Return To Academy

first, let me make this perfectly clear, growing up as an orphaned half-dragonkin in a human realm I had zero experience in dragon etiquette. From the side of the court four young women walked out, transforming into dragons in battle form.

They turned to face me, and knelt with their heads bowed. I didn't have the first clue how to react to this. I only knew I had to make sure not to fuck this up too bad. So, I stepped forward, transformed into my battle form, which was actually significantly larger than their forms. Why, I had no clue. How I should proceed I had only snippets of knowledge.

I send salutations my sisters, and beg forgiveness for my inadequate manners. I mindspoke.

“Arise my sisters and guard me well,” I said.

I retook my human form.

“Thank you, your majesty. Is there anything further I can do for your grace?”

“We have nothing further for you at this time princess, except to inform you we have added a class in royal etiquette for the upcoming year. Both we and her magnificence the Red Queen felt it was high time you be taught proper manners,” Matilde said.

“Thank you, your Majesty,” I said and bowed.

I turned to leave, and my guards transformed into dragonkin form and stationed on either side of me.

“Dee, what's going on? I thought you were only half-dragon,” Kanae said.

“Why did the Red Queen assign you guards?” Kiera said.

“I have no clue, I've never even met my aunt,” I said.

“Wait! What, your aunt is the Red Queen? You're really a dragon princess?” Rosie said.

“My mother gave up the Red Dragon Throne to marry my father. Technically, I'd have been heir to the throne. A mixed race child has no claim to the throne. It makes zero sense to assign me guards. I only have the title due to my lineage. My children will be princes and princesses in name only, but their children will be nothing,” I said.

“Then why? Why do you suddenly have guards?” Aoi asked.

“I can only assume there are political issues at play, and I am to be somebody's pawn in some political battle to come. Not to mention, I am the most powerful being in this entire kingdom, not that many people should know that. Well, that's about to change I suppose. My aunt has assured that will happen,” I said.

“Don't your guards know? Why aren't they speaking up?” Darby asked.

“I have not given them permission to speak, and even if I had, they wouldn't presume to enter my conversations without me eliciting their comments. You, my sisters, are free to speak at any time, and to join in any conversations I have in public, or with my friends. I know this may not comport with your customs. Do not feel forced to conform to human etiquette. I will endeavor to always respect your honor and your customs. I hope you will take some time to teach me proper manners among dragonkind. My mother died while I was quite young, and she was unable to teach me, and you are the first true dragons I have known since my mother's death,” I said.

“You're speaking very formally, Dee,” Aoi said.

“Dragons are an ancient, noble, honorable, and formal race. I am only trying to be respectful,” I said.

We reached our carriage, and got in the four guards transformed to their battle form and flew just above our carriage as we left the palace and returned to the dorm via the city street, to the shock and awe of the general populace. If anyone still hadn't heard about my status, or had laughed at the gossip, that all came to an end from today forward. Students had been returning to campus for the past week, and they were all out in force on the grounds as our carriage stopped at our dorm. Behold the Dragon princess returns. Yippee.

We settled in to our dorm.

“I'm going to spend some time with my guards for a while. This would be a good time for you to give Rosie a tour of the campus, and pick up our class schedules. Grab mine if you can,” I said.

“Will do, boss!” Darby said.

“I will seriously smack you if you don't stop calling me that,” I said.

“Oh, right! Sorry your royal highness,” Darby said.

“Go,” I said.

“Don't worry, Dee, we'll smack him for you,” Kanae said, smacking Darby on the back of the head as she left. Each of the girls gave him smack on their way out.

I almost felt sorry for him. The lone guy in an increasingly female line-up. He was in for a really rough year.

Boys.

Well, we have not done any formal introductions. I imagine you know I am Deirdre Ní Qin. I would be deeply honored if you would each introduce yourselves to me.

I am Hestia of the House of Qin.

I am Kamara of the House of Qin.

I am Enya of the House of Qin.

I am Vulcana of the House of Qin.

Will you teach me how to properly speak to you, to dragons, and to the nobles and Royals of dragonkind?

Your speech is acceptable to us as it is. The Red Queen has instructed your human queen in etiquette she wants you to learn. It is not our place to teach this. Spoke Hestia.

Very well. Is there anything you desire, or need, to make your time here among the humans as comfortable as possible.

Comfort is not an issue for us. If it is acceptable we would like to extend the roof of this building to make a nest.Spoke Hestia.

