Call of the Dragon (Return to Avalore Book 1) (24 page)

Drake groaned and ran his fingers through his hair, cursing under his breath. “Just promise you’ll listen when either Evan or I tell you to do something. If either of us say move, you move.” He turned his attention back to Evan. “Can the men be in place in an hour?”

“Yes, of course.”

Drake nodded, then without another word, turned and left the room.

“Thank you.” Evan’s quiet words surprised her. Had he thought she’d say no?

“I just hope I can help.” She walked over to one of the deep chairs and patted the back. “Come on, sit before you fall.”

“Thanks, but I have to go make some preparations.” He turned as though to go.

“Evan, sit.” She could be just as stubborn as he could. “Markus or Ricky can get things ready. You can barely stand.” When he didn’t turn back right away, she added, “Besides, I’d feel safer if you and Drake were both with me when we go to the palace.” He’d argue all day long if she wanted him to rest, but he’d never refuse her request for added security.

The look in his eye told her he knew what she was up to, but she didn’t care. If she didn’t insist, he’d just keep going until he collapsed. She patted the chair again, daring him to deny her request.

Shaking his head, he sank into it with a groan, closing his eyes as she placed her fingertips to his temples, sending soothing warmth pulsing into him.

Only once his breaths deepened and his mouth gaped open a little did she pull her energy back and leave the room to get ready.

Chapter 19

Rhia took a deep breath. She had to resist the urge to wipe her sweaty palm on the silk of her gown. Flanked on one side by Drake and on the other by Evan, she stood facing the city she would soon call home. The way her heart was racing, it was as though she’d drunk ten espressos. What had she gotten herself into? She swallowed, or at least she tried. All moisture had disappeared, leaving her mouth too dry to manage it.

Even though the day was warm, goosebumps rushed across her skin. Everything in her wanted to run and hide. Drake would help her, too. He didn’t want her at the palace anyway. Drawing a shaky breath, she puffed it out. So much was riding on her shoulders. She refused to think about what might happen if she didn’t do this, or if they were too late. No, she had no choice. She had to go.

A slow trickle of soothing warmth seeped into her, easing the little tremors rattling deep in her core.
“Aiken told him you’re coming. He’ll hang on.”
Drake smiled down at her.
“You certain you don’t want me to carry you? You look like you’re ready to bolt.”

Was she so easy to read?
“I was just thinking maybe we could go hide somewhere for a while, or a year, or three. Besides, if you carried me, everyone would be able to see up my dress.”
Her eyes drifted back to the city. “I’m ready. Let’s do this.”

“We wouldn’t want that.”
His chuckle teased her mind. “
Did I mention how stunning you look?”

“No, but thank you. I feel a little silly dressed in such an elegant gown.”

“Don’t. You look wonderful. It’s a very fitting gown for a queen.”
His eyes sparkled as he took her in.

“Don’t remind me. I’m scared enough as it is.”

“We’ll be right there with you.”
Drake nodded at Evan’s questioning look. “Let’s get to it.”

Not many people were out as the trio made their way down the cobblestone street. If she hadn’t known they were in Avalore, she would have thought they were in any old town, USA. The houses and buildings were made of a shimmering material she’d never seen before. It was stone-like, but when caught in her peripheral vision, the walls undulated. When she snapped her head back toward the buildings, the stones stood still.
How odd.

“Is it just me, or do the walls move when I’m not looking right at them?”
She didn’t care if she sounded crazy. Some things needed explanation.

“They’re not moving.”
He glanced at the building that had caught her attention.
“They’re made of moralan, a plant grown on the other side of the mountain. It’s very sturdy and perfect for building. The movement you’re catching is the shimmer of sunlight bouncing from the live plant.”

“Live plant? That’s creepy. If it’s so great, then why isn’t your home made with this?”

“Imagine raising little dragons in a flammable home. One temper tantrum and it would be gone.”
Her heart did a little flip when he grinned down at her.

The biggest difference wasn’t in the architecture or layout of the city, but in the atmosphere. The absence of vehicles and noise was almost too eerie, like a ghost town, only the inhabitants were alive. It was like what she imagined a disaster-struck region would feel like after a devastating tsunami or earthquake, without the physical damage. The few people she saw had their heads bowed low as they went about their business. Sorrow hung heavy in the air, slowing her steps, and she had to fight the impulse to hang her head right along with them.

At first, no one noticed them, which was fine by her. People were too busy to pay them any mind. The sooner they got to the palace, the better. She’d started to breathe a little easier, thinking they’d make it all the way without anyone noticing, when an elderly woman spotted her. The watering can she’d been holding slipped from her knotted fingers. The loud clank of metal against stone drew the attention of others nearby as the woman’s trembling fingers covered her mouth and her eyes widened.

“Good morning, Mrs. Dixon. Beautiful day, isn’t it?” Evan smiled at the woman.

“Good mor… I beg your pardon, but is that…? Is she…?” The woman’s eyes misted.

Raising her hand, Rhia gave her a small wave, warmth creeping up her neck and cheeks as the woman continued to stare.

“Yes, Mrs. Dixon, it is. We’re going-”

“Thank heavens.” The woman interrupted. “You’ve found her and brought her home at last. I
knew
you boys could do it. I just
knew
it.” Her voice carried down the quiet street.

Drake cleared his throat. “We’re taking her to see her father and we’d appreciate being unimpeded as we go.”

“Yes, yes, of course, child. Go.” The woman waved her hands, shooing them past with a twinkle in her eye and a smile lighting her face.

Rhia stifled her laughter. How anyone could address someone as imposing as Drake, or Evan for that matter, as anything but a grown man was beyond her.

