“They’re coming to rescue you, Jaxon. How does that make you feel?”
Jax looked up weakly, groaning. He was going to kill Castiel, if he didn’t die first. Drax grinned.
“Avelyn is of course leading the charge. That’s to be expected, considering how devoted she is to you. But...Demina...I never truly expected her to come.”
Drax grew quiet, thoughtful.
“Yes. I figured she would come when I killed Avelyn.”
Jaxon growled, eyes flashing.
“You...wouldn’t.”
“Oh, but Jax, you know I would.”
“I’ll...kill you.”
Drax slowly smirked.
“You think so? Well, it would be interesting to see.”
“Why do you want her...dead? You...loved her once...”
“I still love her, Jaxon. That’s why I’m doing this.”
She was being stupid. She knew it. But Jaxon meant too much for her stay and wait another day. And if leaving earlier saved Demi’s life...then she’d take her best friend’s fury. Fury was exactly what it was going to be when Demina found out that she’d left. Avelyn took a deep breath, spurring her mount on before she lost her courage and turned back. She thought about Jaxon.
“Their majesties King Carson and Queen Regina have arrived your highness.”
“King Carson?” a soft voice asked. The eight year old princess of Impreza sat her brunette hair twirling around her. Her mother looked down to her, face serious and regal.
“Yes. He is one of our most loyal allies. His family has been friends with this family for years,” her mother replied, “They are good friends to your father and me.”
“And we will for generations to come, Marie,” Regina said. Marie looked warmly at the approaching people.
“How wonderful it is to see you again! David should be here any minute.”
Avelyn stood shocked as her mother embraced the other woman and man. Her mother never acted like that. Why were these people so special?
“This must be the son that I’ve heard so much about.”
Jaxon stared at the queen for a moment before remembering his manners. She was so tall! And very beautiful! Not as beautiful as his mother, of course, but still. He bowed, taking the queen’s hand in his and gently kissing it. Marie looked at him warmly.
“Your Majesty. I am honored. Please accept my loyalty and devotion until my dying day,” he said, blushing.
Marie smiled.
“Such innocence,” she murmured, “such fine innocence.”
Ava hid behind her mother, peaking out and wondering why everyone was so amused with this…boy.
“You have taught him well. He would do very well in court,” David stated, walking in, “His dark hair and hazel eyes that he inherited from you, Regina, and his strong build that is obviously from his father, would have the court women swooning at his feet.”
“Let’s have him grow up a bit more, eh, David?” Carson said with pride.
“Your majesty,” Jaxon said, bowing at the waist once again, “Your wife is beautiful.”
“So you think my wife is beautiful? You should see her when she’s angry,” David said, amusement glinting off his green eyes.
“I do your majesty. But with all due respect, no one is more beautiful than Mama,” he said bluntly.
All the adults burst into laughter, leaving the two confused kids to figure it out.
“As it should be,” David agreed with him. Carson patted him on the shoulder, eyes shining.
“No women should be more beautiful to a boy than his mother,” Marie said, “A fine son you have, Carson.”
“Ava, you may come out. There is nothing to be afraid of. I would like you to meet my daughter. Princess Avelyn Kathleen Cavanaugh, heir and guardian of the kingdom Impreza.”
Avelyn came out from behind her mother’s skirt. She held her head up, proudly her waist long brown hair falling out in waves behind her. She bowed slightly to them.
“Welcome to the palace. I am honored to meet such a great friend of the royal family,” she said quietly, “And I am honored to meet you also.”
And of course she hadn’t truly met him until years later. And her heart was lost. Jaxon Kalesi Fowler had stolen it. Ava glanced behind her, the pounding of hoof beats becoming louder. Demina had caught up to her. Maybe she could outrun her.
“AVELYN! Avelyn! Stop!” Demina shouted. Avelyn stopped, turning her horse around to look at Demina.
Demi sucked in a deep breath as she slowed her horse down. She promised herself she’d contain her temper but it was still hard. Especially looking at Avelyn’s stubborn face.
“Explain. Now.”
