“Yes, of course, It hasn’t been long since I became the Duke’s assistant, my lord. I’m so happy you’re feeling better. The shifters in the city have been praying to Hommis for your recovery,” I say, thinking about my parents, yet again.
“I was on the verge of death and saw the dark shadow waiting to take me away. It was a miracle I woke up. We must celebrate and I’ve thought about organising a fair where everyone will see I’m alive and well. That’s why I’m here, Jorgen,” Hans explains and his son looks a little caught off guard.
“Father, you’ve only just recovered. Maybe you should wait–”
“Nonsense, there hasn’t been a big celebration in the city since the initiation of dragons. Thayer can arrange everything in a day or two. We need to present the young Wyvern shifter to the world and you, Jorgen haven’t released your magnificent beast in a very long time. We need to remind the world that the Lindworm clan is still powerful,” Hans states and Jorgen shifts his weight nervously to the side. The last thing Jorgen needs is everyone in Rivenna knowing he’s unable to shift.
“We shouldn’t be bringing any unnecessary attention to ourselves. Astri’s dragon is rare and we both know with the recent murder in the castle, this festivity won’t be seen as appropriate during this dark time,” Jorgen adds with a steady voice, but I know he’s already panicking. He’ll be exposed and his reputation could be destroyed once his father finds out he’s lost his magic.
Hans seems to be thinking about Jorgen’s words for more than a moment, still watching me.
“We believe the murderer might be someone local, and lady Cassandra won’t be happy if we lose focus, celebrating,” I say, trying to help.
“Cassandra will understand. She told me she’s been rather bored these past few days,” Hans insists and it seems like Jorgen won’t be able to get out of it. Hans already made up his mind.
“Of course father,” he says, and forces out a smile. He knows if he goes to battle with Hans, something might feel wrong or suspicious. He can’t afford to bring unnecessary attention to himself.
“Fantastic. There’s just the matter of arranging everything. We must talk tomorrow, Astri. I would like to know about your life and extraordinary skills,” Hans says, winks at me and opens the door. It amazes me how his health has improved so much. “Goodnight children.”
There’s a long moment of silence, then Jorgen exhales dramatically. Eleven years ago, someone made a massive effort to save me, then forced my aunt and uncle to take me into their home. The mage who targeted me and my parents, must have found out there was one more Wyvern in Rivenna. He made a mistake by killing Rosanna, believing she was me. I need to solve this crime with or without Lucas–for myself–for my own peace of mind.
“This is going to be a disaster, Astri …my father will expect me to shift and once–”
“Stop it Jorgen,” I cut him off a bit too aggressively than I intended. He needs to understand if we plan everything in advance he can avoid being exposed. “We can make this work. No one will know and sooner or later we’ll find a way to get your dragon back.”
“You don’t understand, these kinds of events are official. My and my father’s beast is the symbol of Rivenna. People will expect me to shift, they always do,” he says, then clenches his fists. He must realise he sounds as if he’s ready to give up–his blue eyes find my face and there’s a look of determination on his face. “But we can both prepare. I have you and you’re my asset. People might want to see you instead of me.”
The way he’s staring at me right now does something to my insides, and the heat’s rising fast, warming my cheeks. My heart pounds heavily as the energy drains me. The intensity of his stare wakes me up from a dream, from nightmares.
“Anna was struck with dark magic when she was just about to reveal who asked for the key to Rosanna’s chamber,” I say, breaking the moment. This keeps happening, but it shouldn’t. We’re too different and Jorgen will be marrying Cassandra. Nothing will change that fact, not even me.
“Lucas believes someone might be targeting you, Astri, and I have to agree with him. Your dragon’s extraordinary and I’ve never met another Wyvern. Do you know your other family … apart from your aunt and uncle?”
I know he isn’t the mage who harmed me, but I’m afraid to reveal to him what the Warlock did to me–awakening the destructive fire magic within. It’s not that I don’t trust him, but I’m not ready to share my past just yet–I’m too raw.
