I did not expect this to happen. How could I have? No one would expect to randomly find a dragon egg hatching and then be forced to let it bond with you. Furthermore, I could never have guessed that it would be what saves me from the death penalty.

"You cannot be serious. You're going to just let her go? She committed treason. TRE-SON. This... this beast cannot be so important that the honor of the King should come second to the well being of it." Mr. Hayver argued.

The little dragon hatchling lifted it's eyelid to glare at him. She clearly didn't care what he thought. I was quite sure that she would attack him if he tried to separate us. She curled her tail a little tighter about my leg.

"His Majesty has given the order that all dragons be kept with their chosen rider. I do not see why he should change that decree simply because of the acts of the girl. Dragons are an endangered species, sir. His Majesty will not be happy if you endanger this one too." Duke Leonard retorts, making Mr Hayver blanch.

"Can there not be some other way to bring about justice for her actions?" Mr. Edwards adds, "Such as perhaps exile?"

"No that wouldn't do." The Duke responded, "That would render the Dragon useless to us. No, we would need something close. We cannot leave Corin to her own devices while the dragonet matures."

I smirked at hearing them talk about me as if I wasn't here. Although, I do wonder that they would be so bold about planning my punishment right in front of me. The little dragon nudged my hand with her snout, warm smoke puffing out of her nostrils and engulfing my hand. I set my hand on her head and she closed her eyes contently. I look over her golden scales. They're lined with black giving her a regal look. I was told she was a Golden Mountainflame, a rare breed of the fire dragons often found in large mountain ranges. She sure looked rare. She's beautiful. I would take any punishment to stay with her.

"What if she became a servant of the King." Mr. Matthew suggested.

"And give her a chance to attack him? Never." Leonard dismissed the idea.

Mr. Matthew pushed on though. "I do not mean to put her on his majesty's wait staff, if that is what you think I am suggesting. What I mean is to have her join the training of the King's Guard."

The Duke looked pensive and turned to look out the window. The Judges around him looked at each other apprehensively. "I will allow it." He said after a few silent moments.

So that would be my fate. Auriel flicked her tongue out in approval, a small spark lighting as she did.