King of The Elves (Dragon Riders Chronicles)

Family History

By the time Rhonda came back in the room, Addison was sleeping on the couch with Fane curled up in her lap and Jurriaan was sitting on the chair staring at them.

"It's rude to stare." Rhonda teased him. Jurriaan immediately jumped out of the chair and looked at her.

"I wasn't staring." He said quietly.

"If you say so. I wouldn't blame you if you were though. She is quite a pretty girl." Rhonda said as she sat down on the chair opposite Jurriaan.

"You look worried Jurriaan." She said.

"I am worried. What if I fail? Or make things worse?"

"Jurriaan, those aren't things you should worry about. Addison has faith in you and believes you will do the right thing. If she didn't, you wouldn't be here."

"What should I be worried about then?"

"Her. You must make sure she doesn't do anything reckless."

"What do you mean?"

"She can't get married Jurriaan. It will only make it easier for the wraiths to get Fane."

"What about the castle? Should I give the crown to Tracee?" Rhonda shook her head.

"Tracee is only 8 years old, far too young to get married. What you just do is find her brother." Jurriaan frowned.

"Her brother?"

"Prince Marciano. He left when she was 6."

"How do you know?"

"I don't have many 13 year old boys showing up on my doorstep. He stayed here for quiet a while."

"Why would he come here?"

"His mother brought him here when he was a little boy." Jurriaan nodded then looked back at Addison.

"How did you meet?"

"I was her guide."

"Her what?"

"Her guide. I helped her out when she first became a rider."

"Why would you do that?" Rhonda laughed.

"You didn't think she got the dragon then was left alone, did you?" Jurriaan shrugged.

"I'd just started working at the castle when she left."

"What's that smell?" Addison said as she woke up.

"That's the soup I'm making dear. It'll be ready soon."

"It smells good." She said before sitting up and pushing Fane off her lap. Rhonda stood and went back into the kitchen.

"Rhonda was telling me about Marciano." Jurriaan said casually.

"What about him?"

"She thinks we should find him. So he could be king."

"He wouldn't do it. That's why he left. He wanted to take me as well."

"Why didn't he?"

"Because my father said one of us had to stay. And he let my brother choose who would go."

"So he abandoned you." Addison wiped a stray tear away.

"Something like that." Rhonda came back into the room holding a tray with some mugs on it.

"Here you go children, eat up." She said as she handed Addison and Jurriaan a mug each. Addison took a small sip of the thick, orange liquid and smiled.