“Bottle of wine, we definitely need wine,” Lucas tells the waiter picking a bottle from the list. The human waiter nods with a tense smile and then walks away, leaving us alone.
“Tell me something about you. I know you like hunting and you were raised by your aunt and uncle. However, I need to know the real Astri, the one who doesn’t like coming out of her shell,” Lucas asks, handing me a menu, probably to keep the conversation going.
“I’m just me, the girl who likes adventure and wants to fit in. Sorry, that’s boring and I’m really nervous for some reason,” I admit, ready to get up and walk away. This isn’t going to work–I have no experience and Lucas is way out of my league.
He touches my hand and electricity ripples through my body. It’s not the same mushy, super warm heat I felt when I was with Jorgen yesterday, but I like Lucas a lot.
“Don’t be, my mother and sisters tell me I’m a nice guy. This can go one of two ways,” he says, then pauses when the human waiter comes back to the table to take our orders. I’ve never been in this part of the city, and all the humans in the restaurant keep glancing at us nervously.
“Two ways? What do you mean?” I ask, thinking maybe this place wasn’t Lucas’ best choice.
“This date will go great, there’s going to be chemistry, and we make out at the end of the night. We’ll fall deeply in love with each other, get married, have kids and live happily ever after,” he explains, grinning and my jaw drops to floor. I almost fall out of my seat, shocked he actually said something like that–out loud. “Or we’re going to sit here and act like we had a great time, when in all actuality we’re both nervous as hell because we aren’t experienced enough. I don’t know about you, but I like you, Astri. Any guy should feel lucky to go out with you. I don’t care about the scar, it just makes you look like a total badass.”
Chapter 18
Kiss or not to kiss?
After that statement I’m much more relaxed, forgetting about the pressure. Lucas and I end up talking and laughing for the rest of the evening. Then the food arrives and Lucas asks for another bottle of wine. He orders me to stop being nervous and tells me that I should have a good time, because apparently he’s as inexperienced as I am. It’s hard to believe a mage like Lucas hasn’t been out on many dates. He’s just so good looking and polite.
“Dating has never been on the list of my priorities. Besides, I’m the odd one in my family, most of my cousins are already married and settled down,” he explains and I grin, feeling slightly tipsy. The red wine agrees with me, slightly too much. I can’t keep denying the fact that in a few weeks I’ll be in heat, so it’s crucial I have someone who can guide me through this scary period of my life.
The food’s delicious and after an hour, the intrusive stares stop bothering me. We order desert and Lucas insists on settling the bill.
“It must have been hard for you, Astri. You lived with your aunt and uncle, without any real friends,” he points out when we leave the restaurant and begin walking towards the castle. It’s late and the sky’s clear and beautiful.
“Yes, my life wasn’t easy, but at least I had a roof over my head. A few years ago I found Lenin and Jetli. They became my true friends,” I say, aware a few humans are staring at us. One of them points at my scar, and whispers to the other guy. I ignore them, knowing some people still feel threatened by me.
“I really had a great time tonight, we should do this again,” he says. “I know I’m getting ahead of myself, but maybe in a few weeks you can meet my mother and sisters. They would be thrilled to find out I went out on a date.”
“Of course, I don’t see why not,” I say, kind of proud of myself that this evening is going so well.
The heat is back, flaring between my breasts, causing vibrations in my heart. It’s unexpected and I’m terrified this may only be the start of my heat season. Jorgen’s face flashes in my mind, and my inner dragon stirs inside me. Lucas has no idea my magic is lethal, he doesn’t know I killed Governor Pollock, and it’s better if he remains clueless about that side of me.
Strained silence descends between us, which is a first since we had such a good time in the restaurant.
Several minutes later, we approach the gate and Lucas grabs me unexpectedly. I’m not ready, and my breath catches in my throat. I should’ve been more prepared for this, but now when he’s just about to kiss me, I’m nervous. His muscles feel great underneath my fingers and I lift my chin, looking into his brown eyes shimmering in the moonlight.
