Dusk's eyes cast appreciatively down Kai's retreating form and there is a muffled sniggering from one of the twins. He breaks into a rueful grin, unabashed at having been caught checking Kai out.

After first dropping off Cain and Cade, Dusk shows me to my room. He throws open the shutters, letting in air and revealing a pleasant view of undulating vineyards. There is something in the handsome lines of his face that remind me of Zane and it causes my stomach to clench.

"Why the long face?" he queries.

"Well, I got attacked by dark elves and tomorrow I'm going to be prisoner of this awful king."

"Do not worry about Lucifer. He is not as bad as people think. My sister has been his mistress for solars."

Uh oh! I cover my mouth with a hand.

Placing a friendly arm around me, he reassures, "Dawn will look out for you."

"Dawn?"

"My sister. Mother named us after the time of our birth. I am not sure what herbal pain relief she was on." He waggles his eyebrows.

I giggle. "Well, it could have been worse. You could have been called 'Lunch' or 'Twilight'."

"True." He laughs. "Although your hotness, Kai, could call me anything he wants."

"He's not mine," I protest, even as I feel a blush heating my cheeks.

"Sweetness, he cannot keep his eyes off you. Now, let me get you a towel. We Dragonites are so hot we have no need."

Before I can say anything, he is off, taking the light-hearted moment with him. Left alone, all my doubts flood back, threatening to drown me. I have to remain strong.

Moments later the door swings open, however, it is not our host but Kai's brooding form standing in the doorway. He looks even more angry than normal.

"What is the matter?"

"I spoke to the king." A muscle ticks in Kai's jaw. "He promises that he will treat you well. However, everything in me screams that this is wrong."

I am so confused and being pulled in different directions. I still love my prince, but part of me yearns to be with my warrior but my fate lies at the heart of the realm. When Kai's lips come crashing down on mine, I do nothing to stop them. This is my last day of freedom and I want to feel something other than doubt.

My eyelids flicker open in time to see Dusk placing a towel on the end of the bed. He fans his face and winks before disappearing.

......

I couldn't eat a thing this morning and my mood is as gloomy as the grey sky above. Each of Antares's wingbeats draws us closer to my journey's end.

The river undulates below like a giant silver snake and in the distance, what I imagine must be the city of Avalon comes into view. It reminds me of Venice with the way it is built along the riverbanks and on several islands linked together by bridges.

One of the islands is set apart from the others and is completely surrounded by a wall. Within the fortifications is a palace built of pale honey stone and extensive gardens. It looks too fair to be the High King's lair.

Apparently we are unable to land directly on the island due to the magical protection around it, so Antares banks and alights in front of an arched bridge leading to the only entrance. The portcullis and gate are open and standing there waiting, is the king himself.

Kai leans in so close behind me that I can feel the warmth of his body through my silk dress and whispers, "Are you sure that you still want to go through with this?"

I sigh. "No, but I don't have a choice."

"Very well. However, if you need me, I will come for you. I will find a way." Such is his conviction that I believe him.

Even from this distance I can feel the king's golden stare on me and I close my eyes. Breathe, Elle, Breathe.

I slip down from the mighty dragon and kiss his scaly snout. "Thank you, Antares."

Kai holds out an arm and escorts me across the bridge. Our pace is slow. Neither of us want this, yet too soon we reach the greeting party. I turn to my warrior. "Thank you for everything, Kai. I guess this is goodbye."

I blink. Damn it, Elle. Don't cry.

A cough interrupts our moment. The inevitable can be put off no longer. I face the king and curtsy. "Your Majesty."

"My princess." The king gives a regal bow and holds out a hand to me.

I'd really rather not, so it is with reluctance that I place my hand in his. Something akin to electricity rushes up my arm. The king smiles and there is a knowing gleam in his golden-yellow eyes. Bringing my hand to his lips, he kisses my knuckles before tucking it into the crook of his arm. Although, I would like to shuck out of his hold, I allow him to lead me through the open gateway.

The portcullis lowers behind us, hitting the ground with a resounding clang. Startled, I glance over my shoulder, taking a last glimpse of the lone dark figure standing there, before the wooden gates slam shut and close out the world.

I feel trapped and take a deep calming breath. Remember, Elle, this is where you need to be.

Numb to my surrounding, we pass through the gatehouse and out into the palace grounds. Lining the wide paved pathway are several hundred people. Some are dressed in finery, while others are evidently servants.

Nerves flickering, I wonder why they are staring. As if reading my mind, the king states, "They are keen to see their new queen."

I look behind and he immediately clarifies, "That would be you."

I stiffen. Have I misheard? Of all the things I feared, this hadn't even crossed my mind. No, absolutely no freaking way.

Halfway up the steps to the palace, he turns us to face the crowd. Finally releasing my hand, I exhale a sigh of relief, only for him to wrap an arm around my shoulder. The whole length of my side sparks at his proximity.

The king addresses the crowd, his rich voice resonating oddly within me. "It is a pleasure to introduce you to Princess Elissa, daughter of Prince Aldebaran of Alfheimr and Princess Isabella of Essentia. My future queen."

Everyone goes on bended knee at his declaration. It is all rather overwhelming and totally erroneous.

"You could try smiling for our people," he suggests with an undertone of amusement.

I do not appreciate the difficult position he has put me in and would like to give this arrogant king a piece of my mind, however, I don't wish to make a scene. In a sugary sweet voice, I reply, "You could try sticking your smile where the sun does not shine."

Though he probably does not know the term, he picks up on the insult and laughs out loud. He squeezes my shoulder and guides me inside the palace. We traverse across a cavernous marble entrance hall and up the left of a pair of sweeping staircases. The scene brings to mind Cinderella, only I'm not a willing participant at the ball.

The staircases come together at a wide hallway. The king strides forward. A pair of doors open of their own accord and we sweep into an antechamber. It is empty save for several plush red velvet seats. At either end is a door. He ushers me through the left-hand one and into a grand reception room.

"This is your private suite." He waves an arm. "That leads to your bed chamber and bathing room."

The room is huge, ostentatiously so for one person and could easily host a party for hundreds of people. Three bowed windows with built-in seats line the left wall, which looks like a fine spot to curl up with a book.

Pointing to a door on the right-hand wall, I enquire, "And where does that lead?"

His smile is the first indication that I'm not going to like the response. "To my private chambers. Though of course it goes without saying that you are welcome there any time."

There is no sign of any lock, however, there is a piano in the corner which I could possibly move to block the way.

Either he can read minds, or my thoughts are transparent, because he interjects, "No need to keep a king from his queen."

Irritation swirls inside and I bite back, "I am not your queen."

"It is only a matter of time. We are destined to be together. I have seen it in a vision." His voice is so full of self-confidence and self-importance that I want to strangle him.

With frosty politeness, I challenge, "Your Majesty may believe that, but that does not mean that I shall acquiesce."

His voice is smooth, almost like melted chocolate. "Challenge accepted. You will be Queen of Elysium."

😘😘