Goodbye For Now

Waking up for the umpteenth time Sky found the hospital ward dark and quiet. Her dragon was at the surface again as evident by the white scale-covered hands. Long translucent like claws tipped each of her fingers as they dug into the blanket. Tossing the blanket off of herself Sky watched in a daze as her body got up on its own. It was strange to see herself moving on its own like she was dreaming. She'd had dreams like this before where she was outside her body watching herself move and do things. That's kind of what it felt like right now. She was so tired and just wanted to sleep, but her dragon was complaining about being hungry. Not caring enough, Sky mentally rolled over and went back to sleep.

Michael sat at the head of the table suffering through another supper. It had been three days since they had returned from Ship Wreck Cove with a broken Sky. His group was scheduled to leave in three days' time to return home without Sky. He'd had a lot of time to contemplated if Mina was right or not about Sky's future. Michael's dragon claimed Sky as his mate even though it was impossible. Then there was him with his counter-argument that they were not mates. That was until day two when he came back into season again for the second time. Considering his last season was barely two months ago he couldn't deny this fact to be true. It was impossible for a 16-year-old dragon to mate mark someone, but here he was mate marked and in season again. The only thing keeping his dragon in his seat was the fact that he knew that Sky was broken and seriously hurt.

Twirling his wine in his cup Michael's head jerked up as the dining hall doors exploded off their foundations. Clattering across the floor the doors came to a stop right by the tables causing everyone close to the danger zone to evacuate the area. Jumping to their feet Michael's guards surrounded him in preparation for whatever sent the doors flying. As the dust settled a glowing Sky stepped into the hall on shaky legs. Her dragon eye scanned the dining hall, but her human eye lay closed. The human side of her face seemed slack as if in sleep as blue flames licked the air around her. "Wait," said Michael stopping Eli as he began to make his way toward her. "That's Sky's dragon. I don't think Sky's awake yet."

Nodding Eli grabbed Kyle and began stepping backward as Sky made her way toward the table. Not knowing how her dragon will react to them everyone followed Eli's lead giving her plenty of room. Growling when she got to the table Sky's dragon dug into what was left on Eli's plate. Laughing at the chipmunk at the table shoving food into her face as fast as she could, Michael stepped back up to the table. "Your majesty," cautioned Jamie as Sky's dragon rattled a warning at him.

Ignoring the rattle Michael drugs what was left of the ham on the table toward him. Cutting the center bone out he picked up the meat and offered it to the flaming mess gorging herself at the table. Sniffing at the meat Sky snatched it out of his hands before she blinked out of existence. The sudden disappearance caused a stir of commotion through the dining hall as everyone began looking around quickly. Ignoring the small uproar Michael made his way down the table to what was left of a chicken. Packing it back up to the head of the table he began striping the meat form the carcass. He didn't need her choking on bones, but he did need her dragon to go back to sleep. Bread and cake might taste great but it wasn't what her dragon needed. She needed meat and lots of it to replace everything she'd lost during her battle. Watching him closely the group fell silent when Michael held the bowl above his head. Within seconds Sky snatched the bowl out of his hands before disappearing again. "Well I guess she's close huh," asked Eli looking up toward the window ledges.

Going after another plate of meat Michael pointed above his head causing everyone too look up. Right above their head high up in the rafters was Sky stuffing her face. When her bowl was empty she watched Michael closely as he deboned another chicken. Grabbing a bowl of mashed potato's Eli brought them over to Michael and scraped the contents into the bowl. "Some starch will do her some good and takes a while to digest. Makes for some good sleeping if that's what you're after."

Nodding his head Michaels guards began stripping the table of food. Everything was going fine until one of the server girls rushed out of the back with a new ham and tried to hand it to Michael. Luckily Tanner had seen Sky eyeing the girl as soon as she blew into the room, and took a defensive crouch on the rafter. Dragons were predators and anything that moved quickly caught their attention. Now that the server had attracted her attention, Tanner had to quickly determine if Sky thought her a threat or was she prey. Either outcome was probably not a good one. Snatching the girl as she rushed passed, Tanner yanked her safety as the world round them exploded. Nothing within three feet of Michael was left standing not even the table. Tanner, the servant girl, and all of the other guards were picking themselves out of the floor as Michael brushed ashes off of himself. "Well that was dumb," grumbled Michael poking at what was left of the ham that was no nothing but charred ash on the floor.

Growling Sky crouched defensively between Michael and the server girl. Sitting on the floor wide-eyed she looked at the absence of everything. "Well that power is a bit dangerous," commented the head butler as he packed in a roast.

Stopping several feet from Sky and Michael the Butler sat the tray on the ground. Giving it a good shove the tray came to a stop right next to the snarling dragon. Giving it a good sniff Sky snatched up the roast and disappeared back up to the rafters. "Ah my poor table," complained Mina looking at the missing section of the dining room table.

"She burnt it to ash in seconds," commented Jamie completely floored. "Even the metal is gone. All of it."

"This is going to lead to some problems," said Eli watching Sky polish off the roast.

"It should be fine as long as no one runs at his Majesty again," said the High Lord as he too watched Sky.

Shaking his head, Jamie watched as Sky yawn and swayed dangerously on the rafter. "Was there something in the roast," asked Michael moving quickly to try to catch Sky should she fall.

"Yes," replied the head Doctor making his way into the room with another roast. Handing Michael the cut of meat he continued. "It's a sedative. She's too young for her dragon to be this close to the surface. Her powers will be too uncontrollable and dangerous for everyone. There is a reason nature has chosen the age she has for a reason. We are afraid that her dragon being out too long will be detrimental to her health. If she's only out because she's hungry then we will fill her belly and put her to sleep at the same time."

Stumbling a little as she reappeared beside Michael, Skys dragon sat on his feet while she ate the roast he handed her. Half way through the second roast Sky fell over in the floor lightly snoring. "If you'll permit me, your Majesty, I will return her to the medical ward," continued the head Doctor waiting for Michael permission before touching her.

Nodding his head Michael reluctantly agreed, because he didn't trust himself to pick her up. His dragon craved for her to be close and the want to touch her was great, but he didn't trust himself. Sliding his feet out from under the sleeping form he quickly exited the dining hall.

When Sky awake again her dragon was on edge and slightly frightened. Her body was sluggish and heavy feeling. The castle shook as lightning struck close to it, or maybe it had struck the castle altogether Sky wasn't sure. Either way, her dragon had her up and moving again. Feeling her skin warm Sky watched her reflection in the mirror next to her bed disappear. It had been a really long time since she'd used this power, and honestly, she'd forgotten all about it. It's funny how you forget things you don't use, but it seems her dragon had not. Yawning Sky tried to convince her dragon everything was fine and to go back to bed. When she tried to go to sleep her dragon hit her in her panic. "I need you to stay awake," begged her dragon as she began to maneuver them out of the medical ward.

"I'm so tired," complained Sky rubbing her eye and yawning.

"I am too but it's not safe here," stated her dragon staying in the shadows as she moved.

Not having the energy to argue with her Sky fought the urge to sleep. Every time she tried to close her eyes her dragon would mentally hit or bight her. The more the storm rage the more upset her dragon became as she snuck down the hallway. It didn't take them long to reach a room with two guards posted in front of it. Slowly walking up to them her dragon touched one of the guards as she thought, sleep. Crashing to the ground the other guard began to freak out. Instantly everyone was out of their rooms to investigate what was going on. Using the distraction Sky's dragon hurried them farther down the hallway to another door with guards. These two guards had taken a couple of steps away from their designated tasks. Opening the door just enough to slide through Sky closed it behind her as a slight growl could be heard. Ummm thought Sky as they as the door clicked closed and the smell of cookies surrounded her. It was so dark in the room the human half of her couldn't see a thing in her current state, but her dragon could. Unfortunately, Sky couldn't see what was going on, on that half of her head. She might have if she wanted to try hard enough but currently, all she wanted to do was sleep. As a sudden loud clap of thunder shook the castle again her dragon let out a startled bark before jumping into what felt like a bed. Crawling under the covers Sky inwardly sighed at the warmth and squishiness of the bed. On top of that, it smelled so good like eating oven-fresh cookies in a field of lavender. Snuggling in Sky barely registered the arm that snaked around her and pulled her into a warm hard body. Warm, safe, and comfortable both Sky and her dragon drifted to sleep.

Michael had heard the ruckus outside his room, and he had expected drama. What he hadn't expected was to see his door open and then close on its own. Sending his powers out they engulfed the room with the order to kill anyone who entered said room. All of his nerves were raw and his dragon was in a very agitated state. He'd relieved his sexual frustrations several times before dragging himself into bed in hopes today they could sleep. But he wasn't so lucky as he lay in bed listening to the storm raging outside. Tomorrow was the farewell party the High Lord was throwing as a send-off for him. The next morning his guards, him, and the next wave of water dragon soldiers were to leave for the castle. It didn't help in the restless nights with the knowledge he'd be leaving Sky behind. It troubled him even more that she might not wake up before he left. Would she forgive him for leaving her? Would she understand why she had to stay?

Letting out a warning growl as the door clicked closed his dragon cut it off when he watched Sky make her way across the room. Sitting there in stunned silence he watched her cried out in fear and practically jumped into his bed. Making her way under the covers Sky rutted round for a moment before she drew still. Lifting the covers a bit Michael looked at the sleeping child in his bed. Rolling his eyes, Michael laid back down with the resolution that he and his dragon would stay on his side of the bed. "Yeah right," scoffed his dragon as he reached out drug Sky across the bed to him. Sky only snuffed has he buried his nose in her hair and fell a sleep.

