Yours forever and Always, Peach

In Which I Meet Mikko (Drake)

Tick, tick, tick… The grandfather clock echoes through the dining hall. My brother, the King, hates noise of any kind, so we eat our lunch in silence. I’m honestly surprised he hasn’t moved the clock out of the room, due to the incessant ticking. I look across the table to my mother, her pale skin and blonde skin are dull, lifeless. Her demeanor is meek and submissive, her eyes downcast… too afraid to look up. My father broke her spirit, she used to be vibrant, radiant and loved by our people. My father took care of that, effectively, I don’t remember the last time I saw her smile or heard her laugh. I’m glad my father died, mysteriously or not, I’m just glad he is gone.

I look over to my brother who is focused on his soup and salad. Black, beady eyes inspecting every bite. His eyes completely contrast his hair which is a shocking white. Pale like my mother, he looks like he never ventures into the sun, which might be a true statement, if we are being honest. He is of small frame, almost frail and his height doesn’t exceed my dainty mother. If he weren’t king some would dare to call him weak.

I on the other hand stood out like a sore thumb in my family: olive skin, green eyes and shocking red hair. My horns, due to our dragonmage ancestry, are black in comparison to my brothers and fathers white. My mom is of Fae ancestry, so no horns. I am muscular and tall, thank goodness, I don’t know how I’d woo the ladies if I looked like my brother and was a second son.

I smile at my food, I had absolutely no trouble with the ladies as a matter of fact I had-

“What are you smiling for?” My brother cut off my thoughts with his question, his eyes curious.

“I was just thinking about the fun I had last night.” I boasted, knowing he would get the hint.

“Ah yes, with “Lady” Mariene, who is supposed to be betrothed to my advisor, The Duke of Fanstinsine.” He replied tartly.

“Well maybe if he weren’t so boring she wouldn’t seek another to take care of her needs.” I replied, winking at him, knowing it would make him mad.

“Hmm, yes perhaps you’re right.” He agreed, shocking me. “Or maybe I should finally settle you down and choose you a wife to focus on.”

Rage filled my body, this is what he did when he was mad, controlled my life. Last time he put me on the front lines of the military, expecting me to not return and now.. marriage. No, I couldn’t let it happen.

“Speaking of marriage when is the princess supposed to arrive?” I remarked, nonchalantly, as if his threat didn’t bother me.

“How should I know?” He replied, dismissing me.

“Well.. seeing as you are the king and all, I figured you would be privy to know the coming and going of our guests.” Sarcasm dripped in my statement, taunting him.

He looked at me, his jaw clenched. “She is supposed to arrive before supper.” He replied, annoyed, “since you are so concerned you will greet her and be her guide for the next few days, as I will be out of the kingdom.”

Of course! I get stuck with a spoiled royal brat while he goes and plays with his king friends. I nod. That ruins all my engagements until he returns from his trip.

He gets off cutting our conversation short and starts to walk out of the room. He stops by the clock and glares at it and turns to the footman following him.

“Have them remove this from the dining area, it is entirely too loud.”

I sigh, at least some things are predictable. My brother leaves the room and I lean back in my chair, sipping my wine.

“You should not pick fights with him Drake,” my mother says, quietly “Do you like it when he punishes you?”

I look at her stunned, that’s the most I’ve heard her say in years, “Mother, as a younger brother, you must understand my enjoyment of pestering my brother.”

She nodded and… smiled. Then looked up at me with knowing eyes “Do be careful, I have a feeling he has something up his sleeve.”

I walk out to the entranceway and sit on the bench off to the side, it is a lovely spring day: not too hot, not too cold. I hear a carriage in the distance, my annoyance rises. She must be arriving, which means my job as host is beginning. I stand as the carriage pulls in.

A man, tall and of Fae blood obviously, steps out of the carriage. Must be the king, his presence is formidable, intimidating.

“Your Highness,” I bow deeply, putting my best manners forward “I am Prince Drake, brother to King Daemon. He was pulled out of the kingdom for a few days and has requested that I stand in place as acting guide for you and the Princess.”

“He has left? When he is supposed to be deciding if he is ok with the betrothal? Insolent and disrespectful.” The king says, obviously annoyed.

I nod in agreement, “I apologize on his behalf, your Highness. I am, however here to make sure you are comfortable and taken care of.”

He nods and walks passed me, I turn to the carriage to see the footman helping down the most exquisite creature that I have had the pleasure of laying my eyes on. Her hair was gold with shimmering silver highlights, her eyes aquamarine blue, shining like sapphires, she was petite in height but curvy in all the right places. Her skin was on the paler side but her cheeks had a lovely blush to them. Freckles speckled the bridge of her nose and her lips were a lovely pink that reminded me of the flowers in my mother’s garden. She moved from the carriage with a grace that I had never witnessed, almost as if floating. She curtsied in front of me and smiled a genuine smile.

“My name is Princess Mikko,” she said her voice musical and light, “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance Prince Drake.”

My name on her lips made desire surge through my blood. I was in trouble. My brother was to marry this woman. I must temper my nature and behave, or surely it will be my death.

I bowed before her waiting, and lacy gloved hand. I tenderly took it and place a light kiss on the top. She smelled of honeysuckles. I stood quickly.

She smiled at me, staring into my eyes boldly, I was not used to this as women in our kingdom would never be so bold as to make complete eye contact. I found this even more enticing and it gave a hint of a rebellious nature to her. I smiled back down at her and turned so she could take my arm so I could escort her inside.

“What a treat to be greeted by a man so handsome,” she murmured under her breath so only I could hear. I groaned internally, I didn’t need to know she found me attractive, that could become dangerous.

She continued, “Your brother did not wish to meet me? Is he shy?” She was digging for information, seeming curious.

“He is not shy, just reluctant to do something he doesn’t want to.” I replied

She nodded “even if it is good for his kingdom?”

“If it’s something he doesn’t want he views it as bad for the kingdom.” I said solemnly.

“I see.” She said, and I felt she did, in fact, see.

I lead her to her room and told her when to expect dinner. As I was walking down to the library to get a drink all I could think is: I am ruined.