Page 3 of Emerald Queen
Drake shook himself, clearing his head, “I have several investigators working the case, Your Majesty.”
“Please, call me Emersyn. Save the majesty shit for when we are in public.”
Drake was taken back by her bluntness. He smiled, cocking his head as he looked her over. “As you wish, ma’am.”
“Oh no you don’t. I am almost twenty-one years old, save the ma’am for your mother.”
She waggled her finger at him as she plopped down on a chair. Her deep sigh reminded him she was fighting exhaustion. It’d only been a week since her parents death and she’d had no time to truly say goodbye to them.
Drake couldn’t stop the laugh from escaping his lips, “Forgive me, Emersyn.” Drake shook his head, “You’re not what I expected.”
“And what did you expect? A stuffy princess? That’s not me. I like to get my hands dirty and I HATE heels.” She kicked off her shoes, tucking her feet beneath her on the seat. Her dress slipped to the side, giving Drake a peek of her luscious thighs. He traced the line of her leg with his eyes, stopping at the point where her legs met. He continued his appraisal of her, roaming upward, until his gaze settled on her face.
Emersyn was looking down, as she fidgeted with her fingers in her lap. Drake was thankful she hadn’t seen him ogling her.
“Emersyn?” He called out to her, snapping her from her trance, “are you alright?”
“No… not really. I’m sorry, Drake. I called you here to discuss my parents murder and I can’t even focus. Perhaps we should reconvene tomorrow.”
Drake stepped in front of her and knelt, tugging her hands into his, “It’s alright,” He squeezed her hands, “I am here for you - whenever you are ready, we will discuss my findings. Shall I escort you back to your room?”
“No… I think I’d like to get some air.” She stood, her hand slipping from his, “How about we meet tomorrow around nine?”
Drake stood abruptly, “Perfect.”
Emersyn watched as the new guard commander exited the library. He was gorgeous and kind – two traits that were dangerous for her now that she was the queen. Slipping her feet back into her heels, she pushed open the patio door and stepped into the sunshine.
Emersyn closed her eyes and tilted her chin to the sky. The warmth of the sun heated her skin, causing her to relax a little. Shielding her eyes, she scanned the yard.
This had been one of her dad’s favorite places to come when he needed to think. Emersyn understood why now, it was like the earth was calling to her, whispering it would be alright.
Emersyn kicked off her shoes once more, digging her feet into the green, lush grass. She wiggled her toes, feeling the blades tickle her skin. She inhaled, the scent of flowers and the tantalizing aroma filled her lungs.
Drawing up her dress, Emersyn headed towards the garden maze. She wound through the twists and turns, stopping once she reached the center. Her mother had insisted on making the center of the maze a tranquil place to become one with nature. Running her fingers over the granite bench, Emersyn smiled as she took a seat.
She sat, watching the fountain spill water into the pool, losing herself to her thoughts. Her eyes grew heavy, reminding her how poorly she’d slept over the last couple of nights. Laying on her side, she drew her knees to her chest and let out a mournful sob.
Her parents were gone.
She was alone now, with no siblings or family to help her recover from this pain.
∞ ∞ ∞
“Commander Mercer?” Baxter’s voice spoke on the other end of Drake’s phone.
“Constable Baxter… can I help you with something?”
“Have you seen the Queen?”
“Not since her coronation… but that was,” Drake glanced outside, the sun was beginning to set, “hours ago.”
“I know. She isn’t in her quarters and Ms. Rolfe hasn’t been able to locate her.”
“Shit.” Drake was on his feet in an instant. “I’ll call some men to search the grounds. The last place I saw her was in the library when she mentioned getting some air.”
“I’ll search the castle again. Perhaps we just crossed paths.”
“Ok, call me if you locate her. I’ll go look as well.”
