The Dragon Queen Selection Chapter 31

CASSIAN

His face paled. “It’s only a precaution, your highness. You know what happens when they lose control. One wrong spark and..."

“No,” I cut him off, my voice sharper than I intended. “He won’t be chained like some rabid beast. Besides he's the only one that can keep the younger dragons in line anyway."

Aveline’s hand touched my arm. “Cassian. He’s right to be cautious. We can’t afford another catastrophe, not during the Selection. Not when the dragon trials is merely weeks away."

I clenched my jaw, looking up at Taheer. He stared back, unblinking, a wall of black scale and power. No chain could ever truly hold him if he didn’t want to be held.

“So what do you suggest?” I asked.

Aveline’s gaze flicked between me and the dragon. “Reinforcements. More riders stationed during the nights. And a plan, clear boundaries, strict watch rotations, weapons prepared if the males grow too wild.”

Her tone was calm, measured, but there was steel beneath it.

“And Taheer?” I pressed.

She hesitated. “We keep him close to you. If he doesn’t want a mate, then at least he needs an anchor.”

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words. An anchor. As if I could hold back a storm like him. Everyone assumed I could control Taheer, like a thousand year old dragon would be easily controlled by a twenty-one year old male. But I remembered the words of my grandfather, of how Dragons liked to give us the illusion of control, they liked to make us think we were in charge.

Taheer lowered his massive head again, close enough that his scales brushed my shoulder. Heat pulsed from him, searing into my bones.

“He’s already chosen his anchor,” Aveline said quietly, watching the beast’s eyes glow brighter. “The question is, can you control what that means when the blood frenzy begins?”

Her words lingered like a shadow, and for the first time in years, I felt a thread of unease coil through me.

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

My mother didn’t ask when she informed me about the private dinner. She never asked. She simply appeared in my study, her back straight as a sword, and declared, “Tonight you will dine with Lady Calista, Lady Elora, and Lady Vivienne. Alone. No distractions. You must begin thinking seriously, Cassian. The kingdom cannot wait forever.”

And so, I found myself in the private dining room, seated at the head of a long, gleaming oak table while three sets of eyes studied me from across the polished surface.

The chandeliers above dripped golden light onto silver plates and crystal goblets. My every movement felt measured, every word weighed before I even spoke it. The silence between us wasn’t quite uncomfortable, but it pressed against me, heavy with expectation.

Lady Vivienne spoke first. Of course she did.

Her black gown shimmered as she leaned forward, her hands slicing the air with every word. “While I am grateful for this opportunity to dine with you your Highness, I find it absurd,” she said, her voice strong and unyielding. “Absurd that this is supposed to be a fair selection process but it appears you don't want to play fair. Is it fair to you that the rest of the girls would never be given this opportunity?"

I took a sip of wine to buy myself a moment. Vivienne’s boldness wasn’t new; everyone knew her views. But hearing them directed at me across a private table was another thing entirely.

“Unfortunately, our world doesn't work like that,” I said carefully, my voice even. “Our kingdom thrives on alliances, on unity forged through marriage. Ideals don’t always match reality.”

Her chin lifted defiantly. “And that’s the problem, Your Highness. If no one ever challenges the way things are, then nothing will ever change.”

Inside, I sighed. Her fire, her endless need to push, part of me admired it, but most of me found it exhausting. Vivienne would never be content with the crown as it stood; she would want to rebuild it in her own image. It was admirable, but nobody particularly wanted a revolution.

Still, I inclined my head. “Perhaps you’re right,” I said, though my voice lacked conviction. “I shall take all this into consideration and try to be more just and fair in my actions."

She smiled faintly, pleased, while I turned my gaze to the girl who had been silent all evening.

“Lady Elora,” I said softly. “You’ve hardly spoken a word.”

Her pale eyes lifted shyly to mine. “I prefer listening, Your Highness,” she whispered.

Something in her honesty disarmed me. She wasn’t playing a part, wasn’t dressing her words in false grandeur. She was quiet, yes, but genuine. That counted for more than the court would ever realize.

Still, as I studied her, doubt tugged at me. She was kind, thoughtful… but could she ever command a hall of nobles? Could she stand beside me when the weight of a kingdom came crashing down?

“I see,” I murmured, not wanting to press her further.

Then there was Calista.

Her posture was perfect, every movement measured, her confidence radiating like a flame that never flickered. She held her goblet with grace, her eyes meeting mine without hesitation.

“Your highness, I don't quite agree with Lady Vivienne. You don't have time to get to know each and every girl in the Dragon Queen's selection on a personal level. And leadership requires decisiveness,” she said, her voice smooth, practiced. “A King must be ready to make difficult decisions. One of which you are making right now. Choosing to speak to the girls who you consider most eligible. Isn't that right your Highness?"

Her words resonated with me.

“You’re right,” I admitted. “That is what the kingdom needs.”

Her lips curved in a knowing smile. “Good. Then I'm sure you understand why foresight matter above all else.”

I did understand. And in Calista, I saw everything my parents wanted me to see. Everything a queen should be.

But as her voice carried on, strong and sure, my thoughts betrayed me. They slipped, unbidden, to Lira, wild, unpolished, infuriatingly real Lira. She didn’t speak with Calista’s elegance or Vivienne’s fire. She wasn’t quietly poised like Elora. She was raw. Flawed. But in her flaws was something alive. Something I couldn’t stop noticing.

I forced myself back to the present, nodding along with Calista’s words, though I could barely hear them anymore.

I couldn't even remember what we were talking about, especially after Lady Vivienne joined in the conversation.

The dinner ended with polite farewells and carefully measured bows. My mother’s voice echoed in my head: “Choose wisely.”

As the girls left, their gowns sweeping across the marble floor, I sat alone in the flickering candlelight.

On paper, the choice was easy. Clear. Calista would make the perfect queen.