A/N: Since I am pretty sure I have read every Dragon Prince story at least twice, I decided it was time for me to write and post my own. Lots of elements from the show will be used with a few things added. Example being Xadia is divided by kingdoms as well with their own names, the Moonshadow elves land is called Lunaris and the others will be introduced as the story progresses.

Hope you guys enjoy my AU!

Summary: The Elf nations of Xadia and the Human Kingdoms have never known peace. However with the war coming to an end, a new era has begun where elves and humans will no longer be enemies. Through Prince Callum of Katolis and Princess Rayla of Lunaris, the fate of the future between humans and elves now rests upon their shoulders. Their lives bound to each other for peace.


Chapter One: For What Lies Ahead

The sun's light lit up the sky with a golden haze, the birds sang without a care in the world and the clouds took on all kinds of shapes to let the children's imagination below run wild. The castle sat on top a hill with cliff's on the west side while the front entrance faced the east, the rising sun. In one of the higher rooms just below his own was Prince Callum of the kingdom of Katolis.

The young prince was seated in his private study, a gift from his step father, King Father, on his tenth birthday. Callum spent many hours in this study, whether he was working on assignments from the tutors, drawing away in his sketchbook or simply coming up here for some peace and quiet. Books were stacked along the shelves, his desk was covered in various writings and drawings, the floor however was clean.

Currently Callum was sitting at the window seat, knees drawn with his sketchbook resting there and his drawing hand flying across the page. Whenever he was feeling any type of emotion, happy, sad, angry, nervous, and it was overwhelming him, he would start drawing. Today was an important day, the beginning of the rest of his life and he had to admit he was utterly terrified of what was to come.

As a child it had been easy to pretend it was all a game, but as he grew up, he realized just how serious this matter was and what it meant for his kingdom, for the future of Katolis. If he was going to be honest, the events of today would be the start of something never done in history. Callum pressed to hard on the pencil, snapping the tip and messing up the tree's branch.

A frustrated groan escaped him, he threw the sketchbook and pencil to the ground in a moment of anger. It was unlike a prince to let his emotions get the better of him, he had to be in control of them and use them to his advantage. Allow his anger to show when the situation was right, show just enough sorrow to be sympathetic. Only in cases of the most dire of circumstances could he cry in public, that was reserved for funerals.

Callum ran his fingers through his brown hair, he was nervous about today, that in just a few hours, everything would change for him. He pressed the palms of his hands to his eyes as he struggled to steady his breathing, a knot tightening in his stomach and his chest started to burn.

The walls were closing in, he felt like he couldn't move anywhere. There was so much riding on this, so much pressure on him and the other person involved. What was he going to do? What if it all fell apart? A gasp left his dry throat, he had to get it together, he had to stop this before it could any worse, but it was so hard to focus. Why was everything all over the place? Why did it feel like he couldn't breathe?

"Callum, you need to breathe," his mother told him, "Sweetheart, you have to breathe."

Callum looked up at her as he gasped out, "I feel, ah I feel so overwhelmed with everything- I- I have so many thoughts- it's- it's all jumbled and it's racing around my mind."

"You have to focus on the present, in the moment around you. Take a deep breath, follow my lead," she told him, her eyes warm.

It lasted for what felt like hours, but thanks to the breathing exercise his mother had taught him, he was able to quell the rush of panic that had overtaken him. When his heart rate settled and breathing returned to normal, Callum lowered his hands to look out the window at the still rising sun. Their guests would not arrive until dusk, a little before dinner, giving him the entire day to prepare for their arrival. Callum started to out all his materials away, making the room presentable and organized enough for a prince.

A gentle knock filled his ears, Callum turned to face the direction of the door and called politely, "It's open, you may come in."

The door opened to reveal his step father, King Harrow. The King was a tall man with dark skin, his hair in dreadlocks with gold rings along the ends to match the accents of his shirt and shine of his crown. Callum straightened his shoulders, he bowed slightly, one hand on his chest. It was a sign of respect and showing that he was a servant to the king.

"No, no please," King Harrow said, putting his hands in front of him to stop Callum from continuing the formal greeting.

Callum stood straight, his shoulders tense, "Okay."

"I just wanted to see how you were doing," King Harrow explained, his unease plain as day on his face, something Callum mentally frowned at.

"Why, is something wrong," Callum questioned, his brow rising ever so slightly.

Harrow shook his head, "No, nothing is wrong. I only meant that today is a big day and I would understand if you were nervous or upset."

Callum blinked a few times before he replied, "I know how important this is for Katolis, for the human kingdoms and for Xadia. I'm ready for what lies ahead. They are still arriving at dusk right- correct?"

Harrow answered with a slight shake of his head, "Our guests will be arriving a short time after midday. They have made the journey much quicker than any of us had anticipated."

