Firebird

Chapter 14

Kyla

      "How are you enjoying your night, firebird?" My dad asked.
      "I'm having fun, dad." I told him. "Thanks for throwing me this party."
      "Happy birthday, my darling girl." He smiled. "I see you and Beckett have been getting closer."
      "I guess I get to say you were right. Having a body guard isn't so bad." I laughed.
      "That's not what I'm talking about." He gave me a knowing look. "You know that I don't require you to marry a prince right?"
      "I know that." I said to him.
      "Good. Then I suggest you not let that one slip through your fingers." He said. "He just might be in love with you."
      "How can you tell?" I asked.
      "I'm not blind." He laughed loudly. "I see the way he looks at you and you at him. The two of you are so obvious to everyone but yourselves."
      I thought about what he said. Thinking about all the little moments these past few months. The times I caught him looking at me or the fact that he always offered me his arm.
      "Before you run off, I have something I need to tell you." He said, face turning serious. "Beckett, his team, and a few other guardsmen are leaving tomorrow."
      "What! Why?" I asked. I nearly stopped moving but he kept us dancing.
      "We received word that Vallan is traveling." He said. "I'm sending the team to his castle. You know when they raided our home, they took a lot of things." He swallowed, not stating the obvious.
      "So you're sending them in to retrieve the stuff?" I asked.
      "Yes. Family heirlooms. Things that belonged to your mother." He said, voice breaking. "I just want her stuff back."
      "I know dad. I know." I pulled him into a hug. "I'm gonna go ahead and go back to my room. I need to think."
      "Okay, firebird. Get some rest." He said. I kissed his cheek and left the throne room.
      My mind was running wild as I made my way to my room. Once I was in there, I threw my shoes in my closet and paced around. Minutes later, there was a soft knock on the door leading to Becks room. I opened the door to see him standing there, tie undone.
      "I noticed you left. Came to check on you." He said as he walked him. My heart hammered in my chest.
      "You're leaving tomorrow." I said. He stopped and turned to face me.
      "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Kyla." He said quietly. "I didn't wanna ruin your night. Your dad wanted to tell you."
      I stared at him for a moment. Thinking about everything that was said tonight. Before I could over think about it, I walked across the room and slammed my mouth to his. He was only surprised for a second before he wrapped his arms around. One hand tangled in my hair, while the other wrapped around my waist.
      His mouth melded with mine and I forgot to breathe. We kissed for a few more minutes, neither moving from the spot where we stood. He pulled back and put his forehead against mine. We were both breathing hard.
      "You better come back to me." I whispered.
      "I promise I will." He said, kissing me softly. "We'll be taking some of the dragons so you better watch Drake for me."
      I nodded, wrapping my arms around him. I laid my head on his chest. He sighed and kissed the top of my head.
      "I'm taking Alya." He said quietly. I pulled back at that. "Your father thought it would be fitting. Alya would get her revenge for losing your mother."
      "Please take care of her." I said.
      "I will. I promise." He cupped my cheek. "I will come back to you so don't spend all your time worrying."
      "I can't promise that I won't." I said with a laugh. "Stay with me tonight. Just lay with me."
      He smiled and nodded. I pulled him to the bed and laid down. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me again.
      "Get some sleep, princess. I'm right here." He whispered. I sighed and closed my eyes. My heart finally calming down.