Yawning and stretching Sky rubbed her face against the awesome smelling pillow. It wasn't until she heard a rumble from behind her did she stop to think about where she was. Sitting up quickly Sky turned to see Michael out cold sleeping on his back. Nothing about him looked Kingly with his hair all a mess lightly snoring. "Let him sleep," came a low rumble from across the room. Spinning around toward that voice Sky found Eli stretching as he rubbed the sleep off his face. "This is the most solid he's slept in a long time. He needs it. Are you hungry?"

Standing up Eli made his way over to a table covered in serving trays. Lifting the lid the smell of bacon and eggs drifted over to her. Slowing crawling out of bed as not to disturb the sleeping dragon, Sky's belly rumbled as she sat at the table. Digging into the food her dragon emitted a low growling sound as they devoured everything in sight. "Are you full," asked Eli as Sky pushed the plate away. Nodding her head yes he continued, "Then let's go get you bathed and ready for the day. I'm sure Jamie is going to want to check your health."

Nodding her head Sky got out of her seat and followed Eli toward the door. As soon as he opened the door two sets of familiar dragon eyes regarded her closely. Tanner and Kyle were standing guard outside the room which was normally not protocol. Knowing this looked really bad, Sky quickly looked at her own feet. Afraid that the two of them would be mad at her she was kicking her dragon. "I can't believe you snuck us into the King's bed," snarled Sky to her dragon. "Now everyone is going to be mad at us!"

Trying to step through Tanner and Kyle she was brought too as stop when Kyle picked her up in a massive bear hug. "Kyle you're going to break her, put her down," snapped Eli.

Sky still wasn't sure what to do when another set of arms wrapped themselves around her. Grunting under the crushing weight of the current vice Eli growled, "Tanner you too. I'm sure she'd love a bath and since she's awake we need to get her a dress. Now let go!"

Burring his nose in her hair for a second Tanner inhaled her scent before letting her go. "Sorry, he just needed to make sure she was okay. He's still upset about what happened," grumbled Tanner before him and Kyle resumed their post.

Nodding his head in understanding Eli gestured for Sky to follow him. Walking down the hall Eli knocked on another guarded set of doors before entering. "Mom? Can we use your bath," called Eli walking into the room.

"What's wrong with yours," asked his mother pausing from her needlework by the widow.

Stepping to the side as Sky walked in Mina instantly jumped to her feet. Rushing over Mina took up Sky's face in her hands and looked into her eyes, before hugging her. "Oh you had us so worried," cooed Mina hugging her just as tightly as Kyle and Tanner. "It's good to see the divide is gone. Your fracture had us on the edge of grief!"

"Mom, I don't think she can breathe," stated Eli before covering a yawn.

Seeing how exhausted her son was Mina got head screwed on tighter. "Come on I've got this son. Go take a nap. We won't need you for a bath. Gladrea go get a guard and have them go fetch April. Tell her, her new job starts now!"

Bowing deeply Gladrea made her way quickly to the door as Mina pulled Sky toward another room. "I'm fine," replied Eli making his way over toward a sofa. "I'll wait right here until she's done."

Practically flopping down on the couch Sky watched Eli's heavy eyes close as he yawned again. Being pulled into the bathroom Sky looked at the gloriously deep claw foot tub. Her body seemed to ache all over and the thought of soaking in scolding hot water had her practically purring in delight. Entering back into the bathroom Gladrea began pulling Sky's night shift over her head. "I can manage myself," grumbled Sky as she hissed in pain in her attempt.

"I'm sure you can," said Mina joining Gladrea and taking the night shift out of her hand. "But until you're no longer black and blue you'll need help. On top of that, a Lady never dresses alone. From this day on you will have an attendant."

Looking at her rainbow-colored skin that was in many shades of yellow and blue Sky poked at a couple of the really nasty looking ones. "Why? Because I almost died? I don't need an attendant for that. I just need more training to become a better fighter," said Sky angry at herself.

No wonder why Kyle and Tanner's dragons were so worried about her. It was because she was incapable of wining her first real battle. Laughing Gladrea turned on the water as an earth dragon came running into the bathroom with a basket full of stuff. Panting in her exertion she held the basket out to Galdrea. "The head doctor said to put this in Miladies bath water."

Taking the basket Galdrea waved her away as she took out what looked like some kind of bath salt. Pouring the jar into the tub the smell of mint and eucalyptus filled the air. "I'm not sure you need any more training," laughed Mina setting out several bottles of stuff by the tub.

Taking offense too that Sky glared at her. "I can learn to get better! I won't be as weak next time," snapped Sky thinking they believed her as weak and untrainable.

That's probably what everyone thought that she was, a weak fighter and that's why she looked the way she did. Then again they were probably right because she knew going into the fight she was going to lose. Next time she would make sure she'd win. Looking at her in confusion Gladrea offered her hand to Sky as she stubbornly climbed into the tub unassisted because she was not weak. Frowning, Gladrea sat on the edge of the tub and looked at her with a worried expression. "Sky you single-handedly killed 11 adult male dragons and you're just a 16-year-old girl."

"I know," snarled Sky as her dragon crawled her way to the surface. "I know I'm weak and I should have gotten more. Next time I'll get them all. I promise I'm not weak."

Tears stung Sky's eyes as her anger bubbled over. Suddenly there was a body in the tub with her sending water slashing to the floor. The sound of crying filled her ears as Gladrea snapped, "Alivia where are your manners!"

Being crushed between Alivia's boobs Sky couldn't help but cry along with Alivia as her sadness flowed into her body. Sky could see and feel Alivia's memories and fears over the last several days. "Don't you ever say that about yourself you hear me," shouted Alivia as she held Sky tighter to her chest. "You are a Warrior Princess! No other man alive could have done what you did at your age. The King would have been hard-pressed to kill that many on his own at the age he is now. Don't you ever talk bad about yourself again!"

Sky would have retorted back but Alivia was not small in the chest department. There was no point in talking only for her words to be muffled by a boob. "Alivia get off of the Princess's lap," shouted Mina tugging at the woman's arm. "We swear you've lost your mind girl! Aren't you supposed to be relieving Tanner and Kyle so that they can get some sleep before the ball tonight! What kind of Water dragon are you!"

Jumping out of the tub Alivia bowed deeply and apologized. Gasping at Alivia's eyes Sky and her dragon practically leaned over the tub to get a closer look. Alivia's eyes were a different color than normal. Hovering inches from her face Sky dragon smiled as the brilliant purple eyes turned to look at her. "Hey," said Sky's dragon as she made a clicking kind of sound.

Returning the sound Alivia laid her forehead against Sky's and seemed to breathe her in. "Now that the two of your dragons have met. Alivia get out and go relieve your betters," snapped Mina as she emphasized her worlds with sever sharp claps.

Scrambling out of the floor Alivia apologized again before she ran off leaving a trail of water behind her. Muttering to herself Mina ushered Sky back into the water as a young dragon cautiously walked in wearing a maids uniform. "You sent for me Milady," said the woman as she bowed.

"Yes," replied Mina pointing toward the line of shampoos and soaps. "From this day forward you are to be Sky's attendant and her lady in waiting. Help the Prince bathe and dress. We need to get her to the tailer immediately in preparation for tonight."

"As you wish Milady," replied the young woman making her way over to Sky.

Looking at the woman Sky would put her somewhere around Alivia's age at about 250 or 300. Her long wavy brown hair was tied neatly in a bun on top of her head and she very pretty. Looking into the snakes that resided within her, Skys dragon instantly liked the woman. Leaning forward Sky smiled at the woman as she said, "I can bathe myself."

Looking from Sky to Gladrea, April didn't know how to proceed from here. Crossing her arms Mina glared at Sky. "No you will let her assist you in the task of bathing to make sure it is right."

"What," snapped Sky. "You think I can't clean myself correctly!"

"Not to the standards of a Lady of the court about to attend a ball in less than 12 hours," replied Mina in a stern mom voice.

Rolling her eyes Sky sank up to her chin in the bath tube before mumbling, "Well, I guess it's a good thing I'm a guard not a lady of the court."

Laughing a bark of a laugh Mina crossed her arms as the mom stare intensified. "Two days ago the paper was signed proclaiming you as the Princes of the White Woods. From here on out you are Princess and you need to begin acting like it because you are no longer a guard."

"What," shouted Sky jumping to her feet sloshing water everywhere. "You lie!"

Looking at Gladrea for conformation Sky's eyes began to tear when the elder dragon looked at the floor. "I don't believe you! You lie!"

Climbing out of the tub Sky was determined to find out the truth. "Where are you going," demanded Mina storming after her.

"To talk to Michael," snapped Sky in return.

"You leave the King be! He needs his sleep. That pour man barely got any this entire week!"

"And who's fault is that," snarled Sky. "It's not like I kept him up. I was laid out unconscious in a bed!"

"Actually," grumbled Eli from were he was sleeping on the couch. "It was because of that, that he didn't sleep well. Now why all this shouting and why are you naked?"

