The Knight of Her Dreams

chapter Twelve



Julianna wasn’t surprised to find herself outside the dream castle, although she felt a bit awkward since everyone was no doubt already inside. A new shot of nerves grabbed hold of her, as she didn’t really know anyone in this realm except Dominick, and she hoped that the others wouldn’t disapprove of her because she wasn’t a dreamphaser too.

“Not everyone on Chavernos is, and they’ll love you,” said Dominick, his arms encircling her from behind. At her smile, he kissed her cheek, still holding her and smiled back. “They’re not here anyway. I just decided it would be easier for us to meet here first. However, since the rest are at the second location, we probably should go now.”

“Fine by me,” she agreed. She wasn’t surprised by the short ensuing silence confirming his reluctance to relinquish their time alone. Smiling as he leaned forward to kiss her neck, she spoke again amidst a soft laugh. “I don’t know where we’re going, hon. I’m afraid you’ll have to do the teleporting there.”

“I know,” he whispered. “By Chavernos, love, I want you so much,” he breathed against her cheek. “There’s only one place I feel like teleporting us to, which certainly isn’t among a bunch of people, and a hell of a lot closer than they are.”

She glanced thoughtfully at the dream castle. “We could meet your friends a few minutes later,” she suggested quietly.

Without a word, he swept her into his arms, prompting her to wrap her own about his neck. He kissed her then, deeply, his desire for her sending its signals to her own yearning body and back. His grip tightened as he pulled her closer, he murmured her name... and then suddenly expelled a sharp breath.

“Chaos, there are times when I wish I’d been a loner,” he groaned, meeting her gaze with an impish grin. “As long as I had you with me for my sole company.”

“You seem to do well enough there,” she laughed, her mind flashing through their numerous romantic meetings. “If we were any more alone than we’ve been lately, we’d never have the strength to leave our castle room.”

“Mmmm, which one?” he teased.

“If you don’t know that, then you must be an imposter to my future husband,” she said knowingly. “In which case, I’d better warn you, he totes a mean dream gun.”

“Does he now?” he chuckled, sending kisses down her neck and lower. At her soft gasp, he looked up to grin at her again. “No, my memory’s better than that, and I know exactly which room you were thinking of—which I’ll gladly take you to later. No imposter here, sweetheart.”

“Ah well, I don’t mind being wrong on occasion,” she decided, tousling his hair affectionately. “Still, maybe another kiss would convince me beyond any doubt.”

“No doubt a man who always accepts a challenge,” he agreed, his mouth capturing hers again.

When he finally broke apart a minute later, she smiled into his deep blue eyes—now laced with desire—and caressed his neck with her gentle hand. Those selfsame eyes seemed to be wrestling with more than passion, confirmed when he gave another low groan.

“I think we’d better postpone anymore such kisses for a while, love,” he told her gently. “Otherwise the only destination we’ll get to will be our dream castle bedroom, and my friends will wonder what’s become of us.”

“Can’t we just let them wonder?”

“A tempting thought,” he laughed, gently running his hands along her back while his arms remained about her. “But seriously, there’s someone in particular who I’d like to introduce you to, so I’m afraid we’ll have to take a raincheck on this for now. All right by you, love?”

“From you, a raincheck is always acceptable,” she replied cheerfully, hugging him tighter as she felt the winds of teleportation sweep them away.

*****

To greet their arrival, an array of colored lights and the sounds of dancing music filled Julianna’s senses as she glanced about an enormous room. This room was more modern than the former ballroom location. Half of it catered to dancers, while other people were seated at tables or leaning against them, chattering away. Several seemed to be around her age, while many others were a few years older like Dominick. But even so, the thought of getting lost among so many unfamiliar people gave Julianna pause, and she instinctively clutched Dominick’s arm tighter.

Smiling down at her, he patted her hand reassuringly, even as he called out to a small group of people seated at a nearby table. They all looked up with smiles, beckoning the pair to join them. Julianna smiled back shyly and felt herself led over by Dominick’s comforting arm around her waist. There were six people seated, three men and three women, sitting alternately. One of whom she recognized.

“Here’s the happy couple,” laughed Riff, standing to slap his brother’s shoulder good-naturedly. Quieter, he added, “What took you so long anyway? We were starting to think you might have gotten sidetracked or something.”

Julianna blushed with a smile, knowing he wasn’t far off.

“Never mind that,” snapped Dominick. “What are you doing here after what you pulled last night?”

“Now, Dom,” he replied smiling, “I know I made a slight error in judgment…”

“Slight?”

“Okay, maybe a bit more than that. But how could I not be here when you invited the others to a gathering for something you said was important?” He gestured towards Buddy and Jarissa. “Besides, those two aren’t dreamphasers, and needed an escort to be here.”

Dominick took a deep, calming breath. “You’re not off the hook. We’ll discuss this later.”

“Great!” Riff replied jovially, turning an appreciative glance at his companion. “And, Julianna, you’re looking most enchanting tonight,” he said, giving a wolf-whistle.

Dominick gripped his shoulder meaningfully. “That’s enough out of you, brother,” he said, forcing a smile which had an edge to it. “Or there will be more than words when we get home.”

“Fair enough,” sighed Riff, sitting beside Kiri who was shaking her head. “What?” he remarked quietly. “I was just being a gentleman.” The others laughed audibly. “Hey, hey… that’s enough out of you. We’re not all guardian angels at this table!”

Turning to the three women beside their respective companions, Dominick smiled cordially to each. “Ladies, might I say you all look ravishing tonight, as you always do.” The trio laughed, leaving Julianna curious, even as another woman walked up to them.