“I went to see my aunt today and she finally gave me my parents address,” I say, watching his expression. He looks shocked, and I try not to think about the ritual in the mountains or the fact that I betrayed him. “But their house had been in a terrible fire, then put up for auction. A young human couple bought it. Everything they ever owed had been destroyed.”
“Astri, maybe I should help you track down your other relatives? You mentioned your aunt was your mother’s second cousin?”
“No, this can wait, we need to focus on finding the person who killed Rosanna,” I tell him and move towards the door.
“Astri, you’re unique and unleashing your dragon during the festival might be dangerous. I’m not willing to sacrifice you for me,” he says and I push away the butterflies in my stomach along with the wild sexual chemistry slowly beginning to devour me.
I’m losing control and it’s better to leave now, before the damnable heat turns me into an aroused creature who can’t seem to control herself. Jorgen cares, and he cares too much. This is a problem.
“Goodnight Jorgen,” I say with a small smile, and shut the door, knowing there’s no way I can escape my feelings, because they’re rooted deep inside my soul.
Chapter 17
Stain.
The castle’s buzzing with rumours over the next few days. Suddenly, everyone’s excited about the dragon fair being organised in Rivenna. It looks like Hans isn’t wasting time and he’s seen in the castle with Thayer, getting involved with all the preparations. I spent most of the day in the forest, trying really hard not to think about the past few days and my aunt Beatrice. Staff in the castle believe Hans’ recovery is truly a miracle, no one has any idea it was my parents’ dragon cup that changed his fate. Now the duke’s busy going over everything that went on in Rivenna while Hans was bed bound.
“The dragon fair starts in two days. The lordi, lord invited guests from all over the Eastern World. I think we might meet other Pixies there too,” Lenin says, rubbing his hands and looking very excited.
Sweat drips down my face while we slowly make our way back to the castle, moving through the thick forest. My bow and arrow hangs over my shoulder. I managed to find plenty of useful herbs today, and a rare mountain bear, but it still didn’t stop me from thinking about another Wyvern who might be out there somewhere.
“Yes, maybe others might tell you a bit more about your past and your other relatives,” I say, knowing Lenin and Jetli are almost in the same boat as I am. Their past is unknown and history seems even more complicated. I found them in the forest a few years ago with no relocation of who they were or where they come from. I suspect someone must have charmed them, but the reason behind it remains a mystery to this today.
“Astri, what about your family? There’s someone out there who protected you all those years ago–another Wyvern maybe,” my Pixie says, and I sigh loudly, knowing tonight I won’t be able to get much sleep, thinking about Jorgen and my monstrous mistake.
“Yes, I’m almost certain there’s another Wyvern somewhere out there. Once I find the person responsible for Rosanna’s death, I’ll be even closer to learning about my own past,” I say, aware my life has been transformed. Before, I was just a scarred girl, stuck with her human relatives–now a lot of mages and shifters in the city respect me. “Come on guys, start moving your wings or settle behind my collar, otherwise I’ll leave you far behind.”
“You’re too eager. I have a better idea, why don’t we just have a lazy day in the chamber? We would hav
e more time to spend eating and chilling,” Lenin suggests and Jetli snorts, then smacks his shoulder.
“Oh Lenin you never change,” I chuckle, thinking that mine and my Pixie’s life drastically improved since we moved to the castle. I’ve been trying hard to fill my time, helping Jorgen find a way to get his dragon back, unfortunately without any success – I have to help him any way I can.
I start jogging, while Lenin gladly hides behind my collar and Jetli flies above me. It’s late afternoon and the temperature’s dropping slightly. The sun will soon be setting and I need to catch up with Jorgen to discuss the fair. He hasn’t decided what he’s going to do once he’s forced to shift in front of his whole family and the people of Rivenna.
I enter the grounds an hour later, pretty exhausted. I pick up a bottle of water from my rucksack and take a few generous gulps, seeing Lucas approaching from the distance. Yesterday, he was going over evidence at the police station, and we haven’t talked since Anna’s tragic death. Her bloodied face still flashes in front of my eyes from time to time, along with the face of Governor Pollock.
