Page 19 of Emergence of Fire
Never in a million years would I consider myself clingy. Ugh, I guess I was changing as well.
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As we flyover the land, we feed our magic into the realm with our intention. It flows from our bodies in waves of color that signifies our affinities. Blue, green and bronze aurora-like rays undulate around each other before they separate and seep into the land, water and air. The water glistens, trees stand taller, the flowers brighter and the air feels richer as our magic gives thanks for allowing us a safe place to shield our mate from those who want to harm her. Celestia has my gratitude and its people my respect.
The locals are used to seeing Dragons, so no one pays attention as we pass over busy towns and farms, although from this high up we do occasionally catch sight of a child pointing, jumping up and down in excitement at the sight of us. I feel a sense of euphoria from my Dragon, this is what we were meant to do. Our magic feels stronger than it ever has since we found Cordelia. I can’t help but wonder what the four of us will be able to achieve once she finally Emerges. For now, I am just happy that she is with us and she is safe. There is harmony in the bond between my brothers and me, and they are just as happy as I am.
Druids and Mages have always welcomed us Dragons with open arms, both our Realms would benefit from a peaceful alliance again. Thaddeus destroyed the peace when he killed our queen. Now Cordelia will restore it, when she is ready. I can’t wait to watch her burn our enemies to ground with our help. The Black Barons are a plague to Arcadia and their poison can no longer stand.
We have flown for what seems like hours, when the palace finally comes back into view, I was ready to be back on two feet again. Our Dragons have feasted on the local wildlife and scanned the highest peaks for anything out of the ordinary. They are settled and eager to return to her.
“She’s awake. I can smell her lavender and sweet cherry scent on the wind.” Gale says through our telepathic link. My Dragon huffs in response, then takes a deep breath, her scent fills us with the need to get to her. He wants to set his eyes on her as much as I do.
“I see her and Twyla in the clearing we used to shift.” Adrian’s excitement flows through to us as he flaps his wings, his elongated body is shaped like a torpedo as he propels himself forward. We are still miles away but we can easily see Cordelia and Twyla standing in the field behind the palace waiting for us.
“She’s never seen a Dragon before. We need to land a short distance away and approach her slowly,”I tell them both.
“She’s seen her Dragon in her dreams. I am sure she will be fine, but I will follow your lead on this.”Adrian answers back without argument. Who was this Dragon and what did he do with my brother.
“Will you two hurry up!” Gale interrupts my thoughts as he growls at us both.
We land a few feet away from Cordelia, my Dragon never takes his eyes off her. Both of us are watching our mate's response. She takes a step forward slowly. She smiles with delight and it is all we need to step closer to her.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
CORDELIA
Ispend the rest of my morning following my aunt around as she shows me the palace. Well, I shouldn’t say palace, it’s more like a medieval fortress on the outside with modern technology on the inside. I attempt to take it all in but any chance I get I am drawn to the tall arched windows, hoping to catch sight of my men. My men. Now that we aren’t in imminent danger, I want to get to know them. I can finally take a moment to feel the bond between us, closing my eyes I search for them in my soul. I feel my Dragon stir inside me, no pain greets me and I breathe a sigh of relief. I feel her eagerness to get outside as much as mine. I have been on an emotional rollercoaster, now all I feel is completion. Where I end, they begin, our four bonds swirl around each other in a dance of harmony. I can only assume that this will get stronger as we become closer. I bring my fingers to my lips, remembering Adrian’s lips on mine, Torin’s strong arms wrapped around me, and Gale’s sexy smile. Yes, the attraction to these men is definitely there. I’m so used to one-night stands, getting what I needed without any attachment, this is different, it is forever. I smile as I continue to look out of the window in front of me. Three dicks are better than one, right? I need to focus. I don’t need to be thinking about cocks right now.How long has it been?I think to myself.
“Cordelia, are you listening to me? I was halfway down the hall before I noticed you weren’t there.” The sound of my aunt’s voice breaks me from my thoughts. Turning to her I need to at least look a little bit sorry for ignoring her.
“I’m sorry my—”
“Let’s go outside. You need to see them. They’re your mates, the pull to be with them is strong. I’m surprised you lasted this long,” she says cutting off my apology. She starts walking again and quickly turns left down another corridor disappearing out of sight.
“Cordelia Drake, are you coming?” I can’t help but laugh as I hurry to catch up with her. Again, some things never change. There are so many Druids roaming the halls here, each one is rushing past us. Some stop and stare after aunt Twyla and in turn me. Her appearance after all this time must be the equivalent to seeing a ghost. It must be strange to her but she makes no move to acknowledge any of them as we make our way outside.
“Aunty, is it strange being back here? Everyone we’ve passed has stopped and stared. The long-lost princess has returned. Wait, you know it hasn’t really registered to me that I am walking with royalty.” I nudge her jokingly, but she looks at me with distress in her eyes. Before I can ask her about it, she stops us as we approach a grassy hill. The green is so vibrant it seems otherworldly, but I guess in this case, it is. I turn in a circle, taking in the massive fortress sitting on acres and acres of rolling green hills. Ancient trees stand tall and dense in the distance with meadows of bright flowers scattered around them. It is a magical sight to behold. I want to see more.
“They are staring because they are all wondering if I am going to reclaim my rightful place as my father’s heir now that I’m back. My sister, Vivyn, became the next in line when I left. The rumors are already spreading, and we haven’t been here twenty-four hours yet. In fact, she has yet to acknowledge my presence, and to be honest there is no love lost between us.” My aunt sighs and stands next to me.
“What do you want to do now that you are home?” I ask her. I haven’t really thought about what all of this means to her. I know we can’t go back to what we were. She is the only family I have. I don’t want to do this without her, but maybe I’ll have to.
“I came back here to make sure you were safe. At the moment that is my only priority. I don’t care about being a queen, Delia. I gave that up and that still stands. I don’t know if my father will see it that way. He is already planning a ball in honor of my return and to introduce you to our realm as the rightful Queen of Arcadia.” She looks at me with sympathy because she knows how I feel about being around people. I know this is just the beginning of how uncomfortable I’m about to be and I need to find a way to accept that as part of my life now.
“Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?” I ask her. I have a feeling I already know the answer.
“You never know who’s listening, Delia. Remember that when you’re inside the palace. No one will harm you—I promise you this. But it’s been thirty years since the last time I’ve been here and who knows how far my sister will go to maintain her station.” Her words are all I need to keep my guard up.
“Well, I will steer clear of her.” I assure her. I’ve got enough going on in my life to last me a lifetime. I don’t need to get wrapped up in anymore drama. But I won’t let her hurt my aunt in anyway. Then I will get involved. I don’t want to have to burn a bitch, but will if I have to.
“Oh, I am sure you will. But she will make herself known whether you avoid her or not. She will find you,” she warns me.
A tingling sensation in my chest has me turning and searching the skies. It’s disorienting to feel my Dragon push to the forefront of my mind. I don’t fight her and my vision sharpens as my eyes zoom in on the three dots in the distance. A sense of déjà vu washes over me as I remember my dream, the vision of my own Dragon flying towards me. The dots become larger as they fly towards us both. I instinctively take a step forward, as if my Dragon is moving my legs for me.
“I think that’s my cue to leave,” I hear my aunt say behind me.
I don’t turn to acknowledge her departure. I can’t take my eyes off them. “Don’t you want to meet them?” I ask her and take another couple steps away from her.
