Page 4 of Emerald Queen
Drake ran his hand over his face and dialed one of the officers.
“Michael. Get a group of men and search the grounds. We do not know where the queen is…” Drake sighed, “And Michael… Keep this information between you and your men, we don’t need to start a panic.”
He disconnected the call and ran towards the library. Pushing through the mammoth doors, Drake stood in the massive room. He rushed toward the patio door and pushed it open.
“Your Majesty?” he stepped outside, “Emersyn?”
The sky had taken on an ombre tint filled with pinks and blues as the sun began its descent. Drake made his way through the garden maze, checking every corner for Emersyn. When he stepped into the center of the maze, he breathed a sigh of relief. Emersyn was curled up on the granite bench sound asleep.
He squatted beside her, “Emersyn…” he placed his hand on her arm, “Your majesty, wake up.”
Emersyn moaned, stretching her body as she came to. She seemed disoriented and confused as she acclimated to her surroundings.
“Drake?” She blinked. Her expression filled with confusion.
Drake helped her to a sitting position. His hands tentatively grazed her body, looking her over for injuries.
“Are you hurt?”
“No. I…” she shook her head, “I must have fallen asleep.”
Drake noted her eyes were red and swollen, a clear sign she’d been crying. He brushed the loose hair from her face, “You’ve been crying.”
Emersyn nodded, fresh tears pooling in her eyes.
“Come on, let’s get you back to the castle.” Drake scooped her up, cradling her against his chest.
“I can walk.”
“No. It’s my duty to ensure your safety, so I will be carrying you, Emersyn.”
Emersyn nodded, unable to speak as Drake started towards the castle. She closed her eyes, burrowing deeper in his arms. The tears spilling onto his uniform, wetting the fabric against her cheek.
Her heart was beating erratically, making her feel disconcerted in his hold. She buried her nose against the crook of his shoulder and inhaled. His scent was as a mix of sweat and sandalwood.
“We’re here, Emersyn.”
Emersyn opened her eyes, realizing he’d carried her all the way to her room. Drake kicked the door shut and carried her to her bed. He laid her gently down and pulled a blanket over her body.
“Now, get some proper rest. I’ll have someone bring dinner to your quarters and let the Constable know you’re safe.”
“Thank you.”
Drake’s eyes held hers. His gaze piercing her to the core. He nodded, backing out of her room, leaving her alone once more.
Emersyn buried her head into her pillow. Nothing made sense to her anymore.
She had mixed feelings of sadness and anger…
But beneath the sadness, she felt desire.
And that scared the shit out of her.
Chapter 3
“Commander,” Captain Hill greeted him in the hallway, “You found Queen Virid?”
“Yes. She’d fallen asleep in the garden. I have personally escorted her to her room to get proper rest. Place a guard outside her door, please.”
