The Crown Hackura Prince and His Dragon Princess

A Boon Pt. 2

The woman stood and greeted, “King Titus, it has been awhile.” So this was the Queen then. My Grandpa replied, “Queen Elara, it is good to see you. My son has been King for quite some time, but he sent me since we’d met and he hasn’t had the pleasure. He did not feel this was the right moment for such things.” She agreed, “Nor do I. I look forward to meeting him one day.”

She said, “I understand the boy is missing.” He nodded, “That is what we know.” She said, “Are you helping us find him?” I answered, “I promised Josphine I would.” She asked my Grandpa, “Do you swear this information doesn’t leave this field?” He answered, “Of course.” She said, “The boy in question is my great-granddaughter's step son. She met her Magical, his father, four years ago. She adores that boy.” A Magical is what they called their mate.

I said, “So, you have a missing member of the Royal family?” She said, “We do not see that as your realm does. I consider him to be in my family, but he’s not by blood.” My Aunt Haley’s eyes blazed. Grandpa Titus said, “We will work to find him. Can you give us anything?”

She answered, “We have used all the magic we possess to try and find him and our others that are missing.” Aunt Haley asked, “How old?” The Queen asked her, “How old is what?” My Aunt’s face went completely passive, but I felt how pissed off she was. She asked, “How old are the partials you are missing?” She answered, “Twelve to fifteen.”

My Aunt nodded, clearly deciding not to say anything else to her though. Queen Elara said, “I expected to see more than blazing eyes from you. I figured you’d be disappointed in me.” Aunt Haley replied, “Then you haven’t heard many rumors about me and my ability to keep emotions off my face.” Uh oh.

She said, “Am I disappointed? You know I f*****g am, you have the ability to know. If a member of the Cambridge family, blood or not, was missing you’d bet your f*****g ass everything would stop until they were found.”

I stoically didn’t look at Grandpa Titus because that confirmed what I’d always suspected. Aunt Haley didn’t know about Cousin Benny. He would be home if she did. Although, technically he wasn’t missing. We just didn’t know where he was.

She continued, “I don’t know what moves you are making in your realm though. You could be doing more than I’ve seen. I just don’t like how you declared him not a member of your Royal line. Because it’s f*****g shitty clarification to make right now. It tells me you lack the ability to have empathy which does concern me as you are Queen.” The Queen smiled at her.

She said, “I am doing many things in the background, but I do understand your anger over the clarification. I have found myself as the years go on in my ruler finding living so long and ruling so long shrugging things off as things that happen. Maybe it is my daughter’s time to rule. I shall think on your words.” I didn’t need a bond with my Aunt to know she gave zero f***s about what Queen Elara thought about her anger.

The Queen added, “I do thank you for healing Josephine.” Grandpa Titus jumped in, “Can we expect any help from your end?” She nodded to the guard next to her. She said, “My most trained and revered Guard, Ariella, will work with your contact.”

I held out my hand, “I’ll be working with you.” She shook my hand and nodded. Queen Elara spoke to her guard in Elvian then left with her army. Arwen announced, “I will go stand in your line of sight over there so you may speak before we head out on our noble quest.” I nodded, “Alright.” She walked away.

Aunt Haley made a face. I said, “The clarification of him not being their blood did suck.” She clapped, “YES! It f*****g sucked and it’s annoying! I like Elves.” Grandpa Titus said, “Queen Elara is centuries old. She worked with your great-grandparents. She will hand the Crown to her daughter soon.”

I asked, “Is that going to be an Aunt or Grandma of some kind?” He answered, “Her oldest daughter has been with her Magical for over a century. So Aunt.” Aunt Haley asked, “What do you need H?” I answered, “You can’t pop to him. I’ll work with Arwen and let you know if I need anything.” She let her wings out and floated to kiss me on the cheek. She said, “I’m going to go because you always pull me if I’m needed. If you didn’t I’d be watching your goddamn six.” I chuckled.

Grandpa Titus asked, “What did they say in Elvian? I’ve always struggled to learn that language.” Aunt Haley answered, “She told Josephine that they’d avenge this and find the boy. Can they use his f*****g name? Evidently not. I can’t tell if that’s to protect him, or because they suck.” Probably in case anyone was nearby listening.

I asked, “And to the woman working with me?” She said, “She told her not to get to distracted f*****g you and to bring the boy home.” I snorted, “That Queen is all kinds of insulting then. She’s her best Warrior.” Aunt Haley agreed, “Exactly! Like you can’t multitask. Or celebrate after you f*****g find him.” I winked, “I like that plan unless I have down time if she’s interested.”

