by R. C. Reigh
For a girl who was just flirting her pants off out there, she sure seemed meh about him now.
I scrunched my nose.
"Well, let's just say he's not the type I'd like to see dating a friend," I admitted, and she let out a chuckle.
"You don't like him?" She asked as her blue eyes danced with amusement.
"It's not that. He's just not what I would have expected for you if that makes sense. I think you could do better, don't you think?"
I had heard rumors about Lazarus that he was a bit of a schemer. Although, I guess Kessara could sympathize with being labeled as such. Maybe that was part of his appeal.
"Boys may drool all over themselves when it comes to this," she motioned her hands down the curves of her body, "but you'll find that most don't have the courage to look me in the eye, let alone speak to me. My options are woefully limited." She lifted one of her perfectly arched brows before taking a sip from her canteen.
It struck me as sad that it was that way for her. It was something I had never really thought about before.
I couldn't help but wonder what type of obstacles would present themselves for me when I was finally ready to join the dating world myself.
"Is he why you were wearing those?" I asked, assuming that Kessara had chosen to wear gloves to help suppress her magic while he watched.
"Some people have to earn your trust. He hasn't yet,” she replied honestly.
I appreciated the way Kessara, like me, didn't beat around the bush. She was very guarded about her magic. I don't think she even practiced with anyone else, other than her father. It was kind of humbling, actually.
I chuckled.
"So, you'd consider dating him and going to the dance together, but not showing him your magic?" I pointed out as we stepped back out onto the hewed marble floor of the Dome's practice area together.
"Well, you've got to start somewhere, haven't you?" She grinned as she stopped and settled into her starting stance. "Now, let's really get to work, shall we?"
Kessara
I sauntered out into the hallway after my sparring session with Cora feeling quite pleased with myself. Lazarus was nearly putty in my hands, and I was certain that as soon as he'd left the coliseum, he'd begun to spread the word about his new girlfriend. It would be all over the school by morning. Kessara of Kearnox was officially off the market.
I hadn't let Cora in on my decision to agree to a relationship with the Fae boy, choosing instead to let her think I was on the fence. She was pretty astute, and I knew she was already curious about my motives. Jumping into a relationship with the Fae would surely raise red flags for her, but I planned to stick it out with him for a while to draw off suspicions.
As I passed into the hallway toward my tower, a familiar heady scent of smoke and sandalwood permeated the air.
My little dragonling. Back from wherever he's been, huh? And he came looking for me.
One corner of my ruby red lips tilted upward.
This day just keeps getting better.
A sly smile spread across my face before I whirled around and, in my surprise, I nearly shouted.
"What the hell happened to you!" At first, I thought I had mistaken the eldest dragon prince for the youngest, but the way those smoldering eyes stared back at me, I knew I hadn't been mistaken.
Roarke had changed. Gone were any remnants of the boy I had known. Standing before me now was an absolute masculine spectacle to behold. What once were boyish attributes had been carved out into a strong jawline and gorgeous manly features. He was at least a foot taller than me now, probably more, with arms that were now thicker than tree trunks. Sharp tribal tattoos peeked out from his shirt and down his arm.
"Firerok," he replied as he watched me with a smirk on his face.
I was floored, and he was enjoying my reaction.
"What the hell is Firerok?" I suddenly realized I was gaping, and I never gape. I snapped my mouth shut.
"It's the dragon coming of age ceremony." He grinned at the sight of me stunned.
Had he been expecting this reaction? Maybe even waiting for it? From his amused expression, it sure as hell looked like he had been. That frustrated me. I hated being caught off guard.
How did I not know about this?
As if in response to my speechless ogling, he elaborated, “It's a ritual with two weeks of intense training and trials." Those greenish-gray eyes tracked my every movement as he casually leaned against the stone wall of the corridor, cool and confident, as if he hadn't a care in the world.
So that's where he'd been.
"And tattoos?" My tone was cooler now, more composed now that I was overcoming my shock.
His eyes flickered over his arms, crossed at his chest, and then back up to me.
"They're inscribed by magic and are ancient symbols of our people. Not everyone receives them. The magic of our ancestors decides who is worthy. They tell the story of who I am to become. My destiny, of sorts,” he relayed with a proud and somewhat mischievous smile.
"Yes. . . well. . . good for you and your destiny and all that.”
I placed one hand on my hip as I managed to snap myself back into my usual calculated demeanor. My fingers on my other hand toyed with the necklace that rested at my chest. His eyes did that smoldering thing, and I had to bite my lip to keep from gaping again.
When did it get so hot in here?
"Good seeing you, Kessara." He smiled a brilliant-white, perfect smile as he brushed past me and I couldn't help but turn to watch him go.
My, my, my. . .
DANE
Professor Sophorus was about as interesting as a sack of potatoes. I guess it wasn't really his fault. I had other things on my mind.
It had almost been three weeks since Amelia and I had exchanged more than a few polite hellos in the corridors. We hadn't really had much interaction since the day she healed my arm.