Looking down at herself and realizing the state she was currently in, Skys had the decency to turn red. Snarling to herself Sky stormed back into the bathroom, grabbed her nightshift, and began to storm back out. "Sky what are you doing," asked Eli as he yawned and blocked her way out of the bathroom.

"Mina said I got fired as a guard, and I'm going to ask Michael if it's true," snarled Sky as her dragon colored her eyes.

"Can't you see the memories of people? Can't you see that it's true," asked Eli yawning again. "Plus you were my guard, not his. I fired you." The hurt on Sky's face was clear as she clenched her fists in anger. "Sky," said Eli sadly as he brushed a tear away. "I-"

"No," snapped Sky batting his hand away.

Shoving him backward, Eli went willingly as tears streamed down Sky's face. When he was far enough backward Sky slammed the door in his face and locked it. Eli's heart broke for her knowing she took such pride in being a guard. He knew it would hurt her, but he didn't expect this. Eli figured he'd see tears, and he knew he'd see her anger, but what he didn't know was how much it would hurt him as well. Nocking on the door Eli called her name but she didn't answer. All he could hear on her side was the tears of a heartbroken little girl. "Go on now son," said Mina tugging as his shoulder. "The King wasn't the only one lacking sleep, and you stood bed side guard all night. We can pick up the pieces, she will be fine."

Reluctantly Eli began to leave the room but turned back several times only for his mom to fuss at him. Once he was gone Mina let herself back into the bathroom to find Sky rocking herself on the floor crying. When Mina tried to touch her, Sky disappeared from where she sat and instantly appeared across the room. Mina had been a mom of the four best boys a dragon could ask for. The gods had granted her with two more children than most and it taught her a couple of things on how to handle stubborn children. Even ones who could move location in a blink of an eye. Once she strategically placed things she took her position and looked at Gladrea. "Go hug her."

Nodding her head Gladrea headed Skys direction but as soon as she got close Sky moved again. Of course in her hasted attempt to move Sky was left with only two options. She either had to let Gladrea hug her or she had to move to the one empty spot Mina had left. As soon as she appeared Mina leaped at her only for her to reappear back where she was. Unfortunately for her Gladrea was a smart cookie too and helped Mina raise her four boys plus the two girls of her own. Gladrea hadn't moved and as soon as Sky reappeared she wrapped her in her arms. For the women, they had thought that Sky just didn't want anyone to comfort her. She was just that kind of girl who didn't want to be consoled or for anyone to see her cry. Unknowns to them Sky was having a hard time controlling her powers in the emotional state she was in. She just relived her near-death experience through Eli's eyes as he watcher her struggle for life in the hospital ward. All of his grief, pain, fear, self-hate, were hers for that brief moment he'd touched her. His memories flowed into her head like a river. Every reason Eli had for making his decision raced through her head. All of her close calls with getting hurt, all of the fights she got into. Even the time she fell down and skinned her knee was in there. Sky understood why he did it, but what right did he have. As a guard, he would be required to risk his life all the time. Currently, he was being a hypocrite and he had no right.

As soon as Gladrea contacted her, Sky screamed out in shock as memories crashed into her. Fear, all kinds of fear whirled through her. Fears of a mother for her two daughters, and fear for sons that were not hers. Next was sorrow fueled by the sight of her broken and bleeding body draped across Michael's arms. Hatred and a thirst for blood filled her as Eli flew them home. Then there was the fight Gladrea had with Eli in attempts to change his mind about his decisions. She too knew why he'd made his choice, but she also knew how Sky would take it. Just like she was taking it right now. She was a blubbering mess on the floor of the High Lords bathroom.

Out of nowhere, there was another hand on her and more memories crammed themselves into her mind. Sky couldn't handle them all as she screamed out in pain. There were too many, too many screaming for her attention, too many raw emotions. The world around her seemed to shake and rumble as she cried out incoherently. All she needed and wanted at the time was for it all to stop. Feeling a crushing vice around her ankle she felt a greater force as it yanked her. All of a sudden the world went black and everything was quit and dark. The flow of memories stopped and her mind was now blessedly quiet. Opening her eyes Sky could only see her nightshift in front of her face. Realizing her world was upside down, Sky shoved the gown out of her face to see a very upset black dragon holding her up by the ankle. His horns and wings were present as his dragon black eyes looked down at her. He was wearing a very pained expression as he regarded her body. Realizing that she hadn't put any undergarments on Sky quickly covered her self the best she could while being suspended upside down. Once she was covered his pained expression shifted to anger as he snarled at the pile of ladies on the floor. Looking even more frightening than normal Sky wiped at whatever was wet on her face away. "My King Sky's nose is bleeding," said Jamie making his presence known. "It might not be best to hold her upside down."

Grunting as Michael manhandled her, Sky got a face full of wing as he tossed her over his shoulder. Growling Michael stomped his way cross the floor and yanked someone off the ground in passing. Making his way out of the bathroom Sky could hear his feet crunched on all the glass and debris on the floor. "Bring your herb's Jamie," snapped Michael not stopping on his way out.

Not wanting to anger the growling dragon, even more, Sky lay there like a sack of potatoes. Watching the bits of stone, wood, and glass pass by under Michael's feet she tried to get a handle on all of everyone else emotions running through her. Her dragon was a snotty mess as she currently mourned the death of April's mom, and how she gave up on her dream to raise her little brother. The smell of oven-baked cookies, with a strong smell of cinnamon or maybe the smell of ginger, filled her nose. Pressing her face farther into his warm leathery wing Sky inhaled deeply. "What are you doing," snarled Michael shifting his wing so that it didn't touch her face anymore.

"You smell like molasses spice cookies," replied Sky as she inhaled deeply again.

"Stop that," snapped Michael as something heavy hit the floor with a grunt.

Pulling her off his shoulder quickly, Michaels dragon glared at her. Realizing what she'd done was very rude Sky adverted her eyes quickly as not to piss off the already very angry dragon. "You," snarled Michael as the air vibrated with his anger toward April who still lay unmoving on the floor. "You will get her washed, dressed, and down to the dressmaker in town immediately. Enough time has been wasted, and for the love of the God's don't touch her! An you," snapped Michael snatching a jar out of Jamie's hand and shoved it at her. "You will bathe, put this on all damaged parts of your body. Then you will go to the dress makers and get a dress appropriate for tonight as a Lady of the house of Nafnir. Do you understand!"

Taking a step back, as Michael practically screamed the last bit at her, Sky averted her eyes. Turning on his heals Michael stormed out of the room and slammed the door so hard behind him it practically vibrated in its foundation. Leaning against the closed door as awkwardly as his horns, and wings would let him, he exhaled the breath he'd been holding. It was funny how he'd been holding his breath so that he wouldn't inhale her delicious scent, and here she was greedily breathing him in. Of course, his dragon was prancing around proudly at the fact she liked the way he smelled. Rubbing his face, Michael looked at Jamie who wore a worried expression. Jamie had seen his friend in an array of emotions before through their lives together. Of course, it did help that they had been friends since childhood, but Jamie wasn't as close to him as Eli. Those two were thick as thieves and Eli, Jamie was sure had seen all sides of their King. Unfortunately Eli wasn't here and Jamie was. For this reason he was left to deal with a clearly distraught and crying King. At a loss for words all Jamie could say was his names in a way that asked more than he could find words for. "Michael?"

Heaving himself from the door the King hung his head as he took a step away from the door. It looked like it was a mighty feat for him to take the first step and then another. Making sure to stay clear of the smoke like death that billowed off of him, Jamie watched the slow progression. The King's body trembled with the exertion of each step he took from the door and visually seemed harder the farther he got from it. "Michael," asked Jamie again truly concerned for his friend and feeling helpless.

Stopping Michael raised his gaze from the floor to the ceiling as more tears streamed down his face. "I don't know if I can do this Jamie," replied Michael almost in a whisper.

"Do what," asked Jamie confused. "What ever it is I will help you as best as I can."

Michael sat there in silence for several heartbeats before lowering his gaze from the ceiling and looking back at the bathroom door. "Her dragon is so weak right now. How can I leave her behind? It would bother me on a normal day, but now after being gone so long all ready."

"It's probably better that way," said Jamie thinking of his King's sanity.

Jamie knew without a doubt it would try his sanity if he had a mate that he couldn't touch for the next 300 years. Theirs no way he would even try to comprehend what the King was going through and didn't even want to try.

"How is that better? How is putting her in the care of others better, especially right now. There is no one better suited to keep her safe than us," snarled Michael as true smoke billowed out of his nose.

"You are correct no one could guard her better than you," replied Jamie not even wanting to touch on that subject right now.

Whirling on him Jamie took a couple of steps back as Michael roared. "I mean look at what just happened!"

Bowing low Jamie replied quickly keeping his voice low and calm, "I know My King, but we are all at a disadvantage here. We all have a learning curve when it comes to Sky. None of us have a clue what just happened."

"She almost took the entire damn castle out! That's what happened," shouted Michael shaking the room with his mighty roar.

"I know," said Jamie to the floor feeling just as bad about the situation. "How were we supposed to know. I mean I still don't know what happened or what triggered it."

Growling Michael rubbed the tears off of his face and attempted to stomp down his misplaced anger. None of this was Jamie's fault, or even the women, hell it wasn't even really Sky's fault she'd almost collapsed this side of the castle. Taking sever deep shaky breaths Michael collected himself before saying. "Do you remember when that man tried to poison me years ago?"

