Sunshine
Chapter 19

Lianna came awake slowly, the softness of her bed trying to persuade her that she did not want to get up at all. The scent of sausage and honeyed apples reached her nose and she felt it twitch in response. Still, she did not want to open her eyes, content to stay in bed forever and not face the dark male who had dominated her dreams all night. She remembered the feel of his lips against hers and the way his hands in her hair and on her breast made fire course through her veins. Her own hands followed the trail he had made in her dreams, up her rib cage to cup the soft globe of her breast. In one dream he had even licked a burning trail down her throat while his hand moved up her bare thigh.

“Oh god, Lianna, if you don’t stop I will rethink my decision to wait and I will spend all day showing you just how good it can feel.” Lianna sat straight up at the sound of his voice.

He was sitting on the edge of the bed watching her with a mixture of amusement and impatience. His dark hair was tousled as if he had been running his hands through it and his lips were thin and bloodless in his tan face. She glared at him for interrupting her dream even though the sight of him sitting there brought all of the sensations back full force. She swallowed hard and lowered her eyes. A silver tray sat next to him on the bed and her stomach rumbled in acknowledgment of its hunger. She sniffed delicately.

“Spying on my dreams?” She sneered at the pained look on his face with narrowed green eyes.

“I can’t help it when you practically scream it down the bond. It is a good thing no one else can read your mind.” She blanched at that comment and had to admit he may be right. But the thought that even he could hear and see and feel the things in her head made her start panicking. Especially because most of her thoughts had been about him since he had appeared in her life.

“Is it like this for all mated couples?” She asked him, watching his face closely for his reaction. She watched as he took a deep breath and collected his thoughts.

“Being mated only happens oncein a life time, so this is my first personal experience. But usually when couplesfirst mate they are not seen for weeks. It is a strong, natural instinct, the claiming. I have seen newly mated males attack others just for looking at their females too long.” Aeros watched her intently and she tried to understand.

“So this is normal?” Her eyes narrowed at him as he shook his head in assignation.

“What is that?” She asked suspiciously, eyeingthe steaming tray . He rolled his eyes in obvious annoyance.

“Breakfast Sunshine.” He removed the lid and exposed two plates of boiled eggs with sausage and thin slices of toasted bread with strawberry jam. He picked up one of the two steaming cups of chocolate and offered it to her. She raised her eyebrows and hesitantly reached for the aromatic drink, her mouth-watering despite her total paranoia.

“It’s a peace offering of sorts.” He let out an exasperated sigh. “Now I see what Sylva was talking about.”

Lianna narrowed her eyes at him “No one has ever done anything like this for me. I am perfectly capable of taking care of my own needs.” She said to him before reaching for a piece of toast smothered in sticky red jelly. When he didn’t answer she looked back at his face to replace his eyes glued to her chest.

She felt the blush suffuse her from head to toe and yanked the blanket back up to cover her nakedness. His eyes darted back to hers and he grinned shamelessly.

“Just because you can take care of yourself does not mean that I cannot pamper you a little bit.” She snorted at that and took a bite out of the crispy bread.

“So you think to win my heart by feeding me breakfast in bed and telling me nice things?” She smiled at the thought.

“Will it work?” His ebony brows lifted in askance. She shrugged a careless shoulder.

“Maybe.” Lianna grabbed the whole plate and slid it closer, making him move fully onto the bed with her so they could share the meal.

“I understand your reasons for wanting to wait, and I respect them. I know you have not had an easy life and I want to do whatever I have to, to show you how good life with me could be.” He waggled his eyebrows at her and she giggled at the nonsense.

“I could get used to this.” She waved a hand over the breakfast tray, nearly spilling the hot chocolate on the blankets. She leaned back against the headboard and cradled the mug to her chest. She looked towards the covered windows and wondered where the sun was at in the sky. Suddenly the heavy drapes were flung aside by a phantom wind and swirling flurries of snow blocked out any sunlight that may have existed.

“It may take some more time to get used to that.” She said meaning the way he always knew what she was thinking.

“I can’t help it, but you could shut me out if you wanted to.” He answered her. She looked at him in surprise.

“It would take time for you to master the art but it is possible, how do you think I survived so long against Lucien?” It was a rhetorical question, and Lianna did not have an answer anyway so she said nothing, instead choosing to study the way his hands held the mug in a steady but gentle grip. Everything about him seemed steady, unshakable. She wanted to see that control slip just a little bit so she would not feel like such a hot mess when she was near him.

