Addison

Oliver’s acting strange. Before we left for breakfast, he disappeared for a bit then dodged my questions when I asked what he was up to. Two hours later, a man appeared by our side as we were about to leave the castle for a stroll through the forest. He had a letter for Oliver. My questions were ignored yet again. Now we are on our way back to my home and he’s still acting weird. His mind is oddly blank, and every time I touch him he jumps. I don’t understand how he’s learned to shield his mind so quickly. It’s baffling.

I growl out of frustration.

He laughs. “Did you just growl?”

“Oh, shut up. I can’t figure out what you’re doing and it’s making me crazy. I know you’re up to something.”

“You’ll find out in due time.”

“Uh huh.”

He laughs again then taps Lyras to have her turn toward my castle. We descend and land with a thump on the ground. Before climbing down, I pat her side, and send her a message, letting her know I appreciated the ride and telling her how beautiful she is. When I’m on the ground, she nudges me with her nose. I give her another pat before facing Oliver.

“I guess I’ll see you tonight when we’re asleep.”

He threads his fingers with mine. “I’m going in with you. I need to speak with your father.”

My eyes narrow. “Why?”

“Don’t you worry about that.”

“You’re making me crazy. You know that, right?”

He chuckles. “I do and I love it.”

We leave Lyras with one of the guards before walking toward the castle. I wish I could get into Oliver’s head to try and figure out what he needs to talk to my dad about. Then it hits me.

I stop in my tracks and turn to face him. “You’re going to ask him for my hand in marriage.”

His face is as blank as his mind. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Pointing at him, I say, “Yes, you do. And I’m right. I know I am.”

“Well, then there’s no need for me to answer you, now is there?”

“You’re so frustrating!”

He laughs. “I need to have some fun.”

When we reach the castle entrance, Lucas is standing there waiting for us. He smiles at me. “I see you survived your first night in the Pine Kingdom. How did it go?”

“Oh, you know, only a couple people want me dead. The others seem to like me.”

His face turns hard and he immediately looks to Oliver. “I was under the impression you would protect my sister.”

Oliver steps closer, matching Luke’s rising anger. “She’s standing here unharmed, isn’t she?”

“Don’t test me, Sage.”

“If you think for one moment I’d allow anyone to harm a hair on her head, then you’ve lost your ever-loving mind.”

I kick Oliver’s foot and send him a message. “Would you knock it off? You two are supposed to be getting along. It’s bad enough Elliott is still upset that we’re together. I don’t need to add Luke to the list.”

He turns to look down at me, relaying a message of his own. “I will not back down to Luke or any of your brothers. He needs to understand I would never let harm befall you.”

Sighing, I turn to Luke. “Can we go inside now? I can’t deal with the two of you.”

His eyes shift from me to Oliver and back again. “You two were just talking, weren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“I didn’t know Sage possessed such a skill.” He’s talking to me as if Oliver isn’t even standing here.

“He didn’t until yesterday, and he can only communicate with me, whereas I can speak to anyone.”

Luke narrows his eyes. “Why only you?”

“Oh, Azure, if you could only hear what I’m thinking right now,” Oliver interjects. I kick his foot again.

“I’m going inside,” I say. “You two can stand out here and do whatever you want, but I’m done.”

I hear Oliver behind me talking to Luke. “There’s no getting rid of me, Luke. Your sister loves me. You better get used to seeing me.”

Luke grumbles something unintelligible. I know the only reason he isn’t saying some smart remark back is because we are now walking through the courtyard, where there are many vendors, and my brother needs to play nice in front of everyone. We need to show how we get along with our enemies, or in my case, fall in love with them.

I decide I’m going with Oliver to see my dad. I doubt I’ll be allowed in the room while they talk, but it’s worth a shot.

Oliver leans over and speaks softly in my ear, “Not a chance, love.”

“Get out of my head,” I growl.

“I wasn’t,” he laughs. “You sent me that all on your own.” I may strangle him before we reach the building. His laugh grows louder.

We round the corner and then enter the door to the tower house. Guards bow, but not before I catch the angry glares they are giving Oliver. Much to his credit, he doesn’t even bat an eye at the way they are looking at him.

The guards outside the door to my father’s study open it for us, allowing us inside. Once there, I notice my dad isn’t alone. Alison is sitting opposite of him and they are both laughing.

Dad stands when he sees us and walks toward me. He places his hands on my arms. “Nice to see you made it back to us in one piece.”

I roll my eyes. “As if there was any doubt.”

“No, there wasn’t. I knew Oliver would take care of you.”

“I can take care of myself.” I don’t know why I have to keep repeating this. When did I suddenly have a need for a great protector? Granted, I love knowing Oliver will always look out for me, but this is getting ridiculous.

“I know you can, my daughter, but it’s reassuring to know the strongest knight in the Pine Kingdom is the one who is by your side while you’re there.”

