“ I am afraid. “ Kairo had confessed, leaning against the grandiose garden fence and letting out a shaky sigh. At his side, the advisor Tyl shifted, unsure of how to possibly handle the confession of the king.

  In normal circumstances, Kairo would hate to have put something so serious on the other’s shoulders- but, if held any longer, he feared he may burst at the seams. In time, there was only the hope she could forgive him.

  “ …Why is that, sir? “ She asked evenly, poised even in the face of it all. It was something Kairo had admired, the defining characteristic of a trustworthy ally. If it had been her born of his father’s seed, then perhaps the kingdom would’ve avoided this.

  As amusing as a thought that was, Kairo was the king and thus the duty had fallen to him. How kind, this world was.

  ” The dragon… Is young, but has yet to display any signs of what it may control. “ At his side, Tyl shifted is discomfort. It seemed that all in their kingdom were wary of the newborn beast- he could not blame them, even if he cared for it like his own.

  With taking all manner of beasts, it was common knowledge that one reared by hand would grow attached to its caretaker. At every moment, Kairo would gather the whelp in his arms, feed it gently, keep it by his side as he slept.

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  While it would guarantee his connection to the dragon, there was nothing to say about future descendants of himself or his people. Even with their other Divine Beasts of their neighbouring kingdoms, the fact simply was they could be violent.

  ” It is imperative we prepare for its growth . We cannot be made a laughing stock, not when so much of our future depends on its presence. “ Kairo smiled grimly, looking down at the aforementioned beast. Even so small, it demanded so much.

  He could not fault the thing, even if he knew Irene did.

  “ …But we do not know what it will present, its temperament, or how to raise such a thing. “ Tyl finished for him, ever perceptive. Nodding, Kairo admired the variety of native plants that decorated the garden. Sprawling and wild, this had once been their pride and joy.

  Beyond the divine oracles of the Church delivering word of the eggs that contained gifts to mankind, as per the Great One’s wishes, there had been nothing to prepare them for the endeavour that was raising beasts. In fact, with more that hatched, it seemed things had changed.

  What was once a temperate climate, had swiftly become ravaged by constant change. By the time the people had adjusted to one season, it would change.

  Even now, there had been an unusual chill around the castle.

  “ We don’t. “ He finished, raising upwards and leaving the garden with a flourish of his cape.