Damien Blueblood Point of View
Her hands are soft and warm as she walks with me through the millions of stairs that sit throughout the castle.
We reached my room soon enough, Krys huffing from the large number of stairs. She seems to take notice on how close her room is to mine but makes no comment.
I throw the towel over a drying rack grabbing a pair of shorts from the drawer. After finally finding my mate, it's nice to be able to display my mark and walk around without covering myself. She gave no reaction when I walk back into the hallway shirtless quietly following when I start to lead again. I continue to twist and turn through the corridors reaching the private kitchen. Turning to my mate, her eyes are wide looking around. I assume this is much different than what she grew up with, "What would you like darling?"
I watch as a light blush rushes to her cheeks, but she forces it down answering the question.
"I like tomatoes." Her voice is very quiet looking over at the crates of fruits in the corner, tomatoes gleaming in the light.
"Then, my queen, you can have the whole box!"
"I am not your queen, but I will take the tomatoes. But not the box, I only need a couple." She doesn't let me respond running over to the crate grabbing the three biggest tomatoes she could find. Her small feet pad over the salt bucket, scooping herself a bowl.
"Salt on tomatoes?" My eyebrows raise in question.
She sighs and slowly puts down her food upset that I interrupted her feast, "We all have weird things, and this happens to be mine. Lay off."
I think back to my habits of eating and try to think if I have anything similar. She bites into the tomato like an apple pouring salt over it. She looks cute, something so small making her so happy that she dances on the stool.
"When I eat my oats I have the milk and oats separate and take a dry bite of the oats and then drink the milk right after so none of my oats get soggy." She gives me a look of horror and puts down her tomato.
"Mine might be weird, but you are psychotic." She finished off the last of the tomatoes she picked out going over to the crate to grab more, but I held my arm out stopping her. Her eyes sit level with the bottom of my bicep, the glare almost cutting into my skin.
"What Prince Damien." Her voice is harsh as looks up at me.
"Tell me something else about yourself and you can have more tomatoes."
Her jaw set, "You're telling me, that I can tell you anything about myself and you will let me get more tomatoes, anything?"
I nod at her, her sweet smile covering her features.
"My hair is blue and pairs well with my brown eyes."
I was floored, she walks right by grabbing three more tomatoes. She came back and stood in front of me.
"I can get back to my room from here I remember the staircase. Thank you have a good night." Her wink is what drove me over the edge. When she turned away I had to followed her... did follow her.
"You tempt me like you want, then leave me like you don't." My heart aches as she stops in the hallway breathing in deep.
"Is that a statement or a question?" Her voice is stone cold.
"It's what it needs to be."
She turns around slowly her tomatoes bundled up in her arm like babies.
"Prince Damien, I..."
"No. Stop talking. For once stop talking. You can't push me away again. You can't... We can't be avoided unless you outright reject me, but you haven't," My chest heaves but I continue, "If you don't want me, reject me. If you only want sex, tell me. If you want me to be your personal tomato supplier till the day I die, I will. Tell me what you want from me... I just want to be there for you in some way... with you."
"Damien..." I could hear it in her voice, the uneasiness. She drops the title, the darkness flooding the kitchen where she stands.
"Please Krys."
"Alright Damien, let's talk." Her voice is almost weak sounding as if she just gave up and didn't care anymore, that she just wanted to get it over with and move on, "Do you have a library?"
We have three. I wanted to mention, amaze her once again, almost like flashing my muscles, but I have to remind myself that material things means nothing to her and that she wouldn't care if I had fifteen libraries.
I turn guiding her to the private library for the royal family and friends, it's known for being much smaller and more private than the rest. As we pass through the halls the light of the moon falls through the windows giving the paintings an eerie glow.
The bright red doors pop up faster than an expected, it took everything in me not to run to them dragging her in with me to kiss her senseless.
But that would never happen, not at this pace.
"Welcome to the Royal Library, a private hall dedicated to only the finest books in history." I wave my arm at the large bookshelves watching her jaw drop out of the corner of my eye. A light smirk graces my face. She walks past me and sits at the plush chairs pushed close together in the center of the annex. I follow her, grabbing the other chair.
"Now that I have you, what do you want from me. Tell me what I can do to be worthy of your affected, your love. What can I be for you? Do you want to reject me?"
"I... I don't want to reject you, but I..."
Before she could finish a castle guard breaks into the library running up to up to the both of us, a distinct line of blood flowing from his forehead.
My whole body stands up in alarm, his words sending my heart into a fit of terror.
Laress is here.
Krysian Yelt Point of View
The guard stands there alarmed, breathing heavy, as he faces Damien, who hasn't said a single word in response to his announcement.
My body chills while I stand there watching the interaction. "Tell me what you know." My voice is controlled and strong as the older male turns to me, brows raised.
"I'm sorry madam this is only for the Prince so if it is possible can you please..." I raise my hand. Now is not the time.
