Quietly, I admit, “I did. I do.”
We spend the rest of the night wrapped in each other. There are short moments of sleep in between, but I am woken up by his lips or his hands. When the night turns to day we keep the damask closed and come together over and over. Finally emerging from our little nest, my body is deliciously sore, and I’m on floating on a cloud.
Treaty
About a week later, at least I think it was a week later. Honestly, I have no concept of time anymore. I know when to wake and I sleep when I’m tired. I eat when I’m hungry. Luke laughs at me since I’m still trying to get used to functioning this way.
Anyway, about a week later Elliott knocks on our door with news. Yes, our door, because I never did look for another place to live. Luke wouldn’t even listen any time I brought it up, and I’m very content to sleep next to him every night. So I gave in and very happily at that.
He answers the door, and we find Elliott on the other side with a tense jaw and a frown. “What’s going on, brother?” Luke asks.
“We’ve been invited to dinner with King Pine.” I suck in a breath. I know my father is dead, but hearing that name rocks me for a second. “Reid Pine,” he clarifies. “Apparently, he wants to discuss the peace treaty and spend some time with his sister.”
Luke’s body has gone rigid beside me. I see his face mimics his brother’s. “Does Ry know?”
“Yes, I just came from seeing him. He’s going, but is leaving whether or not you both want to attend up to you.”
“I have to go. Ali, you don’t.”
“I don’t understand why you both are so tense,” I say. “My father is dead. When everything went down I remember him saying that Reid wasn’t like him. That he likes to avoid conflict. I wouldn’t mind getting to know him.” I drop my eyes to the floor and speak softly. “He’s the only family I have left. I want to go.”
Luke steps closer and gathers me in his arms. I take comfort in his strength. “He’s not your only family. You have me and Elliott. All of the Azures are your family now.” Tears prick the back of my eyes, but I blink them away. “If you’d like to go, then we’ll go. Brother, please respond that we’ll attend, but will be bringing the Elite with us. Also, I want his word, and that of Sage, that no harm will come to any of us. We’re going for a meal and to hopefully get this treaty signed. If I feel Ali is in danger, I will not hesitate to protect her.”
Elliott replies through clenched teeth. “I’m not happy about going into their land, but as you wish.”
Luke’s chest deflates against me. “If what Reid says is true, then we have to be willing to discuss it. We’ve wanted peace with them for so long. Maybe now that Rafe is gone we’ll be able to attain it.”
“I don’t think he, and especially not Sage, would harm Ali, but I don’t trust them. Any of them.”
“Neither do I,” Luke states.
Four days later we’re on the back of Tali flying to the Pine Kingdom. The Elite surrounds Ryland on his dragon, and Luke and me on his, with Elliott at the front. Storm is much too small to carry anyone, although he is growing quickly, and wasn’t happy to be left behind. Addison said she would keep him occupied. He loves to play. I’m sure he’s loving the extra attention.
My nerves have been doing a number on me all day. I’ve barely been able to eat, which isn’t normal for me, and my hands shook as I tried to tame this wild mane of hair I have. Luckily, Addison was there to braid it for me. She’s very skilled. I’ve never been able to make my hair look like it does. The braid goes from the base of my hairline on the back of my neck, upward and ends in a bun on top. She made me look elegant. It will also serve to keep my hair from becoming a knotted mess from the flight.
I decided to wear a pair of tight, azure colored pants tonight, with a loose white blouse. I would have loved a skirt, but that’s not really easy to wear while traveling by dragon. I also had a local leather craftsman make me a pair of tall, low-heeled boots. They are black and lace all the way up, hugging my legs perfectly. I put them on to complete my outfit. We may be going to a dinner with a king, but I myself am a princess and will dress how I see fit. Plus, Luke said that very rarely does anyone dress in big ball gowns or overly formal attire. He told me I read too many books in my previous life.
My previous life. The more I’m here, the more I feel like I wasn’t really living when I was back in the States. This place, this realm, it’s nothing short of magical. The creatures I’m discovering, the dragons, the people, and most of all – my prince.
Tali banks to the right along with the rest of the clan, and we start our descent. There are tall pine trees below us. They become denser the closer we get to the castle. The castle looks much like the Azure one, but this one isn’t surrounded by water, only a dense forest of pine trees. There is a large flag atop their tower house, which is evergreen in color; the head of a black wolf appears on it as it billows in the breeze.
We touch down just outside of the main entrance. Tali rears up as men approach us. Luke shouts for them to stay back. Elliott is off his dragon, running up to stand before us, and pushes the men back. I’ve learned that Tali is very intuitive. She senses danger, tension, and other emotions. Luke explained it’s one of the reasons she’s the leader of their clan. He’s hoping Storm inherits her traits. All the better to protect me, he says.
With the men far away from Tali, she calms, and we’re able to jump down. I’ve become more agile and fit since being here. I no longer need Luke’s help to get on Tali’s back or get down. My body was always lean, but I’m packing on muscle. We go for runs together. He’s even been sparring with me. I have to admit, it’s a lot of fun.
One of the Elite hangs back to stay with the dragons, while Ryland, Luke, Elliott, seven Elite, and myself walk through the main doors leading to the courtyard. Pine guards surround us, escorting us forward. One step in and Oliver is waiting for us. His dirty blond hair is styled back from his face. He’s wearing black twill pants that fit him in the waist, and a deep green, long-sleeved fitted shirt. He’s cleanly shaven and reminds me of a guy I’d find back home. What the hell? I would have thought he’d dress like the others in the Azure Kingdom do, but then again, I don’t know anything of their place here. Those hypnotizing green eyes hone in on me and a gentle smile graces his face. He takes a few steps forward, meeting us halfway. He doesn’t give more than a passing glance to Ryland. I smile in return and reach out to embrace him. His arms wrap around me as he holds me carefully. Not wanting anyone to get the wrong idea, I pull back and clasp Oliver’s hands in mine.
“It’s nice to see you again, Oliver.”