About a week later, at least I think it was a week later. Honestly, I have no concept of time anymore. I know when to wake and I sleep when I’m tired. I eat when I’m hungry. Luke laughs at me since I’m still trying to get used to functioning this way.

Anyway, about a week later Elliott knocks on our door with news. Yes, our door, because I never did look for another place to live. Luke wouldn’t even listen any time I brought it up, and I’m very content to sleep next to him every night. So I gave in and very happily at that.

He answers the door, and we find Elliott on the other side with a tense jaw and a frown. “What’s going on, brother?” Luke asks.

“We’ve been invited to dinner with King Pine.” I suck in a breath. I know my father is dead, but hearing that name rocks me for a second. “Reid Pine,” he clarifies. “Apparently, he wants to discuss the peace treaty and spend some time with his sister.”

Luke’s body has gone rigid beside me. I see his face mimics his brother’s. “Does Ry know?”

“Yes, I just came from seeing him. He’s going, but is leaving whether or not you both want to attend up to you.”

“I have to go. Ali, you don’t.”

“I don’t understand why you both are so tense,” I say. “My father is dead. When everything went down I remember him saying that Reid wasn’t like him. That he likes to avoid conflict. I wouldn’t mind getting to know him.” I drop my eyes to the floor and speak softly. “He’s the only family I have left. I want to go.”

Luke steps closer and gathers me in his arms. I take comfort in his strength. “He’s not your only family. You have me and Elliott. All of the Azures are your family now.” Tears prick the back of my eyes, but I blink them away. “If you’d like to go, then we’ll go. Brother, please respond that we’ll attend, but will be bringing the Elite with us. Also, I want his word, and that of Sage, that no harm will come to any of us. We’re going for a meal and to hopefully get this treaty signed. If I feel Ali is in danger, I will not hesitate to protect her.”

Elliott replies through clenched teeth. “I’m not happy about going into their land, but as you wish.”

Luke’s chest deflates against me. “If what Reid says is true, then we have to be willing to discuss it. We’ve wanted peace with them for so long. Maybe now that Rafe is gone we’ll be able to attain it.”

“I don’t think he, and especially not Sage, would harm Ali, but I don’t trust them. Any of them.”

“Neither do I,” Luke states.

Four days later we’re on the back of Tali flying to the Pine Kingdom. The Elite surrounds Ryland on his dragon, and Luke and me on his, with Elliott at the front. Storm is much too small to carry anyone, although he is growing quickly, and wasn’t happy to be left behind. Addison said she would keep him occupied. He loves to play. I’m sure he’s loving the extra attention.

My nerves have been doing a number on me all day. I’ve barely been able to eat, which isn’t normal for me, and my hands shook as I tried to tame this wild mane of hair I have. Luckily, Addison was there to braid it for me. She’s very skilled. I’ve never been able to make my hair look like it does. The braid goes from the base of my hairline on the back of my neck, upward and ends in a bun on top. She made me look elegant. It will also serve to keep my hair from becoming a knotted mess from the flight.

I decided to wear a pair of tight, azure colored pants tonight, with a loose white blouse. I would have loved a skirt, but that’s not really easy to wear while traveling by dragon. I also had a local leather craftsman make me a pair of tall, low-heeled boots. They are black and lace all the way up, hugging my legs perfectly. I put them on to complete my outfit. We may be going to a dinner with a king, but I myself am a princess and will dress how I see fit. Plus, Luke said that very rarely does anyone dress in big ball gowns or overly formal attire. He told me I read too many books in my previous life.

My previous life. The more I’m here, the more I feel like I wasn’t really living when I was back in the States. This place, this realm, it’s nothing short of magical. The creatures I’m discovering, the dragons, the people, and most of all – my prince.

Tali banks to the right along with the rest of the clan, and we start our descent. There are tall pine trees below us. They become denser the closer we get to the castle. The castle looks much like the Azure one, but this one isn’t surrounded by water, only a dense forest of pine trees. There is a large flag atop their tower house, which is evergreen in color; the head of a black wolf appears on it as it billows in the breeze.

We touch down just outside of the main entrance. Tali rears up as men approach us. Luke shouts for them to stay back. Elliott is off his dragon, running up to stand before us, and pushes the men back. I’ve learned that Tali is very intuitive. She senses danger, tension, and other emotions. Luke explained it’s one of the reasons she’s the leader of their clan. He’s hoping Storm inherits her traits. All the better to protect me, he says.

With the men far away from Tali, she calms, and we’re able to jump down. I’ve become more agile and fit since being here. I no longer need Luke’s help to get on Tali’s back or get down. My body was always lean, but I’m packing on muscle. We go for runs together. He’s even been sparring with me. I have to admit, it’s a lot of fun.

