“Do you really feel a pull toward Lana?” Addison asked.
“No, I was lying.”
Addison cut her eyes toward her. “You were really convincing.”
“Really?”
Addison laughed. “I believed you, and I am sure Clara did, too. I’m not sure what game she’s trying to play.”
“You noticed that too, huh?”
“Yes.”
“You sure she believed me?” Paisley pushed the hair off her face.
“I do, and I will look into her affairs. See who she’s been hanging out with.”
“That’s a good idea.” Once inside the house, she wrapped Nana in a hug, kissed her on the cheek, and went to find her aunt. Since dinner wasn’t ready, she figured they could get their talk over with. She found her sitting on the back porch. “Did you find anything out?” She sat beside her on the swing.
“I did.”
“As did I.” Paisley told her everything she had discovered.
“Considering what I found, that’s unbelievable. Word has it that a bond cannot be broken, but if Lana’s name truly was erased from the book, then you have done the impossible. Is there something you’re not telling me, Paisley? Surely, you know you can trust me.”
And Paisley did trust her, but three people besides her already knew about the dragon, and she was sure that the dragon was the reason the bond had been broken in the first place. She was on a slippery slope. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s just that the fewer people that know, the better.”
Olivia eyed her, then turned her gaze back to the horizon. “I understand that. It also came to my attention that one’s own powers can be enhanced with the help of a certain creature.”
Paisley hid her smile. “You don’t say.”
“It’s also came to my attention that while this creature might propel one’s powers, it can also have longer-lasting effects.”
Now she was intrigued. “Really?”
“It is said that a dragon not only amplifies a witch’s powers but can also grant her heart’s desire.”
Wow. She hadn’t read that in her dragon book yet. If that was true then the dragon was the one that could break the bond, but that didn’t explain why she still had the bracelet on. Her aunt followed her gaze and ran her fingers along the band of the bracelet.
“It is probable that the reason you still have it on is because your true bond mate is out there and you haven’t bonded yet. Whose name was written first on the page?”
“Mine.”
Her aunt stood and leaned on the railing. Paisley joined her. “The first name written signifies the person who initiated the bond. For the bond between you and Lana to be true, her name should have been written first. This means that you will be the one to initiate the bond. It is most likely that you were bonded with Lana. That is what allowed you to cross over the barrier, but once you arrived something happened. Or should I say, someone.”
“Alexia.”
“Yes. From the very first time I saw you two interact, it was clear there was a bond there.”
“I couldn’t fight it. Her name was always on my lips and her face always in my dreams. I didn’t even know her, but I know I can’t live without her now. It doesn’t make any sense.”
“Oh, I don’t know. I think it makes perfect sense.” She turned Paisley toward her and grasped her shoulders. “You love her. It’s that simple. You truly love her. All of her. I have no doubt that you two will be reunited. Keep on the path you are walking and you will see them again. She has always been a friend to this family and I trust her with your heart. You will see her again, trust me.”
“It’s my one hope.”
“Even more than seeing your family in your other world?”
“Yes.” Saying it didn’t scare her as much as she thought it would. She did miss her family, but if she had to choose she would choose Alexia and the girls every time.
“Come.” She patted her arm. “Dinner’s ready. Don’t fret too much. We are all here for you. You’re family.”
She said it like that explained everything. Family. Maybe it did. She did have a family here and it was time she spent more time getting to know them instead of always focusing on herself. She knew she would see Alexia again. Only time would tell when, but that didn’t mean that she couldn’t learn more about her family in the meantime. “Aunt Olivia, I would really love to know more about you. Maybe we could talk after dinner?”
Olivia slipped her arm around Paisley’s waist. “I think that’s a splendid idea.”
****
After an unproductive meeting with Beatrice the next day, who refused to help her with the transportation spell, the library was another matter. Caroline was as helpful today as she had been the previous day. She kept her mouth shut when Caroline passed a small pamphlet in her direction even though neither one of them had seen Sydney yet that day. Caroline had mentioned to her that she hadn’t even seen him when she arrived at seven that morning. Which, according to Caroline, was odd.
Paisley made note of Caroline’s discomfort but decided not to worry about something that hadn’t happened yet. It wasn’t until she was nearing the end of the pamphlet that she found an article that she was looking for. Bonding As It Pertains to the Royal Family. The article had been written over a hundred and fifty years ago, but Caroline said it was still relevant for today. When she reached the third paragraph, her heart started pounding.
As not to taint the Royal bloodline, a bond mate shall only be made with another Royal. Never shall a commoner be chosen to bond with the Royal bloodline. As it is written, so shall it be.
She jerked her head up when the library doors slammed open and quick, heavy footsteps, followed by a slower, softer click-click, headed their way. Caroline grabbed the pamphlet from her and slipped it inside one of the books on the table before jumping up from the table and making herself scarce. Paisley wanted to protest, but thought better of it when the queen came into view. Paisley tamped down her magic, which seemed to always flare up around her, and clasped her hands in her lap.
“Paisley, Paisley, Paisley. You haven’t been honest with me.” She paced in front of the table. Paisley kept her mouth shut but made sure her bag stayed on the floor beside her foot.