“Always a charmer, Dominick,” said the woman with flaming red hair.

“I have to be so around such lovely women, Capricia,” he told her, flashing her a wink. “Although I must admit being partial to one certain redhead here.”

Julianna missed the knowing look exchanged between the pair, seeing only Dominick’s intense stare upon the flawless beauty Capricia. No doubt appropriately named! The woman’s eyes danced as she tossed back the long, fiery red hair that cascaded past her shoulders. No doubt a natural red, Julianna thought enviously, wishing her own hair was truly that, as it used to be in her childhood.

Having realized from the start that she wasn’t truly a redhead, Dominick had once told her that brown hair or red, she’d be beautiful either way, boosting her self-esteem several points. But now, noticing his lingering gaze that seemed so drawn to this redheaded woman—while remembering his last comment to her—she wondered with hurt just what the look of interest in his eyes meant.

Oblivious to her expression as Capricia walked away, the other women at the table laughed merrily, causing Julianna’s cheeks to flush. It wasn’t just the redhead. The way they all eyed him, she couldn’t help but wonder how well he knew them. Were these some of the girlfriends he’d once sought out, and was he now missing their company, even as he resigned himself to spend his life with her? she wondered sadly.

Just noticing this, Dominick eyed her gently and hugged her close. “Capricia came with her boyfriend, who happens to be a friend of mine as well. We’ve always been strictly friends, love, as is true of all those here,” he murmured, feeling her relax slightly as he clasped her hand tightly. “And I assure you,” he added with a knowing smile, “there won’t be anymore women in my life other than my beautiful bride-to-be, who coincidentally happens to be the same redhead I referred to.”

At the look of understanding that brightened her eyes, he emphasized his words with a long kiss, even as one of the other men coughed to break them apart again.

“Is there something you’re not telling us here?” he inquired, his eyes mischievously questioning. “Come on, come on, we need more details.”

“All in due time, Inferno,” laughed Dominick. “Julianna, this is one of my most trusted friends.”

Julianna smiled and reached out her hand towards him. “I’m glad to meet someone Dominick thinks so highly of,” she said, surprised when Inferno took her hand—not to shake it—but to kiss it gently.

“And it’s most certainly a pleasure to meet a very beautiful lady that my friend apparently thinks equally highly of,” he said smiling. “By that glow in your eyes, I can tell that you must be as fond of Dominick as he is of you.”

She blushed with a nod, taking a moment to appraise him. He had neatly trimmed sandy blond hair, with warm amber-brown eyes that seemed to emanate a welcome. From his strong set chin, the wisdom in his expression, and his amiable smile, it spoke volumes of trust and confidence.

“His name was aptly chosen for his ability to both conjure flame or extinguish it,” Dominick continued, “As is the case with many dreamphasers, it’s a second inborn ability.”

She cast another look at the man and found herself agreeing that the name indeed suited him. It was in the man’s eyes, she decided, which almost seemed to hold the flicker of flames themselves.

“As you can see, Dominick isn’t the only charmer at this table,” laughed the woman beside him.

Julianna noticed that like the redhead, this woman also had a striking beauty. Her fair blonde hair was long and shimmered, a striking contrast to her sun-tanned skin and dark emerald green eyes. Eyes that now looked adoringly at Inferno, easing any worries Julianna had about her wanting Dominick.

“That’s Psych,” he told her, earning her attention again. “Our resident songbird. She can hit notes that register outside normal hearing, although still in pitch.”

She nodded appreciatively at the comment. “That, plus if you ever need to get attention, I can let out a sound that will overwhelm any other. Great for quieting a crowd in a hurry.”

“Which might be useful later,” Dominick agreed, turning towards his brother. “You’ve already met Riff, obviously,” he murmured, clearing his throat.

Riff took on a look of hurt. “Dom, you wound me,” he said with mock seriousness, turning to Julianna. “You don’t have to worry, dear lady. I assure you, I’m a most trustworthy soul when you get to know me.”

Dominick glared at him. “She knows enough, and if you want that ‘trustworthy’ body of yours intact, just mind yourself.”

“He’d better,” sing-songed the woman beside him.

As Julianna met her gaze with a short laugh, they exchanged friendly knowing smiles that indicated an instant camaraderie. The woman had upward brushed shoulder-length, wavy copper hair with gold highlights, and bright brown eyes that glittered with intelligence and fun, not to mention a look of mischief that Julianna knew quite well herself. Dominick smiled at the pair, not surprised that their similar attitudes would make them fast friends.

“Julianna, this is Kiri. A lady who has more than just a quick mind. She has the ability to read the thoughts of others, when it comes to surface thoughts, in addition to occasionally being able to get impressions from objects about events occurring around them.”

Kiri reached out to shake Julianna’s hand. “That last part helps when you use healing magic on someone unconscious, to find out what may be the source of the problem when they can’t communicate it.”

Julianna’s eyes grew curious. “But if you’re already also a dreamphaser, wouldn’t healing be a third ability? Dominick mentioned that supernaturals only have one or two.”

“My healing powers are learned magic, not inborn. Many of Chavernos are scholars of learned magic, who never had inborn abilities.”

“Could I learn, even though I’m from Earth?”

“It’s certainly possible, though some take to it easier than others. If you were on our world, I’d be happy to help with what I know. Mind you, there are others more versed in learned magic here tonight, including one you know quite well.” She smiled at her silent friend. “Dominick, don’t tell me you haven’t mentioned your own abilities outside of being a dreamphaser.”

