The Unicorn And Her Mysterious Mate

Secret

Skye POV

I was grateful to Jade for going out of his way to make this journey possible. Despite his busy schedule, he found time to help me and make arrangements for my travel. Although he expressed concerns about Rook and his crew, I insisted on joining them. There was something about the lycan prisoner that compelled me, even though I couldn't quite explain why. I trusted Jade's warning to remain cautious, but I decided to take the risk for now.

Before boarding the wagon with everyone, I took a sip of the potion Amaris had given me. It worked wonders, clearing my mind and allowing me to look at people without being overwhelmed by their thoughts. The wagon journey would last several days, and Jade had generously provided them with supplies in exchange for allowing me to join. As we passed through different towns, I felt a sense of excitement to explore more of this realm and discover more about my origins.

As we traveled in the wagon, I carefully opened a small portion of the worn cover, allowing a gentle breeze to brush against my face. The air carried the scent of wildflowers and fresh earth.

"I take it you have not traveled from the kingdom much," Talon said, leaning closer to me. Jade had warned me not to reveal that I had come through the portal, and although it pained me to be untruthful, I understood it was for my own safety.

"No, I've only been outside it once as a small child," I admitted reluctantly.

"It's a shame. There are many great places out there, although many dangerous ones as well. But you are with a good crew, so there's no need to worry," Talon explained reassuringly. I glanced out towards the majestic mountains in the distance, their peaks kissed by wisps of clouds. Through the small opening, I caught a glimpse of a portion of the old fire dragon kingdom.

"Interested in the dragons?" Malachi asked, noticing my gaze directed that way. I nodded. "It's just neat to think there's a kingdom nestled within the mountains," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

"It is a place I've yet to go," Malachi admitted. "Most dragons are gone now, but some remain. Many of us are still getting used to peace with them."

I nodded. "It was a well-needed change, one that should have happened long ago," I said.

"King Jade, as well as the Fire Dragon King and Ice Dragon Queen, have done a lot to restore the damage caused by dragons and fae fighting for so long."

"That they have," Tallon added to the conversation, "I once fought for the great fae King against the dragons," he continued. "But I see now the mistakes we made, fighting for a corrupt King."

Curiosity piqued, I turned to Tallon and asked, "You were one of his warriors?"

"Yes," he replied, his voice tinged with sorrow. "And I served my time for being one afterwards. My freedom today is thanks to Rook." He paused, reflecting on the past. "Many of us were under the influence of strong spells, brainwashing us. But even so, we were blind to the damage we were causing to those who meant us no harm. I regret ever serving that king."

Intrigued, I inquired further, "Were you all warriors?"

Rook shook his head. "I've always been an explorer, and Malachi was a merchant. The only other past warrior among us is the Lycan," he explained, gesturing towards Chaos, who kept his eyes closed.

Curiosity getting the better of me, I turned to Chaos and asked, "Were you captured while serving your kingdom, to become a prisoner?"

Talon interjected, "The king did not share his documents with you?"

"No," I admitted.

"He is serving a life sentence for killing his brother's mate out of jealousy," Rook explained. "But he was a strong warrior and is good protection and labor for this journey."

As I looked at Chaos, my eyes widened. He kept his eyes closed, seemingly unaffected by the conversation. "Lycan, why not tell us what made you so jealous to take the life of a woman?" Malachi pressed.

Chaos ignored the question, his face betraying a flicker of pain. It was clear that the device around his neck caused him discomfort for his defiance.

"Is that really necessary? Must he be caused pain for not wanting to discuss?" I interjected, concern evident in my voice.

Rook's gaze hardened as he replied, "He is to obey. He is nothing more than a prisoner, deserving to be treated as a slave for his crimes." He then turned to Chaos and demanded, "Answer the question."

"I harbored no jealousy, nor have I taken a woman's life, but I know well my words are dismissed as lies for everyone only believes what is written on a piece of paper," he responded, his voice tinged with frustration.

"You should take his hand," my unicorn insisted, her voice gentle and melodic in my mind, "and see if he speaks the truth." But I shut her out, blocking her presence from my mind. "We can't," I whispered in my mind. "If we reveal ourselves, the others will be suspicious. We can't risk exposing what we truly are."

Rook, laughed. "I have never met a prisoner who doesn't claim innocence," he scoffed. "So, Lycan, I don't believe your words."

The wagon rumbled on, occasional conversations fading into the background as we traveled for hours. Eventually, we came to a stop, the sky already turning dark. These wagons were special, powered by fae magic, eliminating the need for a driver. "We will camp here for the night," Rook declared. "Skye, spend time with me to review the map, as it is in your possession. Lycan, you will set up camp with Talon and Malachi." Chaos hesitated for a moment but followed the others, leaving me alone with Rook.