Even more nervous tingles rise in my belly. His eyes are transparent with feelings and I’m completely turned on, enchanted by what’s just about to happen.
“I’m going to kiss you now, Astri and it’ll be your best first kiss ever,” he says and then laughs. “Man that sounds cheesy.”
I laugh too, glad he’s trying to distract me from being nervous.
A moment later, he leans over to me and my brain clicks off as my fingers touch the nape of his neck. His lips brush mine gently at first, then he deepens the kiss, with scorching passion as his hands tighten around my waist, pulling me even closer to his body. It’s nothing I’ve ever experienced before and it feels better than I could’ve imagined. Lucas is simply devouring my lips and my knees nearly give out. Blood pounds in my ears when his teeth catch my lower lip, then he pulls back slighting only coming back for more. Fireworks explode inside me and I feel him warming every cell, every part of me with his touch. When he finally pulls away, I feel lightheaded, and completely drunk on lust. It’s a good first kiss, but I can’t help to think there’s something missing, like those tiny electrifying sensations I feel when Jorgen touches me.
He’s grinning at me, and his eyes are filled with emotions. I smile too, telling myself that I need to stop focusing on the negatives. Lucas is this perfect mage who showed up in my life unexpectedly and turned my world upside down. My life in the past had been filled with insecurities, and I should be happy our paths crossed.
“I’ll see you around Lucas, I had a great time and that kiss was mind-blowing,” I tell him as I walk away towards the castle.
“Of course it was,” he says. “Now when you go to bed you’ll be thinking about it.”
I laugh and run back to the castle, feeling happier than ever. When I get to my chamber the Pixies aren’t around, and in some ways I’m glad Lenin isn’t there to drill me with uncomfortable questions. I flop on the bed, happy my first kiss is finally behind me.
The next day, the city crier announces the fair will begin earlier than planned–this afternoon. I don’t see Jorgen at breakfast and I’m worried we won’t have time to plan what’s going to happen if he’s expected to shift later on. Everyone’s looking busy, running around and panicking about the dress code.
I try to look for Jorgen when I come back from my run, waiting outside his chamber when Cassandra shows up, wearing a stunning blue dress with a thin diamond necklace. Falcon isn’t far away, leaning on the wall, cleaning his knife. If he thinks he’s intimidating, he’s got another thing coming. I’ve seen and dealt with worse than the likes of him. I could kick his arse six ways from Sunday… but I won’t. He’d probably run anyway.
“What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be getting ready or something?” she asks, frowning as her eyes move over my scar. “Thayer has a list of stuff that needs to be done before the fair starts and he’s been asking for volunteers.”
“I need to speak to Jorgen, it’s important,” I say.
“Clearly, you have no idea how to address him properly. He’s royal and you shouldn’t be spending so much time with him,” she snaps and backs away when Lenin and Jetli join me, flying around.
“The duke asked to see me, and I really need–”
“I don’t care what you need to do. Jorgen’s extremely busy right now and you should leave and take those ugly fairies with you,” she retorts with anger, and I quickly grab Lenin, who’s ready to come back with a nasty remark. There’s no point fighting
with Cassandra; she’s not going to allow me to see Jorgen. I turn around and quickly walk away without giving her a backwards glance or the respect she thinks she deserves.
“That crazy, stupid mage! Fairies … she called us fairies! We are not fairies. Let me find her and teach her a lesson,” Lenin screams, trying to pull away from my grip, but I only let him go when we’re back in my chamber. Jetli isn’t happy either, and she starts pulling her tongue once I shut the door.
“Calm down, she’s just trying to demonstrate her power – the power she doesn’t have just yet. Don’t let her get to you,” I say, worried Jorgen’s going to show up at the fair completely unprepared.
He knows where to find me, so why isn’t he here with me? Maybe he’s still angry I went out with Lucas.
“I don’t care, she’s horrible and Jetli doesn’t like her. She’s not good for lordi, lord,” Lenin shouts, looking furious.
That comment about fairies must have really pissed him off, because it takes me over half an hour to explain that we’re still only guests in the castle. Eventually, Thayer shows up at my door.
