Nikita
I felt my heart break into a million pieces as I replayed Leia’s words in my mind. I had left shortly after and returned to my room, muttering about sleep. In truth, I was sitting on my bed, wondering who it could be and how I could kill her. Werewolves would be sneaky. I could say she went hunting and “accidentally” stumbled into a pack. I could not simply have her hung.
But did I truly want to hurt Samuel like that? The girl, yes, but him?
I sighed as I dropped back onto the bed, closing my eyes and wishing for this all to go away. I thought he cared for me. Now I realize it was stupid.
I felt something damp on my cheek and wiped it away, only to have it replaced by more liquid. Tears.
Was I not good enough? Of course I was. I was a princess, better than any other peasant he could find.
My thoughts were interrupted by a knock. I quickly straightened and wiped away the last of my tears, biting my lip to contain them as I opened the door.
There stood my white knight.
“The dragon is hatching.”
At those words, I pushed aside my feelings and followed him out to where my little babies were watching their next sibling come out. I sat in fascination as the egg wiggled and small chirps came from inside it. Soon, I saw a tiny black nose poke out.
The rest of the small creature rolled out of the eggs after a few more pushes from the dragon. Orion and Caspian were peering over my shoulder at it, their claws digging into my back and most likely leaving marks. But I barely noticed the stings.
The dragon lifted its head and looked around with bright red eyes. It was midnight black but there were hints of purple and blue. Its eyes finally fell and it squeaked as it stood up on trembling legs. It stumbled and fell but it got up again.
It slowly made its way to me, protesting every time it fell. Caspian and Orion crawled their way down to him hesitantly, Orion in the lead. I laughed as they all inspected each other. Then Orion and the new dragon started growling at each other as Caspian continued to peck his way around.
A few moments passed before Orion stood taller once again. I laughed, unable to resist. He had such a smug look on his face.
I was faintly aware of Samuel’s arm behind me, holding him upright. It was brushing against my back, sending shivers up and down my spine. I sat up straighter but that only made it worse.
“It is a male fire dragon.” Leia announced after giving the dragon a quick inspection.
“Keegan.”
“Very well. You know what to do.”
I hated this part. The dragons had a right to their own mind and I was intruding into their thoughts. They had not had enough time to get many, of course, but they still had memories from inside the egg. It was harsh but it needed to be done to form the bond that would make them mine.
I tried to do it quickly. Keegan thrashed around, throwing a fit after I was done. Then he ran over to Samuel.
I felt a pang of shock and hurt as Keegan rubbed against Samuel. I was its mother. It should come to me, not Samuel.
Orion and Caspian sensed my change in attitude and rushed over to jump onto my shoulders and purr into my ear while nudging their noses into my neck. Their claws dug their way into my skin but it was a mark of love to me.
My two little boys nestled their way into my arms as Keegan hopped around Samuel for attention. Leia watched us with amused eyes.
“I will go make some tea.” She stood up, gave Samuel a look and left.
He sighed and watched her leave, holding his hand out to Keegan. The dragon started nipping at his long fingers, playful growls filling the silent room.
“What is her name?” I whispered, staring down at my dragons as they slowly started to fall asleep.
“Who?”
“We both know who I am talking about. Is she pretty?” I held my chin high, already knowing he would say yes.
“She is gorgeous. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever met. Her eyes shine brighter than the stars and she has the most infectious laugh. Her smiles make my day.”
With every word, another piece of me seemed to float away before I could grab it.
“Does she make you happy?” Again, I hoped for a no.
“Yes. Extremely so. I cannot help but smile whenever she is near. I love her.”
I allowed a small gasp to escape my lips but I managed to hold back the tears.
“Good. Will you leave me for her?” I finally asked, avoiding his eyes. He had heard the gasp. I wished he hadn’t, but he was a guard and he was trained for those silent noises that could mean danger.
“No. I will never leave you, Nikita.”
“What of your girl?”
“She is in the castle. I can be near her while doing my job. I am not going anywhere, understand?” He moved forward to cradle my face in his large hands, forcing my eyes to meet his.
“Yes.” Somewhere in the back of my mind, guilt was starting to churn. Was it selfish of me to ask Samuel to put me above his love?
And then I realized I was fine with being selfish.