“The detective’s coming, always sticking his nose where he shouldn’t,” Lenin announces, narrowing his tiny eyes at Lucas’ handsome face, and Jetli starts telling him off in her own way, mainly using her fingers, then quickly sits on my arms blinking rapidly when the mage approaches. I wonder what’s gotten into Lenin–he liked Lucas a few days ago. I glance at my clothes, knowing I look a mess right now. My clothes are all muddy and Lucas always looks so presentable.
“Hey Astri. How have you been?” he asks.
“Good, just been in the forest, gathering some herbs,” I explain, feeling flustered, yet again.
“Yes, I’ve been so busy lately that I forgot about our plans,” he adds.
“Plans? I didn’t think we–”
Jetli pokes me in my ribs and I stop talking, staring at her, trying to figure out what her problem is. Then I remember Lucas and I meant to go out–on a date.
“Yes, our date. Remember? I’m taking you out tonight, so be ready in an hour. I’ll meet you outside, all right?” he asks, then starts jogging towards the castle before I have chance to put some kind of proper sentence together. Jetli giggles, flying up and down, looking pleased with herself.
“Jetli, I have no idea why you’re so happy. The detective isn’t good for Astri,” Lenin comments, then flies away before I have a chance to ask him what his problem is. He’s probably jealous again, because he’s never seen me with any shifter around or member of the opposite sex for that matter. Jetli shrugs her shoulders and points to ignore Lenin and I still can’t believe I’m going out on a proper date in an hour. My nerves are in disarray–is this really happening?
Moments later, with Jetli squeaking over my ear, I run towards my chamber, hoping there’s going to be at least one dress in my closet.
“What do you think? It’s too much, right?” I ask Jetli, staring at myself in the mirror. I’m wearing a white cotton dress that covers my legs and shows a bit of cleavage. My chest might as well be flat, but I’m trying really hard to look decent for a change. There’s nothing I can do about the scar, even makeup doesn’t seem to help today. My face is just red everywhere; I caught too much sun earlier on.
Jelti puts her thumbs up, smiling widely in the mirror and my stomach churns. Okay, so she approves but I feel like I’m trying too hard. On top of everything, I’m really nervous. Lucas is a nice guy and I should be grateful he wants to go out with me. I don’t think this kind of opportunity will present itself to me ever again. Damn insecurities rearing their ugly head again…
Seconds later, Jetli tries to push me out the door, using her Pixie magic to jab my back.
“Fine, fine. I’m leaving, there’s no point overthinking this, right?” I ask her, and Jetli nods, looking annoyed I’m taking so much time. Then she flies over and places a yellow flower, suddenly appearing in her tiny hands, in my hair . It’s a nice touch and I relax a bit more.
One of the maids gave me make up, and tried to explain how to use it properly. I don’t know if her instruction really helped me learn all that much, but it’s too late to jump back in the shower and start getting ready from scratch.
I’ve been telling Emilia for as long as I can remember I don’t have time for dating or men. Tonight I’m breaking my own rules, and seeing a mage who could potentially be my mate in the future.
I leave the chamber five minutes later and head downstairs, aware mages, guards and other staff members from the castle are staring at me. Lenin’s nowhere to be seen, which is not like him. Jetli’s flying next to me. She knows she isn’t supposed to go with me, but she has a soft spot for Lucas and I don’t mind if she accompanies us to the gate. It’s so sweet.
He’s already waiting for me downstairs and he looks really handsome wearing a jacket made from snake skin and brown leather boots. When his eyes meet mine, my heart jumps around in my chest, and I’m praying my face doesn’t turn ruby red.
“Astri, you look lovely, white is just your colour,” he says, with a wink. I swoon–actually swoon–all right this has never happened to me before, but Lucas doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable at all. And he doesn’t notice my scar. Jetli smooths my neck, giggling away like she’s wishing me a good luck. I just love her…
“Where are we going?” I ask, feeling pretty hungry. I haven’t eaten much since I returned from the hunt.
