by L. P. Dover
The dragon stirred beneath my skin, closer and closer to the surface. My skin stretched and my limbs grew, breaking and snapping while mending quickly back in place as the dragon took over. Gritting my teeth, I slammed my eyes shut. The snaps and cracks of the bones made Ariella gasp, but the sounds were actually worse than what it really was. She saw this every time, and every time she’d do the same thing. The pain was something I’d gotten used to, and I would gladly accept it to get the reward of the freedom it gave me.
My body grew until I soon towered over the trees, and my claws took root into the soft soil below. The fragrance of the land intensified while my sight magnified ten-fold. I could see and hear things over hundreds of yards away, and I could fly to and from each court within a matter of minutes. The fire inside me rumbled in my chest, bursting at the seams to be let out. When the transformation completes, my mind stays the same, and I can think just as clearly in dragon form as I can in my fae form. The ground shook as my heavy weighted claws thumped on the ground as I made my way to my sister.
Ariella climbed up on my back and shivered. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to watching you change. The sounds are enough to make me cringe. I can’t imagine what it feels like.”
I huffed at her, making her laugh. Once she was gripped on tight, I took off into the sky, going higher and higher while my wings carried us swiftly across the land.
I was him … I was ‘The Dragon.’
“Are you going to tell him?” Oren’s words came out as grunts as the rod of my spear landed a hard blow against his ribs. He was trying to distract me, but I knew better than to let him take my mind off of training. He knew I wouldn’t falter, but it didn’t stop him from trying. We trained every day, and every day he did the same thing to me.
Dodging Oren’s blows, in one quick breath I said, “How am I going to tell him, Oren? I haven’t seen him since the Winter Ball. I can’t just go up to him the next time I see him and say, ‘Hey, Drake, you know the dreams you’ve been having … well, ever since I became a dream walker I had the silly notion to visit you in your dreams, and now I can’t seem to stop’.”
“I think it would be wise to tell him next time you see him, Princess. You’ve been taking up the man’s dreams for months now. Don’t you think the game needs to stop if you aren’t going to do anything about it?” Oren stated, piercing me with a glare that challenged me to say otherwise.
I huffed in defeat. “I will … someday, when the time is right.”
Whistling, Oren shook his head. “Is that nervous energy I feel coming off of you. Since when do you get nervous? I’ve never known you to care what others thought.”
I kicked him in the shin, and he hissed at the impact. “I don’t care,” I replied silently with force. “Now let’s stop talking about it and get back to training. I need to get my mind off of it.”
“As you wish, ai dulin.”
I wondered what Drake would say when he found out. Our dreams for the past few months have been like nothing I’d ever experienced before in my life. When I turned twenty-one, I had some new abilities come to me. I had always had an affinity for the earth, but now I could dream walk, and I was also a truth seeker. If I wanted to know if someone was telling the truth, all I had to do was touch them and I could sense it. Things worked differently in the dream realm. Drake and I have had several heated moments in our dreams, but in reality it wasn’t real. Our interludes were but a taste of the real thing.
Oren took this time to laugh, and I could only assume he saw what I was thinking in my mind. Giving him an evil sneer, I sent him a mental image of what I’d do to him if he so much as breathed a word about it to anyone. I shifted and swayed from his advances while swinging my spear in the process. I landed a quick blow to his backside, and he howled in pain, the smile now gone from his angelic face. His brown eyes were light as caramel, and sensual enough to see the soul beneath them, but he used to not always be like that. He was a swift and deadly killer, and cold as ice to others, but when he won the title of Guardian to me … things changed. Oren only let me see that certain side of him, just like I only let him see a certain side of me.
In a way, we have no choice since we’re bonded, but right now, he looked intent on making me pay for the blows I’d given him. So much for the sweet Oren.
“What are you waiting for?” I taunted him silently. He didn’t answer, just kept those brown orbs trained on me. His thick, brown curls didn’t even move as he gracefully countered my movements.
