Secrets of the Realm Series: The Dark Knight

Chapter 5

Behind the doors was a beautiful marble hall. There were large statues of dwarf Kings. We continue to follow Ruven down the hall and begin to see light.

“Ruven! I was wondering who would even think of coming through that death trap!” They were dwarves. They embraced each other and the dwarves although were small managed to lift ruven up when they hugged him. It was so sweet to Ruven like that. Laughing and happy. He seemed at home.They looked over to us raising their eyebrows.

“What who might this lassie be?” One of the dwarves said taking my hand and kissing it. Their accents were very different from out own. Ruven came and took my hand into his, which was the first physical contact we had since last night.

“This is..” He looks at me, this time keeping my hand, “is Veara.”

“mmm Ruven, you seem smitten with this one.” He doesn’t respond but just looks at me.

“This is Prince and Heir apparent, Anin and Prince Bilbur, the sons or the dwarven King Moril, and..” He pause for a moment, “my brothers.” He smiled and with the the dwarves swarmed Ruven tackling him. Reysalor cleared his throat, and rather loudly too.

“And I am Prince Reysalor, future king of..” The boys looked up at Reysalor and looked like they would burst out in laughter.

“Oh Prince, please don’t get your panties in a bunch.”

“How dare you speak to me like this?”

“ok ok, your, hinny ness” they burst into laughter. Ruven tries to give them a scolding look but can help a small snicker escape.

“Boys! That is no way to speak to our Royal guest.” His voice came out of nowhere and so loud and boomy that it scared me. A dwarf large in size appeared. His robe a royal purple and his beard and hair ginger red. His accent was pleasant and different like the two other dwarves. He was the king, no doubt.

“I apologize Prince Reysalor, my sons have had a little too much to drink this night. We are celebrating the wedding of my daughter, Princess Dolana. Please forgive them. I will have my guards escort you to your chambers so you may rest. You must be very tired from your journey.”

“Well then I suggest you control them, King Moril.” He gives the command and begins to walk towards the guards waiting for him. This was a different side of Reysalor that I had not seen. I did not like the way he speaks to the King. I look back to and Ruven is about to say something when the king stop him and shakes his no. He can hold Ruven back but not me, I will not allow for this.

“Reysalor!!” I yell out anger visible in my voice. He stops and turns around to see me charging right towards him. He does not seem thrilled at my sudden outburst.

“That was disrespectful. This is the King, he is offering us a place to stay after we came barging in on their celebration. How can you be so cold to him?” His eyes have changed towards me, they aren’t kind anymore. I seemed to have provoked something inside him which I know will not not go over well.

“Veara, watch your tone, I am still your prince, and future king. It would be wise to watch your tone. Talk to me like that again and I will punish you for your actions.” With this he turns and begins to walk to King Moril’s guards. I can’t hold my tongue though.

“My prince and future king doesn’t act like a pompous brat.” I say. He stops and turns around pure rage in his eyes. I feel a hand on my back and look to see Ruven. He snakes his hand around my waist and brings me closer to him. I do not let my eye leave Reysalor’s because that would mean defeat, but I do feel safer now that Ruven is holding me. Reysalor’s eyes glare at Rumens hand around my waist and this seems to enrage him more but instead of coming closer he turns again stalks away. I knew that what I had done would have serious repercussions.

“Veara, that was very bold and very dangerous.’’ Ruven whispers huskily against my neck. I feel chills go down my whole body and he feels this and lets go. I feel sad that he has let go but there are people behind us.

“Ruven why don’t you both let the Prince cool off, come and join the party.” We follow King Moril through a series of halls and come to a large marble hall filled with dwarves celebrating. Everyone is drinking and eating and having a good time. I am taking in the scenery when I do not notice the two dwarven men coming my way, but its too late and I brace myself for the impact. Before that happens I feel someone pull me way and I look to see Ruven who has brought me really close to his chest.

“You have to be careful. No matter how strong you are they will knock you down especially when they are drunk.” He finally looks down at me, his lips inches from mine. Flashes of the other night run through my head and Ruven quickly pushes me slightly off him.

“You cannot have feelings like this now, or I won’t be able to control myself.” Then I remember, he can read feelings!! I blush feeling like I just exposed myself. I look at the hall. Its very large and lit up. There are columns in the shape of a box that line up from the entrance to the throne where the King has already found his place. Many are dancing, others are singing, and many are… sleeping? They must have had too much to drink. I begin to walk to the right stopping every so often to admire the pure happiness and joy. The King stands and everyone falls silent.

“This day is a celebration indeed! My son, Ruven, has come home!” And everyone greets the Kings news with cheers and many are running towards him to greet him. He Laughs and seems so happy. The happiest I have seen him, he seems at home. I want to walk over and join the fun, but I feel something strange. Like something pulling me. Then I hear it.

“Veara, come to me. Find me..” This time I am certain the voice is not just my illusion. I begin to walk away from the crowd, curious and afraid.

“Yes, follow my string of magic that I have laid out to you.” I follow the feeling. It is strange. It is as if someone is pulling me.

“Yes, my princess come you are near!” His voice seems stronger. I do not care at this point whether the voice is dangerous or not I need to know what is going on. I feel the pull is closer, he is right there, but I feel a hand on mine and the connection is instantly gone. I turn to see Ruven, I look at him longing filling his eyes. He brings me to him crashing his lips onto mine. I give in and let him consume any thoughts I had before. When he lets go for air he looks me in the eyes.

“I never want you to leave my side. I need you by my side.” I nod and he pushes me against the wall and kisses me again. This time it is slow and more gentle. His right hand slides to my thigh and lifts it. I get nervous.

“Ruven..” I stop him. “I am not ready for that..” He looks at me quizzically at first and then he gets it.

“I would never force this upon you. I only wish to memorize your kisses. I will not do anything you do not want me to. Just ask and I will do.” He smiles so lightly.

“I want you to kiss me.” I say bravely and with Ruven dives in for the kiss. After the long deepened kiss he surfaces for air.

“I would love nothing more than to kiss you more. But we have had and exhausting day, and I still need to tell the King about Levo and Jome.” He looked guilty, but I smiled at him understandably.

“It is okay Ruven.” He kissed my forehead and began to walk away looking back once at me. I felt so amazing, but also bothered. That voice.. it was him.. and he was here..