chapter 13
Robbin's POV
"Robbin, calm down. None of this is because of you leaving your prison." Grey grabbed my arm, gently pulling me back down, and I don't resist. I retake my seat and place my elbows on the table, running my hands through my now loose hair.
"Then why-"
"Maybe she's right." My eyes and everyone else's flew to Gus, who just sat there with a confused expression. "Maybe people are after her because the see her as an easy target."
"She a dragon, Augustus. There's nothing easy about her." I turned to Olympia who wore an annoyed look on her face.
"A little harsh, Pia."
"I'm just being honest, Robbie. You were once one of the strongest in our bloodline, and you still are. You just don't see it yet." My eyes linger on her a little longer before looking away.
"Maybe they know about her weakened state, and want to take advantage of it." Phineas pointed the idea out, but it just leaves us with the who.
"But who is it? Who's controlling the rogues to do such a thing."
"The list can go on for miles, said Gus. "I'm sure we've both conjured some enemies over the years. Maybe someone wants to hurt the Drakon family. Or they know of Xander and Robbin's mating."
"He's right. When I found out we were mates, I announced it to the kingdom that their queen had arrived. It's possible whoever is behind this has found out about us, and wants to take down both of our kingdoms."
Olympia let out a frustrated sigh before speaking once more. "Guys! We need at least a name. Now think, who has shown their dislike for either of our kingdoms, but remained under the radar?"
We all remained quiet as we tried to string someone to the crimes. Well, them mostly. I do not know any foreign enemies. I looked over to my family, who all were in deep thought, then over to the Nightwalkers, who shared a few narrowed glances. Do they know?
"Gus?" His head swung to me after hesitantly sharing a look at his brother. "Any ideas?" He looked back at Xander a moment longer before responding.
"The Northerner kingdom has accumulated a few enemies throughout the years, but our issues have been resolved. There is, however, the battle we faced ten years ago that should be brought into question."
"Battle? You mean the one where..." I didn't want to finish my sentence. Gus was talking about the attack were his and Xander's parents died in. I turn lowly towards Xander, who, from what I can see, has hardened his face. The conversation may be uncomfortable for him, but it still needs to be discussed.
"Yes, the one where our parents were murdered." Gus's voice was calm, but I sensed the distress in him. I understand how they feel. Losing a family can take a toll on anyone.
"It was our men who turned on us. They thought we were planning to let every rogue live freely in the kingdom, and didn't like the idea at all."
"What are you talking about?"
"Rogues are seen as outcasts, or disgraceful, in the same way, those with corrupted dragon blood are viewed. They don't have a place to fit in. when our parents were alive, they came up with a compromise to send all rogues to training camps far east from the capitol. It would help shape them into good fighters, and with the blessing by the king, allow them to re-enter a pack."
"Well, what's so bad about that? It seems like your parents were trying to help."
"Yeah, they were, but not everyone thought so. Many pack leaders did not want a rogue to join them, no matter how much they changed. There were rumors of a coup d'etat, but our father quickly shut them down. Soon after that, there was a raid on the castle."
"Who led them?"
"Thandililion Arden," Xander spoke before his brother, his words leaking through his teeth. "That bitch betrayed us."
Thandililion? I never heard her name during my time in the Northerner kingdom. But if she is a traitor, her mentioning would be looked down upon. With the way Xander and Gus are acting, it seems they might've been close once.
"What was she to you?" I found myself asking unknowingly, only because my interest had now peaked.
"Her family was close to the crown, too close. Her parents were on the grand council, but died from a rogue attack."
"So her hatred for rogues stems from that? Where is she now?"
Xander gives me a hard glare, but not necessarily directed to me. "She's six feet under the ground. I...killed her."
He lets out a sigh of frustration and stands up. "Their alliance was destroyed that day. No rouge has acted out since then, up until recently. She does however have a brother."
"Has? So he's still alive?" Asked Phineas. "Where will we find him?"
"I don't know."
"What?" I rose as well. "Did he escape from your kingdom?"
"Yes. He and a few other traitors fled the capitol during the battle. No one has seen them since, and they were presumed dead."