"As a dragon rider and a defender of the crown I have the right to know. I'm going to give you three seconds – exactly three seconds – to speak what you know about Laress, or I will gouge out your eyeballs and skull fuck you with your own sword."
Damien glances to me with raised brows then turns back to the warrior nodding his head once.
"Yes my Prince," I watch him shoot a glare towards me, "Laress has infiltrated the castle and have disabled your father. King Redux has not been spotted, however there are rumors that he is on the south line waiting until you have been disabled."
The way he spoke alarms me, but Damien didn't seem to pick up on it. His Umbell accent seems a little off, almost a little too eastern.
"Only a few questions for you, why are you here and not at your post? Why wasn't the alarm sounded at the base of the castle?" I start to quiz him, drill him with questions that only a real guard of Umbell would know, "Why did you come and not the commander? And where is your name tag warrior?"
"Ma'am the troops are throughout the castle, the commander is busy defending the people that are on the lower levels, and the alarm has been taken out by Laressian Troops. I came straight over when another guard alarmed of the situation and didn't worry much on my attire, my Lady."
I never fully changed out of my uniform from riding. A sharp blade lays on the side belt only to be used in special situations, this falling under that. Warriors know that there isn't an alarm at the base, there is a call that is yelled through the corridor, and guards do not wear name tags. It helps avoid personalization when in a unit.
"Where are you from warrior?"
"Gunda."
"Now that... that's a damn lie." I run at him with my palm open slamming it into his nose causing blood to pour all over my hand and into his mouth. He quickly backs away and growls something eastern and ducks the next punch I throw. I can hear Damien behind me yelling, but I keep my attention on the imposter.
The Laressian draws his sword that was laying at his side and throws the blade toward my neck, but last second I crouch swinging my leg around and taking him down. His hand stays clutch on the blade as he falls a slight ring running through the library as the metal hits the floor. Running above him, I slam the bottom of my foot into his wrist causing the sword to shoot out of his hand.
Before he could shove me off, I roll away and grab the sword, forgetting about the small blade in my waistband. This is much more appealing.
My pants are still a little wet and caused me to be a bit slower, but I overlook it and stand in front of him with a sickly-sweet smile.
"Tell me what you know about Laress, or I slit your throat." I hold the blade on my side and spin it towards his face. He stands up with his hands in the air and Damien finally seems to understand the situation walking to my side facing towards the warrior.
"Is my father actually hurt?" Damien growls, for a moment I can see his regret to be shirtless. Him patting his chest, even though he looks absolutely delicious.
Not the time Krysian.
"Yes. We took him out before we found you. Now as for you blue... I don't think a girl with an ass like that should be fighting." He sends a wink my way and I had to lay a hand on Damien to keep him from killing the bastard.
"How about this? Shut your mouth or I'll kick your teeth down your throat and shut it for you. You're useless."
Frenasia! I need you!
What? Where are you?
I'm in a library in the castle with Damien! The castle has been attacked and we are without armor.
I will wake up Hound. Stay alive.
I felt the connection severe as Frenasia went to do... well whatever she planned to do.
"I prefer to fight, but thanks for the compliment." His fake accent is long gone a deep rustic way of speech now fully takes over his voice compared to the soft tone of Umbell.
"What are you two. I have never seen the Prince so... attached. He usually lays with five or six women at a time... what makes you so special?" The Laressian troop calls out.
Damien didn't make any move to deny, or even agree, with the man, but my question was answered. He had. He had slept with at least one other woman that wasn't me, but I couldn't find myself to be mad. Just disappointed. So much for saving yourself.
Not finding the guy important, I move the sword to my other hand and pulled out the minor blade I had flicking it through the air landing it deep in his heart cavity. He grabs at the blade, looking down, a scared look coming over his features. I send him a wink, "I told you to shut your mouth."
Damien doesn't blink an eye as he turning to me in an attempt to defend himself. The man fall flat on his back in front of us. I walk up to him tugging it out of his chest. Damien continues to beg for forgiveness, I didn't say a word to stop him, "Krysian, my river vixen, darling please understand it was when I was young and dumb. I never slept with anyone but her and it was only once. I regretted it immediately... please Krysian."
"We need to get to the dragons." I turn away and start to march out of the library when a loud roar forces my gaze towards the window. Through the colored pane window, I spot the two large dragons hovering outside of the annex.
Sorry it took so long to find you, there is more than one library in the castle and my sense of smell is shit through cement.
Just get out here Krysian, we have war on our horizon.
I bolt towards the window and grab the latches throwing open the small opening at the bottom only used to exit when someone needs to clean. At least I didn't have to break the window. Frenasia drops down and I quickly launch myself across the small break in the sky and land on her back safely, the adrenaline controlling me as I whip my leg over.
I feel down the side of my mount and find my blade latched to the side of the saddle and smirk. Moving my eyes back to the window I watch Damien grab the fallen warrior's blade and run to the window as well having a little trouble getting through the small window, but making it through, nonetheless. You could fall too, that'd be fine.
