Kyana sat patiently in the bushes as she tightened her grip on her bow, the arrow delicately placed so that it was aimed at the deer before her as it raised its head slowly. It turned its head at her but not before she released the arrow, easily piercing its heart, killing it instantly. She watched as the body fell to the forest floor with a thud before she stalked out of the bushes, throwing her bow around her back.

Kyana walked up and pulled out the arrowhead, whipping off the blood before placing it back in her quiver. The deer that lay before her was a medium size, not large enough that she would have to much of a problem bringing it back to the palace. Kyana reached into her pouch that rested at her side and pulled out a long roll of rope, to which she begun wrapping around her prey's legs. Kyana quickly strode back over to where she left her black stallion, Auedir, meaning nightmare. Kyana grabbed onto her horse's reigns as she lead it towards the body of her prey.

After heaving the carcass onto a wooden platform and securing it with rope, Kyana lead her horse back in the direction of the massive palace. It didn't take long for her to reach her home but before arriving at the palace gate she pulled up her black cloak with the emblem of Galbatorix on the sleeve. After seeing her cloak, the guards at the gates let her in without a second thought.

Kyana lead her horse into the palace, a guard at the door nodding in acknowledgement after letting her in. She lead Auedir towards the Royal Stables but was caught by a guard who ran up to her, "Lady Kyana, the King wishes to speak with you right away in the Throne Room." He said, bowing his head as customary before the Royals.

Kyana nodded and tilted her head towards her horse, "Thank you. Please take Auedir to his stable and feed him. The deer is to be delivered to the butchery." She ordered.

The guard nodded and toke the reigns out of Kyana's hands, "Of course, milady."

Kyana nodded before striding of towards the throne room, the only sound being the clicks her shoes made as she walked down the hallways. Kyana passed a few of the help on her way, each one of them pausing to bow before continuing on.

Kyana soon neared the large doors, each side framed with gold flecks in the black doorway. After slowly running her hand against the cool stone, Kyana opened the door to see her father sitting upon his dark throne, Vrangr his sword resting beside him. Kyana approached the Dark King with no fear, her dark eyes matching his own.

Kyana threw a glance at the King as she averted her path and instead walked towards the large black mass that lay behind the King's throne. Any normal person would not notice the creature, but Kyana was far from normal. The black mass opened one large pale blue white eye that reminded Kyana of paintings of glaciers she had seen.

Kyana continued to approach the dark being, showing no sign of fear as she ran her finger down the long dark spine of the beast as it let out a low rumble. She smiled as she placed a kiss upon its black head before walking over and kneeling before the king.

Galbatorix let out a chuckle as he raised his arm, motioning for the girl to rise, "Now, now, child." He spoke, his deep voice carrying a powerful echo as it bounced around the room. The king rose from his throne as he walked over to his once-slumbering dragon, "He is very smitten with you." He said softly as he pet the beast.

Kyana nodded, looking up and smiling at the black dragon. "I have known Shruikan-elda my entire life, father. We had grown close over the years." She answered honestly.

"How was your hunt?" her father asked as he turned and faced his daughter. Kyana noticed the look he seemed to always get when he looked at her, the slight falter in his steps and the crack she could sometimes hear in his voice.

"I fared well. I brought one buck that was delivered to the butchery."

Galbatorix nodded at her words, his head continually tilting towards Shruikan. Kyana knew of a rider's bond, she knew her father and his dragon were conversing, she didn't understand why her father looked so troubled however. His brow was more scrunched than normal and he kept glancing at her.

"What is the matter, Father?" she asked him, her hand beginning to go instinctively towards her bow which still hung on her back. Her dark eyes began to scan the room for potential threats as she backed herself to where her back was to the black dragon and it's Rider.

Galbatorix sighed as he placed his hand on Kyana's shoulder, "Peace, daughter. There is no danger here."

"Then what has caused you to be tense, Father?"

Shruikan let out a loud rumble as he had begun to rise, moving his large body so it was between Kyana and the door as it burst open revealing a man fully dressed in battle armor. Few people knew of Kyana's existence, and Galbatorix liked to keep it that way with no one knowing about his one weakness.

"My King!" he cried as he quickly fell to one knee, "Our spies have retrieved the package from the dwarven city."

The king pondered the man's words before flicking his hand, telling the soldier he was dismissed. Galbatorix then turned back towards his daughter and dragon. He told the dragon to bring Kyana to her room.

Kyana heard none of the conversation after she was covered by Shruikan's massive black leathery wing. She knew he did that to protect her but she still didn't like it. Kyana, Shruikan will bring you directly to your room, you are not to leave it after. She heard her father's voice in her head.

Once the king had left the room, Shruikan lifted his wing, revealing the angry girl underneath it. Kyana tapped her foot angrily at the massive dragon before he bent down and spoke in her mind, Come, Kyana-daughter-of-Galbatorix. We shall fly to your chambers. His deep voice almost roared. Being the daughter of the king and last rider, Kyana had received magical training and was able to converse with the dragon.

Kyana let out what could only be identified as a squeal as she climbed onto the black dragon's back. Shruikan lead her out to the balcony that overlooked a portion of Uru'baen. After letting out a mighty roar, the black dragon launched itself of the edge, fanning out its leather wings as they caught onto a current of wind.

Kyana let out a squeal of pleasure as she soared above the skies on the black dragon. The wind blew her black hair behind her face as Shruikan turned and landed on the balcony that connected to her room.

She jumped off the dragon and turned to place a kiss upon his brow, Thank you Shruikan. She told it as she strode into her room, closing the doors behind her.

Hey guys. This fanfic is going to start at Eldest and I hope to have it go all the way through Inheritance, but I will be sorely discuraged if I can't get any feedback from you guys so please reveiw!