The Mark of Arella(Book One of the Dragonfly Chronicles)

Chapter Nine

Rhylan was sitting in King Marlin's study with Prince Jarron and King Bariston at his sides. Rhylan had asked them to meet because he wanted to know more about Lilly's attack and what they could do to prevent more from happening. Marlin sat in his chair and said to Rhylan, "Yes, she was in danger when we couldn't protect her. Now that she is here, our magical wards and guards are more than enough to keep her safe." Rhylan shook his head, skeptical. "You say she was sent away as a baby because there were threats to her life. You had to keep her identity a secret to everyone and now you are saying she is no longer in danger?" "Son", King Bariston said. "You are right to suspect there may be faeries wanting to abduct her or kill her still, but we feel she and our families are safe now that we have her back and can more safely monitor the situation". Jarron finally jumped in and said "What situation? You never really told us why she is in danger or who she is in danger from? How are we supposed to monitor things if we don't know where the threat is coming from?" Marlin said to the two Princes, "All we can tell you is that she is very important to the future of our realm and we need to do everything possible to keep her safe. Rhylan, your father and I think you should be her primary protector from now on. You are the best soldier in Fannon and she will need your guidance as well. You are strong with magic and she will need to learn to use her own abilities. We will be sending her to train with master Aeron after the celebration and when she gets back, we want you to be at her side." "So am I to ignore my own kingdom then?" "No, no" said Bariston. "Lilly will be coming to Fairhaven to stay with us for some time. There are tasks there that we need you to accomplish. Now please boys, the celebration is starting soon and we all need to get ready. This is an important night for our Lilly, let's make it joyous and not talk of danger anymore OK?" Rhylan and Jarron looked at each other and then looked at their Kings. They both got up and walked out the door, more confused than they were before they had the meeting.

"What was that all about?" Jarron said to Rhylan. "She is important for the future of our realm? I don't get what they are saying, do you?" "I'm not sure Jarron, but I have a suspicion that we might find some answers in the caves in our northern mountains. Perhaps we should search the caves while our Lilly is training with the mage." Jarron said, "Do you really think the caves will give us more information?" "The caves were broken into a month ago and the thieves were looking for some books that held a prophecy about the fall of our realm, I don't think it is coincidence that at the time when Lilly returns, the caves got ransacked. I think we should start there". "Well, you know I'm up for any adventure, so count me in brother." Jarrod said.

Lilly sat in the bathtub while Angela shampooed her hair and two other servants cleaned her fingernails and toenails. They poured vanilla and cinnamon scented oils into the tub and when she got out her skin was soft and smooth. She spent all day thinking about Rhylan and wondered if he would talk to her at the celebration. She was really nervous about having so much attention and the thought of him standing by her side all evening made her relax a bit. If he wasn't there to do that, then maybe Jarron would help her feel comfortable. She towel dried her hair and walked to her changing screen. Hanging over the screen she saw a lovely periwinkle strapless dress. The material was soft when she touched it and it sparkled in the light. She noticed it has a slit going up one side of her leg and there were matching strappy heels to go with it. Her face got very pale. "I can't walk in high heels. I'll trip and fall". Angela giggled and said, "That is why we had master Aeron spell them to feel like you were walking in your boots". "Can he really do that? That is so cool!" She sat at the mirror and watched Angela work on her long red curls. She hadn't worn her hair down once since arriving in Fannon and didn't realize how much it had grown. Her long curls fell down her shoulders to the middle of her back. They were thick ringlets of red with tiny flecks of gold highlighting the curls. "Your hair is so beautiful. I think we should leave it down tonight. We can use pins to hold your diadem on your head.