★ The Dragon And The Fairy [G/T] ★

XXXI - Misunderstandings

"ANNA, IT'S BEEN SO LONG!" Sunny exclaimed, rushing to embrace her sister outside the grand castle. The warmth of the hug enveloped Annabelle, and she closed her eyes, cherishing the moment.

"I saw you just yesterday," Annabelle replied, slightly huffing, a playful smirk on her face.

"Oh, right! Of course, I forgot," Sunny said with a light laugh. "And this is my husband." She gestured to a man stepping forward, who looked both imposing and gentle.

"Albert, pleased to meet you," he said, bowing slightly as he extended a finger for Annabelle to shake. She took it happily, her curiosity piqued.

"Why are we here again, Sunny?" he asked, his voice softening.

"This is my sister, and she's getting married!" Sunny announced, a proud grin lighting up her face.

Albert's brow furrowed slightly. "Am I here to officiate? Isn't she a bit young?" He looked down at Annabelle with a hint of concern, causing Sunny to shake her head vigorously.

"No, we're here to meet her fiancé," she clarified, landing playfully atop Albert's head, her excitement palpable.

"But why are we at Alaric's castle?" Albert asked, confusion evident in his tone.

"This is where he lives," Sunny explained, and Albert's expression shifted to shock.

"Did something happen to Athena? And isn't this a bit young for Alaric's taste?" He raised an eyebrow, glancing at Annabelle with skepticism.

"Obviously, she's not marrying my dad," Jaxx retorted, her tone a mixture of irritation. Just then, the sound of powerful wings filled the air as Jaxx landed next to them, his dragon features hidden beneath a cloak and crown, making him appear like an ordinary giant.

"Oh?" Albert raised an eyebrow, processing the scene. "Isn't Olympus a bit too young for her?"

"SHE'S MINE, IDIOT!" Jaxx snarled, his voice a low growl that vibrated through the air, making Albert flinch.

"Nice joke," Albert replied, attempting to suppress a laugh, but Jaxx was not amused.

"SHES MY GIRLFRIEND, DAMNIT!" Jaxx roared, scooping Annabelle up into his hands with surprising gentleness.

"Huh?" Albert blinked, breaking out of his daze. He stared at Jaxx, confusion etching his features. "No, that can't be right. You wouldn't love a fairy; that's statistically impossible. I mean, you ate at least—wait." He suddenly reached for Sunny, grabbing her with an inquisitive look. "Hey, do you like dragons, little one?"

Sunny's eyes widened, and she began to tremble. "NO!" she squeaked, diving into Albert's collar. Annabelle's heart sank; her sister was scared of dragons?

"Do you like dragons, Miss Anna?" Albert pressed, his tone now almost smug as he turned to face Annabelle. All eyes were on her, especially Jaxx's intense orange gaze, which felt like it could pierce through her very soul.

She took a deep breath, knowing she had to be honest. "Not really," she mumbled, and suddenly Jaxx pinched her wings, bringing her closer to his face. The shift in height made her gasp.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN NOT REALLY? SO YOU LIKE ME TO A 'NOT REALLY' EXTENT? AND WHY IS YOUR FAMILY SO SCARED OF MY KIND? I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING!" he barked, his frustration palpable. Annabelle could only stare back at him, her heart racing.

"DON'T LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT! YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!" he continued, exasperation spilling from his words.

"HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO PRETEND WE'RE ENGAGED WHEN YOU CAN'T EVEN PRETEND YOU LIKE DRAGONS? MABEL DIDN'T LIKE US, BUT WE ALL KNOW SHE LIKES OLLIE NOW, SO AT LEAST WE CAN TELL!" Just then, Ollie and Mabel appeared in the distance.

"SHUT IT, DUMMY!" Mabel squeaked, her cheeks flushed as she clung to Ollie, who was showing his dragon features, making Sunny gasp.

"HUH? WHAT DID YOU SAY, PIPSQUEAK?" Jaxx glared at Mabel, causing her to shrink back.

"HEY, DON'T TALK TO HER LIKE THAT!" Ollie interjected, stepping forward protectively. A tense argument began to unfold between Jaxx and Ollie, their voices rising.

But then Sunny took action. She was known as the blessed fairy, the fastest in the land, a title that came with a sense of authority.

"LET GO OF MY SISTER!" Sunny screamed, darting forward to separate the two. Mabel was snatched from Ollie's arms, and she shrieked in surprise.

"You're safe now, sis," Sunny said, holding Mabel close, though Mabel squirmed uncomfortably. In that moment, Jaxx whipped off his cloak and crown, exposing his true dragon features, his scales glinting in the light.

Sunny quickly grabbed Annabelle, sticking a postage sticker on both of them. Before Annabelle could process what was happening, they teleported away, the world blurring around her.

"WHERE'S OLLIE?" Mabel demanded, squirming against Sunny's grasp.

"Ollie?" Sunny tilted her head, confusion clouding her expression.

"My boy—I mean just a friend," Mabel stammered, glancing at Annabelle for support. The tension was thick, and Annabelle felt helpless, tears forming in her eyes. She wanted Jaxx, but how could she face him after what she had said?

"Anna?" Sunny's voice was laced with concern. As Annabelle looked up, a huge shadow loomed over them. She squinted, realizing it was Jaxx, looking furious. He carried Ollie on one shoulder and Albert on the other, despite being much shorter than Albert.

"ANNABELLE FAYE!" he roared, and the sound made Mabel and Sunny cower behind her. Annabelle shook with fear and uncertainty as he set the boys down and reached for her.

"You," he growled, lifting her closer to his face. Annabelle's heart raced; was he going to eat her? She squeezed her eyes shut as she felt his warm breath wash over her. Then, without warning, his tongue darted out, licking her softly.

She gasped, surprised by the sensation, her mind racing with confusion and fear. But instead of a growl, he whispered, "I was so worried." He pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.

"You're not mad?" Annabelle squeaked, looking up at him with wide eyes.

"Of course not. And why are you crying? No matter, I'm here now," he reassured her, his voice softening as he kissed her scalp. Annabelle felt her sobs intensify, not from fear, but from the overwhelming love she felt for him. He was perfect, and she realized just how much she adored him.

"Jaxx, I wanna be your wife," she cried, her heart on her sleeve.

"Whoa, whoa, calm down. I promise I'll marry you when the time is right," he whispered soothingly as Annabelle nodded, feeling a wave of sleepiness wash over her.

"We're going home; it's getting late," he said gently, rubbing her back as he cradled her in his palm.

"Farewell," he called to Sunny and Albert, before scooping up Ollie and Mabel. As Annabelle settled in his hand, she drifted off to sleep, feeling warm and cherished, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.