He shook his head with a smile. “It’s hardly worth mentioning.”

Riff snorted. “That’s right, don’t tell your girlfriend you’re working towards being a high-ranking mage. Who’ll notice when furniture rearranges itself, or dinner is served from a floating tray?”

Julianna’s eyes widened. “Is that true? Can you really do magic outside of the dream-state?”

“Yes, it’s true, although I still have much to learn.”

“That’s amazing!”

Visibly pleased, he shrugged. “It helps when your dragon companion knows a thing or two. But before Kiri gives away all of my secrets, it might interest you to know that she’s an avid reader of romance novels too.”

Kiri leaned forward conspiratorially. “It helps to pass the time while you’re waiting for Mr. Right.”

“Hey!” protested Riff.

“What, ‘hey’?”

“Your Mr.’s right here, in case you’ve forgotten.”

“Please! You wouldn’t know the meaning of romance if it bit you on the…”

His mouth effectively silenced hers with such conviction, the others were taken aback. Just when she visibly softened, he pulled away, his eyes defiantly looking into hers.

“Tell yourself that,” he whispered, abruptly getting up from the table.

Although the others didn’t stop him, Kiri still looked a bit dazed.

The third woman at the table, with long, curly brown hair, leaned forward in her chair. “Okay, then,” she said, smiling playfully at Julianna. “And I didn’t even have a hand in that one. Though very often, guardian devils like to stir up mischief between two lovers.”

Kiri’s eyes lost their glazed look. “We’re not lovers!” she protested.

The guardian devil sighed. “Not everyone needs to be a mind-reader to figure some things out.” Ignoring her friend’s angry blush, she refocused on her audience. “I’m Jarissa. Half guardian devil, half guardian angel, which means…”

“Chaos,” mumbled the remaining man at the table.

She smirked at him. “Leave the dreamphaser out of this, halo-boy. Now, if you’ll be your good, half-angel self and stop interrupting…” He growled, while she turned back again. “It means, although I may cause minor mischief, I do try to watch out for my fellow sisters on this world. When Dominick first mentioned you, it took a little convincing to realize his intentions with you were honorable.” The guardian angel coughed loudly. “All right, a lot of convincing. But I’m glad he proved my concerns wrong, for both your sakes.”

Julianna smiled as Dominick hugged her close meaningfully.

“Which brings us to this last gentleman,” he said, gesturing. This is Buddy, who is a primary guardian angel, but with a half-devil side as well. Not surprisingly, he shared similar concern, though I think we all understand one another now.”

“Very true,” agreed Buddy, kissing her hand cordially as Inferno had. “Welcome to our humble group, dear lady.”

“Did you just say ‘humble’?” exclaimed Riff, rejoining them with a drink. The others echoed his curious look.

“Hey, it’s an expression!” Buddy protested. As the others slowly laughed at his seriousness, he sighed. “They’re a tough crowd sometimes, but they’re still fun on occasion.”

“So it would seem,” laughed Julianna. “I’m honored to meet all of you.” A few raised their glasses politely. “So, do you all get together here frequently in the dream-state?’

Kiri shrugged her shoulders. “Now and then,” she agreed, a smirk forming. “Except recently without Dominick for some reason. You wouldn’t happen to know where he’s been for the past few weeks, would you?” As a few of the others laughed softly, Julianna found herself blushing, but tried her best to maintain a confident air.

“Could be,” she said cryptically, eyeing Dominick knowingly while sharing a mischievous smile with him that two errant teenagers might wear.

Squeezing her hand, Dominick spoke quickly. “Not to interrupt, but dreams only last so long,” he stated simply, his smile becoming serious. “Thank you all for coming, my friends. I wanted all of you to be the first to hear the news.”

“Finally!” Riff whispered noticeably, earning a rap on the shoulder from Kiri.

While the others looked on curiously, Dominick clasped Julianna’s hand, gazing at her warmly just before he continued. “As you all know, I haven’t been easy to reach lately, but I had good reason. You see, several weeks ago, I met this special lady, whom I’d first met months before, and when we least expected it, love crept up on us both. So to cut to the chase, my bachelor days will soon be over, since Julianna and I are engaged to be married.”

The group’s loud and simultaneous, “What?” echoed through the whole room, successfully halting conversations and prompting a lowering of the music’s volume. A wave of curious silence remained, except for a few quiet murmurs, causing Dominick to sigh and Julianna to blush again.

Riff gave the couple a smile. “I’ll handle this,” he assured them, turning to the crowd. “Sorry, folks, didn’t mean to disturb you!” he proclaimed. Seeing as they were reluctant to let it go at that, he stood up to add louder, “I said, go back to your entertainment! My brother’s just getting married, that’s all!”

Even days later, Julianna would never forget the wave of literal chaos that swept about her and Dominick like an opened floodgate, as countless people rushed up to surround them. Suddenly feeling like a famous star facing a persistent mob, she hastily clung to Dominick, burying her head against his chest while her wide-eyed gaze viewed the spectacle, a bit afraid that he too would be overwhelmed by this unusual reaction.

To her continued surprise though, Dominick took it all in stride, shaking hands among well-wishers while confirming the news with several sad-eyed females. Too many females for her own liking, Julianna thought privately, holding her fiancé tighter, but for a different reason this time.

She’d had absolutely no idea that Dominick was so popular with so many people. But then again, of course he was surely well known for his status on the island, she reminded herself. Not that the crowd was willing to let her get off easily either, upon finding out she was Dominick’s intended bride. They swiftly bombarded her with endless questions, the leading one being when the marriage was to take place.

