Page 63 of Haunted

As evening draws closer, I lose faith that Albus will spot Niawen, until she bursts into the courtyard. She’s angry, and Kenrik, the younger prince, is on her heels.

What’s this? Why do Niawen and Prince Kenrik fight?

Her dragon awaits, with wings outstretched as if she’s ready for flight. In the sunlight, I see how glorious she is. Her scales are iridescent. Pearlescent. White, with ribbons of colors cascading through them. She far outshines my Neifion. My dear Neifion. I would love to have another dragon, but that’s impossible.

“You snared us with your beauty,” the prince yells. “Is this some emrys magic?”

What? She snared whom?

Niawen turns on him. “I snared no one. Stop this. You can’t possibly claim to love me if you can’t respect my wishes.”

Claim to love me? Are they having a lover’s quarrel? I had no idea both princes were falling for her.

I shouldn’t be so naïve. Naturally, both princes have fallen for her.

I’ve fallen for her.

“At least Kelyn said he’d wait,” she continued. “He hasn’t pressured me.” Niawen runs into her dragon’s embrace.

I’m jealous.

Jealous that I don’t have the affections of Niawen.

Jealous that I don’t have a dragon as Niawen does.

“Niawen!” the prince yells. “Forgive me. Don’t go.”

“I have to.” She climbs onto her dragon and settles in the saddle.

“Please tell me you’ll return. What can I do to make you stay?” The prince pleads in earnest. I understand his anguish. I would give anything to hold on to her if I were in his shoes.

“Nothing can make me stay,” she says.

For an instant, I feel hopeful. Fly north. Come to me.

“Are you leaving Kelyn without a goodbye?” Prince Kenrik asks. “He’ll be heartbroken. And my mother and father, Tiwlip and Brenin? You can’t leave them.”

“Tell them I loved them. Truly.”

The prince rubs the dragon’s shoulder. “Where are you going?”

Her dragon rears. Kenrik stumbles backward when she leaps into the sky.

“Home,” Niawen says.

“NIAWEN!” Kenrik shouts.

Her dragon gains altitude. After falling to his knees, Kenrik yells her name over and over. Every muscle in his neck is taut. Tears streak his red face.

This is a tortured man. I almost feel sorrow for him.

I don’t follow Niawen in Albus. Her dragon is much too fast, and I’m captivated by the man sniveling in the courtyard.

Clearly he is heartbroken.

A feeling I know all too well.

Niawen has the power to captivate mortals. First the crown prince and now his brother.

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