Liana turned the tap off to sush the sound of the running water.

"Did you get the television on all by yourself? "

Liana peeped over from the kitchen sink as the sound from the Hall blasted her ear drums.

Draco looked at Liana with such an expression that was a mixture of disbelief with wonder.

"What does your question even mean? " Of course he sounded very offended.

" Oh! So you did switch it on by yourself. My bad. I thought you were some kind of an ancient Dad. I mean like from the books - 'Old, grumpy, rustic dragons, vicious and wild, eager to take over lands'... "

but yet again Liana was cut short as Draco jumped over the couch and was beside her even before her eyelids could move up half a milimeter.

"I don't no about the rest but they did get the vicious part correct, " He pulled her close with one hand behind her waist as she lifted both her dirty hands, still inside the washing gloves.

"and if you so insist, we can check about the authenticity about the Wild, title, " his lips curled up in such an unholy suggestive manner, Liana almost chocked on her own saliva and coughed, as she moved away.

"Did you just try to flirt with me? " She actually asked looking at him from behind the cabinet.

He laughed , twirling around, as if it was the best amusement.

"Well, if you are so capable, I guess you could atleast try being a little sensitive as well. The reason I asked if you switched on the television was because you have kept it on at full blast. And if you remember, there is a baby sleeping just next room. Turning the volume down wouldn't hurt your ego or sentiment. "

Liana blinked as Draco stared at her with what seemed like an expressionless avatar.

" You are right. "

He leaped back on the couch with the remote in his hand.

" Did he just admit I was right? "

Liana just turned around, slowly walking back to the kitchen, contemplating.

"Come here. Look. "

She had to turn immediately back after his sudden command.

Draco had the news on.

The anchor read about -

Strange occurrences across the city. Thunder clouds sighted at odd locations followed by severe lighting strike and property damage. A total of ten lives lost till count and several others missing.

Liana turned towards Draco, her brows lifted up.

" Are those the Shadows? "

Draco simply nodded as he browsed on. The incidents were everywhere, however none were able to say anything specific about it anyway.

" What are those things? "

Liana wondered aloud, looking again back at the screen. There was another footage of a building being ripped apart as the 'thunder cloud' hovered away.

" Those are our hunting dog. They can be very usefull in warfare. "

" But then if you are their King, aren't they supposed to have listened to you back there? "

Liana was clearly mentioning about the incident back at the top storey where Raba and Calix had to intervene for the Shadow to be retracted. Liana seemed to have noticed how it had clearly disobeyed Draco, back there.

" They don't have a working brain. They act upon what's fed inside their head. They would not be deterred unless they are once again held back. They have been our deadly offense against the most fierce of enemies."

Liana could tell if he detested of actually cared about those beasts.

"It must be someone from amongst my top closest men, who mobilised them here. And I can't leave unless we can surely tell. "

"Tell what? Your men mobilised something that's killing people in this world. And you goa round calling yourself mighty, sitting in the couch, loking at some news. "

Liana's voice was very different this time and even Draco understood.

He turned towards her and said,

"that is precisely the reason we haven't yet left, "

he was of course referring to Damian and himself.

" There is something big going behind my back in my kingdom. I can't possibly take my son back and put him in harm's way once again. I can't even leave him alone back here with these Shadows everywhere. But if I show myself right now, whoever is behind all this would surely know Damian is also nearby. For me keeping him safe is for the time being ,the top most priority.

At least till we have a lead as to who is behind all these. " He added with a paused.

At that moment Liana found he wasn't as invincible after all as he had seemed.

"You said 'in harm's way once more'.Tell me, did something happen to Damian before this. "

Draco looked at her as if she had stabbed him in the spleen.

" You sure have a lot of guts for a human. Do you think the Dragon Lord is here to discuss his state affairs with a earthling? I just shared a little bit about what Damian is already up against since you have been taking his care. Consider it a favour and don't dare to cross your sphere. "

Liana smiled. She was glad Draco was back to himself again. But she wasn't thick enough to atleast get the fact that her Damian has been facing hardships since his birthing.

" Ahhh! Correct. I still need to do the sink load of dish. "

Liana stood up and streched, her hands soggy, still under those washing gloves.

" You can skip it, "

Draco declared out of the blue as he swished his hands facing towards her kitchen.

Liana, had to almost hold the table's edge as she watched her dishes bathing themselves in the sink pool, drying in the towel then dancing their way back to their shelves, and she felt her knees were almost out of power.

" Keep that closed, " Draco banged her lower jaw shut as she had her mouth wide open, taking a full grasp.

She jingled behind Draco who switched off the television and walked towards the terrace door.

" You could have done that all along. But you kept sitting with your snout. "

" Are you complaining? "

Draco turned around with yet another swift jerk.

" I can put them back just like they were, with every single spot. "

" No! No! No!I was just going to thank you"

Liana turned immediately around, quickly changing her mood.