“We haven’t been able to set a date just yet,” she replied absently, earning more questions as to what the story was behind this. “We are engaged in the meantime. We’re just... separated by a long distance.” Too long! she thought inwardly. “It has yet to be resolved, but as soon as we can reach each other, we’ll be married then.”

Several of the older women congratulated her like mother figures, wishing both her and Dominick a wonderful future. However, some of the younger ones—obviously jealous—began sharpening their claws. One of whom inquired how she planned to grant Dominick an heir or two via long distance. This truth was pounced on by several others, proclaiming her an unsuitable bride, and leaving Julianna at a loss.

Feeling her tense, having overheard enough of their venom to know why, Dominick shot the pack of females a meaningful glare as he held her closer.

“Just so we’re clear!” he shouted to them, “We’ve also decided that my brother can provide those future heirs just as easily if we choose not to!” This quieted the lot. “So if you’re so interested in casting out your cat claws,” he continued evenly, “you’ll have to go elsewhere. I have no intention of marrying anyone except Julianna, children or no children. Clear enough, ladies?”

Several of the men, as well as the mother figures, cheered him on this, while his words brought grateful tears from Julianna’s eyes as he kissed her forehead lovingly.

Immediately after though, the swarm of endless questions continued.

Julianna became so overwhelmed by it all that her vision became bleary towards the endless faces, feeling her strength drain away with the non-stop noise. Throughout the tumult, she vaguely felt Dominick’s arm lock firmly about her waist, as if he was afraid she should be lost to him amidst the seemingly endless crowd.

Moments later, a loud booming voice suddenly rang out, “In the name of Chaos, will you all please shut-up?”

Julianna didn’t know the one who’d spoken, but to her disbelief, his authoritative words silenced everyone.

Looking towards the stares of the rest, but not releasing her hold on Dominick, Julianna saw the speaker. A well-dressed man in a formal suit gradually approached them. She softly asked Dominick who he was, but her future husband merely shushed her gently.

Turning to face the stranger again, Julianna noted that despite his white hair, this man definitely exuded an air of strength, power, and authority. No feeble elderly man, this one! Her mind raced back to her earlier brief conversation with Dominick before they came here. Was this the person he wished to introduce her to? she wondered.

Her question was soon answered as Dominick gestured to him. “Julianna, this is my grandfather Chaos,” he said softly, smiling at the surprise he saw on her face, just before he turned back to Chaos. “Grandfather, this is the woman I wish to marry.”

Chaos’s green eyes, more similar to Riff’s, were now unreadable as Julianna slowly disengaged from Dominick to step forward. His expression unnerved her, but after swallowing once, she managed shakily, “I-I’m happy to meet you, sir. I’m...”

“My grandson has already introduced us, remember?” he said, almost gruffly. Before she could reply, he turned to the waiting crowd with a glare. “Back to your own lives!” he growled, immediately sparking their former chattering state, along with louder music again. “Eavesdropping puppies,” he murmured, “can’t keep their minds on their own business.”

“I’m sure they’re just curious,” Julianna said tentatively.

“Curious!” Chaos sneered loudly, causing her to retreat a step as he eyed her sternly. “They’re trying to get on my good side through my family. A side—I might add—that doesn’t exist, although those idiots don’t know it.” Upon seeing the hint of a smile from her, Chaos raised one eyebrow and folded his arms, standing taller to appear more formidable. “What?” he barked. “Don’t believe me, girl?”

After a slight pause, Julianna’s smile grew and she shook her head. “No,” she said softly. “But I believe that you want everyone else to think that’s true.”

His eyes boring into hers, he growled once, and moved to sit at an empty table nearby, slamming his fist upon it. “Can’t the tired head of an island get any service in this infernal dream-state?” he demanded, his iron gaze drawing several nervous waiters and waitresses to him. “That’s better,” he replied, fairly pulling a menu from one before flinging it back moments later. “A moon tonic, no ice, and I want it within five seconds or there’ll be chaos to pay.”

“Five seconds?” murmured Julianna. “How do you expect...”

Chaos’s steel eyes met hers again, like an angry parent might regard an outspoken child, silencing her just as one waiter materialized a drink on the table. Glancing up at the nervous man, he said evenly, “That was six.”

The man bit his lip. “I’m sorry, sir. I...”

“But considering I’m in a slightly less than abominable mood, I’ll let it go this time,” he replied, warding him away with his hand. The waiter and his companions nodded and then hurried off, apparently hasty to depart before Chaos could order anything else, leaving Julianna gaping in their wake. Dominick’s grandfather certainly wasn’t at all what she’d expected, she thought inwardly.

“And just what did you expect?” demanded Chaos.

Julianna gasped sharply upon facing him again, having forgotten Dominick’s mention of his grandfather’s multiple supernatural abilities, not the least of which included a dreamphaser’s extra perception in the dream-state.

However, she didn’t have to turn to feel Dominick stiffen beside her. Apparently, he wasn’t too thrilled at the way this meeting was going either, thus far remaining a silent observer. He wouldn’t have remained so, but when she squeezed his hand, he realized that she wanted to try and work this out herself and thus let her continue.

“I guess I was thinking of what my own grandfathers were like when they were still alive and I knew them as a child,” she replied softly. “They were very...”

“Different?” he broke in, giving a sarcastic laugh that soon changed to a tight-lipped frown. “No doubt they would be,” he said disdainfully. “But then again, I’d wager they weren’t in charge of governing a whole island as I do.”

