The Dragon's Shield

Kaelron stood in front of the door to his chamber, his eyes locking onto Lynaria with a meaningful gaze. "I want you to come with me tonight, to attend the royal event," he said, his voice calm yet commanding.

Lynaria paused for a moment, her heart reluctant, but her lips responded reluctantly, "Very well, my lord." Her heartbeat quickened, the tension was inevitable. Though she didn't want to, she knew that refusing this command would bring worse consequences.

After their brief meeting, Kaelron left to return to the palace. Lynaria stood still for a few seconds, trying to control the rising emotions within her. Then, she continued her duties, training the royal guards until late into the night.

As night fell, Lynaria prepared the special escort. Carefully, she selected the most skilled soldiers to accompany her. Every detail was meticulously planned because this night felt different. Something unseen, yet threatening, lingered like a shadow waiting to pounce.

In the palace hall, Kaelron was already waiting, dressed in formal attire that radiated an undeniable aura of power. Time passed slowly, and finally, Lynaria appeared. She wore a beautiful gown that Kaelron had never seen before. The entire room seemed to fall silent as she entered the hall, as if all attention were focused on her.

Kaelron smiled, and for the first time that evening, there was a slight warmth in his gaze. "You look stunning," he said, his voice softer than usual.

Lynaria merely offered a brief smile, feeling uncomfortable under the gaze of the guests who were now starting to notice her. She wasn't used to being the center of attention. Her heart beat faster, but she tried to calm herself.

"Relax, Lynaria," Kaelron whispered softly, as though he could sense her unease. "Think of yourself as the most beautiful woman here. Enjoy their attention."

With those words, Lynaria tried to calm herself. However, no matter how hard she tried, the awkwardness remained, creeping along with her as she made her way toward the event.

Each step sounded incredibly loud in her ears. The party was filled with whispers, laughter, and curious glances. Everyone was assessing them, especially Lynaria, who now stood beside Kaelron, a king who drew many eyes. But for Lynaria, she felt like someone was watching her with unclear intentions, something wasn't right.

Some guests began to talk behind them, their voices filled with gossip that could not be hidden. "So, this is the girl who guards the dragon king? Can she really sacrifice her life for him?" said one man with an inquisitive tone. The woman beside him only smiled, but that smile carried an unspoken meaning.

Lynaria heard it all, and though she wanted to ignore it, the unease returned. The feeling that there was more hidden than what met the eye. Kaelron, still calm and confident, answered in a relaxed tone, "Don't listen. It's just gossip. Those spreading the rumors are only trying to stir up trouble."

Yet, nothing could erase the tension building in Lynaria's heart. After a brief conversation, they continued their path toward a quieter part of the party.

Suddenly, a voice broke the silence. A beautiful woman approached and boldly grabbed Kaelron's hand, attempting to claim him. Reflexively, Lynaria quickly pulled Kaelron's hand back and stood before him, protecting him without thinking.

"Don't act so rough," the woman said in a sharp tone. Lynaria felt her blood boil. However, Kaelron only smiled casually, seeming to enjoy Lynaria's protective stance, though he knew it could worsen the situation.

"It seems my companion doesn't wish to share tonight," Kaelron said calmly, his voice low yet clear. "So, find another man who came without a partner."

The woman fell silent, as if shocked that Kaelron would be so blunt and open. After that incident, they continued their journey, but the tension still hung in the air. Every step they took, every movement they made, seemed to be under the scrutiny of thousands of curious eyes.

A man suddenly approached them, with a polite request, though there was an underlying motive. "May I have the honor of dancing with your companion, Dragon King?"

Kaelron looked at Lynaria, challenging her to make a decision. "The choice is yours, don't rely on me forever," Kaelron said.

Lynaria sighed. She politely declined, but the man was not satisfied. Suddenly, he forcefully grabbed Lynaria's hand. Reflexively, Lynaria broke free and easily knocked the man down. However, the man's guards did not stay idle. They attacked Lynaria, and with remarkable calmness, Lynaria defeated them one by one.

