Soulbound

We flew to Kain Castle. Jacob rode behind me while Grayson had the pleasure of keeping watch on Darius. He insisted on it.

The breeze felt so good in my hair, drying all the blood, easing all the aches. It felt even better to share it with my brother, to have him safe. I'd thought my world had come crashing down, that I was going to lose yet another person I loved to Darius. I reigned in my emotions, though, kept my head on my shoulders, and got Jacob out alive.

Have we learned a valuable lesson? Arkon asked in my mind, feeling smug.

Whatever, you big lizard. I get it, all right? Think before I act.

That's all I ask.

The beautiful city of Lexxis glistened the colours of the sunset as we flew over it. The town wasn't as busy as it grew darker and darker; I assumed it was due to a curfew enforced to keep its citizens safe. The thought that these people didn't have to hide away in their homes anymore brought a smile to my face. I did this. I saved them from war and terror. It was what I was meant to do.

We landed beside the castle. The royal guard came running out, Captain Quade approaching the dragons. His eyes went wide on Jacob. "Greene? I thought you'd been. . . . Smith, what's going on?" His baffled expression went from one Knight to the next, growing more and more confused.

Grayson tossed the still unconscious (we took turns knocking him out whenever he came to) Darius off Eran's back. He landed with a definitive thud at the Captain's feet. "Eva's brought King Renkon a present. Is he around?"

The captain didn't even look at me, eyes falling onto Darius' lump figure. "Congratulations, Smith. King Renkon will be very pleased. He will be summoned at once." He gestured back to his men, two of which ran back into the castle.

"Actually," Jacob said, sliding off Arkon, "it was Eva who did it." Good, I wasn't the only one who noticed he was giving Grayson credit. As much as I wanted to share the credit, I wanted to rub it in King Renkon's face more that I wasn't a "volatile woman."

Captain Quade waved it off, securing Darius in chains. "I'm sure she helped."

What a shame it was so dark out; he couldn't see the death glare aimed in his direction.

"Jacob!" Prince Leonidas jogged out of the castle, dressed for a fancy dinner. "You're alive!" He was all set to hug my brother--until he saw me. He stopped dead, mouth falling open into a small O. "Eva. . . you're here."

"Of course I am. Who else is going to hand over Prince Darius to you?" I sassed. At least he would believe us when we said it was me.

"I'm sorry, what?" He snapped his head to Darius who was slowly coming to. Then a slow sensual smile crept up his mouth when he looked back to me. "Well, well, you've been busy, haven't you?"

Guards brought more torches, illuminating the courtyard we stood in, catching a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. . . which turned into desire as he took me in with the new light. "Hmm-hmm. Nice tan. I should send you to the Desert Lands more often if you're going to turn out like this."

I crossed my arms, disappointed he was more into my new skin tone than of my lastest acquisition. "Leo. You haven't seen me in months and I return with the man who's been pillaging your villages, and that's all you have to say?"

His eyes raked me in slowly, missing nothing; he might as well be mentally stripping me. "I don't think you realise how. . . delectable you've become. I hope you tanned evenly; I'll have to give you a proper inspection later. But I suppose a congratulations is in order as well."

Grayson gritted his teeth, but I knew he was joking, so I patted the prince's shoulder laughing. Leo pulled me close, still looking at me with those hungry eyes. "How would you like to celebrate?" Okay, so maybe he was half-joking.

"Taking a bath. Alone," I added hastily to his eager smile. "I've played rough enough to last me a few days."

"Say no more." He clapped, summoning a servant. "Make sure Private Greene here has everything she needs. Treat her like the hero she is. . . and find accomodations for our other guests too, I guess." He tossed in the extra order when Jacob cleared his throat pointedly.

Grateful, the boys and I followed the servant to our room. I called dibs on the bath, shoving Jacob onto the bed before he could beat me to the bathroom.

Water had never felt so good on my skin; it washed away all the grime and blood of my day. When I stepped out, I found our bags had been lain on the bed, so I rummaged through mine for clean clothes. Unfortunately, all my clothes were torn from our many excursions and had withered away from the persistent sun, leaving me with hardly anything appropriate for the castle.

Jacob moaned loudly in the bath, no doubt feeling even better than I had to be clean.

Grayson handed me his cloak; it was big enough to hide my ratty appearance, though I used it more as a blanket than a garment of clothing. "You doing okay?"

"I'm exhausted and sore in places I didn't think possible, but I'm okay." Just for a moment, I let myself rest and sat on the bed behind me. A mistake, because I sank into the feather mattress like a stone in a lake. It was such a relief to feel soft fabric again, to feel the downy of the bed squish under my weight. It had been so long since I'd been this comfortable.

