Evelyn covered her ears and let out a small squeak in fear and surprise as the great roar of a dragon vibrated to her very core.
"Do not worry." Sorin smiled as he took one of her hands and lowered it to her lap. "They are just welcoming us home."
Sorin's face shone bright with joy as he looked out at the land that stretched before them.
The village was nestled in a valley between the mountains. There were farms that dotted the outskirts of the village, large buildings that housed the artisans and their workshops, many streets with shops and stalls, but the most breathtaking site were the homes that were carved into the very mountains themselves.
Evelyn was speechless as she took in all the sights and sounds. Never before had she seen a village or even a city quite like this one. There were a few dragons flying over the mountains, and beastmen with horns, wings, and tails walking through the busy streets.
"This is amazing." Evelyn breathed. She then heard Sorin's low chuckle across from her.
"I'm glad you like it."
The carriage made its way through the main streets of the village then stopped before a great set of heavy wooden doors that were set in the base of the great mountain.
Sorin stepped out of the carriage and reached out his hand to help Evelyn. She took it graciously and immediately felt the hot tingling energy rush up her arm.
"Find your courage Evelyn. My family lies beyond these doors."
They stopped right before the closed doors, Sorin's hand hovered over the door handle. "And please don't think less of me for what may happen." Soren glanced at Evelyn with a look of apprehension that disappeared the moment he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The entry was massive. The floor and walls were dark polished mountain stone, the great staircase was carved out of the very mountains itself.
A man with silver hair in a butler's uniform approached them and bowed to Sorin.
"Welcome home Prince. The Queen has been awaiting your arrival." His eyes then slid over to Evelyn and eyed the collar around her neck. "Would you like me to take that thing down to the slave quarters?" He inquired with an air of disgust.
Sorin's eyes flashed with anger before he resumed his bored court expression. "No, the human will accompany me to meet the Queen. I will take care of her after."
The butler looked surprised. It was unusual for any of the royal family to take any interest in a human slave. "As you wish my prince." He bowed again and lead the prince and his new toy to the throne room.
Evelyn walked two steps behind Sorin as they entered the throne room. It was even more grand than the entry way. Evelyn stole a glance before she turned her gaze to the floor. Tapestries depicting scenes of war, conquest, and lands beyond the mountains decorated the walls. A carpet of deep crimson spanned the room and lead up to a dais where a great black throne carved from the mountain stone sat.
The figure that occupied the throne radiated regal power. She was draped in deep blue silk, her raven hair flowed freely in waves down her back and her cold golden eyes softened as she saw her son.
Evelyn also noticed she had great golden horns that were adorned with jewels and chains and when she stood she unfurled giant golden dragon wings.
"Welcome home my son." Her voice was commanding yet gentle as she walked over to embrace Sorin. "I trust your trip went well."
Sorin knew that his mother didn't care about anything that happened on his trip to the capitol. These hollow pleasantries were merely a show for the staff and village.
As she hugged her son her eyes wandered over to Evelyn. As she looked the human girl over from head to toe her eyes went from mild curiosity to utter distain as her gaze hovered over the collar.
"And what are you planning to do with that thing?" The queen asked as she released her son and waved her hand towards Evelyn dismissingly.
Evelyn kept her eyes on the floor, her hands balled into fists hidden in the folds of her dress. She was getting tired of being treated like an insect. Is this what she would have to endure for the rest of her life? If this was the case maybe escape would be a better plan.
"She is mine mother, and I will treat her as I see fit." He did not like the fact that others were treating his fated mate so poorly, but he also knew he had to bide his time and tread carefully as he knew here Evelyn's life meant nothing to everyone but him.
The queen sniffed in disgust. "That slave should be down with the others. It is an insult that it was even permitted to enter the throne room and stand in my presence."
Her great golden wings ruffled in annoyance. "If you plan to keep it as a pet you had better keep a good eye on it because if I see or hear it again it's life if forfeit." She declared as she turned and walked back to the dais to settle on the throne once again.
Sorin knew this would happen but it still made his blood boil.
"Of course mother." He bowed stiffly and took his leave. Evelyn trailed close behind him.
They continued to walk in silence until Sorin stopped at one of the many doors they had passed. He produced a key from his pocket and slid it into the lock.
The door opened quietly and Sorin gestured for Evelyn to enter.
The room looked like an office and receiving room. There was a desk with chairs on one side, and a cosy sitting area with a couch, high backed chairs and small tables. The walls had shelves carved from the stone that held hundreds of books and artifacts.
"This is my office, we should be safe to talk here." Sorin explained as he crossed the room and geatured for Evelyn to take a seat on the plush couch. She sank into the soft cushion, fatigue evident on her face.
Sorin settled himself into the closest chair and faced Evelyn. "I'm sorry about the way you have been treated. I don't think any preparation would have helped in this situation." Sorin raked his fingers through his hair. "At least the Queen didn't force me to send you to the slave quarters. You deserve so much better than to stay in that filthy hole."
Evelyn didn't like the fact that they kept slaves at all but decided not to voice her opinion yet.
"What do we do now?"
"For the moment we will rest. I will have the room beside mine prepared for you. If there are any complaints I will deal with them."
Both Sorin and Evelyn knew there would be complaints, comments, and quite possibly violence at her staying in a room that was reserved for important guests.
"You have gone through so much for me already. Perhaps it would be best if I left." Evelyn choked out as she felt a deep ache in her chest at the very thought of leaving Sorin. This startled her for a moment as this was the first time she had such intense feelings for the man that sat a cross from her.
Sorin stood and walked over to the couch. He settled beside her and gazed into those perfect emerald eyes. "Is that what you truly want?"
Evelyn's voice hitched in her throat. No it wasn't what she wanted. "I don't understand it. When I think about being apart from you my heart aches and I feel like I could shatter into a million pieces." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I just don't want to see you get hurt because I am here."
Sorin could feel the bond getting stronger between them and her sudden confession made it clear to him that she too felt the bond start to solidify. He yearned to mark her, to make her his body and soul. However he knew it was too soon. She had to fully accept him and the bond before he would ask to mark her.
"I will do whatever it takes so that we can be together."
This was crazy and Sorin knew it! But at that moment he didn't care what anyone else thought. They were together and for the moment she was safe. Sorin leaned over, his lips hovered over Evelyn's for only a moment before he closed the gap.