Her chin set proudly. “Maybe not, but at least they could provide a civil conversation.”

“Ah, and no doubt you’re about to add that you’re as perfect as your illustrious ancestors.”

Julianna bit her lip and forced her next words to remain quiet. “I am not perfect, have no wish to be, and never claimed I was,” she replied.

“That’s just as well, for I wouldn’t have believed otherwise,” Chaos stated curtly, folding his arms.

“Dominick never told me you believed yourself perfect,” she retorted.

Several sharp gasps from the group indicated a sign of warning, causing her to bite her lip again at the words which had tumbled forth. But before she could attempt to retract them, his eyes darkened noticeably.

“So, Miss Sherborne, it would seem that Dominick’s cast aside his former wifely candidate out of his so-called love for you.” His mouth curled into a sneer over the word, continuing nonchalantly. “She is of course a woman on our world in reality, unlike yourself. Tell me, if things remain as they stand, just how do you propose to provide him a son one day. Through another lover, perhaps?”

Julianna’s mouth fell open, but Dominick wasn’t about to let her answer this comment. “Chaos, that was totally uncalled for,” he retorted. “It’s by my own choice that I wish to marry Julianna rather than Sionne. As to children, I’ve made it perfectly clear that even without them, I won’t marry anyone else.” His eyes narrowed. “And as to the notion of her taking on another lover, I’m quite confident she won’t find the need for one while she’s engaged to me, nor after we’re married. If you want to discuss this further, you’ll speak with me of it, not her.”

Chaos gave a low grunt, but didn’t press the issue, shifting his sharp gaze to Julianna again. “You’ve certainly blinded my grandson,” he hissed. “But what deep, dark secrets are you hiding from him? For you’re certainly no model of a guardian angel.”

“No, of course not.”

“Absolutely not,” he nearly growled, his eyebrows lowering even more. “You know, Miss Sherborne, I think I’m beginning to see what attracted Dominick to you. I suppose in all fairness, one might easily be fooled by your surface appearance and your simple-seeming innocent attitude.” His expression hardened, his voice becoming a sharp whisper, “But if we’re to believe that, it should be further remembered that a slight shadow mars your pristine soul... a matter involving your fine morals which placed you in his bed after only a handful of days.” At her shock, he sneered again. “And if not for the timing of dreams, you might have joined him there sooner. Surely not the attitude of a fine, honorable woman, as you’d have us believe.”

Julianna’s face flushed of embarrassment, since his words weren’t really lies, and to an outside observer, it might indeed seem that way.

“I’ve never been given to those impulses before,” she said, struggling to keep her voice calm. “If things have happened rather quickly in our relationship,” she added, shooting Dominick a quick glance, “I’m afraid you’ll have to chalk it up to the fact that your grandson is a bit more... persistent and persuasive than others I’ve met.”

Dominick’s eyes glittered knowingly while he flashed her a quick smile, but he still said nothing, only catching a glimpse of Chaos’s mouth tightening after hearing her last words. A growing suspicion formed in his mind—since he hadn’t expected this backlash from Chaos—where he couldn’t help but wonder just how accepting his grandfather would be if he and Julianna decided to live out their lives on her world.

Before he could question this, Chaos interrupted in a low-toned voice. “Forgive me, Miss Sherborne, if I don’t buy your story that you two are in love as you claim to be, because several weeks of physical attraction hardly condones a rushed engagement, let alone a future marriage.”

Julianna set her chin sharply. “Others have gotten married after knowing each other for less time than we have, so that’s a moot argument. As far as our relationship is concerned, it happens to be based on more than just physical attraction, and I fully intend to keep true to our commitment to each other.”

“So you say now,” said Chaos, “but it will remain a case where we have to trust to your... already questionable honor. I’m not as willing as my grandson to blind myself to that.”

Sighing once, Julianna nearly folded against the man’s stubbornness, but ultimately her love for Dominick won out, and she decided to try once more to reason with him.

“Mr. Westbrooke...” she began.

“There’s no need for such formality. I’m simply Chaos.”

“All right, Chaos then,” she whispered, her calm attitude gradually receding. “Look, I don’t know what I’ve done to make you dislike me, since I’ve never even met you before now, so I’d appreciate it if you’d...”

“Reserve judgment on you?” he finished cynically. “I don’t think so, Miss Sherborne. I believe the facts speak for themselves already.”

Before he could continue further, Julianna’s eyes narrowed in sudden anger, her spine stiffening. “You know, sir, for someone who frowns on eavesdropping, you certainly do it often enough.”

Once again, this earned surprised disquiet from the group, and others nearby who began to listen, leading her to believe that they weren’t used to seeing people stand up to the man. Her ears burned from the renewed whisperings of some of the crowd, yet she still managed to interrupt Chaos before he could reply.

“No, I’ll save you the trouble of speaking my thoughts again. You’ve already made it quite clear that you insist on being a grim, inflexible, disagreeable man, and that I’m a no-good trollop that isn’t worthy of your grandson, so I guess there’s no hope of convincing you otherwise.”

She stole a quick glance up at Dominick, before stepping back. “I’m only glad that your grandson doesn’t seem to share those traits.” Her initial confidence spent, Julianna quickly strode from the group, disappearing into the crowd despite Dominick’s protests.

Through the ensuing chatter that spread like wildfire through the crowd, Chaos’s steel-handed grip prevented him from going after her, prompting him to turn to his grandfather angrily. “Satisfied?” he hissed.

