"Listen to me! I've had it, Mother!"
"Excuse me?" She whirled on the tips of her toes and shot daggers at me through her eyes.
The tension and anger in the room grew with each passing moment, yet I cared not. She had to hear what I had to say.
"You always told me about how you stood up to the Guild when you were younger than me. You fought for your freedom. For your life. For your forbidden love."
"So?"
"So? Why can't I do the same? Our families need protection and it's my time."
"Evelyn, this isn't the life I intended for you." She sat on the nearest chair, tears streaming down her face.
The lines about her eyes were more pronounced as she frowned, creasing her aging forehead in the process.
"It's happening, mother. Whether you want it to or not, it's out of your control. This was something that had been determined long before I was even born. It's my destiny, Mother."
"There is no such thing as destiny. If there were I'd still be an assassin, if I were still alive. Destiny is something for the foolish to believe in."
"No, it isn't. It's real and saving those we love is my destiny. Destroying the Guild is my destiny."
"They can't be destroyed. They can't die."
"They can! I have something to help." Pulling out the red-hot vial, I cradled it in my arms as a mother would her newborn child.
"What is that?" Mother held out her hand for the bottle.
Shaking my head, I gazed at it with wonderment. "The witch gave it to me. The potion inside is able to turn any immortal bonded to a dragon, mortal."
"Any immortal?"
"Yes, even me. The bond between Draco and I will be broken."
"Is that something you're willing to do?" she queried.
"Absolutely not. Bonding with Draco is one of the most amazing and wonderful things to ever happen to me. I will not break our bond."
She sighed heavily and buried her face in her hands.
"Why can't I do this, Mother? Why won't you let me do what I'm destined for?"
"I can't lose you, Evelyn. You're my daughter. My only child. I love you so much; I'm willing to die for you."
"And there comes a time when a mother has to let her child go. It's time for you to trust me and let me do what needs to be done. You've raised me to be a strong woman. It has taken some time for me to realize who I am and what I want in life, but this is it. To be a dragon rider. To protect those I love and care for. To marry James."
"Alright, Evelyn. You can do this."
"Really? You'll let me do this?"
"I don't have much of a choice do I?" she asked.
"No."
"She won't be alone."
We both turned to see James and Father standing in the doorway.
"How long have you both been there?" I glared between the two men.
"Long enough to know you aren't going at this alone. The Guild is no longer threatening just you," James replied.
"Who do you presume is going to risk life to fight alongside me?"
"Someone else who is immortal." James took a few steps forward and grasped my hand in his.
"You?"
"Who else?"
"What about the country? Who will be in charge while you're away with me?"
"There are things in place to have someone rule in my stead once I leave. Nobody here will be any the wiser that I'm absent from court."
"Well if all of you are going, of course I am," Elizabeth spoke up, placing her needlepoint down.
"Elizabeth, you can't."
"Ellie, I have been your lady since I could form coherent sentences and say yes, my lady. I am not about to let you go into such a life altering situation without me by your side."
"It'll be dangerous," I said.
"Yes, I'm expecting that. I'm sure my mother didn't question the danger your mother was in when they ventured about."
"Perhaps. I just don't want anything to happen to you. You are my closest friend."
She hugged me tight. "You will go through nothing alone. If I am harmed in serving you, lady, matters not. I shall be by your side through all."
"Then it's settled, we travel for the Guild."
"There's one thing," I said to James.
"What?"
"We don't know where they are."
"I can help with that," a deep voice responded from the open window.
"Is everyone spying on me tonight?"
"I don't spy, I overhear," Draco said.
"How can you help?" Mother asked.
"There are a network of dragons who keep touch on such things. It is how we find out about the evils of this world and where to stay away from. It's how we've stayed alive and hidden for so long."
"Do what you must," I said.
"Aye, Evelyn."
He flew off with a mighty flap of his scaly wings, sending a gust of wind throughout the room. Papers scattered into the air as the fire flickered out.
"We await Draco's return then. Once we know of the Guild's location, we go."
"James, may I speak to you? Privately?"
"Yes."
As my mother, father, and Elizabeth exited the room, I led James to the window. We watched as Draco's silhouette vanished over the darkening horizon.
"What is the matter, Evelyn?"
"Once we return, shall we marry?"
"D0 you want to?" he questioned.
"Yes. I don't want to put it off any longer. The moment we return I want to wed."
"I'll have things set to commence once we are back in Scotland. Do you want to marry here?"
"Yes. I want to begin my new life here, in my new country."
He pulled me close and pressed his lips to mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck and held tightly, unsure what our future would actually hold.
Chapter 30
"Excuse me, Evelyn."
"Elizabeth! Where have you been?"
"Uhm, preoccupied, Lady."
"Preoccupied? How so?"
I glanced behind her as a Scottish Earl hurried by.
"Elizabeth!"
She shrugged her shoulders. "I do hope you know I shall be accompanying you."
"Who was that?" I asked.
"Who?" Her flushed cheeks grew redder as she attempted to avoid the question.
"That was the Earl of Buchan. John Stewart."
I crossed my arms and tapped my toe at her.
