Given to the Black Dragon

“I couldn’t sleep tonight. The day before, we received word that a general of the army of Dragons was coming to the castle. The war is over; everyone got what they deserved, and—apparently—what does that have to do with me? But it turned out that my father chose the wrong side and lost. He lost—and I have to pay for it.

Rising, I walked over to the window and looked outside. The ringing of bells made me flinch—so he is already here. I stared into the fog, trying to make out the squad of warriors.

— Have you heard, mistress witch?— my servant Harda burst into the room without knocking.

— Lizards! They’ve been seen!

I nodded. Right now, least of all did I want to discuss everything that was happening. Standing frozen at the window, I didn’t even turn around. I felt curiosity and fear.

Looking into the distance, I wanted to know what my future husband would look like—does he have a cruel face? Does he whip the horse? How does he hold himself? How does he behave?

I don’t know what I was hoping for, but for me the first impression mattered—because it rarely lies…”