Stephanie visited shortly after we got word that he agreed. She said the king knows I’m my own person, however will be doing everything he can to sway me to his side. By him releasing the men he has as prisoners, he’s hoping I’ll see he’s a good man. She said we also need to be prepared, in case he tries to capture me. There is some uncertainty with her vision, and she stressed for us to be on guard, which worries me.
I’ve been given a short sword and taught basic moves by Elliott. Luke has been busy preparing the Elite and the army. We’ll be taking the Elite and some of my soldiers with us to our meeting, as per Stephanie’s suggestion. The Elite will be arriving on their dragons, including me with Luke. The other men headed out early this morning on horseback, along with Oliver Sage. There aren’t enough dragons in the kingdom for all of the men. Luke explained that most battles are held on the ground, but he needs to be sure he can get me out of there quickly if he has to. The Elite will surround and protect us until we are back safely within the walls of the castle.
Twice this past week, I’ve gone on flights with Luke and Tali. Both were at night and each time I was more at ease on her. She seems to like me better, even greeting me first last time, instead of Luke.
We’re currently making our way to the building where the dragons are kept. I’m dressed in black pants and an azure top. I had no idea you could dye a fabric the exact color of a flower. My shirt is proof. It was Luke’s idea. He said he wanted King Pine to see where I stand, and that I have no intention of going with him. He said my father would be doing all he could to sway me, so why not play dirty as well, and show up in azure.
Luke is dressed in full armor. You know how when you read books where there’s a knight in shining armor, and you imagine how he would look? Well, I can tell you that your imagination could never do justice to the real thing. The man walking with me, with his hand on the small of my back, looks like a force to be reckoned with. It’s sexy as hell. I almost became a puddle on the floor when he first stepped into my line of sight this morning.
His hair is combed back from his face, his beard has grown a little fuller, but he still keeps it neat. The armor is a brilliant steel blue. It magnifies the intensity of his blue eyes. There’s an eagle on the breastplate with its talons spread wide and feathers sticking out on either side. The eagle is the symbol for the Azure Kingdom. On his right arm is a lion, which he told me represents the elite group he leads. There is a matching steel blue cape that billows behind him while he walks at my side. I can’t keep my eyes off of him. I’m surprised I haven’t walked into anything yet from lack of paying attention. The way the armor molds to his body does very wicked things to me.
He stops in front of the door where the dragons are. I almost run smack into it. Luke chuckles. “You really should watch where you’re going,” he says with mirth.
“I can’t help it when you look like that.”
He reaches an arm around my waist and draws me to him; my chest presses close to the cold of his armor. His lips claim mine and the world falls away. It’s only Luke and me in the moment. The way he holds me tenderly. The way his lips and tongue move with my own. I really wish we didn’t have this whole potential war hanging over our heads.
Luke breaks our kiss first. “We need to get going. They’re waiting for us.”
It takes a minute for my mind to clear. I look around and see the members of Luke’s Elite watching us. They’re each dressed in the same armor. Elliott is leaning against the building with a wide smile. I blush and bury my face against Luke. The cold metal of his armor, and the men staring at us, effectively puts a damper on my far from innocent thoughts.
Luke places his arm across my shoulders and leads us into the building first. Each man finds and brings out his dragon. We all go outside to the cliff we will soon jump from. Elliott positions his dragon in front of Tali. His dragon is black as night. All of the other dragons range in color from green to red. Luke’s is the only white one and Elliott’s is the only midnight one. My guess is it’s just another way to distinguish status amongst the warriors. Luke explained that he normally leads his men, but since he will have me with him, Elliott is taking the lead spot to provide further defense.
We climb on Tali’s back and I’m surprised with the agility Luke has in the armor. He says it’s due to practicing with his men while wearing it. They try to get as used to it as possible. Although, he said he would rather not wear any. I gave him the evil eye when he told me that and said he needs to keep it on and keep himself safe. He smiled, however didn’t say anything further.
I notice the change in Tali’s demeanor. Normally she nuzzles me and seems equally as curious about me as I am of her. Today she’s completely focused on the task at hand. Her eyes are thin, amethyst slits, her body taut, she’s poised for what’s to come.
My stomach drops as she dives from the cliff. Squeezing my eyes shut, I hug her neck. Luke has one protective arm around the front of my waist, but I still hold on for dear life. When we even out, I open my lids and see the other dragons have formed a protective circle around us. I don’t think I’m worth all of the extra protection, but Luke insists. He said that I’m treated as anyone in the royal family would be.
This is no leisurely flight through the sky. We’re going faster than ever before and are flying straight ahead. Straight toward my father.
King Pine
Out in the distance the Pine castle looms, and there are men on the ground below us. Tali is making wide circles while half of the Elite land. Elliott is already on the ground and signals it’s clear for us to land as well. Tali’s feet hit the grass gracefully, but she hangs back from the line the other dragons on the ground have formed. The rest of the men drop behind us to keep us surrounded. Half dismount, half stay on. The members of the army are standing in front of the dragons. They’re the first defense. It’s amazing to see the seamless formation of the men. No words are spoken, they all know what to do.
Luke jumps down from Tali first and holds out his hand to help me. We slowly walk to the front of the line. Luke is one side of me, while Elliott flanks the other. Both of their faces are hard, and I can see why so many are afraid of Luke. He doesn’t scare me, though. He and Elliott provide me great comfort, knowing they’re on my side.
When the army parts to allow us through, the other few Elite men, who left their dragons, are with us. Luke had told me there are a few contingency plans in case something goes wrong. He didn’t provide me with any details. He only said that no matter what I’ll be taken care of. But what if something happens to him or his men? Who will take care of them? That thought has been circling in my mind since he told me there are plans.