“The wildness that clings to you is part of who you are. And it has taken me centuries to become this steady and ‘unshakable’.” He smiled when She stuck her tongue out at him.

“You almost saw me lose control last night. And the night before.” He reached out with a gentle touch and pushed a wayward curl behind her ear only to watch it spring back up and fall toward her face again. Something in his eyes shifted and Lianna thought it might be tenderness she saw there.

“Don’t look at me like that.” She whispered, lowering her eyes to hide the confusion she felt.

“Like what?” He asked as he gently pried the cup from her hands. He set it on the tray and stood, taking the whole thing with him. She glanced back at him.

“Like I’m some amazing gift that you can’t believe you’ve received.” She rolled her eyes as she said it.

“Maybe you are, and maybe I can’t believe it.” He laughed. “After you are dressed, meet me in your sitting room. I want to teach you how to play chess.”

When the door closed behind him Lianna snuggled back down into the downy mattress and pulled the blanket up to her chin. She was not ready to get up yet, and there was not much to do indoors that would likely hold her attention for too long. An image of Aeros laying next to her on the bed, exploring her with hands and lips had her flinging the covers off and jumping up. She heard his loud laugh through the door from the outer chamber.

She imagined dumping a bucket of ice water on his head and sent him the image in return. Lianna did not feel like playing queen today and so donned her rabbit skins instead of one of the beautiful dresses that had appeared in her closet while she was gone. Her wicked juices began bubbling and she even decided to forgo the furry dress that she usually wore over the skimpy top. She would shock them all and revel in every disapproving stare she received.

Aeros was waiting for her at a small round table in the antechamber. “Do you honestly intend to run around in that all day?” His eyes had flared wide as he took in the exposed skin along her lower belly, hips, and back. She raised one finely arched brow in a silent challenge and watched his hands come up in an exasperated gesture. He hadn’t mentioned it again throughout their game though. Lianna had noticed his not-so-subtle glances at her and had to admit the thrill it had sent through her knowing she had him so distracted. The look on his face after that had been tight and unyielding and she wondered what was bothering him. She knocked his King off the table with a swoop of her queen for the second time.

“Checkmate.” She smiled at him sweetly. “Don’t worry, I am sure it’s only beginners’ luck. And you seem distracted.”

“What do you expect when I am sitting across from a beautiful, half-dressed dragon?” He had teased her in return. The light in his eyes had her body sizzling with awareness and she couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be his mate. It would be different from what she would have with anyone else. The bond is stronger and more intense. The sense of freedom she had found would be no more. She would be bound by his expectations of what he thought a female should be. Just as Seth and Sylva had admonished her on her many unqueenly behaviors. She knew he would not allow her to traipse about ‘half-naked’ as he had put it.

Lianna had stayed and begun putting the pieces back on the table after he stalked out. The maids would have a fit if they could have seen her crawling on the floor under the table to get them in a very non-royal like manner. As she walked out into the giant ballroom in search of something else to occupy her time she wondered where he had gone. Or why she even cared.

Lianna stopped, transfixed with amazement at the changes that had occurred since her first arrival. The floors were well polished and shone with watery light that came from the dozens of skylights high above. The snow-refracted sunlight hit the walls and they glowed like bright rubies before reflecting it to the floor in shimmering waves. Several chandeliers hung from beneath the second-floor balcony that ran the length of the round room. Three giant chandeliers hung suspended with magic in the center of the room. She had not noticed the changes when she had come through here the day before.

She wondered what it would be like to have this place filled with people, dancing all night amongst friends and family who did not fear or resent her, or expect her to be something she was not. If that was even possible. She had not even realized until this moment that she wanted such things. Lianna turned away from the ballroom and sought out the kitchen. The thought of replaceing Aerin and Catrione bringing a smile to her face.

Even the main hall had been polished, the large stained-glass windows looking out on the mountains below took her breath away. She walked over to one and leaned against the cold glass to look down. The view was distorted through the thick golden-hued pane. From this height, she could even see a sliver of the ash forest in the distance where the canyon-like path fell away. A blanket of snow-covered everything and more of the thick, heavy flakes were still falling from the sky. Lianna watched as her breath puffed patches of condensation on the glass. She leaned back and traced her finger through the haze, a small flame outlined in the darkness.