"And if they aren't? Why attack now? Why go after my daughter?" my father's temper rose, as well as the volume in his voice. He's upset. Hell, we all are. War is the last thing any kingdom wants.
"Revenge, I suppose. But it's only a theory. He and his men could have perished that night or soon after."
"But it's a start. And we have a few wolves who might answer our suspicions."
"Robbin's right. But if they don't comply, the standard execution law will remain." Phineas's words were cold but never faltered. In the westerlie kingdom, when treason or murder has been committed, we question them every day for one week and if no information is given up, they're to be executed for their crimes.
"Phineas, no! If they die then we might not get the answers we need in time. Keep the alive a little while longer. I'm sure if I ask them, they'll let something slip." I pleaded with my brother. I understand the law, but this might be our only chance.
"No, Robbin. You're not going to interrogate anyone because you're flying back to the Northerner kingdom tonight."
"Wha-No! No, I won't go back. My time isn't up yet!" No! This can't be happening! After everything that happened while I was there, I can't bring myself to go back.
"Robbin it's not because it's safer there, but it's not safe here either."
"Then why? Why make me go back?" My voice cracked and I let it.
"You're still to be their queen. You need to head back and prepare. The ceremony will happen in one month, but we'll arrive sooner than that. Robbin please." Phone as stood up and walked over to me. He wrapped his arms around me and I was pulled into his embrace. As much as disapprove of this, I didn't pull away. "Let us take care of this. You need to focus on staying safe if you want to save Vision."
"Stop using him as an excuse for me to no do anything! All of you!" I left the war room and headed to my own. Life after confinement was not as I imagined it. Far from it. All I wanted was to return home and be with Vision. But instead, I'm at risk of losing him and my life here forever. What a cruel fate I've been given.
There isn't much I want to pack for my return, except a picture of my family, when we still were one. The frame sat on my nightstand and I grabbed it, reminiscing in what we used to be.
I placed the picture in the small truck I plan to bring and lay flat on my bed. This is unfair. Everything is. But what's most upsetting is the coronation I'm to plan on my return. I don't want to rule a country, especially one that isn't mine. I belong here, with my family, with my Vision. Not with Xander, and not with the wolves.
I would've laid there longer and contemplated my horrible life longer, but the knock on my door sprung me up.
"Come in," I yelled across the room. I'm not in the mood for visitors.
In walked Xander alone, and I laid back down, not wanting to indulge in whatever he's planning to say. His footsteps ascended as he approached, but I still didn't look his way. They stopped at the edge of my bed and he let out a deep sigh. What problem could he be having?
After a short silence that followed the sigh, Xander finally spoke. "How are you feeling?"
"That's none of your concern," I snapped back.
"It is. I need to know if my future queen is feeling ill."
"That's just it Xander." I propped myself up on my elbows and faced him. He was staring down at me, with a readable expression this time. He looked concerned, but I didn't let that stop me from finishing. " I'm not ill! You all seem to have this conclusion that I require round the clock care, but I don't! I can eat, walk, speak, and breathe without assistance."
"Robbin we know you're capable of doing things on your own, but you're prone to...action."
"Action."
"Yes." Xander took a seat on the bed next to me. "You always seem to get caught in some kind of fight. You attacked palace guards, was chased by them, battled with Sage, and fought in both rogue attacks."
"What's your point?" I ask nonchalantly.
"My point is that you need a guard to keep your antics in check."
"Who is this guard and I pray it's not you."
"No, my little dragon. Unfortunately, I have some business to attend to back home, so we aren't going to have much time to play." A smile bordering on sinful grew on his face and I slid off my bed. I can't let him get to me, not right now.
"Then who?"
"Lilliana Hale. The trainer you met in the dining hall. She told me you two spoke and the impression you made on her."
"Oh yes, Lilliana mentioned you two are childhood friends. She is an interesting woman and I enjoy her company, but what makes her qualified to guard me?"
"She's one of the best fighters in the Northerner kingdom. You'll speak more on it once we return."
Return. That's the last thing on my mind. I cannot just leave Vision behind. I need to be here with him. How can Xander not see the value and importance he has to me.
