"I was betrayed. This isn't over."
"It absolutely is not," a soft yet angry voice said from beyond a tree.
I turned, my heart sinking to the pit of my stomach.
"Mother."
"Evelyn, you are in so much trouble," she growled at me through gritted teeth.
"I don't want to know how you found out where I was, but we'll have to discuss it later. Right now we need to escape."
"I can provide you majesties with the escape," Draco said.
"The other girls?" I asked.
"Safe."
"Okay."
"We're not going anywhere until I very some explanations," Mother yelled at me.
"I'll explain once we're away from here. It's not safe. They could waken at any moment."
"Who?" she asked.
"The Guild leaders. I promise I will tell you everything. Please, we need to leave." I grabbed her hand, dragging her towards Draco.
I paused as she climbed onto his back. "You're not afraid of him."
"No," she replied.
"Why aren't you frightened? Have you rode them before?"
She sighed heavily and held her hand out to me. "You're not the only one with secrets. Let's leave."
I held tightly to Mother's waist add Draco lifted to the air.
Chapter twenty-six
"Land somewhere!" I shouted over the wind.
"It's not safe," my mother said.
"I don't care. I have questions for you."
"I'm sure you do, Evelyn, but we're not landing here. We have to get a safe distance away from the Guild. Do you realize what you've done?" Mother asked.
"Yes. I know what I did. I saved all those girls."
"Yes, you did. You also killed all the Watchers'. Agnolo will not take that lightly."
I let out a scream and fell from Draco's back. Closing my eyes, I held out my arms as my body plummeted toward the hard ground below.
"Evelyn!" Draco yelled.
His scaly body dived toward me, the massive claws reaching for me. A flash of green then brown zipped by me. He pulled his wings in, seeming to become even faster. He stretched his talons, the tip of a claw skimming my stomach. He narrowed his eyes and flapped his mighty wings once more, shooting toward me. My mother screamed, and he roared as his claws wrapped around my body, pulling me up as he let his wings out. He missed the ground by mere inches. We were so close my fingers skimmed across the grass. He dodged trees while heading toward the skies above.
"What were you thinking?" he asked.
"I wasn't. I needed to get away from her."
"Evelyn! Don't do that again!" Mother shouted at me.
"Of course, your majesty."
"Don't act like that, Ellie."
"God, mother! I finally did something good. I did something on my own, and you still manage to scold me!"
"I'm trying to keep you alive, Ellie. Please, just listen to me. I've dealt with them much longer than you have."
"Why can't you let me fix things? They want to kill you, father, and James. Let me fix it."
"Do you know what they want us all dead?" she asked.
"Because you married dad."
"That and the fact I defied them. I killed one of the Guild leaders. I was Agnolo's prized assassin, and I abandoned them."
"So?"
Draco placed me on the ground as he landed beside me. Queen Joselyn, my mother, slid from his back in all her grace. The skirt of her gown blowing about her ankles as the wind whipped about us on the mountaintop. Her hair flowed freely as the crown that sat atop her head caught the suns shine. It gleamed, making her seem more magnificent than ever. My heart pulled in a million different ways. I wanted to do things on my own to be sure they were safe, but I knew I'd need her. I always needed my mother. She was the strength that I required. She was my guiding star. She was what I wanted to be when I was queen.
"I only do what I do because I love you, Evelyn. You are my precious daughter. The product of the love your father and I have for each other. You are the embodiment of everything I sacrificed to have a life. I know you don't understand and think I'm being over protective of you, but it's because I want to see you grow to be a mighty queen. I want to see you unite kingdoms and inspire our people. You are a special girl, Ellie," she said.
I sighed heavily and ran into her arms. "I know. I'm sorry, mother. I just want to keep everybody safe. I'm scared. I'm so scared."
Tears streamed down my cheeks, staining my mother's beautiful satin gown as I pressed my face into her chest.
"Oh my sweet girl, I know. You're more like me than you could ever possibly know."
I sniffed very unladylike. "Am I?"
"So much, Evelyn. Your stubbornness and love of others is why I am where I am now. I refused to do what the Guild willed me to do and started making my own decisions. I was about your age actually. Her husband sold my best friend to a foreign prince. It was then that I decided I had to start making things better for others and myself. I fell in love with your father. It's unfair what they do to girls. They expect us to give up everything for them. Our lives are expendable. I couldn't live like that. Something is different about us though."
"What?" I asked.
"You decided to save everyone else. Not just yourself.
"I felt so bad for all those girls. They all seemed so sad."
"They are. Growing up with the Guild makes, you realize that you miss your family and friends so very much and there were many who never saw them again. I was lucky to be sent back to England, others would never go to their own countries."
"Do you ever regret your decision?" I queried.
"Not for a moment. I knew it would be dangerous, honestly though, I thought after I killed a leader I'd be left alone. I never meant for you to become involved."
"I understand."
"Ladies, as much as I am happy you are finally seeing eye to eye, perhaps we should hurry back to Scotland."
"Back to Scotland? Why aren't we going to France?"