“How fitting.” Seth had snuck up on her. She whirled around to replace him leaning against the opposite wall. His arms were crossed over his chest and he watched her curiously. His face softened into affection and he pushed away from the wall and sauntered towards her, offering his arm. He didn’t even bat an eye at her appearance and she loved him for it.

“There are a few more rooms that you have yet to explore that have been cleaned in our absence. I think I promised you a hall of mirrors..?” She smiled at him and rushed forward to take his arm, glad that he at least did not seem to expect anything from her or comment on her state of dress.

“Good lord! When was the last time you took a brush to your hair?” He teased her. She pinched his arm and ran a hand over the chaotic tangles.

“It has been a day. Or two.” She admitted. Or a week. Blood sufficed her cheeks, as she lowered her eyes.

“You are still beautiful.” He whispered. She looked up at him, unsure of his tone. A low growl rumbled through the hall and they both spun around to see Aeros coming towards them.

Seth watched Lianna’s face as her smile instantly vanished. She even snarled back at him. Seth raised his eyebrows and an amused light came into his eyes. Lianna had denied Aeros and he did not look too happy about it. He was proud of his queen for not falling at the dark lord’s feet. The ancient male was probably accustomed to receiving everything he wanted without argument. He had a lot to learn about his Queen if expected meek obedience from her. The look Aeros shot him was one of pure territorial warning.

“Seth says there is a whole room full of mirrors! He is going to show me.” Her bright green eyes darted back and forth between them. She could feel the tension in the air and deliberately turned away from Aeros, smiling at Seth instead.

“I would love a tour Sunshine.” He smiled at her bare back through gritted teeth. He raised his brows at Seth who felt his beast snarling back at Aeros. He gave him a curt nod and turned to lead the way. He did not want Lianna in that way, but she was so young and innocent he felt protective of her and would kill Aeros before he let the ancient male harm her in any way. Aeros’s dragon snarled his answer into Seth’s mind and the feline in him hissed at the unwelcome presence.

A maid chose that moment to appear from the kitchens. Her mousy brown hair was held back in a long dark braid. Her light green gaze widened when she saw who was in the hall. Lianna caught the lingering glance she leveled at Seth and saw the tray she carried in her arms.

“Moriah!” Lianna remembered the girl’s name, an idea taking form. “We were just headed on a tour of the palace. Is that our lunch?” She nodded to the girl’s tray.

Moriah bobbed a wobbly curtsy, inclining her head in answer.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Soft eyes darted to Seth again, who didn’t seem to even notice.

“Might I suggest the observatory? Or the gardens? We just finished cleaning them both yesterday.” The timid girl offered shyly.

“That sounds wonderful, but we could take lunch in the gardens when we get there. I would love for you to join us on our tour. You probably know where all the good stuff is anyway.” Lianna winked at her.

The stunned girls’ eyes widened before she dropped her gaze. “I would love to Majesty! I will just have someone else bring it up there and go tell Miss Sylva right away.” Her eyes swerved to Seth once more before she turned and hurried quickly back to the dining room.

Lianna turned to study a tapestry on the wall behind her. Aeros followed, leaning in close to her, his mind brushing against her own. She opened up to him and felt the amused arrogance of his thoughts.

“What?” She asked him innocently. Seth looked at them nervously, as if he could hear their silent conversation. Aeros only rolled his eyes heavenward in answer not deigning to reply out loud.

“What is an observatory?” She asked out loud to try and get them to talk to each other, forgetting her frustration with the male on her left momentarily.

“A room for observing. There is a unique device that someone came up with long ago that magnifies whatever image you point it at. There are maps everywhere and the entire room is made of thick glass.” Seth answered her.

“I have never heard of such a thing.” She said, trying to imagine what it might look like.

“There are probably a great many things you have yet to even imagine exist,” Aeros replied good-naturedly as they waited on the maid’s return.

Catrione and Aerin walked out of the dining room interrupting their conversation.

“Lianna!” Aerin bounced to her side. “Can we go flying today?”

“Aerin!” Catrione demanded. “Address her by her proper title and for goodness sakes, you cannot fly about in that blizzard!” The boy’s face fell immediately into a guilty mask.

