Chapter Six: A Change In Plans

Crystal’s tail-feathers rippled as the Crown Prince finally finished answering her list of questions. She remembered hearing that he only had a level seven in understanding, so it wasn’t surprising that he hadn’t understood some of her more complicated symbols. But he’d spoken aggravatingly slowly, it had been all she could do to hold back from growling. But, kind-hearted or not, growling at the Crown Prince would do Crystal no favors.

Obey, be patient. By pretending to become whatever it was that he wanted, she’d get back home a lot sooner than if she continued to act up. Rippling her ruff slightly to shake it out and lift it from the side of her head, Crystal began to sign again, this time slowly to be sure he would understand. 

Going through the movements for her final question, Crystal made sure to avoid any overly advanced signs. She didn’t know them all herself, but she had managed to make her way up to a level eight in speaking and nine in understanding, whereas most servants were only able to get to a level six or seven in both speaking and understanding by the time they were taken to the castle. Usually though, they were allowed to continue their lessons, so long as they behaved.

From what Crystal had picked up by eavesdropping, most Fire dragons were unable to get beyond a level seven in speaking, simply because their ears were only able to bend so far, whereas Ice dragons had their feathery ruff. Though it was nestled closely behind the ear, the ruff wasn't connected. Instead, the ruff was able to be moved separately and had a wider range of movement. 

Finally finishing her signs, having asked him in a rather long and slow manner how exactly he planned for this to work, Crystal settled back on all fours, folding her wings gently against her side as she waited for a response.

The Fire dragon thought about it for a few minutes, and Crystal once again resisted the urge to growl at him. Honestly, it was like he was trying to annoy her. Rippling her tail with annoyance, Crystal began to study her surroundings for the first time. She was in the back corner of the room, but her chain was long enough that it should let her reach through the whole room. She doubted it would let her leave though, servants were supposed to stay in their master’s quarters until they had been dismissed, and then they would be locked in a smaller room with a much shorter chain. 

“My current plan is for you to act as though you have surrendered when in public. When they begin to trust you, then I shall reveal more. I do not wish to say too much, since servants are interrogated before they are killed. It would not do me well for my father to learn of my plans.” Ember finally replied. 

Crystal forced her wings to remain still, although her ruff flicked backwards in annoyance. What he’d just told her was a heavily simplified version of her own plans. Act proper, stay alive, and then when the time comes stage an accident for someone in a higher rank, fix it, get a higher rank, and be relieved of duty, all before her twentieth-fifth year, which would fall on the year that the Fire dragons of the castle purged the servants ranks of any who were unfit to serve.  She couldn’t risk being caught up in that. 

Crystal turned her head away, pretending to think about his words. She had an inkling of a plan, but it would be quite risky. If she played along with the prince’s plan, she would be able to rise quite quickly. Then, if she could find a way to reveal all to the king, pretending to him to be a meek servant who felt, like some Ice Dragons did, that she deserved to be a servant, she just might be able to go home as a reward. 

Refocusing on the prince, Crystal spread her wings and lowered her neck and head. The sign for submitting, or in this case, acknowledging. Resettling her feathers with a quick shake, Crystal pricked her ruff upwards and looked at the Fire dragon across from her expectantly. 

The crown prince nodded at her, and said “Alright, in order to show them that you are obedient, or so they shall think, you are going to have to do a few things.” Crystal barely managed to keep her eyes from rolling. Typical Fire dragon, he may want to help her, but only if she first helped him. Whatever, she only had to put up with it for a little while, long enough to use him to get out of here. 

Nodding briskly, Crystal lowered her ruff and waited for him to get on with it. She was racing a deadly clock after all. Ember’s tail twitched slightly and then he said, “Alright then, so first things first, how much do you know about the duties you’ll be expected to preform?”

This time, Crystal couldn’t stop her eyes from rolling. What kind of Selected would she be if she didn’t know her duties? Instead of saying all that though, she just nodded. Ember nodded back, and then said, “Alright then, so let me grab a new scroll and I’ll show you some names and places you’ll need to be extra careful in, and some places you can be more relaxed at.”

As Crystal nodded, Ember turned towards his desk. As he selected a blank scroll Crystal took a deep breath as best she could through the muzzle. Working for the prince was going to be infuriating, but she would have to manage best she could.