The frostbound oath

Chapter 3: chapter - 2 Reunite



The grand banquet hall of the Phoenix Clan sparkled under the gentle embrace of lantern light, each flame dancing as if it carried secrets from distant stars. The air was sweet with the scent of peach blossoms, their delicate petals drifting in the breeze that whispered through the open windows, carrying stories from faraway lands. Soft laughter mingled with the clink of goblets, as nobles and royals gathered, their voices like a symphony of celebration. Tonight was a night of revelry, the kind of night that the Phoenix Clan reserved only for the most sacred of occasions—the birth of a new princess.

Areia, the Queen of the Dragon Clan, stood at the foot of the grand staircase, her gaze sharp as she adjusted her cloak. But beneath her regal exterior, a storm of impatience brewed.

"Oh gods, we're going to be late!" she muttered, barely containing the frustration that curled her words. She turned to Azule, the Dragon King by her side, his quiet strength a contrast to her bubbling anxiety. "This is all your fault, Azule! How could you be so careless with the time?"

Azule, who had always been the calm in the eye of Areia's tempest, simply smiled—a knowing, patient smile that came from years of understanding her quirks.

"Relax, my queen. We'll be there soon enough. Besides, you know Flavia. She won't mind. She's always been patient with you."

Areia shot him a sharp glance, though the corners of her lips betrayed a hint of amusement. "Patient, huh? I'm sure she'll have something to say about us showing up at the last minute."

With a final huff of frustration, Areia shifted into her dragon form, her body unfolding into a magnificent beast of golden scales that gleamed in the soft light. The air around her shimmered as she spread her powerful wings, the wind rushing like a great tide. Azule followed her lead, his wings beating in unison with hers, the two of them soaring through the skies with effortless grace.

As they neared the Phoenix Clan's palace, the grandeur of the place stood out, its towers stretching high into the heavens. The courtyard below beckoned them, the sound of celebration floating up on the breeze. Landing softly, they shifted back into their human forms and made their way inside, the hum of music and laughter greeting them at the door.

Inside the grand banquet hall, Flavia stood at the heart of the room, her presence commanding yet filled with an undeniable warmth. She held her daughter, the newborn princess, Iris, in her arms. The tiny infant was swaddled in a soft pink gown, her eyes closed in peaceful slumber. There was something sacred in that moment, something timeless as Flavia gently rocked her child, her laughter filling the air like a melody.

Areia, her gaze softening as she spotted her friend, couldn't help but smile. She made her way toward Flavia, her steps light despite her previous agitation.

"Ah, there you are!" Flavia's voice rang out, her smile wide as she approached. "Late, as usual. I was starting to think you wouldn't show up at all."

"Well, you know how it is," Areia replied with a teasing grin. "Always a delay when you're traveling with Azule."

Flavia laughed, the sound rich and comforting. "I should have known. You're impossible, both of you!" She pulled Areia into a warm embrace, holding her close for a moment before pulling back, her eyes softening. "But I've missed you. It feels like an eternity since we've shared a moment like this."

Areia, her heart full of both joy and sorrow, nodded. "I've missed you too, Flavia."

Her gaze shifted to the crib beside them, where Iris lay, her tiny form so fragile yet filled with the promise of a future far greater than any could imagine. She stepped forward, her eyes softening as she gazed down at the princess.

"She's so beautiful," Areia whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Flavia's eyes shimmered with pride and love as she looked at her daughter. "She is, isn't she? I named her Iris, for the seven rainbows that appeared on the day she was born. It seemed... fitting."

"Iris," Areia repeated softly, as if tasting the name. "A perfect name for a perfect child." Her fingers hovered over the baby's tiny hand, but she held back from touching, as though the sheer purity of the moment was too sacred to disturb. "Has she shown any signs of her powers yet?"

Flavia's smile faltered for a fraction of a second, the weight of her daughter's potential hanging in the air. "Not yet. But I know she will. I feel it in my bones. And when she does, she will be like no one we've ever seen before."

Areia's brow furrowed slightly, her mind racing as she wondered about the weight of those words. "What do you mean? How will her powers be different?"

Flavia hesitated, then softly said, "I don't know. But something tells me she's destined for greatness. Her power will rival the legends."

Before Areia could respond, her gaze was drawn to Flavia's growing belly. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of her friend's pregnancy. With a grin, she placed a hand over her heart.

"Well, well," she teased, her voice a blend of amusement and fondness. "Look at you, Flavia. Another little one on the way, huh? How many more months?"

Flavia laughed softly, her eyes glinting with mischief. "One more month. I have no idea how this will all play out, but we'll manage, just like always."

"Two little troublemakers to keep us on our toes," Areia remarked with a chuckle. "I only hope this one turns out like you and me—two sides of the same coin."

Flavia's smile softened as she gazed at the baby in her arms, a wistful look crossing her features. "I hope so too. I can only pray they share the same bond that we once had."

As the evening wore on, guests filtered out, the laughter and music fading into the distance. The palace began to quiet, and yet the weight of the future seemed heavier than ever.


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