Lianna directed her attention to the woman. “I have told you all to call me Lianna.” She gave her a pointed stare, “Such titles are for political nonsense, and you are my friends.” She waved a hand, gesturing towards her attire. “I am not your queen today. I am simply Lianna.” She reached out to grasp the older woman’s hand trying to soften the sharpness in her tone. Aeros felt a swell of pride for his mate and hoped the woman had the good sense to accept the queen’s invitation.

Catrione nodded with an exasperated sigh.

“Good. We were just waiting for Moriah to return and take us to see the observatory and the garden, and Seth says he knows where there is a whole room full of mirrors!” Lianna reached for Aerin’s hand,

“You can join us too.” She smiled. The boy squeezed her hand in thanks, the look on his face was one of exaggerated relief.

“Thank the Mother.” The boy told Lianna in a loud whisper. “She was going to make me sit in the library and practice my letters.” His eyes were wide and serious, and she couldn’t help but laugh at him.

“Well, letters are very important, but maybe she will let you come play with us instead; just for today?” Seth watched as the two of them turned identical pleading expressions to his sister. He bit back a smile, watching Catrione try to maintain a serious façade. She gave up, rolling her eyes and throwing her hands up in mock surrender.

“What am I to do with you two?”

“It’s like having another child running about, except we have to take orders from this one.” Seth grinned consperationally. His eyes turned to the open doorway as Moriah finally returned.

“Shall we?” He lifted his arm to the blushing maid and smiled when she accepted it shyly.

Lianna raised her chin a notch and gave Aeros an ‘I told you so’ look. He just smiled knowingly, slipping an arm around her waist. A small thrill of heat swept through her at the intimate contact, making her want to lean into him. Instead, she pulled away quickly. Catrione and Aerin walked ahead of them, and they all filed through the hall at a slow meandering pace. Back to the ballroom and up to the second floor, they went. They walked past the portraits and Lianna noticed for the first time that the chandeliers were floating in thin air. Some of her awe must have shown on her face.

“They have been spelled to stay lit whenever dragons roam these halls. The magic exists because of you.” Aeros told her.

“But Seth lit them when he first brought me here.” She said confused.

“They would not have lit if you had not been standing in the threshold,” Catrione called from ahead of them.

“It was so neat!” Aerin twisted around to explain. “We were in the library learning about stupid letters when all of the fireplaces suddenly lit up. Mama even dropped her book. Then Grandma came running in. Her face was all white and she said that the damn magic must be broken.”

“Aerin!” Catrione popped him on the back of his head. Lianna laughed as the boy rubbed the stinging spot woefully. They had made it to the interior of the balcony, just above the hall that led to the kitchens and servants’ quarters. Another sprawling staircase arched upwards and to the left. More stained-glass windows with views of the surrounding mountains wrapped around the exterior wall. One enormous peak took up much of the view, but the swirling white air obscured most of the details. Floating lights danced high above their heads, lighting their way. Their footsteps echoed off the red and gold checkered tiles as they ascended the wide stairway.

Tapestries curved around the inside wall. A beautiful gold and blue dragon soaring through a clear sky. The red mountains were silhouetted behind her as she flew over a thick green canopy. The stitches were so intricate that Lianna ran a reverent hand over the silky material. The dyes made the colors burst and she could almost smell the crisp alpine air. The stairwell ended and Lianna could see the rocky exterior wall of the next chamber through the window to her right.

She came to a sudden stop just inside the room. It was every bit as large and open as the ballroom. The ceiling was a straight line from the floor, angling to her left where it met the red wall in a point high above them. Most of it was made of clear glass, held together by thin slivers of rock, making it appear like a mosaic of red and white, as the snow piled on top. They were so high in the mountain that she could almost make out the neighboring peak through the waves of clouds and snow that raged outside.

The glass was so thick that she could see the frost coating the outer layer almost a foot length from the inside. The room was somewhat hot and humid. There were plants everywhere in brightly colored pots and soil beds carved into the floor. The space was open before her but narrowed into a path that wove through grass and gardens that grew from the floor itself. Lianna leaned back into Aeros and took in the splendor of the room. There were grassy hills and she noticed that the trees growing closest to the windows even bore apples.

She gasped in delight and pointed excitedly as the aroma of the sultry blooms reached her senses. Aerin looked up at her with the same childish enthusiasm that never ceased to amaze the older fae in the room. Moriah gave them a proud look.

