Prince Jasper felt rather worried to meet Antyny again. After all, he had not treated his supposed friend very well before. Their friendship had been more shaped by rivalry. And Jasper's bullying. He liked nothing more than reminding Antyny that he was a prince and plain better than him. He hated to lose to Antyny and loved besting him in physical feats. Or in sexual conquests, in which Jasper was of course greatly advantaged, if unfairly. Jasper was richer and a royal, so having intercourse with girls was easy. Antyny could not compete and Jasper loved to remind him he had the means to possess a harem. Watching Antyny seethe and writhe in jealousy made him even more arrogant and smug than usual, which was a feat in itself. And now HE was the one on the throne? This did not bode well at all for Jasper. Especially as Antyny was known to have dabbed in the magical arts before he left the court for good. So the rumours said. But... But he would remember the good times of their friendship, right? At least the good times, in the early years... This kernel of hope made Jasper feel slightly better. If he knew magic, then Antyny might possess the means to transform him back. Alas, his arrogance and bullying was about to smack him right back in the face.
Indeed, for Jasper received nothing but scorn from the son of the former high minister, alone in the throne room. Antyny made clear that he knew exactly who Pearl was. Anya had disclosed everything to him and Antyny had used her help and his own magic to make a grab at the throne. Now Anya was far off, with an expensive reward for her services. Worse, Antyny had transformed Jasper's parents and the awful magician wouldn't tell him what they now were. The new king claimed that the people backed his coup and were glad to be rid of the obnoxious heir to the throne. Jasper refused to believe him, but on the other hand no one stormed the castle to demand the restitution of the old regime. The next few days would confirm this awful truth to Jasper. Antyny said that all thought him dead and were glad of it. He then added that he thought Pearl a delightful name and that he would display him in the royal gardens for all to admire the pretty pink dragon, to be treated as an exotic pet.
"I know you always loved to be admired and pampered, after all," finished Antyny with a smirk.
And that was how Pearl's new life and name had begun.
Pearl, former Prince Jasper, was given a lavish and very comfortable enclosure. That was, if he had really been a baby female dragon. He was offered sugary treats, sweetmeats and delicacies. Roasted venison and fine cuts of meat. Savory meals and rare dishes, with warm milk served three times a day. For a baby dragon, pure delights! Jasper couldn't help sinking his sharp teeth in them and delighting in the luxuries, even if they had repelled him before. Suddenly foods he hated sounded irresistible. He was a dragon with fine tastes now. The same went with the pampering. He had looked after his appearance of course but now he did it in a way he would have found completely at odds with his virility before. Baths with sweet-smelling oils. Perfumes. Jewels. Gold jewellery, his favorites. Especially with gems. Antyny had pushed the humiliation to having forged for his pet a series of delicate crowns. Jasper's new instincts as Pearl had enticed him into wearing them. He loved the blankets and pillows of silk, satin and velvet and he loved admiring his feminine figure in a mirror, no matter who might stare at him from the gardens, point at him or mock him, even. The former prince had become quite an attraction. Jasper was furious at his new thoughts but was helpless to counter them. Indeed, he was getting unbearingly girly and overly effeminate. Visitors were even calling him "the dragon princess"! He liked flowers and dolls, now! A visiting dignitary from a neighbouring land had even offered him a precious and elaborate princess doll, to which he had taken a fondness, much to his shame. And the laughter of all visitors, of course. Jasper thus sadly wondered how long he would keep sane and if he'd ever return to his former male human self .