"This is ridiculous, Aquila. There's no way that's my beast. Royals have legendary hybrids, not house pets," Jesika said as they approached the library's doors.
After Darryn and she approached Aquila, she convinced her to talk to her friend Rowan, the man who studies beasts. Now though, Jesika found herself harboring doubts.
Aquila laughed. "I'm sure you're right, Jes. But let's just talk to him to make sure. Besides, I've been wanting you to meet him," she said.
"Is he your boyfriend?" Darryn asked, a slight edge to his voice.
Aquila turned to him, surprised at the random question. She slowly shook her head. "Just a friend..." she said quietly.
Darryn seemed to relax a little.
Aquila pushed open the door and Frankie quickly made his way to the fireplace to warm up the building. Aquila led them over to a corner of the library that was set apart for reading and studying. There were several small, round tables and sitting at one was a man with pale skin and brownish red hair, his complete attention in a large book. Jesika looked at the cover and read the title that said: "The Great Dragon Aethelinda". She clenched her fists at the title, assuming they had found their guy.
They approached the table, but the man still seemed not to notice. They sat down and waited awkwardly for him to look up. But he never did. His griffin laying against the wall behind him, perked up at their arrival. He got up and came towards Aquila, nudging her arm gently. Aquila giggled and pet his head. This caught the man's attention, making him look up.
"Oh!" he said when he noticed their presence.
Aquila laughed. "I told you I was coming, Rowan."
He laughed sheepishly. "Sorry, I completely forgot. So, where's the friend you mentioned?" he asked.
Aquila gestured to where Jesika sat at the other end of the table. Jesika waved awkwardly. Rowan's eyes widened and he looked at Aquila again, lowering his voice:
"Your friend is the queen?!"
Aquila laughed yet again.
"Is that an issue?" Jesika asked, unamused.
Darryn didn't look that amused either and seemed averse to sitting with them, instead standing off to the side. Rowan looked at her once again. His expression was blank for a moment, but slowly a suave, charming grin came to his face.
"Not a problem at all, Your Majesty. Where is this beast of yours?"
Jesika glared at him. "It's not my beast. It's a stray cat that continues to follow me around everywhere."
Rowan's grin didn't falter. Suddenly a little meow reached his ears. Rowan looked down to see the said cat looking up at him. He chuckled, picking up the cat and settling her on his lap.
"Is it a girl?" he asked. Jesika nodded. He tilted his head. "Have you named her?" he asked, petting her head.
Jesika's glare deepened as Aquila and Darryn quietly snickered. "No, I'm not naming the pest! I don't plan on keeping it! I just want to confirm that this THING isn't my beast!"
Rowan laughed. "No need to get testy... You still have not received your beast?" Jesika relaxed a little, shaking her head. "And the cat followed you even after you fed her?" Jesika nodded. Rowan's grin grew. "Can you do something for me?"
"Depends," she said warily, arching a brow.
"Just a little test. Go across the library, to the farthest end. And whistle."
