Call of the Dragon (Return to Avalore Book 1) (25 page)

“Silly sister, you already have.” This time, his smile reached his eyes. “He accepted Aiken’s help for the first time in months this morning, just so he’d have the energy to greet you.”

She grabbed Drake’s hand, holding on to him like a lifeline. “
Will you stay with me?”

He squeezed her fingers.
“You needn’t even ask.”

She tightened her grip as they began up the stairs. He didn’t try pulling away, but she wasn’t taking any chances.

No one spoke as Evan led them to a heavy wooden door, then swept it open. The same devastating sadness swamping her downstairs clawed at her. If anything, it was more excruciating, more intense. She fought to keep from sobbing under the overwhelming grief.

Everything, from the décor to the furnishings, was elegant, yet comfortable in its grandeur. Two beige couches with matching chairs took advantage of a massive fireplace. A fire burned in the hearth, yet there was little warmth in the room, adding to her unease.

Shelves filled to the brim with books and mementos covered an entire wall. Heavy drapes, pulled back from the arched windows allowed the sunshine in, but still goosebumps raced up and down her arms again.

Evan’s heavy sigh cut through the silence. “I’ve asked father to stay in bed and we’d see him there, but he’s a stubborn man. He’ll be right out.” As if on cue, the door at the opposite end of the room opened. “We could have seen you in your room. You shouldn’t be exerting yourself like this.” The concern in Evan’s words softened their sting.

Standing tall, an older version of Evan crossed the room supported on one side by a smiling Aiken. “I know, son, but I’m surprisingly well this morning and wanted to sit to meet my daughter.” The man’s gaze found hers even as he spoke. “Besides, Aiken gave me a boost so my energy would last.” He hid the weakness well, but the lines of strain around his mouth were evident as he walked over to the chair closest to the fire.

“I won’t keep you waiting then.” All eyes turned to her. “Father, meet your daughter. This is Rhiannon.”

She hadn’t realized how tight her grip on Drake’s hand had been until she released it and her fingers tingled.

Deep grooves marred William’s face as though time and heartache had taken a terrible toll. Deep, dark crescent moons hung beneath his green eyes, a stark contrast against his pale skin. Even still, he was a handsome man.

What did one do in this kind of situation? Shake hands? Hug? Taking a deep breath, she stuck her hand out, ignoring the slight tremble in her fingers, and hoped she was doing the right thing. “I’m pleased to meet you Fa…” Her cheeks heated as she choked on the words.

“William’s fine. I don’t expect you to fall into the role of daughter so soon after meeting me.” The man’s smile lit his face as he grasped her hand. “If you don’t mind me saying, you’re absolutely beautiful. I never thought anyone would ever compare to my sweet Angelique, but you look just like her.” His eyes misted, but his smile remained.

“Thank you. I wish I could have known her. I’m told she was a wonderful woman.”

“She was. Come. Sit with me, Rhiannon. I want to hear about you and your life before you came here.” Once she had settled into the chair nearest him, he continued. “I understand Drake is the one who found you and brought you through the dark lands.”

“He did. Had he been even a day later, he would have missed me. I was getting ready to leave the city.”

William nodded, then turned to Drake. “I owe you more than I could ever repay in this lifetime, son.”

Drake approached and shook the man’s outstretched hand. “There’s no debt to repay, sir. It’s an honor to do this for our people.” Admiration and respect warmed Drake’s voice.

“Come, sit with us, I want to hear from you too. I haven’t had the pleasure of a visit from you in ages, Drake.” The man reproached him as a father would his son.

Drake sat on the couch facing them, crossing his right ankle over his left knee. “I know. I wish I could have been here more. I’ve spent most of my time in the dark lands, and more recently, in the land of humans. I’ve missed being home.”

“You’ve done your duty well, son. I’m proud of you.” William turned his attention back to her. “Tell me how you’ve been, Rhiannon? How was your life in the land of men?”