"Which time," asked Jamie still bowing low to the floor.

"The one where Sky had seen it within his memories, the days she caused Eli's nose to bleed. Do you remember what he said," asked Michael taking several more steps towards the door.

"Something about her going through his memories and bringing them up in an order like she was trying to talk with pictures," replied Jamie thinking back on that time.

Stealing a glance up at the High Dragon, Jamie could see his death cloud was reducing in size as he continued to make his way toward the door. "I guess it takes control not to be bombarded with all of those memories all of the time. Her dragon is weak and she can't turn it off right now. Which means the flood gate is wide open. When those women were touching her she was reliving all of those memories within her mind. She was losing control of her powers in attempts to make it all stop."

"How do you know all this High Dragon," asked Jamie stealing another glance at the High Dragon as he continued his trek out of his bedroom.

"When I grabbed her ankle I could see the struggle. We knew exactly what's going on," replied Michael rubbing his face again as if trying to rub the memory way. "I can't explain it better than that. They were both so emotionally torn in all directions like being caught in a stampede. She was.. she was…"

"It's okay Michael," said Jamie trying to reassure him and his dragon. They were calm enough they weren't smoking. Not wanting him to regress back down the path he'd just came, Jamie quickly continued, "Now we all know to mitigate contact with her after serious injuries. It's a lesson we all just learned and it won't happen again, rest assured on that."

"It's not just being weak from healing. It started with Eli's memories. She was emotionally distraught. How am I to leave her? It'll kill her Jamie. They won't understand why I'm doing this? She won't willingly stay behind."

"Then the two of use will devise a plan. Let us head to the Lords study. We will dine and discuss this further."

*******

Sky sat quietly in her bath crying as she hears Michael roar about what just happened. She knew that he was the maddest she'd ever seen him. He was so mad and his jaw was clenched so tight he didn't even appear to be breathing. Again she'd messed up and again he was angry. Hating how she always seemed to make him angry she cried even harder into the tub. All poor April could do was set at the edge of the tube in quiet confront. For how else were to you comfort someone who you were ordered not to touch. The King was very visibly upset and she didn't want to disobey him or he might call for her head. So instead she rested her head upon her hands on the ledge of deep cast iron tub.

Once Sky's tears settled down her new Lady in waiting brought her all the soaps she needed to bathe. Doing her due diligence of bathing and applying ointment to over ninety percent of her body Sky winced. Drying off, Sky rapped a towel around herself and poked her head out of the door. Looking around the room she walked out. "Milady what are you doing," asked April quickly rushing to Sky's side. "You are not dressed properly to leave."

Shrugging her shoulder Sky stepped out of the bathroom. "Well, how else am I going to get clothes."

"You should wait in the bathroom like a proper lady," commented Mina packing in clothes. "Now back in there!"

Huffing Sky returned to the bathroom grumbling about how she wasn't a lady. "You're right you're not a Lady. You are a Princess and you need to start acting like it," corrected Mina laying her clothes down on a chair. "Get dressed, Sir Jamie will be escorting you to the tailors."

"That's a made-up titled. There are no Princesses in the north. Even if there were who's to say how they act," stated Sky as fact.

"I'm sure they act just like the Ladies of all of the High Lords," stated Mina making sure not to touch Sky as she assisted in trying to help her get dressed.

Sky appeared to still be mighty sore as she struggled to get her clothes on. Then again there was no person alive who was that black and blue who wouldn't struggle. Even so, she suffered in silence as she got herself dressed. Mina knew inherently the strength of this little girl was beyond the scope of dragons four times her age. Mina knew she had the makings of a good Queen. The only down side was getting Sky to be the Queen she knew she could be. The first step was getting her dressed and down to the market for the first dress of many. Then the next was to transform her into a proper lady.

Wearing her last pear of riding pants and a white shirt Sky made her way out of the castle and to the stables. Mounting her horse she took the reins from the stable boy. Jamie and his two guards were already mounted and waiting on her and April. Bringing their horses to a trot she quickly joined them before they rode toward town. Eli's family home sat high on the hill that flowed gradually down to a sea port below. The houses of Lords and vineyards lay in front of them creating a pleasant view for their ride. April loved his view and it never got old. There two ways down from the plateau where the castle was located. First was the Lords Road that was well-manicured and wide enough for carts and carriages. The second was the stockade road. This road was the fastest way down the mountain but it was a rough and a very steep grade. It was used mostly by guards traveling from the inner walls to the castle walls. Watching Jamie and his guards take this road it made since now why they were on horseback and not traveling down by carriage. Taking this rough road would save them almost two hours in travel time.

Swinging her leg over the horse's neck April changed her riding position from side-saddle to astride the horse. The uneven ground and shifting rocks were not conducive to riding like a lady. Happy she'd had training on how to ride astride when she was chasing her dream of being a guard, April rode confidently as the earth shifted below her. Even as her horse slid down the embankment she had no fear. Looking behind her, April could she that Sky was doing good as well as her horse slide down too.

Turning her attention back to the road ahead April almost jumped out of her saddle when Sky shouted, "You don't want me anymore!" Turning within their saddles everyone looked at her confused, but before anyone could talk Sky cried out, "You're going to be leaving without me! You're leaving me here!"

April hadn't heard anyone say anything and she was even more confused at the tears rolling down Sky's face as she sliced the air with her hand. "I don't care if you, Michael, and the other guards went through the same training! In case you didn't know, I'm not a guard any more!"

April was at a loss at who Sky was screaming at, or even what about. "That title is made up! There are no Princesses in the North! I don't care I'll just follow you! If their's bandits along the road then I'll just kill them!"

Glaring at Sky, Jamie coldly stated, "An what if there's twenty of them? What then? You'll die alone and afraid because this time we will be gone and no one here has a tie strong enough to find you."

April was stunned on what Jamie said and wondered in what context he'd said it. On top of that was there a conversation happening that April could not hear. Whatever the conversation was it appeared to be done now because Jamie turned and then began heading down the mountain again. April didn't know what to do. Should she continue on after the Royal guard or should she stay with Sky? Should she try to comfort Sky or should she keep quiet? "I don't need your comfort," growled Sky as she asked her horse to walk on. "We aren't friends."

Nodding her head in agreement April turned her horse and headed down the mountain. The tension in the group was thick and unsettling, and no one said a word as they road. Because of this April retreated into her own thoughts. As they approached the inner wall April thought of her little brother. At the age of 50, he would be stationed on the inner wall for his guard shifts. The thoughts of her brother made her smile and beam with pride, but also made her worry. It wouldn't be long until she reached breeding age and her mating mark would show up. When it did would her new mate accept her little brother and adopt him as his own? To April her little brother, William was more like her son. She had raised him from an egg after all, right after her mother died.

William was the reason she gave up on her dream of being a guardsman. She was just a couple of years short of completing her training when her mother fell sick. The doctors diagnosed her with Egg Sickness. A sickness that only happened to pregnant women and it was incurable. Most of the time if a woman could last long enough to lay her egg she'd get better, but her mom never did. When her mom passed from this world her dad's followed right behind her. At 227 years old she was having to make funeral arrangements for her mother and her three dads. From there she was left to juggle her time running to the rooke and turning her brother's egg, and training. Not having time for both she opted to take care of her sibling.

Luckily for her, her mother was a prominent Lord and she was mated to three of the top guards of the High Lords family. Unfortunately for her she wasn't old enough to inherit her grandfather's estate. For that reason, it went to her uncle and his horrible mate. For whatever reason, her aunt hated her and made her life so difficult. After her brother hatched April was left with only one option and that was to abounded everything and try to survive on her own. Desperate April went and petitioned her mom's oldest friend Gladrea for help. By the grace of the Goddess, Gladrea gave her a job as a maid in the Hight Lords castle which came with childcare services. From there that's all she wrote. From that day April and her brother became slaves of the castle and she said goodbye to the hopes of ever becoming the guard of a noble lady. It would all be worth it though if William became a top general like their fathers. If he did she'd die happy knowing she'd at least assisted in making his dream come true.

Breathing a sigh of self-pity April pushed it away as they came to a stop at the tailer shop. Dismounting her horse April followed Sky and Jamie in as the other two guards stayed with the horses. Having a brief conversation with whom April figured was the owner Jamie left them to their own devices. Moments later the owner made their way over to them as Sky looked through several of the pre-made dresses in disgust. "Good morning Princes. I have your ball gown already made for you from the measurements I was provided. I just need you to try it on so that we can make the final adjustments. After that we should have you out of here within the hour," stated the owner bowing low.

"Whatever," grumbled Sky as she watched everyone in the store with her glowing blue eyes.

April wondered what the world looked like to her though those awesome eyes of hers. No one had eyes like that except maybe some of the dragons of old which were written about in fairy tales. Turning her attention to Sky's eyes, April gaped at the stunning dress the tailer brought out. The entire upper half of the dress was silver and sparkled in the light. That silver ran solidly down to the hip where it continued on to a full skirt of night sky blue. From the hips down the sliver faded into what looked like starbursts and then to a light sprinkle of stars at the feet. Completely and totally jealous, April became more envious when Sky left to put it on and returned. The dress fit her like a glove and her snow-white hair and cream complexion made her look like a fairytale. Like the moon and the stars themselves had descended from the sky to walk the land of mortals.