One of the Elite hangs back to stay with the dragons, while Ryland, Luke, Elliott, seven Elite, and myself walk through the main doors leading to the courtyard. Pine guards surround us, escorting us forward. One step in and Oliver is waiting for us. His dirty blond hair is styled back from his face. He’s wearing black twill pants that fit him in the waist, and a deep green, long-sleeved fitted shirt. He’s cleanly shaven and reminds me of a guy I’d find back home. What the hell? I would have thought he’d dress like the others in the Azure Kingdom do, but then again, I don’t know anything of their place here. Those hypnotizing green eyes hone in on me and a gentle smile graces his face. He takes a few steps forward, meeting us halfway. He doesn’t give more than a passing glance to Ryland. I smile in return and reach out to embrace him. His arms wrap around me as he holds me carefully. Not wanting anyone to get the wrong idea, I pull back and clasp Oliver’s hands in mine.

“It’s nice to see you again, Oliver.”

“You’re more beautiful than I remember, Princess. I’m very happy to have you here with us. Come, let’s go find your brother.”

He offers his arm and I don’t know if I should take it or not. Luke and I discussed seeing Oliver again. He knows how much Oliver wants me as his, but my choice is made and won’t change. I look back to my prince, who inclines his head, silently telling me it’s all right to take his arm. While I don’t need his approval to do anything, I would want him to extend the same courtesy if it were the other way around. I turn back and see Oliver and Luke have locked eyes. I loop my arm through Oliver’s and tug him forward. I don’t want these two fighting, especially over me.

We all walk inside the walls; immediately I notice it isn’t as bright and lively as Azure is. There are only a handful of vendors and they watch us with open curiosity. I would have thought they hated us, but maybe my father wasn’t a great leader. He could have treated his people like shit, for all I know, and they are happy Luke killed him. Also, we don’t know what Reid has said about us to them.

Arm-in-arm, Oliver and I lead the men through the courtyard. I take a quick look at Ryland. He seems content to follow for the time being. He dressed in a deep navy, long-sleeved shirt paired with black twill pants. We get to the tower house where we walk past guards and finally into a grand dining room. There is a long wooden table with a feast spread out. The walls are decorated in shades of green and their crest is prominent on the wall.

The only man in the room is Reid, my male mirror image. His dark hair is tousled in a way I’m sure he intended. He first extends his hand to Ryland and they exchange pleasantries. I don’t believe they’ve met before this. From what Luke has said, Ryland steers clear of the battlefield. He said he’s not meant to fight, only rule. Yet, King Azure does both and so did the previous King Pine. Even Reid dressed in armor that day at the border.

Next, Reid turns to me. He smiles, takes a step forward, but stops. Luke and the rest of his men stop behind me. He’s so close to my back I can feel heat coming off of him. Oliver scowls next to me and I swear Luke growls. Seriously, these are grown men behaving like animals. I’m not anyone’s property!

I step out of Oliver’s grasp, away from Luke’s warmth, and forward to my brother. We’re even in height. He’s wearing an outfit almost identical to Oliver’s, but Reid’s shirt is a lighter green. I’m unsure of how to greet him. We didn’t have any time to talk or get to know each other. Leaning in, I give him the most awkward hug of my life. I can only imagine what the two of us look like. Maybe two guys trying to hug it out, certainly not family. I pat him on the back and pull away. Glad that’s over.

“Alison, I’m so happy you’ve come,” Reid says smiling. Luke steps up beside me, Oliver on the other side. I resist every urge I have to roll my eyes. “Prince Lucas,” Reid addresses Luke. “Thank you for coming. And you as well, Prince Elliott. Let’s sit and eat before the food gets cold.”

We all take seats at the table. Being Reid’s sister, I’m offered the seat to his left and Ryland takes the one opposite me. Elliott sits beside Ry, then Oliver next to him, and Luke takes the chair on my other side. The rest of the Elite sit down wherever they want. There are four Pine guards within the room as well. They stand along the walls quietly.

We begin our meal and conversation is kept light. About the time dessert is served, we turn the talk to the peace treaty.

“As you know,” Reid begins. “My father never wanted to sign the treaty. I tried on many occasions to persuade him, but it couldn’t be done. After my mother, our mother,” his eyes find mine for a moment and his face becomes somber, “left, my father changed. One of our seers came by and told him how our mother had a baby girl and had no plans to return, even though she held the key. As you can imagine, this didn’t go over well with him. His mood shifted and he became ruthless. He lashed out at anyone who disagreed with him. He treated our people terribly. Food wasn’t abundant for those in lower standing. He killed a man right in front of everyone for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his family.” I draw in a sharp breath as he continues, noting my expression. “I won’t go into more detail. But he was on a tirade for a long time.” I’m glad I didn’t have to live through that and was with my mother. I wonder if him not signing the treaty was one of the reasons my mom left. She and I were a lot alike, as is Reid. All peacekeepers.

“With your father gone, you feel like the time is right to sign?” Ry inquires.

Reid nods while swallowing the bite of food he has in his mouth. “I think it’s what our people want and know it’s what I want. Alison and I are the only members of our family left. I have to do everything in my power to keep the peace between our two kingdoms. I don’t want any more war. No more death. I want us to all coexist, like you do with the other kings. Once we’re through here I’ll be approaching the other kings to ensure peace all around, but it starts with Azure.” Luke had explained to me that Azure wasn’t the only kingdom Pine went to war with. His was just hit more often than the others.

