The Dragon King's Dark Angel

7 - Understandings

King Atreyu

    I almost couldn't believe it when my frail angel fluttered down between me and the ugly spy from the Dark Mountain Kingdom.  The pure hatred that swirled in her amethyst eyes was overwhelming, and I wasn't about to go against her at that moment.

    I was even more stunned when she used her dagger of fingernails to rip the man's throat open.  After that, my angel chanted some words in a language I didn't recognize, then what appeared to be black and red smoke started rising from the man's dead body.  The two colors swirled around each other above his body, then the smoke shot into the ground next to the spy's body.

    Genevieve looked pleased with her actions, but she also looked exhausted.  I made sure to give her praise for a job well done, while also letting her know she had proven herself ready to be our queen.

    I still wanted her to get a little stronger, but I wouldn't hold Genevieve back, if she wanted to step forward and claim her place by my side.  That is what I wanted more than anything, and I was determined to make it happen one way or another.  

    I would try the nice and patient way first, but if that didn't work, I would be forced to make her stay by my side against her will.  That was something that I hoped with every ounce of my being would never happen.

    Apparently, flying down and ending the spy's life was all it took to drain the little energy she did have.  Genevieve suddenly slumped in my arms and mumbled, "I'm so tired, Atreyu."

    Without a second of thought, I immediately scooped my frail mate up in my arms, then I sprinted toward my castle.  When I reached the porch stairs, I glanced down to see that Genevieve had fallen unconscious once again.

    This time I didn't feel the least bit panicked, because I knew she just needed more rest.  Once I got inside of the castle, I took my time walking up the stairs to ensure I didn't drop Genevieve or bump her head against anything.  The last thing I wanted to do was accidentally hurt my already battered angel.

    As soon as I got Genevieve back to my bedroom, I carefully laid her down on the bed while making sure not to rub against any of the spots on her wings that were still healing.  With my gorgeous angel peacefully resting on the bed, and the balcony door once again closed, I made my way back down to the courtyard.

    When I got there, nobody had moved from the spots where they were standing when I abruptly left.  The weasel from the Dark Mountain Kingdom was still lying on the ground in a pool of his own blood, and that brought a satisfied smile to my face.

    A second later, I glanced over at Zavier and instructed him to dispose of the weasel's body, then I asked Israel to come up with a new guard schedule.  I was adamant that no area along the border of our kingdom be left unguarded.

    After that, I doled out instructions to the rest of the lead warriors, and it wasn't long before everybody had a task to complete.  Pleased with the way everybody jumped at my command, I headed back to my bedroom with a proud smile plastered on my face.

    Upon stepping into my room, I noticed right away that my angel was no longer sleeping on the bed.  Right away, I glanced around and saw the balcony door was open, then I quickly crossed the room.

    When I peeked out, I saw my angel sitting on the red settee.  Genevieve appeared to be lost in thought, so I decided to just watch her for the moment.  Of course, I couldn't help but to wonder what she was thinking about, especially when her cute little button nose would scrunch up, or when her perfectly sculpted eyebrow would arch in a questioning way.

    She had managed to pull on one of my large, black t-shirts, but she had to rip a hole in the back of it to free her beautiful red and black wings.  It was crazy how soft the feathers were that covered those wings, and I felt the urge to touch them.

    I fought the urge for a few more minutes, then I joined Genevieve on the balcony.  I didn't want to startle her, so I made sure to let my presence be known by clearing my throat.  

    Genevieve nearly jumped out of her skin anyway, but she didn't scream or try to run when she realized it was me.  Instead, she flashed me a shy smile before apologetically mumbling, "I'm sorry for interrupting your interrogation."

    I kneeled down in front of my beautiful angel, then I cupped one of her tiny hands between my large hands that looked like bear paws compared to hers.  After that I gazed into her stunning, amethyst colored eyes and stated with honesty, "I do not want you to ever apologize for doing what you feel is the right thing to do.  That weasel deserved what he got."

    "Thanks for understanding, Atreyu.  That means a lot to me," she timidly replied.

    "How are you feeling now?" I asked with concern.

    "I'm still a little tired, but I'm sick of lying in bed," she nonchalantly answered with a shrug of her shoulders.

    "Is there something specific you would like to do?" I curiously inquired.

    Genevieve thought about it for a few seconds, then she warily mumbled, "I don't have anything fitting to wear.  Also, I would love to take a bath and wash my hair.  It feels so gross."

    I couldn't deny my queen the things she needed to find happiness in our kingdom.  I immediately opened my mind link with Lorelei and Brianna, then I asked both of them to come to my bedroom.

    When I was done, I beamed a smile at Genevieve and enthusiastically stated, "Your personal servant, Lorelei Shepherd and our best seamstress, Brianna Tiller are on their way here.  Lorelei will run a hot bath for you, and she will help you wash your hair and body.  Brianna will get your measurements so she can design you some nice gowns, and she will get you set up with some clothes to wear in the meantime."

    "That is not necessary.  I don't need a personal servant," she nervously insisted.    

    "Nonsense!  You are to be the Queen of the Red Thorn Kingdom!  You will have the best of servants," I retorted in all seriousness.

    Genevieve glanced down at her lap and obediently mumbled, "Yes, sir."

    I couldn't stop the laugh that left my mouth when she called me sir.  My mate was the last person that I expected to call me that.  After I got the laughter under control, I gave Genevieve a hug and softly murmured, "I am your king, but we are equals, and I don't expect you to call me sir."

    After a moment of hesitation, Genevieve reluctantly returned the hug, as she shyly replied, "Okay, Atreyu.  I'll try to remember that."