Indebted

65

Esti felt horribly nauseated, with a headache that made her feel like her eyeballs wanted to escape from sockets that had become too tight around them. It wasn't only because of the rough teleportation she had suffered without being able to say no. It was everything in the entire world.

Dragons, all of her kind were trusting Esti and Opal would work on their behalf. Do what Alric was supposed to have already accomplished. Somehow make certain that they would not suffer another extinction. That they could have their chance to rebuild. Norman, Nigella and Holly were currently in the prisons. Along with near countless others who did not deserve the punishments and unjust treatment they were currently receiving.

Esti felt overwhelmed. Adrenaline had all worn off. She was crashing. There was far too much wrong for her to feel right. Esti heard Atticus, felt his hand in hers, and he took control, asking for things on her behalf. People kept looking at her, calling her highness, and majesty. That wasn't right. Each time an honorific was called made a strange unnatural feeling ripple through Esti's whole body.

Esti was crumbling apart. Atticus was there. Caught her fragments and held her together. Leading her by the hand down a hallway with their new entourage. A door was unlocked, a key handed over to Atticus. A near army of people swooped in, filling a desk with papers, reports, folders and sealed envelopes stacked, arranged and sorted. Other workers headed to the bedroom or attached washroom, filling each room with supplies that may be needed. Still others went to the small kitchenette and living space.

Adding flowers, books, extra cushions and blankets alongside snacks and fresh beverages. The fridge was stocked, pantry supplied. The servants were efficient and quick. Each and every single person demurred their gaze, bowed or curtsied and addressed Esti as a queen if they got closer than five feet away from her.

Quickly and efficiently the storm of servants had prepared the room. The door clicked closed, as the last maid made their exit with one last "Your majesty" and a curtsy out to the main hall. The lock on the door automatically in place. Esti watched as Opal seized control just enough to trace a rune in the air with Esti's hand, using Esti's voice to lay a spell on the door and windows. No one would enter this space without permission now.

Esti looked at her hand in awe before looking at Atticus. "I didn't know I could do that." She said. Her voice flat. They were alone now. Esti had dreamed of this moment, for what felt like so long. Long past when she should have given up. She was alone, with Atticus in a beautiful room, with everything they needed. Protected by her own dragon's magic. Nothing between them. Esti could feel Atticus trying to do everything he could to be the man Esti needed. She could feel his love.

Esti looked up, making eye contact with Atticus. He was just as handsome as he ever had been. Strong jaw and flawless cheek bones. A dark prince just for her. His hair was longer now than the last time Esti had seen him, more wild and free looking. His eyes had grown softer. His heart was unquestionably all hers.

It was the softness, his love that she couldn't handle. Esti felt each tiny thread of her person let go. Fraying apart at her very seams. It started with her breath just catching in her throat. Then too soon Esti felt like she couldn't draw enough oxygen. Couldn't possibly draw enough air into her lungs. Her vision wavered as tears built up in a flood that refused to be held back. Esti was caught in another storm she couldn't fight. Trapped in a swell of her emotions instead of a raging sea.

Atticus used his own magic, and sealed the room to be for their ears only. A most useful spell when a man shared reasonably modest apartments with their mother their entire life. "No one can hear us, just another protection spell." Atticus immediately explained to Esti. His voice soft and slow. The soft and slow too much for Esti to bear.