Chained Dragons Evermore

Ceremonial

Zoe's POV

There's a lot that Ryker needs to process about his family right now. He just found out Alcina is his mother. I lean up and kiss him softly on the lips. "Let me know if you need anything," I said. Ryker walks onto the balcony as I head toward the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later Ryker is still on the balcony. I walk outside to join him. "Are you okay?" I asked him.

"I'm fine," he said, not looking at me. "You've been saying that a lot lately. Which tells me you're not fine" I said. Ryker grips the balcony railing as anger flows through him. "I don't know how I didn't see it," He said. His face softened when he said "I thought my connection to Alcina was because she raised me." I took a step closer as he continued. "I don't know why I still felt connected to Sasha if she wasn't my real mother?" he said.

"Matyas is still your half brother. It could have to do with that?" I said. "Maybe" he said. Ryker shakes his head with a frown. He lifts his angry eyes up to the sky as if it holds all the answers he's looking for. As his mate I could feel the intensity of his anger and his hurt. "Both of my mothers lied to me. Both of them" he said. He slams his fist into the railing so hard it almost comes loose. "I didn't know. For my entire life I didn't know I was being used" he said.

I reach for him but he shrugs and moves away. "It's okay. You can go get dressed. I don't mind being alone" he said softly. I open up my dragon senses and can feel his sadness. I knew he was wanting to be left alone. Leaving him to his thoughts I walk back into the bedroom. Ten minutes later Ryker walks in from the balcony. "Feeling better?" I asked him. Ryker shrugs as he approaches me. There's a knock at the door. Aiden enters. "Victoria's father is on his way here. He wants to see his daughter" said Aiden.

"He doesn't know she ran away," said Aiden. "We need his support to fight Noah and take back Zoe's dragon flight," said Ryker. "We'll need him to fight the dragon hunters too. They're planning to attack Noah as well as us" said Aiden. "I'll make sure to apologize for the marriage misunderstanding," I said. He couldn't handle all of this right now on his own. "Just don't apologize too much. Otherwise Lord Garyon will use it as ammunition to blame you further" said Ryker. Aiden nods with renewed confidence in his eyes.

"Then we will welcome him with open arms," said Aiden. "Yes. Let's prepare a feast in honor of the alliance between our flights. Ryker and I will talk to Lord Garyon privately first. We'll join the rest of you for dinner on our ceremonial grounds" I said. "Great idea, Zoe," said Ryker with a smile. "Alcina is alive and we've weeded out the traitors. Tonight will be a celebration" I said. "It will be fitting on the eve of battle," said Ryker. Aiden leaves. Rykers pulls me into his arms.

"Victoria's father can be aggressive" said Ryker trying to find the word. "I don't want you to let him intimidate you," said Ryker. "I know exactly how to deal with aggressive men," I said. "I just smile as I tell them off. They love it" I said, smiling at Ryker teasingly. "Is that right?" Ryker asked intrigued. "Look how well it worked on you" I said. Ryker walks to his dresser and puts on a suit coat. "I love it when you dress up," I said. "I'd rather be naked with you," said Ryker.

He raises a flirty brow. I step close to him and put my hand on his rock hard chest. "Is sex all you think about?" I asked him. "No. I think about killing Noah a lot because of what he has done to you" said Ryker. I laugh as Ryker smirks. "Sex with you is always my preferred thought and I don't like waiting but this time we have no choice," said Ryker. I stare at my closet wanting to wear something that will dazzle Ryker tonight. There is always room for an after party.

I pulled out a stunning dress. When I put it on Ryker's eyes widened as he let out an exhale. He loved the dress I was wearing and I planned it to match his suit. "You look so beautiful" he breathed out. I shake my head as I walk to the dining room with Ryker's eyes and body following me. Victoria's father who's also the dragon lord over her flight is already there. "Lord Garyon, what a nice surprise. We've prepared a feast on our ceremonial grounds" said Ryker.

"Cut the bullshit Ryker. Where's Victoria?" said Garyon. "Lord Garyon, I'm Zoe. Ryker's dragoness. Unfortunately Victoria is missing. She attacked me and then ran off. Victoria should have been sent far away from Ryker. I believe Matyas took advantage of her upset emotions and fragile state of mind after Ryker broke off the engagement" I said. I didn't give him room to either question or cut in using his own assumptions. There was a reason we were being nice.

"Matyas didn't even ask for her hand in marriage. I blame him for her going missing more than I blame you. He used her like a pawn" said Garyon. "I truly am sorry" I said. "As am I, Lord Garyon" said Ryker beside me. "I still think we should unite our dragon flights," said Ryker. "I don't know. The trust has been broken" said Garyon. "Not completely broken. We both need this alliance for protection," said Ryker. Lord Garyon folded his arms over his chest.

"You need it more than me. You've made a lot of enemies, Ryker" said Garyon. "You have a lot of enemies too. You know Zoe and I are the best fighters in this territory" said Ryker. I knew Lord Garyon would have a hard time to accept the problems Victoria created but both Lords knew it's best to have friends to conquer enemies than having oneself being conquered.