Chapter 4 Why

[Navaeh’s POV]

I smile at the man in front of me, trying to bring him a bit of peace despite the chaos that is certainly about to come and when he gives a small nod, I know that he has come to terms with the reality of the situation.

Satisfied, I remove my hand just as Caspian’s hand shoots out and wraps around my wrist.

Frowning, I look at it while it holds tight while wondering what gives him the audacity to do such a thing here, in front of all these people, and in front of Elder Alviz. However, when I turn to the elder who should be saying something, he just looks at me.

I see.

I guess they were in cahoots this whole time, but I was too blind and too obedient to see, but that was fine. I’m not as naive this time around and I will make sure that both men are dealt with properly.

“Unhand me,” I say slowly, my voice even. “You have no right to be touching the dragon queen.”

“No right,” Caspian repeats. “I have every right to…”

“You don’t,” Allaric says, taking me by surprise as he reaches out and pries his father’s hand off of me. “Even if you are the brother of the late king, that doesn’t mean that you have the authority to do as you wish with his queen.”

Allaric.

I take him in as he stands tall, his gaze determined, and I realize in that moment that I have certainly made the right choice of picking him as king.

“You would be wise to remember your place.” He continues as Caspian’s aura starts to radiate from him. “Otherwise…” Allaric trails off, but his gaze holds promise. “I will deal with you personally.”

“I am your father,” Caspian hisses through gritted teeth. “How can you possibly…”

“And he is your future king.” I say, unable to remain silent. “Father or not, you will respect him and listen, do you hear me?”

I grow quiet, waiting while Caspian stares at me. It is clear in his green eyes that are glowing with the rage he is fighting to keep within that he wants to say something more, but he isn’t stupid enough to push any further.

“Apologies,” he says, slowly drawing his aura back in. “I was out of line.”

“You were,” I agree and when he shoots me a look that screams how dare you, I let my lips twitch into a smirk. “In the future, do remember to know your place. Allaric,” I say now, wanting to be finished with this ceremony. “I apologize for what you’ve had to deal with, shall we get going?”

There was no reason to stick around any further since all that was left were the closing prayers to the goddess Elvine, the mother dragon and the creator of all life in the kingdom of Hadoom.

Elder Alviz could deal with that himself while I spoke quietly with Allaric and right now, I know that I will have some explaining to do.

“My queen,” the man in question says now, holding out his hand and then waiting for me to place my own in it and when his warmth starts seeping into me, we move, making our way forward, through the sea of people who are parting, and when we reach the end, I turn towards the large dark palace just ahead of me.

In the past, I considered that palace a home. A place where those I cared for and who cared for me resided, living our lives as we were meant to, but now, as I look upon it, all I see is the pain and suffering I endured within for years because of my poor choice.

Not this time. I promise myself as Allaric and I begin to move toward it. This time, I will make sure to live happily.

“My queen,” Allaric murmurs, snapping me out of my head and making me realize that I have frozen in place. “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” I smile, shaking off the unpleasant emotions that are threatening to drown me. “I was just lost in my thoughts for a moment.”

As I speak, I turn and meet Allaric’s glowing crimson gaze and when I do, I can see so many questions there.

“Go on then,” I tell him as he just stares at me. “You can say what you wish.”

For a moment, he doesn’t speak as he takes me in, clearly debating whether or not he can actually speak openly and when he decides to trust that he can, I brace myself.

“Why?”

It is a simple question, but the weight that it holds is immense because the proper response to that question isn’t one that can be given so easily.

I was certain if I told him the truth he would think I was crazy, after all, even I thought I was until the weight of the reality of what happened settled in on me.

I was taken back in time.

I was given a second chance after dying at the hands of the man I thought cared for me and his mistress.

I couldn’t tell Allaric that. So what exactly could I tell him to satisfy his curiosity and make him believe that I chose him fairly?

“Because I believe that you will make a fine king.” I say, knowing this to be the truth.

“And what makes you believe that?” He asks. “You are aware of my reputation in Hadoom, correct?”

“I am,” I confirm. “I am aware that you are considered a demon because you are the only shadow dragon in the realm and that you slay anyone who stands in your way, but those are simply rumors that others have created for you, yes?”

Even if he didn’t know it yet, I knew him well. I knew just how kind, generous, and considerate he was. I knew how he never turned his back on someone in need and how he gaze warmth to a woman whose heart and world had grown so cold.

“Rumors are just that,” I continue now. “They are rumors and they don’t define a person’s true nature.”

“And what if they aren’t rumors?” He challenges, clearly testing me. “What then?”

“Well,” I smirk, my gaze never wavering from his. “I will have to suffer for my decision.”