The Dragon King's Heart

Stepping out of the portal gate, Laina, Margaret, and Kol arrived in the small town of Kepping. It was busting with life. Townsfolk, travelers, and merchants were all going about their day. 

Laina took in a deep breath of fresh air. She could smell the salt and ocean in the air. Kepping was a seaside town, famous for its fresh seafood and saltwater wine. Seeing the people go about their day brought a smile to Laina's face. 

She could see the townsfolk communicating with another with smiles and warm greetings. Compared to the bickering and uptight nobility, it was a welcome sight. 

"This is why the nobility is the least of my concerns," Laina declared as she pointed to the bustling town before them. 

She turned to Margaret and continued, "As long as the people benefit from what I do, that's all that matters."

Laina did not only want to make money, she wanted to be able to improve the infrastructure and the lives of the people. There was untapped potential in everything she saw. 

Kepping was a great example. Its beautiful beaches and surrounding nature makes it a perfect town for vacation travelers. These lucrative revenue streams would better the lives of the people. 

Margaret looked around, finally getting a better understanding of what Laina was fighting for. But it did not resolve her worries. 

"Even if you gain the support of the people, without the support of at least some of the nobles, who knows what could happen? What if they choose to support someone else to rule instead of you?"

Her handmaid made a fair point. But for Laina, it was never about power. All her efforts were to make the country self-sufficient. Margaret's concern brought forward another concern. 

"If someone better comes along, they can take my place. But you brought up something I had not thought of before.

What if someone corrupt comes up instead?" Laina pondered out loud. 

Margaret agreed, "Indeed. That could unravel everything in a matter of time. Then everything would have been for naught."

This was something Laina would need to think of a way to avoid. She knew simply hoping for a benevolent ruler would not do any good. She needed a backup plan for Kinshearth. Looking on at the bustling city of Kepping, the gears in her mind were set into motion. 

"The people as a whole will always be my top priority. They are the pillars of Kinshearth, the future of the nation," Laina commented.

As they continued to walk through the streets of Kepping, a group of townsfolk caught their attention. They were talking about Laina and her recent projects.

"Have you heard? The Crown Princess is wasting money on some fancy competition," one of them said to another.

His friend sniggered, "What's new? They are always buying this and that. They never give a crap about what people like us need. We barely recovered from the drought from last year."

"I heard the competitions allowed people like us to participate as well."

"Hah! That's what they always say. But have you ever saw anyone like us win?"

"No."

"Not that I can recall."

"Exactly!"

Margaret wanted to walk over and correct them, but Laina held her back. She shook her head. 

"We can't change the opinions of the people. Or the false information that travels across the land," Laina reminded her.

One of the townsfolk joined in the conversation that the others were having. 

She sat down and said, "I heard that she's young. Will she be able to shoulder the weight of a nation?"

"I heard she rejected two marriage alliances, claiming she would run Kinshearth on her own."

"Run Kinshearth on her own? More like run it to the ground!" One of them exclaimed. 

"Yeah, a woman can't run a country, let alone on her own. She's just tooting her own horn there."

The woman slapped the man who spoke on his back and placed her hands on her waist. 

"Well, we women have been maintaining the household for ages while you men went out to work. So what makes you think she can't run the country. I bet she ran it better than you lot could do."

Laina knew she would never be able to change everyone's opinions. Her work for the people would never be complete either, it was a journey. Laina had always wanted to be a positive role model for her people and in particular for women. 

A simple walk-through of Kepping put everything into perspective. The women of Kinshearth were all taught to act a certain way. But Laina's daring moves have planted the seeds of independence in the hearts of many. 

She noticed more women were working in the markets, selling their wares alongside the men. 

"We can't change everyone's opinion, but if we can inspire change, that would be enough for me," Laina said to Margaret. 

Upon returning to the palace, Margaret gained a better understanding of what Laina had set out to do. While she still could not understand parts of it, she supported her cause. 

A messenger arrived moments after their return, that the combat competitions have ended. 

"Ah, perfect timing," Laina said as she turned to Margaret, "Do you have the list of the Queen's Order?"

Margaret nodded, "I do. As you have requested, I have identified ten individuals. Five women, five men."

"Good, bring them to meet me on my personal training grounds in an hour. I want to witness their skills myself," Laina instructed. 

At that moment, Laina noticed that Kol was looking at her. He seemed to have something he wanted to say to her but chose to keep silent. 

"Kol," she called out to him, "Is there something you want to say?"

He immediately shook his head vigorously in response. It seemed like her bodyguard feared her. She walked up to him and placed her hand gently on his shoulder. She gave him a warm smile. 

"It's alright, Kol. There's nothing to be afraid of, speak your mind. I will not hurt you. Nobody will," she said reassuringly. 

Kol was still hesitant at first. But seeing Laina's genuine efforts to communicate with him, he wavered. He had never had a master so kind before, he did not know how to react at times. 

All the time, he was told to remain silent. To observe and follow orders. Few had ever asked for his opinion. 

"Is master replacing me?" Kol finally plucked up the courage to ask. 

"Replacing you? Of course not, Kol. What gave you that ludicrous idea?"  Laina exclaimed in surprise. 

Margaret chuckled, "He must have thought that since you've asked me to put together the Queen's Order of knights, he is being replaced."

Laina shook her head in distraught. She did not do it to replace Kol. 

"I'm not replacing you, Kol. And you can call me Laina, you don't have to call me master," she reassured him, "I got Margaret to form the Queen's Order so that you don't have to be the only person to protect me. 

Sometimes, there will be situations where you alone won't be enough to guarantee my safety. Do you understand?" 

Kol nodded with a smile, "Yes, Ma- Laina."