The Dragon Bride

Quality Time

In the days following the ball and my decision, Prince Trevan and I spent most of our available time together. We were getting to know each other and so far things seemed to be going quite well. My brother respected me enough to not ignore me or say harsh words to me, but he didn’t let his opinion go unheard either. Like now.

“I really don’t understand Ryoko, why didn’t you pick one of the lords? Was something wrong with them?”

“It’s not like that. I just didn’t...click with any of them. The Northern Prince is a perv, several lords just want me for the upgrade in status, or for the money they think they are going to get by marrying me. Trevan is the only one who just wants me.”

Ryujin sighs. “I understand to that degree, but I still don’t like it. I feel like he has to have an ulterior motive. He’s a Fae, what would he want with a dragon?” He turns to look at me with sharp eyes. “Just promise me that if a dragon comes along that seems earnest that you’ll at least consider him.”

“Fine. I promise. That doesn’t mean I’m going to just throw Trevan away. He would have to show me that he is better than Trevan is for me.”

“I can accept that. Now,” he looks at the clock on the wall. “It’s almost noon, don’t you have a date?”

“Shoot! I totally forgot. Thank you!” I rush over to the closet and pull out a simple burgundy dress and start to change into it. While changing I hear the door to my room open and close, signaling the departure of my brother. I give a relieved sigh before running a comb quickly through my hair and heading out to the garden.

Ever since that first day the garden has kind of become our spot. We always meet here and occasionally, like today, have a meal together here. I opened the doors to see that he was already sitting on the bench to the side of the main walkway. I smiled slightly as he stood to greet me.

“I’m glad you made it. Your brother keeping you?” He grabbed my hands as soon as he got close enough.

“He had to give me another one of his lectures.”

Trevan gave a small laugh. “I see. I know how it is to have siblings, but I can only imagine how much worse it is with a twin.

“Sometimes it’s bad, but at the same time we are as close as can be. He always has my back.”

“And now you have someone else that does too.” As he said this he moved around me, his hand gliding across my waist until he was behind me with one arm wrapped around me. I giggled a little and gave him a smile over my shoulder.

“Are we going to eat or what?”

“Ah yes, never mess with a dragon’s appetite. That is one thing I’ve learned since being here.” He started to walk towards the bench, guiding me with his hand at the small of my back. I noticed a basket sitting on the ground next to it.

“A picnic?”

“Yes. We have spent a lot of time here in this garden, but what if we were to go find one outside the palace gates.”

“That sounds lovely. However... my father usually has guards go with me anywhere outside the palace.”

“Well I don’t want to be in his ill graces any further so we might as well let them tag along.”

I nod and then mindlink my father. Father, Prince Trevan and I would like to go outside of the palace.

I will send five guards to meet you at the gates.

I love you...

Stay safe.

I sigh. He is still upset about me choosing to court Trevan. But I can also only imagine how he is having to hear about it from his advisors. The only thing that they all seem to forget is that it is my choice. They don’t have any control over it. Trevan grabs the basket, which is larger than I first thought, and starts leading the way to the gates. When we arrive there are five of my father’s most trusted guards waiting for us. I wouldn’t be surprised if he also asked them to spy on us. One opened the door to a SUV for us to get into. Once inside I told the guard to take us to the forest. I glanced behind us to see another SUV following ours, carrying the other four guards. Once we reached the tree line we all got out and started to walk, the guards following close behind. I wished they would stay back a little so as to be out of earshot, but no such luck.

“So where to?” I asked Trevan.

“Well there should be a meadow or something around here shouldn’t there?”

I grabbed his hand and started taking him to the nearest meadow I knew of which was also convenient because it also had a small stream running through the middle of it.

Once we arrived I turned back to see a large grin on his face. I smiled, glad that he liked the spot that I chose. He then walked over to the edge of the stream and started to lay out the blanket far enough away from the edge that it wouldn’t get wet and started to lay out some of the food from the basket as well. I went over and started helping him set up the food, but keeping a close eye on the guards all the while. They had dispersed slightly so that each of them was at the tree line approximately 20 feet from each other so that no one could sneak up on us. At least from this side of the stream.

When everything was set up we sat down on either side of the blanket, leaving the food and plenty of space between us so that the guards could report back to my father that I was doing everything properly and not rushing into things. I grabbed one of the meat and cheese sandwiches and took a bite. It was really good and I was glad to have the meal to distract me from the guards behind us.

“Thank you for this Trevan. I wasn’t expecting it.”

“I’m glad you like it. And I know you weren’t, it was a surprise after all.”

