Chapter 22
"Thank you for having tea with me and listening to me ramble on about dragons and phoenixes," Sana said, walking Rhyel to her door. "And thank you for the necklace."
"You're welcome. It suits you," he said, trailing his fingers over the tear shaped stone. "And I didn't think you were rambling. I learned a lot from you."
"You're...you're too kind," Sana said, laughing softly. "I'm sure I was just telling you things you already know."
"No, not really," he said, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck. "I wasn't really interested in much besides learning about Accalia, the Darcanos wolves and Tsidian moths."
"Really? But you have so many gifts and abilities."
"I do." Rhyel nodded. "And I'm ashamed to say I take them for granted sometimes."
"Well, then maybe we can learn about these things together when we have our morning tea."
A warm smile tugged at Rhyel's lips, and her heart simmered at his tender gaze. "I'd like that and maybe you'd like to have tea on my balcony tomorrow morning?"
Sana's eyes grew wide. He was inviting her to...to his room?
"Only...if you're comfortable with that."
"No...I-I'd love to."
"Good, then we'll do that. And would you still like to go out on a run with my wolf today?"
Sana nodded in excitement. "Yes, of course."
"Alright. I have a good place to take you, and we can have lunch in the forest."
"I'm...I'm really looking forward to it."
"Then I'll make sure my wolf and I show you a good time," Rhyel said, opening her door. "I'll see you soon."
"I'll be ready," she said, giving a small wave as he slipped out into the hall.
Sana closed the door behind him, and a smile tugged at her lips. She didn't know why anyone would think he was a barbaric lord when all he ever did was show her kindness.
"Oh my, I'm not sure I've ever seen my Lord like that," Kezi said as she carried their empty pot of tea and cups inside. "Don't think he's ever gifted his betrothed jewelry, either."
"Mm-hm." Eula smiled as she opened Sana's wardrobe. "Seems to me that something is blossoming between you two."
A blush burned up to Sana's ears as she shook her head. "No, Rhyel is...he's just being nice because of the quest. He doesn't feel anything for me."
"Mm, I don't know my Lady. Being loyal is one thing, but there's something different about him now," Eula said, laying a pair of trousers and a long black and silver embroidered waistcoat on her bed. "And how do you feel about him, hm?"
"O-oh, I-I don't know," Sana said, curling her fingers around her necklace. "I think I like that he talks to me and listens like I...I matter. I like that he wants to be my friend and that's all I can hope for."
Eula and Kezi shared a glance before they smiled. "Yes, friendship is a wonderful thing, my Lady," Kezi said, sitting the tray on the coffee table by the fireplace. "But it's okay to hope for more."
"Maybe, but I'm...I'm happy with the kindness you've all shown me," Sana said, padding across the room to the bathroom. "I'm going to take my bath now."
"Alright. We'll have your clothes ready when you're done," Eula said, bowing.
"Thank you," she whispered, closing the door, but not before Sune flew in behind her.
What's the matter, little flame? You seem upset.
"I'm not." She sighed, leaning against the door. "It's just...I never thought I would have a life like this and I shouldn't hope for more than Rhyel's kindness, but I..." she said, rubbing the dragon's breath gem between her fingers. "I think I want..."
Love? Affection? Someone to care for you unconditionally? A mate like the one your dragon spoke of in your dream?
Sana nodded. "Yes, but it feels selfish, and Rhyel could never be that to me."
Why not?
"Because he's cursed and I know someone of his greatness could never love someone giftless like me," she said, shaking her head as she slipped off her robe and stepped into the warm bubbly water. "I'm just thankful he's nice to me and I...I don't really know how I feel about him."
Well, love can blossom in the most unlikely of places.
Sune said, sitting on the edge of the tub.
Just keep getting to know him. Lord Rhyel just might surprise you.
"Maybe," Sana said, dragging a cloth over her face. "But I'd rather not hope for more than I have."
She gave up hoping for a better life after she caused her mother's death and the years of mistreatment that followed. She was blessed to be in Darcanos betrothed to someone who respected her. It was selfish to want Rhyel's love when she didn't even know what it meant to love someone.
"Are you ready?" Rhyel asked as they stood at the edge of the training grounds just before the thick, black forests.
Sana nodded. "I...I think so."
"You're going to enjoy this, my Lady," Zena said, grinning as she secured the satchel over Sana's shoulder. "Just remember to hold on tight. Rhyel tends to run like the wind in these forests."
Rhyel shot her a glare before he took Sana's hand. "I promise not to run that fast with you. You'll be fine."
"I know. I...I trust you."
"Good," he said, as his blue eyes glowed in a silver hue. "Now stand back while I release my wolf."
"Okay," she said, taking a step back from him.
Zena chuckled. "Our Alpha is a bit of a showoff," she said, leaning into Sana. "But he's been waiting for this moment with you," she whispered.
Goosebumps prickled Sana's skin as a wave of tingling magic burst from Rhyel. His muscles bulged and burst from his leathers as thick black fur rippled over his limbs.
He let out a deep rumbling howl as his face contorted, black pointed ears sprouted from his head while his nose and mouth elongated into a snout with sharp pearly white teeth. He crouched down as his limbs formed into great black paws and a thick black tail emerged from his backside.
Sana's heart thumped and simmered at the black wolf gazing at her through artic blue eyes. She only caught a glimpse of Rhyel in wolf form, but seeing him up close was breathtaking. He was...he was beautiful.
He slowly walked forward and pressed his nose against her hand.
I am Rhyel's brother wolf, Rhys, and I am honored to meet you, Lady Sana.
"It...it's an honor to meet you too," she said, petting his thick fur between his ears. "You are magnificent."
Thank you.
His deep, raspy voice rolled over her skin as he crouched down to the ground.
You may get on when you're ready.
"Remember what I said," Zena said as she helped Sana straddle the wolf. "Hold on tight."
"Alright," she said, gripping a tuft of Rhys' fur in her hands. "Am...am I hurting you?"
Rhys chuckled as he stood.
You could never hurt me, my Lady, but heed Zena's words and hold on tight.
Sana nodded, squeezing her legs against Rhys' side and getting a better grip on his fur. "Let's...let's go."
Rhys took off on a slow trot to the edge of the training grounds toward the forest.
"Have fun, my Lady!" Zena called, waving from behind them.
Here we go, Sana.
She let out a scream, closing her eyes as Rhys took off on a dash into the thick coverage of trees.
Open your eyes. Nothing will harm you while you ride with me.
Sana hesitantly peeked her eyes open and a laugh escaped her lips as the wind blew through her hair while Rhys moved like a swift breeze through the forest.
And she felt the most peculiar feeling of freedom, as if she was a wolf moving through the trees like a master of the forest.
Leaning her head back, Sana let out a joyful cry as they jumped over a gushing river. She imagined this was as close as she would ever get to the utter freedom of shifting and oh, how she wished she had the ability to change.
To fly high above the trees or run without fear in the wild forests.
A smile graced her lips as Rhys and Rhyel took her up a steep woodland trail to the rocky cliffs above them.
She would always want this, and she was so thankful Rhyel shared this piece of himself with her.