The Kingmaker System

I perched comfortably on the branch of the tree a couple of feet away from Celestia’s balcony, my arm draped lazily over my raised knee as I rested my chin on it. My eyes stayed fixed on her figure inside the room—she was pacing, again and again, her steps short and restless. Her hair was tied in neat braids, but stray wisps kept falling as she chewed nervously on her lower lip.

She hadn’t prayed for my presence yet. Or maybe she was simply lost in thought. Was she rehearsing what she wanted to say to me? Or was she unsure if she even wanted to see me?

I waited.

The moon climbed high and bathed the world in silver light, yet Celestia stayed within the confines of her room. Past midnight now. I finally sighed and raised my hand, manipulating the latch of her balcony doors with a gentle pull of telekinesis. They creaked open slowly, letting in a gust of cool wind that made the drapes flutter and the lanterns flicker.

Celestia gasped, whipping her head toward the sudden movement. Her eyes widened in alarm—until they landed on the small water dragon sailing in on the breeze, iridescent and humming with soft blue light.

Her shoulders sagged in relief. "L-Lord Dragon... you scared me," she said, stepping onto the balcony.

"I was waiting," I said, my voice calm, floating from the water dragon’s mouth as I kept my true self concealed. "I thought you’d summon me... tell me what was on your mind. But you didn’t. So I came."

A guilty shadow passed over her features. "I’m sorry for making you wait, Lord Dragon... I didn’t realize you were expecting me."

I smiled lightly. "Well, if it is for my people then I’d gladly wait on them."

Her cheeks flushed a soft pink. She bowed her head with flustered grace. "I-I’m honored to hear that."

My voice grew quieter, more curious. "So, what have you decided?"