“Yes. She died about a year ago. I only found the key the day before I came here.”
He gives me a small smile. “I know. The seer told me. Once Father knew you were alive, he stopped asking about Mother. I didn’t, though. Once a year, on my birthday, I went to see Anna, our seer, and asked her about you and Mother. She had said something about her passing, but I stopped there. I didn’t want to hear anymore. I instead switched to you. I knew she was going to die and that you would come. I just had to bide my time. I didn’t tell father. Anna did. I didn’t even know he still sought out information about you.”
“I’m sorry you didn’t get to know her. I have a picture of her back at Luke’s. Next time we meet, I’ll bring it so you can see. We both look so much like her.”
“You want to see me again?” he asks with surprise in his voice.
“Yes,” I smile. “Of course. You’re my brother. I missed out on knowing you all my life. We have a lot of time to make up for.”
He gives me a wide smile. “I’d like that.”
After dessert Ryland and Reid go into a separate room. I take this opportunity to pull Oliver aside and ask him a question I didn’t want to ask in front of everyone.
“Why didn’t you leave? Why did you stay with such an awful man as your ruler?”
“It’s not that simple. I couldn’t leave. For one, where would I go? Any outside kings would see me as a spy. They wouldn’t trust me enough to let me within their walls. And if Rafe found out I left, he’d have his men hunt me down and would kill me himself for betraying him. As you know first-hand, he didn’t take well to those who went against him. But above all of that, I stayed, because I was waiting for you.” My eyes close as emotion builds in my chest. He continues, “Princess, above everything else, I want you to be happy. Even if that means you’re with Lucas.” His lip curls slightly when he speaks Luke’s name. I don’t get a chance to respond, however, because Reid and Ry return with a signed treaty in hand. That was quick.
I hug my brother and promise to see him again soon. He shakes hands with all of the Elite, as well as the Azures. Oliver escorts us back through the front entrance of the castle’s surrounding wall. He shakes hands with everyone including Luke, who then takes a few steps back to give us some space. He knows he has nothing to worry about, but I think he’s still a little unsure where Oliver is concerned. He knows he won’t hurt me, but I think he’s afraid I’ll be taken from him
“I’m sorry we didn’t get to talk longer tonight,” I say sincerely to Oliver.
“It’s okay. I got to see you and that’s what matters. Although, I’m not happy to see you go. Are you sure you won’t reconsider my offer and join me here? You have no idea how elated you would make me, Princess. Reid as well.” He knows how to pull at my heartstrings, however my place isn’t beside him.
“I belong with Luke, Oliver.” He closes his eyes briefly and lets out a breath. I guess it was too much to hope he had let go of this want to have me, even after our short conversation about him wanting me to be happy. Maybe one day he’ll let go.
He brings me in for a hug. His lips brush my ear as he whispers, “Farewell, my beautiful princess. I’ll keep hoping that one day you’ll come to me.”
“Oliver, please don’t,” I reply quietly.
He pulls back and I have to turn away. I don’t feel awkward; I’m hurting him and I hate it. I don’t want him to see the pain on my face. So I place a quick kiss on his cheek and turn to leave.
Together, Luke and I walk to Tali. She lies on the ground, ready for us to climb on. Once we’re settled on her back, Luke wraps an arm around my waist, drawing me as close as possible and kisses me on the cheek. “Let’s go home.”
I lean my head back on his shoulder. “I’d like that.”
We take to the skies and I look down upon the tall pine trees that surround the castle. I watch as Oliver stands, unmoving, with his head tipped toward us until we soar out of sight.
Surprise
We land on the cliff at the edge of the Azure castle wall. All of the riders ensure their dragon’s comfort before leaving, including us. I look into Tali’s area and see Storm curled up in the corner with Addison asleep by him. Tali snorts, waking Addi. She jumps, but fortunately doesn’t disturb him. Tali gives her a nudge as she walks past. The three of us walk out together.
“Thanks for staying with him tonight,” I say.
She waves her hand absently in the air. “It was nothing.”
We’ve kind of grown on each other. I wouldn’t say we’re besties or anything, but there is a mutual respect and a friendship. I think she does it for Luke. It makes him happy to see us get along, and whatever makes him happy, makes us happy. Hopefully, we can continue growing our relationship.
Luke gives her a playful shove as we stop to go inside his home. She waves and catches up with Elliott, who’s only a few steps ahead of us.
Once inside, I let the comfort of our home wash over me. This is my safe space. It’s where Luke and I can truly be alone. It’s not a big space, but it’s ours and I love it. Luke reaches around my back, drawing me to him. His lips crush down on mine as he takes possession of my mouth. I go weak in his arms. My own wrap around his neck to help hold me up before my legs give out. He has that kind of effect on me.
He pulls away, but only a fraction. “I’ve wanted to do that all night,” he admits.
“Take me to bed.”
His lips lift in a smile. “Your wish is my command.” He bends down, lifting me into his arms with ease. I rest my cheek against his shoulder as my arms hold on. He takes the stairs quickly. Upstairs, he delicately places me on the bed and pulls the damask closed around us.
“It’s only us now. Just the way I like it,” he says, while placing kisses along my neck. Reaching down, I grip the hem of his shirt and lift it over his head. I make quick work of his pants and briefs as well. My hand grips his length hard, eliciting a moan from him. He’s heavy, solid, and perfect.
Pushing on his chest, he rolls to his back, bringing me on top of him. I strip off my shirt and bra, throwing them to the side. I’m craving my connection with him. Slow won’t work for me right now. I need him badly. Kneeling above him, I start to pull off my pants and silk underwear, which I had especially made along with my bra. The basics the vendor offers just don’t cut it for me.