Feeling a sudden surge of unbearable pain I shot up holding my head I didn't realize I was yelling until my hearing came back to me
Elise came running from the bathroom naked still dripping with water trying to see if I was alright seeing her I still wasn't sure how to feel we didn't say anything as she helped me up walking me to the bathroom were she got me undressed then inside the tub
" you've been asleep for two days " Elise said washing my body since i couldn't move very well at the moment her hands stopped when I didn't answer " has this really made you fall out of love with me after everything we've been through it may have been how our relationship started but it's not what it's built on"
Sighing I turned around shocked and a bit relieved to see tears in her eyes " there isn't much you can ever do to make me stop loving you it's a little to late for that....I just need a bit of time " she was silent for a moment before whispering " ok " gently pushing me to turn around she continued to help wash me
When we were both clean she helped me back into the room to get dressed " we have to go to the palace tonight do you think you'll feel well enough for it " I nodded as she helped me get my coat on " probably I just need to get some food in me " patting my shoulders she stepped back making sure everything looked right
"Also I sent the design for the family crest you wanted to the palace " I had explained what I wanted to her on our way home too get her thoughts on it
Stepping forward I gave her a quick kiss which shocked her before causing her to smiling " thank you " we stayed in a embrace for a couple minutes before heading to the dining room as much as I wanted to be angry or find fault I couldn't it always just feels right when I'm with her after eating and letting everyone know I was ok I just spent the rest of my time recovering
When it was about time for us to leave we changed our clothes to something more fitting for the occasion " we are almost done how about you do you need help" Elise asked from the bathroom helping Emily with her dress I finished putting on the pants to my black and silver dress suit before answering " no it's fine I'm about done too "
When they were finished they stepped out of the bathroom Elise wore a long dark blue dress with bit of white making her pink scales stand out a little having them appear more vibrant
Emily had on a beautiful sundress similar colors to her mother's just instead of white hers had bit of purple
Standing there smiling at the two most important women in my life at the moment I remembered why I would do anything for this family...my family deciding that Elise was right it didn't matter how this started as long as are feeling are true for one another " you both look stunning " Emily ran towards me hoping into my arms giving me a hug
while Elise on the other hand blushed as her wings fluttered slightly I don't even think she realizes she does it pulling her towards me I locked my arm with hers as we left to the courtyard James and lazza were waiting for us with a carriage I wanted to take icarus to make a entrance but Elise talked me out of it
Stepping out side I saw lazza and James dressed up all in black standing by a elegant looking carriage I wasn't worried they couldn't bring there rifles since I had Liam make pistols for them like mine just with a little less power They weren't alone either around them were the people I saved...at least the ones who stayed they had come to see us off...
A hour later we were in front of the palace which was unusually colorful because lights that weren't glowing last time I was here were now shining bright all over the palaces walls in all sorts of colors " wow so pretty" Emily admired the beautiful lights shooting across the wall in unique patterns while she looked out the window of the carriage
" welcome lord ghost, princess Elise and lady Emily nice to see you again " the butler always with the king greeted us after James opened the carriage door " likewise hope you have been well " I said stepping out the carriage holding Elise's hand and carrying Emily
Nodding the butler turned around waving for us to come " follow me please the king is waiting " walking through the halls the guest and nobles that were there watched us with curiosity and wonder at Elise and Emily's appearances
Eventually we were led to a room connected to a giant circular auditorium with a bunch of room similar to the one we were in each one had a different banner design ranging from animals and plants to a gem with writing I didn't understand on it " great you guys are here we can begin soon "
We bowed towards the king who was standing in the middle of the room " thank you for this opportunity " the king shook his head " this is the least I can do you two have save this kingdom from a great disaster I'm not sure we could have survived ill do all I can to support you guys"
Smiling he looked towards Emily " this is our first time meeting young princess it's nice too meet you at last " smiling Emily hopped out of my arms to do a curtsy before addressing the king " to you as well your highness thank you for your generosity towards my family "