It is not my building to say, but I can't imagine the Queen or the Academywill take issue with it. Yes, I will inform the Dorm Advisor that you will be making a few adjustments.

Are you not going to ask for formal permission? Spoke Hestia.

I've always found with humans it's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to get permission. Besides, it'll be fun to see their expressions when it's done. Are you the leader of my guards, Hestia?

Yes, I am the den leader.

Why were you four chosen, or did you volunteer?

We were chosen because we are also mixed race dragonkin. No true dragons would have accepted such a post.

Oh, ok. Now it makes more sense. I was very surprised, when the Queen told me my aunt assigned me guards.

We are honored to serve you princess. There are other dragonkin similar to us. They would proudly serve you your Royal Highness. Hestia said.

I would like to meet them, but this is probably not the right time. I'm sure it could cause a lot of alarm among the nations.

Indeed. You would be a new power. The risk of war would be great. Still there are those of our kind who are trafficked and slain. We should do what we can to stop such crimes.

I will, and am, building a network in preparation to find such crimes, but not only for dragonkin. My whole life has been a battle against those crimes.

Then the stories of your orphan life are true?

I do not know what stories you have heard, but there is probably truth in the stories you've heard. I can share my tale if you wish to see it. I said.

You would share you true vision with us? Strangers?

You are no longer strangers, though are you. You are my personal guard sworn to serve me loyally, are you not?

We are so sworn by oath to the Red Queen.

Then there is no issue with sharing my vision with you. Come see the story of my life. But I want you all to be more than just servants to me. I may be your princess, but I want to also be your friend. I want to hear all your voices. Equally. We all hove our official titles and positions, but weall have entire lives as well. I want to share mine with you and yours with me.

I shared my memory with my guards, and they saw the truth of my life and my true powers.

So this is how are you so strong at such a young age. You have attained great power. Hestia said.

We will gladly share our life with you, our Princess. Hestia, Vulcana, Enya, and Kamara said.

We sat and talked for some time, and then they went outside and transformed into full dragon form, and using draconic powers rebuilt the building by extending it one more floor and added a mostly proper dragon den, while I calmed Miss Fionna down.

Hestia and Vulcana were to be my guard during the day, and Enya and Kamara my guards at night. Before we knew it, the first day of classes arrived. When we walked across campus Hestia and Vulcana floated in front of us in full battle form, until we reached the building for the first class. Every student on campus stopped and gawked at our procession, and we left a chorus of chatter behind us.

Hestia opened the door for me, saying,

“After you my Princess.”

And just like that my carefree student days were over.

We reached our classroom, and we had a repeat with the door. Once inside Vulcana secured an entire half row in the back, and said,

“Your Royal Highness, this will be a suitable location for your entourage.”

Every head in the class turned to look at me. I waved a greeting and smile to everyone, and took the seat offered, and the eight of us sat down with Vulcana on my left, and Hestia guarding us all on the right. The room was complete silence, until Kanae said,

“Well we have a lovely view of the class from here, Dee.”

That snapped everyone out of their daze. Soon our professor arrived and the gossiping and whispering ended. Every class was a variation of the first. All eyes were on us during lunch. The discovery that I was a dragon princess was all over the campus, and probably all over the city by the end of the first day of classes. We were already getting news of the legends going around. I was a runaway princess, who had snuck into the academy in disguise last year. That was my favorite tall tale. After the shock wore off, in a few days, or a week, the politics and the chase would begin.

This story has been stolen from NovelPhoenix. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

By the third day, the Headmaster of the Academy quietly summoned us, and she requested, rather nervously, that my guards stop calling me princess and use other such forms of address, on campus. She explained it was to better foster the learning environment, and allow the children to fully integrate and form connections and friendships in informal ways that might benefit all once we took on our roles in adult society.

Somehow, we got our guards to agree, playing to their logical minds. This was, of course, a mostly futile endeavor. Everyone pretty much knew who, or what, everyone else was, by now. The integration was never as ideal as it should have been, could have been, if not for the strict class structure of the world. However, a minority of the student body embraced the idea, as radical as it was for this world. The Academy considered that a win, and it was.

My lady. Hestia said. Even when she didn't say it, she still said it. Always with deference when she wished to speak with me, seeking permission without asking.

Yes, Hestia?

The students at that table look at us with such hatred in their souls. You can see it seeping out of their eyes. Do you know them? Do they have some quarrel with you or your harem?