“What?” Chaos asked, with an air of feigned innocence. “That I’ve proven the girl has an attitude problem that you knew nothing of? Or that she’s admitted herself that you’re not meant for one another?” Chaos hadn’t counted on Dominick’s friends loudly protesting against his accusations, their discordant arguments causing him to cover his ears with his hands. “Quiet, all of you!” Slowly, they complied, but Riff stood up to face him.

“Chaos, I’m sure I speak for all of us in that you didn’t have to grill the girl as you did, subjecting her to that humiliating display in front of everyone. Now why don’t you tell us just where your anger against her is really coming from?”

“I’m a bit curious to that one myself,” said Dominick, eyeing his grandfather suspiciously. “Just what is the problem between now and our discussion earlier? Is it that Julianna hinted that you have more than a gruff attitude? Is it that you wanted to see if you could control her with your indomitable nature like so many others?” He folded his arms knowingly when his earlier suspicions returned, his tone becoming harshly accusing. “Or is it that you want to make absolutely certain that I remain here on Chavernos, even if that means my losing Julianna altogether?”

Chaos’s silence was answer enough, as the group loyally continued to protest that surely his grandson was old enough to dictate his own life and that maybe the situation could be further negotiated as to where the couple might choose to live.

Again, Chaos raised his hands to silence them, but this time there was weariness in his voice as he spoke. “I’ve heard this argument before from Dominick,” he told them, turning to his grandson. “Yes, the aspect that you might leave Chavernos for a girl you just met a few weeks ago bothers me. But if she can’t handle the concerned opinions of a future family member, then best to find out now.”

Dominick shook his head with a dark expression. “You still don’t understand, do you?” he hissed through clenched teeth. “What Julianna and I decide to do about our future is our decision, not yours! And incidentally, your plan backfired. After tonight, I’m even more convinced that I should live on her world instead. Good night, Grandfather!”

Before Chaos could reply, he stormed off into the crowd. “Dominick, come back here!” he shouted, gaining no response. Swearing under his breath, he glanced once at the six pairs of angry eyes silently challenging him, deciding that he’d rather deal with his grandson’s anger instead, purposefully going after him.

*****

During this time, Julianna had hastily found the building’s exit and left, the tears finally falling now that she could give vent to her churned up emotions. How could she ever marry Dominick while that infuriating grandfather of his plastered ill notions about her at every turn? she thought miserably.

At first, she found a bench to sit down and think, but as a small group of people noticed her alone and came over to pester her with more inquiries about her engagement to Dominick, she quickly fled, running around the other side of the building to lean against it. Sliding down the brick wall to sit, she curled her knees up to her chest and wished that her fiancé was here to hold her with the strength of his protective embrace, because she certainly needed him now.

A hand on her shoulder abruptly startled her from her musings, causing her to jerk her head upward. “Dominick?” she asked softly, just before her tear-filled eyes cleared to reveal a stranger she’d never seen before. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I thought you were my fiancé.”

The man smiled down at her. “And I thought I noticed a damsel in apparent distress running this way,” he replied, moving to kneel beside her. Julianna sniffed as she brushed a hand across her eyes to clear them further, getting a better look at the stranger.

He was good-looking, probably around Dominick’s age or a bit older, with an air of confidence. His dark hair framed his marble-like face, with a pair of cool gray eyes. In a way, he resembled one of Dominick’s friends she’d just met, although she knew it wasn’t him. Even kneeling, the man was noticeably taller than she was, apparently well-muscled, and bearing a genial expression.

“I had to leave in a hurry,” she told him, gesturing her head towards the building. “Those pestersome people will question me all night if I let them.”

“Hmmm,” he said, rubbing his chin as if considering something. Then abruptly, he snapped his fingers with sudden realization. “That explains why you looked familiar. You must be the future bride of Dominick Westbrooke.”

Hesitantly she nodded, just before suspicion lit her eyes. “Are you some kind of dream-state reporter?” she accused. “Because if you are...”

“Perish the thought, my dear woman,” the man laughed. “I happen to have my own aversion towards those nosy people. I merely recognized you from the sudden crowd disruption earlier.”

She gave a slight groan. “Don’t remind me.”

The stranger turned his head to one side curiously as he continued to stare at her appraisingly. “Since you’re to be Dominick’s wife, shouldn’t you be back inside with him?”

“I would be,” she agreed, her lips forming a sneer. “That is, if his royal highness King Chaos would stop shooting his poisonous insults at me.” After she sniffed once more, the stranger materialized a handkerchief for her, which she gratefully accepted.

“Ah yes, Chaos,” he said softly, sounding as if he’d dealt with the man before. Julianna was too busy drying her eyes to notice all he said, nor the hint of biting sarcasm in his tone. “Dominick’s grandfather is indeed a piece of work. Not surprisingly, it seems to run in the family with his dear grandson...”

“I’m sorry, what did you say?” she murmured absently as she looked up from the white cloth.

His smile renewed, the stranger removed the handkerchief from her grasp and questioned her further. “Not to sound like those wretched nuisances within, but just when are you and Dominick getting married?”

“The way you’re speaking, you sound like you know him personally.”

The stranger’s mouth twitched once, but he maintained his air of calm composure. “Yes, we do know each other. If I may say so though,” he added, extending his hand amiably, “this humble dream traveler is glad to make the acquaintance of his most beautiful bride-to-be.”

