Chapter Twenty-One

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Tabitha

After cleaning up my bed and ourselves, Kozzanth and I wait in the parlor for Raisi and Theodas to return, which happens only a short time later. Skylar is clean, in fresh clothing, and sound asleep. I let the guys know to keep quiet so we don't disturb her.

"Tohr spoke with Dahlia while we were there, and she said she would be on her way immediately. I expect her arrival within the hour," Theodas explains.

"Thank you so much for going," I say.

"It is my pleasure." He smiles at me, and I really love when he smiles. It's gorgeous.

"Can I suggest something?" I ask as they take a seat on the couch. "Something to do with after all of this is done. Once I am on the throne."

"Of course," Raisi says, leaning back to get comfortable.

"I would like for the three of you to rule with me. Not as Dravens, but as… Well, I'm not sure what it would be, but something akin to kings, I suppose."

Raisi grins immediately. Kozzanth smirks. Theodas mulls it over. Not as if he will say no, but like he isn't sure it's possible.

"A realm with three kings?" Raisi says. "Count me in."

"Really?" I ask.

"Of course. Why would I say no? Why would any of us?"

I look to Kozzanth. "I would love to," he says. "Am I arrogant for having already thought of this?"

I smile. "Of course not. I'm glad you did. I was worried."

"About?"

I sigh and say, "I know that a relationship isn't a normal part of what you do. It's protecting. But I want all you have to give. All three of you."

This is something I haven't been able to stop thinking about since we were in the ogre realm. It's been bothering me. I figure the only way I will get over it is to face it head on. Give them an option and see what they choose.

I look to Theodas, as he's the only one who hasn't agreed.

"What do you think, Theo?" Raisi asks. "Let's be rulers of the coolest realm ever."

"It would be an honor," Theodas finally says, but there's something in his tone. He seems hesitant almost. "You want more from us than our regular duties?"

The last thing I want to do is worry about finding someone I can trust to rule beside me. I don't want to tell them I want them to love me, in fear it will make them do so. But I want to give them the freedom to do what they want. If it happens naturally, then so be it.

"I can't imagine marrying someone on my own. I mean, how will I ever know if I can trust them? We have something good, do we not? Can't we have it all?"

Raisi gets up from his spot on the couch, kneels in front of me and kisses me. "We will give you the world, my queen. And more too. Everything. Anything you ask. All you dream of!"

"That we will," Kozzanth agrees.

"Everything you want," Theodas says.

I hadn't realized that would take such a weight from me. Not only for my future with them, but my future as queen. As someone who must handle an entire realm with thousands of people. At least now I will have support in a way I wasn't sure was possible.

Theodas finds a book from the bookshelf, a story of dragons and knights. He reads to us. His voice is so soothing it lulls me to sleep. The next thing I know, I'm waking up to Dahlia hugging me so tightly I can't breathe.

"I'm glad you're okay," she says when she pulls back, standing up straight to look down on me on the couch. I sit up, rubbing my eyes. They're gritty and dry. I'm tired and could use much more sleep, but there is work to do. Resting will wait for when I'm on the throne.

Dahlia puts her hands on her hips, giving me wide eyes. I narrow mine, not understanding why she's looking at me like that. She clears her throat, and not so subtly jerks her chin toward my three guys.

I give her a knowing smile.

"Guys, this is Dahlia," I say, gesturing toward her. "Dahlia, this is Kozzanth, Theodas, and Raisi." I point to each of them as I say their name.

Raisi raises his hand in a wave, Kozzanth says hello, while Theodas steps forward to shake her hand.

"Oh, how polite?" She takes his hand and shakes it while giggling. I roll my eyes.

"Of course they're polite. They aren't heathens," I say.

"Well, you never know. So, it all worked out, it seems?"

"It certainly has."

"What's the emergency, then? Why did I come all the way here in the middle of the night?"

"I need a favor."

"Well, obviously. That's why I'm here, Tabitha. What is the favor?"

"A girl we found. She needs healing, and a place to stay."

"A place to stay?" she asks loudly.

I shush her and grab her arm, tugging her to sit beside me.

"Don't you still have connections to the boarding homes?"

"No, Tabitha. Not really." She shakes her head.

"Well, can she stay with you?"

She scoffs. "Can't she stay here?"

"We're leaving. We have to go to Demtra."

"Why do you need to care for this girl? Is she a child? Cannot she not care for herself?"

I sigh. I should have known Dahlia wouldn't make this easy. Unlike me, she doesn't carry angel blood in her veins. She's a witch, and a very cliche one at that. She's grumpy on the best of days.

"She isn't a child, but she's in need of help. We found her, and she isn't doing good. Please, Dahlia, there has to be something you can do."

She gets to her feet and starts to pace. When she stops, she pins me with a glare, pursing her lips, until she finally says, "I'll see what I can do, but no promises. She'll have to stay here in the meanwhile."

"She can't come and go because of the spells."

"I'll handle it. Where is she?" She looks around as if she expects to find her sleeping in the corner of my parlor.

"She's in the guest room."

"Oh, right. Of course."

I get up and head that way, knocking on the door gently when I reach it. I push it open when I don't get a response, figuring she's asleep still.

"Skylar?" I call. She doesn't wake. I go to the bed, and gently nudge her shoulder. "Skylar?"

She groans and her eyes flutter open. "Is everything okay?" she asks groggily.

"My friend is here to heal you."

"Oh, okay."

She yawns and sits up.

Dahlia gives me a concerned look.

"This will take some time," she says, stepping forward.

"I figured it would."

"Guess I'm spending the night."

"I figured you would," I say with a smirk.

Dahlia winks at me, then sits on the edge of the bed.

"Just get comfortable, Skylar. We're going to be here a while." Dahlia turns her attention to me. "And you better get some sleep if you plan on leaving tomorrow."

Skylar looks to me, frowning.

"We'll talk about it in the morning, Skylar. Dahlia is going to help you find a place to stay. Don't worry about it now. I'll make sure you have everything you need before I leave."

Skylar nods, letting out another yawn.

I close the door when I leave the room, and though I feel energized after feeding and napping, I know I should sleep more. So, I head upstairs to bed. Raisi stays with me, holding me to help me sleep, while Koz and Theo stay downstairs to help Dahlia with anything she may need and to keep watch outside.

My father knows I'm after the throne now, there's no doubt about it. If I thought this was going to be difficult before, it's only gotten harder.

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