The guards that had entered his room brought a new robe for him. The crest on the back was one he had not seen before. Queen Sabiya had adapted the King's crest from the house of Bellesa, an aqua and gold sea dragon on a white background, to include the green and gold dragon of the Dragon Isles. The crest was cut in fours with two diagonal sections white with aqua sea dragons and the other two sections were green with a golden dragon. She was asserting her power over the long line of Bellesa kings. Drake was forced to wear a black robe with the new crest on the back, designating he was her property.

The guards that had escorted him stopped at the door to her private chambers and knocked. Hearing her invitation, Drake opened the door and the guards shut it behind him. He dreaded being alone with her, but at least this time he wasn’t shackled to a bed. She was unpredictable and he had taken to not reading her mind, as she had been successful in providing him with false thoughts and misinformation.

Instead of her usual stiff bodice, high necked green and gold silk dresses she wore in court, she had on a pale blue gown consisting of several layers of sheer silk. Her hair was partially pulled back, allowing the otherwise severely shaped locks to tumble down her back. If he hadn't already known better, she looked rather innocent and beautiful.

“Come Lord Drake, sit on the balcony with me.” Sabiya held up a chalice of wine to him.

“That's very kind of you, my Queen.” Drake replied flatly.  He joined her on the balcony with a spectacular view of the Maarika River.

“I carry your child.” She smiled at him like they were consensual lovers.

“Congratulations.” He said through gritted teeth.

“Oh come now, you can show more enthusiasm than that.” She said, “You’re going to be a father after all.”

“Not by choice, your Majesty.” Drake said as he eyed a knife on the heavily laden food table.

Queen Sabiya raised her hand and two guards appeared from the shadows of the room. “I wouldn't if I were you. They are awfully keen on an heir to the throne.”