Dragonkin 4 You're my Mate? No thanks.

Part 19 Meeting again

My lids close and I had slumped into deep sleep before I realized it. I had unconsciously fallen asleep on the chair while gazing at Cassy.

Wiping my bleary eyes of sleepiness, I hear a gentle voice which I've missed so much these past months.

Who are you? Do I know you? She looks at me blankly, no light of recognition in her eyes. Then a twinkling sparks, "Are you Karalianus?" a watchful Cassy asks.

I nod my head, observing her inquisitive hazel eyes. How I've missed talking with her. At one point, I was wishing she'd wake from her coma and give me a scolding. I don't really care whether she's reprimanding or cursing me, so long as she's the lively old her. I much prefer her undisciplined ways than laying unmoving in a comatose state.

"My mother said I have you to thank for my life. That it's a miracle I survived," she states cautiously, gauging my reaction.

Swallowing a lump, I stutter, "I...I'm glad to be of service. Get well soon," and make my escape from her ward as quickly as I can.

What's wrong with you? I berate myself as I half-sprinted down the hallway. Slowing down, my logic reprimands me. You should be showering her with sweet nothings, soft words and loving phrases now that she's awake. If you keep this up, don't regret if Valerius snatches her away.

I understand the above is the usual ritual of courtship, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I'm unaccustomed to wooing females. That's Karalinus' forte, not mine. I'm only good at running away from them. I'm clueless at how to trap them.

My mind occupied, I give a start when a staff pats me on my shoulders.

"Prince Karalianus, you might be pleased to know that Emperor Ragnor and his Empress are arriving now. They are reaching the castle gates".

Giving my thanks, I hurry to my room and freshen up. My cavalry is on the way. Ragnor can be consulted on True Mates. Thank the Goddess for small favors.

Waiting at the castle bailey anxiously for my sister and her mate's arrival, I pace while I list the order of questions to ask.

A band soon starts, playing grand music. There's quite a bit of pomp and fanfare as the approaching entourage ascends slope to the castle.

Standing at the side, I watch the ceremony avidly.

Ragnor arrives in Nephilim city with my sister in tow. They're greeted warmly personally by the Minister of Defense.

"How have you been, old friend?" The minister pats Ragnor's back and heartily hugs him, welcoming him.

"Good," Ragnor rumbles good-naturedly.

"Still as anti-social as ever, I gather. Heard you gave up your lucrative security business and decided to govern your own territory," the minister enquires.

Putting his arm possessively around Karalene, Ragnor declares, "You heard right. Decided a wife and my business don't go well together, so planted my roots to start a family instead".

My sister searches for me in the crowd. Spotting me, she smiles brightly. Walking up next to my sister, I hug her warmly. "Karalene, how's Ragnor been treating you?"

"He's been overbearing on this trip. Otherwise, he's a wonderful mate," she answers with a toothy grin.

The entire affair takes a while before I manage to get Karalene and Ragnor's full attention.

In their suite, Karalene snuggles up to Ragnor on his lap. Ragnor's arms automatically enclose and embrace my sister protectively, stroking her back as she wraps her smaller slim arms around him.

After so many years, it is still jarring to see my tiny fragile sister snuggling up to a big bear of a man like Ragnor. They appear loving. Their open affection used to make me uncomfortable, but now I feel envious.

Will Cassy and I ever be like them? We're like oil and water. She likes to pick fights with me when I know logically that I'm in the right.

Deciding to get to the heart of my problem, I question, "I didn't know you're on such good terms with the Nephilim. Aren't we enemies with them? Why are you here?"

Shrugging his broad shoulders, "Your family requested me to extricate you from here. Happens to be, I'm a good friend of the Nephilim. My company did a security gig for them when their royalty went on a tour. I hit it off with Benedict, who is their Minister of Defense. We have maintained good relations since then. I didn't know I am a weredragon then, and we all thought I was a human".

My brows arching quizzically, "If you're on official business, why's Karalene here?"

Letting out a soulful sigh, Ragnor complains with mock aggravation, "Your willful sister adamantly decides to take a peek at your true mate ahead of the rest of your family and insists on tagging along. I refused, but she evaded the guards I posted on her and snuck into the private jet. Due to my negligence, I realized her presence too late".

Yanking at Ragnor's ears, Karalene protests, "It's a trip. There's no valid reason not to take me along".

"You know full well why". Poking a finger at Karalene's scrunched up nose, Ragnor adds mournfully, "You know how well your baby sister can argue. No choice but to bring her along. I couldn't exactly fold and hide her in a luggage. She's officially my true mate and empress".

"What about you? I heard your dig collapsed and you're buried here. Rescued by one of their royalty and you've been stuck here for quite a while. Your family's worried. Has your business been settled here? I want to return to my territory as soon as possible. Your sister's pregnant again. I don't want her away from my territory".

Sitting upright, Karalene butts in, "No! it's a rare chance for me to visit this city. I didn't know this city existed. I must explore this place thoroughly before we leave".

Karalene jumps. "Ow! Why did you pinch me?" Karalene hisses, a promise of vengeance in her tone. "I want to see this place. I'm bored at our castle".

"Stop creating trouble for me", Ragnor grouses, rolling his eyes skyward.

"No! I insist on staying here. My brother's here. He's as adept as the rest of my family when it comes to medical skills," Karalene refutes hotly.

Planting a kiss on her pouting lips, "You're pregnant, Dragana. And that's that. You're precious to me. I want you in the safest place possible and the most competent care available during your vulnerable period. And that place is our home," Ragnor puts his foot down firmly, placing his finger tenderly on her lips, cutting off any forthcoming arguments.

"All right," Karalene sulkily gives in. "But I want at least a couple of days to look around".

Stroking her hair gently, Ragnor gracefully concedes, "We can do that". Karalene's face brightens.

"But you must bring the guards along. No slipping away on your own, it'll worry me," Ragnor stipulates, brooking no disagreement.

"I'm fine with that. So long as I get to visit the sights," Karalene agrees heartily.

Watching their heated exchange is illuminating. It never ceases to amaze me how my little sister manages to wrap the fierce and stubborn Ragnor around her dainty thumb and she's not cowed by him. However, Ragnor has his own way of reining in my sister's willful ways. Not by using domineering strength but through showing his weakness – his love for her. Most astonishingly, my sister does listen to Ragnor! Will wonders ever cease?

"I guess congratulations are in order," I express my felicitations, grinning at Karalene, "Someone's going to be waddling around again.

"Thanks," my sister and Ragnor respond in unison, beaming with pride.

"Will you be ready to leave in a couple of days? I'm leaving at the end of this week and you will be coming with us," Ragnor commands.

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