Callum felt the knot in his stomach return, but he kept his voice even as he said, "Well that works out in our favor. The sooner they arrive, they will be able to rest and join us in the hall for dinner."

"Yes," Harrow said, for a moment he was taken aback, but quickly covered the expression, "I suppose you are right. Callum, are you certain you are okay?"

Callum nodded, "Just fine. Now, if I may be dismissed there are some things I need to attend to before our guests arrival."

Harrow wanted to stop Callum, to talk to his son a bit more and learn if he was truly arlight with the upcoming events, but decided against. With a stiff nod, he dismissed Callum who gathered his bag and left to his devices. King Harrow rubbed his hand over his face and with a sigh, wonder how all the other ways he could have handled that.

Even though Harrow was his step father, he had always viewed Callum as his on, the step never involved or even mattered to him. Their relationship had been uneasy when Callum was younger, but it had taken a positive turn for a few years and then it became fragile. Around the time Callum turned thirteen, their relationship had fallen back to an uneasiness between them and Harrow hated it.

He didn't know how to fix it and his wife, Sarai, didn't know how to adjust it either. She had assured him that it was because Callum was a teenager now, but Harrow had not been sold on the idea. And now the day had come, the first step of many that had been planned a little more than a decade ago.

He could remember it as if it were yesterday, in the council room he stood with his advisor, Lord Viren, and his wife, Queen Sarai. Discussing the future of their kingdom, the nature of this upcoming war, the tentative peace and a decision that would dictate the rest of Callum's life along with the fate of the human kingdoms. An alliance had been formed, a truce had been called, an arrangement made, a wedding date set. A human prince would wed an elf princess.

"I just Callum, is he okay?"

Harrow turned to look at his second son, Ezran. The crown prince Ezran was ten years old with big bushy brown hair and brilliant blue eyes. Concern was clearly written on the young boy's face. Although Ezran knew a little about what was going on, he didn't know exactly how much was riding on the arrangement involving his older brother.

Callum never talked to him about it and if Ezran was able to get something out of him, it was always lighthearted and something along the lines of, "I'll just have a built in best friend" or "making a peace with the elves through me and an elf." Ezran may have been young, but he wasn't dumb and knew it was more serious than that, but to what extent had been beyond him.

"Callum is handling it remarkably well," Harrow told his son with a smile, "Your brother is incredibly strong."

Ezran smiled back at his dad, "Yeah, he is. Do you think the elves will like us? Bait's worried they won't."

Harrow chuckled when he caught sight of his son's glow toad by his feet, "Is that right Bait? Well, I can assure you that we will be great friends with our guests. They will love us."

Bait croaked at him, Ezran released a soft laugh, but it quickly faded away as he wouldn't meet his father's gaze. There was something he was worried about. He knew that when everything was said in done, when Callum and this elf princess had to seal the alliance, something big would happen. That Callum would have to leave Katolis and journey to Xadia.

"Dad," Ezran said quietly, "Is- are we going to lose Callum?"

Harrow's face showed the surprise he felt, "What? No, why would you think that Ezran?"

Ezran rubbed his arm, "I heard some of the servants talking in the kitchen. That once Callum and the elf tied a knot, then he'd have to leave and I don't want to go."

Harrow now understood where Ezran got the idea from. It was not a secret that Callum was betrothed to an elf princess, however what would happen after the wedding had not traveled to anyone other than himself, Queen Sarai, Lord Viren and their guests. When the wedding celebration was over, eight days of it, Prince Callum would have to leave Katolis with his wife on a journey through Xadia.

The details of whether or not Callum would be introduced to the kingdoms of Xadia first on this 'tour' or if his wife would be introduced to the human kingdoms first had yet to be decided on. While years of planning had gone into the arrangement to have a human royal and an elf royal wed, it had taken some time after before the decision fell to the kingdoms of Katolis and Lunaris.

So much had been laid out and so much left to be dealt with another day.

"Callum wouldn't be gone long," Harrow assured his son, he placed his hand on the boy's shoulder causing Ezran to look at him, "It would only be a month at most. He would be traveling the lands and would return to us."

Ezran nodded, he released a heavy sigh, "Well that's good. I was worried for a minute. I'm going to see if he wants a jelly tart."

"I think Callum would really like that," Harrow told him, he ruffled his son's hair before the boy took off.

Harrow smiled fondly as his son raced out of the room with his glow toad to find get jelly tarts and find his brother. Queen Sarai loved jelly tarts, she had passed on that love to Prince Ezran who could never get enough of them. It never ceased to amuse King Harrow how when the Queen and Prince Ezran were together, they would quite literally make plans to take the jelly tarts. Though Harrow didn't understand why the pair didn't just order them and have them sent up to their chambers. Apparently it wasn't as fun.