That night I had wanted more than anything to hold her in my arms, but I had to gently coax her into even making eye contact with me and, even though I had wanted so badly to kiss her, I had forced myself to leave. I hadn't wanted to push my luck and send her back into avoiding me.
That didn't stop me from replaying the whole thing over and over again in my head. It was a huge revelation knowing she hadn't wanted me to be in pain and had been willing to touch me. It was the kind of concern she would give most anyone other than me, and by comparison, it was almost night and day to when the school year had started.
It was slow progress, but progress nonetheless. If I was going to survive whatever this was, I couldn't risk allowing anything to come between us, and that meant one thing. I would soon need to pay a visit to the Necromancer's daughter. I couldn't leave any loose ends like that open.
As far as my intentions with Amelia were concerned, my plan had been to wait it out and let her come to me when she was ready, but that was before last night. Ever since I had received the news that three Fae students had snuck out to Laramidia and had been brutally attacked, I had a visceral need to see her. Even though I knew she hadn't been involved, my protective instinct wouldn't be quelled until I laid my eyes upon her.
I spent the entire last period anxiously tapping my toe beneath the table, waiting on the final bell to toll. I swear time was standing still.
After what seemed like an eternity, it finally rang. I shot up to my feet, out of the doorway, and headed straight for the library. I knew she spent a fair amount of time amongst the stacks of books and scrolls. As luck would have it, I was also in need of a book for my Inter-kingdom Etiquette and Customs class, which was the perfect cover in case she happened to see me there.
Almost as soon as I was inside the library's massive wooden doors, I could smell her intoxicating scent. It only took me a few moments to spot her across the room, and a rush of relief quenched my anxiety. She freely roamed about the stacks, obviously in her safe space and entirely in her element.
After a moment, she disappeared behind a shelf of books not far from where
I stood. I waited a few minutes before backing into the aisle behind me, hoping I might be able to see where she went on the far end.
In my haste, I bumped into someone, almost knocking them over. My quick reflexes sprang into action, and I caught the other student around the waist with my arm. It only took me a second to recognize those beautiful hazel eyes staring back at mine.
"Amelia,” my voice came out as almost a whisper, and I cleared my throat to get rid of the lump that had suddenly formed there.
"Prince Dane." She bowed her head.
I had hoped we had moved past the formalities, but at least she wasn't giving me hateful daggers anymore. I will call that progress.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know you were there," I said, shaking my head.
What the heck was I supposed to say? I was so desperate to make sure you were ok that I followed you? No, gods no, that wouldn't go over well.
"My mind has been a bit out of sorts lately," I managed to get out before, once again, I was hopelessly lost in that hazel gaze before me and drowning in the sight of her.
I carefully removed my arm from around her waist, making sure she was steady on her feet as I did.
"It's the attacks on those students," she said, nodded in understanding. "They have us all a little on edge these days."
"Yes. Well, partly."
As soon as I let her go, I longed to touch her, to hold her, but I kept my hands to myself.
I rubbed my neck, suddenly feeling awkward.
"I came here to find a book on Fae customs," I explained. "I'm ashamed to admit I don't know much about this library." I glanced around, honestly having no idea where to start.
"Oh, those references are in the section pertaining to traditions and etiquette," Amelia replied helpfully. "I can help you find it if you would like?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt your afternoon,” I replied.
I hadn't meant to inconvenience her. I just wanted to be sure she was OK.
"Oh, it's alright. I was just looking for a ladder," she sighed. "The next book in the healing series I've been studying is shelved just a bit too high for me to reach, but it can wait."
"Which one is it? I could get it down for you," I said, knowing I was at least half a foot taller than her.
Her face brightened up a bit.
"That would be great. It's just around the other side on the next set of shelves." She pointed around the stacks.
I followed her like some lost puppy dog begging for attention. When did I become so pathetic? Still, somehow it felt more right than just about anything I'd done in my life.
"It's that one, right there," she said, pointing to a large book with a golden colored spine, and I easily plucked from the shelf for her.
"Thank you.” Her voice was quiet, almost breathless.
Our fingertips brushed as I passed her the book.
"My pleasure, princess."
Our eyes locked onto one another's, and for once, she didn't immediately look away.
"Um, the reference books you need are this way," she finally said after a few moments, breaking the trance.
I fell into step beside her as she led me through the library.
"Have you heard any more about what happened in Laramidia?" she asked as she glanced over to me for a moment and then continued, "We were given rather vague details about the fae that were injured, other than that they snuck out."
"Well, two of them suffered rather gruesome injuries, but will likely recover. From the account I had been given, the third was lucky to be found alive at all," I replied, leaving out the gory details.
"That's worse than I had anticipated," a hint of surprise and worry laced her tone.
"You are safe here at the Bastion, Amelia," I assured her. There was no way I would ever allow anything to happen to her.
"Do you think he will be alright?" she asked as we passed a handful of female students gathered around one of the tables. They watched me with interest, exchanging whispers and giggling. One even gave me a shy little wave. I ignored the attention and kept my eyes focused on the princess.
Amelia raised an amused eyebrow at them before she looked up to me again, awaiting my reply.
