Burn for You

Chapter Twelve

A well placed smile can mask a person's thoughts and Isabella's friends who arrived shortly after Portia's departure, had perfected the art. The quiet girl they remembered didn't match up anymore to the young lady standing beside her mother and it unsettled them. Polite conversations instead of the words they longed to say.

The strings holding up Danika's heart were being unraveled with each biting word and now, the orchestrated union between her and Lord Galton. A tear slid down her cheek.

"Excuse me, Mother," she said, her voice wavering.

Before Isabella could respond, she was walking away. One hand's tight grip on her other wrist.
The hedges had divided in the garden into two. A series of stepping stone lead into the second part. Stone benches arranged around a gurgling fountain. Danika took a seat on a bench. A trembling hand covering her mouth as she burst into tears.

A sudden gust of wind tore through the luncheon. Ladies reaching, to keep their hair in place. Staff rushing to secure the marquee. Cravats in disarray.

"What on earth was that?" One guest exclaimed.

A large shadow descended over the estate. Scales of gold moulded into a serpentine form. Powerful legs tucked up against his flanks, each sporting a wicked-looking set of talons. Small spikes rising up on his tail like the sails of ship. Tapered ended leather stretched out to form his wings. The lower jaw of a dragon held all the power. Horns of varying sizes adorning his reptilian-like head. Golden eyes scanning the crowd.

Danika dabbed at her eyes and happened to look up. Disbelief slammed into her. Rooted to the spot, all she could do was stare as he began his descent.
He is magnificent in flight.

The ground rumbling beneath his claws as he swung his body around. Golden eyes focused on her, his wings folding up. He was a good distance away from her but not for long. Mid-stride towards her, he reverted to his human form. His wings draping over his shoulders now. The tapered ends joining together on either side of his chest to become his clothes once more. Only a dragon could do this, other supernaturals had their clothes shredded in the transformation.

"Leave us," he demanded, his tone terse at the onlookers who dared to gather. They scattered.
Seeing her gaze tinged by redness and the same shade in the splotches on her cheeks nearly knocked him to the ground. Why was he never here in time? Well, it ended today.

Her lips parted but no words left them. Air siphoned by his arrival, didn't re-enter her lungs. Blurry spots in her vision. The world began to tilt as Alexander rushed forwards. He caught her in his arms before she fell. Gently, he placed Danika on the bench lying on her back. Peeling off one glove, he went to the fountain and dipped it in. Wringing it out, he rushed back to her side to place the damp fabric on her forehead.
A moment later, her eyes fluttered open to his relief. He placed a hand on her cheek, his thumb lightly stroking.

"Alexander," she breathed out. Her brows furrowing. "W-what are you doing here?"

"I am here for you," he replied, his hands stilling her when she tried to sit up. "Easy, you fainted."

"Did I?" She reached up, feeling the damp material beneath her fingertips. "I-I don't remember."

His gaze noting the deep bags under her dull eyes. Mates may not like to be apart from each other but it isn't detrimental to their health if they are separated for a period of time. No, something or someone was causing his mate to be troubled and they would be held accountable. William got away but he wasn't feeling particularly kind to let it happen a second time.

"It happens sometimes but you are going to be alright, Danika," he said, his tone of reassurance. His touch soothing her reddening cheeks.

The swishing of skirts and not listening to the warning whispers, Isabella ran towards them. Alexander tensed before noticing their similar features. He moved out of the way as her mother placed her hands on Danika's face. Worry pinching her cheeks.

"I am taking you home this instance."

"Allow me," Alexander said and Isabella gave
him a nod. He gathered Danika in his arms.
Walking through the crowd, Danika was aware of their stares but was too tired to care. In the strangest sense, she felt safe in his arms.

Alexander stood in the parlour, his hands behind his back. His gaze on the mantelpiece where a series of photographs were displayed. A smiling gentleman he presumed to be Gerald was leaning against a sofa in one photograph. A young Isabella rested her hand on Gerald's, her other arm around a younger version of his mate. Footsteps and he didn't need to turn to know it was Danika.

"Why are you truly here, Alexander?"

He faced her. Her hair now a loose braid down one shoulder. A tartan blanket over her shoulders. Alexander thought she was beautiful in pink but in blue, she really shined.

"I am here to ask for your hand in marriage, Danika. I want you more than anyone else to be my Queen. My wife."

"No," she said quietly.

He blinked, had he heard that right?

"I don't want to marry you."

"I don't understand. You have been all I can think about, Danika," he said, hurt and confusion warring on his face.

"I won't marry you because you will tire me of quickly. They all do in the end and turn to others." Danika's voice growing quiet and sad. "I can just about tolerate it with anyone but you, Alexander."

She pressed her mouth in a thin line, tears welling up beneath her closed lids. "That night, you left a woman for me so how can I not think you will do it again once you lose interest in me."

"Danika, how can you say such a thing? I do care for you!"

"This week, who can say it won't change next week. No, Alexander. I am sorry you came all this way but I already have been spoken for."

She could have slapped him and it would hurt less than this.
Danika dropped into a curtesy. " Goodbye, your Highness."

She left him standing there, stark hurt on his face. One hand outstretched towards her. Her own hugged to herself. She rounded the corner and found Portia standing there. Her aunt's expression thunderous.

"You stupid girl."

Isabella came running, hearing this but her sister-in-law's hand knocked her back. Danika cried out in surprise.

"A prince. A prince offered you every girl's dream and you turn him down," Portia said through gritted teeth.
She raised her hand.
Alexander's hand caught her wrist, having stepped between them.

"How dare you try to strike her!" His voice a deadly roar.

"Portia. Leave. Now!" Isabella demanded.

Her aunt wasted no time in complying. As the front door closed, Danika rushed to her mother. She threw her arms around Isabella who hugged her back tightly, murmuring soothing words.
The older Du Carte woman met Alexander's gaze.

"Danika dearest, go upstairs. There is something I wish to discuss with Alexander."