“The gardens, Majesty.” She waved a hand grandly.

Aerin grabbed Lianna’s hand and tugged her forward.

“You haven’t even seen the best part!” He exclaimed. “Just wait!” Lianna looked back at Aeros who shrugged and followed, she snatched his hand in hers and yanked him forward as well.

Seth and Moriah had already disappeared ahead of them into the miniature indoor jungle, and Aeros felt Lianna’s emotions as if they were his own. She was so carefree and open that he could not help but catch the contagious feelings she radiated like sunshine. He watched her hips sway as she walked slowly in front of him taking it all in. It was rather remarkable to have this all inside the mountain, and he listened as she and the boy whispered about the different flowers. He swore there was a honeybee hive near the base of the room in an old hollow tree. Aeros smiled at their antics. He still had trouble believing that this was real. That she was real. She had not released his hand yet and the warmth of her fingers entwined with his made him uncomfortable in a way he didn’t understand, although he couldn’t bring himself to pull away from her. It was almost like he was dreaming, and he would wake up any minute to the dark desolate caves and the sound of the ocean waves echoing his loneliness and despair. The darkness would last for months, and the sunlight only weeks. He did not think he could ever bring himself to return to that depressing life after tasting the one this woman offered him. Or refused to offer him, he amended. She was the only other dragon in the world, she had to understand that she belonged with him.

He had heard and felt every thought she had this morning during their game. Seeing her in those rabbit skins that barely concealed the upper half of her body had nearly pushed him over the edge. She was so natural in them though as if she had worn them every day of her life. His shock had quickly turned to raging desire and it had taken every ounce of self-control he possessed to stop himself from reaching for those exposed hips. She had won two games in a row and didn’t even know how to play because he had been so distracted.

Aeros was so lost in his thoughts that he almost bumped into her when she came to a sudden halt in front of him. He looked over her shoulder and saw what had stopped her in her tracks. A life-size dragon statue had been carved out of the wall in front of them. Its red and gold scales reminding him of her graceful form. The creature was breathing an eternal fire into a natural spring that poured from a hole in the rocks where the wall met the floor. The small stream widened as it flowed across the floor, bright green moss grew from its shallow bank as it meandered through the room towards a large open balcony at the other end. The far wall boasted a counter and a liquor cabinet, a bookshelf full of ancient tombs, and a music box. Glass cabinets held who knew what a few feet above the stone countertop. He turned to watch the emotions play across his mate’s face.

Lianna turned to look at him in open wonder, as if she couldn’t quite believe her eyes and needed his affirmation that it was real. He couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face in response. She hurried toward the small wooden bridge that crossed the stream and followed the path to the balcony that jutted out from the room. They were at the farthest point from the entrance of the gardens and a grassy knoll gave way to red stone once again. A stone balustrade guarded the edge of the floor in a wide circle. The light and warmth arched across the balcony in an invisible wall. A magical ward that allowed one to enjoy the balcony even on a day such as this. A dais in the center of the balcony held an odd golden rod atop a tripod. It was several feet long and as wide as her hips. The wind and snow swirled against the invisible barrier; a transfixing sight that held her spellbound momentarily.

“Wow,” she whispered, her huge green eyes taking it all in. Seth and Moriah occupied one of two wooden benches just to their left. A large round table, with ten comfortably upholstered chairs, stood several feet away, their lunch had somehow made it here before they did. Catrione and Aerin had just taken their seats and began filling their plates when Lianna and Aeros caught up to them.

“When the sky is clear, you can look through the telescope and see the ocean!” Aerin told her.

Lianna grabbed Aeros’s hand and pulled him toward the open space of the veranda beyond. She stood near the edge and reached her hand out past the barrier. He watched with an amused grin as she snatched it back instantly, her fingers bright red and covered in ice. Aeros was left wondering if she had forgotten who she dragged along, or if she was so caught up in her excitement that she didn’t care.

“Have you ever seen anything so amazing?” She said with a breathy sigh.

Watching her turn back to him, her wild hair dancing about her ethereal beauty, the way her skin turned golden and shimmered in the flickering light, he thought he had never seen anything as incredible in all his centuries of life. He felt the heat jump between him as she turned her face towards his and caught the look on his face. He knew that she knew that he was not talking about the enchanted room when he answered.

“Never.” Her gaze turned bold and amused as she sauntered back to him.