The spear was light as I held it in both of my hands, waiting for him to retaliate. We circled each other, mirroring our movements together. The wooden shaft of my spear had been carved and smoothed to perfection, although, I could still feel the ridges of the ancient words engraved underneath my hand. Groval, poldora, nomin: Courage, strength, wisdom. For some reason, saying the words made me feel stronger … faster.
As soon as I repeated the words in my mind, Oren advanced. We parried and sparred for what had to have been hours. I was proud of myself because not once during our hours of training did he get one single hit on me. Oren took training seriously, and he would always push me until he knew I could no longer stand it. Only when exhaustion took over would he let me stop. I dropped to the mat, breathing heavily, while Oren lay down beside me, patting my leg in approval.
“You’re getting better, Princess. Your concentration didn’t waver a bit, even though I know your thoughts were on a certain prince. I must say that I’m proud of you, ai dulin.”
Ever since I was a child he had called me ai dulin, which meant, little bird. It was a name that’s been stuck with me throughout the years, and it didn’t look like he was ever going to stop using it. I actually loved the endearment, since it was the only one I’d ever been given. Oren’s past was heartbreaking, and growing up I could always see the hint of sadness in his eyes over his lost love. On the day he was going to ask her to bond with him she disappeared to the mortal realm and never came back. He searched for years and years, but eventually gave up. He had chosen to never be with a woman since then, and had put all of his efforts into being my guardian.
“Thank you,” I said, nudging him with my elbow. “I have a wonderful guardian who has trained me well.”
Oren looked over at me and smiled. His straight, white teeth sparkled along with the pale perfections of his skin. He kept watch over me as a child, and it wasn’t a shock when he volunteered to battle it out with the other warriors for the title of my Guardian. Oren was over two hundred years old, and had seen things I could only imagine. He didn’t look a day over twenty-five, but that’s how we all were here. He was the one who carved the shaft of my spear, and engraved the magical words into the wood.
Each princess had taken up a special weapon they were good at maneuvering. Calista had her daggers, Meliantha had her bow, and I had my spear. I had no clue what special weapon Ariella had mastered, or if she was even practicing with weapons. My spear was made from the thistle-birch tree, which made it light and durable. Not only could I use it for throwing, but I could also use it for combat. The tip of my spear was made by the dwarves, and infused with mine and Oren’s blood, just like Meliantha had done with her arrows. That way when, or if, I was ever attacked, I’d have my own way of defending myself if something were to happen to Oren.
Ever since the incident with Calista and Meliantha, I had been ordered to train. I knew that I was next in the dark sorcerer’s plans, so therefore, I had to be ready. Kalen used to help me practice, but now that he was King of the Spring Court, I no longer saw him as much. My training partners were now my guardian, Oren, and my last and only brother of the Winter Court, Brayden.
Brayden didn’t help out nearly as much anymore now that he was the Leader of the Winter Court Army, and spending his time training them. Once Kalen left, the title was given to him.
“I know you miss your brothers, ai dulin, I can feel it, but you’ll get to see Ryder and Kalen very soon. I’m sure Meliantha will be
having those babes any day now, and once she does I’m sure everyone’s going to be there. When I say everyone, you know who else I speak of, don’t you?” Oren asked.
Nodding, I bit my lip. “I knew I would see him when the time came. There’s no way he’d miss his niece and nephew being born. He talks about them all the time in the dreams we have, amongst other things. I’m sure he’s going to be appalled when he finds out our dreams are real, and that he’s let himself open up to me. It didn’t start out that way, you know.”
Oren grinned. “From what I’ve seen, you two have grown awfully close the past several months. If what you do in your dreams is real, I’d say he’s madly in love with you, and who wouldn’t be? You’re an amazing woman. I don’t think he will be as upset about the dreams as you think he’ll be.”
