The Dragon King's Heart

Laina let out a sigh as she took a sip of her tea, Dante had only just left the day before and she was already missing him dearly. She felt so guilty to push him away. 

"Crown Princess Laina, Queen Victoria seeks your presence in her study," a messenger came to inform

her, drawing her out of her thoughts.

"Lead the way," Laina ordered as she followed the messenger with Florin and Kol in tow. 

Unlike her palace in Kinshearth, the Wolfenheim palace decor was much more ornate and extravagant. Statues of werewolves decorated the hallways alongside large paintings of heroic feats. 

"Ah Princess Laina, you're here," Queen Victoria exclaimed with glee as she looked up from her paperwork. 

"You wished to speak with me, your Majesty?" Laina asked as she took a seat before her.

As the door to the study closed Victoria placed her hand on Laina's as she said, "Oh no need to be so formal! We're friends, are we not?"

Laina appreciated how Victoria was so casual and friendly. Unlike the other royals she has interacted with in the past who always seemed so shallow, she much rather be in Victoria's company. 

"Aren't you worried one of your advisors will correct you?" Laina teased.

Victoria knew exactly what Laina was japing at, "If they dare, I will put them in their place!"

After a short conversation, Victoria informed Laina that the request she had asked for has been approved. An audience with the Moon Goddess was hard to come by but Laina was a special guest. 

"Are you sure it's alright?" Laina asked nervously, "I wouldn't want you to break any codes just for me."

Victoria chuckled, "Fear not. Upon hearing the question you wished to ask, it seems to have piqued her interest. Furthermore, we're just about upon a Full Moon so you've come at the right time."

With the werewolf queen's assurance, Laina heaved a sigh of relief. While Victoria wished to travel with Laina to Blu Lunara, Temple of the Moon, her presence in the capital was required. As such, she made preparations to ensure Laina and her bodyguards would have safe passage there and back. 

"When you return, let us speak again," Queen Victoria requested when they parted.

Laina agreed and with that, she sets off on her journey to Blu Lunara. With a portal gate, they arrived at the temple in the blink of an eye. The temple grounds were just as Laina had remembered but it seemed more lovely than usual. 

Perhaps it was because of the Full Moon that was set to rise soon. The Moon Maidens were busy with the necessary preparations. But as soon as they noticed Princess Laina, they quickly ran to inform the High Priestess.

"Crown Princess Laina," the High Priestess greeted her, "We have been expecting you. Have you been well?"

"High Priestess Shylla, we meet again," Laina reciprocated with a smile, "All is well."

"We've heard about the assassination attempt you suffered. Has your wound fully healed?" The High Priestess asked out of concern.

Laina had not expected the news to travel so far. She knew Queen Victoria was aware of what had happened, perhaps she informed the High Priestess about it too.

"Thank you for your concern, it's almost fully healed," she replied.

The High Priestess nodded, "We have a healing spring that would be suitable for you. If you wish to give it a try, just let us know."

After a short exchange of pleasantries with High Priestess Shylla, she informed Laina that Moon Goddess Selene will meet her that night. 

"So soon?" Laina asked in surprise. 

She was expecting to have to wait for a few days since the Moon Goddess was usually the busiest during a Full Moon. Many people from all over Wolfenheim and beyond made the long journey to seek her wisdom. The High Priestess reassured her. 

"Fear not, Your Highness. Everyone has their turn and yours is a more pressing matter. Hence, she has asked to see you as soon as possible."

"Ah, I see," Laina gulped. Perhaps the curse was worse than she had anticipated. 

Laina looked away as she grasped her hands together. 

"Your Highness, are you alright?" Shylla asked, worried about the crown princess's well-being.

"I'm alright, thank you for your concern," Laina reassured her. 

For the rest of the day, Laina and her bodyguards were given a tour of the Temple of the Moon. Titan remained by Laina's side throughout. His presence in the Temple of the Moon caused quite the commotion. After all, it was not every day that the Moon Maidens got to see a Solar Mastiff. 

"You truly are a special one, your Highness," The High Priestess commented as she pets Titan on the head. 

"A Solar Mastiff chooses their partner, not the other way around," she continued to explain. 

"Oh? Is that so?" Laina was surprised. She did not know. 

Solar Mastiffs sometimes lived in large packs in fiery landscapes, often near volcanos. They could also sometimes be found in high mountains. Their fur coats had the ability to retain heat, allowing them to survive the harshest weather conditions. 

But, it was also common for a Solar Mastiff to survive as a lone dog. Should they choose a partner, to protect and live with, they would only have one for their entire lifetime. This was not a romantic partner by any means, but a loyal bond in friendship. 

"Titan here seems to have lived a very long life. He's probably the only one I've seen that has these markings too," the High Priestess explained as she pointed them out. 

The markings she referred to swirled around each of Titan's feet. But that did not intrigue Laina as much as her other comment. 

"Lived a long life?" she asked. 

The High Priestess was a little surprised, "Did you not know?"

Laina shook her head. 

After a close examination of Titan, the High Priestess gave her hypothesis. 

"Based on my calculation, Titan here is at least over 1000 years old."

"What? How is that possible?" Kol gasped in shock. 

He took the words right out of Laina's mouth. She looked down at Titan, who looked happy as ever. But the next thought that crossed her mind worried her. Was Titan considered old? Unfortunately, there was no record of how old Solar Mastiffs grow to be. There were records of similar dogs being thousands of years old. 

"Perhaps Dante might know better," Laina commented as she pets Titan on the head, "After all, it was he who had Titan in his possession before I did."

After Laina retired to the guest quarters she was provided, she could not stop thinking about what she had just learned. Looking on at Titan, Laina realized how little she knew of Dante's past. 

Had he always been the Dragon King? She was not sure. If Titan was over a thousand years old, when did Dante come into possession of him? This was yet another mystery waiting for her to solve. 

With a bit of luck, hopefully, she would be able to unravel the mysteries one by one. For now, all she could do was wait. 

That night, after her evening meal, a Moon Maiden came to Laina. 

"The Moon Goddess will see you now."

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