He jumps across the drop Hound catching him with ease. Before any orders were whispered both of the dragons start to fly to the stables.
We are going back to the stables, only area that hasn't been attacked yet.
Yes good idea.
I see that Hound has shared the information with Damien as well when a nod is sent my way.
The landing is soft, unexpected in this predicament. I roll off of Frenasia quickly going straight into a run towards the stables as the dragons and my mate follow me.
Jonvi meets us at the stable entrance his hands waving widely. A large dragon stands in the stables with him, armor plates covering its body. Gregnan.
"Krysian! So good to see you alive! The dragons just stormed off!" Jonvi throws his arms around me and the warmth from his hug comforts more than just him.
"Where is your shirt lad?" I watch Jonvi's eyes look over the Prince and a small laugh breaking through. If he wasn't his uncle I would almost think differently of their friendship.
"I took a shower Jonvi and didn't find a reason to fully dress. Problem?" Damien's rude tone took me by surprise, and I quickly backed away from Jonvi leaving the warmth behind. My wet pants are slowly becoming more of a problem in the cold of the night.
"You have never gone without a shirt. I almost thought you showered in them to."
I clear my throat and speak up, "I don't mean to interrupt this heartfelt moment, but currently we have no access to the warriors of Umbell. Who has an idea?"
I watch Jonvi raise his hand up to run it through his beard. Damien walks to my side and frowns. "Well first I need my battle gear, I can't fight shirtless." I look at him and he winks, "No matter how much you would enjoy that mate."
I scoff and walk into the stables where Frenasia is telepathically helping Hound put on his metal guards, preparing for battle.
Thank you Frenasia.
The dragon nods my way keeping her mental focus on snapping the clips of the metal together. Damien walks with Jonvi as he walks to the back room both coming back with a wooden chest.
"I am sorry to hear about your father Damien, but since he is unable to take his place as commander that makes you the King for the time being, meaning you can wear this." Jonvi opens the chest and reveals fighting gear that has more symbols and decorations than I would see needed for armor.
This set of armor has a flat top helm with half a face guard shaped like the eyes of a boar. Attached to the forehead area is a skull shaped ornament.
The shoulders are fairly pointy, narrow, and fairly small in size. They're decorated with symbols covering nearly every part of the shoulder plates. The upper arms are protected by squared, layered metal reembraces which sit loosely under the shoulder plates.
The lower arms are covered by vambraces which have metal flower ornament pieces covering the outer sides. The breastplate is made from a couple of layers of metal, mimicking his dragon scales. It covers only the front, the back is where the attachment straps are, and they offer no real protection but will hold many different swords.
The upper legs are covered by pointed, half covering cuisses. The lower legs are protected by greaves which have a tentacle-like metal ornament attached to each side and wrapping around the greaves.
The armor is beautiful.
I look down at my tattered leathers and almost cry.
Jonvi looks at me and tsks, "Do you really think that you wouldn't benefit from this, come here little one."
He walks me over to a smaller, silver chest, grinning at me, "I can tell you prefer leather pieces, so I had this made for you the moment you became a rider. I saw your potential."
My heart swells with love looking at Jonvi. He's taken a role as my father quickly, his attentiveness and careful word choices mimicking my late father's way of life. I heard the click and look down to see the beautiful armor I get to wear. Oh wow.
This set of armor has a hood with half a face guard shaped like the eyes of a tiger and reaches just below the eyes. Attached to its side are straight rows of small metal spikes.
The shoulders are oval, very long and enormous. They're decorated with metal chains, hanging from the edges of the shoulders, the sparkle almost blinding me.
The upper arms are protected by pointed, layered metal reembraces which sit perfectly under the shoulder plates. The lower arms are covered by metal planes outlined with leather which have a sliver blade attached on each outer side, sharpened and ready to be used as a deadly weapon.
The breastplate is made from many horizontal layers of leather and fur with rounded edges and decoration pieces. It covers everything from the neck down and ending at the groin leaving a good amount of room for movement, something I rather enjoy.
The upper legs are leather bound metal pieces that have the royal symbol engraves in with a small crown underneath. Fit for a queen leading her fighters into battle. The lower legs are protected by leather greaves which have a blade attached on each outer side, sharpened and as thin as a sewing needle.
Jonvi rushes out when he sees me almost giggle in joy as I slip on the expensive, but beautiful fighting gear.
I hear faintly Jonvi speaking to Damien and almost smirk at what he says, "Sir, I think you are going to have a hard time getting her into a gown, she seems to love it."
"I'm glad she does, I had it made specifically for her. You did withhold that information correct? I don't need her boycotting her safety."
"I told her I did it, now come on get changed." I hear Jonvi push him into the back room and my smile lowers.
Damien had this made for me. That... that's really sweet. Maybe, just maybe this could work? Maybe he isn't the worst thing in the world... I quickly slap myself and get dressed, the focus is to defend the crown. I am a dragon rider, and this is my duty. No emotions.