Making his adjustments quickly the owner sent Sky back to the dressing room for her to change. Busying herself with looking at all of the fine dresses April had missed when Sky returned and handed the elderly man the dress. All of the dresses in this store were gorgeous and maybe if things were different she'd be wearing one of these to the ball tonight to bid the King farewell. Life was not so just though, because her mean old aunt would be doing just that and she'd be wearing-. Just then it dawned on April that she didn't have a dress good enough to attend the ball. Since she was now the Princess's Lady-in-waiting she'd be required to attend. In a slight panic, April began to run down a list of names of people she could ask. Hopefully, someone would be able to help her out. Worst case maybe Gladrea had something she could wear.

Turning her attention back toward the dressing room April could see that Sky was no longer in it. Scanning the shop she found her changed and with a scowl as she stormed away from the store owner. Wondering what had happened April rushed after her as Sky left the shop.

Sky hated politics and even had a strong dislike of the Lord and Ladies of the land. Now she wasn't saying that all of them were bad, no they weren't. Some were good like Eli's parents, but others were not. Like what she'd seen in April. Who would do such a thing and now she needed something called money to get her a dress before she had a panic attack in the store. Sky could tell by her strings that she was feeling sick because of the slight panic attack. Thinking she could fix the problem and apologize for her rudeness earlier Sky was going to buy her a dress. The storekeeper said that he couldn't charge the King's account for a second dress. That the King had already paid for the one dress and the cost of the alteration.

Spying Jamie and his guards in the middle of a cluster of girls, Sky pushed her way through. "Who do you think you are," snapped one of the women as Sky shoved her out of the way.

"How dare you treat a Lady of high status like that you street rat," shouted another lady within the group.

Ignoring all of them Sky walked straight up to Jamie and held her out and asked, "Can I have some money?"

This had all of the women laughing at her as someone scoffed, "Like the Royal Guard to the King would give a filthy beggar like you any coin!"

Looking down her her most convertible riding clothes Sky glared at the ugly woman before turning her attention back to Jamie. Within him, she could see that he too thought she looked like a street rat and needed new clothes. He was making mental notes to have Mina place some on order for her. "This is my favorite set, and the most confutable. I'm not getting rid of them. Now can I have some money or not," asked Sky getting a little irritated.

"And what is it you need to buy if not for new riding clothes," asked Jamie with a slight grin.

"A dress," said Sky still holding her hand out.

"Oh look the bag-a-bond wants a dress," cried out one of the ladies as they all laughed together. "A rat in a dress is still nothing more than a prettier rat, but it's still just a rat."

Rolling her eyes Sky was about to go punch the woman when Jamie pulled out his coin purse, but then paused with an angry look on his face. "You're dress should be paid for. Is the owner asking for money?"

Turning her attention from the woman needed an attitude adjustment Sky looked back at Jamie. "No April needs a dress. The tutor in etiquette class says that all Ladies are judged by the company they keep. This includes their Ladies-in-waiting. If their servants look poor and malnourished then the Lady will be considered poor or a tyrant. Since I have to pretend to be something I'm not, then April needs a pretty dress too. The owner says I need money because he can't just charge the King's account."

"Did you hear that ladies," laughed another woman. "This twerp thinks she can charge things to the Kings account while accosting one of his royal guards. She must be touched in the head. Milord shall we take care of this nuisance for you."

April was just pushing her way through the crowd when she saw someone reaching for Sky. Before April could reach her Samuel backhanded the woman hard. Gasping the women back up quickly as Samuel rattled at them. Standing there stunned Jamie glanced at April before looking back at Sky. "So you have been paying attention in etiquette class," laughed Jamie waving April forward with a glare. "What kind of Lady-in-waiting loses her charge. You're asking to get fired before you even begin!"

Instantly bowing low April tried to apologize, but Sky cut her off by snarling, "You leave her alone. She's done nothing wrong. Are you going to give me any money or what? You know what never mind I'll just go ask Eli. I'm sure he'll give me some."

"I will not leave it alone she should have been by your side as soon as you walked up. It's her job to do your light work. If she was doing her job Samuel wouldn't have had to hit a female," corrected Jamie grabbing Sky's arm as she turned to leave.

"And how is what Samuel did Aprils fault," argued Sky in return.

"All of it," retorted Jamie. "It's April's job to defend your honer and place the lower classes in their place. If she was here then she would have shut up the first floozy who insulted you by calling you a street rat."

"Who cares what they think," growled Sky. "I don't, they can continue in their delusions of being your mate for all I care. All I need is money for a dress."

"Wait did someone seriously just call you a street rat," asked April shocked.

Not only was she shocked she was dumbfounded on what to do. Was she really supposed to put people in their place? Up until this morning, she was just a scullery maid. You couldn't get any lower than her on the totem pole. "Oh the two of you are ridiculous," snapped Jamie tossing his hands in the air in exacerbation. "Mina's got her hands full, and here you came highly recommended by Gladrea too. How much money to do you need Princess?"

Silence fell as everyone stood slack-jawed at what Jamie had just called Sky. "Don't call me that and enough to buy a dress."

"I will call you that because that's what you are and how much is the dress? Will a couple of denarius cover it or do you need an aureus," asked Jamie pulling a couple of coins out of his coin purse.

Shrugging her shoulders Sky grow a bit angrier as she replied, "I don't know what any of that means. What ever will get me a dress."

The realization dawned on Jamie that Sky had never used money before, or even handled money. Heck as far as he was aware she'd never been to a market to go shopping like most women did either. He even began to wonder is she had jewelry to wear tonight. Rubbing his face Jamie groaned. "Okay come on let's go buy a dress."

Samuel and Grant cleared the way for them through the still shocked gaggle of women. Reentering the store Jamie asked, "So what dress are we buying?"

Looking at April, Sky touched her arm briefly before making her way toward the back. Pulling a light blue tulle style dress off of the rack Sky packed it back to April. "Go put this on so the tailer can alter it."

Standing there confused April couldn't believe Sky had handed her the one dress she wished she could afford to buy. How did she know, thought April looking at the light blue dress with the sliver butterflies skillfully stitched on it. Sky wasn't even present when she'd pulled it off the rack and twirled around with it pressed against her body. "You heard the Princess," snapped Samuel giving April as a slight shove.

Taking the dress April looked from it to the glowing blue eyes that regarded her carefully. April really wanted to say no because this dress was going to cost way too much money, and there was no way she could pay her back. This was way above her level now, but if she said no then she'd get fired. If she got fired then she'd loose her job at the castle, and if she lost her job at the castle how would she afford the bills. William brought in some money but it wasn't a lot. She was the oldest sibling it was her job to take care of the family.

Seeing the April was in a slight panic Sky walked up to her an poked her in the forehead. "Panicked rabbits make for a good meal," said Sky watching the emotions flicker across April's face.

"My Dad used to say that," stammered April.

Nodding her head Sky smiled, "One of your dad's also said, "Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. An how come you had three dads? Is that normal?"

"Sky," scolded Jamie. "That's rude!"

"How is that rude? It's not like I called her abnormal," retorted Sky.

"No going through her head without permission is rude," corrected Jamie crossing his arms and giving her the best angry dad stare he could.

"Fine," huffed Sky as her eyes changed into her normal blue. "Just go try the dress on."

Looking between the sixteen-year-old girl and Jamie, April couldn't help but smile. Those two fight like siblings. I bet she would get along great with William thought April as she made her way toward the dressing room. Coming out moments later Sky couldn't help but smile at April who was grinning from ear to ear. An don't tell Jamie but her dragon peeked at all the memories flashing through her of all her happy times. Surprisingly enough there were quite a few considering the other memories she'd seen earlier. Almost all of them surrounded her brother making Sky feel bad for her. Having never had a family she didn't know what it was like to loose one. It must be a lot harder to have lost than to never of had one to begin with. At that point, Sky decided to make the best of it for April's sake. She would make today a happy memory because tomorrow she was leaving with Michael and the guards. It was going to happen whether they liked it or not.

Taking the dress back for the alterations that were needed Sky and the group left the tailor shop. The owner said he would have them delivered once completed so there was no need in them returning unless they decided they wanted more dresses. From there Jamie took them to the jewelry store where he had to fight Sky over being a Princess again. After there he attempted to engage her is normal shopping, but she wasn't having any of that either. April had never met anyone who didn't like shopping. Well, maybe her brother but men typically didn't care for shopping to begin with. On the other hand, it could be because Jamie was making her count money for everything they bought. What person at her age didn't know about money or how money worked. Then again the rumor was that she was found in the White Woods and then raised in the King's castle. She was the King's pet and pets had no use for money. If they needed anything their masters would just buy it. At that point, April pitted her and figured she'd try her best to help in any way possible.

Jewelry, shoes, make-up all purchased, and being delivered to the castle Jamie led them through the food venders. It was time for lunch and everyone was getting hungry. Walking pasted a bakery Sky stopped to look in the window. "Do you want some cookies," asked Jamie stopping beside her.

"Yes please," beamed Sky before making her way into the store.

"Okay but not a lot we are about to have lunch," informed Jamie.

Running form rack to rack Sky looked like a kid in a candy store. Cookies were stacked everywhere and her eye's beamed at her cookie paradise. Breathing in all of the delicious scents Sky couldn't decide what she wanted. There were so many options to choose from and they all smelled so good! "Good morning Milord is there anything I can get for you," asked a woman who was packing out a try full tray of hot cookies.

