“Cess, you belong here, and we just started the party. Father will be back, if you leave it will only make him feel bad, so please stay and party, dance, okay?” Showken says. Her face is all red from crying. I’m so pissed; this must have to do with the other I was supposed to marry. She steps into my chest.
“I feel like I’ve stolen you, Draken, I don’t want to be a home breaker.”
“What? Cess, you’re not breaking anything,” Hawken says.
“Come dance with me, please?” I say. She looks up at me and I fall even more in love with her. It’s her party and she is worrying about someone she doesn’t know. I will handle this tomorrow, first thing. I will party tonight. I lead her down the stairs, and a circle is formed for us as we dance.
“Draken,” she pleads
“I’m not taking no for an answer, Princess, so get ready to dance for me, now and later,” I say, winking. I loved that dance she gave me in the tub. I want another one tonight. She smiles as I start to move, arching a brow at her. I will make my Princess smile, and tomorrow it will be hell for her tears at the party, no one makes her cry. I see her body beginning to move with the beat. I grab her from behind and pull her in to me, placing my hand on her back, and she falls right in, bending and dipping in front of me. My Princess is a very good dancer, that is good, because dancing is such a huge part of my land.
“Draken, you know music is my weakness, but thank you for dancing with me now, and later,” she says, making me want to take her now. Her eyes are beautiful, and they say she’s mine. My brothers take the floor, taking partners and the floor fills up as we dance. I see my parents come back, and my mother smiles at me. I know she has calmed him. When my father is angry, lots of innocents can die. I dance, taking Princess with me as she turns into me, grinding, sliding her hands down my body, lifting her leg and wrapping it around me as I dip her. I love seeing her like this, dancing is her element. It always calms and relaxes her.
“I can’t wait for you to dance later, with no clothes,” I say in her ear whispering. She closes her eyes, feeling the music. We dance for another two songs before she is finally laughing and having fun. My brothers make sure to dance as sexily as possible. Especially Layern, he is the best dancer. I look for my sister; she is sitting watching me and Princess. I hope she is not going to give Princess a hard time. She has been the only girl in the royal family for a while. I turn my attention to Princess as she is having a good time. I hear the applause, as she shows off her moves. I also see the men smiling, wishing they could have her, well not even in their dreams. She’s all mine.
“You hungry?” I ask. She shakes her head no.
“I want to dance longer, you can really dance, for being an ass,” she says, laughing. This is how I want her, happy, not tearful.
“Dancing is a part of us, we all dance, but I’m sure you see Layern’s dancing skills exceed all of ours, and I see you keep up with him very well, Princess.”
“Yes, I see Layern is good, but I may not be able to keep up with him, as he more than likely can dance all night.”
“I can do things all night besides dancing, would you like to see?”
“Hmmm, Draken. Are you trying to get me away so you can have your way with me?” She smiles, and I feel so good with her in my arms. I love the touch of her soft skin, her smell is intoxicating and her love sustains me. I’ll do anything for her, even get her home to have a wedding with her family and then do one here. She deserves two weddings.
“Yes, I want to take you from this room and make love to you, can we go?”
“We haven’t eaten yet,” she says, giggling.
“Oh, you want to eat now? Okay, I will have food waiting in the room, come,” I say. I glance at Showken, and he nods and looks at a servant, making sure food will be delivered before we arrive. I nod to my brother. I start dancing out of the door with Princess, I see my mother blow me a kiss and my dad give me a nod.
“Draken, you made me feel so much better, I love dancing, and you knew what to do. Thank you.” She places her hands on my face and gives me a kiss. I’m going to ravish her in the room. We begin our walk there. I escort her through the garden. The flowers are swaying with the music. I smile because Princess’ expression is priceless.
“Draken, when you say everyone dances, does that include flowers? I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s so magical here, I see why you love this place,” she says as she moves back and forth.
