As night fell, Deren stood before the bronze mirror in the bathroom, warm water trickling down the contours of his muscles. He recalled Onyxia's suggestive "reward," and a smile unconsciously crept onto his lips. The Black Dragon always managed to surprise him, whether on the battlefield or...
He dried himself off, changed into a clean bathrobe, and hummed a little tune as he pushed open the bedroom door. Then he froze on the spot.
Jaina, the ruler of Theramore, the Princess of Kul Tiras, and the Archmage of Dalaran, sat on the edge of his bed, her sun-kissed golden hair cascading over her shoulders, her long legs crossed, and glimpses of her figure peeking out from beneath her thin silk robe. She toyed with a Crystal Ball in her hand, on which the image of the Orgrimmar explosion played on a loop.
"Are you satisfied with the prize?" She looked up, a rare hesitation in her deep blue eyes.
Deren's mind went blank for a moment. He instinctively looked back at the door to make sure he hadn't entered the wrong room. " Jaina? What's going on?"
The mage rose, the light from the Crystal Ball casting shifting shadows on her face. " Onyxia and I have discussed it," she said, her voice eerily calm. " Theramore needs an heir, and you and she have remained childless for so many years."
Deren felt a wave of dizziness and steadied himself against the doorframe. "Wait, you mean..."
" The Dragon Race's birth rate is too low," Jaina continued, as if reading a military report. "According to Instructor Aegwynn's estimates, the success rate of Black Dragon -human hybrid is almost impossible. And Theramore needs a clear heir to stabilize the people's hearts."
She took a step closer, Deren could smell a faint scent of violets on her. "I hope you will consider having children with me."
Deren's Adam's apple bobbed; he had never imagined hearing Jaina say such a thing in this situation. "This is... a political marriage?" he managed to squeeze out the word.
Jaina shook her head, her golden hair gleaming softly in the moonlight. "Not entirely." A rare hint of vulnerability flickered in her eyes. "It was also my personal choice. You saved Theramore, you saved me. And," her voice trailed off, "I don't hate you."
She took a small Crystal Vial from her robe pocket, filled with a pink liquid. "This is the Love Potion Lady Aegwynn used years ago. It guarantees success." Her fingertips gently caressed the bottle. "But I don't want to use it. This isn't what I want."
Deren's mind raced, trying to comprehend the absurd reality before him. He turned to open the door and leave, but found it wouldn't budge—clearly under a spell. He pounded on the door. " Oni! What's going on?" He tried to ascertain his wife's reaction; was this some kind of honey trap?
Onyxia's languid voice came from outside the door. "Treat her well as a prize, darling~" Then there was silence.
Deren turned and saw a fleeting look of hurt cross Jaina's face, but it quickly returned to its calm. She placed the Crystal Vial on the bedside table. "I won't force you. If you don't want to, I can leave."
The room fell silent, save for the silent flickering image of the explosion in the Crystal Ball, reflecting the complex expressions on the two people's faces.
Deren took a deep breath, walked to the window, and opened it. The night breeze, carrying the scent of sea salt, flooded the room, slightly easing the heavy atmosphere. He gazed at the lights of Theramore Harbor in the distance, lost in thought.
"You know about me and Oni," he said, his voice a little hoarse.
"I know," Jaina interrupted him, "But she agreed. She also thought it was the best option for Theramore." She paused, "And she loves you, but she's a dragon first and foremost. Dragon Race concepts are different from human concepts."
"We are the only true humans! Besides, according to my ideals, what man in this world is worthy of me? Those kings and lords, if I just beckoned, which one would refuse to marry me? But how could they agree to me becoming Queen of Theramore? And I will never hand over Theramore."
"Since I met you, I don't think I could fall in love with anyone else. I also don't think anyone in this world could treat me better than you! I don't want to possess you forever; I just want to have a child with you. That would be enough for me in this life!"
Deren gave a wry smile, "So this was all a joint plan by you?"
Jaina walked to his side, the moonlight gilding her profile. "Not entirely. That idea has been in my mind for a long time." She turned to look directly into Deren's eyes, "From the day you first defended me before Father."
Deren raised an eyebrow in surprise. That was over a year ago, when Jaina's father Admiral Daelin Theramore. Jaina was worried that he would clash with the Thrall Horde, who had just made peace with her, so she had to ask Deren and Onyxia to mediate during Daelin's welcome.
When Daelin's fleet fired a warning shot, Deren had Onyxia, Chromie, and Chromie reveal their dragon forms to greet Daelin's fleet. This immediately intimidated the old admiral, preventing an immediate war. Later, Derek returned, and Deren had the Red Dragon Queen heal Derek's scars, greatly improving the relationship between father and daughter.
"I understand," he said softly, reaching out to stroke Jaina's cheek. The mage's skin was cool and soft, trembling slightly at his touch. "But I need to confirm one last thing."
He turned and walked toward the door, this time easily unlocking the magic lock. Outside, Onyxia leaned against the wall, her black leather armor gleaming dimly in the torchlight of the corridor.
"Are you serious?" Deren looked directly into Black Dragon Amber's eyes.
Onyxia grinned, revealing her sharp teeth. "You think I'd just hand over my mate to anyone?" She stepped closer, her fingers tracing the surface of Deren's chest. "But Dragon Race have Dragon Race ways. Jaina is an important ally; she needs an heir. Theramore needs stability, and I think such an offspring would be ideal if it were your descendant."
Her voice became dangerous and seductive, "And I also hope you'll have your own child soon. As for you and me, perhaps with the help of the gods, it's quite possible."
Deren shook his head and smiled wryly, "You women."
Onyxia suddenly shoved him toward the door. "Go, my prize. Tonight you belong to the lady of Theramore." Her eyes gleamed with the possessiveness characteristic of Dragon Race, and something deeper. "Tomorrow. We'll settle the score then."
The door closed behind Deren, and he turned to face Jaina. The mage stood by the bed, her fingers nervously twisting together; this usually calm and composed ruler now looked like a bewildered young girl.
Deren walked over to her and gently took her cold hand. "Let's take it slow, okay? No need for potions, no need for political considerations, just tonight, it's just you and me. Purely enjoying each other's prize."
The tension in Jaina's eyes gradually melted away. She nodded, her long hair cascading down like a waterfall in the moonlight.
Fifth update, 10,000 words per day achieved. Next time, if monthly votes reach 600, I will continue with 10,000 words per day.