My Aunt stared at me. She said, “She’s literally looking you up and down and licking her lips.” I shrugged, “I don’t like to assume.” She repeated, “Licking. Her. Lips.” I threw my head back and laughed, “I still need consent.” She nodded, “I know that. Be safe.”

I quickly asked, “What did you think when the Queen gave you the ages?” She answered, “They aren’t mature enough for the fighting in the Undergrounds from what I profiled. Elves don’t start their Warrior training until they are twenty-five. Why would you kidnap people with Elf blood that have never been trained to fight by their race? Answer: You do not. It’s not the Undergrounds. Maybe the Ring, or someone else. I will be shocked if it’s the Undergrounds.” I nodded to her.

She flew up to my Grandpa and kissed his cheek. She hesitated the touched Maddox’s shoulder. My eyebrow raised because it was the first time she’d touched him. She must have mouthed something to him because he nodded and she smiled. She flew over to the Elf Warrior and quickly said things in Elvian. Which had Arwen laughing but also nodding. Aunt Haley winked at me and popped to Blade before popping them away.

I motioned for Arwen to join us. She sauntered over. She asked, “Are you and that man coming?” She looked like she would be very interested in both of us. Maddox laughed, “Linc’s gonna be pissed he sent me. I’m very gay.” She shrugged, “Do you like watching?” He snorted, “I’m Hackura.” She grinned, “Maybe we can work with that.” My Grandpa laughed. She added, “You’re definitely invited.”

He said, “I'm not off with my mate and I’m not having a threesome with my own grandson.” Her eyes jolted to mine, “Grandson? Of the former King?” I winked, “That’s me.” She said, “We will be victorious then.” I nodded, “I’m not going until we’ve found him.”

I ordered, “Maddox, go search Spike’s place. I’m going to have Arwen show me where the boy and her mom lived.” He saluted, “On that. Do you know where he lived?” I found his pants and his wallet. I tossed it to him. “A simple ‘no I do not’ would have sufficed. Later King man!” He nudged my Grandpa as he said it. My Grandpa said, “Former King man.” He shrugged, “It’s a habit.” My Grandpa chuckled, “Linc rubs off on both of you when you’re around him. I like it.”

I hugged him, “I’ll see you soon.” He nodded, “I’ll go follow Maddox and have his six.” I agreed, “Thanks. I’ll call and keep dad updated on our progress.” He warned, “You know this could take a long time if it’s the undergrounds.” I replied, “I trust Aunt Haley’s analysis.” Arwen asked, “What’s the analysis?”

I answered, “That the undergrounds didn’t take him.” She pursed her lips, “Yes, well she is wise.” I frowned, “You knew that?” She said, “Josephine wanted to look for the boy. My Queen thought she’d be too close to it. She had her investigating the Undergrounds hoping she stumbled on the real ones. We did not think they were the ones with the kids. We have other people looking for them.” Great. Wonderful.

I asked, “So Maddox is on a wild goose chase?” She frowned, “I did not see him with a goose.” My Grandpa laughed. I rephrased, “He’s not going to find anything to help us then.” She frowned, “I am not your cousin with sight. I cannot know what he will find. I would say it’s very unlikely.” My Grandpa said, “I’ll catch him up on this conversation.” He took off running after Maddox.

Arwen grinned at me. I asked, “What do you guys really have then?” She admitted, “Our people are running into roadblocks. We’ve found two places where our magic tells us our people have been, but they are empty.” I thought about all of it.

I said, “Alright. Tell me where we are going and I’ll open a portal. I want to see the boy’s home first.” She showed me an address and I pulled her through the Hackura realm to it. She sighed, “I wish we could do that.” I pointed out, “You have your keys.” She said, “They only get us into specific places and realms.” I reasoned, “Or a place you go frequently.” She conceded that point.

She winked, “I can move quickly.” I knew that. It’s why humans lore said Elves could teleport short distances. They moved fast enough people thought they were. They weren't as fast as the Hood were though. The house was dark and quiet in a remote place where it didn’t look like anyone would visit.

I asked, “Why do they live out here?” She answered, “Because the boy can use magic and likes to practice. His mother did not want him to be stifled.” I nodded and went into the house. All the evidence pointed to a loving mother and well blended family. I saw pictures of the Queen’s relative with the dad.

I asked, “Where is his father?” She answered, “On lockdown, ordered not to leave the realm. His Magical is pregnant and this is stressful enough for her. She loves that boy.” I asked, “What’s his name?” She answered, “Andrei.” I asked, “Does he speak Romanian or English?” She answered, “He speaks Romanian, English, and Elvian. He is very smart, as was his mother.” I nodded.