“It’s magical with you, and I would have given it all up for you, because you are my magic, my smile and without that I would be lost. I can’t believe I even considered anything else with you, I was a fool, but not any more. I’ll never stop loving you, and I hope you will grant me the privilege of having your love,” I say, knowing my words are true. She came here for me, and she will always come first.
“Draken, if I ever doubted your love, your willingness to die, though foolish, pushed away any questions I had. I love you, too, and I’m hungry now.”
“Okay, I will get you there quicker, close your eyes.”
“Why?”
“Please, Princess. You and all these questions,” I say, waiting for her eyes to close. When she does, I immediately teleport us to my room, using one of my powers.
“Wow, how many powers do you have?” she asks. I smile and walk around her slowly, taking in her body.
“I have a few, nothing that can’t be discussed later, Princess. I would rather show you other things, okay?’
“I - okay.” I walk her to my balcony, and there awaits a table of choice meat, fruit, vegetables and desserts.
“Draken, that outburst at the party was about, your, umm, other bride-to-be,” she says, choosing a handful of grapes. I walk over and pull out her chair. I need to explain some things to her.
“Princess, yes, the outburst was about that, but I’ve never met her. In my land, usually the wella, or bride, is chosen only for the one heir to the throne. The reason is to ensure the legacy continues. Then I met you and fell in love. I had no idea that if an heir falls in love with a human the possibility is that she is a Key. A Key is what keeps the portal open, from here to earth. I know you don’t understand all of this, but if you just trust me, I will explain more every day until you get it, okay?” I say, hoping she kind of gets it. I’m not sure. I still have to do an official proposal, so I will get started on that once she’s asleep.
“I don’t understand, but I’ll trust you, do you think the other woman is really pissed?”
“Oh, I’m sure she’s not happy, but she’ll have to live with it, because you are my Princess forever.” I lean in for a kiss.
“Oh, Draken, we need to go back home to plan my wedding there, I need my father to walk me down the aisle. Besides, D has to be there for me. I need to know, will all your brothers and parents be at the wedding?”
“Of course, they can travel just fine. I will have it set up that we go back in a few days, good?”
“Good. Now, I’m going to get me a piece of this strawberry cake,” she says, diving right in for dessert first. The night consists of food, making love, talking and more lovemaking. When we finally fall asleep, I make a mental note to prepare her proposal for tomorrow. I smile to myself, as I have an idea in my head for my Princess.
CESS
Last night was great. My ex-fiancé’s ex-soon-to-be-father-in-law crashed the party, and his outburst interrupted the celebration, but once it was under control I had fun. I can lie in this bed all morning. Wait, Draken is not in here. Where is he? I sit up, and really get a look at the room. The bed is huge, no dressers in the room, but a seating area and an entire wall of books. This is definitely a man’s room; I do like the purple and gold color scheme. I need to take a bath, but I’m sure walking is going to be a problem again, Draken did not let up last night. I hear the door open, and he walks in, all smiles. I can’t help but feel butterflies when I see him.
“Princess, your bath is waiting for you; I heard you wake, and came t
o carry you.”
“So, are you always going to carry me to take a bath, and will I ever be able to stand and take a shower?” I smile as he pulls the covers back and his eyes roam my body. “Draken, focus. Did you hear a word I just said?”
“Yes, you will be able to stand to take a shower, one day. There is a waterfall for you if you like.” He gives me a smile, but I think he is withholding information.
“Draken, what are you hiding?”
“Nothing, come,” he says, lifting me out of bed. He walks me into the bathroom and lowers me into the purple stone tub. He makes sure I’m on a seat. The water is amazing, and without notice a waterfall begins to flow right from the ceiling, it’s so relaxing and comforting.
“Oh, Draken, this feels amazing. I may never leave,” I say, letting the water fall over my face. I lean back and the water is now hitting my chest. It’s perfect, I have never seen this before, but I am in a magical place. I grin to myself.
“Princess, you will be able to walk when you are finished with your bath; there is a dress that will be waiting for you.”
“Draken, whose clothes are these?” I know he doesn’t have women’s clothes on hand.