"Have you packed?" He asked, getting off the bed as well.
"Yes, so to speak." I pointed to the small trunk laying near my desk and Xander walked over to it. It was already open so he peeked inside to see my possessions.
"That's it? Two picture frames and a watch?" His shocked face turned to stone. I guess he saw my Vision and family and realized their importance.
"Yes, that is all I wish to bring with me. I do not need any other items."
"Very well. Come, we're leaving soon." Xander closed the trunk and lifted it, then walked over to the door. When he didn't hear me following behind him, he turned to face me.
"I don't want to go."
"Stubbornness will not gain you anything." He places the trunk back down and walked over to me. "Robbin, enough. Whether you like it or not, you are their queen. Their Luna. The westerlie kingdom maybe your home, but the Northerners are your people now. They're depending on you." Xander placed a hand on my cheek and glided his thumb over my skin. "Come on, let's go. I can't say that everything will be fine, but things will change if you allow them to."
Our eyes lingered on each other, his looking for an answer, and mine searching for trust. Maybe in him. Maybe in myself. But either way, he's right. I can't let my stubbornness become childish. I reluctantly pull away from his touch and head toward the door.
"Okay. Let's go." And with that, Xander once again picked up the case and we headed downstairs.
My family, along with the Northerners awaited us in the foyer of the palace. I ran up to my father and gave him a longing hug.
"Goodbye, father."
He returned the hug and spoke back to me. "It's not a goodbye, my child. We will see you before your coronation."
"He's right." Olympia places a hand on my shoulder and I looked up at her. "We won't be separated for long this time."
I released my father and embraced my sister and brother. I'm going to miss the feeling of being secure and familial touch, but this has to be done.
"We're family Robbie," Phineas whispered into my ear. "We'll always be family, no matter what."
"No matter what," I whispered back, trying not to crack my voice.
We end our hug and head out of the palace. Xander walks up next to me and gently wraps his arm on my lower back, guiding me to the dragon pit.
"What are you doing?"
"A dragon blood royal can't go anywhere without her dragon."
I stopped walking and faced him. "I can bring Phoebion?" Anticipation was heard in my voice. I thought they wouldn't allow it!
"Yes, so long as you promise not to set any towns ablaze, or threaten to burn my men."
"Yes, yes, yes! You have a deal!" I quickly squeezed his hand before running through the gates and into the dragon pit.
Phoebion was already awake and was with Grey when she noticed me. I rubbed her nose and whispered to her, "looks like you're coming with me girl."
"Are you coming to the Northerner kingdom as well, Grey?"
"Yes, I am. Stannis Findlay will be taking over as the royal advisor during my departure." Grey handed me the harness strap and I attached it to my body.
"For how long?" I asked, clicking the last buckle in place before heading for Phoebion's now lowered wing.
"For the foreseeable future."
"So until the poison in my body finally kills me."
"Why the melancholy outlook on things?" Grey hoisted me up on my mother's dragon and followed after.
"Are you asking me that? Look at how my life has turned out."
"Okay. Let's see. You're no longer a prisoner of the Island, you're reunited with your family, and Phoebion, who we all thought died with Khali, is alive and looking out for you."
Hearing my mother's name didn't have its usual effect on me, mostly because everything Grey just said was all true. I've been so unhappy when in reality I should be grateful. Even with all of the loss we faced, some good has come out of it.
"You're right. Please forgive my ungratefulness, Grey."
"I don't need to because you did nothing wrong."
Phoebion's sudden growl caught our attention and we looked around to see the cause of her action.
Her head lowered to the know the presence standing in front of her, whom we aren't able to see, and sensing her agitation, I knew who it was.
Xander moves from her blocking view and came into ours. "Your trunk will be flying back with me. I'll keep it safe."
"On a dragon?"
"No, on a plane."
"Okay, but if you misplace it, then Phoebion will have you for dinner."
"Duly noted, Robbin."
I gave him a small nod and smile. "I'll see you there."
He returned the nod and returned to his small group of nervous guards, and left the dragon pit.