I laughed. “Did you miss the part where we argue and fight all the time, Oren? Drake is an obnoxious and arrogant whelp at times, and you know I can never keep my mouth shut when he gets in his moods,” I retorted, flustered.
“You both have so much in common, but I think it compliments you. He’s your flame, and you’re his ice. Although, opposite in appearance, you are both similar in spirit. Do you not see where this is headed, ai dulin?”
“What do you mean, Oren?” I asked innocently, even though I knew what he was going to say.
“I am saying that I’ve seen in your mind, and I know what’s there. You want me to think that it’s nothing between you two when you’re actually afraid to fess up to what’s really going on. You and Drake have been building a secret relationship for a while now, and the signs are everywhere.” When I didn’t respond he continued. “He’s your other half, Sorcha. When you two see each other again, I wouldn’t be shocked if the vision happens when you two touch. Don’t tell me you hadn’t thought about it.”
I groaned and hid my face in my hands. “I’m not going to lie … I have. I felt it when we met, and in our dreams the connection explodes with intense power. We’ve touched in the dream realm, but I know that doesn’t really count since it’s only in our minds. I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like when I see him again.”
Oren patted my leg again, and began to sit up. “It’ll definitely be interesting, Princess,” he admitted.
“What will be interesting?” Alston shouted from the doorway, his harsh voice echoing off the walls. I sat up quickly and groaned at the sight of my past lover’s form striding closer. Oren tensed beside me, and leveled a steely glare in Alston’s direction, clearly not liking the intrusion.
“I don’t think that’s any of your concern, Alston. I think it would be wise for you to mind your own business,” I snarled while getting to my feet. Oren followed suit and moved to stand beside me, but also to the front of me, protecting. He knew very well of my past with Alston, and how possessive over me he could be. Sarette said it was love, but even I wasn’t stupid enough to believe it.
Alston moved forward and made his way to us. His tall, elegant frame was well-muscled and chiseled to perfection. His black hair was in disarray while his armor, still covered in snow, glistened in the lighting of the training room. My brother always had them training outside. Alston’s hands were big and strong, and even from across the room, I could see the firm grip he had on the handle of his sword. His piercing blue eyes never left mine as the distance came to a close. I remembered the nights with him very well, and I remember having pleasures with him that I’d never forget.
Once things started to progress with Drake in our dreams, I had let Alston go. When he felt me slipping away from him, he tried to hold onto me more—to keep what we had alive—but I couldn’t stay. His eyes used to look at me with longing, but now all I saw when he looked at me was hunger. He thought he could make me come back to him by making me jealous, by parading other women in front of me, but all it did was push me further away. I kept waiting on him to give up on me, but he never did, and I’m starting to think he never will.
Standing before me, Alston rubbed his chin maliciously. “Hmm … none of my concern? See, that’s the thing, my lovely Princess, starting today I’m going to be part of your protection detail. Therefore, I think it pertinent that I know everything that’s going on. We wouldn’t want anything happening to you, now would we?”
My heart plummeted to the floor, and I clenched my fists in annoyance. I jerked my head over to look at Oren, but he was just as clueless as I was. He shrugged his shoulders, continuing to stare daggers at Alston. “What do you mean you’re part of my protection? I don’t remember telling anyone I wanted you to be a part of it. In fact, I specifically said I didn’t want you a part of it,” I snapped.
His slow growing smile looked triumphant. “Yes, I know, but since Sarette is my cousin and I look out for her, I put in a request to be able to protect her when she’s with you. She was with me when I asked for it, and completely agrees with me.” Gritting my teeth, I stiffened at the thought of my friend betraying me. I was going to kill Sarette for it, too … or at least kick her ass, whichever one came first. Alston continued, “You have a target on your head, as I’m sure you know, and I’m not going to let my cousin get caught in the crossfire without my protection. Wherever she goes with you, I go.” Alston reached up to touch my face, but I smacked it away as hard as I could, making my hand sting with the contact.