“Oh, my mother and sister went shopping for you,” he grins, and walks away. I’m just looking at the doorway with my mouth open, why are his mother and sister going shopping for me, and where the heck is the mall in this place. Draken has not told me everything, I’m sure. I take my time and have a wonderful bath.
When I finally get out of the water, my body feels really good, and although my legs are sore, my smile is big. I feel so great, wrapping the towel around me I walk into the room and there is a golden gown lying on a made bed. When did the bed get made? Shit, I have to keep my ears open. I go over and touch the gown, and it’s silk. Wow, this is really pretty, the bodice has all of this… no freaking way! Are those diamonds? Can’t be! I keep looking and yes, I’ve seen plenty of diamonds, and this dress is gold with diamonds across the bodice. Damn, I thought we had money. I notice there are no shoes. What is it with no shoes here? I see some perfume on the bed and spray myself with it. I brush my hair. I wish makeup was on the bed, too. I sit on the bed and wait for Draken. I hope he’s not long. Right away, I hear his growl in my ears like a call. I get up and walk slowly to the door. I’m not sure if I should leave without him, what if I get lost? The growl in my chest is more intense now. Shit, he must want me to come out. I stand at the door, hesitating to come out. What the hell, I’m in another realm, I might as well explore. I open the door and see Showken, Gemi, Layern, Brumen, Domlen, Hawken, Fewton, and Warton all standing up against the wall, looking like models. None of them has on a shirt, and they are all wearing pants, with no shoes. That’s when I notice they all have the same tattoo on their chests, across the heart. How did I remember all their names, I’m not sure, but they all look amazing.
“What are you all doing?” I ask, not taking one step out of the room.
“Cess, we are here to escort you,” Showken says, giving a huge grin.
“Why does it take all of you? Where’s Draken?”
“Getting pissed, because you are not on your way, let’s go, please,” Layern says. I step out of the room. I stand on that soft rug and smile. I start getting grins back from the brothers, and then I feel the growl in my chest.
“Okay, he’s getting annoyed, I’m ready. Should I, what do I do?”
“Oh, we are not touching you, Cess, follow us,” Showken says, as he turns and begins to walk, with the brothers walking two at a time behind him. I walk behind the last pair, Layern and Domlen. “I’m nervous, you guys,” I say.
“I know,” Layern says, turning his head a little and giving me a smile. The others keep looking forward. When we go down some stairs and down another hall, the floor is warm and feels good on my feet, like a massage. We finally come to double doors, and Showken pushes them open. We walk into a huge, beautiful garden. Everything is colorful. There are people around, all dressed in gowns and things, but I don’t see Draken. I do see his mother and sister and even his dad. They are wearing crowns; I look at his brothers and notice they, too, have on crowns, why didn’t I notice that before? Everyone looks so happy. What is going on? I don’t understand. This can’t be my wedding; I want to choose some things myself. His brothers start to separate, and I find that I’m in the middle of everyone. I’m feeling all weird inside. I turn and see Draken coming towards me in loose purple slacks, like silk pajamas. My mouth falls open. He takes his time coming towards me, stopping about five feet away. What’s going on, I don’t have a clue. When I see him starting to kneel down, my heart starts to beat fast. Holy shit, he’s proposing like this. His hair is hanging loose, but looks very nice, and he smiles at me. Then he speaks.
“Princess Francis Lamil, would you accept the responsibility of moving forward to become my wella, forever?” he says, and mouths “I love you” to me. I feel the tears running down my face and start nodding yes, but I hear Showken say:
“Cess, say it out loud.”
“Yes, I will become your whatever, Draken.” I can’t stop my feet from moving, and I run right to him, kneeling with him, and we kiss very passionately. I hear the growls of his brothers, and people clapping. Then a crowd of kids dances around us, making all these weird noises. I know this must be part of the ceremony. I can’t wait to have him in my arms.