They are high nobles, in the Royal faction. Duchesses and marquises for the most part. A few countesses are sometimes included. They are very much stuck in their rigid distaste of commoners and the other races. Some of this world's worst human nobles. Yes, they would hate me and my companions. Harem is the wrong term to use. It strongly implies a sexual relationship. Companions, or guild mates, would be the more proper term, Hestia.

Are you not den mates, my Lady? I do not understand the difference?

Yes, we are currently den mates, as dragons would see it. It is different with humans, elves, and dwarves though. We are not bound to each other for life, although that may yet happen. Harems are more specific though and refer strictly to lifetime sexual mates. I have not taken on any sexual mates as yet.

Ah, I understand. Yes the Red Queen has chosen your first mate. He did not come with us. The Queen did not want you to be ... distracted, from your studies, my Lady.

What!? No! I will be choosing my own mate, when the time comes. Or that is the plan. Although, I imagine, at some point, I may have to consider accepting some political spouses, given the plans and schemes of this world's rulers. Great Goddess, I wonder if the Queen of this realm is plotting husbands for me. Ugh. I'm not ready for this.

Hestia laughed out loud.

“Yes, I understand. The Red Queen has made, ahem, arrangements for us also. I too, am not ready for this. Although, there are some juicy selections here at the Academy, I am strangely attracted to, for the purposes of sampling those delights. I suppose, it is my human characteristics at play,” Hestia said out loud.

“Mmm, yes, there are certainly some tasty looking treats here at the Academy,” I said, and laughed.

“I wouldn't mind devouring that silver-haired boy in your Royal Etiquette class,” Vulcana added.

“Ah, you have impeccable taste, one of the finer selections, the son of a marquise,” I said.

“What are you guys talking about,” Kanae asked.

“Ah we were having a mental conversation, and it swung to the finer, uh, delicacies, among the male population,” I said.

“Mmm, yeah, there are some fine samples to be had on the campus. There are also some tasty ones to be found among the Adventurers Guild. Some nice firm ones, yum!” Kiera added.

“Well, no time for pleasure now, class resumes soon. We should head out. I have Royal Etiquette next, so we'll see you later everyone,” I said.

We should probably approach our silver-haired sex snack. I need to start building connections, and he seems at least not among the more rigid thinkers of his rank. I would prefer to avoid those of like mind at the ones you pointed out, Hestia.

Yes, you have now time to waste to develop what human bonds you will need in life. Even though you will outlive all these lesser folk. Developing connections to lineages, where we can influence and guide them on better courses over time. Then we can begin to turn the others over time, Vulcana said.

Ever the strategist, Vulcana. I have lived such a strange life, so far. I've spent most of my life thinking mostly of surviving the present, that most long term plans amounted to no more than being free, and not poor. I have so much more to think about now. Now, I am entangled in a mithril web of the plots and devices of the rulers of vast queendoms. My hope for freedom dwindles by the day. But perhaps that is not an entirely bad thing. Trading freedom for the power to change society, or at least my surroundings.

“Salutations, Fergus, am I correct? Allow me to introduce myself, I am Deirdre. I am afraid I am late at introducing myself,” I said, approaching the silver-haired boy with piercing chrystalline ice blue eyes, and a chiseled, almost too beautiful, lightly-tanned face. His school uniform closely fit over his muscular body. He was constantly surrounded by women fawning over him. I had to basically shove past several women to extend my hand to him in greeting.

“Greetings and salutations, Deirdre. Yes, it has been a hectic start to the year. I, too, have been lacking in introducing myself to my classmates. You made quite the entrance at the start of the year,” Fergus said.

“Ah, yes. My aunt's, diplomatic incursion. I had hoped to avoid such complications. She is a doting aunt, and, well, how to say it delicately, has a very persistent nature,” I said.

“Persistent? Yes, I suppose that is one way to put it. I have seen you practicing with your, guards, in the practice yards. Do you always battle in such form? It is quite impressive,” Fergus said and laughed.

“My guards are highly trained, and I have had no other companions to train with in my battle form for such a long time. I do train with my guild mates in this dragonkin form. I very rarely take a pure human form. It's, uncomfortable. It's hard to describe. Like having to squeeze into armor that is too small. I can't do it for more than a few hours at a time. Of course sometimes my guild mates ask to train with me in my battle form,” I said.

“What about your dragon form? I don't think anyone has ever seen you in your dragon form,” Fergus said.