When the smell of the cookies wafted over to Sky her body instantly froze. Her dragon roared forward and began to bodily throw herself against her skin. Sky didn't know what to do. Her dragon had never done this before. Those cookies smelled exactly like Michael did right now, of sugar, spice, molasses, and a touch of cinnamon. Yes, she loved cookies but her body felt weird. She felt like she had butterflies in her stomach and her dragon had a need that she couldn't understand. Everything she had was shaking as he dragon clawed at her skin trying to get out. "Samuel, get her out of here now," shouted Jamie as a strong pair of arms wrapped themselves around her.

Crying out Sky didn't want to leave those cookies. If she did the smell would be gone and she needed that smell. Her dragon needed those cookies, but her body wouldn't move. It couldn't move, all it could do was shake uncontrollably. Outside the store Samuel sat her on her feet and covered her eyes. Sky didn't know why, but it seemed to calm her dragon down. "There now little dragon, calm," purred Samuel as a calming wave washed over her. "Shush now, I know. You are too young to understand now, but it'll all make sense later."

Sky hated it when they said that. That meant that they weren't going to explain what had just happened to her, or what made her dragon freak out. Taking a deep breath Sky exhaled slowly as Samuel continued to push a calming energy into her. "Okay so what do we want to eat for lunch," asked Jamie somewhere to Sky's right. "You know what let's go toward the docks! Rivia is known for its seafood so let's partake in some of the best."

Sky could feel another hand atop her head as a second energy surged into her nocking her dragon out cold. Snoring loudly in the corner Sky rolled her eyes at her dragon as Samuel uncovered her eyes. Smiling at her, Jamie took her arm and dragged her away from cookie heaven. Sky was a bit upset that she hadn't even gotten to try any of the cookies. Pulling her toward a restaurant Jamie treated them all to lunch. Everyone ignored the elephant in the room of what happened in the cookie shop. But once the food was served the awkwardness disappeared as everyone dug in.

The verity was so overwhelming Sky was so excited to try all of it. Even though April kept to herself Sky kept shoveling food onto her plate as well. By the time lunch was done everyone was to the point of bursting. Lounging about for a bit, Samuel and Grant entertained everyone with stories. Sky seemed to be in a better mood as they left the restaurant and continued shopping. As they wondered from vender to vender Sky didn't seem to care about any of the bobbles and trinkets. It wasn't until they passed a vender that had stuffed animals did she stop. Not only did Sky stop but she actually picked something up. Turning it over this way and that Sky ran her hands through the main of the manticore doll she'd picked up. "Surely you don't want that one Milady," said a Merchant making his was over. "Beasts are for boys. I do have this beautiful unicorn. Surely this one suits you better."

Dropping the doll, Sky abruptly turned saying, "Dolls are for welp's and babies."

"I didn't think you cared about what people thought," asked Jamie.

"I don't, but it won't fit in my saddle bag so it doesn't matter. We need to be getting back if we are to arrive in time for this stupid ball," stated Sky making her way back through the market.

All the good lunch did, seemed to be undone in two seconds. Sky was silent again all the way back to the castle. Blood boiling again as soon as they got to the castle she growled at Mina as she greeted them. "Oh good, you are back. It took you lot long enough. The dresses arrived hours ago. Sky go bathe and I'll send someone to help you get made up."

"Another bath! I had one this morning in case you forgot. I almost brought down the castle in the process. I don't need another one," snapped Sky.

Scowling Mina crossed her arms and gave Sky the best mom glare she could. "You've been riding around collecting dust so of course you are needing a bath. A Princess can't arrive at a ball with all of the socialites of this kingdom wearing a layer of dust. Now off with you!"

Grumbling to herself Sky stomped away like the disgruntled fledging she was. "Hey Sky," shouted Jamie just remembering something. When Sky turned and glared at him Jamie continued. "When you do your looking into people thing and see your pictures, can you see the Kings?"

"No, why," asked Sky but it was rhetorical because she snapped. "Not that I care what he thinks anyway. He's always mad at me as it is."

Continuing her angry storm Sky made sure to slam her bedroom door as soon as she got to it. Realizing what she'd done Sky grumbled as she opened the door again and pulled April in. Then slammed it again because she could. Stripping out oh her clothes as she went Sky dropped them to the floor as she made her way toward the bath. Picking up the clothes as she walked April remembered when William hit this stage. Come to think about it he was currently in these years. The fledgling years are turning out to be just as hard as the toddler years, but they could talk now. On the other side, Sky was a good long-distance from fledglings years. She was more like a human teenager. For humans, sixteen was equivalent to a dragon fifty and Sky looked fifty instead of sixteen. Because of this maybe that's why she seemed emotionally unstable. Maybe because as a dragon she was aging too quickly and she was having trouble adjusting so quickly. There was a reason that dragons matured so slowly. It gave both the human side and the dragon time to grow and adjust to each other. The power that was inside of a dragon was quite substantial and no one wanted to a welp with an adult amount of power. There would be so many accidental explosions that their race would die out before it even began.

Watching Sky turn on her own water and climb into the massive garden tubs within the Lord's visitor wings April collected the soaps and shampoos. Making her way over to the side of the tub April began to sit everything down when suddenly she found herself face-first into the tub. "What the hell," shouted April jumping to her feet soaking wet.

"You need a bath too," stated Sky as if what she did was acceptable.

"That doesn't matter," snapped April glaring down at her. "You can't just go pulling people into the bath with you!"

Shrugging her shoulders Sky looked at her plainly. "Why not? It's not like it's not big enough. Look," said Sky gesturing to the expanse of a tub. "We could fit like two more people in this thing."

"Bath time is not a group exercise," snapped April trying to climb out of the tub.

"Unless you're a guard traveling cross country with your charge," stated Gladrea making her way into the bathroom. "Then bath time becomes a group exercise. Either way, both of you have fifteen minutes to scrub yourselves down before the cosmetologist gets here for the two of you. April get out of that dress, and why are you wet?"

Growling April glared at Sky which only made her laugh. "I pulled her into the tub."

"Well that's rude, either way, both of you bathe quickly and get out!"

Not wanting to anger Gladrea, Sky began scrubbing herself because she didn't want to take more etiquette classes then she had too. April stepped out of her sopping dress quickly and joined Sky because she too didn't want Gladrea angry at her. She'd done so much for her and her brother she didn't want to show disrespect.

Dressed in his fineries Michael stood on the dais talking to the High Lord and several of his highest generals. The ball had already started and still, he hadn't seen Sky appear. After what Jamie had told him he worried about her even more and contemplated if he was truly doing the right thing. He honestly hoped that Jamie's plan worked and that what he said was correct. If she could look into him and see whatever it is that she sees, their plan would be foiled. On top of that Sky needed guards, but it unprecedented that one so young got guards appointed to them. On top of that, how many guards should she have? Should he appoint them or should she appoint them herself? On top of that should they be her age or older? "I would say that maybe appoint a couple of temporary ones," suggested the High Lord. "At least until your guards find mates, and then their mates can become her guards. At least that's how it works for the High Lords."

"Thinking about that I see you've appointed new generals, and I haven't seen Shynel around. Did something happen because I remember her and Gladrea were pretty much insuperable," asked Micheal looking over at Mina, and Gladrea who were entertaining several ladies of the court.

"My sister died a little over fifty years ago due to Egg Sickness," replied one of the guards.

Feeling bad for asking Michael gave the guard a slight nod as he said, "My condolences. That is such a horrible sickness and it takes so many of our females. It's such a tragedy and a horrible blow to your army."

"True," agreed the High Lord sadly. "They did leave behind a very talented son. He's climbing the ranks quickly and it won't be long before he's one of my head generals."

"Strange," said Micheal thinking back to the last time he'd been here and met all of their general and their families. "I thought they only had a daughter. I guess I was mistaken."

Suddenly everyone was quite as they looked at the one general who said that Shynel was his sister. Clearing his throat the general didn't meet Michael's eyes as he replied, "My sister had two children survivor her. She passed right after she laid her egg."

"At least she left you a memento of herself. I'm sure it was a struggle raising children that didn't belong to you," stated Michael praising the general. "I'm sure Shynel's daughter has turned out to be a top guard as well with such good blood in her veins. Any male I'm sure would be beside themselves for a mate with such a bloodline."

Watching as group seemed to get even more uncomfortable they all glanced at Shynel's brother again. Wondering what was going on Michael raised an eyebrow toward the High Lord. It wasn't until the generals excused themselves quickly did the High Lord answer. "Shynel's daughter is Sky's Lady-in-waiting currently."

"What," exclaimed Michael. "The scullery maid that Gladrea had appointed until she can fill the position properly!"

With a regretful look, the High Lord did not look at the King as he turned his attention toward Gladrea. "We didn't know things had gotten the way they were until April came and asked Gladrea for a job. It was then that we found out she had dropped out of Guard training to take care of her brother. Her family had already drained her assists and she was pretty much evicted. There was no fixing the damage done. All she could do was to give her a job."

"As a scullery maid she'll never be able to mingle with the Lords of the lands, meaning she might never come in contact with her mate," stated Michael with a frown. "Her bloodline is full of prominent generals. Her brother might not ever find a mate like most males in which will permanently bring that bloodline to an end."

"True," said the High Lord looking thoughtful. "But as a Lady-in-waiting, April will still have a chance to accidentally run into a potential mate. It's the most we can hope for now."