“We need to leave right away. The duke and his father are already making their way to the fair,” Thayer says. “You should wear what you have on.”
“Why? What’s in the programme? Are Jorgen and his father expecting me to shift?”
“Possibly, you’ll join them on the stage. There are going to be performances, but Hans wanted to keep the rest a surprise, so I have no idea what to expect. He asked me to make sure you were near,” Thayer explains and I grab my bow, arrows and knives, then leave with him, worried about Jorgen.
My thoughts are running one to the other in a never ending pile of the unknown. I can’t keep worrying about him. Obviously the duke has other plans if he’s not concerned. We get outside and there’s a carriage with white horses waiting for us. Lenin’s still grumpy, but he cheers up a bit when he sees Jorgen hasn’t forgotten about us.
After the carriage starts moving, Thayer looks at me and asks, “I must admit Astri, Jorgen seems better, but yesterday he was quiet and moody. Do you know what’s bothering him?”
My stomach churns and I wonder if Jorgen could’ve been upset because he saw me with Lucas. He doesn’t have any feelings for me, so why for Hommis did he warn him to look after me?
“I think he’s feeling under pressure now that his father has recovered. Hans was the one who ruled Rivenna before him, so it might shift things around here,” I say, feeling overwhelmed. The investigation hasn’t moved at all since Anna dropped dead right in front of me. Rosanna’s killer’s still out there and Jorgen should’ve at least told me what he was planning for today.
“Maybe, but I think it’s more than that. His magic seems absent too. We’re connected, and I can sense his emotions. This … new Jorgen is concerning me.”
My heart skips a beat and I shift in the seat, wondering if Thayer suspects Jorgen might not be a mage. He must have healed Jorgen at some point in the past, sealing their connection.
“I haven’t noticed. Seriously, he’s just stressed out. Everything will be all right,” I lie, hating myself for it.
“Hans has been out of the picture for too long and the truth is, he should have died. Pollock’s dead and tonight Jorgen will announce the new governor,” Thayer continues, sounding bitter and I wonder if Jorgen asked for his opinion at all. “I hope this time we can expect someone who will have similar views of the Lindworm clan.”
“We’re here, we’re here and there are many tents and shifters. I can’t wait to meet other Pixies,” Lenin shouts and I’m glad I don’t have to continue this conversation with Thayer any longer.
The entire square’s filled with shifters, humans and other magical creatures who probably arrived especially for the fair. Jetli points at the hot air balloons slowly drifting in the sky. Several dragon shifters in their true form are circulating over the castle. There are rides for the kids, stands with sweets and other organic products. Even Emilia most likely set up a small store with her famous love potions. It looks to be a grand affair.
“I need to speak to Jorgen, Thayer. Will you take me to him?” I ask, following Thayer through the crowd.
In front of me, there’s a stage set up, undoubtedly to accommodate the duke and his family.
“He’s getting ready for the sword battle and has asked not to be disturbed. I’m sorry Astri, you can talk to him afterwards.”
“Sword battle? What are you talking about?” I ask, and it feels as if ice cold water has been streamlined into my veins.
“You’ll see, it’s rather entertaining,” Thayer replies, with a secret smile and I become more and more worried that Jorgen won’t be given a choice. He’ll be expected to shift.
Thayer leads me towards the stage. Lenin mutters into my ear that he and Jetli are going to look around for other Pixies. I pass the guards protecting the stage entrance from the crowd. I’ve heard about these kinds of fairs before, but my aunt and uncle never allowed me to go. A few years ago, the whole city celebrated the initiation of the dragons. The fireworks were exploding all night and I was stuck in my basement, because my aunt gave me a dress to sew.
I don’t see Jorgen on the stage. Hans is sitting next to Cassandra. Falcon’s standing dutifully behind her, but his eyes darken when he spots me.
“Astri, come join us,” Hans says with a bright smile. Cassandra doesn’t look too happy, but I’m done worrying about her. “I’m sorry we haven’t had a chance to talk. The past few days have been hectic.”
I join them, smiling at Hans while Cassandra continues staring at me with a sharp, calculating look, fanning herself with a colourful hand fan.