I went into his room. Arwen told him, “Our people searched this place. We found nothing to indicate what happened. The mother wasn’t attacked here. Their things were packed as if they left though.” I asked, “Was it ever suspected she was taking him away from his father?” She answered, “No, they had a great relationship. As I’m sure you saw. She was so happy when he found his Magical. She was a human quite captivated with supernatural lore. She was tickled, as they say, to know it was all true.”

I went through everything. I moved the dresser and found a picture had fallen behind it. I reached through and found one of his Cercetașii României (Romanian Scouts). He was a boy scout and it looked recent. I asked, “Were the other kids taken in the scouts?” She frowned, “I can have that checked.” She left and I looked at the picture.

I flipped to the back and noted it was a photography company. I looked them up and they contracted with different photographers all over. I called Uncle Gunner. He answered, “Hey, H. Are you ok?” I answered, “Yes. I’m texting you a photography company. I’m sure Grandpa or dad got names for the missing partials. I need you to run down if the photographer took their pictures. I don’t have official confirmation they were all in the scouts, but my instincts say they were.”

He told me, “Shoot me the information and I’ll get on this. It would be a huge break if we found the Ring was using this type of method to find partials. It’s annoyingly smart.” I asked, “How did you know it wasn’t about the Undergrounds? That’s what I’m working on.” He answered, “Haley sent an email with her suppositions. She also added she felt the Elves were hiding things from Josephine. I believe Aiden paid the Elves a visit. Don’t be surprised if you run into a Fairy.” I snorted, “Lovely.” He laughed and hung up.

Arwen came back in, “We sent people to question the Elves that were the parents of the children and you are correct. All had recently joined or been in this scouts deal for six months.” I nodded, “Alright. It’s a lead. I have our people running the photographers down.” She stopped me, “We would not have known if you had not moved the dresser.”

I nodded, “Kids hide things. I’m not done looking.” I tossed the room knowing the kid was never coming back here. I found a porn stash under the bed that had Arwen laughing. She said, “Well, those women are quite pretty. He has good taste.” I didn’t find anything else that would help us.

I asked, “Did you question Andrei’s dad about the scouts?” She shook her head, “He was not questioned.” I said, “I need to talk to him.” She grinned, “Open a portal back where we were then.” I quickly did so and she walked me through their portal. She grabbed me and stepped onto what looked like a carpet. She spoke in Elvian and the carpet took off.

She glanced at me, clearly disappointed I didn’t scream. I told her, “My Aunt is Fae, which I’m sure you noticed. My cousins, her kids, wanted a flying carpet after watching Aladdin. It came up that Elves get around on carpets. She thought Aladdin was a partial Elf. Or that an Elf left the carpet there in the cave. She was quite upset, it was never explained.” She threw her head back and laughed.

We arrived at a heavily guarded mansion near the castle. The guards nodded to Arwen then let us pass. I walked in and found a puffy faced, red rimmed pregnant elf. She spotted Arwen and looked hopefully past her. Her face fell when she spotted me. She cried, “I thought you’d found him.”

I said, “Not yet, Duchess. I would like to speak to your Magical.” A door ripped open and a man who looked haggard and tired appeared. He asked, “What happened?” He went to his Magical. I said, “I’m helping look for Andrei. I need to ask you some questions.” He nodded, “Anything.” I asked, “Did his mother mention him joining the Cercetașii României (Romanian Scouts)?”

He answered, “Of course. We paid for his fees and uniform. He was so excited to join.” I asked, “Did his mom or Andrei give you any indication something was off there?” He frowned, “No, I met the man who runs the group. He was quite nice for a human and the other boys and their parents were lovely.” His Magical bit her lip.

I asked, “Duchess?” He quickly turned to her. She explained, “Nothing with the group. Crina said she came to pick him up one day and she got bad vibes off the guy taking their troop pictures. She told me that she was rude and snappy with him. She wanted to feel bad, but she just said her mom's hackles raised. I’m so sorry! I never thought of that.”

I nodded, “I’m sure it was a remark she made in passing and it confirms my thoughts about it.” Andrei’s dad asked, “Is it the photographer?” I answered, “I think it is. Did Crina give you his name?” The Duchess wiped her tears, “No. I don’t think she knew it. I should’ve had it checked out.”

Her Magical said, “No, this is not your fault. She didn’t bring it up to me nor did Andrei. She would’ve if she thought their lives were in danger.” I added, “The company uses consultants to photograph. They don’t say around. I’m sure she thought it was a moment that wouldn’t matter. I apologize for your loss.”