He laughed. “I look forward to spending more time with you.”
Oren advanced quickly, but Alston backed up and held his hands up in surrender. “No harm, just a love tap. She knows I like them,” he taunted, winking at my guardian before smiling at me. Oren’s anger was palpable through our bond, but I know he knew very well that I could take care of myself when it came to an old lover.
“The next one won’t be just a tap, Alston. I’m sure you remember how you weren’t smiling after the last time,” I snapped back at him. His smile disappeared, and thankfully, he squelched his next comment and left the training room before things escalated further.
A couple of months ago, he tried one of his many attempts at getting me back. However, all it did was infuriate me, and I ended up giving him two black eyes and a broken nose. Granted, he healed quickly after that, but at least I was able to show him he couldn’t dominate me. I know what made it worse was that we were in front of other warriors when I did it; they never let him live it down.
“Is he going to be a problem, ai dulin?” Oren asked.
Aggravated, I sighed. “When is he not a problem?”
I began walking hastily to the door, determination in each step as I made my way out of the palace. I had someone to talk to and it wasn’t going to be pretty. My best friend was going to pay for what she did to me.
“I don’t like where your thoughts are at. I sense anger, and when you get angry, people get hurt. Where are we going?” Oren demanded, keeping his pace alongside me.
“I have someone I need to talk to, and that someone is going to give me answers, right now!” I exclaimed.
Oren’s chuckle could be heard loudly inside my head. “Let me guess … Sarette.”
Glaring at Oren, I knew my eyes were ablaze with fire. “You’re damn right.”
Sarette had a lot of explaining to do, and she had better come up with a good reason for doing what she had done. Instead of taking horses, Oren asked if I wouldn’t mind walking, thinking it would cool off my nerves the longer it took. Reluctantly, I agreed, knowing very well I tended to do things irrationally when I was pissed.
It didn’t take long to arrive at Sarette’s dwelling once we headed out of the palace and into the village. She still lived with her family most days, but usually she was with me in the palace. Her parents didn’t mind, and neither did mine. They all figured we were safer there anyway, instead of gallivanting out without the protection of the palace walls.
When I tried to knock on the door, Oren stopped my hand from making contact for fear I would knock it down. “Are you serious?” I hissed at him. “I’m not going to beat the door down.”
Oren shrugged. “Better safe than sorry, ai dulin.”
Rolling my eyes, I stood back while Oren knocked twice on the door and then came to wait by my side. Almost immediately, Sarette answered the door with a genuine smile on her face, but when she saw Oren’s expression her gaze quickly landed on me.
“Sorcha, what’s wrong?” she asked, concerned. Sarette pushed through the door and grabbed me by the shoulders, searching my eyes for an answer.
Not wanting to waste time, I cut right to it. “Why did you request Alston to be one of your protectors? You do realize we have thousands of other warriors that would kill to watch over you,” I replied heatedly. “How could you do this to me knowing I try to avoid him as much as possible?”
Her shoulders sagged in defeat. “I know you do, Sorcha, but he told me he’s trying to change. He came by here earlier and went on and on about you, and I felt bad for him. He really wants you back.”
“Bullshit! He may want me back, but I didn’t see anywhere in his demeanor earlier that would tell me he’s wanting to change. He still seems like the same Alston from before; he’s arrogant, demanding, cruel, and manipulative. Do I need to go on?”
Sarette flinched at my words, but I was furious. Her voice was apologetic when she spoke. “I have to believe in him, Sorcha. He’s my family, and the closest thing to a brother I have. You of all people should know how important family is. When he tells me he wants to change, I have to believe him. That’s what family does.”
We stood there staring at each other, waiting for the other to give in. Groaning, I pulled her to me and wrapped my arms around her. I did understand the importance of family, and I couldn’t help the fact that one of her closest relatives was a dick. Sarette had never really liked my brother, Brayden, so I guess I could see where she was coming from.
