Dragon’s Breath
Chapter twenty-one

Nora

I watch anxiously from my window as the sun blooms on the horizon, golden petals stretching ever onwards into the rich blue. It is a brilliant flower that is to warm our days, an invitation to a new start, one I worry about. For two days I've watched the sunrise and fall with no news from Flavius and Neron. I am beginning to think that maybe it wasn't right of me to involve outsiders in my matters. Would they have been better living in ignorant bliss?

Maybe Daniel was right, I shouldn't have told them, they very well could have betrayed us. At the thought of betrayal, my mood turns sour. I should not be thinking this way. But it cannot be helped, two days with no news from them is quite alarming. They could have told Gwen of our plans by now. Maybe I should head into the city to check on them myself that is if I can sneak away.

Stepping away from the window I tie my hair up in a ponytail, leaving my room. Walking down the hall I keep my eyes glued to the ceiling, where chandeliers hang like the bejeweled corpses of spiders. To onlookers, my movements seem carefree, when in fact I'm caring about nothing, yet everything all at the same time. I'm starting to think that all this searching around to find the truth behind my brother's death is taking its toll on me. I feel as though I'm slowly losing touch with everything I thought I knew. Insanity is creeping into my mind, wrapping its vile claws around my throat, singing songs of lies and betrayal in my ears. The voices are cold and detached. I wish for nothing more than silence, the kind that caresses the skin like a cool summer breeze, soothing the soul, and taking away the jagged edges.

While I make my way to Gregory's office I pass by prince Geoffrey. He sends me a sideways glance but hurries past me. I smirk and turn towards him.

"How rude you're not even going to say hi to me," I comment.

Geoffrey looks over at me and his jaw clenches, "I don't really feel the need to speak to you when last time got me punched," he seethes.

I chuckle, "At least you know now not to take me lightly."

Geoffrey scoffs and walks away without another word. I point my head back up at the ceiling and continue on my way down the hall.

I'm pulled from the confinement of my head when I reach the familiar doors of the training room. Pushing them open without hesitation, I stride in observing all the knights practicing hand to hand combat, rather than sword fighting, today. I stand and watch them for a moment until I feel a hand on my shoulder. Turning around quickly, I face a young man with familiar brown eyes.

"Jayden," I acknowledge.

"Hey, princess, we were just about to finish up here and go for a run. Care to join?" He asks me cheerily.

That does sound nice. This could give me a chance to clear my head, which is exactly what I need right now.

"Sure. That is if you can keep up," I taunt.

"Are you challenging me," He laughs.

"I suppose I am," I reply.

After a quick moment, the knights put away their combat equipment and slip on their shoes. We all head outside and prepare to start running. I stretch out my arms and legs, warming my muscles.

We all line up side by side, in running positions. With a deep breath, I take off sprinting. My muscles clench with the intensity of every step. Wind pushes up against my body, cooling my heated skin. I barely feel out of breath, while the boys around me begin to lag behind, struggling for air with every breath.

I'm the first to finish the run around the castle. My body is flushed a deep red, with sweat droplets rolling down my skin splashing onto the ground. I hunch over, my hands on my knees trying to catch my breath, as the rest of the knights also begin to come to a stop. I stand, my head beginning to throb, with a pain so intense that it feels like someone has taken a knife to my skull. Sighing I pinch my temples squinting in pain.

Without saying anything I head back to my chambers, to clean myself up.

Letting loose my hair, I toss myself onto my bed. That run was exactly what I needed to get my thoughts in order. If I continue on with how I've been thinking then eventually I'll close myself off from everyone.

Snuggling into my blankets, I close my eyes, allowing my body to relax. I lay for a moment, pensive about everything until sleep comes to me like the falling of an ax, lulling me into peaceful darkness.

I sleep well; in fact, I sleep better than I have before. The throbbing in my head becoming but a dull ache, soon to be forgotten.

***

I jolt awake, by the sound of someone tentatively knocking on my door. Slowly sitting up I feel the tiredness inside me like a worm, slowly but deliberately draining my life. When I stand up and begin to head to the door, everything seems to move in a dragged pace, all submerged in a hazy fuzz. Running a hand through my hair, I slowly open the door.

I'm greeted by familiar yellow-green eyes on Daniel's smiling face.

"Your highness, his majesty has requested your presence in his office," he tells me.

Straightening myself out, I try and rub the sleep from my eyes, nodding my head.

I step out of my room the door softly clicking behind me. Following behind Daniel, my body's slagging with drowsiness and I feel I can hardly keep my eyes open.

We reach the office, and I push the door open, Daniel following in.

"Hey old man, you wanted to speak to me?" I stop myself from saying any more, as my senses spark to life, my eyes drift across the room landing on Flavius's tall figure. He stands there, his long curly black hair tied up in half-ponytail, small strands lightly covering his face. He's wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, the sleeves rolled to his elbows. His bronzy skin glowing from the light being cast on him by an open window.

When our eyes meet, I'm ensnared by his warm gaze. I stare at him unmoving, my body tingling with lightning, I flush with heat by the intensity of his look. abruptly, I turn away from him and face Gregory.

"We finally found the information you've been so eagerly awaiting," Gregory responds.

Excitement fills me to the brim and I can't help up throw my hands into the air and shout, "Really!?"

With a deep smile, Gregory closes his eyes nodding.

Neron steps into my line of sight and begins speaking, "While I was frequenting a tavern in the city, I got some information from a friend of mine. He saw some men leaving the commanders home the day of his death. One of the men happened to be a local butcher by the name of Adam Blanc. Turns out Mr. Blanc owes a favor to the Evergreen family," Neron informs us.

Neron relays the information with a proud smile grazing his face. Gregory gets up from his desk, walking around to stand with us.

"This information is very useful, if we were able to somehow get Mr. Blanc to work with us then we'd have an in," I think allowed.

Everyone nods within agreement.

Gregory turns to face Daniel.

"Daniel, I trust that you can get Mr. Blanc here within the next day?" Daniel bows, his hair falling over his face.

"Yes, your majesty," he says.

"Brilliant," Gregory calls.

"I would like for you two to come back when we have Mr. Blanc here," Gregory says, addressing Flavius and Neron.

"Of course your, majesty." They say in near synch.

We all leave the office. heading our separate ways, but not before I bid Flavius fair well. As I watch him leave the castle, I feel my heart tug in my chest. I don't want to see him go.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter don’t forget to like and comment.- Ray

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