I return his smile when all of a sudden I feel Zisra perk up and start searching the area. I try to not be too obvious as I scan our surroundings so that Trevan doesn’t think I’m ignoring him. There’s some sort of presence behind the trees on the other side of the stream. I peeked at the guards to see that they didn’t notice whatever or whoever it was. But why? Why was I the only one? And then, as quick as it came, it was gone. But unlike before, I felt empty with the lack of it. Zisra sulks back into the corner of my mind and buries her head under her wing in a pout. I try to clear my head and mentally come back to my date with Trevan, but I can’t stop thinking about that presence and wondering who or what it might have been.

Finally, after we both ate our full we began to pack up the leftovers and the blanket so that we could start the short trek back to the palace. The guards on our tails, of course.

Once you get back, Roko, Father wants to talk to you.

I sigh. What now?

Trevan walks next to me and reaches out to squeeze my hand. I give a reassuring smile.

“When we get back I guess I have to head to my father’s office.”

“I see. Do you know what about?”

“No. Ryujin didn’t give any details.”

“Alright. You know, that mindlink thing you guys can do seems like it would be really helpful.”

“Can’t the Fae do that with their magic?”

“Our magic is elemental. So yes, technically we can carry thoughts on the wind, but it takes extreme focus and a good amount of magic for even one thought. It’s not natural for us like it is for shifters.”

“Hmm..I didn’t know that.”

“I’m not surprised. Most Fae like to let everyone else think we are capable of that just as easily as you are. It’s a downside if we were ever to get engaged in battle.”

I nodded in understanding. It was valuable information and I was surprised that he was telling me after only courting for a few days to a week.

It wasn’t long before we reached the vehicles that were left waiting for us from when we arrived. We got in and started to head back towards the castle. Trevan only let go of my hand long enough for me to get into the back seat and then as soon as he was next to me my hand was back in his again. I smiled to myself at how comfortable I felt around him despite everything going on. And at how he felt he could trust me so easily. I was beginning to feel like I could trust him as well. He seemed like he wanted to take care of me and didn’t want to take advantage of me and what my position would bring to him. Besides that he was already a prince so it wasn’t like he would gain all that much by marrying me. It was a comfortable, easy relationship. I was glad for that. I looked out the window to see that we were already coming up to the palace gates. The guards seemed eager to get me back inside its walls. The gates opened immediately and we passed through in order to head to the front steps of the palace. As we pulled up I noticed my brother and one of his guards waiting for me. I turned to Trevan.

“I guess I will be having to say farewell sooner than expected. I enjoyed our afternoon. Thank you.”

He kissed the back of my hand. “Thank you for joining me and making it so pleasurable.”

I smiled as a faint blush crept up my cheeks. The door on my side opened and I grabbed my brother’s hand that he offered to help me out. I glanced back at Trevan as I headed into the palace with a smile before heading towards my father’s office.

“It isn’t about the Fae Prince if that’s what you’re worried about.”

I looked at my brother. “Then what is it about?”

“From what I have gathered it seems that we are going to be having some guests soon. I’m not sure who, but we will probably find out shortly.”

I nodded and took a deep breath. This is the first time I have seen my father in person since I told him of my decision to court Prince Trevan. I prepared myself for him to still be mad at me and possibly even worse. As we entered though, I was surprised to find him just working on his paperwork like he normally does. No scowl or dark look. Just deep in thought. We waited until he finished the paper he was on and then he set it aside and looked up at us.

“Thank you for coming so quickly. The dragon king of the west is planning on making a visit. It seems mostly informal for the most part as he is bringing his wife and two sons. The oldest is twenty four and the youngest is twenty. They will also be bringing a small group of guards since they know that we have plenty and are well protected. From the sounds of it it seems at least one of the sons wanted to attend your ball Ryoko, but couldn’t due to a mission that he just got back from two days before today. They have said that they will be arriving in three days time in order to give us time to prepare. They will be flying in instead of traveling by ground since they’re group is so small. Ryoko, I would like you to prepare the grand hall and a feast for their arrival. I want to show them that we are in great health and doing well. Ryujin, I want the guards to have extra training sessions for the next three days to make sure they are prepared for any event. Having extra royalty here is always a cause for other species to get excited. I don’t want them to think that just because we have visitors that we will be distracted.”

“Yes, My King,” my brother replied with a slight bow.

I curtsied and said, “I will make sure everything is ready Father.”

“Good. Thank you for being children I can rely on.”

“Always.” Ryujin bowed again and placed a hand on the back of my shoulder to guide me out. Once outside of the office he turned to me. “Don’t forget your promise to me. If one of them is reasonable and catches your eye, please consider him.”

“I won’t. I just can’t believe that they are coming all this way just because one of them missed my ball.”

“Maybe that shows how much he cares for you.”

I sighed as a smirk graced his face. That’s all I need. How am I going to explain this to Trevan? I’ll figure out a way. In the meantime, I had some preparing to do.