Dragon Bride

Chapter Two

This was not the first time that Prince N'Jal came to visit. But every time he came to the Glacies' Estate, it was a shock. After all, he was the heir to the Rathkian throne. Surely, he had better things to do with his time. That was what Kendria always thought, but then again, she didn't mind the visits. In fact, she enjoyed them quite a lot.

Her heart fluttered at the sound of his name joining the butterflies in her stomach as she rushed to remove herself from her chair and situate her gown in a more appropriate manner. Not that she needed to; the nerves she felt whenever the green-eyed angel came to her home, made the young woman do ridiculous things.

"Send him in, please," she instructed, begging her cheeks to quit burning.

The gatekeeper nodded and quickly made his way back to the front door. Within the next minute, Kendria could hear the prince's brisk footsteps toward her dining room.

The moment she saw him again, it felt like the first time. The prince's striking green eyes, reminiscent of lush emeralds glistening in the morning dew, softened with an undeniable warmth when he saw her face. The fierce intensity that usually radiated from him dulled, giving way to a gentleness that enveloped her like a soft breeze. Kendria was floored by his beauty, nearly gasped for air when he offered her a bright charming smile with pink, rose-colored cheeks.

"Prince N'Jal. What a pleasant surprise."

His smile widened. "The pleasure is all mine, Lady Glacies. My, you are a sight for sore eyes."

For a moment they just stared at each other, caught in a flush web until Nymeria finally coughed to grab their attention, cutting the tension like a knife through butter.

"She is a beauty, your Highness, but not the only one in the room," she dryly chuckled.

"Apologies," Prince N'Jal said, bowing to her family. "It's nice to see you again, ladies. You all look lovely."

He laughed at the little boy grinned with a grotesque amount of chicken stuffed in his mouth, which caused Kendria to gasp in horror.

"Hi N'Jal!"

"Good morning, Eden. Look how much you've grown."

Andrea quickly covered Eden's mouth and sent an empathic glance to Kendria as she covered her face in embarrassment. "My apologies, your Highness."

"None needed. I miss my youthful shenanigans. And please, call me N'Jal."

She smiled. "As long as you call me Kendria... would you like some breakfast?"

"No thank you. I'd actually like to speak with you privately, if you don't mind. I will wait for you to finish eating."

"Oh no worries. I wouldn't want to keep you—"

"No, really. It's alright. It's a long and important conversation. I'd like to take you for a ride while we have it."

Kendria knew exactly what he meant but the wording made her heartbeat quicken. 'Taking a ride' with the prince sounded sinfully delightful as embarrassed as it made her feel. "Alright. I'll meet you at the gate as soon as possible."

As the door clicked shut behind him, Kendria felt the weight of reality settle back onto her shoulders like a heavy cloak. The warmth of his presence faded, and in his place stood the echo of unified laughter from her sister.

"Looks like someone should be expecting a proposal." Lilianna snickered.

"Is N'Jal really gonna be my new brother?" Eden laughed.

She blushed and glared ferociously as they teased her. "Hush! That's not why he's here."

Nymeria caught her gaze and scoffed. "Of course that's why he's here. Why else would he be?"