When Michael was about to reply when heard the Usher ring the bell announcing another arrival. Turning toward the door's on the second level as they began to open Michael waited. "Now arriving," called the Usher. "Princess Luna of the White Woods!"

Michaels jaw hit the floor as Sky walked through the doors and proceeded to the stairs. When he told the dressmaker what he wanted he never dreamed he'd create a dress fit for the Goddess herself. The young woman who was currently gliding down the stairs looked more like a celestial being than the spitfire he once knew. Adjusting himself quickly to hide how much her looks appealed to him, his dragon beamed in pride. Everyone on the ballroom floor stood in silence as they gawked at Sky. Stepping out of her way the group starred at her as she made her way across the floor toward Gladrea and Mina. "Who would have known she cleans up so well," beamed Eli joining them on the dais. "And who's that beautiful butterfly floating right behind her?"

"That's April surely you remember her," said Eli's father.

"Nope not at all," laughed Eli. "I guess I need to reintroduce myself and see if Sky is still mad at me."

With that, Eli slinked off through the crowd toward his intended target.

Making her way up to Mina and Gladrea Sky scowled deeply, "You see me can I go now?"

"Of course not," laughed Mina. "Not until the party ends. How about you make nice and greet people."

Making an un-lady like noise Sky glared at Eli as he came to a stop beside her. Bowling low Eli grinned at her. "You look gorgeous tonight Sky as does the butterfly by your shoulder."

Growling Sky took Aprils hand and slapped it into Eli's. "Fine, then she'll dance with you in my stead. Now leave me alone!"

Storming away like the disgruntled child she was, Eli's smile dropped off his face while Sky walked away. Finding a nice quiet corner close to the doors leading to the Lord's court yard, Sky sat contently by herself. Her dragon was doing her normal thing and reading people. With this group of people, there were good and bad people, but at least most here were good. Even the bad ones weren't evil or supper bad, just corrupt just like the ones at the castle. On the up side there currently was no one here that wanted to kill the King. That was a change from the castle, and was Eli really enjoying Aprils company?

Watching the two of them dance Sky couldn't help but smile. Even though she was currently mad at him she knew she wasn't going to be forever. Out of all of the guards, Eli was her favorite, but she wasn't going to tell him that. "Will you dance with me," asked a deep voice she new well.

Turning to see Kyles smiling face Sky's mood brightened a little. "I'm not very good at it," replied Sky honestly.

"What do you mean you're a talented fighter. Dancing his just like fighting. All you have to do is mirror my movements. Come on I'll show you. You can even bring your new friend along," stated Kyle holding his hand out.

Wondering what Kyle was talking about Sky looked herself over. Finding a white snake in her lap she wounded when the snake had decided to use her to warm up. Picking the snake up Sky draped it around her neck like a boa. The pore thing was freezing as it rapped herself tighter around her neck for warmth. Walking out onto the dance floor Kyle smiled at her as he guided her across the floor. "Did you know that the Sliver Sea snake is the snake depicted within the Rivia flag?"

"No I just thought it was just a silver snake," said Sky trying hard to pay attention to Kyle's feet as not to step on them.

"You're trying too hard. Don't think about it, just do," smiled Kyle pulling Sky in closer to him. "Don't look with your eyes, feel with your body. It's just like fighting you let your body do. Let it react to what the eyes see don't force it."

Even though Kyle was trying to help, Sky couldn't help but worry about their feet as she stepped on his foot again. Taking a different approach Kyle turned Sky's attention to the snake around her neck. "Did you know that silver snakes only comes on land to lay their eggs? There is an old story about the Queen of the sea snakes," said Kyle as he continued to glide her around the dance floor. "Long ago when the world was young and dragons were new the Queen of the sea came to shore to lay her eggs. She couldn't lay her eggs in the sand like the turtles because humans and dragons were always about. There was no laying them right off the beach because they settled a town there. Trying to find a safe place to lay her eggs she traveled farther inland than most of her kind. She had to find the safest place and it was high on a mountain. Their she laid her eggs under an elderberry bush. Then on the day she was going to return to the ocean, the weather turned cold. Try as she might, even with basking in the sun, she couldn't get warm enough, but she'd spent too much time out of the water as it was and her skin was beginning to dry out. Along came this wealthy looking man in his travels and found the Queen snake as she lay dying. Crying out to him for help he ignored her and walked on. This happened several times until this beggar meandered by, but at this time she was too weak to cry out. On top of that, she believed this dirty, and haggard-looking man wouldn't help her. He looked like he was having a hard enough time surviving on his own. He had spotted her though and came to her side. Scooping her up, the man rapped her around his neck before covering her with a scarf. Without being asked the man packed her all the way to the ocean. The closer he got to the ocean the more people warned him not to go near the ocean.

When he arrived there half an army of snakes floated within the surf. It was no wonder why everyone warned him away from the surf. Even though silver sea snakes were not aggressive they were highly venomous. Making his way as close to the surf as possible the man took off his scarf and uncoiled the queen. Laying her down within the surf the Queen bit him. Looking from her to his bite wound the man looked at her shocked and hurt. As the venom cursed through him the man passed out. When he awoke on the lap of a beautiful woman he thought he'd died and gone to paradise. The woman laughed and said that she was the Queens Lady-in-waiting. She told the man that the Queen had died but marked him as one of her people before passing. That man couldn't believe that the Queen died even after getting her to the water.

From there the Lady-in-waiting returned with him to the top of the mountain to watch over the Queens clutch of eggs. With the hatching of those eggs, a new Queen would be born. Not wanting the Lady-in-waiting to dye without water the man built her a water fountain so that she could swim whenever needed. In exchange for everything he'd done the new Queen and her people recognized the mark the old Queen left. When the man bought a fishing vessel his new friends helped him find the best fishing spots. It wasn't long before the man became wealthy. Even with his new found wealth he never stopped taking care of the fountain or the elderberry bush. Every five years the Queen would return and lay her clutch of eggs, and with the hatching, a new Queen was born."

"As the years continued on the house got bigger and the garden more splendid but our family has not stopped caring for the Queen and her offspring," said Mina stepping up beside them causing them to stop. "If you wouldn't mind I'll take charge of your tag along. So everyone can return to dancing."

Looking around Sky could see that the only ones dancing besides her and Kyle, were Eli and April. Both of them didn't seem to notice anything else besides their dance partner. Even the rest of the guards and their chosen dance partners stood on the sidelines. Turning back to Mina's waiting hands Sky nodded her head and said, "Oh okay," as she lifted the snake from her neck.

Gently taking the snake from Sky, Mina placed it around her youngest son's neck who looks around a human eight years of age, before shoeing him away. Giving the band a nod Mina clapped her hands as the music begin again. Dancers entered the floor again as Kyle began to move. "So that wasn't a legion it's a true story," said Sky watching as Mina's youngest son seemed to be having a grand conversation with the snake as he made his way out to the garden.

"Who knows," laughed Kyle. "All I know is what is written about the founding Lord of the city of Rivia. Of course, all of this happened long before the written word and this story was passed down by mouth through the centuries."

"If that's so then how do you know it since you're a wind dragon," asked Sky genuinely curious.

This question made Kyle smile brighter than Sky had ever seen. "Wind dragons love legions and mythologies. There is always a grain of truth to every legion or myth. We are the keepers of history and legions. That's one thing my people are great at is storytelling. Just wait until you travel to the Land of the Wind," exclaimed Kyle beaming brighter. "The libraries there are beyond any scale you've ever seen. I can't wait until you meet my Mother. She's such a lively woman, but a bit eccentric mind you. I know you'll love her!"

Kyle's smile was so contagious Sky couldn't help but laugh with the joy rolling off of him. "As I traveled from land to land with the King during the King's training. I got to learn a lot about the legions of each land. It was so great to see these places I'd only read about. It was like a dream come true for me! Why are you laughing?"

Wiping the tears from her face, Sky's heart warmed three-fold from where it had been all day. "I don't think I've ever heard you speak for so long, or smile so big. Joy looks really good on you and you should do it more often," grinned Sky enjoying the happiness within Kyle's face.

Sky was sure if she let her powers up she'd be flooded with happy memories and joyous occasions. Thinking about doing just that, the thought went to the wayside as Tanner stepped up and tapped Kyle on the shoulder. "May I cut in?"

"No," replied Kyle as his cold emotionless face returned.

"To bad," laughed Tanner. "You've had her to yourself long enough."

Growling Kyle dropped his hands as he took a step back. "Fine."

Taking up Kyle's place Tanner began to sashay Sky across the floor. Slow and elegant was Kyle's style of dancing, but Tanner's were just as fiery as his hair. Not having time to think about Tanner's feet she let her body counter all of his steps. "What were the two of you talking about? It's been a while since I've seen him smile so big," asked Tanner after a long silence.

"He was telling me a story about the snake queen and I guess Eli's ancestor, but he didn't tell me his name," answered Sky.

Laughing Tanner smiled down at Sky. "Of course he did. I should have known since you were wearing a snake like a scarf. Wind dragons love their stories, and the founder's name was Eli Rivia."

Thinking about it Sky looked at from Tanner to Eli who was still dancing with April. "Then why wasn't Eli's last name Rivia if this land belongs to him?"