“Thank you, my lord, but I really must speak to Jorgen. There’s something urgent I meant to discuss with him earlier on,” I say, knowing time is running out. The colourfully dressed dancers in masks are preforming in front of the stage. The crowd seems excited, and everyone’s so relaxed – except Cassandra. She’s squirming in her seat with fire in her eyes at the mention of Jorgen’s name coming from my lips – again.
“Jorgen is busy. He told me himself he has to focus and no one’s supposed to disturb him. He’s preparing a huge surprise for everyone, and I don’t see what else could be so important right now,” Cassandra barks, shooting me an angry look.
“Yes, Cassandra’s right. Let’s leave Jorgen alone for the moment. Astri, I heard about the battle in your Wyvern form with one of the contestants. Apparently, it was spectacular,” Hans says and Cassandra laughs, mocking my skills in front of Hans. I want to smack that smirk right off her face.
“Well, I did get injured pretty badly,” I explain and we continue talking about all the tasks I went through. Half an hour later, the dancers end their performance and disappear into the tent.
It seems like Jorgen’s intentionally avoiding me. I’m not exactly sure why he’s concerned with my love life or why he’d risk exposing himself over something as petty as me going on a date. I could be wrong, but something’s definitely going on with him.
Chapter 19
Wyvern.
The crowd gathers near the stage as many shifters and humans wait for Thayer’s announcement, staring at Hans and Cassandra. I should’ve insisted on seeing Jorgen this morning, but I was so distracted, thinking about Lucas and our date. For some reason, the duke has been avoiding me ever since that evening outside the castle or maybe he’s been very busy like Cassandra said. Who knows? He’s so moody these days.
I don’t want to believe Jorgen’s being reckless, he’s already risked so much.
Hans gives signs to Thayer who stands up and approaches the microphone. I think about what he said in the carriage, about his connection to Jorgen. I’m curious to know what’s happened between them in the past. Thayer’s extremely devoted to the duke, but lately he’s noticed Jorgen’s been distant and cold.
“Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the dragon fair. We’ve organised this festival in order to celebrate the health
of Hans II and his miracle recovery. Hommis finally answered our prayers and spared him from death. Please welcome him with warmth and gratitude,” Thayer announces with a smile, his voice sounds strong and confident. The crowd goes wild, clapping and shouting Hans’ name. “The castle would also like to welcome Lady Cassandra from Laehori. It’s a pleasure to have her with us today.”
Thayer turns around and bows towards Cassandra and Hans keeps clapping enthusiastically. The crowd applauds again. She lifts her head, and a small smile drifts over her strained face. I need to forget about my anger and resentment right now. Cassandra’s Jorgen’s soon-to-be fiancé and he’s obviously changed his mind about waiting on his proposal.
My Pixies aren’t around, but they won’t be able to help Jorgen if he’s expected to shift in front of everyone.
It’s a tradition for Jorgen to shift. His beast was powerful and he hasn’t been seen in his true form since the initiation of the dragons a few years ago. My stomach knots again and my gaze darts around waiting for Jorgen to emerge from the tent, but Thayer continues with his speech.
“Right, so there’s a couple of surprises that the duke has prepared for you. There will be a huge spectacle of fireworks later this evening, but first Duke Jorgen’s going to battle with Falcon, one of the soldiers from the kingdom of Laehori,” Thayer announces and panic leaps into my throat. I glance at Cassandra who seems very excited, probably because she’s going to see Falcon in action. For now I should stay calm, because the duke isn’t expected to shift just yet. He has to beat Falcon first.
The crowd goes crazy when he finally emerges from the other side of a blue tent, holding a long beautiful sword by his side. People are slowly moving out of the way, cheering for him. Warmth spreads throughout my body like a wildfire making my toes curl and I’m suddenly swimming with raw emotions.
Jorgen looks focused, and he doesn’t notice me sitting by his father’s side. Cassandra stands up, sending him kisses and giggling to herself. He looks at her and smiles, pretending that he’s catching one of them. I want to gag…