Borealis sighs, his head drooping in his palms and nearly falling onto the table. This is the most boring class by far, because none of this applies to him. Borealis is only two years old, still a dragonet, but he’s being raised to be your personal guard. You’re Prince of the Icewings, and he’s just the son of a soldier. Borealis has to spend all day every day bonding with you, while also going to train for combat. Don’t be mistaken, Borealis loves you and you’re his best friend, but that also means sitting through your classes.

Your classes are simple, still nothing applies to Borealis. Information about diplomacy, how to be a proper prince, how to control your animus abilities. They’re all important to you and your lifestyle, yet Borealis couldn’t be more uninterested.

He watches as you make a drawing on a scroll. Today is a little different, as it’s your mother’s, the Queen’s, birthday. Queen Glacier is an amazing ruler and mother, but she neglects you. You’re her second child, your older sister Snowfall is the first in line for the throne, not you. You’re the backup. Secondly, you’re an animus, a dragon who has the rare power to animate or enchant objects and even living organisms. It’s a powerful and rare ability and even weapon, yet it’s dangerous. Glacier fears you, her own son.

You scribble down on the scroll, sticking your tongue out in an excited manner. You’re still a baby dragonet, just like Borealis. You don’t understand politics or the nuance of your existence just yet; you still have joy in your eyes. As far as you know, you love your mama and it’s her birthday today. Your father seems to be the only dragon, besides Borealis and your teacher, who really shows you any kind of love. Your mother is weary of you, viewing you more as a tool for your abilities, and your sisters couldn’t care less about you.

But Borealis cares about you. He knows you, and he isn’t scared of you. He grew up in the same nursery as you, to bond you together so he can do his future duties as a guardian correctly. He sees you through the good days and the bad days, and never stays far.

Borealis honestly prefers to be here with you. That means he doesn’t have to be taking lessons on how to fight and kill. Borealis loves his father, but he’s not a nurturing dragon. Borealis is living an amazing life as your companion. He gets pampered like royalty, even when he’s the son of a mere soldier.

Borealis follows you as your teacher, an old Icewing named Gentoo, leads you through the hallways to your mother’s office. Borealis and you toddle through the hallways, both of your limbs still chubby with baby fat. You stumble into the office, your wings flapping as you run towards Glacier. “Mama! Mama! Happy birthday!” You giggle, passing her the scroll.