The Dragon Queen Selection Chapter 12

PRINCE CASSIAN

I heard her footsteps before I saw her.

Quick, soft, and hurried.

I stepped out from behind one of the tall bookshelves in the royal library, watching as a figure rushed in from one of the backdoors at the far end of the library. She froze when she heard my voice.

“Who’s there?”

The girl stepped out, and my brows rose when I saw her face. Lady Vale.

Interesting. I didn't expect to see her there, but it was an interesting surprise.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, folding my arms across my chest. I kept my tone calm, maybe even amused, but I was already wondering what she was up to. She looked startled, like a thief caught sneaking into the treasury.

“I wanted to check out the library,” she said quickly, glancing around. “I’ve heard a lot about it.”

I raised a brow. “Out for a midnight read, are we?”

She gave a nervous little laugh that didn’t reach her eyes. “I... I got lost on my way back to my chambers. So I decided to try and find the library, but the palace is so… overwhelming. It's so huge!"

“Lost?” I repeated, watching her closely. “And you thought the library would lead you back to your quarters? How?"

“I don't know. I thought I heard someone call my name,” she said, her voice full of fake innocence. “I must’ve been mistaken.”

Liar. She was a little liar.

But a careful one. One thing was certain though, she didn't come here by accident.

She had the look of someone with something to hide, and yet… she wasn’t like the others. Most girls in this selection threw themselves in my path. But her? She always seemed to be trying to get away. It made me curious. And curiosity was dangerous.

“Well,” I said, giving her a smirk, “I hope you find your way back before someone less understanding finds you.”

She nodded and walked past me, her steps quick.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

“Good night, Lady Vale,” I called after her. I watched her go, narrowing my eyes.

There’s more to that one. She was lying to me, I could feel it.

And I wanted to know what it was.

....................

Later that night, I sat alone in my chambers, the fire crackling as I sipped wine. The moonlight spilt through the windows, casting silver across the floors. Most of the palace had gone quiet by now, but my mind hadn’t.

The whole Selection felt like a bad play. A ridiculous tradition wrapped in silk and expectations. They all wanted the same thing, me, or at least the version of me that came with the crown. Every smile, every flutter of lashes… it was all so rehearsed.

Did any of them care about me?

Would any of them want me if I weren’t the Crown Prince?

I doubted it.

I stood up and left the room, the silence too loud. The halls were dim, the torches low, and I welcomed the quiet. That’s when I heard another set of footsteps. Slower this time. Purposeful.

“Your Highness.”

I turned to see Lady Calista Harthwell, all golden silk and flawless poise. Long golden hair with eyes that looked like they were carved from a burning, dying fire, she had the type of elegant beauty most would kill for. She was taller than most of the other girls, with smooth golden skin and a slender build.

She curtsied deeply, her eyes sharp behind a practised smile.

“Lady Calista,” I said, offering a polite nod. I wasn’t exactly thrilled to see her at this hour. “What brings you here so late?”

“I thought it might be a good opportunity to speak without distractions,” she said smoothly. “A prince surely values honesty over lies, doesn’t he?”

That caught my attention. I gave her a small smile. “Honesty, hmm? That’s a rare trait in this palace.”

She stepped closer, her chin slightly lifted. “I’m not interested in pretending. I know what I bring to the table, and I know I have what it takes to stand beside you as queen.”

I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms. Bold. Too bold, maybe. But interesting.

“Confidence suits you, Lady Calista,” I said slowly. “But tell me, what makes you so sure you’re the one?”

She tilted her head, smiling like she already knew she had the answer. “Half the girls are chasing your crown, not you. But I’m different. My family’s influence is unmatched, and I’m not here to beg for attention. I know my worth. My father Lord Gareth Harthwell is the most powerful man on the council. You know it would be good for the Crown to have him on your side."

She moved closer again, her voice smooth like silk. “I’ve trained in fire magic since childhood. I’ve studied dragons, politics, and everything required of a future queen. I bring loyalty, strength, and intelligence, everything a king would need.”

I chuckled softly. She was rehearsed, polished, and determined to win. “You assume I want a queen at all.”

“You’ll choose one eventually," she said simply. “And when the time comes, I want you to know I am your best option. I’d pass the dragon trials with ease. But in the end, it’s your choice. Just… don’t overlook what’s right in front of you.”

She curtsied again and turned away, her golden gown flowing behind her as she disappeared into the hallway.

I stood there for a while, watching the empty corridor.

Smart. Strategic. She knew exactly what she was doing.

But still… Her words didn’t move me the way they were meant to. If I cared a little more about the Crown or my position, maybe they would have moved me a bit more.

And as I turned to walk back to my chambers, I realised something.

Any smart man in their right mind would pick Calista to be his Queen. She was perfect for the role.

But there was someone else. Someone who didn't care about the crown. Someone who had their eyes set on something else.

I wanted to know her secrets.

Lady Lira Vale was hiding something.

And I was going to find out what it is.