“You’re not even looking at it.” She murmured, so close now he could have reached out and touched her. Aeros leashed his beast. As bad as he wanted to know what she was thinking right now, he was equally sure she wouldn’t want him to know. Suddenly music filled the air around them and Lianna pulled back, her eyes narrowing in confusion. Against the far wall was a large shelf she had missed earlier. Wine bottles could be seen inside a glass cabinet built into the wall. The wooden shelf held a tray of glasses and a bowl of fruit that Aerin was now eyeing with interest. A strange box with a large flower looking tube growing from the side sat at the edge of the shelf and the sound poured from it. Light and airy, it reminded her of the wind. A slow steady beat drummed a decadent rhythm that made her want to move with it.

His arms came around her automatically and her warmth invaded his senses in a way that had him wishing they were back in the privacy of her room. She lifted her face to his and he smiled as his feet found the rhythm, and tugged her along.

“A music box,” Aeros whispered in her ear. Grabbing one of her hands and swinging it out before them, he placed the other at the small of her back and spun her around the balcony. Her breath caught as he led her in a dizzying spiral. Her feet barely seemed to touch the floor and she threw her head back in laughter. She saw Seth and Moriah come into her upside-down view as they twirled and spun in time to the beat as well. Her heart swelled with a nameless emotion as their little party laughed and danced merrily and she never wanted the magic to end. Lianna felt as if she were in a trance, caught in a swirling wind of music and the strong arms that held her waist and spun her in dizzying circles. Laying her head against his chest she closed her eyes and let her body move with his on instinct alone. When the music finally came to an end sometime later, she glanced around and realized they were alone.

“They left already.” He told her softly. He watched her eyes flit around the room before they came to rest on him again. Her cheeks bloomed with twin red splotches and once again he had to stop himself from reading her thoughts.

“What are you thinking Lianna?” He asked her gently.

“Can’t you tell?” She queried.

“I don’t want to know. I mean I do, but I know you don’t want me to know.” He felt himself stammer trying to explain and he felt like an idiot. He was in uncharted waters. Never had he held himself back in any way, especially when he wanted something so bad. He was willing to go against his nature to please her. He swallowed and looked at her. The smile on her face was gentle and her eyes sparkled. Aeros reached a hand up to trace the curve of her smiling cheek and down her neck. Her eyes closed and she leaned into his touch. He dared to squeeze the curve of her hip and pull her closer against him.

“Aeros.” She whispered, her green eyes flickering in response. Her fingers reached up to trace his bottom lip, her eyes following the movements. His breath left him in a ragged sigh.

“Lianna I am trying so hard not to take what your body offers but your mouth denies. Give me something. Please.” Her eyes met his and she leaned forward, her hand dropping to his chest.

“Then kiss me again Aeros.” She whispered. With a guttural rumble, he pulled her into him. His hands were gentle, but the urgency in the movement made her weak in the knees. His lips closed over hers and she sighed at the sensation. As he settled them upon her softness he heard the small whimper that escaped her. The sound triggered something inside him and heat poured through him and out into her. Suddenly her hands were fisted in his white shirt and she was pulling him closer. He groaned in response, running the tip of his tongue along the line of her lips, seeking entry. When they finally parted he swept inside her and tasted the heaven she offered.

Lianna opened her lips to him and the tension inside her increased tenfold. Her grip tightened in his shirt, pulling him closer. She was rewarded when his hands slipped around her waist and yanked her flat against him. A low growl emanated from deep in his chest and he pulled away slowly.

“They will be waiting for you in the dining hall.” He whispered. He watched as she opened her eyes and the desire he saw there so closely mirroring his own raging need almost brought him to his knees. Reigning it in with an iron will he tucked her hand inside his arm and began the slow walk down to the dining room. She was a simmering mess beside him and he smiled at the amount of frustration he sensed radiating from her. Her bright red lips were swollen from his kiss and her eyes still looked glazed over. Maybe it wasn’t so bad, this waiting. The anticipation seemed to heighten the pleasure more and more each time he held her in his arms.

The sky had become considerably darker when they reached the well-lit dining hall. Sylva was already there sitting in her usual place, her plate of food set off to the side and a stack of papers sitting before her. She glanced up at them as they walked in.