"Stop it, Evelyn. I am old enough to marry."
"Elizabeth..."
She put a hand up to cut me off. "Where are we going?"
"I'm not sure yet."
"How do you expect to defeat the Guild if you aren't even sure where they are?"
"Draco is finding out."
She shook her head and crossed the room. "Evelyn, this is going to be dangerous."
"I already know. My mother has discussed this with me quite extensively. She's alright with this, not to mention I won't be alone. I'll have James, Elizabeth, and you."
She sat upon my bed and stared out the window. A forlorn and distracted look crossed her face. Something bothered Charlene and I wasn't sure what. The thought of me going to battle couldn't have affected her in such a way. She always stood by my side and vowed to aid me whenever she could.
"What's wrong, dear friend?"
"Is this such a good idea? Do you remember what happened when you went to them? When they kept you in that castle? You were gone for such a long while. I don't want anything to happen to you, Evelyn. I know I'm not, but I love you like a sister. You're part of me. The thought of possibly never hearing your voice again is torturous."
"Fret not! I shall be fine. We all shall be."
"I suppose." She stood and strode to the connecting door. "I am tired. Goodnight, your majesties."
"Sleep well, Elizabeth."
After the door clicked shut James wrapped me in his arms and pulled me close to his body. He
was warm and smelled heavenly. Inhaling his scent deeply sent a shudder of ecstasy down my spine.
"Don't leave," I whispered.
"Never."
"I'm serious. Stay with me tonight."
"In the same room?"
I laughed lightly at his surprise. "Of course in the same room."
"Isn't that inappropriate?"
"What about our relationship has been appropriate thus far, James? How often do princesses go riding off into the forest with a man and no chaperon?"
"Not often I venture to guess."
"No, not often at all." I held tightly to his midsection, fearful that if I let go he would vanish. "Stay. I want you to stay."
Kissing the top of my forehead, he tangled his fingers in my hair. "I shall stay."
James walked to the bed, sitting on the soft mattress. Ducking behind my changing screen, I removed the heavy gown and put on a nightdress. The pins that held my curls in place came out of my hair rather easily. My curls fell about my shoulders, cascading down my back. My heart felt as though it would leap forth from my chest as I stepped around the screen. James stood; his jaw slacked only slightly, his chest heaved beneath the tunic he wore. My cheeks burned as his eyes roved over my body.
"I've never been so undressed before a man before," I whispered.
"You look amazing. Your hair is so beautiful." He strode across the room, placing on hand on the small of my back while the other ran through the curls.
My body instinctively shivered beneath his touch. His fingers felt so much nicer closer to my skin. The layers of gown were a burdensome obstacle that I learned quickly to not like.
"James..."
"Shh, Evelyn."
He walked me to the bed, gently laying me down. James stood over me, the firelight behind him illuminating the thin fabric of his shirt. The silhouette of his frame sent delicious shivers coursing through my nether bits. His warm fingers trailed up my calves to my thighs, pausing below he'd touch me where nobody else ever has.
"James, I've never done something so scandalous before."
"Do you wish me to stop?"
"No, but I feel you must. My honor cannot be ruined before my wedding night."
Sighing heavily he sat up. "Very well."
He stood and walked toward the door. My heart sunk to the pit of my stomach at the thought of him leaving me for even a moment.
"Don't go."
"You want me to stay? After I did something so villainous as want to take your maidenhead before we wed?"
"It was not a villainous act, James. It is perfectly reasonable for a man to want to lie with a woman, and we shall. Once we marry we shall every night."
A smile crept over his face as he returned to the bed, letting his trousers drop to the cold floor below. I pulled back the blankets and lay against the mounds of pillows. He crawled beside me, wrapping his large arms about my body, holding me tight as the moon made her nightly travels across the sky. My dreams filled with adventure as I saw our travels across the mighty ocean.
A soft rapping sometime the following morning stirred me from my slumber. Stretching my arms, I accidentally hit James in the face. He yelped, leaping off the bed.
"Oh!" I squealed. "I'm so sorry!"
The doors to my chamber flew open as Charlene, Elizabeth, and two guards ran in with swords drawn in.
"Evelyn!" Elizabeth yelped.
"It's about time," Charlene added, throwing her arms in the air.
"What's wrong, majesties?" One of the guards asked.
"For the love of all things! We're fine! Get, get!" I shouted at the group who barged into my person rooms.
"Beg your pardon, Evelyn, but it is nearly ten in the morning and you are still in bed. Not alone, might I add."
"I am very well aware that I am not alone, Elizabeth. Do you mind?"
James sat down sheepishly on the bed looking from face to face, his own cheeks flushed an adorable shade of embarrassed rouge.
"I should go to my own chambers before more of the household ends up in here."
I nodded as he hurried from the room with his two guards close behind.
"What was the prince doing here so early?" Mother looked after the half-naked James as he darted down the hall.
"He must have heard me scream at the mouse that scurried across the floor."
"A mouse? Really now."
"It was a large mouse that I did not expect to see, mother."
She pursed her lips and arched one of her lovely eyebrows at me. "Has Draco brought word?"
