The Selection: Bride Of The Dark Dragon

MIRA

Half through the night we are all properly drunk. And again, how on heavens did it even happen? My tolerance for alcohol is definitely not that bad. But Xia brought a bottle of traditional wine from her tribe and although it’s tastes delicious, it definitely makes me dizzier than I am supposed to be.

I tell my friends everything about Derrien and how he lied to me and tricked me. And we all decide that we hate him from now on. We also all decide that Fawn definitely did not commit suicide. And we swear to find out who her murderer is. Then later we swear that from this day forward the three of us are going to be sisters. And then we swear to help each other when we start our new lives in the Gerdian Empire. THEN the girls swear to help me escape if they can. And THEN I swear to come back for them and rescue them if they want me to. THEN we swear to do the worst numbers possible for the damn talent show just to make a point.

And then we just swear because life is unjust and unfair.

Then, luckily, the wine is over and the girls decide that it’s time for them to leave to their rooms.

And when they are gone, I notice that Xia has forgotten one of her gerdian etiquette books, which she claimed is very important to her. Not thinking twice, I grab it and decide to catch up with her and give her back the book.

It must be important and I am a very responsible friend.

I run down the hall and take a turn. And then another one and then one more. Until I realize that I do not recognize my surroundings for the life of it.

Well, this is definitely still the gerdian’s floor since the door designs here are more luxurious than anywhere else at the castle. Maybe if I just try to go back and…

“What has a beautiful little bird as yourself forgot at this side of the castle?”, I hear an unfamiliar male voice behind me and turn. I see a gerdian that I have met a few times before, but I do not remember his name or title. I think he is one of Xia’s admirers so probably a noble at least.

“I am sorry”, I squeak, “I am lost.”

“I see”, he smirks and that smirk does not promise me anything good, “It’s dangerous to wander the halls so late at night and completely alone. Come with me and I will help you and protect you.”

“You know, I think my memory clears and I remember the way back,” I try to step away, but he follows me, “Please, don’t bother, my lord, and go back. I will manage on my own just fine.”

“Feisty little bird!”, he chuckles and captures me into his arms, “I can’t let you go like that, can I? Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle with you…”

I struggle to push him away and breathe out, accepting the fact that I have to hit him with my fire magic as hard as I can and then simply run and pray. It doesn’t help that I am still dizzy and a bit disoriented. But…

“Count Freeden”, Tristan’s voice cuts through my brain, “I see you have found the Crown Prince’s new favourite. Thank you so much for your help!”

The gerdian and I both turn to see the Sapphire Knight without his armour for the first time. Tristan is standing in just black pants, boots, and a half-unbuttoned white shirt. His blonde hair is messy and I have never seen him like this in my life.NôvelDrama.Org content.

“Crown Prince’s new favourite?”, the gerdian takes his hands off me in seconds and I almost fall to the ground, but Tristan quickly comes closer and catches me.

“Yes, his Highness takes a special liking in lady Mira here,” my ex-fiancé says firmly, “She got lost and I need to get her back to her room. Thank you for all your help, I’ll be sure to inform the Prince of your role in…”

“Please, don’t, sir Ragnard,” the count says quickly, “There is absolutely no need for the Prince to know of my involvement. I am happy I could help, but now it’s time for me to retire for tonight. Good night.”

The man quickly escapes and both Tristan and I look at each other. And then I burst out laughing. I laugh and l laugh, tears falling from my eyes and I realize that I can’t stop. A fit of laughter engulfs me whole and I bury my head in my ex’s broad chest, not being able to stop. I know it’s hysteria, but the knowledge doesn’t help me one bit.

“Mira”, I feel him whispering in my hair as his arms pull me closer towards him, “Calm down, please.”

“I can’t!”, I laugh more, tears now streaming down my cheeks.

“I see”, he sighs and lifts me up into his arms.

“Wh-what are you doing?” I manage to ask between my fits.

“Taking you to your room. It’s not safe to stay here. What were you even doing here?”, he asks.

“I had lady Xia’s book and wanted to return it. But lost my way somewhere in the process,” I squeak, “Oh, wait! I still haven’t found her! I need to go back!”

“Just leave it, Mira!”, he rolls his eyes, “No one would be reading at this hour at night anyway.”

“Xia could”, I insist.

“Alright, I’ll take the book to her myself. Now, just sit still! It’s hard to carry you when you are like that!”

“Like what?”, I look at his face questioningly and see him smile.

“Drunk and wriggling in my arms”, he chuckles, “Gods, Mira, I’ve never seen you like that!”

“Well, Tristan!”, I try to sound as serious as I can, “I’ve never seen you like THAT!”

“Like what?”, he mimics me.

“So… relaxed,” I say after a pause and touch his hair, making him flinch, “So perfectly imperfect… You were always so…polished…back in the normal times.”

We are at my door and Tristan manages to open it and take me inside. In my chambers, he walks confidently to my bedroom.

“We will have good times again,” he says carefully placing me on my bed, “You and I. You know that, right?”

“No”, I say honestly, my eyes almost closed, “Everything is so horrible now…”

“I am sorry, Mira”, he exhales heavily, “This is all my fault. But I will get you back. Everything is going to be alright. Can you trust me?”

“Your eyes are as blue as sapphires,” I smile, trying to poke my finger into his eyes to check if it feels like a sapphire as well, “Is that why they call you the Sapphire Knight?”

“No, not because of that,” he smiles and suddenly leans down to k**s me. I feel his tongue entering my mouth and his minty breath… And then I feel nothing as I finally drift off to sleep…