“You know, there is more to this, but it’s my proposal, so who cares,” Draken says, wiping away my tears with his fingers. “I love you, Princess and now you are officially engaged.”
“Yes, I am.” I smile.
“Would you like your ring?” Oh, I totally forgot about a ring.
“Yes, I would.”
He nods to Showken, who comes over and hands him a box. It’s too big to be a ring box, right? He opens it, and my eyes nearly pop out of my head. The ring is in the shape of a dragon, and I don’t know what jewel this is, but he picks it up and slides it onto my left hand. It starts to reshape on my hand before my eyes, as the dragon encloses its body with its wings, and now it looks like a smooth stone. I have a dragon on my finger. Draken is holding a gold and diamond ring that looks like it’s about 8 or 9 carats. It’s cut in the shape of a heart.
“Oh, Draken, it’s beautiful, I love it!” I lean in and kiss him, again. Not too long, the kids are still dancing. “Draken, why two rings?” I ask, admiring the ring on my finger. I can’t believe it moves and it’s a dragon, and it’s purple.
“The second ring is for when we go to earth. This ring will get fussy if not in our land,” he says, smiling.
“What a way to propose! I love it, Draken, but I was already willing, you didn’t have to do all this.”
“Yes, I did.” He grins. “You don’t understand, do you? When I marry, Princess, I take over the throne and run the land; you’ll be queen, but my Princess forever.” He stands, lifting me up with him. I love to see the children dance. I smile, and then we turn and everyone is nodding and clapping and I feel like a real princess in a fairy tale. We move over to a seating area as people line up to congratulate us. Everyone looks happy, and I don’t like all this attention, but with Draken beside me I can deal with it. I see Showken and his other brothers eating everything up.
“Draken, who are all these people?” I ask.
“These are my family, uncles, cousins, my family,” he says, making sure to nod when approached.
“You have a huge family,” I say, thinking wow, I hope they all don’t come to Earth. We will need to rent a stadium.
“Draken, when did you plan this?”
“This morning, while you slept.”
“You are so sneaky, but I love you,” I say, giving him a kiss on the cheek. The way this looks, with the people dancing and greeting us, you would think this was the wedding.
“Draken, how big will the wedding be?”
“Everyone will come, Princess, and I do mean everyone.”
What kind of answer is that? We sit as peop
le come and go, When his brothers are standing in front of us, I’m handed a glass of wine. Then they speak, all together.
“In this time of celebration, we, the Draglen brothers, promise to protect your future wella until you are joined as one.” They look at me. “We promise to watch over you and protect you until you are one with our heir, Prince Draken Draglen. Do you accept our help, Princess Francis Lamil?” Why is everything so formal?
“Yes,” I say, hoping that is all I have to do. Draken looks at me.
“Princess, I will fly with my brothers now, to celebrate, but one will stay with you, whom do you choose?” I wonder whether he is going to change right now, will I see it?
“Oh, umm, well,” I see Showken smiling. “I choose Showken, then,” I say, and Showken comes and stands next to Draken.
“Okay, Princess, Showken will stay, but I can be here very fast. Now, I will go and change into beast, will you watch?” I nod and smile. I have to pee all of a sudden. If I have got this right, they are all going to change into dragons right now. Shit, I have got to pee. I know Draken would not hurt me, but what about the others?
“Yes, I will watch.” I say, in a high pitched voice.
“Princess, you don’t have to,” he says, but I see the disappointment in his eyes.
“No, I’m fine. I want to see, I mean, you will be my husband soon,” I say, smiling. He gets up and walks toward the open field with his brothers; I see them playing around, pushing each other and laughing. They look so happy. It must be great to fly.
“Draken is going to try and show off,” Showken says, looking at me. “I can outfly him any day,” he says, smirking.
“Behave, Showken. You are so easy to love.”
“Yes, I am. I’m glad he has you, Cess, and I’m glad to have you in the family,” Showken says, and I see the serious side. I smile.
The Draglen Brothers - DRAKEN (BK 1) Page 17