" You can take the living room couch or sleep in the spare bed beside Damian. I will get going first to my room. "

She bowed and ran on her toes back inside as Draco stood at the door watching her fool around.

The crystalline dew, resting on the transparent leaf of the Olive Tree beside her window looked as surreal as her marriage prospect with the King. Draco, the mighty, popular, philanderer, sybarite owner of the present Dragon realm. He was the most self-centred person she had ever known. Most vicious, hot headed, even cruel to some extent.

But then why didn't she oppose the proposal? Why wasn't she upset when they sent the betrothal gifts? Moreover, why did her heart leap with joy, every time they mentioned him?

Kiara had grown up with the rest of the Royal children, Draco and his brethren. She was the daughter of Draco's father's most trusted Officer.

From the moment her eyes had layed it's glance on Draco, her heart wasn't her's anymore. She had fallen badly in love with a man, who was devoid of pitiful emotions. Her heart beat everytime he moved past her. At every word he uttered. Even though he was always surrounded with girls. For Kiara , it never mattered.

"He is here my lady, asking for your audience. "

A maid announced suddenly from the back, which left Kiara startled.

" Who's here Lima? "

Kiara asked, turning back to the window, once again.

" Our King , my lady. He is waiting for you in the next chamber. "

Kiara was up on her feet.

"What? Draco? He is here? Then why didn't the guards announce his presence? "

She looked as nervous, as she was puzzled.

"They were instructed not to, by the king himself. "

Kiara ran in front of her mirror. Checking herself out. She looked perfectly made up, from her head , down to the toe tips. Yet she brushed over her cheeks with a little rouge. Then added a little more colour to her tinted lips.

"May we?",the maid asked.

" Yes, Yes, Of course."

Kiara followed her, holding her breath and walking on tip-toe.

She announced herself, stammering as she did. But Draco smiled, for the first time, atleast in Kiara sight. She had never seen him smile before, not as gently as he did this time. He would often laugh out loud, or smirk, when he was having a good time.

" Come Kiara. Have a seat. "

He pointed to his right and cued all the attendees to leave.

Kiara went with her head down and followed his command like an obedient child.

" I know how much you might be against the notion of this marriage. It hasn't even been particularly easy, either for me... "

Draco began as Kiara looked up, wondering what did he even mean. Of course he had no idea what he meant for her. Neither was he aware of her feeling.But what could have possibly made him think that she might be against this union totally?

"No, I mean... "

Kiara bravely tried to cut him off, but as usual failed miserably.

" You don't have to be formal here. It's just you and me."

The words hit Kiara straight. She had no idea why her spleen squeezed. Or was it her bladder, lungs or her entire being.

" I know you have seen me with women. We have literally grown up like brothers and sisters. But you might as well be aware of my temperaments. They were nothing but temporary fun. "

Ahhh. So that was what he was implying. He thought Kiara might test him knowing his womanizing nature.

It wasn't entirely false though. It cut deep like a knife when she had first seen him with a brunette beauty. How she had cried that night. How had her heart ached. But it had long stopped hurting as she saw him everyday with a different girl.

" You see, Kiara... "

Her heart skipped a beat as he called out her name. How sweet it sounded. She didn't know it had a melodious nature.

"... you see I have had no interest in marriage. In settling down with a mate. But you might well aware be of the Prophecy, that has recently been doing the rounds. For me, my kingdom means the most. And since it's about my throne, I had no choice but to give in to their toast.

My parents have long been coaxing me for marriage. They must have had their eyes on you. Hence the sudden decision and rush. I hope you were able to follow? "

" Huh? Yeah. Absolutely. I totally understand. It is not like you think. I have no problem to stand beside you with your hand in my hand. "

Kiara wanted to tell him that but instead she decided to keep her mum. Just nodded her head, letting him understand what she got his point.

"Like I said before, I would never have agreed if it wasn't for the throne. I need a heir. As soon as possible, to shut all their mouth. "

Draco banged on the table beside him, as the vase fell tumbling down. Kiara shuddered in surprise as it made a loud sound.

" Kiara, I will need your cooperation and help in this. We have been friends for years, I hope I can count on you. "

Draco continued unapologetically.

" Friends? When were they friends? "

Kiara was calculating as Draco suddenly bent on his knees.

" I promise I will never force myself on you. Nor will I ever restrict you in anyway. If I have to get married and produce a child, I might as well do it with someone like you, loyal and filial. "

Draco had her hands in his, as she suddenly felt her core trembling. She bravely looked up to meet his eyes as he looked at her's, reassuring.

" Do you promise to be my aid? Bear a child for me? "

He asked once again, as if afraid, she might refuse birthing once the child is borne.

Never had she realised he was promising her word by word, what exactly he wanted from her, what their relationship had. His eyes melted something deep inside as it burnt with rekindled flame that she had kept suppressed in silence, and it was becoming hard to stay apart. Eagerly she nodded her head, giving him her heart felt consent. He stood up, happy and relived and he actually looked content.