“You’ll see, it’s a surprise,” he says with a mischievous smile, then we walk towards the gate. I keep telling myself I have nothing to worry about until I spot Jorgen approaching with Cassandra from the other side. Falcon isn’t far behind–a silent shadow always lurking around. Unease unfurls in my belly and it’s just my luck to bump into the two of them right before my date. The duke’s never seen me wear anything else other than my hunter’s outfit–this ought to be interesting.
“Please, that shifter girl and the handsome, mage detective? There must be something wrong with the world,” I hear Cassandra say to Jorgen. I take a deep breath, ignoring her.
Jorgen locks his eyes on me and I’m literary burning with scorching heat. This is wrong on so many levels –I should be having these feelings towards Lucas, not the duke. Dammit.
He parts his lips as his eyes slowly take me in, hovering over my face and my outfit.
“How do you do, my lady? Jorgen?” Lucas asks, probably out of politeness. Then he takes my hand and I smile weakly. Panic washes over me and Jorgen notices, narrowing his eyes at Lucas. “It’s good to be out on such a fine evening.”
“Yes, you’re right but your date has a stain on her dress. Maybe you shouldn’t have worn white after all. Well, we can’t expect anything better. You’re just a shifter and clearly know nothing about fashion,” Cassandra says and I gasp in horror noticing a huge black mark on my dress. Jetli flies around me, suddenly panicking, bringing her tiny hands to her face.
Blood rushes to my ears, and I have no idea how I didn’t see it before. I’m humiliated.
I glance over to Jorgen who seems annoyed with Cassandra.
“Don’t worry about it, Astri, you look beautiful anyway and I didn’t even notice the stain,” Lucas says, and frustration rolls off Jorgen in waves.
“Let’s go Cassie, we’re going to be late for dinner,” the duke says, sounding pretty pissed off.
“Yes, we must leave you to it. We’re having a romantic dinner in the duke’s private chambers,” she says sweetly, smiling at Jorgen and I want to stab her in the gut. She’s two faced and I wish Jorgen didn’t have to marry her. The fire inside me spreads everywhere, sending out small signals of lust around my body. I shouldn’t be jealous; those two are supposed to be together because of Hans’ agreement with Cassandra’s father and there’s nothing I can do about it.
“You go Cassie, I just need to have a quick word with Lucas if you don’t mind,” Jorgen says unexpectedly, like he just changed his mind about dinner. He’s staring at me, and I’m suddenly very intere
sted in my shoes. Cassandra sighs loudly, tossing her hair behind her and marches toward the doors. I want to wave and blow her kiss, just to be nasty and condescending… but I won’t. Unfortunately. I really can’t stand that woman.
“I’ll be right back,” Lucas mutters to me and I start walking, but my legs feel like they’re made from brick.
Several minutes later, he joins me by the gate, but I can’t read anything from his expression. Jorgen vanished inside the castle while Falcon’s still standing by the gate smoking, eyeing me up and down.
Jetli pats me gently on my cheek, sprinkles more Pixies dust on my dress and flies away, giving me some privacy. The stain isn’t as visible, but now I’m aware of it, and I can’t stop being annoyed with myself–I should’ve been more careful.
“What did Jorgen want from you?” I ask.
My emotions are too transparent and Lucas doesn’t answer straight away. He looks at me intensely, revealing a thunder of emotions behind his thick eyelashes.
“He just told me to look after you,” the mage replies. “And he said if I hurt you, he would kill me.”
I open my mouth, startled with shock and disbelief, but end up not saying anything. Why would Jorgen warn Lucas like that? It doesn’t make any sense–he’s marrying Cassandra. We continue walking in silence, because I have no idea what to say or how to react knowing Jorgen’s so protective.
Awkwardness stretches until we get to the human populated side of the city. The restaurant Lucas chose is elegant and even my aunt and uncle wouldn’t turn their posh noses away if they walk past it. We’re seated in a private booth with a burning candle situated in the middle of the table. The ambiance is exquisite, but I can’t seem to relax, still going over what Jorgen told Lucas earlier on. He helped me, healed me but that doesn’t mean he has a right to give my date a warning. He doesn’t own me, and I only work for him.
Wyvern's Secret Page 13
