Page 129 of A Luna's Dynasty
“I feel completely fine now. Even a bit more energized.” Lita watched him nod his head.
“Well then, I think it’s best that we keep moving. We’ll have to camp one more time before we make it to Elysia.” Brad motioned for the centaurs in the front to lead on.
After walking all day, they finally came to a clearing. The dark green grass swayed in the breeze as the sun reflected off the top of the stems. They could hear the quiet voices of everyone talking among themselves as they walked through the grassy grove. In the distance, Lita noticed a lake that was shimmering in the golden light.
“We’ll set up camp here,” Brad said, and everyone stopped. They heard the sounds of laughter and stretching as the men went about their tasks.
Lita looked out beyond the lake. In the vast distance, there was a towering mountain. Even though it was far away, you could see how steep it was. She stared at it, feeling drawn to it.
“Grayson, what’s over there?” Lita watched his eyes furrow and he frowned.
“That’s the Dragon Kingdom of the West. Their kingdom resides at the tippy top. It’s similar to Elysia in that demons cannot enter their realm. You’ll have to visit someday, unfortunately. Then you’ll understand my distaste for the conceited creatures.”
Lita giggled. He really did not like dragons. Honestly, to be fair, there wasn’t much Grayson liked. Everything was a pain. He complained about the dragon’s bad tempers, which was really the pot calling the kettle black. Other fairies were trouble for him as well. It really seemed like he only liked her and Asher, and only recently had he begun to like him. She could never deny his devotion to her, something she would never be able to repay him or thank him enough for. Even if it was his job, his feelings were genuine.
“Let’s go take a closer look at the lake,” Asher suggested as he tugged Lita along in his arms. He watched her glance behind her. She was checking on Caspian and Rosa—always caring about others.
“I’ll be right there, guys. I need to answer nature’s call.” Grayson gave them a crooked smile before heading to find a more secluded area.
Lita and Asher stood by the lake hand in hand while she leaned into his side. It was very peaceful. The wind danced over the surface of the water, creating a mesmerizing, rippling effect that seemed to shimmer and sparkle in the sunlight. Each wave was like a miniature mirror, reflecting the colors of the sky and surrounding landscape. They heard a loud splash, and the water in front of them rose up. A horse of pitch darkness walked onto the shore near them, water dripping from its mane and tail. Its eyes were fixated on Lita and Asher. Then it began to shift, slowly taking on the form of a man that already had shorts on.
“Now, isn’t this a sight? The future queen and king of the fairies visiting my doorstep. What an honor. My name is Rowan.”
Lita looked at the man with dark, beady eyes and rich chocolate hair. Her eyes lit up. “A kelpie!”
“A kelpie?” Asher wasn’t sure what to think of the thing in front of him. Man, horse, or what?
The man chuckled. “I take it this is the first time you’ve met my kind?”
“A kelpie is another type of fairy. They are a high-class fairy. I think they’re considered a dark court fairy.” Lita furrowed her brows as she searched her memories.
“Very good, Princess.” Rowan was about to say something else when they heard an angry roar. Grayson was charging their way. Rowan just smirked and rolled his eyes. “Overprotective guardian, huh? Ouch, you have your guard up high, don’t you?”
Grayson stood at Lita’s side and glared at the kelpie. What was confusing him, though, was why he wasn’t running for cover in his presence.
Rowan noticed his perplexed look. “Oh, I can feel your barrier. You forget that I’m an upper-tier fairy, though. I can endure something like this. Relax, I’m not going to hurt them. They’re my kin. Honestly, I think the whole thing is a bit rude. A bear has more rights to be near the royal family than I do? Me? Rowan? A dark kelpie, member of the high court? Just absurd!”
Grayson scoffed. “And why do they call you a dark fairy? It isn’t because of all the good you do. Like I can trust them with a sadistic murderer.”
“I don’t kill my own kind.” Rowan sneered back at him. “But do I get a sense of pleasure from dragging people underwater and drowning them? Eh, guilty. It’s actually quite funny watching them struggle for air. Ah, good times.”
“Isn’t he an absolute pleasure?” Grayson growled and eyed the man.
“Okay, Grayson. Settle down. Rowan was just coming to say hi. Your horse is absolutely stunning. Really.” Lita tried to steer the conversation into a more positive light.
“Anytime you want a ride, I’ll take you.” Rowan blushed slightly, looking at Lita. This time, Asher was the one to growl. Rowan put his hands up and chuckled. “Easy there. I can see that you’re being well protected, princess. I meant no disrespect, prince. Well, I just wanted to introduce myself to the future rulers of Elysia. I’ll be seeing you around. Maybe even in Elysia, if that’s where you’re headed. We can teleport anywhere there is water. It’s the fastest way to travel.” Rowan turned back into his horse and leaped into the water, disappearing completely, the rippling water the only evidence that he had been there.
“That was my first time meeting a kelpie.” Lita smiled up at Grayson, who snorted.
“I’d be happy if it was the last time, too.” Grayson grumbled as they walked back toward camp.
Lita giggled and looked at Asher. The two were smiling at their grumpy, overprotective friend.
Later that evening, Asher wrapped Lita in his arms as the stars began to pepper the sky. Tomorrow, they would finally make it to Elysia. Hopefully they would know what was happening with Lita and could help. Even if they couldn’t help, if they could just point him in the right direction. He felt her breathing become rhythmic as she fell asleep. A small smile rested on his lips as he leaned forward and kissed her head. Tomorrow, they would get answers.
Chapter 77
Lita looked for Caspian, who was also looking toward her from the other side of their encampment. Once they reached Elysia, Grayson promised to take his barrier down. He wouldhave to. It was where the fairies lived, after all. She saw him smile and wave at her, telling her he was okay, and she returned the gesture.
