by Rachel Angel
“I am you father’s uncle. After you father’s untimely death, I was offered his title.” He kept a steady, almost suspicious gaze on her. “The last time I saw you, you were but a wee lass. An adorable child, if I remember correctly.”
Ally pressed a tight smile but felt increasingly uncomfortable before the Grand Duke’s intense and persistent scrutiny.
“You’ve be away from Wisteria for so long,” he said. “To what do we owe the honor of your visit today?”
“I’ve always refused to find out what happened to my parents, but now I feel I’m old enough to deal with the truth. I thought… Well, I thought that out here, in the home that I shared with them… maybe I would discover something about them that I didn’t know.”
He nodded and turned away as he clasped his hands behind his back. “I see. Have you made your way here from The Borders?”
“Yes, exactly.”
“I’ve heard rumors about a battle.”
“A war, actually,” she corrected. “We’ve fought for days.”
He nodded again. “In that case, I’ll have Boris show you to several lovely rooms upstairs. You can rest and we’ll share a lovely dinner later.”
After a quick knowing nod at the butler, the Grand Duke left.
“This way,” Boris said.
They followed him up the stairs and Ally was suddenly overwrought with emotions as she climbed the stairs she remembered from her dreams. And as they walked on and passed a large empty room, she shuddered.
It’d been her room as a child, she was certain of it.
But Boris walked on and led them down a long corridor before finally opening a series of doors. One after another the princes accepted the room the butler had opened for them.
“And this room, Miss,” Boris said, “is for you.”
Ally entered the large room and Boris closed the door behind her. It was beyond lavish. It was almost grotesque in its obscene show of wealth.
The curtains were of pure silk, the floor of the whitest marble and gold statues encrusted with jewels adorned every corner of the room.
The bed, set up on a large platform, had four huge posts holding up a canopy adorned with the most delicate lace.
Gold thread ran through the lace as it did the thick velvet comforter.
While she didn’t remember much about her time at the castle, she felt certain her parents had never filled their castle with such gaudy objects.
She went to the window and pulled back the heavy silk drapes and looked out at the kingdom. Beyond the castle walls, it was magnificent. There was almost something magical about the air, the trees and the lakes. There was a harmony she’d rarely seen anywhere else.
Looking directly below her, she was immediately disappointed by what she saw. She knew there had been a garden for she had vague memories of running through the plants of tomatoes and rows of cabbage. Now there was nothing but clean-cut grass.
This uncle of her father’s had rendered their family home a cold almost inhospitable place to live. She looked once again at the furnishings of her room, all yelling out their monetary worth, but all lacking any warmth, any love.
By the time dinner came around, she’d rested and had come to terms with this Grand Duke’s taste and tried to appear gracious and polite as she and the guys headed down to dinner.
The long table was already set with fine china and crystal. The freshly polished silver gleamed, and the fine linen tablecloth had been ironed.
The Grand Duke joined them after making them wait twenty minutes. When he finally arrived, he sat at the head of the table and snapped his fingers. And the servants snapped to attention.
Service began. Platters of hot food were brought to the table, and when it seemed there was barely any room left on the table, several bottles of red wine were brought in.
“Please, gentlemen,” the Grand Duke said. “Serve yourselves. Ally, if there is anything you feel is missing, please don’t hesitate to ask. My cook is excellent and can whip up just about anything on a moment’s notice.”
“I’m sure everything you have here will be fine. It smells delicious.”
They passed around platters of beef, pork and fish, bowls of whipped potatoes, Brussel sprouts, fine baby carrots and delicate red peppers.
“I’m sure you must be curious about what happened to your parents,” the Grand Duke said when everyone’s plate was full.
“I have an idea what might have happened, but yes. If you know anything, I’d greatly appreciate it if you could share it with me.”
“It was such an unfortunate event, I must say.” He bit his lip, and for a moment seemed overcome with emotion. “All of Wisteria was in shock for months, not only saddened by the death of the Duke and Duchess, but by the cause of their deaths.”
He cleared his throat and took a sip of wine. “You know,” he said, his tone suddenly somber and heavy. “It’s been years since I’ve thought back to that time. It’s been difficult. Your father was a very well-liked man. People respected him and admired him. And what to say of your mother.”
He paused as his voice croaked and he choked on the last words. “Not only was she a vision to look at, but my… She was an angel. Every woman in the kingdom wanted to be like her and every man wanted to be with her. Without exaggeration, she could coax a fox out of a henhouse and could shoot a hawk in the sky. She was at once delicate and strong, compassionate and fierce.”
Ally smiled at the description. It was always the impression she’d kept of the mother without really knowing why.
“So, as you can imagine, everyone was shocked and pained and angry when they got news of their death. You see, at the time, we thought we had an alliance with the dragons of the area. Peace had reigned over Wisteria for decades, and no one had to reason to believe the dragons would ever turn on us. But on that horrible night, a small band of dragons flew in just before the moon rose. They forced their way into the castle and killed your parents.” He looked at Ally. “If it’s all right with you, I’ll spare you the more unpleasant details.”
Ally nodded.