“I’m happy to enter into an agreement with you,” Ry states.

Reid smiles. “Good. Let’s have dessert, and then we can go through the agreement and sign.”

A couple of women with emerald colored dresses enter the room with dessert trays. The Elite start chatting it up with Oliver and learning about each other’s army.

I take this chance to ask Reid the question I’ve been wondering the answer to. “Reid, how old are you?” Luke reaches beneath the table to give my leg a squeeze. We’ve both been quiet up until this point.

Reid smiles. “I’m twenty-eight.”

“Four years older than me.” He nods. “Do you remember Mom?” The question is blurted out with no thought whatsoever. Shit. I watch his face drop a little. This can’t be an easy topic for him.

“Barely. I have a few memories and they are mostly good. Her singing to me, putting me on her back and hiking. I also remember her leaving and crying myself to sleep for many nights. Dad was of no comfort, and I was pretty much left with a nanny to soothe me. I retreated into myself a lot and blamed him for her leaving. If he didn’t need to war with everyone, maybe she would have stayed.” I reach over and grasp his hand in mine to give him a gentle squeeze.

“I think there was more than one reason she left,” I say, stopping there. No way was I going to divulge about King Azure and Rya.

“She’s…she’s gone, right?”

“Yes. She died about a year ago. I only found the key the day before I came here.”

He gives me a small smile. “I know. The seer told me. Once Father knew you were alive, he stopped asking about Mother. I didn’t, though. Once a year, on my birthday, I went to see Anna, our seer, and asked her about you and Mother. She had said something about her passing, but I stopped there. I didn’t want to hear anymore. I instead switched to you. I knew she was going to die and that you would come. I just had to bide my time. I didn’t tell father. Anna did. I didn’t even know he still sought out information about you.”

“I’m sorry you didn’t get to know her. I have a picture of her back at Luke’s. Next time we meet, I’ll bring it so you can see. We both look so much like her.”

“You want to see me again?” he asks with surprise in his voice.

“Yes,” I smile. “Of course. You’re my brother. I missed out on knowing you all my life. We have a lot of time to make up for.”

He gives me a wide smile. “I’d like that.”

After dessert Ryland and Reid go into a separate room. I take this opportunity to pull Oliver aside and ask him a question I didn’t want to ask in front of everyone.

“Why didn’t you leave? Why did you stay with such an awful man as your ruler?”

“It’s not that simple. I couldn’t leave. For one, where would I go? Any outside kings would see me as a spy. They wouldn’t trust me enough to let me within their walls. And if Rafe found out I left, he’d have his men hunt me down and would kill me himself for betraying him. As you know first-hand, he didn’t take well to those who went against him. But above all of that, I stayed, because I was waiting for you.” My eyes close as emotion builds in my chest. He continues, “Princess, above everything else, I want you to be happy. Even if that means you’re with Lucas.” His lip curls slightly when he speaks Luke’s name. I don’t get a chance to respond, however, because Reid and Ry return with a signed treaty in hand. That was quick.

I hug my brother and promise to see him again soon. He shakes hands with all of the Elite, as well as the Azures. Oliver escorts us back through the front entrance of the castle’s surrounding wall. He shakes hands with everyone including Luke, who then takes a few steps back to give us some space. He knows he has nothing to worry about, but I think he’s still a little unsure where Oliver is concerned. He knows he won’t hurt me, but I think he’s afraid I’ll be taken from him

“I’m sorry we didn’t get to talk longer tonight,” I say sincerely to Oliver.

“It’s okay. I got to see you and that’s what matters. Although, I’m not happy to see you go. Are you sure you won’t reconsider my offer and join me here? You have no idea how elated you would make me, Princess. Reid as well.” He knows how to pull at my heartstrings, however my place isn’t beside him.

“I belong with Luke, Oliver.” He closes his eyes briefly and lets out a breath. I guess it was too much to hope he had let go of this want to have me, even after our short conversation about him wanting me to be happy. Maybe one day he’ll let go.

He brings me in for a hug. His lips brush my ear as he whispers, “Farewell, my beautiful princess. I’ll keep hoping that one day you’ll come to me.”

“Oliver, please don’t,” I reply quietly.

He pulls back and I have to turn away. I don’t feel awkward; I’m hurting him and I hate it. I don’t want him to see the pain on my face. So I place a quick kiss on his cheek and turn to leave.

Together, Luke and I walk to Tali. She lies on the ground, ready for us to climb on. Once we’re settled on her back, Luke wraps an arm around my waist, drawing me as close as possible and kisses me on the cheek. “Let’s go home.”

I lean my head back on his shoulder. “I’d like that.”

We take to the skies and I look down upon the tall pine trees that surround the castle. I watch as Oliver stands, unmoving, with his head tipped toward us until we soar out of sight.