Chained Hearts: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Chapter 25: Entourage Of Draconia kingdom.

Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Entourage Of Draconia kingdom.

The air was thick with anticipation, and every eye was looking at the grand gates that led to the palace grounds.

In the shadows of a nearby corridor, Cassian and a few other lower-ranking servants were peeking outside. their curiosity getting the better of them. They weren’t allowed to participate in the official welcome, but that didn’t stop them from wanting to catch a glimpse of the grand procession, Cassian was especially excited as it would be his first time seeing something grand like this.

He watched as the high-ranking servants adjusted their attire one last time. He had heard stories of the Drakonians—and tales of their majestic horses, their elegant carriages, and their lavish clothing. The very thought of it made him feel both envious and awe-struck.

"They’re here!" one of the servants whispered while nudging Cassian in the ribs.

Cassian almost jumped up from the fright of being nudged like this. He looked back at the servant with an accusing glare. The servant gave him a silly smile and motioned for him to look towards the palace gate. Cassian instantly leaned forward to catch a glimpse; he would take care of him later because looking at the royal entourage was his priority for now.

His breath caught in his throat as he saw the gates slowly open. The first thing that caught his eye was the line of sleek, golden with black intricate patterns carriages, each one was more ornate than the last. The horses that pulled them were large and muscular, their coats shining as if they had been polished repeatedly.

When all the carriages stooped at the front gate of the palace, Then a man stepped out from the Golden Carriage with the help of a coachman. He was a tall man, dressed in deep crimson robes embroidered with golden threads. His presence was commanding, and he exuded an air of authority that made the gathered servants straighten their backs. Following him were other dignitaries, each one dressed in equally fine attire, their expressions unreadable as they surveyed the palace grounds.

Cassian’s eyes widened as he took in the scene. The Drakonians were everything he had imagined and even more. Their bearing was regal, and their every movement was deliberate and graceful. The high-ranking servants moved forward to greet them; they bowed low as they offered words of welcome. And the royal couple stepped forward to greet them.

From his point of view, Cassian could see the intricate details of their clothing—the rich fabrics, the precious jewels that adorned their necks and fingers. It was a world so far from his own, a world that he would never be able to reach. He looked at them back as if he were witnessing something out of a dream.

"Look at them," one of the servants beside Cassian murmured. "They don’t even look like real people. They’re like something out of a story."

Cassian nodded; he was unable to tear his eyes from them. He could see the faint smile on the face of the man, who had stepped out first, as he accepted the greetings of the royal couple. There was a sense of pride in the way he held himself, and Cassian couldn’t help but admire the man’s confidence.

As the rest of the Drakonian entourage disembarked from their carriages, the high-ranking servants continued their greetings, ushering the guests toward the palace. Cassian’s eyes darted from one dignitary to another. He was trying to memorize every detail and every expression.

One of the Drakonian nobles—a man with striking features and a robe that looked ominous in the sunlight—caught Cassian’s gaze for a brief moment. His eyes were a piercing shade of red, a very uncommon color, but as Cassian asked his fellow servant to confirm what he was seeing, the color of his eyes changed back into blue, which freaked Cassian, and he grabbed the hand of his fellow servant and shuttered, Hey! Look at his eyes...

But he instantly shut up when. He found the same eyes on him, and they seemed to see right through him. Cassian quickly looked away. His heart started pounding in his chest. He wondered if he had noticed him or not, but the look in his eyes made him shudder. And he was not sure if the color of his eyes really changed or if it was his mere imagination.

When he didn’t feel the probing gaze on him anymore. He tries to confirm again, Did you see that man’s eyes? It was red before... But now.. Cassian felt tongue-tied; he was unsure of what to say—that someone’s eyes were changing color.

The servant beside him looked confused and asked, What are you saying Cassian? What red was it? Are you dreaming in the middle of broad daylight? He said with a chuckle and continued looking at the same aloof man, and not him, but almost everyone who was present was busy looking at him.

The said man was aloof and carrying a bewitching charm with him, but also gave the aura of do not approach me; he seemed to appear distant from everyone. His clothes were not carrying any extravagant things; they were too simple, making it hard for everyone to guess his real identity, but his aura was too dominating to be a simple one. His presence was almost attention-seeking.

The man basked in the obvious attention he was receiving from everyone and with a smirk thought to himself, Look how much you want humans, but don’t regret it when I come after you.

A smirk appeared on his face as he observed the curious gazes of everyone, who was trying to gauge his position and status. They’re simply bootlickers who give attention to those of higher status and detest lower-ranking individuals. Indeed, it’s human nature, but whatever, at least it’s good for me, he mused.

He was casually looking at everyone, but instantly his brows furrowed when a distinct scent hit him hard, almost causing him to lose control and reveal his blood-red eyes.

He turned his piercing gaze towards its source and found a boy hidden behind a pillar. His expression became unreadable as he studied the boy. Was it him? The one with this kind of distinct smell? But that’s impossible...They all...