He pushed me down gently so I lay flat on the bed. "Why don't you get some sleep? Jacob and I can take care of King Renkon." His fingers brushed through my hair softly, pulling strands away from my face. I hummed at the sensation of his warm touch.

"That asshole has to know I did it," I murmured, trying to get back up. My body fought against me, wishing for me to stop moving. It was time to sleep whether I wanted to or not.

Grayson laughed. "I'll make sure he knows it was all you, love. I'm definitely not taking credit for it. I would have killed Darius."

"I don't think so," I mumbled, sinking into the pillows and blankets.

He was silent a moment, brushing my hair slowly. "I guess we'll never know, now," was all he said before I let exhaustion take me into its warm embrace.

I woke up with a luxurious stretch. The sun peeked through the curtains and reached my eyes; after living in the Desert Lands for the past few months, to be woken up by the Aborian sun was like waking up to a gentle kiss. It had been so long since the sun hadn't woken me up, it was a wonderful change to get up at my own pace.

I moved slowly, sleepily, through the castle, trying to remember where I was supposed to find breakfast. After being away for so long , the castle was unfamiliar, and I found myself getting lost in the halls.

Jacob and Grayson were of no help--nowhere to be seen, in fact. A servant found me in the hallway, gasped, and rushed me back to my room. Being tired, I'd missed the new clothes lain on the bed for me until she pointed them out to me: a bustier that seemed more flexible than most, with a skirt that had a slit all the way up the middle, and leather riding pants to wear underneath. Regarding myself in front of the mirror in this new outfit, I decided I liked this look. Very practical, yet feminine and sexy. It made it very easy to hide the daggers strapped to my legs with the skirt.

I quickly grabbed Grayson's cloak--the final piece to my outfit--before following the servant to the informal dining room. Grayson, Jacob, and Leo were surprisingly having a civil breakfast, sitting at the far end of the rectangular mahogany table. It put a smile on my face to see Jacob and Grayson healed of their wounds.

My brother had just shoveled a forkful of food into his mouth when I entered; he fell out of his chair. "What are you wearing?!"

I twirled around, showing it off even more. "I dunno. I found it in our room. Pretty awesome, right?"

By the look on Leo's face, it was him who I had to thank for my garments. I curtsied toward him; he inclined his head in return, seeming very pleased with himself. "It fits you better than I thought it would."

Grayson cleared his throat, adjusting uncomfortably in his chair from Jacob's glare. "I-I think you look great."

"Thank you. No parents?" I asked Leo as I sat beside Jacob--who would not stop looking at me like I was sitting naked in front of all of them. Really, I was fully covered. I didn't know what the big deal was. So there was a little boob and a whole lot of leather? I liked it. It was comfy and I could move freely to kick ass if I needed to.

"They've already had breakfast," Leo said pleasantly. "Also, Father can't stand to look at you, or he'll have to admit he was wrong about you." He gestured to the bruise on my face. "I'll have someone look at that for you."

"No need. I'll take care of it," Grayson dismissed, sitting taller in his chair.

Leo glared at him.

"So," I said, sensing tension, "what happens to Darius?" A servant placed a plate with bread and fruit in front of me; I thanked her, staring at the food. It looked so good. Gods, this was so much better than lizard and grasshopper.

"Nothing for now," Leo responded, turning his attention back to me. "My father has sent King Sylus a list of demands for his surrender, in return he gets his son back. It's a waiting game now, really. The wait feels less dreary with you around."

"I'm sure it does, but we have to head back to Dragon Canyon," Jacob grunted, ripping a piece of bread viciously in half. "We have to find Annalyse --and hope she doesn't kill Eva and Grayson for leaving her in the Desert Lands. Commander Hargin will want an update, as well. Too busy to keep a prince company, I'm afraid."

Leo pouted dramatically. "Then by all means, you and the runaway must go, but surely Eva should rest. A hero deserves all the rest she desires." He winked at me, suggesting there wouldn't be much resting if I stayed behind.

"No," I declined before Grayson or Jacob could say anything against it, "Annalyse is my partner, my responsibility. Even if she kills me. I appreciate everything you've done for us, Leo, but we should be going soon."

He inclined his head respectfully. "If you must go, I won't stop you. I do expect you back for your party, though." Raising his glass, as if toasting to his announcement, he took a sip from his goblet.

"Party?" Was there ever mention of a party? From the groan from the other two boys at the table, I wasn't sure if I should be happy about the prince's plans.

"Of course!" he exclaimed, sitting at the edge of his chair. "Every hero deserves a party for saving the kingdom! It's going to be massive, everyone's invited, even Dragon Knights. It'll take some time to plan. Not to worry, I'll take care of it all. Just show up when I ask for you."

