Page 28 of Fate and Flame
“It’s home,” Greeve responded carefully.
Coming upon a desert oasis after miles and miles of the harsh, sweltering desert was like cheating the world. As if it had planned for the harsh climate to go on forever, but somehow the water found a way to defy everything. Trees surrounded the water to protect it from everyone. Scattered huts made from clay the color of the red sands of the Flame Court filled the terrain like patterned chaos. None equal distance from the next, none the exact same as another. The village was nestled below the largest dune I’d ever seen, as if it also protected the draconians.
“Are you ready to meet Umari?” Greeve asked.
“I guess.”
“So you’re not, then,” he smirked.
Let’s just hope she’s nicer to you than she is my father.
I rolled my eyes.How bad could she be? Honestly.
We were greeted by several mounted sentries with long dark hair and beautiful tanned skin peeking out behind their intricate tattoos. The draconians were just another breed of beautiful fae.
Gaea and I exchanged a glance, and I knew our minds were in exactly the same place.
Fen cleared his throat.
You’re still prettier, Prince. Don’t you worry.
His grin was contagious. The riders dismounted their beasts and struck their chest with a fist, dipping their heads to Fenlas. He did the same, and they got back on their horses and guided us through the village to the largest thatched-roof hut with thrums of chatter within.
All the talking stopped as everyone paused to look at us when we entered. The walls were formed of red mud and simple chairs filled the room facing a raised platform. Instant cheers welcomed us as the dracs greeted Fen and Greeve, exchanging the same reception as the guards while we slowly worked our way to the front of the room.
“Welcome home, little prince.” An older female stood at the front of the room with colorful fabrics wrapped around her and an intricately carved bo in her hands. Her eyes moved kindly from Greeve to Fen, and the moment they landed on me, the hint of a smile melted from her cold, hard face. I realized instantly who she was. Umari. Fen’s grandmother.
“I see you couldn’t take the time to dress,” she said by way of greeting, not even looking at Gaea.
I looked down at my riding leathers and Fen’s oversized shirt I had refused to change.
I said nothing as Fen stepped forward.“Grandmother, this is Ara, my mate.”
Again with the mate thing.
“Is that all?” she said, still watching me closely.
Gaea shifted toward me, and for some reason, I appreciated the strength in numbers.
“Were you expecting anything else?” I snapped, matching her tone.
The draconians moved backward as Umari stepped down and crossed the room to me.
I stood still as she leaned in closer and closer, watching me for a reaction. I was not impressed.
“Your mouth will get you into trouble, mate of my grandson.”
“Will it? I hadn’t considered that before.”
As quick as a snake she snapped her bo, intending to strike me in the stomach.
I was faster and caught it, holding it still, matching her strength.
“Grandmother,” Fen barked, stepping between us as her eyes showed a glint of surprise at my reaction.
“She is a warrior?” she asked, still watching me.
“She is more than that.”
