Oliver

“Your Highness,” one of the guards says, as he enters Reid’s workroom. In here is where we sit to discuss matters of the kingdom. He is also known to spend many a night here going over requests, orders, and other tasks.

He nods to the guard, who walks forward to hand him a letter. “From King Azure.”

“Thank you.”

Once the guard exits and closes the door, Reid leans back in his chair. He gently breaks the seal and unfolds the paper. His eyes scan it quickly before a slow smile forms on his lips. “Seems your princess must have told her father about you.”

My body immediately stiffens. Yes, Reid is smiling, but a letter? Why a letter and why was it sent to Reid? “What does it say?”

“King Azure is requesting your presence for dinner tomorrow evening. He said to arrive as the sun begins to set. A guard will be waiting outside their castle’s wall to tend to your dragon.”

“I can only imagine how well that meal is going to go. I can picture Elliott trying to strangle me across the table.”

Reid laughs. “Just be happy Luke isn’t there.”

“I am, but only because if he were there then Alison would be, too, and it would be a little awkward. Though, my feelings for her aren’t what they used to be. Addi has changed that. I now realize what I felt for Ali pales in comparison to how I feel about Addison.”

Earlier, I told Reid everything that’s been going on between Addi and me. I even filled him in on Anese. I told him about the first touch with Addison and our dreams. How she was with another knight, but has since parted ways with him, and wants to be with me. He was very happy and supportive, just how I knew he’d be. He didn’t come right out and say it, but I know he’s hopeful this will bring our kingdoms even closer together. He wouldn’t put that on my shoulders, it’s not him, but I know how his mind works. He has one side of him, which is my closest friend, and the other, which is the ruler of this land. I know above all, he wants to see me happy, and any barriers that get broken down in the process are a bonus.

We spend the remainder of the evening going through various things until we’re both doing more yawning than actually being productive. He tells me the letter also invites him to dinner as well, but he thinks it’s more of a courtesy. Maybe King Azure thinks I’ll be more comfortable with Reid there. I decline to have him attend. This is something I need to handle on my own.

I make the short walk to my home and strip off my clothing before closing the damask and collapsing into bed. I make sure my thoughts are of Addison before drifting off to sleep.

As soon as I materialize in the dream, Addison is rushing toward me. “Did you get the letter?”

“Yes, love, we got it.”

Her hands are wringing together. “And you’re coming?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

“I don’t know. It’s dinner with my family. With my brother, who hates you.”

I don’t need to ask which brother. Ryland isn’t a threat. “I’m not worried about Elliott. I could take him down, no problem.”

“You can’t fight him! I need him to like you, not continue to want to harm you.”

Reaching up, I brush her chestnut hair back from her face. “Don’t worry. I’ll be on my very best behavior.” I place a kiss on her forehead.

“I still can’t believe I told them about you.”

“How did they take it?”

“Well, I thought a vein was going to burst in Elliott’s forehead. Ryland didn’t seem to care, and my dad only wants me to be happy. My mother knew, of course.” I knew Rya was one of their seers, though I don’t think she consults with their kingdom’s people like their other seer does.

“How does your mother feel?”

She smiles. “I think she really likes the idea of me with you. She’s known for some time and has only encouraged me to follow my heart.”

“I like your mother.”

Addison places her cheek against my chest and wraps her arms around my waist. It’s when we are like this that she feels so small to me and not just due to her height. She might come across brash, but she has a whole other side to her. One I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to see.

We spend a few more moments talking, and kissing, before I tell her she has to get some quality sleep. Not one where we dream. Only sleep. Tomorrow’s meal is going to be interesting, to say the least. I want us both rested up and ready to face this together. From that dinner forward, it will be us against the realm. The Azures are only the first step in getting everyone used to seeing us together.

Being nervous really isn’t something I’m familiar with. I’m confident in everything I do, yet getting dressed to meet Addison’s family is throwing me. My hands are shaking and sweating. I wish I could get rid of this feeling.

I’m wearing what I do most days, but tried to find something that wasn’t faded or torn anywhere. Walking through the forest so often has its hazards; like sharp branches sticking out, gripping your clothing and creating a tear. Black plants with a long-sleeved, hunter green shirt are as dressy as I get. In the bathroom, I comb my hair back from my face and smooth out the short beard I’ve been growing.

All of this fussing over my appearance, when the Azures already have their opinion made of me. They’ve known me for a long time. Well, not known me, more knew of me. I’m going to have to work hard to change their perception. I’ve slain their men. There is no reversing the clock, and I won’t apologize for what I’ve done. We lost as many as they did. We were protecting our lives and the lives of every man, woman, and child in our kingdom. We were ruled by a man who was vicious and cared about no one but himself. Now, the tides have changed and we are ruled by a kind, gentle man, who wants to see us prosper and live in peace. My job is to ensure that happens for him.