"The girls will be fine," Draco said, lowering his body for us to climb on.
"Are you sure?"
"Completely. They are protected by dragons."
"Your secret will be out!" I said.
"It's being explained to them that they must keep everything they see a secret as they would being an assassin."
I nodded as Draco dove off the cliff of the mountain. We soared over the ocean, watching dolphins leap from the water beside us. It didn't seem to take much time before the cliffs of Scotland were looming before us. My heart leapt to my throat at the thought of seeing James again. I didn't think I'd miss him nearly as much as I did.
"Mother?"
"What?"
"How do you know about the dragons?" I asked as we flew above the treetops.
"Your father and I have had suspicions for quite some time now. Long before you were born, we made a progress to Scotland. It was shortly after we wed. There were rumors that the Scots were using a new kind of weapon. An ancient beast. I saw a dragon while visiting the old king."
"Is that why you are marrying me off to James?"
"No. We do want to unite our countries, and of all the suitors we've met with he seemed to be the best suited for you."
"Why can't I make my own decisions?"
"Do you not love him?" my mother asked.
"Yes. Of course."
"Then there's no reason to argue about it."
"I'm not arguing, mother. I'm simply curious."
"We were looking out for you, Evelyn."
Sighing heavily I nodded and just watched the horizon waiting for the castle to appear.
The large stone structure rose high above the small town below. I could see people bustling about the castle grounds. Doors to Draco's barn stood wide open, as if waiting for him. He shimmered out of sight, landing softly near the castle. He carefully walked around the servants who went about their daily
chores; none of them even turned when went past.
The dark, coolness of the barn was a welcome relief from the sun. I slid of Draco and ran to the closet at the back. A red damask gown trimmed in black fur hung as though it waited for me. I hurried out of the dragon armor and into the heavy gown. I welcomed the weight on my shoulders and hips. I never thought I'd miss wearing a gown so much. Slipping into the red satin slippers left for me, I also tucked a gold and ruby tiara amongst my curls. I stepped out, watching my mother as she talked with Draco.
"I'm going to find James."
She nodded as I ran from the barn. A few of the servants stopped to stare at me. Probably wondering where I came from.
I burst through the doors of the kitchen, looking around wildly.
"Princess Evelyn?" the cook asked.
"Where's the prince?" I asked
"I believe he went hunting."
"Where?"
"To the north I believe."
I ran through the kitchen, up the hall, and out the front door. I stood there for only a moment before horses appeared in the distance.
"James," I whispered to myself.
I ran across the lawn toward them.
"Evelyn?" I heard someone call.
"James!"
"It's her!"
A black steed broke from the group, galloping toward me. It stopped a few feet from me; James was already sliding off before he stopped completely. We ran toward each other, not stopping until we were in each other arms.
"Where have you been?" he asked, holding my face in his hands.
"I'm sorry I left like that. I had to protect you. All of you."
"Don't. Don't ever leave without saying good-bye. I feared the worst!"
Tears streamed down my cheeks again as I pulled his face down to mine, pressing my lips to his. I kissed him repeatedly. I didn't care who saw.
"I love you so much, James."
"I love you, too, Evelyn."
Chapter twenty-seven
I clung to James. Afraid if I released him I would wake up and all would be a dream. The thought I could wake up still in the hands of the Guild terrified me. I inhaled his intoxicating scent deeply. It was of cigars, brandy, and burnt wood. He'd spent time in his study. I hoped it was making plans to find me even though I didn't want him to. I couldn't bear the thought of harm coming to such a wonderful man. Everything I did was for him.
"Where did you find her?" my father asked, sliding from his steed.
Mother tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
"I was in Italy."
"Italy? What were you doing in Italy?" He turned to my mother confused. "How did you find her?"
"I had some help."
"Help? What kind of help, Joselyn?" Father asked.
Mother sighed heavily.
"Draco, dad."
"Draco?"
"He's a dragon."
My dad took a deep breath in, and James looked up at her.
"He's a what? I'm confused."
"How do you know about the dragons?" James asked.
Mother bit her lip and looked away. I could her contemplating what to say. She didn't want to reveal her knowledge of Scotland's biggest secret.
"Queen Joselyn, I asked how you knew of our dragons."
"I caught a glimpse of one years ago after Cassius and I were first wed. I wasn't sure about what it could have possibly been, but I was determined to find out. I never intended for you to get hurt, James."
"What are you saying?" I asked my mother. "You arranged my marriage based on a hunch?"
"She's saying she used me. She wanted to get close to a possible ally who had good resources." He shook his head and released his grip on me.
"I know our marriage was one based off of mutual benefits though."
"I was deceived. There are no benefits for my kingdom to unite with yours." He turned away, storming toward the castle.
My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach as a lump formed in my throat. The tears sprung to my eyes as I watched him leave. He didn't look back or wait for me.
"What just happened?" I asked.
"I don't know," my father said.
"Why did you do that?" I asked my mother.
"I didn't mean for anything to happen. We make alliances with countries all the time."