The King's smile faded after a moment as he thought of his eldest son who was likely overwhelmed with the day's upcoming events. Though he wished he could make it better, he hoped that Ezran would be able to take his mind off of it for a little while. Looking out the window, King Harrow wondered just how close the moonshadow elves were to the kingdom.

While they were more than capable of protecting themselves, King Harrow had sent his men to be an escort to them as not everyone was pleased with elves coming into their territory. It was more or less a safety net. King Harrow sighed, it would certainly be an interesting day.


"I will not ask you again."

"You hadn't even asked me the first time."

"Rayla, do not test my patience."

It was nearing midday and the journey the kingdom of Katolis had been uneventful at best, however now things had taken a less than pleasant turn. What started out as the brief disobedience of an upset child turned into a fight from some human bandits who were in for the surprise of their lives.

Runaan was confident his team would handle the humans, defeating them without taking a life or spilling any blood. The human guards from the very kingdom they were journeying to would help in the battle, but Runaan feared they would get in the way more than help, but he could not stop them. Currently, his team was holding off the bandits with ease while the human troops helped where they could, leaving Runaan to deal with his charge. Standing at his full height, he looked down at his charge with a pointed gaze.

"Get back in the carriage," Runaan commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Rayla would not cower so easily, her pale violet eyes glared at him, "I can fight, ya know I can."

He grabbed her underarm and brought his face just in front of her own, "Either you get back in the carriage on your own or I will drag you there. This is not a discussion and my patience is gone."

Her eyes widened ever so slightly in surprise before she scowled at him. She wrenched her arm away and climbed back inside the carriage, slamming the door shut behind her only for the edge of her forest green cloak to be caught in the door. She didn't bother to open the door and fix it.

Runaan released a sigh. There had never been a moment in his life he considered having a child of his own, however when Rayla had been left to him things changed. Though not his daughter by blood, he loved her with every fiber of his being, even if she did push him to his limits every other day. It amused his partner to know end, though Runaan found it aggravating.

The fight ended quickly, no one was injured, save for a few looked behind him to see Rayla had remained in the carriage with a displeased look on her face, her pale skin flushed slightly from what he could tell was anger. The rest of the carriage ride would either be in silence or with her arguing with him, Runaan hoped for silence.

"King Runaan," questioned one of his party, Meijin, "Are you and Princess Rayla alright?"

Runaan nodded, "We are fine. It is best that we do not linger here, I suspect there could be others lurking ahead. The sooner we get to Katolis, the better."

Meijin nodded and quickly informed the others while Runaan dusted off dirt that had found it's way onto his teal tunic, once they drew closer to the kingdom he and Rayla would need to change into more presentable attire, which he knew she would not appreciate in the least.

He entered the carriage moments later, sheathing his weapons as he took a seat on the red seats. The carriage was of Katolis design and the colors matched that of it's home kingdom, though Runaan would have preferred to take one his own carriages or take the journey on foot, it would have been rude to ignore the gesture.

It was custom among humans that should they be extending an invitation, they provide the means of travel as well as boarding. Besides it was meant to camouflage them a bit more. It did not take long for the carriage to start moving again, Rayla had yet to say a word or look at her guardian. Runaan thought he would have enjoyed the quiet, but as he watched his charge, he would have preferred her angry voice to her silence.

"Rayla, I understand your desire to fight," Runaan started hesitantly, "But-"

"It is not my place," Rayla said sharply, her eyes on the passing trees.

Runaan released a sigh, "At this time it is not your place."

"You say that like one day it would change," Rayla said, her tone defeated, "You an' I both know it won't ever change like you say."

"You have a responsibility and must present yourself as such for the time being," Runaan told her.

Rayla waved her hand dismissively, "Yeah, yeah I know. You an' Tinker have already told me this a thousand times."

Runaan offered her a smile, "I still find it amusing that you call him that."

However Rayla would not take the bait. She knew exactly what he was doing and she would not fall for it. It was never her place to fight anymore, even though it was all she wanted to do. Truthfully she wanted to be an assassin, even trained to be one under Runaan, but she was never allowed to use her skills, even when the situation called for it.

The only time she ever had to use her skills in a real life scenario was when an assassin broke into their home, she got to fight him off for a bit before Runaan and the others arrive. Runaan fought him while Tinker practically carried her away so that she would no longer be in the fight.

Rayla knew she wasn't meant to be a princess, no one believed she was meant to be one overall. She wasn't a princess by birth or through marriage or even adoption. Being a princess of Lunaris had changed everything for Rayla, she had been a little girl, hardly three years old, when her life changed forever and the initial track of her life had been taken away.

She was not meant to be a monarch, she was meant to be a warrior, an assassin like her parents, like Runaan had been. As the youngest child to the King and Queen of Lunaris, Runaan was able to pursue other methods in Lunaris, but with the loss of his older sister and her not having an heir, he became king.

Runaan spoke again, "Rayla, I understand your frustration, possibly better than anyone."