“I’m not sure what you’re referring to, my Queen.” Playing dumb had gotten her out of some tricky situations before.
She stopped pacing and cocked her head. “I believe we need to have another talk. You seem to be under the impression that you can act any way you want and keep things from me. I can assure you that is not the case. I find it quite disturbing, this new information, and quite extraordinary.” She tapped her finger on her lip. “A dragon egg.”
Paisley sucked in a breath. She didn’t know what was worse: the fact that someone told her or the fact that she knew she wouldn’t be able to deny it. There were only four people that knew besides her: Beatrice, Addison, Olivia, and Alexia. She knew Alexia and Addison would never have talked. She hated to think it, but she didn’t know her aunt well enough to trust her, ever after their talk, and Beatrice, was…well…Beatrice. “How did you find out?”
“I can be extremely persuasive. I bet you’re running the names over in your head wondering who told me. Tell me something, Paisley, which one of them can’t you trust? The number of people you must have told is probably small. Can you count them on one hand? Does it make you feel better or worse that someone close to you betrayed you?” She laughed, then took a seat opposite Paisley. “I do have to say that this works out better than I ever could have imagined. You’re a Dragon Master. No wonder your magic has been so powerful. To have a Dragon Master protecting me will be quite astonishing.”
“Protecting you?” Her day just went from bad to worse.
“Yes, protecting me. That is what all this is about. You will be my personal guard, and when the dragon hatches you will bind it to me.”
She wasn’t sure she could trust the queen’s answers but she needed to
know. “I have a dragon book Beatrice gave me but it didn’t say anything about binding the dragon to someone. What exactly does that mean?” She would need to get another book.
“I will inform Caroline to find you a book on the matter. Beatrice is good at training, but for this you will need someone quite different. I have put a few feelers out for someone who would be willing to train you and your dragon. You do know that the dragon will stay with you at all times, yes?” Paisley nodded. She had read that part. “A Dragon Master cannot be bound to their dragon, it’s simply not done. But if they so choose they can give the binding to someone else. That doesn’t mean that the dragon leaves its master, but what it does mean is that if the person the dragon is bound to is ever in trouble, the dragon will leave its master and protect its charge. Even if its master’s life is also in peril.”
“That doesn’t seem wise.” Not one bit.
“It’s not. Only a few Dragon Masters choose to freely bind their dragons with anyone. If they choose not to, then the dragon will always protect its master.”
“You’re going to force me to bind my dragon to you?”
She snapped her fingers. “You catch on quick, Paisley. And don’t think of it as me forcing you. Think of it as you helping me out for the greater good.”
This wasn’t good. Wasn’t good at all. “Why do you want my protection? You don’t even like me. I am sure there are far more powerful witches than me in this world that would gladly protect you.”
“You are far more powerful than even you know, I believe. I was skeptical before but willing to give you a chance to prove yourself. But now, I won’t let you go anywhere.” Paisley knew there was no arguing with her so she kept her mouth shut. “I also talked to Clara. That woman is a lost cause. Pining over someone who will never want her. Pathetic.”
Paisley frowned at the thought of seeing Clara and Lana standing in Lana’s kitchen. It would make sense. “Is Clara of royal descent?” she blurted out.
The queen narrowed her eyes but answered the question. “Unfortunately, yes, she is and tries to play on that, but mark my words, her royal blood is whitewashed and she is no better than a commoner.”
“I’m a commoner.”
“Paisley, you stopped being a commoner the moment you bonded with my daughter.” She pointed her finger at her. “You will be remembered in the history books. The Queen’s Knight.”
On paper that sounded like an excellent idea, but it was the worst thing that could ever happen to her. “That doesn’t sound so bad,” she lied.
“There are worse things one could be. Getting back to Clara. You shouldn’t fight the pull toward Lana, but I know why you’re doing it and it doesn’t have anything to do with that dark witch and her brats. You just don’t like the idea of someone making choices for you.” She waved her hand in the air. “Get over it. My daughter is a fine catch. Take the time to find yourself if you must, but we both know that you will eventually find yourself back in her arms. Don’t make her wait too long. It will only make you both suffer when there isn’t a need. But for now, I will keep her away. You do need to study. Are you finding anything helpful?”
“Actually, yes. The book Sydney gave me has been quite informative, and if I could get that book on dragons, that would be a help also.” She adjusted her glasses. “Also, I’ve noticed Beatrice mixes her own potions and different medicines. I feel that that would be good to learn, but I wouldn’t even know where to begin looking. Is it okay if I ask Caroline or Sydney to find me a book on the matter?”
The queen smirked. “Of course. Now that I know what your potential could be, the library is open to you, except the Royal Archives. I will inform Sydney and Caroline that you will be allowed in the other rooms.” She stood up, smoothed her skirt, and patted Paisley on the cheek. “I am so glad we were able to have this talk. Aren’t you?”
Paisley bit the inside of her cheek and stood. “Yes, my Queen.”
“One more thing before I go. I would like to see your dragon egg.”
Paisley knew it wasn’t a request, so she leaned down and grasped the strap of her backpack, placed it gently on the table, and unzipped it. The queen looked down into the bag but she didn’t attempt to touch it. She scrunched up her nose. “It doesn’t look that impressive, does it?”