The entire room went silent. The guests who witnessed the event were stunned, unable to believe what they had just seen. Their eyes were filled with admiration for Lynaria, who had effortlessly defeated the guards. They began to approach Kaelron, offering various things to get Lynaria. Some wanted to make her their personal guard, and others offered large rewards. However, Kaelron remained calm.

"My people are not for sale," he said coldly. "If I grow tired of her, she must end her life herself to prove her loyalty."

Everyone fell silent. However, this did not affect two people who had just arrived at the event. They approached, seemingly unfazed by Kaelron's words.

"You're still the same as ever, Kaelron. Cruel, but handsome," said the woman with a tone full of meaning.

Kaelron only smiled. "You always know how to compliment, Queen Tyra."

However, the tension grew as a man, Prince Sun, suddenly pulled Lynaria away from the party. "I need to speak with you," he said in a serious voice.

When they reached the small lake outside the party, Lynaria swiftly pulled her hand from Prince Sun's grasp.

"What do you want, Prince?" Lynaria asked, her heart growing uneasy.

Prince Sun looked at her sharply. "You haven't explained to me. How did you kill my father?"

Lynaria stood silent. The atmosphere grew even more tense. She carefully answered his question.

Prince Sun stared at Lynaria with eyes full of anger and disappointment. "Don't try to deny it, Lynaria. I want to know how you could kill my father. I won't stop until I hear it from you."

Lynaria felt each of Prince Sun's words like a sword piercing her heart. She knew that this situation could end badly, and the guilt was gnawing at her. But she knew one thing: she had to stay calm. She had to keep her secret, no matter what.

"There's nothing more to explain, Prince," Lynaria said in a low voice, trying to hide her unease. "What you've heard is the truth. I killed your father."

Prince Sun was outraged. "You think I'll believe that so easily? You think I'll let you run free after what you've done?"

At that moment, Lynaria felt the tension rise even higher. Prince Sun would not stop until he got the answer he sought. She could see the power in his eyes—the strength that threatened to shake everything she had fought for.

Lynaria swallowed hard, suppressing the pain she felt in her heart. "If you want to know the truth, then listen carefully," she said, her voice growing hoarse. "I... I had no choice but to do it to protect myself. Your father... he was not a good man."

Prince Sun was shocked by Lynaria's explanation, his eyes widening. "What do you mean by that? What really happened?"

Lynaria took a deep breath. "I've said all I can say to you, Prince. And all the decisions are in your hands. Whether you believe me or not, it's up to you."

Prince Sun appeared confused, unsure whether to believe Lynaria's words. He struggled with his own emotions—his anger still burning inside him, and the curiosity that pushed him to seek the truth.

Lynaria looked at the man with eyes filled with hatred. "I know you're angry, and you have every right to hate me, Prince Sun."

Prince Sun could not release his hatred. "You'll never redeem yourself, Lynaria. What you've done will never fade, even if you try to explain it now."

Lynaria felt a heavier burden than ever before, and her heart began to feel empty. She knew that no matter what she said, Prince Sun would never understand her reasons. Everything that happened that night was the result of a series of difficult decisions, and now she had to face the consequences of it all.

"If you can't forgive me, I won't force you," Lynaria said firmly yet gently. "But you must understand, I did all of this to survive, not to destroy your life."

Prince Sun hesitated, but he said nothing more. There was tension building between them, a distance that could not be bridged by words alone. Lynaria knew this was a defining moment—she had to move forward, even though the guilt would continue to haunt her.

After a few moments of silence, Prince Sun finally spoke. "I can't change what has happened. But remember, Lynaria, no one can run from their past. You'll see the consequences later."

With those words, Prince Sun left Lynaria alone by the lake. However, even though he had gone, the heavy tension still hung in the air. Lynaria knew the journey was far from over, and the internal struggle with herself had not yet ended.

Lynaria gazed at the bright moon in the night sky. She felt trapped between the past and the future, caught in a world full of intrigue and danger. But one thing she realized—she couldn't turn back now. She had chosen her path, and whatever happened, she had to survive.

Meanwhile, in the palace, Kaelron stood on the balcony, watching the events unfold at the party. His face showed no emotion, but his sharp eyes reflected a deeper feeling—one that could not be explained.

"What will happen next?" he murmured, as if speaking to himself.