Rayla kept her gaze away from him, "You were born a prince then an assassin. I war born an assassin, made a princess."

"You were a child, had only just started training which I continued as you grew," Runaan said exasperated, they have had this conversation many times.

Rayla nodded, "Yes, so you should know more than anyone that I am more than capable of looking after myself. I can fight."

"I know you can, but it is not your job to do so," Runaan informed her, "As a princess you are helping not only Lunaris, but all of elf and human kingdoms alike."

"I know what's at stake Runaan, I won't mess this up," Rayla replied with an undertone of something Runaan couldn't quite place.

Rayla looked at Runaan then, though her expression betrayed nothing, Runaan knew she was afraid. Moonshadow elves were the strictest of the elves when it came to how they conducted themselves and how their culture operated. Duty, honor, oaths, were three of the most important things to their way of life. However there was something else, although it was more an informal rule and it was never to show fear.

Fear allowed for enemies to see your weakness, fear turned strong men weak or some some cases weak men strong. It was not something people revealed, emotions were to be kept in check and under control. Losing control of your emotions, letting those around you see them to their full degree was frowned upon.

Rayla would never show her fear to Runaan, but she hoped he got the message that she was uncertain about all of this. There was a lot riding on this arrangement, if it went wrong, who knows the chaos that could follow. Runaan wished he could ease all of her worries, but he knew there was little he could say that would help her.

Tinker was much better at that than he was, Runaan wished he could have journeyed with them, but with the unrest in his own kingdom, he had to remain behind. He would join them in the coming weeks, which was nice. Runaan moved from his seat to sit beside her, she threw him a questioning look.

"Do you recall the game we played when you were a child where you would describe something and the other players would have to guess it," Runaan asked her, incredibly randomly as far as Rayla was concerned.

"Uh yes," Rayal said confused, "But I don't see what that has to do with anythin'."

He smiled at her with a proud look on his face, "Play a round with me, for old times sake."

Rayla shifted her body to face him with a curious look, she had no idea where he was going with this, but she would play along for a moment. If there was one thing Rayla knew about her guardian for sure was that he was not sentimental or really a nostalgic person, he preferred to remain in the moment. Why he would want to reminisce on a child's game she played with other children and Tinker was beyond her.

"Alright," Rayla said with a slight nod.

His smile remained the same, "Good. Now I see something blue."

Rayla looked around, she smirked when she said, "Let me guess the sky."

Runaan nodded, "Yes. I see something-"

"Hey, no it's my turn," Rayla said with a mock offended look.

Runaan released a light chuckle, his shoulder moved with each quick laugh, "My apologies."

Rayla glanced around, "I see somethin'... black."

Runaan frowned, he looked around and grinned when he spotted it, "The horses."

"You got it," Rayla said, "You goin' to tell me why you wanted to do this?"

Runaan answered with a smug look, "In a moment. I spy something with multiple colors."

Rayla's brow scrunched, "You'll have to be more specific Runaan, what colors?"

"Teal, white, a little bit of blue and grey-violet eyes," Runaan told her, when Rayla said nothing, he continued, "I see an elf who has grown into a strong, confident, fierce young woman. Someone who is driven, capable of many wonderful things. I see someone I could not be more proud of, I have never loved someone so much."

Rayla looked away embarrassed, "Okay, I get it, no need to be so mushy."

Runaan smirked, he jerked forward and Rayla grabbed his wrists the way she would as a child during their training exercises. Runaan has taught many pupils and enjoyed seeing them grow, always proud of them. However he never found himself wishing that they would stay young and not have to face the world and it's challenges.

Yet when Rayla became his charge, he understood why so many adults looked at their children and wished they would remain young while also being excited to see what they would do as they grow. Looking at Rayla now, he felt torn. He was so proud of her, but he wished she hadn't grown up so fast. Then he pulled her into his arms, she returned the hug after the surprise of the affection wore off.

"Are you okay," Rayla asked as he released her.

Runaan shook his head, "There will be many challenges ahead, many threats I will no longer be able to protect you from. And though I am hard on you, I do not want you to ever forget that I am here for you always."

Rayla offered him a small smile, "Good, I need to bother someone."

"Your majesties," said the carriage driver through the little front window, "We will be arriving to Katolis before the hour is up."

"Thank you," Runaan told the driver with a nod.

Rayla visibly swallowed. The sweet moment between them was over, it was now back to business and the upcoming events. Soon Rayla would meet the prince of Katolis, the one she was meant to marry. Though she and the prince had met each other as young children, she couldn't remember the meeting at all now. They did exchange letters as children, but had ceased sending them for a time as it wasn't deemed safe by their guardians.

"It's really happening," Rayla said quietly, more to herself than to Runaan.

The rest of her life, was starting now. She hoped she was ready for what lie ahead of her.