The prime minister of Kilin turned his attention back to the emperor. “I require more than just your promise that my daughter will be safe and treated well, Your Majesty. My daughter is more precious to me than anything else and she lost her mother at a young age. That I have to live separately from her while she still has not come of age breaks my heart, but I allow it because there is no other way for her to live a long life.”

Longuo’s emperor nodded. “I cannot control the actions of others, but the former Empress who harmed the priestess has already been put to death.”

Yuelan shivered at those words, causing her father to frown and put an arm around her to rub her back. “What else will be done? I doubt your former empress was the only one to hold such intentions toward my daughter.”

“I will increase the security around her by adding more hidden guards,” the emperor answered.

“Don’t bother.” Everyone turned to look at the one who spoke, the blue-haired man Yuelan recognized as the Azure Dragon. “I will protect my granddaughter myself. My son has been very busy with his responsibilities as the keeper of the gateway and now that Yuelan has restored the magic in the east and I have settled things in what you humans call the ‘barren lands’ I am free to roam at will. Just gather your people in a large area. They can bear witness to Yuelan and I forming the bond between the priestess and the Azure Dragon.”

Byakko studied the Azure dragon. “Seiryuu, what are you planning? What do you mean by granddaughter?”

The Azure Dragon smirked. “The first dragon priestess was my daughter. Naturally, her descendant is my granddaughter. Her heritage will awaken fully soon. My presence would be necessary at that point anyway. Too many generations have passed with my daughter’s descendants marrying normal humans. Yuelan’s body will be unstable for some time when she awakens and Long He is not strong enough to contain her.”

All the humans in the room, except for Yuelan, stared at the Azure dragon and Yuelan in shock. Even Yuelan’s father was surprised, though the surprise quickly turned to concern. “What do you mean by ‘contain her’? What will happen to my daughter?”

Seiryuu looked over and smiled. “As the dragon blood flowing through her awakens there will be some physical changes. What those are, I can’t tell you. It could be anything, short of her turning fully into a dragon. Without assistance, it could be dangerous, but with my presence she will be perfectly safe, if potentially very uncomfortable.”

Long Ansheng studied Seiryuu, as if measuring how much he could trust the blue-haired human-looking man. “How can you be sure?”

“Because I helped my own daughter through her awakening. It isn’t common, but I have helped a few other children born between dragons and humans with theirs over the centuries as well.”

Ansheng nodded. “Then I will entrust my daughter’s safety to you.”

Seiryuu’s expression was calm as he nodded. “Leave it to me. With two Legendary Beasts protecting her, one of them witnessed by everyone, there should be few who would dare to make an attempt on her physical well-being. Though with her engaged to a prince, I am sure she will have to deal with the occasional jealous woman. Humans can be quite silly that way.”

Yuelan rolled her eyes. “Are you all done talking about how I’m going to live my life now? Because I think I should have some say in it.” She put her hands on her hips and frowned at her father.

“You do have some say in it, Yuelan. But as your father and with you still being underage, it is my responsibility to ensure your safety. What you do is up to you. Who protects you and how much protection you receive is up to me.” Ansheng bent down to kiss her forehead. “I lost your mother. I don’t want to lose you, too. And if you are going to survive long enough for me to retire and for you to bring me here then I need to make sure you are safe and no one else gets so close to taking your life as they already have here.”

Yuelan sighed and relaxed, lowering her hands. “Fine.”

Guangfeng let out a chuckle a few steps away.

“Something amusing about this, Prince Guangfeng?” Ansheng asked, frowning a little.

“Just remembering a similar conversation I had with Yuelan not so long ago. It ultimately resulted in my visit to Kilin and meeting you.” Guangfeng smiled.

“I don’t think this conversation is really appropriate to be having in the middle of Longuo’s court,” Yuelan cut in again. “Daddy, why don’t we let his majesty finish dealing with his kingdom’s affairs and I’ll take you to see my residence here?”

“Thank you, Priestess, but court has already been dismissed,” Emperor Xiong Lijun reminded her. “Prime Minister Long, please enjoy your stay here in Longuo.” The emperor stood, frowned at his lingering ministers, and then headed out of the throne room.

The ministers quickly scattered, leaving only Yuelan, Guangfeng, Ansheng. Long He, Seiryuu, and Byakko behind.

Seiryuu looked over at Guangfeng. “Your Highness, please work with his majesty to arrange the bonding ceremony. There need to be as many people as possible to witness it. Commoners, officials, royalty. Even delegates from other nations. I understand it will take time, but it will put an end to any rumors that Yuelan is anything but the dragon priestess.”

Guangfeng nodded and saluted Ansheng. “Please enjoy your stay, Ansheng. I will look forward to when you can move here permanently.”

Ansheng nodded and looked over at his daughter. “Shall we, then Yuelan? I would love to see the residence his majesty gave you.”

Yuelan hugged her father and smiled. “I think you’ll really like it.”