The Selection: Bride Of The Dark Dragon

“What guests?” I look at my brother questioningly. We usually don’t have too many guests in the house. Even though it is very spacious, we only invite people for special occasions. With the exception of Fabian, who is Gideon’s best friend and his sister Bria, who is mine.

‘The leader of the citadel,” Gideon replies dryly, “And this time, Lara, I want you to be very careful about what you are going to tell him.”

“He is here for me?!” I almost fall from the bed, “Why?”

“Because you disappeared from the White Archipelago and no one knew where you were for two days, Lara. You know the rules,” he sounds so strict that I lower my head. It was so reckless of me to fly further than we were allowed. Just because I wanted to prove everyone that I am capable to be trusted to go on more serious missions. Yet unfortunately I proved otherwise.

“Listen,” Gideon pulls me into a hug just before the door, “Don’t worry about anything. I am going to be there the whole time and I’ll protect you if the need arises. But anyway, nothing happened while you were gone, right? You just got lost?”

His golden eyes travel down my face and I bite my l*p…

“Well, actually…” I mumble and then quickly stand on my toes and whisper right into his ear, “I saw a dragon. I fell into a cave with him and broke my wings… He was wounded… I helped him… I mean, I think I did. And then he helped me to get out of that cave.”

Gideon’s face changes and he quickly pulls me by my waist to a side.

“This is exactly why I wanted to talk to you first!” Deon hisses, “Lara, this is between you and me only. For everyone else the story is that your wings failed you when you were far from home and you had to land and fix them. Then it started to rain and you decided not to risk. And that’s why it took you so long. Thanks to Fabian your wings are buried in the sea and no one will be able to prove anything. Got it?”

“Yes, “ I nod , yet feel that I am in big trouble. Seeing my reaction, my brother relaxes and k****s my forehead gently.

“I’ll do the most of the talking, Lara,” he smiles, “You just confirm the story and agree with everything that I say.”

“Fine,” I agree and he takes my hand.

We walk into the reception room together and from the corner of my eye I notice a few people standing and one sitting, as if he owns the place. Keatar, the leader of the Glowing Citadel and the Ruler of the White Archipelago. I still can’t get used that he actually visits our place, but since Gideon’s career is moving forward within the Warriors of Light, I should adjust as well.

“Captain,Lara,” he greets us dryly, without standing up and we both bow in respect.

“Leader,” Gideon smiles, “What an honour to have you in our humble house again.”

“Don’t be too modest,” Keatar smirks, “Your house can be described by a lot of words,, but humble is not one of them.”

We just swallow that. No need to argue with Keatar Marten. He looks at us as if he expecting some kind of reaction but just as our father taught us, we give him none.

The leader of the Glowing Citadel is in his fifties already but doesn’t look a year older than 35. His long silver hair get to his waist and golden eyes lazily crawl over my face. I know what he is thinking – that I am the weakest link here.

“Lara, child!” He gestures to the seat in front of him as if I was his guest and not the other way around, “Come join me.”

I smile politely and do as he says. Gideon doesn’t move.

“My son told me that he saved your life today,” he says all of a sudden and I almost choke on the words. Saving someone’s life is a big deal on the White Archipelago. You are indebted to this person forever. And they may ask for you to return the debt in many different ways. When Fabian caught me in the sky that was the last thing that I was thinking about. But now that I do…

“Your son exaggerated slightly,” Gideon is behind my back suddenly and his hand is grasping my shoulder, “There were many witnesses to what happened. Lara was tired in the sky after flying for a long time. He helped her, made her throw away her wings and brought her back to land. But she wasn’t in any immediate danger, so…”

“Fabian?” Keatar is calling his son and he steps away from the group of guards. I haven’t even noticed that he was there the whole time.”Is this how it happened?”

“She was falling down and would have broke her neck or drowned in the sea if she’d be lucky enough to survive the fall..” Fabian starts explaining.

“Friend,” Gideon chuckles,” Lara flies like a bird and swims like a fish! She just tried to take a break and…”

“Take a break?!” Fab’s eyes sparkle with anger.

“Enough, boys” Keatar interrupts them, “ Gideon, we all know how protective you are of your sister. No one will ever be forcing her into anything. Your family is respected in the White Archipelago and these are not our ways. But just think about it… My son is my heir, he is one of the strongest Warriors of Light, your equal. A union with our family would benefit yours, Fabian will protect Lara as much as you do and…

He what? What are they talking here about exactly? Surely they don’t mean that I may have to get married to Fabian Marten, The Manwh*re of the White Archipelago?! The one who changes girls every week!