The Blood of Dragons (On Hold)

Chapter 11: The Beginning of a Queen

* * * Emma's POV * * *

An endless sea of barren trees gave way to a clearing. An enormous mansion was illuminated by the snow reflecting the light of the full moon in front of a glistening frozen lake. The limousine pulled up to the entrance and two well dressed men in matching suits walked down the stone steps to greet us. Gracefully, Milo and Yolanda exited first.

"Ready my love." The first words I've heard since getting into the vehicle.

"Yes." I said shakily. I'm glad I changed into something nicer at the club, this place reminds me of Pemberley.

We were greeted by the two men. I stiffened when they addressed me as princess, but with the heavy atmosphere of a funeral about to start I chose to ignore it and focus on not slipping on the icy stairs. Nikolasz lent me his hand and I latched onto his arm as I started to slip. He gave me a small smile edged in pain. He must be really hurting. In effort to comfort him, I lightly touched his mind with mine and rubbed his arm with my hand as we ascended the staircase.

The inside of his home was a blur of warm marble tones and wrought iron works as we were ushered to the back garden.

A winter wonderland appeared behind two double french doors. My eyes focused on the large arch in front of a stone fountain were hundreds of red tulips decorated it's frame. The candles of various sizes lining the sides of the path fanned out and surrounded the arch. They trailed up the fountain lip were a large stone dragon peered sadly down at the frozen pool. As we approached I saw the couple that rode with us greet a woman seated in front of the arch on a lonely bench. She cried when Yolanda touched her arm in reassurance, no doubt giving her condolences. I saw the crying woman press her hand to her lower belly and raise her head up to the sky distraught with grief. When she saw Nikolasz and I, she stood up and stared at us as her tears fell like diamonds down her beautiful face.

I noticed that Nikolasz stiffened and clenched his jaw. He locked our elbows and escorted me slowly to her.

"Esmeralda," he bowed, "I'm sorry I failed you." He closed his eyes tightly to hide his tears. She made the same gesture to her lower belly.

Poor woman, to lose a partner at a time like this must be even harder. Nikolasz gave me a confused look.

"Is this your mate?" She asked hoarsely.

"Yes, this is Emma O'Donnell my mate," he led me closer to Esmeralda. "Love, this is Esmeralda Tanner."

Before I could greet her she flew at me and started to pound her fist at my chest. I felt surprise and anger flash through Nikolasz's mind. "Don't touch her!" I yelled into the link. "She's not really hurting me. She's just grieving." He shifted uncomfortably from side to side as she sobbed and beat my chest with enough force to make me step back little by little. When her punches started wear her out I caught her in my arms and hugged her.

"Why!?" She shrieked. "Why did he die!?" Her voice cracked on the word 'die.' I tightened my hug as she sobbed uncontrollably. "He was the strongest warrior, but YOU," Her words turned to bee stings. "Survived! You're just a human!"

Her fists came up again and pounded wildly like she was a caged rabid animal. "He can't leave me alone like this! It's not fair! He promised that we would always be together! I can't live a in this life without him!" She shrieked louder and louder with each increased decibel she hit me harder until she was gasping for air. Her shrieks disappeared and were replaced by the sickening sound of flesh being beaten. I could feel her fists hit me harder and harder, but all I could focus on was the excruciating pain in her hazel eyes. I have to do something to help her.  Not a moment later, pain sliced through me as she delivered the latest blow. I had to close my eyes in a grimace to keep the dizzying white and black dots at bay.