With every step they took, more and more people came out of their homes and businesses, lining the streets and follow in their wake. Both Drake and Evan were relaxed at her side, but were alert to everyone and everything around them. Every once in a while, she’d spot Sebastian or Michael mixed in with the growing mob. How many of the other men scattered about were part of Evan’s crew?

“
Are we almost there? I feel like I’m the main course at a feast and I’m going to be devoured any minute.”
She huddled closer to Drake.

“
They just want to be near you. We won’t let them get too close. Besides, if I can’t nibble on your toes, then no one can.”

His words were meant to tease, but she couldn’t help her quick indrawn breath or the heat from stealing through her body.
“If you wanted to nibble on my toes, all you had to do was ask.”

Before he could reply, a young excited voice cut through the murmuring crowd.

“Is it true? Is she here? Did they find her?” A moment later, a small boy with bright red hair came running around the corner, skidding to a halt, and stopping a hair’s breadth away.

His eyes grew wide, as he began to jump up and down, clapping his hands. “It’s true, it’s true. Mama, come see, she’s here, she’s here. Master Evan and Master Drake are with her.” Without further warning, the boy, no older than four, threw himself at her legs, nearly toppling her over. His little arms wrapped themselves around her, hugging her close even as he kept jumping.

Drake stiffened, and stepped closer.

“
Don’t you dare, he’s adorable. He couldn’t hurt me even if he tried.”
Laughter bubbled out of her as she ran her fingers through the boy’s soft hair.

A young woman with bright auburn hair came rushing after her errant son, her face flushing scarlet when she saw him, then dropped to one knee and bowed her head. “I’m so sorry, Your Majesty. He’s not always so high-spirited.”

Rhia heard snickers from the crowd and a snort from Drake. “Please stand, miss.” Rhia’s cheeks were on fire.

“Maxwell, let go of her this instant.” The mother whispered loudly to the child.

Rhia smiled, ruffling his hair one last time before pulling away. “You’d better go before you get yourself into trouble, young man.”

Rising, the woman reached for her son’s hand.

“I’m pleased to meet you…”

The woman curtsied. “My name is Barbara, my queen, Barbara Matthews.”

“I’m pleased to meet you, Barbara, and you too, Maxwell. I hope to get to know both of you soon.”

“See you later, Max.” Evan smiled at the little boy whose contagious exuberance spread through the crowd.

Her heart fluttered when they rounded the next corner. At the end of the street stood what had to be the palace. It was huge and imposing, yet so beautiful she could barely catch her breath just looking at it. The walls were made of some sort of white stone, with tall arched windows and doors. It put all the castles she’d ever imagined as a child to shame. Intricate vines clung to the walls and its towers like a delicate green lace. In the background, a tall waterfall trickled, making the entire scene surreal. It was a pretty backdrop for the castle, but she could just imagine how stunning it would be if the water freely flowed.

Nothing stopped the people from approaching the palace, no fences, no gates, and no guards, other than the Coalition, which were no doubt surrounding her. It was open to everyone. No wonder Drake had resisted the idea of bringing her here. It would be a security nightmare.

Her gaze caught Evan’s. “It’s beautiful. This is where you live?”

“Yes. Once things settle down, it’ll be your home too.”

They were halfway up the street when Markus and Richard joined them. “Welcome home, little sister.” Markus smiled and took his position behind her, guarding her back.

Ricky grinned. Mischief twinkled in his eye, then out of nowhere, he grabbed her around the waist and spun her around and around until she was dizzy and giggling. When he let her feet touch the ground again, he shouted for everyone to hear. “Welcome home, Queen Rhiannon.”

Cheers erupted behind them.

Taking a deep breath, she faced the people of Avalore. “Hi.” Her voice came out as a squeak.

All around her, men and women stood smiling, waiting for her to speak. Some women wore elaborate gowns while others wore jeans and t-shirts. The men wore everything from work clothes to fine silk shirts. Had she not been so nervous, she might have found the sight funny. It was like the merging of two cultures into one, yet no one seemed to notice. How much of this was a result of the portal linking Avalore to the land of men?

Clearing her throat, she tried again, louder this time. “I’m not sure what to say.” Her heart raced as the din of the crowd hushed. Blood pounded in her ears as she struggled to come up with something to avoid sounding like a complete idiot.

As though sensing her discomfort, Evan draped an arm around her, lifting the other to quieten the crowd even more, before addressing them himself. “I know you all want to see our queen, but as you all know, our father is unwell. We’re on our way to see him now. Once she’s had a chance to settle in, there’ll be more time to visit.” With that, he turned, taking her with him towards the palace doors. The excited rumble of voices grew loud again, but no one got in their way.

The palace was just as stunning on the inside as it was on the outside. White marble floors, polished to a mirror-like sheen, sparkled in the sunlight streaming through the wide arched windows. Beautiful landscapes and bright colored tapestries hung on the walls of the massive foyer. Even though the sun’s rays shone through every window, every step taking her deeper into the castle made her want to turn around and leave. Despair lashed at her as she pushed herself forward, leaving her spirit raw.

Outside, the people had held a sliver of hope, and although the underlying sadness was present, it was nowhere near as heavy as within these walls. It was as though the structure itself was in mourning and demanded everyone within it mourn as well.

She swallowed past a thick lump in her throat. “This place is so sad.”

“It wasn’t always like this.” Even Ricky’s voice had lost its spark. “When Mother was alive, it was the most joyous place you could ever imagine.” He tried to smile, but didn’t quite make it. “It will be again. You’re home now. Come, let’s go see our father. He can’t wait to meet you.”

At the base of a large winding staircase, she stopped. Hundreds of butterflies took flight in her stomach. “What if I can’t help him?” Tears rimmed her eyelids, threatening to escape. She couldn’t bear seeing her brothers sad as they were now, or worse. What would happen if she couldn’t help William? What if she was too late?