She took his hand with a smile, nodding once. “Pleased to meet you too, I’m sure.” The man’s eyes glittered in response as he kissed her hand softly. A bit flustered by this, she managed to free her hand to continue quickly. “In answer to your earlier question, Dominick and I are planning on being married as soon as we can.”

Sensing her sudden concern over his attention, the stranger’s eyes twinkled, but before he could say anything, she sighed distractedly. “Although now, I’m beginning to wonder if it will ever happen at all with Chaos around.”

“Don’t worry, my dear. I’m sure everything will go according to plan,” he assured her, secretly masking a different smile from her. Suddenly, Dominick’s voice was heard, calling out Julianna’s name.

“That’s my fiancé,” she explained quickly. “I’d better go to him. If you’ll excuse me.”

The man stood with her, taking hold of her arm. When her eyes questioned this, he smiled lazily. “Julianna,” he whispered. “A beautiful name for a fair damsel.”

“Thank you,” she replied, blushing this time. “Now please, I have to go.”

“Of course,” he agreed, nodding once before releasing her. “But rest assured, my dear Julianna... we will meet again in the future. After all, I happen to know your future husband quite well, though it’s been awhile since we last talked.”

She smiled at the sound of camaraderie in his tone, but couldn’t comment before Dominick’s voice shouted out her name again, this time more loudly. Waving once to the man, she ran back around the building, completely missing the look of amused resentment that flashed across his face.

“Oh yes, my dear woman,” Dual hissed quietly to himself, “I know your future husband quite well indeed. As I’ll one day know you.” Nodding once with a devious grin as he dropped the handkerchief to the ground, he vanished just as the white cloth burst into flames behind him.

*****

“Julianna!” Dominick shouted again, by this time genuinely worried over his betrothed’s mysterious absence. Could the crowd have mobbed her again, cornering her for details? he wondered, silently cursing the lot of them for interfering with his personal life.

Not that it was anything less than he expected, since being the grandson of the ruler of Barokka, he’d assisted in helping keep the island the paradisiacal place it was, no less so among the numerous dreamphasers residing there.

Quite often, he traveled throughout the island to keep tabs on things, and saw to improving conditions where necessary and possible, so he’d met a great deal of Barokka’s inhabitants personally. Some of the women in past years, he thought ruefully now, he’d known more than just casually. But since Chaos had often warned him to be careful of the gold-digging type, he’d always been careful to steer clear of any deep emotional involvements.

Since he’d also been careful to avoid women who were currently involved with other men—especially the married kind—he’d also avoided the wrath of the male population, and thus was well liked by most everyone on the island. Of course, a few men still couldn’t hide their pleased reaction that one of the most eligible bachelors was leaving the female chase. So it wasn’t really a shock that so many were congratulating him on his engagement.

He’d only displayed a slight grimace towards the several people he’d conferred with who asked what his plans were in regard to future heirs. Sticking to what he’d told the women speaking with Julianna, he murmured that it wasn’t a concern or a necessity. Yet inwardly, he supposed it could be one day, if Riff decided against fatherhood himself.

To be truthful, Dominick had been especially fond of the many children of Barokka he’d met along the way, which was why Chaos suggested he see to settling down and having a few of his own. Up until now, Dominick had merely laughed at the suggestion, saying he doubted he’d ever find a woman he wished to devote his whole life to.

That was before Julianna had unexpectedly come into his life to change all that.

Another biting irony. He’d found an ideal companion—who would probably like to have children with him someday—but the children Chaos wished for him to have were an impossibility. At least for now, his thoughts amended. This disturbance was still present as he prepared to shout for Julianna again, just before he heard her respond.

Turning, a thankful smile crossed his expression as she reappeared, holding out his arms to embrace her as she ran to him. Just holding her close again erased his former dark thoughts completely, as if she’d suddenly become the sun to brightly burn them away.

“Darling...” he murmured against her ear as he kissed her cheek, “please don’t run off like that again. I was beginning to worry that you’d left me for good after hearing what my grandfather was spouting on about.”

That was a thought that had indeed distressed him upon his first exiting the building and finding no trace of her. Heirs or not, he decided firmly as he held her now, he wasn’t willing to abandon this woman he loved so much, no matter how strongly the others might argue. They’d find some way to work it out.

She shook her head tearfully. “Oh, Dominick, you must know I’d never leave you,” she told him, her voice breaking. “I love you more than I can ever express.”

“I remember, love,” he whispered, breathing in her sweetness. “Dear heaven, I could never forget, since I love you the same way as well.” A serious look stole across his eyes as he rocked her against him. “This wasn’t at all the way I planned this evening,” he told her honestly. “I was sure my grandfather would accept you after telling him about you earlier this day. I guess I should have known better with Chaos, who’s more than earned that title.”

“It wasn’t your fault, Dominick,” she replied, shaking her head. “I just wish your grandfather wasn’t so close-minded.”

“No matter,” he said, pulling her back to meet his gaze. “I intend to marry you in the near future, Miss Sherborne, as long as I still have your consent to proceed.”

Smiling happily, she clasped her arms around his neck, with a mock sense of airs. “By all means, Mr. Westbrooke, I’ll gladly accept the role as your dutiful wife.”

He was only silent for a moment before laughter overcame him. “Since being dutiful indicates obedience, I’m afraid that’s one role you’d never qualify for, love.”

“You never argue when we’re alone together,” she retorted with a slight pout.

Pulling her closer until his mouth was mere inches from hers, he smiled upon her. “Maybe because I much prefer you just the way you are, feisty and unpredictable.” Brushing a light kiss across her lips, he felt her soften again. “You know, love, your earlier suggestion comes to mind. Would you be terribly disappointed if we left early to salvage something pleasant from this night?”

