Layana’s eyes flew open, her heart thundering from what she had seen, things were worse than she had thought… her pale face gave away the fact that the news she held was not good. Declan crouched by her side as Aren tapped his foot, Kayden and Catherina stood silently waiting for Layana to return to them. “What did you see?” Declan asked, “Father’s ill, they think it was poisoning but he is alive, the four mages are by his side, I think it’s the only reason he is not dead yet. Myra or should I say The Dark Lord is holding the reigns over everything. Cordelia is on his side… Aurelia, I didn’t see her…” she whispered it had been a lot to take in, “Terania is fighting against a split council, most of whom are siding with Myra over her. Myra was the one who told the council her version of what happened with Zephyr, a few have silently issued an incredible bounty for anyone who can capture or kill me… an order made by Myra. I am exiled and should no longer be in this kingdom. They know I

A Silence fell over them, the sound of the rustling grass and the leaves in the trees seemed to roar in their ears. Jarabayn was not a place anyone wanted to venture to. A place the likes of Declan and Layana would never be allowed to enter if they wished to … Kayden stood up, “Jarabayn… why would she be there, the king would not have commanded it,” he said now pacing. “I don’t know… perhaps he would, he once threatened me that if I did not keep my powers under control, he would send me there as a priestess…” Layana said, Kayden frowned “Well lucky for us, as part of the Mage court I know the location,” “How long will it take?” Declan said coldly looking at the mage with contempt. The tension between them was not settling despite being together for so long “A week or so going and the same back, the last part of the journey is on foot. Lucky for us, I’m an earth mage,” he said, Declan nodded, “Then we will ride by night and day with only essential rest stops, we can’t afford to l

Four nights had passed by, they had run into The Dark Lords’ riders once more and another odd beast, apart from that, the journey was mostly uneventful. Today they could no longer take the horses any further, the time had come to abandon them. Much to Declan’s frustration knowing that they may never see his horse again. “If we take them any further, they won’t have food to survive,” Aren said as Declan ran his fingers through Pedro’s mane, a cold frown on his face, the horse neighed rubbing itself against Declan. Layana watched them feeling her heartbreak, Pedro had been Declan’s steed for so long.“I’m sure we can find him again, I’ll use my abilities to locate him,” she said softly, placing a hand on Declan’s back, stroking the horse’s mane as well. “Hm,” he said trying to remain emotionless, but she knew it was hard for him. he looked at the horse hoping he’ll find him someday; he was the only family he had apart from Layana… ‘I’ll see you soon…’ he thought in his head “Go on big

Declan’s hold on her shoulder was firm, not missing the way her chest rose and fell. Layana’s gaze was trained on the woman who now stepped into the open, wearing a flowing grey robe just like the others however something about the way she came of was regal. Her shoulder-length hair was almost white, and her eyes a shade of red. Her skin was paler than Layana’s but anyone could see the resemblance between the two womenHer face was emotionless as she looked at the dragon and then the three men before her eyes settled on Layana, her mask cracking as her pale face become even paler a hand went to her heart as she stared at the young princess before her, it felt as if time had stood still as the two women forgot about everyone else present.Layana looked at her mother, she never knew what she would feel when she came face to face with her… should she be angry with her? feel sad? Wish she could run over and hug her? she didn’t know, all she felt was as if she was looking at a goddess, too

Layana watched him - her heart pounding as she waited for his reaction, he pressed gently on her stomach, his other hand cupping the back of her head as he pulled her closer kissing her passionately, his hand never leaving her flat stomach, she felt her eyes well up in relief and happiness as he put all his emotions into that kiss, breaking away when she needed air, but he didn’t stop as he kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her nose before he pressed his forehead to hers. She let out a shaky laugh“So, you’re happy,” she said looking into his dark grey eyes that were filled with so many emotions“Extremely…” he said a small smile on his face now scooping her into his arms as he carried her bridal style, and wrapped his arms around her, “how about you?” he asked, a flicker of concern going through him.“Scared, nervous… but happy,” she said nestling her head into the crook of his neck, Declan’s smile faded as he stroked her hair, realising the danger around them, the fact she was trav