Kiara had her limp body carried inside the mossy cave by the maid she had chosen to be her confidant.

"Hold on my lady. We are almost there. "

The poor thing kept reassuring.

But Kiara was in no stare to share her care. They were both doomed. Both knew none of them would leave that cave alive. Yet they had to do what needed to be done. The Heir was very important to the King.

Kiara tangled the Vines of Youth in both her hands, drawing a few more drops of strength from them.

They were inside the Eternal Cave. It was a one way route. But that was the precise reason Kiara had chosen to come there. That was the only place they would not be found.

Kiara knew her Kingdom was in deep trouble, the moment she realised she had been poisoned. But she dared not divulge the fact, least it would ensure choas and further harm her lad.

Yes her lad. She was told it would be a boy. She had been blessed by the Guardian Mother's in the Floral fields of their Dragon Realm.

" My lady. Bear a little. " The little maid was again beside her, stroking her beautifully long tress, as her eyes filled with tear.

She had already given up her core. She had given up her Dragon Core to sheild her unborn son from the effects of the deadly poison.

Kiara had spent her free time in the Royal Infirmary. It used to be the best spot for her little retreats. She knew the smell of every herb, symptom of every poison and their possible cure.

This poison that she was administered didn't have any taste. Neither did it have any smell or aftertaste. But she could say it was one of the deadliest from the effects it started having on her skin. At that moment she was sure it was given to her by some one, at war with her King. The aim was not to kill her. It was targeted at her son. And it was done by someone in the Palace's inner circle so Kiara didn't take anymore chance.

Draco's look still burnt fresh in her eyes. When he had pleaded her for a child, that would be his aid. His weapon against the hierarchy fight.

"What is it that . "

The maid screamed suddenly. There was a silvery liquid dripping down Kiara's thing from her lady parts.

Kiara looked down panting. Her heart rate exceeding the speed of an unruly cyclone.

She let out a heart clenching roar. Reaching the ceiling of the cave, tearing the cave's indoor. Her hands began to bleed as the vines cut deep into her skin as she pulled looking for something comforting.

Kiara had her legs stretched apart. It was completely involuntary. She twitched as if something cut her from the inside , with blades sharper than knives.

Kiara had her Dragon skin. It was even impossible for acid to burn.

" They did not just poison me. " She thought, " there is also dark sorcery involved. "

Something moved inside Kiara. From her spine towards her breast. It handled her the worst possible way, a woman's body could be handled.

The maid looked on in horror. She had nothing she could do. She was just helpless.

" My lady... My Lady. "

She kept mumbling, waiting for her pain to end.

Kiara kept struggling. The trace of life inside her fading yet again.

But she still had to deliver her son. So she drew again from the Vines.

Finally the ache of labour reached her wombs. She felt the sharp trigger. As muscles contracted in unison, in a symphony, one after the other.

The Eternal Cave was a place, every living soul coveted. It was a place most people wanted to go to replenish their lost youthful vigor. Many had been there. In groups and in troops. But the only reason it remained unexploited was because none could get out. One could experience their long lost stamina. Become the man or maid of their adolescent years. But there was a catch.

They would devour themselves in hunger and fear when the exit door never again opened. The place was scattered with such skeletal remains. Some turned to stones who were from the Dragon's higher ranks.

Kiara however was detached from all these observations. She was well aware of her end.

The she felt it again. The contractions overlapping.

"He is here. He is here. "

She yelled with joy. The maid was surprised she still had the courage to smile.

The maid took a look inside her dilation. The crowning was very prominent.

She helped the ailing Kiara. Comforting her as much as she could.

Just then the silvery thing that dripped down Kiara's thighs, lashed out at her, as if it had a mouth.

" Not good. "

Kiara thought. She had to fight back even at the last moment. The sorcery was trying to devour her son, even when she beared all the pain, to difuse it before.

" Get the water from that pond. "

Kiara commanded , sitting in the middle of her bloody pool.

There indeed was a pond at the back. The maid spared her two glances, marvelling at her knowledge.

Kiara indeed knew more than the average Palace females. She was not just another Dragon Mate. She was gritted and strong enough to match her robust husband's exterior, just that she had it in her interior.

" Quick. Bring that water. NOW. "

Kiara yelled, out of breath.

" I am unable to hold anymore. "

She shrieked with all her vocal.

"Here it is. Here it is. "

The maid brought it in a dragon's discarded skull.

" Place your hand on his head. " Kiara ordered pointing at the baby's divulging head, " pull him out at the count of three and don't you dare look back. Go straight to the end of this cave. You will find a doorway, covered with a watery layer. Both of you go inside. Remember. You are not supposed to look back. "

The maid nodded.

Kiara gulped the liquid down as she let her load off, as she finished the countdown.

The maid ran with the newborn Prince. She hugged him and just ran. She heard the blood coiling mourn of the Queen as she heard sounds of breaking bones.