I flushed, embarrassed. "You don't have to throw me a party, Leo. That seems a little over the top."

"Not at all. You'll love it. Trust me."

"If she doesn't want a party," Jacob said, "don't make her have a party."

"I'm the prince, I can do whatever I want, even force Eva to have a party. . . . But I don't need to do that, do I, Eva? There'll be music, fine food, even better wine--dancing." His eyes told me he liked dancing very much.

"A party could be fun," Grayson inputted, surprising me--and Jacob who was absolutely disgusted by the idea of his partner agreeing with Leo. He didn't seem like the party type. "If anyone deserves to be spoiled for a night, it's you, Eva." He smiled the kind of smile that made my heart jump.

"Well," I said, rethinking things, "as long as I have a dance partner, why not?"

Leo jumped at the opportunity. "I'll make sure you have plenty of time on the dancefloor. You can all go now," he dismissed, standing. "I have things to arrange." He bowed respectfully then left.

Jacob grumbled. "I hate parties."

I wrapped my arms around one of his, leaning into his side. "Just think of it, Jake: food made by the royal chef, music from the finest musicians--and Anna in a gorgeous gown, looking for a dance partner."

His face went pink.

Anna could thank me later.

We went back to the Dragon Knight room and packed our bags. The sooner we got to the base the better. I'd been dreading what awaited me there. The boys had gotten word that Annalyse had arrived during the night--and was pissed to find out we weren't there, and that we'd rescued Jacob without her. If I could redo things, I would have asked her to come; I could have used her strength and support. Going undercover in the lion's den was one of the most terrifying things I've had to face.

I only hoped that she would understand.

We met Arkon and Eran outside; they were just finishing up with their breakfast. Sheep. Before we could head off, a guard handed Grayson a piece of paper. He read it then scowled, glancing at me quickly before looking back at the paper.

"I have to do something. We'll catch up with you guys later."

Jacob watched the tick in his jaw suspiciously. "Everything all right?"

He made quick work to hide any emotion in his features and rolled his shoulders back. "It will be. Go on. I won't be long."

Shrugging, Jacob jumped into the saddle. I gave Grayson one last glance before getting behind my brother.

The flight back took a little longer than normal, with Arkon not quite used to flying such distances with two people. We stopped for dinner in a village somewhere in between Lexxis and the Dragon Canyon. Jacob didn't eat much, mostly playing with his food like he used to do when we were little. Something was on his mind, however when I asked him about it, he said he didn't want to talk about it, and for once I let him keep it to himself. I couldn't imagine what his time with Darius had been like. I'd been lucky enough to only see him in short increments; Jacob had been stuck with him for six days. If I were him, I wouldn't want to talk about it either.

We made it back to the base by early morning; the sun was just starting to peak over the horizon when we landed. Arkon went to go take a well-deserved nap, leaving us alone in the stables with Commander Hargin and her seriously pissed off daughter. However, when Annalyse saw Jacob, she ran into his arms, crying, ever so thankful he was unscathed--but only because Grayson healed us. Hargin, on the other hand, gave me a look that made me feel tiny and insignificant. She gestured for me to follow her up the stairs.

Swallowing, I trailed behind her, wishing I had the chance to face Annalyse's wrath before her mother's. At least Annalyse liked me--Hargin not so much, or at least it was really hard to tell what she thought of me.

She was standing at the top of the stairs, gazing out the window. The sun's colours washed over her face, giving her the illusion of kindness, which I would have fallen for, had the dark look in her eyes not been there.

I remained silent, watching the sun rise. There was no way I was speaking first. If she had something to say, she was starting. The last thing I wanted was to say something stupid.

"Greene," she started, making me flinch, though her tone wasn't at all what I expected--harsh and unforgiving; more calm and thoughtful. Though it definitely had some weight to it. "I allowed you to stay here under the assumption that you wanted to be a Dragon Knight."

"I do," I insisted. It was all I ever wanted.

She clenched her fists, her eyes a searing red from the sun. "Do you understand what it means to be a Dragon Knight? It means working together as a team--not running off on your own. Especially for someone of your caliber. . . when the enemy makes a move as bold as Prince Darius did, you don't just run toward them willy nilly. We regroup, form a plan. Instead, however, you not only leave the safety of the castle by yourself to the Desert Lands, you leave my daughter in the Desert Lands by herself to save your brother!" Here was the anger I was waiting for. She glared daggers at me. "You have a responsibility to Annalyse and to Dragon Knights everywhere to stay safe so that we may all be safe! Annalyse could have been attacked! You could have been captured as well as your brother! Grayson could have gotten himself killed! Where would that leave us, hmm? Down four Knights--because of your childish actions! King Sylus would have an advantage in the war. This whole kingdom could have been in serious danger had you failed. Ah! I don't care that you didn't. It was luck, Greene. One day luck won't be on your side, then what, hmm? What will happen to the people around you? To your people? You have to think before you act."