"I'm not sure. Prince Fasian and his emissaries have been recalled to Heinez, and Lazarus is in charge of the Heinez students for now. I'm not as familiar with Lazarus as I am with Fasian to inquire after an update. I am sure the school or our parents will let us know eventually," I replied.
"I didn't know that you and Prince Fasian were close? Especially after. . ." she trailed off mercifully, deciding against venturing into the subject of my idiotic and disappointing show of force at the tournament several weeks ago. Not that I could forget what a huge mistake that had been.
I could feel the embarrassment flush across my skin, and my ears suddenly felt heated. I cleared my throat.
"We are training some of his warriors. He wanted to be sure that we continued in his absence. Especially after what happened," I replied awkwardly.
“Cora will be disappointed," Amelia said as we passed the grouping of tables in the middle of the open library rotund.
"Yes, she was really looking forward to working with him." I scratched the stubble on my chin. "He did mention his twin sister will be arriving later this week. She will be overseeing the turrets while he is away for the inquiry. He may be gone for several weeks."
"The princess? I didn't even know Fasian had a sister. I wonder why she didn't come at the start of term?" she replied thoughtfully.
"She's a spiritualist and was considering committing herself to the temple. I guess they didn't feel it was necessary to send her before."
"It was a similar situation for my sister Reesa. She stayed in Avonlee for the same reasons." She nodded in understanding. "Do you think the princess of Heinez would be willing to teach Cora, instead?" Amelia asked hopefully.
I shook my head.
"I'm not sure, but she certainly will be busy getting to know her way around Bastion. It may be difficult for her to find time to commit to anything more." I looked down at the floor to avoid seeing her disappointment.
"I hope you know how much Cora appreciates all that you have done for her. As do I,” she said sweetly after a few moments.
I gave her a humble smile. The truth was that there wasn't much I wouldn't do for the two of them these days.
Our conversations always seemed to veer toward Cora. Perhaps she thought her cousin was the only thing we had in common, which left me wondering if, in fact, she was the only thing we had in common.
I chanced a look at the books she carried and an equestrian volume caught my eye.
"Do you have an interest in horses?" I asked, nodding to her stack.
"Yes, I spent a great deal of time at the stables and the indoor arena in Avonlee. I miss it." There was a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
"I quite enjoy them myself. I have a massive ebony gilding back home. He can be a handful, but we get along. The trick is to bribe him with apples and sugar cubes," I chuckled.
"You ride?" she replied in a tone so stunned that she actually stopped in her tracks.
"Of course. Why do you seem surprised?" I tilted my head, and she gave me a gentle shrug of her shoulder.
"Well, it's just that you're a werewolf. . . You know what I mean," she replied with a shy smile, and we began walking again.
"I'm afraid I don't, princess. You'll have to give me more than that," I chuckled as we made our way around the first shelf in the reference section.
"Well, why wouldn't you just shift? You could travel just as fast as a wolf." she asked as she broke her gaze from the volumes to look at me.
I chuckled again.
"Yes, we could, but you'll find showing up places sans clothing can be rather awkward and usually very inappropriate."
She blushed, and I tried to force the idea of her picturing me naked out of my mind.
"Besides, you can bring more things along with you by horseback. Like clothing,
for example."
"That makes sense," she said as she stopped at a row of shelves.
I was aware that, once again, our time together was about to end far too soon.
Amelia began scanning the titles for the book I had been looking for.
"Most Carpathians prefer their human versions to their wolf. There are some that choose the opposite, but the wolf can be more temperamental. It's easier to stay in human form," I continued explaining.
"I've always wondered why you didn't stay wolves most of the time,” she replied.
"Ah-ha! There's your book." She pointed out a tall book on the third row.
"Ah, thank you." I pulled the book from the shelf.
"Well, I had better get going. I'm to meet with Lady Celeste shortly for another practice session." Amelia's big hazel eyes met mine and my heart yearned to finally speak the truth, to explain to her how desperately I needed there to be an us, and to finally tell her we were Fated. Unfortunately, I knew that now wasn't that time.
"Of course. Thank you again for your help, princess." I bowed my head in goodbye, and she did the same.
Watching her walk away felt like an arrow splintering through my heart every time because, even though Amelia was my betrothed and she was supposed to be mine, I knew that she really wasn't.
Amelia
"Was that Prince Daneatious I saw you with over there?" Celeste asked as I set my books down on our normal table.
"Yes. He needed help finding a book." I pulled out the wooden chair and glanced at her.
"I see," she said smiling, as she turned her attention to the book she had laid flat on the table.
"He's finally won you over, has he?" Elza's cherub-like face beamed with excitement. I had only just become acquainted with Celeste's emissaries, but in the short time that I had known her, I'd learned that Elza specialized in healing magic pertaining to fertility, relationships, and love.
"No, we've just come to an understanding, is all. It is better to get along for our kingdom," I told them.
I tucked my skirts under before sitting down. My fingers immediately rose to my neckline, and I chewed the inside of my lip, hesitating on whether or not to confide in them