“Umm. Sir, are you sure?” Jasper said. “I mean, that it was dragons that killed them?”
The Grand Duke pressed his lips together. “Certain. Some people still believe it wasn’t the dragons that we were familiar with, the dragons that we’d always lived with. They suspect it may be the dragons of lore. Those dragons have never really gotten along with humans. If fact, historically, they’ve been the most dangerous enemy to Wisteria.” He looked at Ally. “After your parents’ death, we didn’t want to take any chances. We banished all dragons.”
“With all due respect, sir,” Ally said. “If the people of Wisteria know that only the dragons of lore are responsible, why did they agree to punish all the dragons? It doesn’t seem fair.”
“Like I said; we didn’t want to take any chances.”
It seemed a feeble argument at best.
“Sir, you may not know about the extent of the war that we’ve fought. For days now, the citizens of The Borders have been fighting to fend off the monsters that have been attacking their territory. Were it not for the help they received from dragons, they never would have succeeded.”
The Grand Duke chuckled but was completely unamused. “I don’t believe you. Dragons are self-serving. They have not an altruistic bone in their body.”
There was so much Ally wanted to tell him. These men seated at your table have been battling with me for far too many days, Ally thought. They’ve risked their own lives to save The Borders. And in doing so, they’ve also saved Wisteria. Had those monsters made their way through The Borders, you’d now have a battle on your hands; a battle that mere humans cannot win.
She bit her tongue on all the declarations she wanted to make. “Are you calling me a liar?” she simply said.
“Not a liar, my dear. But it is possible that you’re simply mistaken. Dragons never help humans. I assure you of that. Even the docile dragons who once lived here wer
e never of any help.” He looked at her, his eyes narrowed with his conviction. “Unless there is something in it for them.”
“That’s not true,” Ally argued. She looked at the dragon shifters seated around the table. She wanted to point to them and tell this Grand Duke that he was in the presence of some of the dearest and bravest dragons he’d ever meet.
Razor shook his head slightly, as if knowing what she had in mind. She knew he was right.
“My dear, I’ve lived a long time and I’ve seen a lot of things over the years. Dragons are no good to anyone. Never doubt that. If they are lending you a helping hand, believe me they will one day turn around and ask for payback… and by ‘ask’ I mean, they will demand payback. That is why, since your parents’ death, any dragon found within the boundaries of Wisteria is killed on sight. If ever you one day hope to regain your rightful title as ruler of this kingdom, you’d do best to keep your opinions about dragons to yourself. No one here wants to hear about a ‘good dragon’. Believe me.”
Chapter 15
Ally
The night at Wisteria was bittersweet. Despite the years that had passed, and despite the changes the Grand Duke had made, Ally sensed her parents’ presence in the castle.
As she fell asleep that night, she heard her mother’s voice. Not the screaming of her nightmare, but the sweet melodic voice of her mother singing to her as she tucked her into bed.
She’d anticipated more nightmares, but she awoke the next morning with a strange sense of having visited with her parents. She could feel the warmth and strength of her father’s arms as he carried her up the stairs for a nap and could clearly see her mother’s smile as they played in the garden.
As she dressed and prepared to leave, she looked around the outrageously decorated room; she felt them. They were there.
“I miss you both so terribly,” Ally murmured into the big room. “I miss the time that I didn’t get to spend with you; all those years of being away from you.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I’ll come back. One day I’ll come back to my home and be with you. And I’ll find out who did this to you.”
She headed downstairs where the princes were already waiting. She expected them to tease her or rib her about coming down so late, but when they saw her red eyes and tear-streaked face, they all pressed their lips tightly in a show of empathy.
“We’re going to head to the Dark Forests,” Drago said. “Are you okay with that?”
She nodded. “Yes, but I want to stop at The Borders on the way.”
Noticing the Grand Duke’s absence, she looked quizzically at Boris who held the door open for them.
“The Grand Duke has asked me to offer you his apologies. Unaccustomed to houseguests, he is considerably more fatigued than he anticipated, and was unable to get out of bed this morning. Going back to revisit your parents’ death was emotionally taxing as well.”
Ally frowned and nodded as she headed out. Without a word, she got on her horse and followed the princes and King Drago as they made their way back to The Borders.
Kate and Bilbo were waiting for them.
“I didn’t sleep a wink last night,” Kate said. “Just thinking of you in that castle. How’d it go?”
Ally shrugged. “I still have so many questions. It was strange being back there, but somehow, I feel that I will have to go back.”
“In the meantime,” Razor cut in. “We do have to make our way back to Wyvern.”
Ally nodded and looked at the couple who’d had such an impact on her life. She then smiled at William who simply gazed down at his feet.
Kate pulled her in for a tight hug. “Come back whenever you can, Ally. You’ll always be welcomed.”
Bilbo hugged her, and after a reluctant moment, William also pulled her into his arms.
“I love you,” he whispered.
She smiled at him then turned away, looking back only for a final wave at them.
***
A mile from the boundary of the Dark Forests a lookout jumped out onto the dirt road and applauded their arrival.
“You’ve finally returned,” he shouted gleefully. “Allow me to ride forth and make the announcement.”