She couldn’t fail to notice the shake in the older man’s hand, and caught Aiken’s silent plea that she give William a pretty version of whatever she’d been through. She wouldn’t have given him all the gory details, but she made sure to choose her words with care. “I’ve had a good life. My moth—Mariella loved me and took good care of me.”

“Mariella…” William was thoughtful for a moment. “Yes, she was your mother’s First Lady of Council. She’s the one who took you from Avalore then?” A spark of anger flashed in his eyes. “What’s become of her? Where is she now?”

“She passed away four years ago.” Her chin rose, and she squared her shoulders. “You should know she treated me like a daughter and did her best to make sure I had all I ever needed.”

“Though I’m certain she had good cause, I wish she’d left some clue as to how to find you before she left.” As quickly as it had surfaced, his anger dissipated, leaving him smiling. “I can’t tell you how it lifts my heart to have you home. You’ll love living here at the palace. The grounds don’t look their best right now, but you’ll see, over the next few weeks, everything will start to fall into place.”

“It’s beautiful already. I can’t imagine it becoming more so than it is now.” Tension knotted her shoulders. “As much as I’d like to, I can’t stay here.”

“Rhiannon has accepted my invitation to stay with me until things are more settled here, sir.” Drake drew the man’s attention to him.

William’s eyes narrowed. “The Elders won’t approve. You know this as well as I do, so why do you feel it necessary to keep her from the palace?”

Rhia was impressed. He’d cut down to the root of the matter in seconds.

“We have reason to believe there’s a traitor in Avalore. The same traitor who caused Queen Angelique’s death remains out there, and until we know who it is, we must assume Queen Rhiannon’s life is in jeopardy as well. As for propriety, sir, my sister will stay with me as well.”

“Is this true, Evan?” Absolute fury shone in his eyes. “Is someone conspiring against us? One of our own?”

“I’m afraid so. I’ve suspected it for some time, but we found new evidence proving someone was working with the Ikabrols when mother was killed.” He ground his teeth before continuing. “They have the scymin. Until we’ve found and destroyed it, she’s not safe here. We’ll send a team out to the dark lands to retrieve it as soon as we can.”

William processed the information he’d been given. “No. She can’t return to Drake’s home. All of Avalore knows she’s here now. They’ll know where to find her if she isn’t at the palace. She must stay here at the castle.” His voice took on an air of authority.

“I understand your concern, sir, but if the beasts attack, this will be the first place they come.”

“With the scymin, Drake, no place in Avalore is safe, not even your own home. We need to be prepared. If it’s a battle they’re looking for, this time, we’ll be ready.”

“Do
I
get to have a say in any of this?” She tried not to sound too irked for the man’s sake.

“Of course, Rhiannon, I apologize, I only wish to keep you safe.”
William’s deep chuckle drew a surprised look from all four brothers as though the man seldom laughed.
“So much like your mother. She didn’t like being told what to do either. What would you propose we do?”

“If it would make things easier, I guess I can stay, but I want Drake to stay here too.” She worried her bottom lip between her teeth, hoping she hadn’t pushed too far, but she couldn’t deal with this without him yet.

William’s eyebrows rose, but he didn’t question it. “We’ll have rooms readied for the entire Coalition on the ground level. Drake, you’ll need to stay as well, I’ll have a room ready for you in our private quarters near Rhiannon’s suite. It’s obvious she’s most comfortable in your presence.”

“I’m sorry, I should have asked, but I don’t know if I can do this without you.”

Drake stood to leave. “I’ll go gather what I need from home and be back before sundown.”

“What? Dusk is hours away. It’s not even lunchtime yet. I’ll come with you.
”

“I appreciate the lengths to which you’ve gone to make my daughter’s journey as pleasant and comfortable as possible.” William’s red-rimmed eyes drooped, and his skin paled even more in the short time they’d been speaking.

“You’ll be fine. Evan will make sure nothing happens to you.”
Drake shook the older man’s hand then turned and left.

Aiken took the opportunity to come to his father’s side. “I know you want to sit longer, but you’re looking rather tired. Maybe you could visit some more later. There’ll be plenty of time to catch up with Rhia after you’ve rested.”