Their heads jolted up and I wanted to curse their Queen. The Duchess asked, “Our loss? What are you talking about?” Arwen actually gasped. I apologized again, “I’m so sorry, I thought you would’ve been informed. My Aunt Haley helped us find Crina.” The Duchesses lip began to tremble. She whispered, “They killed Crina?” I nodded, “I am so sorry. Her body should be here.”

Arwen stepped in, “I also apologize, that’s my duty to inform the Royal family of such things. I assumed in my absence someone would make this notification.” She knelt down to the Duchess and her Magical. She spoke in Elvian. God, not knowing this language sucked today. The Duchess told her, “It’s not your fault, Arwen.” She touched her head then stepped back. Arwen stood and joined me.

Andrei’s dad asked, “Did she suffer?” I shook my head, “No, it was quick.” He hung his head, “I hoped they were together knowing I would be sending people to find them. Instead our little boy is all alone.” He held the Duchess tightly. I said, “I will find him and bring him back to you.” He held out his hand, “If you find my boy, I’ll owe you a boon.” I was going to find him so I nodded.

I left with Arwen. She seemed to be quite down. We got on the carpet and she spoke in Elvian. I told her, “It wasn’t your fault they weren’t informed.” She shrugged, “It was my duty, so it was my fault.” I reasoned, “They strongly suspected she was dead. They held onto hope she wasn’t, but they knew deep down.” She nodded, saying nothing.

We went back to the portal and walked through. Uncle Gunner called. I answered, “What do you have?” He said, “Three photographers took those boys' photos.” I winced, “I thought it would be one, but we can run down three.” He said, “All were on other jobs when the boys disappeared along with their human realm parents.”

I cursed, “Damn it! I thought we had something with that. Andrei’s mom told the Elvian Duchess she got bad vibes off the photographer.” Arwen made a face like we were back to square one. Uncle Gunner said, “I wasn’t done. All three photographers had the same assistant that day. Their regular assistants fell and I quote ‘quite ill’ and the same assistant stepped in. I’ll bet Andrei’s mom thought the assistant WAS the photographer. I’m sending you his photo.”

I asked, “Do we know him?” Arwen asked, “What’s going on?” I put Uncle Gunner on speaker and told him. “I put you on speaker for details.” He said, “I’m running the assistant through our facial recognition. He’s definitely a Supernatural of some kind I’ll go with an evil as f**k one.” I encouraged, “Send it to me.” He did and I agreed this person was evil.

My bond with my Aunt suggested she was asleep. I gently tugged her to me. She popped in with a sleepy Eric. I asked, “Do you know what kind of Supernatural this is?” She looked at the picture and dropped the phone. Uncle Eric was fully awake now. He asked, “Angel.” She whispered, “It can’t be.”

She conjured her phone and spoke in rapid Fealish. I only caught the words, “History.” and “Not dead.” She conjured the phone and shoved it under his nose. He blinked, “I thought they were all gone, but you’re right. That is the same picture in our history books.” I asked, “Who is it?” Aiden answered, “A member of the Black Annis supernatural group that helped the O’Toole’s rise to power from the O’Shaughnessy family who ruled before them.”

He pointed, “This man killed the former King of Faerie, but the O’Toole’s were not to be outdone and killed him. Or so they thought. They can’t lie and they directly stated they killed him.” I asked, “Could it be an ancestor?”

Aunt Haley answered, “No, that mole and scar tell me it’s him. I’ve seen this picture in several history books. He killed a deeply beloved ruling couple.” Aiden announced, “I am coming with you to find him. I would suggest bringing some of your army.” Maddox faded in, “I’ll be coming.” Lincoln faded in too. I snorted, “You would be here.”

Uncle Aiden said, “I’m going so, sister, you need to go back home.” She gasped, “You cannot be f*****g serious right now!” He said, “TJ and Angela will awake soon. You had plans with them and I know both were excited about it. Elise just had her Luna Ceremony and EJ is proposing today. You’re involved in the set up of it all . Your pack and children need you there.” She glared at him as the wind caressed his back. I was guessing Arion was around and approved of that plan.

Aunt Haley pointed at him, “Don’t think I don’t know you’re being evasive. Call Lucinda, Aiylee, AND Exsis. Then I will go home.” He did and they came in. She nodded, “Ugh! Fine. Let’s go Eric.” My Uncle locked eyes with me and clearly linked her. She took out her phone and texted people one after another.

Dawson came through a portal. Lincoln greeted, “Hey past-y paste pale old man of mine.” Dawson rolled his eyes. Aunt Haley told him in Latin, “Ille deus tremendus homicida maritum Non accedit. Recte (That god awful MURDERER does NOT get near my husband. Right)?” He winked, “Of course not.”