Taken a bit back the king smiled patting her head " I see you take more after your mother " I don't know why but I felt that was a dig against me "
We continued to talk for a little bit until his butler interrupted us " my king everyone has arrived " nodding he turned back to us " it seems that is my cue hope you have a speech ready " confused I went to ask him what he meant but he was already gone
on the stage circled by the rooms the king walked out " welcome all you are probably wondering why i have invited you here today some of you probably even know there are two things I would like to present today " he took a breath before continuing
"The first is something that has gone back before my time" he began telling them about the war with the dark-swarm and how they had started losing it I was a bit shocked he was doing this I had encouraged him to make a effort to recruit people for the wardens since I had a feeling this wouldn't be the end of the problem I honestly didn't think he would listen
When he got to the part of being pushed back to the final stronghold he paused for a moment " this brings me to the second reason for inviting you here when we were on our back foot we needed someone to take control and beat back the hoard let me introduce the one who did just that...Ghost
A bright light shined down on our room as we stood looking out the big opening in the room
Caught off guard I stood there awkwardly before Elise tapped my side getting me to bow with her " for his contribution in stopping such a great threat I'm going to grant him a title with land hence forth you are lord of the coast you will be given the land west of the capital near the sea were the last of the dragon's were sighted a fitting place for their revival "
an all black banner that was above our room unfolded for everyone to see on it was a dragon wrapped around a eclipse in a sleeping position around it were pure white stars surrounded by a beautiful nebula
***
Elise watched as her husband acted like a shy rabbit under the light on him drawing a chuckle from her if someone told her a year ago that her husband would be socal awkward human she would have called them crazy
' I'm glad he likes- ' Elise's thoughts were interrupted by her world going dark replaced by one made of mist were everything was outlined with a fog in it she saw her husband start talking only to be shot
one to the head and two to the body confused and horrified Elise's world once again went dark before going back to normal " momma are you ok " she heard Emily ask with concern beside her seeing something happened
" thank you for this hono- " Hearing her husband her eyes went wide with terror and realization
***
" thank you for this honor it means a lot " I didn't get to finish speaking i suddenly got yanked back into Elise's chest and covered by her wings before I could ask why a loud bang could be heard followed almost instantly by two others the first shot hit Elise's wings making us stagger back when another two hit they sent us tumbling to the ground
" Momma,papa " I heard Emily yell over the panic in the auditorium coming to us with lazza on the floor James took out his pistol from inside his suit looking for the would be assassins from the opening across the way he noticed two men move quickly to leave their room with two muskets discard to the floor still smoking quickly taking aim he shot managing to hit one before they left the room
Clicking his tongue he ran out the room to chase after them before they could get away
On the floor lazza checked if we were alright as Elise folded back her wings with a groan
" I'm fine that really hurt though " Elise said sitting up with Emily holding onto her as she cried
I sat up as well still worried I checked her body to make sure she was ok going as far to even gently spread her wings which she flinched at hiss a bit on her left wing I noticed two spots that were discolored from the rest
seeing the bruises my heart ached
" thank you my love " I said giving a gentle kiss to her wing smiling she pulled her wing back " you would have done the same for me "
Just then the door to the room opened and a palace guard entered in a hurry " is everyone alright in here" standing up lazza nodded
" yes thankfully my partner is in pursuit of the "
Thinking he caught her off unprepared the guard drew a hidden flintlock but before he could shoot lazza shot it out of his hand then slammed him against the wall pinning him there " tend katal " he said opening his mouth but lazza jammed her fist in his mouth so he couldn't close it before banging the man's head on the wall knocking him out
" bastard nearly blew us up " lazza growled Following that the door opened again rushing in was a group of guards behind them was the king " are you all alright " he asked see Elise and I on the ground without waiting for a answer he sent someone for a healer
Seeing that lazza had detained someone he got a idea of what is happening as sour expression appeared on his face " take him "
Turning to us he did a deep bow " I apologize for what has happened under my watch I know who did this and they will pay for taking their grudges into my home against people under my protection "