“Enjoy the gardens?” She asked

“OH, they were wonderful!” Lianna proclaimed, sitting in the chair that Aeros had pulled out for her. Seth followed suit for Moriah. Catrione and Aerin taking up seats near Sylva.

“I received missives today from the wolves. We are to be entertaining the Alpha and his Omega, along with the heads of the other packs by the end of the week.” The housekeeper announced to the room at large. Aeros felt Lianna stiffen next to him. She did not speak for a moment as a servant filled their wine glasses. She began filling her plate with venison and long green beans. She took a bite of her bread and swallowed it before she finally answered.

“Do they all know what I am?” Insecurity was written all over her face. Aeros reached for her beneath the table, placing his hand on her leg in comfort. His aura rolled over her and she felt the security he offered her. She was immediately grateful for his presence at her side.

“Yes, and they write to us intending to call a council meeting. They wish to discuss the threat that Prince Eris insists the King poses against the mountains and all of us who dwell here.” She quoted, reading aloud from a paper in front of her. She put the parchment down and pulled her plate back in front of her.

“The prince claims you have proof.” She lifted delicate silver eyebrows in Seth’s direction. He nodded in acknowledgment.

“We have maps that show his intentions of blowing a path right through the heart of the Ash Forest. He planned to use Eris as leverage for the wolves’ cooperation. That is until Lianna rescued him.”

Catrione gasped in outrage at the revelation.

“We knew things were getting bad, but this is ridiculous. You do away with a monster and replace him with a tyrant. Just what does that mad man expect to gain from this?” Her passion surprised Lianna.

“The same thing all monarchs want. Power.” Seth answered smoothly.

“Lianna is not like that,” Aerin spoke up. All eyes shot to her and she wanted nothing more than to become invisible at that moment. She did not want anything but to stay here in this mountain and spend every day like they had today. The thought of a war taking any of them away made her blood run cold.

“I do not want to be your queen. It is only a title you have given me. I do not want to fight or take anything from anyone.” She took a deep breath, inviting her beast to convince them of her next words.

“But I will not let anyone enslave my friends and destroy my mountains.” The vicious undertone gave strength to her words.

Aerin broke the silence that greeted her vow with hushed reverence. “I believe you, Lianna.”

Aeros listened to them speak and wanted to walk away. They were talking about war. Lianna was volunteering for something she was highly unprepared for. Errewyn knew something was going on already, he may not know what exactly, but he had employed Lord Sorea to replace out if any opposition would meet his proposal. Aeros had ulterior motives for agreeing to come here, the female beside him being his main attraction at the moment. But people would die if the King were to replace out they were holding council meetings against him. She could die. Fear shot through him like an arrow and he felt the darkness rise inside him. Lianna turned and looked at him, he read the stubborn lines on her face and hated the idea of her insisting to do anything. He had warned his sister and she had ignored him. Now she was dead.

Lianna continued to watch him, her eyes widening, and comprehension dawned on her face. She had heard every thought. His pulse stuttered in his veins and he wondered just how much she had heard through their bond.

“Shit.” He said out loud. Everyone was watching them. They did not know of the silent tirade he had just unleashed, but the look Lianna was giving him had them all wondering. She stood abruptly and stalked away.

“Lianna.” He called, jumping up to go after her. He waited until they had reached the hallway before grabbing her. She sparked in defiance, her hair lighting on fire as she spun on him with a snarl.

“I am not your sister. I did not ask you to join this fight.” She poked a sizzling finger into his chest.

“If you want to leave then go! But do not ask me to stand idly by while he destroys my home! I do not care what you promised him. Or what you plan to do with the information you now have. Do you plan to run back to him and tell him what you found here? ”

“I have asked nothing of you, Lianna. You have no idea how it feels to have everyone you love to be brutally murdered. To spend centuries alone because you are the only one who survived. I gave up hope a long time ago of replaceing any happiness. I do what I do now to survive in today’s world. For the people that look to me for guidance in the North. ” His hands lashed out and snatched her to him.

“I have not decided what I will do with the information yet. You are my mate and that part of me wants to stay with you and help you. But hundreds of years of exile by a mad King and a kingdom that is petrified of dragons has taught me not to underestimate the power he holds over them. Over us. As my mate, you are mine and I will not let you put yourself in harm’s way for a people who would sooner string you up and rip out your entrails; literally, than look you in the eye.” He finished passionately,

Blue fire sprang up along her skin as she yanked herself from his grip.

