The Dream Oath

Chapter 1.3

"My love, tragedies don't suit you."

Maria jumped when she heard Draco's voice in her ear. She'd been looking through the old songbooks to learn a new piece after Draco left and didn't realize he'd entered the room.

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back into his chest.

"I apologize, I did not mean to startle you," he whispered into her ear.

"It is my fault. I heard you would be leaving soon and was lost in thought," Maria leaned back into his embrace and sighed. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth of his muscular arms around her slender body.

"What's wrong, love? You've seemed sad these past several weeks. I cannot bear the thought of leaving you like this."

Maria turned to face him, studying the strength of his jawline and the intensity of his eyes. She freed a hand to run her fingertips down his cheek.

"Draco, I heard what you and my brother said when you were in the courtyard just returning from the last...excursion," Maria took a deep breath and forced herself to hold his gaze. "I do not wish to be a tool Cecil uses to control you. The thought of you destroying towns and-"

"Shh, it will be okay. Your brother is having a difficult time adjusting to his role. He was not ready to take over when your father passed. Once we return, he should have enough leeway to learn to run the kingdom without more battles.

"We will get him married off. He will have some children, and that will keep him busy. Why don't you start organizing a Grand Ball for when I return. We will invite every potential woman in all four kingdoms, and he will find himself with a wife who will keep him in line."

"That is devious!"

"But it will work. He will no longer have time to fancy himself a warlord. The kingdom will be at peace, and you and I can finally be together."

"Promise me you will come back unharmed."

"Maria, my love, I will always come for you. Death itself would not dare come for me."