"Not yet. I do not expect him for some time though. Perhaps by this evening we shall here news."
She nodded and quickly turned from the room.
I fell back against the pillows and kicked my legs about, wanting to let out a scream.
"What happened last night?" Elizabeth sat beside me, picking up one of my pillows.
"Well, nothing."
"Nothing?"
"No. He respects my maiden head. We simply slept."
"You slept?" she queried increaduosly.
"Yes. Our limbs entwined like old lovers, but we slept."
"How romantic!" Charlene gushed, flopping onto the bed next to me.
I could feel my entire face burning as they watched me. "Oh it was. The fire crackled as we drifted to sleep not saying a word."
"You are so lucky, Ellie. I wish I had someone even a tenth as wonderful as James."
"You shall find him, Charlene. When I first met James I didn't think he'd ever be a good match. Oh I'm so glad things are different."
Elizabeth went about pulling out a lovely purple day gown.
"What about you, dear Elizabeth?"
"Hmm? What about me?"
"Do tell about the Earl of Buchan."
"Nothing to tell, nebby ones."
"He hurried away quickly."
"Who?" Charlene asked.
"John Stewart, the Earl of Buchan."
"Elizabeth, you are having an affair with the earl?"
"He's not married. It is not an affair. He has made his intentions quite clear." She held up a lovely golden oval.
The crest of the earl adorned the front in beautifully intricate designs. Upon opening it she revealed a rather magnificent miniature of the earl.
"Oh my!"
"He has been sending me gifts for some time now. Since before we came here."
"When?" I asked.
"Remember the jousting tournament you father held for your mother's birthday during the summer?"
"Yes."
"Since then. He even wore my favor!"
"Oh, Elizabeth!"
"Are you two to marry?" Charlene asked, gazing upon the beautiful trinket about Charlene's neck.
"I am unsure as of now. With the way things have been thus far, I don't see why not. A proposal must be drawing near."
The three of us wrapped each other in hugs while jumping about squealing as though we were mere children again. The worries of the world disappearing, even if for a moment. The Guild did not matter. We were happy. We could be normal.
Even if for a moment.
Chapter Thirty-one
The lovely trinket about Elizabeth's neck glistened in the firelight. I held the pearl in my fingers examining the fine craftsman ship of the silver leaves and diamond hearts surrounding it. It hung low on her neck, held by the most delicate of chains. She smiled only a bit as her fingers traced the circlet of leaves surrounding the gem.
"Shall I begin to prepare? I have so many ideas for a fabulous wedding," I exclaimed.
"I believe we should prepare for your own wedding, dear Evelyn."
Sighing, I plopped onto the bed. "You know as well as I that a princess does not have say in planning her own wedding."
"Then you shall prepare mine!"
I'd never seen Elizabeth in such a state of excitement. A soft glow was upon her cheeks and her lovely eyes twinkled at the prospect of
being a bride. I envied her. There was no doubt I would marry, it had to be done. I must carry on my family's lineage. Of course it would be to a prince or king. The difference between Elizabeth and I was love. I didn't get to choose for love. I didn't get to chose for myself at all. Fortunately my parents chose wisely and found a prince I would fall in love with, whether that was their intention or not. Glancing over my shoulder, as James reentered the room, taking up his place near the fireplace. He cast his gaze upon the burning embers of the burned wood. A crackling shot out splinters as the last log split and fell apart. The look he wore on his face was disheartening and sent a sick feeling to the pit of my stomach.
"If you'll excuse me, ladies."
I draped an arm over James's shoulders as he continued to stare into the fire.
"Have you heard anything?" he asked, keeping his voice low.
"Nothing yet. I'm not expecting Draco till tomorrow at the earliest."
"Do you think we shall battle soon?"
I shrugged my shoulders, loose curls falling off my shoulder and landing softly down my back. He side-eyed me as a smile played at his lips.
"Shall we marry prior to battling or after?" he questioned.
"I'm not sure. I don't know. You want to marry now?"
He let out a soft chuckle and turned toward me, his piercing eyes melting my very soul. My knees weakened beneath his hard stare. His strong arms wrapped about my body, keeping me stable. He always kept me stable. I learned more and more that he could be a man to rely on. He released his grip on me once the whispers of Charlene and Elizabeth permeated our personal moment.
"Did I hear mention of marriage?" Elizabeth piped up.
"Not yet! Elizabeth first."
"I do wish to marry before we battle. I want to fight side by side with you as my wife," he whispered into my ear.
"I know, my darling. We shall discuss our own nuptials at a different time. Right now we find out if your earl plans on marrying my lady."
"Actually, you two should talk. Elizabeth and I will let ourselves out. We have much planning to do for two weddings."
Exasperated with my dear friends, I let out a whoosh of a sigh as the door closed loudly behind them. Plopping onto the bed in a mess of damask and chemise, I let my head fall into my hands.
"What's wrong my love?"
"Oh James, what if it doesn't work? What if we can't defeat what's left of the Guild? What if there are still those who are loyal to them, or at least terrified enough to continue following?"
The Defender's Daughter: The Defender's Book 2 Page 18