He extends his hand to Oliver. “It’s nice to see you again. I got word you wanted to speak to me.”

“I do, Your Highness, if you have the time.”

“Of course. Would you all excuse us?”

Ali stops in front of Oliver before we leave. “It’s nice seeing you again. You look happy.”

He smiles then looks my way. “I am.”

She squeezes his arm before walking past me to join Luke. I give Oliver a scowl, since I’m being left out of the conversation, and file out of the room, after my brother and his wife. The door shuts behind us and I’m alone in the hallway with them. I despise being left out of things and here Oliver is speaking with my dad without me.

Ali’s eyes dance with excitement. “What do you think he wants to talk to your dad about?”

“He wouldn’t tell me.”

“Do you think he wants to propose?”

“What?” Luke bellows. “Why would you even suggest such a thing?”

“Oh, come off of it. Didn't you see the way he was looking at Addi? He’s madly in love with her.”

He scoffs. “She can do better.”

“Just because she isn’t dating one of your Elite, doesn’t mean she made a bad choice. Haven’t you noticed how happy she’s been lately? And Oliver? The last time I saw him smile was when his feelings were directed at me. It’s nice to see he’s moved on.”

Luke and I both growl in unison. Ali laughs. “You two.” She motions in between Luke and me. “You’re both so much alike.”

Luke looks over at me. “Please don’t marry Sage. I’m begging you.” He clasps his hands in front of himself for extra effect.

“Lucas!” Ali yells.

He pretends not to hear her. “You don’t really love him, do you?”

My lips lift on one side. “I’m afraid I do, baby brother. As much as you and Elliott wish I didn’t, I’m very much in love with that knight in there. I can’t explain it, but he’s mine.”

Sighing, he says to me, “I guess there’s no chance of convincing you that you’re better off with someone else.”

“Honestly,” Ali says in frustration, while lifting her arms in the air and letting them drop back by her side. “Did you not hear a word she just said? She loves him, Luke. Leave her be.”

I smile. It’s fun to watch them together. My brother has loosened up so much since Ali came to our realm. He laughs more, smiles, jokes even.

He hooks his arm around Ali’s waist, drawing her flush against him. “I heard her,” he says, staring into her eyes. “And I heard you as well. If my sister loves Oliver half as much as I love you, then I’m happy for her.” He turns his head to me. “But if that knight does anything the slightest bit out of line, I want you to hurt him where it counts.”

“You can be sure of it,” I respond.

“Good.” He focuses on Ali again. “Now, back to you. Did you raise your voice at me? I could have sworn you did.”

“You bet your ass I did, and I’ll do it again, you hard-headed prince.”

He laughs then bends down to kiss her fully on the lips. Just as I’m about to tell them to take it to their home, the door to the study opens and my father and Oliver come out. They both appear happy, talking quietly to one another.

“Ah, you’re all still here,” Dad says.

I cross my arms over my chest. “I’m not moving until I find out what was discussed in there.”

Oliver steps to me and places a kiss atop my head. “You’re going to get awfully hungry standing here then. Maybe you can request your next meal be brought to where you’re standing.”

“You think you’re so funny.”

His green eyes sparkle, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t get a single one of his thoughts. “I know I am,” he replies. “And feel free to keep trying to find out something from me, but my mind is sealed. Now, will you be walking with me back to Lyras, or should I kiss you goodbye here in front of your family?”

“You’re infuriating!” I’ve been able to send messages much longer than him and don’t have it completely mastered, yet here he is, still learning about his new ability, and he’s doing better than me.

He laughs. “Yes, love, I am.” Then he winks. This is so frustrating.

Oliver bids goodbye to my family and we begin the walk back to Lyras. All the while, I keep trying to prod his mind, as he walks beside me, with a smile on his face and one hand on my back. When we reach his dragon, we thank the guard and dismiss him back to the castle.

Oliver wraps his arms around my waist and looks into my eyes, as if he’s seeing right into my soul. “Tonight we shall meet in our dreams, but tomorrow I want you back in my bed.”

“What makes you so sure I want to sleep with you?”

He bends down and takes possession of my lips. My body quickly heats as my hands weave into his hair. “I love you, Addison Azure, and you love me. That’s how I know you’ll be back with me. We belong together. Every moment apart will be nothing shy of torture,” he sends to me while our tongues continue to dance.

“I love you, too, even when you drive me absolutely crazy.”

When we finally break apart, it’s with labored breaths and our bodies set ablaze. Too bad we aren’t shrouded by the trees. I’d let him ravish me one last time before he leaves.

I stand outside the castle and watch as Lyras takes flight, lifting them to the sky. It’s then I notice Oliver’s eyes leave mine and focus on something behind me. Turning around, I see Wesley standing atop the Azure castle wall with his sword in hand. Even after the time which has passed, he still is waiting in the shadows to fight for me.