“I belong to no one!” She spat fire in her rage. Her chest heaved with each irritated breath. Her glorious hair crackled around her. Steam curled from her nostrils and his dragon leaped within him, demanding he make her bend to his will. Steam swirled out of his nostrils and his black flames leaped to life. Her eyes flared as she felt the wave of ancient power billowing up through him.

Lianna felt her eyes go round as power radiated around her, a dominant black wave that demanded she yield to him. A sharp hiss escaped her, and she turned to flee. She made it as far as the ballroom when he caught her. Sweeping her up in his arms, he threw her over his shoulders in a swift, effortless motion. She screamed and began pounding on his back.

“Put me down you beast!” She shouted. He smacked her rear end in response. She burst into flames over his shoulder, but he was ready for anything she threw at him. His dark aura quickly smothered her flames and she screamed again in outrage. When he reached her inner chamber, he threw her down on the bed, following her so swiftly she had no time to escape. Her eyes spit fire as she roared in his face. He snarled right back, holding her hands above her head and using the weight of his body to hold her captive beneath him.

“I am not afraid of you. Or any of them.” She spat fearlessly. Her aura pulsed beneath him and he knew she spoke true. The fierceness of her simple statement gave him pause and that fracture in his soul that had opened up in the mountains days ago cracked open a bit more. Gods, what was he going to do with her?

“I don’t want you to be afraid of me.” He said hoarsely. “I want you to stay alive Sunshine.” His lips claimed hers in a gentle passion that washed through her, the sweetness of his words drowning her anger in an instant. Aeros released his grip on her hands and she moved them down to grab ahold of his shoulders in a claw-like grip.

“You are mine.” He whispered savagely in her ear, his canines scraping gently against the sensitive skin. “I will kill anyone who tries to take you from me.”

His oath to her brought a raging heat rippling through her core and she squeezed her thighs together at the sensation. The gentleness of his touch belied the iron will that demanded she submit to his authority. But she would not.

“I do not belong to you yet, Aeros. You would do well to remember that.” Her green eyes spat fire.

“What are you so afraid of?” He asked her, bringing his hand up to caress her cheek.

“I’m not afraid of anything.” She lied, but he saw right through it. He rolled off of her and lay back on the massive bed, staring at the purple canopy.

“Why do you want this so badly? You don’t even know me. And, I don’t even know who’s side your on.” Lianna rolled onto her side to face him once her breathing had slowed down. His hand reached out to trace the line of her jaw and the sensation had her breath catching again immediately.

“I am on our side, Lianna. You are my mate. And we are the last dragons. It is only right that we belong together. And when I look at you, I see everything I ever lost, and could not bear to lose again.”

“What if I told you that I am not worthy of such emotions? My own mother left me. I am more suited to living in the woods than a palace, and people make me nervous. How am I supposed to rule them if I can’t stand even being in the same room with them?” Her voice had gone soft, almost pleading in its tone. She had to make him understand.

“You feel unworthy?” He snorted. An odd sound coming from someone so refined.

“I have killed countless people. Women and children as well. Not purposefully, but there were always casualties when carrying out orders from Lucien. I sent my sister into a trap meant for me, and have been hiding in caves for the last two-hundred years. Lianna, it is I who am unworthy. But I will not deny that we need each other. That this bond between us has me strung so tightly I can hardly breathe when you are near. It has been too long since I even allowed myself to hope for something better. These insecurities you speak of are one of the precise reasons you will be the greatest rulers we have ever seen.” He sat up and she read the truth in his words. Or at least his conviction in them. She sat up as well and did not pull away when he reached for her hand.

“We have the ability to make this kingdom great again. I have much to atone for, and I would like to start by swearing my loyalty to you. I will be by your side for the rest of your life, whether you want me to or not.” He kissed her fingers and made to get out of the bed. She watched him walk slowly to the door and contemplated his words. He turned back towards her as opened the door.

Good night Sunshine.” And then he was gone.

He could be lying. She told herself. He was playing both sides at the moment, and Lianna was insecure enough that she was unsure which he would eventually choose. He had seemed sincere when he told her that he would always choose them. But everything she had learned about people so far, human and Fae alike told her to never trust anyone. The more she wanted to trust someone, the less she felt she should. She sat back in exasperation and pulled the blankets over her head. Things had been so much simpler before she had met Seth.