“Ah, I rarely ever use that form. When I was very young, I used to enjoy it. Sometimes I will climb high above the clouds and sail in the cold currents. The cold air below and the warm light from above. I feel so free in those moments of solitude. But I rarely have time for such moments. Also, once in a while in the darkest hours under the stars and moonlight. It's mesmerizing, floating in the dark sea of the sky. But again it has been ages since I had time for such moments of escape. Years even. Now you have me yearning to escape my earthly bonds, and experience those times again,” I said and lightly laughed.

“How large is your dragon form? Has it truly been years since you have taken such form? Fergus asked.”

“Well, that is a good question. I have no idea how large my full form is, now. Yes, it has been, several years since I've used that form. Perhaps, seven years now? Or maybe, eight. I wasn't very large then. Maybe seven meters,” I said.

“Seven meters, my lady? When you were eight? That's extraordinary! That's actually very, very large for an eight-year-old!” Hestia said.

“Oh, Hestia, when did you get here?” I said.

“I came with you, my Lady. I would be remiss to leave your side, while you are under my care,” Hestia said.

“Yes, right. Sorry, I forgot,” I said.

“Even when she doesn't say it, she does, Deirdre,” Fergus said with a laugh.

“Oh, I have tried. Believe me I have tried, but she simply won't call me by my name,” I said.

“I could never! My lady, you ask the impossible,” Hestia said.

“See? It's hopeless. She's as stubborn as a dragon,” I said.

“You honor me, my Lady,” Hestia said.

Everyone laughed.

“What?” Hestia said.

“Nothing Hestia, my dear sister. It's a human play on stereotypes,” I said.

“Oh, I understand,” Hestia said.

“You say that often when addressing your guards. Are they all your sisters? More princesses?” Fergus asked.

“They are not my egg sisters. They are part of what you would call my clan. I have no actual sisters. I am told I have an older brother, but we have never met,” I said.

“Your mother has only two children? Is that not unusual for dragons?” Fergus asked.

“My mother was murdered when I was three years old. The assassin has never been found,” I said.

“Murdered? How horrible! I am so sorry! I didn't know,” Fergus said.

“Thank you, Fergus,” I said.

The professor walked in and class began. After class, Fergus came up to me and asked,

“Deirdre, I was wondering if you would care to join me for tea, after classes? There's a lovely tea house on campus.”

“Yes, I would love that!” I said.

“Then shall we meet at the Willow tree on the quad at say the 4th noon hour?” Fergus asked.

“Until the fourth noon hour then, Fergus,” I replied.

He seems quite taken with you, my Princess, Hestia said with a sparkle in her eyes.

He's just curious about the first dragon he's met, I said.

Perhaps, but his eyes looked quite hungry, as if he wanted to devour you on the spot. He was rather excited as well. Very excited, Hestia added.

Hestia!

She only laughed.

During our tea date Fergus and I talked about many things, for hours before we noticed the time. We agreed to meet again on Friday, and he asked to train with me on Saturday. I began to notice more and more of the Academy girls glaring at me, since that tea with Fergus. I wonder what's up with that?

Well my plan on creating friendly contacts seemed to be working. Now I need to find some more. There were several ladies, and a few other guys, I thought to approach. Perhaps it would be easier to connect with some of Fergus' friends. Rather than gain them all one at time. Perhaps a merging of my companions with his friends. But how to make that happen?

“You have been gone for hours, Dee! So tell us, how was your date? What did you do? Is it love at first sight?” Kanae asked.

“Love? What's love got to do with it? Our tea went very well. We talked for hours. He's so easy to talk to, but possibly because he's just so curious about meeting his first dragon. But I think it went well. He wants to meet again on Friday, and to train with me on Saturday. So, I was thinking, it might be more efficient to make several connections at once, rather than one at a time. I was thinking of maybe forming connections with his friends all at once. Then I thought we could approach it as introducing my friends, you guys, with his friends. But How do I approach that idea?”

“Hunh?” Kiera said.

“You plan to seduce Fergus's friends as well?” Rosie asked.

“What? Seduce? No! What are you talking about? I'm talking about making political connections and forming networks of associates, for after we graduate. You know the Queen is going to use us for political influence. In order for us to have some manner of control of our lives we need to establish some of them on our own, or we'll simply be the Queen's pawns,” I said.

Sigh!

The girls all made a collective sigh.

“What?” I said.

“Fergus isn't looking to form political connections. He's looking to ultimately Boink you! That was a Date date! Are you clueless or what?” Kanae said.

