#13 The Dragon King and his Werewolf Princess

I was quiet for most of Calix’s tour, mostly because I didn’t know what to say. I noticed some similarities and more differences between this castle and the one I call home.

The dragon’s castle was much more gothic and old world with its dark colored wallpaper, heavy hardwood floors, and gas lanterns instead of modern fluorescent lights. It was strange, the fact that only the royal family lived in this large home. It seemed like so much space and way too much staff for a single family home.

I studied Calix’s face as he spoke about the heir’s bedrooms and I noticed the mass quantity of doors that were painted navy blue, indicating that they were meant for the King and Queen’s children. And I thought werewolves loved to procreated. I guess when you lived hundreds of years, that left a lot of time for making heirs.

Thus, I had made the, probably unfair, assumption that the Queen of the dragon realm was nothing more than an heir barrier and homemaker, hence my surprise when Calix showed me her office. And it was a real office, matching the King’s in every way.

The library was definitely going to be my happy place during my time in this hellscape. It reminded me of the one we had at home which had always been my favorite place. From the time I was a little girl, my father and mother read me stories and taught me the importance of a good book. I always thought that I would take over my father’s bookstore one day.

Then there was the fact that there were two kitchens, and not just any kitchens, no, they were both massive and overly stocked. I had no idea what the point of two kitchens was. Why couldn’t the royal family just prepare their “cravings” and “midnight snacks” in the chef’s kitchen? Maybe it was just because I didn’t cook, but it seemed like a lot to me. I was pleased to see that at least the living room looked comfortable and inviting, despite the regal and sophisticated feeling of the rest of the castle.

I enjoyed the sun room and courtyard, too, but when Calix started talking about growing flowers with his mother, I knew I had to bring this conversation back to reality. I had no intention of sticking around long enough to grow prize winning roses with the former dragon Queen. Despite what Calix thinks, I’m going to get out of this place and I’m going to return home. I might be a future Queen, but I sure as hell wasn’t going to be the Queen of the dragons.

Calix led me back to the east wing and I was positive that I was going to get lost in this place. They needed street signs at all the intersections. He led me past the blue rooms which I was grateful for, not wanting to sleep in the rooms meant for his future children. He pointed to the twenty-some maroon painted doors and told me to pick from them, the royal guests and family members’ rooms. He said they were all exactly the same so I just picked the first door that I saw.

He twisted the intricate brass door knob, because not even the door handles could be boring in this place, and pushed open the door. Inside I saw the same wide planked floors that lined the entire castle and the themed wallpaper that detailed each wing. There was a four poster bed in the center of the wall, protruding into the room, with a hand woven circle rug underneath. Sheer white drapes hung purposefully from the posts of the bed which was covered in a set of deep red sheets.

Dark wood end tables stood on either side with a dresser at the foot of the bed. There was a small table and bookshelf off to the side of the room. On either side of the dresser was a door, leading to a bathroom and a closet, I assumed.

“I’ll have the staff prepare the room for you and add your name to the door. They’ll clean your room daily and take your laundry. They’ll also deliver food to your room, if you please.” He explained from the doorway.

“Who do they think I am?” I wondered, thinking back to how he introduced me to the chef.

“Only Vix, Mag, Grier, and Dr. Monroe knows who you truly are. Everyone else just thinks you’re my guest.” He said, his eyes pinching together seriously.

“I see.” I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.

“For your comfort and security, of course. When I tell the realm that I’ve found my mate, everyone will want to know you.” He seemed to sense my uneasiness.

I wasn’t sure why I felt odd about being hidden. It’s what I wanted, too. I didn’t want people to think I was their Queen or expect me to stick around.

“No, it’s a good idea.” I finally said and I swear I saw a bit of disappointment in his otherwise cold expression.

“Dinner will be served in about an hour,” He said, looking at the clock on the wall, “You’re welcome to anything in the castle.”

“Just in the castle?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Yes?” He looked puzzled.

“Am I not allowed outside of the castle?” I asked.

His eyes widened a bit as he understood what I was asking.

“It’s not safe outside. People will start to question who you are. You aren’t familiar and that’s not something the citizens of this realm are used to, and you have no marks. If you wish, I can show you around the realm a little bit each day.” He said,

I studied his expression and decided that he wasn’t trying to keep me prisoner. I was cursing myself and Lavender’s emotions for making me want to trust this stranger.

“Fine.” I grumbled.

“Grier will be with you at all times, if you ever need anything.” He said and, as if he was summoned by the mere mention of his name, a man appeared outside the door.

“Happy to serve you, your highness.” Grier bowed his head.

“Please, don’t.” I shook my head, frowning.

“Just Lady Storm, Grier.” Calix said,

“No, just River.” I argued.

“Lady Storm…..” Grier started,

“River.” I argued.

Grier looked between Calix and I, sighed, and pressed his lips together silently.

“I don’t need a babysitter.” I said, diving into an argument I was actually very familiar with having considering the amount of times I’ve ditched my guards at home.

“He’s not a babysitter….” Calix started,

“I’m a princess, remember? I know how this works. You say he’s just here for my protection, I argue that he’s invading my privacy, he says he lives to serve me, and, in the end, I ditch him skillfully and he gets punished by you.” I rattled off.

Calix and Grier both looked stunned.

“River, he really is just for your protection and he really is loyal to just you. He doesn’t serve me, he serves you. He doesn’t report to me, he reports to you. He doesn’t inform me on your comings and goings unless you ask him to. He doesn’t tell me what you’re doing unless you tell him to. He only reports to me if you’re in danger, that’s it.” Calix said seriously.

“Lady Storm,” Grier spoke up, ignoring my glare at his formality, “Believe the King. When I found out that you were here and that you’d been kept in the Tower, I retaliated against Cal. I told him I was going to be by your side with or without his blessing. I would have fought my King, my people, anyone for your security and comfort.”

Something about Grier just made me want to trust him. He had this incredibly trustworthy face that just forced me to love him. I guess I shouldn’t complain, I’d rather have this teddy bear following me around than Calix, who actually reminded me of a fire breathing dragon.

“Okay, fine, but only because you remind me of my brothers.” I said and Grier grinned at that,

“Really?”

“Yeah, they have that same serious yet loveable expression. They’re easy to trust.” I shrugged, but, out of the corner of my eye, I caught Calix’s flinch.

I eyed him subtly and saw the slight change in expression. His lips turned down into a frown and his eyes seemed to grow sad for a moment. I already learned that I had to watch Calix’s face closely if I wanted any chance at reading his emotions. He kept his expressions carefully guarded, but every so often I’d catch a flicker of an emotion in his icey eyes or hard face.

“As long as you don’t try to leave him.” Calix grunted.

“Fine.” I waved my hand dismissively.

Silence fell around us like a heavy, uncomfortable blanket. Calix looked at Grier, Greir looked at me, and I looked at Calix. Grier cleared his throat just as Calix raked his hand through his hair, something I noticed he did whenever he was uncomfortable or frustrated; clearly the King wasn’t used to not being in control or being rendered speechless.

“Maybe you should leave River to get settled in?” Grier offered up.

Calix perked up at the suggestion.

“Is that what you’d like River?” He asked.

I looked around the room, then down at myself. I shrugged and sat down on the edge of the bed.

“Done.” I declared.

“Oh, yes, I guess you need some things.” Calix mumbled.

“Send Vix, then. She should know what to get.” Grier suggested.

“Good idea, I’ll do that.” Calix nodded before leaving the room without so much as a goodbye.

I stared at the doorway and his abrupt exit.