Chapter 2: Turbulence in Paradise

The warmth of Hange's body and the soothing vibrations of his laughter lulled me into a state of deep relaxation, and I felt my eyelids growing heavy. My grip on his shadow tail tightened, and I let out a contented sigh as I drifted off into a peaceful slumber. Hange's arms tightened around me, holding me close as he whispered gentle words of affection into my ear. But my tranquility was short-lived. A sudden loud noise pierced the air, shattering the calm atmosphere of our sanctuary. I jolted awake, my heart racing as I trembled with fear. Hange's grip on me tightened, and he let out a low growl, his dragon instincts on high alert. "What was that?" I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. Hange's voice was low and soothing as he replied, "It's just the wind, my love. Don't worry, we're safe." But I knew better. I could sense the tension in his body, the way his muscles were coiled and ready to spring into action. Something was wrong, and I could feel it. As if on cue, the door to our sanctuary burst open, and a flustered-looking attendant rushed in. "Your Highness, I'm so sorry to interrupt, but there's an urgent message from the dragon emperor's council. It seems there's been a... situation... that requires your immediate attention." Hange's expression turned grim, and he gently set me down on the nearby couch. "I'll be right back, my love. Stay here and rest." But I wasn't interested in resting. I was curious, and my hypersensitive ears were already picking up the faint sounds of commotion coming from outside. I scrambled off the couch, my swollen belly wobbling precariously as I took a few tentative steps forward. Hange's eyes locked onto mine, and he let out a soft sigh. "My love, please... stay here. It's not safe." But I was determined to follow him. I took a few more steps, my eyes fixed on Hange's retreating back as he strode towards the door. My tiny hands grasped for his shadow tail, and he hesitated, then turned back to me. With a gentle smile, he scooped me up in his arms, cradling me against his chest as he strode out into the unknown. I wrapped my arms around his neck, my eyes fixed on the blur of faces and colors that whizzed by as we made our way through the corridors. As we emerged into the bright sunlight, I was struck by the sight of a gathering of dragon nobles, their faces grave and worried. Hange's grip on me tightened, and he let out a low growl, his dragon instincts on high alert. It seemed that our peaceful existence was indeed about to be disrupted, and I could sense that our lives were about to change forever.