Burn for You

Chapter Fourteen

"Ouch."

The needle and thread fell from Danika's hand as the thin blade went through her finger which was beneath the cloth. A bead of blood welling up. She placed it in her mouth, her gaze flickering to the mantlepiece's clock. It was the day of Alexander's return and her stomach was a cage of nerves.

After his departure, Isabella had debated the best way to tell her daughter about the mating bond. As a result of her bloodline, it was unlikely Danika felt on some instinctually level that Alexander was her mate. In the end, Isabella decided to tell Danika that Alexander had felt spark between them during the ball and his courtship would allow her daughter to see if the sparks could bloom in something more. Danika had sat there in silence, her mind a whirl.

"A fetching colour, dearest but blood is not a part of the pattern," Isabella said from her seat by the fire.

Danika placed the embroidery hoop on the end table. "It was supposed to keep my hands busy but is clearly not working," she said with a huff.

Humphrey appeared, a second set of footsteps following his lead. "Alexander Seares, ma'am."

Danika rose to her feet, smoothing a hand down her skirt of azure blue. The sleeve caps of her fan-pleated bodice were trimmed with blue ribbons. Alexander strode in. A tailored grey greatcoat clothed him alongside with his usual black breeches and boots. A glimpse of his white shirt beneath the open top button of his coat.

He stopped before her. "Danika."

Hearing the deep rumble of his voice made her realise something; she missed him. She held out her hand and he took it. Only instead of the usual greeting of a kiss, he flipped her hand over. Having noted her slight wince when he walked in, his gaze sought out the source. Finding it, his lips pressed a light kiss to the small puncture wound. Danika stared, her lips parting in surprise.

"Shall we?" He murmured, the full weight of his gaze sending her heart a flutter.
She nodded, unable to find her voice.

The town Danika just lived outside of was called Lakeside. A sprawling town of brick facade buildings and brightly colourful shops built on one side of Lake Temperance. The green space right beside the lake had been left untouched by development. Trees dotted the stone pathway, offering a respite from the sun for those who didn't own one of the tents by the water's edge.

Crocus flowers of white, purple and orange in full bloom. Children's laughter ringing out as they played or chased one another. Their parents keeping watch. Young ladies linked arms as they walked along the promenade. Their maids following at a short distance behind. Couples strolling along, enjoying the scenery and each other's company. 
Isabella declined to chaperone, seeing no need for it. She had gone to visit an old friend of hers, Mrs Eloisa Hadley.

Alexander's arrival to Lakeside caused quite the scene at Lord Galton and continued to do so on the promenade. Hushed whispers and stares greeted them. Danika paid them no heed, lost in thought. A dozen conversations started and died before they could leave her lips. Alexander looked at his mate and saw her slight frown as she mentally dismiss another topic. "Danika?"

"Have anyone ever ridden you?" She blurted out.

He went still. Then his mouth curved into a wicked smile. "I think we both can guess the answer to that."

Danika blushed furiously. "I-I never...no t-that isn't what...I meant as a dragon. To have someone soar above the clouds with you. To know what is like to have the wind ruffle your wings."

A short pause.

"I never had the need to let someone. Though now that I think about it, I am willing to make two exceptions."

She got who the first was but the second...
"You will not doing that with our heir. No, I forbid it," Danika said, moving to block his path.

"You forbid it?"

"Yes."

"Not even small toss in the air?"

"I have seen how big you are, Alexander. Even a little is too much for me." She prodded his chest with a finger. "Our heir's feet will not be leaving the ground, do you hear me?"

Alexander couldn't help but smile, "I do."

His arms encircling her waist. He would pull away if she asked but the command didn't leave her mouth. Her hand now lay flat on his chest, her gaze solely on him. The world around them forgotten, society's rules tossed to the side. Reaching up, his fingers caught her errant curl and tucked it behind her ear. No more hiding for Danika, he wanted to know everything.

"I had intended to ask you something before my departure to London but it slipped my mind."

"What?"

"Flowers," he answered. "So, what would you like?"
A flicker of surprise across her face.
No one has asked me before. Most definitely not red roses.

"Orange roses and daisies are my favourites," Danika answered.

"Why them?"

"Daises were the first flower I ever saw as a child. Some people tend to overlook them which I guess made me loved them even more. A reminder of me I suppose. Orange roses well, the colour is a favourite of mine," Danika said.

"Then you shall have them," Alexander replied, taking her hands in his. He brushed a kiss across both. 

Kestrel Street was mainly a giant stone wall lane way saved for the florist shop and an antique shop. A stone archway separating the street from the view of Main Street. Every occasions could be celebrated with a bouquet of flowers. Each colour signifying a certain message you wanted to convey. As the shop was small and rather than crowd it, Danika opted to wait outside. The scent of freshly cut flowers wafting over her as she watched through the display window as Alexander spoke to the florist. He met her gaze several times as the florist began to arrange her bouquet.

Footsteps.

"Miss," a male voice said, his tone gruff.
Danika turned. A man of average build and wearing simple black clothing stood there. His high neck collar turned upwards, concealing the lower half of his face.

"Y-yes?"

He said nothing, studying her features for a moment. A slight nod of his head. Suddenly he lunged, his hand seizing her arm. His fingers digging roughly into her skin. Her back slammed into the wall, siphoning away her breath. One hand holding her by the throat, stopping her cry for Alexander.

"William sends his regards," the man said, his voice dripping with malice.

The glint of silver in his free hand.