The Uninvited Princess ✔

Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Nagas were semi-divine creatures that dwell in rivers. The upper half consisted of a human body while the lower half resembled a serpent. Pranee had heard they can transform into a human form or a terrifying dragon form... Phaya nagas. Giant serpents that not only spit water but could create rivers just by dragging their massive bodies across the ground. The naga in front of her was holding a long axe-like spear and his torso was bare which left no muscle out of sight. He looked ready to attack at any moment.

She looked around her again and tried to see if anyone else was nearby. She couldn't' help but feel uneasy in his presence. Even if nagas were divine... there were still many stories of them killing people just for trespassing.

She bowed her head instinctively and refused to look the naga in the eye. "I did not expect to meet someone of your caliber. I'm sorry if I had made any disturbances, I'll leave as soon as possible."

"No, I have actually brought you here."

The statement made Pranee lift up her head and she stared at the naga in confusion.

"What?"

"Pardon, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Niran."

"No, I..." She was about to question the decision of the naga but she noticed how tall the creature was. He was twice her height and she could feel herself shrink as she realized she wouldn't easily get away from him if she were to offend him. "Sorry, I am somewhat disoriented. I am Pranee, daughter of king Chakrii."

"You have arrived at a fortunate time. I'm sorry for bringing you here so abruptly but my people are in danger."

"What could a mere human like myself do for a divine being such as yourself?"

"It's what you aren't that would be a great help to us."

She blinked at his words. "Excuse me?"

"I'll make this very quick. I expect your people are looking for you at the moment." Niran tilted his head upwards slightly. "I am in urgent need of your help."

"For... what exactly?"

She couldn't help but glance at the naga's tail. It waved slowly from side to side rhythmically. It reminded her of a person tapping their foot impatiently as they waited for a reply.

"A toxic sludge has invested the waters of my kingdom and I believe that it's a premeditated attack from the merkingdom." The naga began to explain.

"Merkingdom...?" She unconsciously took a step back from the naga.

"Yes, the people that live in the ocean." She couldn't read his expression but it was as if he seemed almost... annoyed by her questions.

"What do you need me to do exactly?"

"I need you to place your hand on my weapon and focus all your energy on it."

"And what will that achieve?" Her reply was quick. She was hesitant to comply but she didn't want to offend him. She didn't know much about the species but she knew that they were semi-divine so she shouldn't have to worry.

"It'll become charged with purifying power and waters will clear instantly."

"But... why me?"

"Aren't you divine in your own right?"

"Huh?"

A ball of fire soared right past her and hit the naga's hand. He bared his fangs as he let out a loud hiss and Pranee jumped back in surprise. The weapon fell to the ground with a clang and the fire began to spread around the naga. His body contorted as he tried to get away from the fire with his tail thrashing wildly.

"Pranee!"

Pranee turned her head towards the voice and saw angry glowing gold eyes. Shashi was flying towards her at breakneck speed. She took a few steps backwards, hoping that they wouldn't crash into her. ThAs soon as they got close to her, they jumped upwards. The staff didn't stop though. It continued to fly directly towards the naga.

Shashi landed beside Pranee and casually stood there as they watched their staff. That was when Pranee realized that the staff wasn't flying towards the naga but the fallen weapon instead. Flames now engulfed the staff and Shashi watched it intensely. The naga had coiled his tail and attempted to launch itself towards the weapon. His arm was reached out to grab it but he was too late. The weapon shattered. Black smoke erupted from the collision and tortured screams filled the area.

Pranee was frozen. She couldn't breathe as she watched the smoke spread in the air.

"Pranee?"

She turned her head towards Shashi and she instantly felt their forehead against hers.

"He didn't hurt you, did he?"

She put her hands on their face and gently stroked their cheek with her thumb. "He didn't but you're a bit close..."

They exhaled and pulled their head away from hers. They turned their head towards Niran and locked eyes with him.

"Now... Why were you trying to trap a princess in that thing?"