One week later
(Still Samuel's POV)
“In one month’s time, we shall be married.” Nathaniel announced in front of a crowd, grinning. They all cheered as Nikita’s eyes widened, glaring at him. “At least act happy, my bride. Now come. We have to accept the presents. Smile or I will cut the date even closer.” he warned quietly as they sat down.
One by one, villagers from around the world gave them different things. Guards checked them all first. But when a large chest was handed over, Nikita stood up and waved them off. She walked down the steps to the old woman, who smiled and extended the chest again.
“What is your name?” Nikita asked, running her hand along the lid.
“Elisin of Crees, my lady.” The old woman stared up at Nikita in awe as she began to open the lid. Inside were five large eggs. All were different shades of color. They were all easily the size of my forearm. Nikita lifted one up, gasping. “Dragon eggs, my lady. Bred by the finest of dragons.” Elisin nodded eagerly as Nikita set the egg back down. Nikita took the chest, shaking her head when a guard came over to help. She set it down next to her throne then turned back to Elisin, who grabbed her arm, eyes widening as a large grin overtook her face.
“Get your hands off the princess!” a guard shouted as I stepped forward, pulling Nikita away from her. Nikita pushed me away, moving back to the old woman.
“Get off her!” she yelled at the guards as they held the woman down.
“But my lady-” The guard gasped as Nikita lifted a sword and pressed it to his throat.
“Nikita. What are you doing?” Nathaniel hissed, glaring at her.
“I said to get off her. As the soon queen of Alinity, I command you to back away.” Nikita growled, truly looking like a queen. The guard dropped his weapons and slowly walked away, holding his hands up.
“Thank you, my lady. But why do you go to such extremes?” Elisin asked, jumping when Nikita swung the sword to her.
“Where did you get them?” Nikita fully came down the stairs, pushing the woman back.
“I’ve had them for a great time. I won them off a bet.” Elisin explained, gulping.
“Liar! Tell me the truth before I have you hung. Where did you get them?” Nikita repeated, louder this time.
“I…I…I stole them, my lady. I was in the forest and I came across a camp. The fire was lit but no one was there. I crawled into the tent, wishing for a night’s rest and there they were. Simply begging me to take them.” Elisin looked away as tears slid down her face.
“Where in the forest?” Nikita asked, holding her chin high.
“I do not know, my lady. Near a river, south of here.” Elisin’s hands trembled as Nikita backed away slightly. She nodded and raised the sword. I jumped as it came down on the woman.
“What’d you do that for?” Nathaniel yelled, storming over to Nikita.
“None of your concern, darling.” Nikita wiped the blood from her face with a rag a maid held out for her then tossed the sword at Nathaniel.
“It is of my concern. You just slaughtered an old woman.” He grabbed her arms, holding her still. I walked over and pulled them apart, looking down at Nikita.
“How many times do I have to tell you not to touch the princess?” I asked, sitting her back down in her throne.
“She is my bride. I am allowed to touch her.”
“Not while I am guarding her.”
“Just you wait, Samuel. I will have you murdered the moment I am king. Be sure of that, sweet knight.