Shrugging his shoulders Tanner moved them over to Eli and bumped his shoulders. "Sky want's to know why your name isn't Rivia," chuckled Tanner before taking up Aprils hands and dancing away.

Glaring at Tanner, Sky couldn't believe the fast one he'd just pulled. Huffing when Eli placed a hand on her waist and took up her hand, Sky glared at him. "So why do you want to know why my last name isn't Rivia," asked Eli with a guarded expression.

"It's not that I wanted to know. Kyle just told me a story about the first owner of this house and Tanner said his name was Eli Rivia. If this is true I had asked why you had a different name," stated Sky plainly still angry at Eli.

"Ah now I see," said Eli with a curt nod. "Well, you know that snake you were packing around the dance floor?"

"Yes."

"Well the Queen chooses the next owner of this house because this castle belongs to the snakes," answered Eli.

Raising a brow at him, Sky was left with more questions than answers. "I thought this was the High Lord's house, and the King chooses who lives in it."

Laughing Eli shook his head no. "No the High Lords house is actually in the middle of town. It just so happens that my dad is the High Lord and he was also chosen by the Queen of the Snakes. This castle will go to my little brother next since it seems the last couple of Queens has taken to him. My older brother, on the other hand, lives in the High Lords mansion because he will more than likely be the next high lord when my father steps down. Since the Queen snakes hate his mate she can't live here. Goddess knows we don't want anyone getting bitten, but I wouldn't blame them if they did." Giving Sky a chuckle at his sister-in-law's expense. "Anyway The Queen can choose whoever and not always are they male. If a female becomes the care taker she gets the house and the lands that go with it. She also gets ownerships that go with the Queen Snake fishery, markets, and warehouses. It is about the only city where a male joins his mates family not the other way around. This family is just a bit strange."

Dancing a little bit more in silence Eli sighed, "I take it you're still mad at me."

Glaring up at him Sky snapped, "Of course I am! You took my job away. Now I have nothing but this fake title like that's going to make things better. On top of that, you lot are thinking of leaving me behind to take some kind of classes!"

Giving her a sad smile Eli hugged her tightly. "I have no real choice in the matter. I can only do what I'm told. When the King says that I must release a guard then that's what I have to do. It doesn't matter if I agree with it or not. If he says that you will be going through the Kings guards training then that's what you'll do. I know he's got his reason and it might not always make since to us but it does to him. No, just listen," informed Eli as he began dancing again and stopping whatever Sky was about to say. "I am the King's guards. It's my job to do what I'm told to. It's my job to keep the King safe and happy. A safe and happy King is a King that doesn't accidentally kill people. On top of that, I'm also his Majesty's closest friend and I wish things were different and we were on equal footing. I would do anything to tell him no and keep you as my second, but it's impossible. My dragon can not defy him, so when he came to me and told me I had to let you go, I had no choice. If you want to know the reason you'll have to ask him or look into him for the answers like you do the rest of us."

Huffing Sky's seething anger began to fizzle away. How could she be mad at him if it was an order by the King? Of course, Sky didn't understand why his dragon couldn't tell him, no, but she knew it was true. She'd seen enough interactions to see within people when they were forced to do something. That compulsion didn't affect her, but then again a lot of the Kings powers didn't affect her. The same as hers didn't affect him. Turning her attention to the floor Sky shook her head no as she replied, "I can't see into him. Well, I can. I can see the snakes that live within him, but they don't show me anything. He's a blank slate even if I touch him."

"Well I guess we will both be in the dark then," said Elil lifting Sky's chin up to look at him. "Either way you'll always be my warrior princess."

With that, they fell silent again, but more due to contentment than anger as they danced. Soon enough Tanner was back asking for another dance. Only taking a couple of breaks Sky danced the night away with all of the guards. As she looked at the group of Kings guard Sky couldn't help but smile. They were the only family she really had and they expected her to let them leave her behind? They must have eaten bad food if they thought she was going to willingly stay behind. They had just returned home from years of fighting bandits and she missed them terribly while they were gone. She wasn't going to miss them again so soon.

Yawning as the night drew late Kyle stepped back from her as he paused their dance. "Are you tired? Would you like to turn in," asked Kyle with a hint of concern? "You're not pushing yourself are you?"

Yawning again Sky shook her head no as she replied, "No I'm okay."

"That's a lie if I ever saw one." Turning to the voice she new well Sky looked up at Michael's dragon eyes. "You look exhausted. One last dance and then bedtime for you."

Placing his hands on her waist Sky defiantly glared at Michael. "I am not tired and I'll go to bed when I feel like it! You're not my boss."

That statement brought the dance floor to a standstill as everyone worried about what the King would do. Rolling his eyes "Your right I'm not your boss. I'm your King."

"Come on you two this is a time to drink and make merry," sated Jamie arriving out of nowhere with a couple of glasses of what looked like wine. "Here have one," said Jamie handing a glass to Sky.

"I don't think so," snapped Michael pulling the glass from Jamie's hand before Sky could take it. "She is too young for wine."

Tossing the wine back as Sky tried to drag it out of his hands, Sky growled before taking ahold of the other glass Jamie had. "Don't you dare," shouted Michael as Sky brought the glass to her lips.

"Your not my boss or my King," shouted Sky right back in defiance before chugging her glass of wine.

Sticking her tongue out at Michael Sky glared at him as he took the third glass of wine Jamie had procured from somewhere. Taking a drink Michael huffed, "Fine then, but you still need to go to bed because you look exhausted. An exhausted spitfire can't be defiant and follow us home if she can't keep up or wake up in time."

Laughing Micheal turned and began a conversation with a group of people to his left. Sky glared at all the women as they gave him fake laughs and practically fell over each other to get close to him. More power to them, thought Sky turning back toward the drink table to wash out the nasty taste that wine left in her mouth. "You know it won't hurt to have a dance with the King before bed," said Eli giving her a nudge.

"I'm not-" pausing to yawn Sky continued, "okay maybe I am a little, but Michael can't dance so no point in asking."

"Who says I can't dance," asked Michael invading Sky's space to set his empty cup down.

"Everyone says it," informed Sky glaring up at him. "Everyone knows you can't dance and that's why you never dance at balls. That's why tonight all you did was stand around and talked while rejecting everyone's offer to dance," stated Sky ignoring the gasps of shock from the people around them.

"Really, " growled Michael as his dragon pushed himself further to the surface. "Fine then come with me." Taking Sky's hand Michael pulled her to the dance floor. "Something with a pep in it," ordered Michael to the band as he waved his hand in a carry on gesture.

"What are you doing," asked Sky trying to pull her hand out of the black scaled one holding her's tightly.

Pulling her around to face him, Michael pulled her against him tightly, much tighter than anyone else. Tucking his arm under hers he settled his hand at her shoulder blade causing her to have to hold her arm up. Laying her hand on his shoulder Michal replied, "What does it look like we're doing? We're dancing unless you don't know how to."

"What, not like this," squeaked Sky as the band began playing a fast tune.

That's all she got out as Michael took off quickly. This fast pace was nothing like Tanners. With Eli, the steps were slow and simple creating a four-sided box. Tanners were in a straight line, but just at different paces. There were two fast steps and then a slow one with minimal movements that he had to do to get around people. This was so not true with Michael. Sky didn't know how many times she stumbled before he began counting, "One, Two, Three. One, two, three."

The counting of the beats and the rhythm of the music reverberated in Sky's head as she twirled in circles. Counting in her head she memorized the simple moves keeping pace with the King as he twirled her around the floor. "Good now lean more into me because we're about to do the rest of the Viennese waltz," whispered Michael into her ear.

In the middle of what she excepted to be a right-hand turn, Michael shuffled his feet and spun them to the left instead. Tightening her grip on his shoulder Sky had no choice but to lean into him more. It was everything she could do to stay on her feet, that most of the time her heals never touched the ground. Michael's hand had a firm grip on her shoulder as her upper body was having a hard time keeping up with her lower body with the quick change of direction he some times did. By the time the song was done Sky had just managed to get the movements down.

Pleased with himself, Michaels dragon smiled down at the little dragon who was smiling at him. Her smile was so big and bright she shown as brightly as a star, making him ignore how tired he seemed to be getting. "Again," stated Sky pushing her hips into him and tightening her hold on his shoulder as she yawned.

"Very well then and then bed," said Michael before yawning. "Deal?"

"First something to drink," said Jamie handing them two glasses of water. "You both worked up a light sweat."

Shaking her head yes, Sky gulped down the water quickly anxious to dance again. Michael nodded to the band after he finished his water who began to play a different song with the same fast tempo. Floating around the dance floor Sky seemed to grow heavier in his arms until suddenly he lost his footing. Hands from all directions steadied him as his legs refused to hold him up any more. "Jamie what-" slurred Michael as he grew more groggy. "What have you…have you….done?"

Lowering himself and Sky to the floor his dragon reeled against the drugs that were stealing his strength and consciousness. All of his guards were gathered around them and the High Dragon rattled a warning at Eli as he carefully picked up Sky's sleeping form from his body. "He's going to be pissed when he wakes up Jamie. What have you done," asked Eli looking between Michael and Jamie.

"He asked me to help him walk away, and prevent her from following. He already knew how I wasn't going to handle Sky and this was all I could think to do to help him too. Now get her to bed. Grant ready the troops we ride out now. Everyone should already be packed and waiting to go," ordered Jamie as he and Kyle picked Michael out of the floor.