than expected?" Seris leaned forward, her eyes sharp. "As his intended one, shouldn’t I be the one to set everyone straight?"

The chancellor pressed his fingers to his temple, exhaling a long, patient sigh worthy of a man who had been on the receiving end of dragonling entitlement for decades.

"Now, I’m not so sure about that," he said mildly. "We have to follow protocols. If only he’d come back so we could have a word with him."

"!!!"

Her eyes lit up instantly. The idea that Kael might be summoned so directly had her standing straighter.

Well, he could do that, obviously—but why on Eryndra would he risk endangering himself like that?

"But Chancellor! What about Orien? He hasn’t been seen in a while. What if we inform them about that to seek an audience? If we tell them about Orien’s crime, wouldn’t Kael be forced to come back?"

"Ah, you reminded me," Chancellor Malrik said with an almost wistful air. "Such an unfortunate situation. That child... and it’s his birthday too."

Seris, however, was already convinced her idea was brilliant. Surely Kael wouldn’t let such disgrace pass. Not him. Not ever.

"Well, I suppose it’s time to inform them," Malrik continued smoothly. "It has been a while, and our efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful."

Seris stopped in front of his desk, her expression shifting into something sharper—satisfaction gleaming in her eyes like polished rubies.

"Chancellor, could you help arrange a meeting for me and Kael?"

"Now, now, Seris," Malrik replied in a gentle chiding tone, "you know that would be impossible, right? And you might not want to call him that in public."

She blinked. "Call him what?"

"You know very well. While I know you are... practicing for your rightful future, it would be best to abide by the rules of proper etiquette."

"But Chancellor—"

"Hush, my dear," he interrupted with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Just because I cannot set a private meeting does not mean it would be impossible for you to see him."

Her whole demeanor shifted. "I knew it! Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity, Chancellor!" She actually pumped her fist, the gesture more fitting for a competitive arena than a political office.

"Well, don’t waste the opportunity," he said smoothly. "For that, it would be best to prepare, no?"

Feigning gentleness, she inclined her head and let her voice soften. "Of course, Chancellor. I will do everything just as you taught me."

At that, Malrik nearly rolled his eyes—but instead, he managed a slow, approving nod.

"Then it’s best you go now and continue your studies."

"I shall take my leave, then. I will await your summons, Chancellor."

Satisfied, Seris swept out of the office, the heavy doors closing behind her with a deep echo.

The moment she was gone, Chancellor Malrik’s expression cracked. His eyes flared with barely contained rage, and the fire in the hearth snapped violently in response.

"That thankless bastard," he hissed.

What did Kael think he was doing? What could he possibly hope to achieve by this?