“What! No. No, no, no, no. It's not like that? He's just curious about something new. He hasn't tried to ...” I began.

“Oh. Oh! Oh, my Goddess! No. No, no, no, no, no, no. Ugh!” I said.

“Ding, and there it is. Let there be light,” Aoi said. Everyone, except me, laughed.

“Ok, well. Um, not what I was planning, or expecting, but maybe we can still make this work,” I said.

“So, you want to try and make some friends and connections that will be beneficial for us and them?” Kanae said.

“Exactly,” I said.

“Well, we could have a party. But we'd need a venue for that. We could join up for a school event. We could invite them to one of our training sessions. We do get a crowd of spectators when we train,” Darby said.

“We could create a study group, and add some socializing into the group,” Kiera said.

“That would only work for subjects we share. We might wind up with a subset of his friends that way,” Kanae said.

“True,” I said.

“We could plan meeting or joint travel at a popular place. Like a famous spa,” Rosie said.

“We could join, or form a club together,” Aoi said.

“You know, we could try using all of these things. We could start with joint training, and this reminds me that a lot of the students were fascinated by chantless casting. I'll bring that up to Fergus,” I said.

On Friday, I met up with Fergus.

“Well met, Deirdre. How has your week been?” Fergus asked.

“Well met, Fergus. It's been a good week. How has yours been?” I asked.

“It's been a great week so far. I've really been looking forward to seeing you again, Deirdre,” Fergus said.

“I've been looking forward to seeing you as well. I do have a question, or perhaps a proposition, for you. But there is something I'd like to clear up first,” I said.

“I hope I can clear up whatever it is you are confused about. What is it?” Fergus said, looking troubled.

“Ok, well, please wait for me to finish what I have to say. Are we, dating? Or are these just friendly dates?”

“I would hope that we are dating. Was that not your purpose for introducing yourself?” Fergus said, nervously.

“I was only seeking a friendly connection, perhaps I am a bit dense in the matter of romance. I am honored and happy to be dating you, though. So I fully approve dating you. Although, I am not quite prepared for mating, just yet,” I said, as Fergus spit out his tea.

“Y-yes, of course. Understood. S-so, you said you had a question or proposition for me?” Fergus said, his hand shaking his tea cup.

“Well, it has to do with my initial intention of forming connections and friends. So, one idea I have is if your inner circle of friends would be interested in learning chantless spellcasting. My friends, being my guild mates, and I would be happy to teach the technique, and afterward perhaps relax at a local pub in a private party. Also, we'd be happy to schedule training sessions. And again, after showering, meet up at a pub for a private gathering. The purpose totally not for romantic purposes, just for getting to know each other and possibly forming connections and friendships during our academy days, and hopefully after graduation,” I said.

“I think my friends would love both ideas. Your friends are mostly ladies, are they not?” Fergus said with considerable relief.

“Yes, I have mostly lady friends, and a sole male friend. Most of the guys I know are complete jerks. But also I've been very secluded most of my life. But I would enjoy making friends with a good mix of both male and female. It just hasn't been my luck, so far,”

“I am just the opposite. Most of my friends are guys, and only a few are ladies. Most ladies I meet are only after me for power. I obviously don't have that worry with you, since you are a princess,” Fergus said.

“Well, I think you are mistaken. Yes, I am a princess, but I am not in line for the throne. My mother abdicated her right. Neither I nor my brother are heirs to the throne in any manner. While my children will be princes and princesses in name only, their children will have no titles. I serve Queen Matilde, not my aunt the Red Queen. What plans Queen Matilde has in store for me, I do not know. But I know she has a plan for me. I also have a fiancé that Red Queen plans to force upon me, although I know not who. I don't know how I feel about that yet, or whether I will defy her and reject him,” I said.

“How do you have a fiancé, and not know who it is? Does this mean we can't date?” Fergus said.

“Oh we can definitely date. No one controls my love life except me. I only know the Red Queen's plans because my guards informed me. I'm sure Matilde intends to marry me off to someone for her own political reasons. I just don't have any spies in her palace, right now,” I said.

“You plan to place spies in the Queen's palace? Wouldn't that be treason?” Fergus said.

“Treason? The Queen's staff is riddled with spies working for nobles in this realm and others. Has your family not trained you for inheriting rule of your House, yet?,” I said.

“Well, my sister is the one who will inherit,” Fergus said.

“Oh, right, I forgot you have a sister. You just have that air of being the heir,” I said.