Paisley couldn’t help it. She laughed. “I’m not laughing at you, my Queen, but that was the first thought I had upon first seeing it also.”
The queen eyed her clothes, then nodded. “Better than what you’ve been wearing, but if you give it a bit more effort I’m sure you’ll get there.” She turned on her heels and walked back out. Paisley didn’t relax until she heard the library doors shut.
“She’s right you know,” Caroline said, sitting back down beside her. “Your clothes are nicer today.” She slipped a book in Paisley’s direction.
Today she had worn a pair of fitted brown trousers, with a light blue sleeveless V-neck tunic. A pair of stylish but practical brown leather boots and a simple brown belt completed the look. After two training sessions with her uncle, he had made her a leather case for her dagger that hung off her belt. Even if she never used it, it brought her a sense of peace in an otherwise hectic situation. She did have to admit, no one stared at her like they would have if she’d been wearing her jeans and a tank top. It was nice. “Thank you.” She lifted the book up, but there wasn’t much to it. Probably no more than fifty pages that were bound with twine.
“I believe there is a story in there that will be helpful to you. I couldn’t help but overhear that you have a dragon egg. One of the stories in the book is dedicated to The Goldenmare Triad. One of the Triad, Rosemary, is one of the last dragon trainers left in the country. I don’t believe the queen will recommend her for you. One, because she is around your age, and two, because the Triad isn’t well liked. They are traitors to their countries. I won’t get into the story, but you can read it all there. You can have that copy.” She paused, seeming to weigh her words. “You realize that the queen won’t stop until she has everything she wants, don’t you?”
Paisley absentmindedly flipped through the book. “I am aware, yes.”
“Do you have any idea how uncommon it is in today’s society for someone to possess a dragon egg?”
“Are dragon eggs really that rare?” She found that hard to believe.
“No, eggs aren’t rare at all, but being able to pick one up is. Dragons are picky creatures. They choose their master. Has anybody besides you touched your egg?”
“No.”
“That’s because they can’t.”
“What would happen?”
“Essentially nothing on the outside, but the dragon inside the egg knows its master, and until the dragon feels completely safe it won’t hatch. If the dragon feels that there is any sort of threat to it or to you, it won’t hatch. If the wrong person fiddled with the egg too much, or tried to hatch the egg themselves, the dragon would die.”
“So if I keep coming here, it won’t hatch?”
“Correct. Dragons are also quite finicky. And contrary to what the queen believes, unless the dragon wants to be bound to her, it won’t be. You can force the dragon to, of course, but no one would like the outcome. Dragons are loyal. The dragon that has chosen you would gladly lay down its life for you. But if a dragon is forced to become something it’s not, then the outcome could be disastrous for everyone involved. Read the story of the Triad tonight and it will give you a feel of what being a Dragon Master or trainer, if you will, means. But keep in mind, the story isn’t only about Rosemary. It’s also about Kennedy and McKenzie, the other two women involved in the Triad. It’s a riveting story, if I do say so myself.”
“I’ll look at it tonight, but I also want to try a transportation spell.”
“On yourself?”
She looked skeptical, and Paisley didn’t blame her. No matter how much power she had, she was still a novice. “Not on me. I thought I would start small. Maybe a teacup.”
; “Well good luck with that. I hope you’re successful.”
“We shall see.”
On the ride back home, Paisley took the opportunity to skim the part of the Triad story that dealt with Rosemary specifically. She’d become a Dragon Master at the age of twenty-two. It seems the inception of the Triad was a result of some sort of joke between three neighboring countries. Every twenty-five years, all three kingdoms would gather to renegotiate their standing treaties, each kingdom offering something unique from their country in exchange for resources needed from the other two. On one such occasion, each king had a daughter of age to wager in the negotiation. Each king thought up ridiculous demands of the other two for ratification of the treaty, to flex their dominance, and to dispatch the conference quickly. In return, they each gave up one daughter for marriage as part of their ante, believing their daughters would never assent to the conditions of the agreement. The joke ended up on the kings when all three daughters banded together against their fathers’ casual gambling with their lives, and agreed to the proposed treaty and all its ridiculous terms. The kings, thoroughly embarrassed and shown up by their children, banished their daughters from their home countries because of their “defiance and disloyalty.” These daughters formed The Goldenmare Triad. The book didn’t say where the Triad was located, though it did mention that Rosemary, on occasion, would agree to train new Dragon Masters. Paisley shut the book, then slipped it into her bag. She would read the rest of the story later.
“Addison, what do you know of The Goldenmare Triad?”
“Not much. I don’t think there is much to know. They mostly keep to themselves. I’m not even sure anyone knows what the women look like. Some rumors are that the reason their fathers gave their hands in the treaty to begin with was because the women were unattractive and without any skill set whatsoever.” She shrugged.
“But, is that what you believe?” She found it hard to believe that Addison would have been the one to alert the queen that she had a dragon egg, and until such time that she found out it was her, she would keep trusting her.
The DragonWitch Tales - An Unexpected Beginning Page 20