His gaze bore into me, unsettling my nerves. I handed him the map, trying to maintain composure. "I've had the pleasure of being around unicorns before," he began, his voice filled with nostalgia. "As an explorer, I've been hired to find and bring back treasures, including unicorns." I forced myself to remain calm. "It would have been incredible to meet one up close," I replied, causing him to chuckle. "Skye, you may be able to fool many, but I know what you are," he said, his tone serious. "Don't worry, I have no intention of revealing your secret. You are of great value to me, and together we can achieve what we both desire. You hold the key to uncovering the lost kingdom. So, we will work together, and you will follow my lead. If word gets out about what you truly are, many here will hunt you for that precious horn of yours. King Jade may be doing his best to repair this realm, but there are still many things he cannot control."

"If word gets out that he knowingly brought in a unicorn, someone who could uncover lost treasure and relics that belong to the fae, and someone who possesses power within your horn to heal and cure many things, many who have followed and supported him may see their king as a traitor for hiding you. I have no interest in that horn of yours. I'm not one to harm beauty like yours. I simply have an interest in the hidden treasures within the kingdom you come from. I'll keep your secret safe, but you do as I ask and stick with me on this journey. When we reach the kingdom, I'll take what I need, and when this journey comes to an end, your secret will remain safe. Be aware that there are others we may cross paths with who have been around your kind. But you follow me, and I'll make sure they never discover the truth. I may not be as good as the king believes me to be, but I am nothing compared to many out there," he claimed to me.

I knew going with them would be a risk. Jade even sensed they may not be good, but I was almost confident he did not know what I was. I had caught glimpses of his thoughts, but it is possible that with his knowledge of what I am, he trained his thoughts so I did not uncover his true motives. For now, I would play along, not because I needed their help but because I had this strange gut feeling about the lycan prisoner. I could not put my finger on why. Maybe it was because he needed saving or he possibly played a role in finding this kingdom. But my unicorn insisted we stay close to him for now.

I am perfectly capable of defending myself. I'm not some damsel in need of saving. My mother and father trained me well. Rook may think he can control me with his threats, but he is wrong. He may be aware that I'm a unicorn, but I have another secret, one that will help protect me. If and when needed, I will gladly teach him a lesson on why I'm not to be messed with.

"Very well," I say to him. "Good choice. Now let's join the others," he said as we got out of the wagon. A fire was started, and a few tents were set up. Rook led me to a spot near the fire, placing his hand on my back and guiding me to sit next to him as Talon handed out food rations. Chaos sat back a small distance from the fire with an expression full of anger. Talon threw a food portion his way, but he ignored it. Once done eating, Rook started speaking with Talon and Malachi, so I took the opportunity to stand up. I grabbed the small bag of food they tossed at Chaos and dropped it in his lap.

"Why are you being kind?" he muttered, his voice low and filled with suspicion. "Treat me as they do, unless you want trouble."

I responded calmly, "You have not given me a reason to treat you with cruelty."

He looked at me, his eyes reflecting the pain and loneliness he carried. "You heard them, I'm a murderer. Best you leave me alone."

I stood up, facing him directly. "So you are changing what you claimed earlier. I thought you were claiming innocence," I said, my voice steady.

He growled in response, his frustration evident. I took a deep breath and continued, "It's clear you don't want my company. I get it. I'm sure you see me as more work. So, I'll leave you be and stay out of your way. Just don't expect me to treat you poorly, as that's not who I am."

I started to walk away. "It's not safe for you," he muttered under his breath.

I turned back, my resolve unshaken. "I never expected this journey to be easy or safe, but that won't stop me," I said firmly, and then walked away.

As I approached Rook, he informed me, "You will be staying in my tent."

I nodded, accepting his offer. "Fine," I replied, making my way towards the tent, ready to call it a night.

After a moment, Rook entered the tent as well. "Don't worry, I'm not sharing a tent to do anything other than keep an eye on you," he explained, pointing to two sleeping bags spaced out.

"I'm well aware," I responded.. I would have never allowed him the opportunity anyways.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked Rook, "What of Chaos?"

"Why the interest in the prisoner?" he questioned, his tone guarded.

"Just interested. I'm not used to being around one," I replied honestly.

"He will remain outside and watch the campsite. The collar keeps him from leaving. He will make sure no one gets in or out on my orders," Rook explained, emphasizing the word "out."

I got into the sleeping bag, trying my best to get some sleep, well aware that this would be a long journey ahead.