King Drago nodded and the excited man mounted his horse and race ahead to announce their arrival to everyone.
By the time they arrived, the citizens of the Dark Forests had gathered in the streets cheering their victory. They made their way through the street, smiling and waving at everyone. At the town square, King Drago stopped and turned his horse to face his people.
A young peasant girl came forward and offered him a threesome of roses while a young boy approached and handed him a small shield with the kingdom’s colors.
The king nodded as he accepted the tokens of appreciation from his people and waited a moment for the cheering to die down.
“Needless to say, I am happy to be back home. Let me confirm that we’ve beaten back the monsters that threatened to invade Wyvern. The battle was fierce, and you all should be proud of the soldiers that fought so bravely. Yes, we’ve lost some men and women, and they shall be celebrated and remembered. But we are back, victorious.”
The crowd cheered.
King Drago looked at Tar and silently beckoned him to come to his side with a slight tilt of his head. Tar hesitated a moment.
“Go,” Ally urged softly.
Tar nudged his horse to walk up beside his brother and waited.
“Allow me to make another announcement. My brother, Tar, was instrumental in our victory.”
They cheered, especially the young ladies.
“We will also take this opportunity to celebrate him.”
More cheering.
“Celebrate the queen,” a young man cried out.
“Yes, let us have our queen!”
Drago looked at Ally who instantly felt her cheeks heat up.
“One thing at a time,” the king simply said with a smile.
Relieved that he hadn’t called her to his side and put her on the spot in front of everyone, Ally smiled. She had a lot to think about and consider and she didn’t want the pressure of making any kind of decision… not now.
“And now,” the king shouted, holding up the shield and flowers the children had given him. “Let us revel in our victory.”
The crowd cheered louder than ever and allowed the king and his party to leave them. They returned to the main gate of the kingdom.
“You see how they love you,” Drago said as he brought his horse beside Ally’s.
“Yes,” she said looking pointedly at him. She stopped her horse at the gate. “It’s heartwarming, and I will always be grateful for their affection.”
He nodded knowingly but didn’t press her further.
“And you, brother,” Drago said to Tar. “The kingdom is eager to see you come home.”
Tar nodded. “Duty demands that I return to Wyvern, that I report back to Queen Jade.”
King Drago nodded as he set a firm hand on his brother’s shoulder. “You are an honorable man.”
They held each other’s gaze for a long moment, then King Drago broke away and guided his horse back a few paces.
“I must tend to my kingdom now,” he said to all of them. “But know that it has been an honor.”
He bowed and turned his horse back to the town square.
Chapter 16
Ally
They quietly arrived at Rose Cliff and got off their horses to walk them up to the stable. It seemed the people of the kingdom were unaware of the end of the war. Perhaps they didn’t know there had been a war at all.
“Razor,” Ruby said in disbelief when she saw him. She patted her horse on the neck and left him to the stable boy. Beaming, she came to greet her brother.
Tears filled her eyes as she looked lovingly at him. “Mother has been sick with worry,” she said as Razor hugged her tightly
“I should have sent word,” he said. “I’ll make it up to her.”
Ruby smiled as she broke
away from Razor and looked to Ally and the princes.
“That you are all here,” she started. “Does that mean that the war is over?”
“Have you not heard?” Razor said.
“No. News has been scarce. The battle had been well under way when we finally learned of it. Then, for days we heard nothing.”
“Then it is with great pleasure that we will announce to everyone our victory.”
They headed to the castle.
“Mother will be so happy,” Ruby said as she guided them to the back garden where the king and queen were having tea.
The queen almost choked on her sip of tea when she saw her son. “Razor!” She set her cup on its saucer with a loud clatter, spilling much of her tea as she rose to pull her massive son into her arms.
With a boyish grin, Razor stooped down to hug his mother.
“Nice to have you home, son,” the king said with a proud nod.
They all joined the couple for tea and after a quick overview of the war, Ruby sat and gazed at her brother with admiration.
“You’re responsible for this victory, Razor.” Ruby said. “I can’t believe that the little boy who drove me crazy, who seemed intent on causing havoc everywhere he went… Well, look at you now. I’m proud of you, big brother. You came through.”
Razor chuckled and seemed uncharacteristically humbled by his sister’s praise. “Thank you, but I assure you, I wasn’t alone. In fact, I’m far from being the person responsible for our victory.” He gestured towards Ally. “If Ally hadn’t discovered the monster’s weakness, if she hadn’t worked so hard to take advantage of that weakness by developing a potion that destroyed them, we would not be sitting here with you today. That, I guarantee.”
Ruby looked at Ally stunned. “You came up with a potion?”
“Yes,” Ally said. “But the success of that potion is actually due to Razor. He’s the one who showed me a particular ingredient that was instrumental in the potion’s success.” She looked at the king and queen. “You must also factor in the fact that Tar risked his life returning to the Dark Forests to bring back reinforcements. King Drago’s army was tremendous and helped us win that war. And, of course, Flint and Jasper spent hours and hours with the people of The Borders, training them and preparing them for battle.”