Walking to the building the dragons are kept in, I nod to the guards on either side of the door. I step through and pass all of the other dragons before reaching Lyras. She’s standing in her stall, smoke coming from her nostrils with every breath. Her yellow eyes watch me intently as I swing the stall door open. She steps out, long claws tapping on the stone floor with each step.

She follows me outside and we’re in the air in no time. Her burnt orange scales beneath my hands, as I tap each side to direct her where to go. The field of azure flowers comes into view first, spread out like a small sea of petals soaking up the last remaining sunlight of the day. We bank to the side and head toward the Azure castle. Their tower house looms in the distance with their flag flapping in the breeze.

With each lift of Lyras’ wings, I’m being brought not only closer to Addison, but to her entire kingdom. One man against their Elite and an entire army. I don’t fear for my life, I never have in all of my years, but I worry how Addi will be treated once everyone knows about us. I don’t want them looking at her any differently than they have been. She is their princess and should be respected as such. Me being a part of her life will change everything. I can only hope for the better.

I want to show Addison how much I care about her and how I’ll never take her for granted. I will cherish her for as long as she lets me. Each time I see her, a piece of my heart becomes hers.

We descend and touch down just outside of the castle. There are two guards waiting for us. Lyras snorts, letting smoke come from her nose at their approach. They keep their distance while she lets me climb down from her. I tell the guards that she won’t bother them if they don’t bother her. They look at me like they are ready to stick their swords in my side, but I ignore them. They can’t and won’t touch me. Even if they tried, I’d have them on the ground before they could blink. I might not have my sword on me, but I’m very confident in the use of my hands to defend myself.

As I walk toward the castle, I turn to see Lyras’ bright yellow tail swishing across the ground. She’s not happy being here and even less happy about being left alone with people she doesn’t know. Hopefully things go smoothly inside and I return to her before she causes any trouble.

When I turn back around, Addison is waiting for me on the other side of the stone bridge, which leads to the castle. She is flanked by two men—Elliott and Wesley. Of course, probably the two men who despise me most in the entire kingdom. The two guards standing behind them, protecting the entry to the castle, pale in comparison to the wall of anger and hatred staring at me. Between them is Addison, as radiant as ever. Her long hair is hanging over her shoulders, lightly dancing in the breeze. Her blue eyes hold mine as I walk to the three of them.

She breaks from her brother and Wesley to reach me first. When she’s standing before me, I have to resist bending down and taking possession of her mouth. This isn’t the time to stake my claim. I need to make a good impression on everyone here.

Smiling, she greets, “Hey.”

Looking down, I’m unable to stop the smile that forms at being so close to her. “Hey, yourself.” Glancing over the top of her head, I notice how Elliott has his arms crossed over his chest and is scowling at me. Wesley has his hands by his side, fingers twitching to reach for the sword at his back. At least Elliott came unarmed.

“Oliver,” I hear Addison say in my mind. My attention is drawn back to her. “Wes knows everything. Elliott told him. When Wes found out you were coming tonight, he insisted on being here to greet you with me. He’s not coming to dinner, though. That’s only my family.”

Reaching up, I lightly run my thumb over her cheek. “Don’t worry about me, love. I can take care of myself.”

She rolls her eyes. “I know you can, but I wanted you to know why Elliott is here. He doesn’t want me with you. He told me he’d rather see me with any other man in our kingdom than with you.”

“Ah, a challenge. Think I can win him over?” I wink at her.

She raises an eyebrow then turns to walk toward the castle. “Let’s go, everyone. No need for a showdown.”

“There’d be no show,” Elliott growls with his eyes on me. “I’d have him down in a flash.”

I laugh, not at all concerned by his words. “Oh, Elliott, this is going to be so much fun.”

Addison pauses when she gets to the courtyard to wait for me to join her. “You just have to push him, don’t you?”

“Of course. What fun would it be if I didn’t?” She groans. which causes me to laugh again.

When I place my hand at the small of her back, I hear the scraping of a sword behind me. I whirl on instinct, pushing Addi behind me. Elliott has one arm across Wesley’s chest, trying to hold him back. Sword in hand, Wesley is ready to murder me to for touching Addi.

“Wesley!” a loud voice bellows from behind us. I scan the area, as all of the people in the courtyard go back to their business, but their eyes still follow the events playing out before them. King Azure stands amidst them.

As he walks toward us, Wesley sheathes his sword at his back. “I’m sorry, Your Highness. I don’t know what came over me.”

“I do,” the King responds. “You’re jealous and couldn’t handle seeing Addison with someone else. I suggest you get your emotions in check. None of Oliver’s blood is to be shed, especially not in my kingdom. Do you understand me?”

He drops his head. “Yes, Your Highness.”

“Good.” His eyes meet mine. “Could you keep your hands to yourself, at least until we’ve had dinner?”

A smile tries to break free, but I resist it. “Of course, Your Highness.”

“Wonderful. Let’s eat. Wesley, go home. I don’t want to see you again until the morning.”