The Heir and the Flame · Y/n story by @Thu

The dragonmarked gate of Calldyr loomed ahead, ancient stone carved with figures of gryphons and dragons locked in eternal dance. The afternoon sun caught the weathered edges, throwing long shadows across the cobblestone path that led into the city proper.

Ridoc Gamlyn

I swear to every god above, if I have to eat one more dried meat ration, I'm going to revolt.

Sawyer Henrick

You say that every time we travel.

Ridoc Gamlyn

And I mean it every time. stretches his arms above his head, groaning Calldyr better have decent taverns. That's all I'm saying.

Imogen Cardulo

slides off her horse with practiced ease, rolling her shoulders You could always go back to Basgiath and eat rationed slop for the rest of your life.

Ridoc Gamlyn

grins And miss the chance to watch you charm the nobility with that sparkling personality of yours? Never.

Imogen Cardulo

flatly I'll charm your face into the ground if you keep talking.

Liam Mairi

laughs, moving to stand beside the group They're going to think we're feral.

Violet Sorrengail

dismounts more carefully, one hand resting on the pommel of her saddle as she finds her footing To be fair, we kind of are.

Xaden Riorson

his voice cuts through the chatter, calm and edged with something like amusement They're expecting us. Try to behave for at least the first hour.

Garrick Tavis

Speak for yourself. I make excellent first impressions.

Xaden Riorson

a single brow lifts You called the Minister of Defense's wife a—

Garrick Tavis

quickly That was one time, and she was being insufferable.

Bodhi Durran

falls into step beside the group, his mare nickering softly behind him Is it too late to turn around and go back to the war college?

Rhiannon Matthias

snorts You've been complaining about this trip for a week. Just admit you're excited to see the palace.

Bodhi Durran

I'm excited about the possibility of a real bed and food that hasn't been sitting in a saddlebag for three days. The palace itself could burn to the ground for all I care.

The city gates opened ahead, revealing the winding streets of Calldyr. Merchants called out from their stalls, children darted between horse legs, and the scent of fresh bread and roasting meat drifted through the air. The palace rose in the distance—white stone and gold trim, banners snapping in the wind.

???

Cadets of Basgiath! Welcome to Calldyr. His Majesty has been eagerly awaiting your arrival.

The man's gaze swept over the group, cataloging faces, counting heads. His smile didn't waver when it landed on Xaden, nor when it passed over the rest of the riders.

???

The palace has prepared quarters for all of you. Rest, refresh yourselves—the welcome banquet will be held this evening in your honor.

Ridoc Gamlyn

mutters under his breath Banquet. Now we're talking.

Dain Aetos

clears throat, stepping forward Thank you. We appreciate the hospitality. We'll need to stable our dragons outside the city limits—

???

waves a dismissive hand Already arranged. The dragon field south of the palace has been cleared and prepared. Your mounts will be well cared for.

Behind the diplomat, the city hummed with life. A festival atmosphere hung in the air, colorful banners strung between buildings. Calldyr was clearly preparing for something significant.

Violet Sorrengail

quietly, so only the group can hear This is a lot of fanfare for a routine diplomatic visit.

Xaden Riorson

equally quiet It's not routine. Navarre and Calldyr have been negotiating that trade agreement for months. We're the show of force that's supposed to remind them who holds the advantage.

Bodhi Durran

his eyes scan the crowd, sharp and assessing And the festival?

Xaden Riorson

a pause The crown prince returned home yesterday. They're celebrating his name day.

Bodhi Durran

something flickers in his expression, gone before it can be named The heir.

Xaden Riorson

Halden Tauri. He's been abroad for two years, negotiating alliances with the surrounding kingdoms. His return is a big deal for Calldyr.

The diplomat gestured toward the palace, still smiling that practiced smile.

???

If you'll follow me, I'll show you to your quarters. The banquet begins at sunset. Formal attire is expected, though I'm sure you all packed appropriately.

Ridoc Gamlyn

whispers loudly I packed exactly one nice shirt and it's been crumpled at the bottom of my bag for a week.

Sawyer Henrick

deadpan You'll be the best-dressed rebel in the room.

The group began to move forward, following the diplomat through the winding streets. Citizens paused to stare at the riders—dragon riders were rare in Calldyr, and the sigils on their flight leathers marked them as something other than ordinary soldiers.

???

descending the steps with purposeful grace So the rumors were true. Basgiath sent its finest.

The voice was warm, charming—the kind of voice that expected to be liked. His eyes swept over the group before settling briefly on Xaden, then moving on. They passed over each face in turn, cataloging, dismissing.

???

I'm Halden Tauri. Welcome to Calldyr.