"I've been trying really hard to," I promised her, feeling like I was being told off by my own mother. "Sasha and I were making a lot of progress before. . . well, you know." I couldn't say it in front of her. It was too embarrassing to admit it. I knew what I did was wrong. "I'll take whatever punishment you give me. I want to be a Knight, Commander. I want to protect people."

"Then do it my way," she snapped, shoving a finger in my chest. "Or so help me, I'll take your Knighthood away."

I knew it was a possibility, but having her say it made my lip quiver. I'd worked so hard to become a Knight. It was the one thing that kept me going after Brar was destroyed. I couldn't lose that too. It would be too much.

She seemed relieved by my reaction, calming herself down. After a moment, she patted my shoulder; I winced, prepared for whatever beating she had lined up for me. There was no beating, though, only her soft gaze, which was almost worse. Why was she giving me that look? What was she up to?

"I'm glad to see you're taking this seriously," she said, shoulders back. "Now, seeing as you're making so much progress with Sasha, I want you to return to her, continue your training."

"But-" Could she really mean to separate my brother and I after we'd just been reunited? Did she not know the strain it would have on both of us?

She raised a hand. "You don't have to go yet. Given the circumstances--and your success--your teams have a couple of weeks off, so enjoy it, recuperate. Do whatever it is young people do these days."

I couldn't help the sigh of relief. "Thank you." I turned to go tell Jacob the good news.

"Oh, and Greene. Go apologise to Annalyse."

"Yes, ma'am." Anything she asked for.

I went back down to the stables to find Annalyse was still crying into Jacob's shoulder. He held her tight, stroking her hair as she wept. He couldn't hide the small smile playing on his lips from me. I felt a smile of my own sprout on my lips; I'd never seen him so happy to hold someone.

I purposely scuffed my boot on a rock so they'd hear me coming, giving them a chance to compose themselves. Annalyse sniffled, stepping away from Jacob. He cleared his throat, adjusting his wet shirt. "I'll let you girls talk." He ruffled my hair as he passed by for the exit.

I fiddled with the hem of my shirt, unsure how to start. A part of me hoped she'd knew how horribly guilty I felt and I didn't have to say anything.

She wiped her tears away, standing taller. "I like your outfit," she said, surprising me.

"Oh this?" I played with the skirt half-heartedly. It felt wrong for her to do all the talking when I was the one who hurt her. "Yeah, I didn't exactly have much to wear, since we cut our clothes up for the heat in the Desert Lands, so Prince Leonidas got this for me."

She quirked a smile. "It seems like something he'd buy for a girl."

"Grayson liked it too."

She scoffed, waving it off. "I bet he did. A boy would have to be blind to not like it."

"I'm so sorry, Anna," I blurted. I couldn't take it anymore. I didn't deserve her kindness. Why couldn't she be mean to me? "I shouldn't have left during the night. We should have gone together."

She crossed her arms, tapping her foot, all appearances of her kindness gone. "Yeah, it would have been nice if you brought me. You know, it might not have hurt so much if you went by yourself, but you brought Grayson with you?? I thought you were mad at him."

"I was--am. Never mind. I didn't bring him. He followed me. I had every intention of going by myself. I was outside the fort, ready to go in, then bam! He shows up completely out of nowhere, yelling at me for being stupid and kissing me like it was our last hour. I already know how reckless and selfish I was. I'm sorry."

She dropped her arms to her side, gaping. "He kissed you?"

"Yeah." Was that all she got? I gushed my heart out, and she wanted to focus on a spur-of-the-moment kiss?

"Eva!" she cheered, slapping my arm. "You dog. How was it?"

I flushed, thinking of that night, of how he felt against me, how I felt in his arms. Spur-of-the-moment or not, that kind of feeling didn't happen every day. "Hot. I'd never been kissed like that before."

She squealed, rushing to my side. "He always seemed like the quiet, passionate type. Tell me everything."

So I did.

We walked up the stairs to the balcony that overlooked the river in the canyon. We sat side by side, legs dangling off the ledge, watching the sun as it peaked over the mountains. Jacob came by some time later when the sun was at its highest. We told him what we had been up to in the Desert Lands, leaving out the fact that many of the men had propositioned Anna. She'd turned down every single one, but not before she took liberties with the things they'd done for her to get her attention.

Dragons flew overhead, spinning and twirling in the sky, then disappeared into the clouds. It was a sight I'd always dreamt of seeing and now it was a part of my everyday life. Despite the circumstances that had brought me here, I wouldn't trade my new life for anything.