The Dragon Warrior

The Trial

Devin's following days were filled with constant work by his father's side. He did not have enough time to even think about his mate except for a few occasional glances they exchanged during the brief meetings.

His beast, Grimm, was restless in his head, reminding him of Demetria, and Devin had no choice but to block him. Otherwise, he would be useless, as his dragon constantly sent him mean comments, pointing out his stupidity.

The young man could not remember times when his dragon would be so against him. They had been a good team since the day Grimm awakened, but now everything was falling to pieces.

- You should go and talk to her. Demetria is our mate. You can't ignore her forever. - His beast made another attempt to convince Devin to change his mind.

- I am not ignoring her. I have to help my father first. The Trial will start tomorrow. I am sure she is busy as well. It is not a good time to bother her with our relationship.- The young man let a loose breath. It was not a total lie. Every person in the castle was involved in preparations for the trial. Those who pledged their loyalty to the Queen were safe. But there were those who were too stubborn to forget about days of glory when the Dragon King held those lands in his iron grip.

For them, Demetria called a court, where Cassius, Kaitlyn and Nickolas would decide about their future. The young queen would also be present, but she left it to those with more experience. Devin could not agree more with this decision.

Now, the young man was busy delivering invitations to the people his father and Prince Cassius found trustworthy to hold important positions in the kingdom. The whole burden of ruling those lands could not be left only to the queen and three of her advisors.

Devin's chest rose with pride when Nickolas was offered the place amongst the queen's closest circle.

It was Cassiu's idea since his father proved his worth in taking care of the rebels for so many years.

Kaitlyn, Demetria's mother, was currently busy and involved in her coven's matters on the continent, but she should be back soon.

Devin was returning from one of the elder lords when he passed the throne room. He stopped when the well-known scent hit his nose. One glance let him confirm that his mate was indeed inside.

Demetria stood in the middle of the enormous room, absent-mindedly looking at the floor.

She was utterly still, like a beautiful statue.

After a moment of hesitation, Devin took a step closer, entering the throne room.

His mate was so lost in her thoughts that he doubted she even noticed his presence until he stood behind her.

Then and only then, Devin noticed that her arms were gently shaking, and her hands were balled into fists.

- I killed him here, exactly on this spot.- Demetria said, half-turning.

Devin did not have to ask what she meant by that. On the other hand, he had no idea how to reply, as the girl's words woke the part of him he wished to stay unbothered for now.

- Do you regret doing it?- The young man asked, and his voice involuntarily twitched with a spark of anger.

- Killing him? No. I only regret I could not find a better way to solve this problem.- Demetria replied slowly. - Now, my hands are stained with his blood.

Devin nodded slowly, and his anger faded.

- Have you killed before?

Demetria turned around to face him.

- No.- She whispered.

Devin looked into her grey eyes. They were filled with sadness.

- I haven't met many people who could say they had never spilled the blood in their lives.

Demetria closed her eyes and shivered as if she was cold.

- In my dreams, I can sometimes feel his heart still beating in my hand before I set it on fire. This place will always remind me about that day.

Devin shut his lips tightly, suppressing the gasp. The thoughts were spinning in his mind. So that was how she killed him. No wonder this fragile girl could not forget it. Even for him, that would have been a traumatic experience.

Devin raised his hand and gently brushed Demetria's cheek. The sparks danced on his palms from the contact. He blinked a few times, as this was a completely new experience for him.

The young man looked at his mate, surprised, but the girl was watching him with a small smile.

Of course, she already felt it once. Anger rose in Devin's chest at the thought of the man who previously rejected Demetria.

- Like if you were not ready to do the same.- Grimm said with a snarl, and Devin blocked him immediately. But he could not shake off the feeling that his beast was right. Blinded by his hatred, he was ready to reject her, but only because of who she was.

- I'm not too fond of this castle as well. I know it is stupid, but I can't fight it. - Devin said, focusing back on the woman before him.

- Why?- Demetria asked gently.

- I will show you.- The young man said, grabbing her hand. The sparks erupted in his body from this prolonged contact, and he let Demetria's hand out.

If his action hurt her, she did not let it show, slowly following behind him.

Soon, the couple left the castle.

Devin took a deep breath before moving forward. Demetria opened her heart to him, and he was going to repay this gesture. Even if that was not easy for him.

They reached the line of now nonexistent forest.

The flowers he left here a few days before were now completely dry.

- What is this place?- Demetria asked, following his gaze.

Devin flinched at the sound of her voice, but he quickly composed himself.

- This is the place where I saw my mother for the last time.- He spoke, but his voice was hoarse. - The arrow shot by one of the guards pierced her chest. She died a few minutes later.

- I am so sorry about that.- Demetria whispered, crouching. She ran her fingers over the flowers.

- It was a long time ago.- Devin replied, trying to sound casual, but his voice broke at the end.

Demetria stood up and glanced at him doubtfully.

- Not long enough.

Devin turned his face around, embarrassed by his feelings, but Demetria touched his hand, forcing him to look at her.

- If you want, we can place a stone with her name here. I am sure your mother deserves more than dry flowers on the ground.

Devin's eyes widened upon hearing her words. He witnessed many horrible and also beautiful things in his life, and none of them had such an impact on him as this short sentence. His heart was thundering in his chest.

- I told you, she is nothing like her father.- Grimm purred in his mind.

- Thank you.- Was the only thing he could say before the lonely tear rolled down his cheek.

They returned to the castle shortly after, walking side by side in silence. But this silence was not unpleasant or awkward. Devin's heart felt light as a feather as if someone had lifted the massive weight of it.

For the first time, his sleep was peaceful.

Next day.

The throne room was crowded again, but the atmosphere was tense this time. People whispered among themselves, glancing at the throne where Demetria was sitting. Three other chairs were added on the sides, but only two were occupied. Cassius and Nickolas were scanning the surroundings.

Devin glanced at Demetria, sitting still, holding her head high. There was no sign of the girl who shared such a private moment with him.

The door opened, and the group of witches came in, escorting four men between them. Demetria's mother, Kaitlyn, followed them behind as if she were securing the back.

All the men were pushed forward until they were kneeling before the throne.

Devin took a closer look. Those were the generals who were sent to the rebel camp.

Three of them held their heads low, but the last one stared at Demetria with hatred.

Cassius stood up, and all the whispers stopped immediately.

- Today, we will start the trial. Those who denied our new queen's rights would stand before you all. They may reconsider their actions and pledge their loyalty to the queen. They can also refuse to do it and face the consequences.

Demetria's brows furrowed as she listened to her uncle's words. She looked at the men kneeling on the floor.

- Traitor.- The man staring at the young queen spat on the floor beside him.

Devin clenched his fist, ready to pounce on him, but remained in his position. It was not a time to cause a scene.

Demetria glanced at the man on the floor. A cold smile curled her lips. Now, she was queen and nothing else.

- General Kain, your tongue is still sharp, even after staying in the dungeon.- Demetria spoke dryly. - Is there anything else you would like to say?

Kain sneered with anger.

- Go to hell.

Devin jumped forward before anyone could react. His arm tightened around Kain's neck.

- You will go there first.- He hissed in the general's ear.