"This isn't just an alliance. You arranged for us to marry. That's more than signing some piece of paper, mother."
I pursed my lips together, swallowing the lump in my throat, and ran after James. I couldn't let me go. I had to fight for what I wanted. I wanted. We had to remain united, especially with the threat still in the world. The Guild wouldn't stop, not now. Not now that I lost all their girls and killed their watchers'. I need him in so many more ways than he could imagine. Even if my mother arranged our marriage based on possibly gaining dragons, I loved him.
I ran through the front doors of the castle and scanned the large foyer for any signs of James. Catching a glimpse of his jacket billowing out around a corner, I dashed after him, holding up the hem of my gown.
"James!" I called. "Please, James!"
He didn't stop; he entered the study about to shut the door behind me. I lunged toward it, slamming my body against the wood.
"I'm not letting you walk out of my life, James."
"Evelyn, just go."
"No! Please don't push me away."
"Push you away?" He spun towards me, his red eyes brimming with tears. "Do you even love me? Or are you part of your parents farce?"
"Of course I love you! I didn't know their intentions. Moreover, we both knew this was a politically arranged marriage. There are always ulterior motives behind our lives. We're never free to make choices based on what we want. It's all what is best for our countries."
"Stop thinking like one of them! I haven't thought of our engagement as a political move since, since I first saw you. Is that how you see us? Just pawns in our parents games to grow more power?" he asked.
"No. I mean, I did at first. I had no intentions on falling in love with you. I wanted to choose my own husband."
"Why did you change your mind?"
"I saw the real you. Not the stuffy, stuck up prince. I saw James. I fell in love with you. Arranged or not I'd made my decision. I want to be your wife and queen. I want you to be my king. I don't care what my mother thought when she arranged the marriage eighteen years ago."
He took a deep breath, a single tear furrowing a trail down his beautiful cheek. I reached up and brushed it away before it got lost in his beard. I stood on tiptoe, running my fingers through his mess of hair before pressing my lips to his. He sucked in a breath as I pressed myself to him. His arms pulled me in closer as the passion intensified. Heat emanated from our bodies, clashing between us like the fire of the mightiest dragon. Every part of my body felt as though it was on fire. I opened my eyes when James broke away from me. He scrambled back, staring at me in what seemed to be shocked horror and awe. Looking down at my body I nearly screamed.
I was on fire.
It came from everywhere. The gown turned to cinders, falling from my body as my skin glowed a brilliant shade of red.
"What happening?" I asked.
"I-I don't know." He stood, holding his hand out to me. "Does it hurt?"
"Don't touch me!" I screamed.
He pulled his hand away quickly. "Why?"
"I don't want to hurt you," I cried.
"I'm not afraid."
"I am."
The glow of the fire intensified as he drew nearer once again. I took a deep breath as his fingers penetrated the flames. I gasped at the sight. The fire transferred to his body, climbing up his arm as though he'd slid into water. The jacket and shirt he wore turned to burning embers before falling away from his skin.
"I don't understand," I said.
"I don't either. It makes no sense. It should burn me."
"Why isn't it?" I asked.
>
He shook his head, staring at the fire the continued creeping up his arm. "There's no way this is possible."
"Not unless you're bonded."
"I've never though. I'm a prince, royalty isn't supposed to bond with the dragons. Our mightiest warriors are."
"I bonded."
"You're an extenuating circumstance. You were dying," he said.
"What if you were?"
"I've never been..." His voice trailed off as he furrowed his brows.
"What's wrong, James? Are you remembering something?"
"I never thought much of it because I ended up fine, but when I was a child I did have an accident. I don't remember much about it, but I was thrown from a horse. I do remember hitting my head. My mother and father took me to a physician far from here to be treated. By the time we returned to the castle I was fine."
"What do you remember about it?" I asked.
"Nothing. I wasn't awake after the accident."
"We need to go see Draco. He would know."
I grabbed James's hand and began to leave the study.
"Wait!"
"What?" I asked.
"You can't go out."
"Why?"
"Your clothes." He motioned to the ash around my feet.
"Oh!" I hadn't realized it had all burned off except for a few a small bit of my smock.
The sleeves had burned to the shoulders and the hem burned up to my thighs. James removed what was left of his jacket and placed it over my shoulders. I led him to the barn. Shutting the door behind us, I focused on the fire within me. A fireball formed in my hand, casting dancing shadows against the wall.
"What are you doing?" Draco asked, landing in front of us.
I reached out to grab James's hand.
"Don't!" Draco hollered at me.
"Watch."
Once again, the fire moved from my hand to James. Traveling up his body burning his shirt. What remained of my smock fell from my body. I released my grip on him, watching as the fire slowly burned out.
"I don't understand," Draco stated.
"Neither do us. Why didn't he burn up?" I asked.
"I'm unsure. He should not be able to withstand a dragon's fire unless he's bonded."
"Am I?" James asked.
"I am unsure. Have you ever had the fire before?"
The Defender's Daughter: The Defender's Book 2 Page 16
