Jasper had considered Antyny, son of his father's important minister, his friend. Or rather, up to a certain point. After all, Jasper had quickly enjoyed reminding Antyny that the young man was not royalty and held much less privileges than him. He had flaunted his royal situation in Antyny's face increasingly and in the end the young man had left or gone on more diplomatic missions and administrative jobs. Jasper just missed mocking him but had forgotten about him. Now he feared that his old bullying victim would take a sweet revenge on the fallen prince who had made his life miserable. And he was right to be worried.
"Jasper? Is it really you?!?!" chortled Antyny from the throne he had acquired for himself.
Jasper averted gaze, which Antyny took as a confirmation of his question. He laughed uproariously, his laughter echoing across the walls of thje palace. Jasper was mortified and furious. This imposter was where he, Prince Jasper, should be! How unfair! How could no one rebel against this awful usurper? Where was the loyalty of his people?
"Anya told me everything," said Antyny. "And she transformed your own parents. Don't expect them anytime soon. She allowed me to seize power, albeit for a hefty sum of money. And everyone's okay with it. That is how much you were liked, apparently. I do like your new name, by the way. Pearl. Goes with your cute color that becomes you so well."
He grinned, making Jasper want to tear him apart.
"I'll exhibit you in my zoo. You'll be a fine addition to my menagerie. Well, partly your family's, naturally. But I do wish to make important additions. You'll like it there, Pearl. People can admire you like you always took delight in."
Thus Jasper, former prince, was locked up in a cage as Pearl, a baby female dragon of a pink color that would make all lady visitors gush and coo. He was fed, his cage cleaned but he only had a few toys and implements to keep him busy. Visitors just stared at him or were allowed to throw sweetmeats in his direction. There was a rumor that he was the former arrogant and spoiled prince but some believed it, others did not. Over time, Jasper, or rather Pearl, started to look at the other animals in cages and enclosures. He could glimpse some from certain angles. He wondered if some of them were transformed people, like him. He also wondered where his parents were, what was happening at the castle and what he would become.