Updated chapter 8: The Hivewing King's Gift

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The first rays of daylight streamed through the gossamer windows of Wasp Hive, casting soft golden patterns on the walls. Vespa stirred from her slumber, letting out a delicate yawn as she blinked against the light. Slowly, she stretched, spreading her small, shimmering wings wide before giving her head a sleepy shake.

Sliding off her soft hexagonal bed, Vespa padded over to her window. Below, the hive was already bustling with activity. Merchants flitted and buzzed about, their vibrant wings a flurry of motion as they arranged their wares. Vespa loved mornings like these—alive with energy and promise.

Her gaze lingered on the marketplace until a soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Vespa, sweetie? Are you awake?" came the familiar deep voice of King Goliath.

"Yes, Dad! I'm awake—come in!" Vespa called back.

The door creaked open, and the enormous frame of her father filled the doorway. Goliath chuckled as he spotted her by the window, her eyes shining with curiosity. He strode over to stand beside her, his imposing figure dwarfing the small dragonet.

"Enjoying the view, as always?" he teased, reaching out to gently ruffle her head.

Vespa giggled. "Yep! The merchants are so busy! Is Mom awake too?" she asked, looking up at him.

"She is," Goliath replied, beginning to massage her shoulders affectionately. "She's waiting for us in the dining hall. It'll just be the three of us this morning—General Alder is out training his troops."

Vespa grinned, stretching her wings again as she followed her father out of the room. Together, they made their way down the hive's ornate hallways, their claws clicking softly against the polished floor.

When they turned the final corner into the dining hall, Vespa spotted Queen Wasp sitting at her usual spot at the long table. The morning sunlight highlighted the golden undertones of her scales, making her look as regal as ever.

The table was already set, with steaming plates of waffles stacked high and glistening with a generous drizzle of honey. The rich, sweet aroma filled the room, a testament to Head Chef Sugarbug's skill.

"Good morning, Vespa," Queen Wasp greeted warmly, a kind grin spreading across her face. "It's good to see you awake—and I'm sure you're hungry!"

Vespa skipped over to sit beside her mother, her stomach rumbling in agreement. Queen Wasp chuckled and carefully placed a few waffles on her daughter's plate, topping them with a delicate layer of liquid honey.

"Go on, dig in!" she said, watching as Vespa eagerly took her first bite.

The young dragonet's face lit up with delight, the sweetness of the honey and the fluffy waffles combining perfectly. Seeing her so content warmed her parents' hearts.

As Vespa finished her breakfast, King Goliath leaned forward with a glint of excitement in his eyes. "So, Vespa, I have something special planned for today. I thought I'd teach you how to hunt. What do you think?"

Vespa's eyes widened, her wings twitching with anticipation. "Hunting? That sounds so fun, Dad! Just you and me?" She paused for a moment, tilting her head. "But...won't Mom get bored without us?"

Goliath chuckled at her innocent question. Her love for her family and her thoughtfulness never failed to make him smile.

"Don't worry about me, sweetie," Queen Wasp reassured her, brushing a talon gently along Vespa's cheek. "I'll be just fine. You go and have fun learning from your father. I'll be waiting for you both when you get back."

Reassured, Vespa nodded and turned her attention back to finishing the last of her waffles. Once she was done, she hopped down from her seat and ran to give her mother a hug.

The daughter of the QueenOnde histórias criam vida. Descubra agora