“Hmmm,” she murmured, even as she smiled against his ever-persuasive kisses on her neck. “If this has anything to do with a certain raincheck, I guess I’m willing to make the sacrifice,” she decided through a soft laugh, just before Dominick swept her up in his arms with a grin, his laughter echoing hers.

“Wait!” interrupted a loud voice.

Startled, the pair looked up to find Chaos striding towards them, holding up a hand as if he could hold them there by sheer will.

Julianna’s smile faded instantly, while Dominick’s expression turned cold, gently setting her on her feet again while still holding her possessively. As Chaos drew nearer, she noticed a faint softening of his features, and wondered at the oddness of it.

“I see you wish to leave, but if I could have but a moment of your time before you go, I’d appreciate it,” said Chaos, his tone surprisingly quiet. “Please,” he added, giving a meaningful look to both.

“You have your moment,” Dominick replied evenly.

Chaos gave a brief smile to the embraced pair before he began. “I couldn’t help witnessing the two of you together just now. You remind me of happier times, when I still had my precious wife Ylana beside me, watching our son and grandsons growing up peacefully.”

He sighed heavily in remembrance. “Ylana and I had our own share of hardships to overcome. Perhaps not as great as this distance separating you, but they existed. In any event, we never would have let anything or anyone keep us apart either. And bearing this in mind, I suppose I shouldn’t have allowed my own feelings to condemn what you’ve already chosen to do with your lives. After tonight, seeing how happy you are with each other, I know your future marriage will happen someday. And this being the case, I’d rather be a part of your lives than an outsider.”

Chaos turned to Julianna with the hint of a regretful smile. “If I may be allowed to retract my words to you earlier, I do believe that you genuinely love my grandson, and I suppose I can understand full well how impulses can take hold of one. After all, I’ve been no stranger to them myself over the years.”

As she gave a silent nod of acceptance, Chaos stole a quick knowing glance at Dominick. “And there’s no arguing your words that my grandson is a rather persistent and persuasive lad for all that, so I can further understand what steered you towards a serious relationship so soon.” At the warning look in Dominick’s eyes, Chaos warded it off lightly, turning back to Julianna. “As to what you said earlier, about my being a grim, inflexible, disagreeable man...”

She blushed at the memory. “Sir, I didn’t mean...”

“Contrary to my earlier words, you don’t strike me as being a woman without honor, so don’t pretend to feel differently,” he interrupted, but without any sternness this time. “After all, your instincts are quite correct. I am all those, and have damn well learned to build a reputation around it.”

A warmer smile lit his face as he reached forward to take her hand gently. She gave no resistance, since she was still caught by surprise from his speech.

“Your instincts were also correct on the count that I do have a different side that isn’t so gruff, although I can’t allow most to know this. You’re one of the few to see through to it, to your credit, only reassuring me that you’re every bit as intelligent and warmhearted as you are a beauty. Most certainly a fit match for my grandson, and you’ll both have my blessing at the time of your future wedding, along with my sincerest congratulations over your engagement now.”

Julianna gaped for a moment, her eyes shining, and on impulse she reached out to hug the older man. “Thank you, sir,” she whispered.

He patted her back, breaking apart from her to emit a gruff excuse for a smile. “That’s Grandfather to you, so don’t forget it in the future.”

“Of course,” she agreed, feeling a surge of happiness as she felt Dominick’s arm tightly clasp her waist with pride.

“One last thing before I leave you both to... your other plans?” He smiled knowingly at the sheepish looks on the pair’s faces. “I would hope Dominick has mentioned that if you were to choose to live your lives on Barokka one day, you’d want for nothing.”

Julianna gave him her warmest smile. “Oh, sir...” At the sudden quirk of Chaos’s eyebrows, she caught herself. “I mean, Grandfather… as long as I have Dominick, I wouldn’t want anything else. But as to living together on Barokka, I’d be thrilled to live there, not to mention to meet you and his friends in reality. That is, as long as you wouldn’t mind my visiting Earth on occasion, if possible.”

“If the means are available, you’ll have your visits,” Chaos agreed heartily. “And as an added wedding present, as I suggested to Dominick, I’ll see to it that you have your own castle on the island. After all, I wish for you and all my future great-grandchildren to have the very best of everything.” He shot Dominick a glance. “You will be sure to use that persistent and persuasive attitude towards arranging for those great-grandchildren, won’t you?”

“As many as Julianna wishes,” he agreed, turning to her. “What do you think, darling?”

“Hmmm, I suppose two or three kids might be nice,” she agreed, smiling blissfully at the thought.

“Good!” Chaos said brightly, just before he caught himself with a serious harumph, returning to his former reserved attitude, though his green eyes twinkled. “And on that note, I must be off. I’ll see to it that your friends and the crowd know that your engagement is official. In the meantime... carry on, you two.”

Julianna would have sworn he’d hidden a smile as he walked away, leaving her to turn to her grinning fiancé. She reached forward to hug him, laughing as he lifted her off the ground to spin her about once.

“I can’t believe it’s all going to work out,” she said honestly.

“Ah, for the millionth time, love,” he chuckled, “Never underestimate the powers of a dream knight.”

“Nor the power of the love of one’s dreams,” she added.

“Nor that,” he agreed with a serious smile, kissing her with unleashed desire, just before picking up his joyful betrothed to teleport them back to the familiar warmth of their beloved dream castle.