Page 61 of The Dragon King's Curse
He reached over to pull me across the large mattress, settling me alongside his body. “I’m even happier to be here with you. Cleo informed me that a ball would be held to celebrate myreturn and the breaking of my curse. I hope you’re not opposed to wearing a dress for that one evening.”
“Cleo?” I repeated.
“She runs the castle. Keeps everything in order. The place would have fallen into rubble ages ago without her.”
“Is she the one with the black hair and the orange eyes?” I held my breath, hoping to the gods it wasn’t the same woman.
“Gods no.” Noxx’s expression turned to one of extreme distaste. “That would be Elora. Cleo’s sister. She came to live here a year ago, after the death of her husband. She seemed to be under the impression that I would wed her. I had absolutely no interest in that.”
I tried to hide my relief. Nodding, I sank down into the bed, pressing close to Noxx. I was immediately enveloped in absolute comfort. No bed at the inns had felt this good.
It was impossible not to fall right to sleep. Although Noxx may have had other interests in mind, there was no keeping my eyes open. It had been one hell of a journey. Now it was over. Now we could rest.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
FERYN
When I emerged the next morning from the deepest of slumbers, I found myself alone in the large bed. Realizing that Noxx was not beside me brought me wide awake. I sat up momentarily confused as I glanced around the empty room.
Clean clothes had been left for me on the sofa. Taking my time, I went to the washroom and enjoyed a hot bath. Having an array of proper dental care and other hygiene items at my disposal felt like heaven.
I dressed in the clean tunic and pants, finding that they fit me perfectly. Like they’d been made for a woman’s frame rather than a man’s. The clothing I obtained during our journey hadn’t fit so well or been of such fine quality material. I tied my hair into two braids, one on either side. A rumble in my stomach convinced me to venture downstairs in search of the kitchen. I was pretty sure I remembered the way.
Where was Noxx? No doubt being the king of the realm he had many responsibilities. I’d hoped to have more time alone with him. It wouldn’t be long before my family knew where I was. Eventually, I would have to go to my homeland and leave Noxx behind.
The very thought sickened me. It left me with a hollowed out void inside my chest. I didn’t want to leave him, but I alsoknew I couldn’t stay here indefinitely. I was princess of the Earth Realm. Heiress to the throne.
I found my way back down to the main floor and into the kitchen. A large space with several areas for cooking, chopping, and storing food. A small team of people worked busily. The lady with the golden hair who told Elora to mind her business was there. She immediately stopped cutting apples and came to me.
Her long curls were pinned back, her blue eyes bright and happy. The soft lavender dress she wore was almost enough to convince me to try more dresses myself. The way the skirt swept around her frame as she walked, it was ethereal.
“Princess Feryn,” she greeted me, clasping my hand between hers. “The king told me you would likely find your way here. I’m to show you around the castle and the grounds. My name is Cleo.”
“It’s lovely to meet you,” I said, meaning every word. “Where is Noxx anyway?”
“He and Flynn have travelled into town to meet with one of the spies who’s been watching his sister. He’ll then gather his warriors to put a plan in place in case she attacks. He’ll likely be busy for a while, but I’m happy to keep you company. Come along. I’ll show you around.” Cleo hooked her arm through mine, drawing me along with her.
I had so many questions. Not wanting to bombard her with the thoughts that plagued me, I smiled and nodded along as she told me about the castle. It had been built hundreds of years ago. Passed down through the rulers in Noxx’s bloodline. According to Cleo, most rulers did not take the throne as young as Noxx had. His father had been killed in battle, and shortly thereafter, his mother succumbed to the pain of heartbreak.
We paused in the hallway between the dining hall and the ballroom. Cleo pointed out a painting of Noxx’s mother. Abeautiful woman with flowing black hair and golden eyes similar to his.
“She was a wonderful woman,” Cleo said, gazing adoringly at the painting. “I will miss her always.”
Cleo herself didn’t appear all that old. However, age was near impossible to guess with a mere look when it came to a magickal being. Being next to immortal slowed the aging process significantly.
We strolled along through a living area into the library packed with aged volumes. From there, we exited through a rear door and into the garden behind the castle. I especially enjoyed the garden. Right away I felt the swell of nature within me. The magick of every plant and flower. Every speck of dirt.
Small walking paths wound through the garden in between rows of flowers. A beautiful fountain sat in the middle of it all, a rainbow gleaming in the water as the sunlight shone through. In the distance, a maze of green hedges caught my eye. They seemed to go on forever.
“Would you like to sit for a while?” Gesturing to a hand carved wooden bench near the fountain, Cleo gently nudged me in that direction.
“I would love to. It’s beautiful here.” I took a seat beside her, drinking in the wonder all around me.
I’d grown so used to my own land and my own realm. No doubt the Earth Realm was beyond beautiful, yet I was reminded that I’d never truly immersed myself in the lands of other realms. I’d only visited during battles. Except for my time in the Shadow Realm, of course, where the land had been my enemy.
“It is. I’m grateful every day to call this place my home.” Cleo stared out across the grounds, a happy little smile on her pretty face.
Now was my chance. If I didn’t ask now, I never would. “Noxx doesn’t seem to enjoy talking about Nika. I can’t help but wonder why. Are they not close?”
