Entry 1573: Reflections on My Spirited Daughter
The heavy oak door to Tiamora's private chamber shut with a soft thud. She locked it with a flick of her wrist and exhaled deeply, looking toward the elaborately adorned desk. There, an ancient leather-bound book lay waiting—the diary she'd been keeping for over two millennia. She sat down, uncorked a bottle of shimmering stardust ink, and picked up her favored quill.
Ah, where do I even begin?
When Rynhara was born, the castle celebrated for a full week. The banners of the Dragon Empire soared high, and the roars of dragons echoed across the mountains. "The future ruler is here!" they all said. I smiled at their enthusiasm, of course, but deep down, I knew this wouldn't be an ordinary child. I could feel it—the spark of rebellion in her tiny, fiery cries.
And oh, how right I was. By the time she turned three, she had already attempted her first escape. Three! I remember finding her dangling from a tapestry in the main hall, her wings too small to properly glide yet, determined to reach the outer garden. When I asked her what she was doing, she puffed up her little chest and said, "I'm conquering the castlebefore completing my grand escape!"
I laughed so hard I nearly fell over.
Then there was the infamous tunnel incident when she was seven. She'd somehow gotten into the treasury and discovered the "hidden escape route" that, in reality, was a prank tunnel built centuries ago to trap rebellious young dragons. (It's an old family tradition, don't ask.) I waited at the end of the tunnel, standing in its well-known dead end. When she saw me silhouetted there, her face fell faster than a wyvern without wings.
I remember saying, "Ah, the infamous Rebellion Tunnel. Quite popular with young dragons trying to outwit their elders." She groaned so loudly that it echoed. That memory still makes me chuckle.
Let me be clear though. Rynhara has the potential to become a brilliant ruler. Her strength, determination, and charisma are unmatched. But she's as subtle as a lightning strike in a library.
Her tendency to dive headfirst into challenges is both her greatest strength and her most glaring weakness. Like when she declared in front of the Royal Council, "Why do we need so many meetings? Can't we just duel and settle things?" The look on Lord Avryx's face was priceless, though I did have to have a "talk" with her afterward.
Still, I see the makings of a leader who will inspire not through fear but through unwavering determination. Her people will follow her not because they have to, but because they want to. And that, my dear diary, is rare indeed.
Oh, as for the tournament. Where do I even begin?
When Rynhara unleashed that lightning bolt at the start, claiming it was a "misfire," I nearly choked on my wine. A ten-kilometer-wide lightning bolt? A misfire? The commentators had a field day with that one.
But when she unlocked her final demolition strike—Shooting Star X Slash—and the Voice of the World made that grand announcement...
Let me tell you, my heart nearly stopped. I had to mask my reaction with a smirk, but inside, I was screaming, "How?! How did she do that at her age?!" It was equal parts pride and terror. That skill... it was legendary, transcendent even and even more surprisingis how she even got a final demolitionstrikeher age, l remember getting mine when l was 13. I suppose when one has talent the heavens themselves recognize it.
I'll admit, when she fell to one knee, surrounded by stardust, with the dust of the battlefield still settling, I felt... awed. My little dragon, my rebellious princess, had achieved something extraordinary. I wanted to run into the arena and hug her right then and there, but I knew she'd probably push me away and say, "Not in front of everyone, Mother!"
Rynhara's power is growing at an unprecedented rate. While I'm endlessly proud of her, I can't help but worry. Power like hers doesn't come without a price. I've seen it before, in other rulers, in old friends, in myself. Will she be able to balance her strength with wisdom? Will she learn to listen before acting, to see beyond the battlefield?
I trust her, though. Despite her stubbornness and reckless tendencies, she has a good heart. And her loyal maid, Kaelira is always there to keep her grounded (and occasionally drag her out of trouble).
I've noticed Rynhara has taken a liking to the katana over her scythe lately. It's interesting. I wonder if it's a phase or if she's developing a deeper connection to it. Must be due to the fact my husband used that katana.
Her fan club at the Academy is growing. I overheard some of them calling her "Stardust Princess." She'd probably cringe if she knew.
Note to self: Stop threatening the crowd during tournaments. It's unbecoming of a queen.
Tiamora set the quill down, rereading her entry. A soft smile played on her lips. For all the challenges, for all the chaos, she wouldn't trade Rynhara for anything in the world.
"Rest well tonight, my little star," she murmured, closing the diary. "Tomorrow, we'll tackle whatever the cosmos throws at us."
With that, she extinguished the lantern and left the room, her heart filled with both pride and love.