"Velita." I gave Phoebion the cue to take off, and she clapped her wings fiercely before heading toward the sky. Northerner kingdom, I will see you soon.
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The journey to Xander's kingdom lasted a few hours. I'm glad no other assistance was needed. Grey And I flew in silence, listening to the winds change their tone. Westerlie winds differ from one of the Northerners. We're warmer and fly freely with ease, but the further you go up, the tougher the winds get. I suppose the only upside is the freshness it delivers from the forest and mountain terrain down below.
Our arrival at the palace happened before Xander's, and I was glad to have the solace before his return. I told Grey to tell Phoebion, through a mind link since I'm not able to, to find the field near a cliff a bit west from here to rest. She obliged at the command and took off.
We entered the palace and were shown to our rooms since it was now nightfall. I was led to Xander's bedroom and hesitantly waited to enter. This was something I was not comfortable with and will be dealt with Come morning. I was too exhausted from this tiresome day to find another place to rest and gave into the arrangement for the night.
Soon after, I fell into a comforting slumber. Some time tiring the night however, I woke up with an arm wrapped around my torso but did not remove it. It strangely brought me serenity and I fell back asleep.
Morning came and I woke up to an empty and ruffled bed. I didn't want to rest all day so I decided to find Lilliana.
I got out of bed and took a shower since I smelled of, well everything. When everything that happened yesterday, I hadn't had the time to freshen up. I took a long hot shower, letting the steamy rivers of water scale my body and drop to the tile floor below me. The heat felt good against my skin. It always brought out the power within my soul, and I hope it'll do the same now. But I don't want to focus on that right now. I just need it to content me. And that it does.
After my shower, I walk back into my shared room and head toward the closet, hoping my clothes are still hung up, and they are. I change into black trousers with a matching sweater since the air is cooler here, and go back to the bathroom to braid my hair and weave it into a bun.
When I finally decide I'm presentable, I leave the room to find something to eat. I had not eaten since breakfast yesterday, and am ravenous.
I was delighted to find the dining hall filled with food, and quickly took a seat on the low stage where I ate once at.
Xander was not present here as well, so I felt more at ease to not deal with him. An omega filled a plate for means placed it in front of me. She bowed her head silently and took her leave. I wasted no time digging into my food, enjoying every savory taste it gave me. I finished my meal and was in the middle of devouring my second one when my name being shouted across the hall paused my actions.
It was Lilliana, running at full speed toward me. I placed my fork down and wiped my face. It seems she found me first.
"Robbin!" She yelled once more, before finally reaching the platform I was sitting on top of. You're back! I missed you so much! How have you been? How are you feeling? Did Xander tell you that I'm-,"
"Breathe Lilliana, breathe." I had to stop her before she ran out of oxygen due to her curiosity.
"Okay." She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Okay. Now spill!"
"Excuse me?"
"I mean, tell me about the Westerlie kingdom. I read some things online, but I want the full report from you."
I explained everything to her; my arrival, Vision, and my condition. Xander filled her in on the last one and was told to be my guard for the time being.
"Don't worry Robbin. I promise to give my life for your safety. May the moon goddess take my breath the moment I don't." She places her hand over her heart as she recited the Northerner code.
"There won't be any need for that. Just serve me with all your heart and pride, and we'll be fine." I gave her a warm smile and happily returned it.
"So, what's the plan for today. What does the soon to be Luna do?"
"Well, for starters, I want you to come to the training grounds with me today. I'm teaching a class today as I want your assistance. Also, it'll allow you to get to know the new royal guards. And don't worry, Xander approved as long as to don't fight."
"Sounds like a plan." I stand from my seat and we start to leave the platform, but Lilliana grabbed my arm.
"There's just one small thing you should know."
"What is it?"
She twiddles her thumbs in the entwined position her hands were in and looks away. "Um, it's a minor detail. Nothing to be upset over."
"Lilliana." My stern voice made her head snap back to me. "Tell me."
"Sage is also teaching the class."
My eyebrows furrow at her confession. "And Xander approved this as well?"
"Yes, he did."
Well, there goes my tranquility.