“I suppose you’re right. Perhaps another boost will do this old body some good. What do you think? Are you up for it?” William stood on shaking legs and took his son’s arm.

“It’s a wonderful idea.” Aiken smiled and mouthed a silent “Thank you” before helping his father back to his room.

Chapter 20

Spectacular. There was no other way to describe the view. The majestic mountain, high above the town, was even more breathtaking than when Rhia had arrived at the palace. The trickling waterfall of two weeks ago now flowed in abundance. A fine mist at its base sparkled in the sunlight. Deep, vibrant colors dotted the landscape as exquisite, fragrant flowers bloomed from the lush plants and vines all around them. Even the palace itself had released the oppressive sadness and was now an inviting and joyous place to be. It was hard to believe her presence alone could have such an effect, but she couldn’t deny it.

Although she spent her mornings with her father, Rhia devoted her afternoons to getting to know the people, both inside the household and out. She’d sit, as she was now, under the shade of a huge, flowering tree and visit with whoever chose to come by. People from the community would stroll into the gardens to see her. Some sat and chatted with her, while others just enjoyed the day, happy to be in her presence.

True to his word, Drake had come back just before dusk on the first day and had settled into the room prepared for him next to her suite. He was with her all day, every day, except for when one of her brothers was with her, or once she went into her suite at night.

She should have been thrilled with the arrangement, but she wasn’t. Sure, he was always there in body, but where it counted most, he’d shut her out. He even avoided telepathic communication whenever he could, choosing to speak aloud instead of allowing their mental link to strengthen.

Every once in a while though, she’d catch him looking at her, as she had just a moment ago, his eyes ablaze with hunger. It was as though he wanted to slam her up against the nearest tree and fuck the daylights out of her. Now, if she could just get him to act on those impulses, they'd both be happier. Grinning like a fool, she turned her attention back to the conversation between Katie and her friend Chantelle.

“I can’t imagine how you survived all those years in such a horrid place. Katie told me even the air they breathe is toxic.” The woman wrinkled her nose as though sniffing noxious fumes.

“Yes, well, it was different, but it wasn’t all bad.” Chantelle was one of those people you just couldn’t help liking. She had the kind of warmth radiating from her that pulled you in.

Just then, little Maxwell came running, snagged the flower Katie had picked, and took off with it. The sound of his giggles filled the garden.

“Oh you little rascal, just you wait ‘til I get you.” Katie bolted after him, earning them all delighted squeals as she caught up to the boy and started tickling him.

Drake, as always, missed nothing. If she so much as moved a muscle, he’d be right there beside her before she was upright. His arms were crossed over his chest, giving her a nice view of his strong arms and chest in the black t-shirt he wore. His dishevelled hair was sexy, just the way she liked, as though he’d been running his fingers through it, which he probably had. He did it a lot when he was frustrated. Maybe she could find a way to help him release some of his tension.

“Yummy, isn’t he?”

“Pardon me?” She turned her head back so fast her neck pinched.

“Drake, Katie’s brother. He’s so handsome. He’s downright sexy.” Chantelle’s gaze lingered on Drake for a moment before turning back to her. “You know, it’s not forbidden to look at men, even here in Avalore. I mean, who can help but notice? He’s scrumptious. I envy the woman destined to join with him.”

“She’d be a lucky woman, that’s for sure.” She fought to keep her gaze from straying again.

“Very lucky.” Chantelle’s eyes widened. “I’m surprised the Elders haven’t come to get you to agree to yours. Once you’re settled, I was thinking of maybe calling a spouse too. I’d been waiting, but there’s no real reason to wait anymore, is there?”

The woman kept chattering, oblivious to the sudden tension mounting inside her. She took a deep breath, trying to keep up with what she was saying, but all she could hear was the loud pounding of her heart, and the blood careening by her ears. Why hadn’t she considered the possibility before? What if The Elders convened for someone else and named him as their mate? Her stomach rolled.