Page 27 of Emerald Queen
“They are cousins. Their parents are related.”
“How did I not know this?” Emersyn closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. “My parents never said anything.”
“I don’t know.” Cassie shook her head, “Seems odd they’d forget to mention that tidbit. I never knew either if that makes you feel better.” She smiled at Emersyn.
“It doesn’t, but thanks. Someone explain to me how they are cousins. I’m trying to wrap my head around this.”
“Well,” Alex shook his head, “Opehlia Nite’s brothers, Edward, Oscar, and Charles all married a queen. That makes their children cousins. And as you know, the men take the queen’s name when they marry. Emersyn, it wouldn’t have been obvious to someone they were related. And honestly, it’s not talked about often.”
“Do you think one of them is bitter that he is not in power?”
“No. When a boy is born into the royal family, they are raised with the understanding they will not be king. In all our kingdom’s history it has never been an issue. And seeing as they married a queen anyway – I’d venture to say there is no bitterness. But…” Alex paused, “We should probably speak with them anyway.”
“I seriously doubt King Oscar is plotting in his condition.” Cassie remarked.
“What condition?” Emersyn looked at her friend.
Drake and Alex shared a glance, “Wow, your parents really did keep you sheltered,” Cassie sighed, “King Oscar has cancer. He is stage four lung cancer to be exact.”
“Oh my God, poor Rory.” Emersyn’s eyes welled with tears. “I need to call her… she needs to know I am here for her.”
Drake pulled Emersyn against him, “She knows, Emersyn. And they have been preparing for his passing for a while now.”
“This is all my fault.” Emersyn buried her head in his chest, the tears spilling against his grey t-shirt. Drake nodded toward Cassie and Alex.
“Can you give us a few minutes alone?”
“Cassie, let’s give them a few minutes. You can help me call the other kingdoms and schedule the meeting.”
“Emersyn,” Cassie pressed her hand on her back, “I am here for you. We will get through this together.”
Emersyn only nodded, unable to speak as the emotions poured out. Drake held her tightly against him as Alex and Cassie left the room.
“Emersyn,” Drake leaned back, “None of this is your fault. Do you hear me? I know you feel guilt, but this situation is not of your doing.”
“How can you say that, Drake?” She backed out of his arms, “My parents were obviously hiding something. Something big enough to get them killed and Dimitra taken. God,” She leaned against Alex’s desk, “It should have been me, not her. They should have taken me.”
Drake grabbed her arm, spinning her body to him, “Don’t say that, Emersyn. I am sorry Dimitra was taken – and we will find her. BUT don’t you dare tell me it should have been you.”
“But,”
Drake silenced her with his lips. The kiss needy and hard. Emersyn melted into him, pulling him closer as she parted her lips, giving his tongue access to plunder her mouth. Breaking free, he rested his forehead on hers.
“I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you, Emersyn.”
“Your need to protect me comes from a sense of duty.”
“No… you’re wrong. My need to protect you comes from love, Emersyn. I know it’s crazy – seeing how it’s only been a week. But I love you.”
Emersyn gasped. The truth was there in his eyes as he held her gaze. “It’s not crazy. I…” she stammered, “I love you too, Drake. I think you’re my compliment.”
“Your what now?” Drake furrowed his brow.
“Sarifena said as an elemental, I’d likely find the perfect complement to my magic. Kind of like a soulmate. She said I’d know the instant I met them…And, Drake,” Emersyn smiled, “I knew when we met there was something different. Until she explained it to me, I didn’t know what. Now I know. You’re my complement.”
“Good,” Drake wedged himself between her legs, “It explains why I need to be near you all the time. And now…” He licked his lips, “I understand the desire to be buried inside you non-stop.”
Chapter 15
