All Chapters of The Dark Dragon Prince : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

DIANAAn entire month had passed since that strange night by the waterfall.One month since I had seen Draven.At first, I had expected him to appear the next day. Then the day after that. Then perhaps a week later.But he never came.When I finally asked Aeris where the prince was, the fae had simply smiled and informed me that His Highness had traveled on official business.That answer should have satisfied me. Instead, it only made the strange disappointment in my chest worsen."Princess."A wooden sword smacked my shoulder."Ow!" I jumped back, rubbing the affected area.Aeris stood opposite me with his own practice sword balanced lazily across one shoulder. His silver hair gleamed beneath the sunlight. "You were daydreaming again.""I was not.""You absolutely were.""I wasn't."He raised one eyebrow. "You have the worst liar's face I have ever seen."I glared at him, but he looked too pleased with himself.The training courtyard behind my wing had become my favorite place in Vo

DIANAMy stomach dropped.Aeris watched realization begin to form on my face. "Notice anything?"I looked at the royal escorts again. Not a single scratch was on them, meanwhile Vladimir's men were covered in blood. Some were injured and one even had an arrow lodged in his shoulder.A cold chill crawled down my spine. "No." I whispered.Aeris didn't answer which somehow felt worse."The attackers knew the Skyblade Warriors would be escorting you." Vladimir finally spoke. His voice was cold as he did. "They sent over one hundred highly trained assassins."My breath seized in my lungs.One hundred? I had thought there were a very few dozens.Vladimir's expression darkened. "They hoped numbers would overwhelm us." His eyes swept across the battlefield. "They were wrong."I stared at him, then back at the royal guards.My heart began pounding. "You're implying..." I couldn't even finish the sentence.Aeris and Vladimir looked at me dead serious.I covered my mouth with my hand as a gasp

DIANAI froze in place.Not because I wanted to obey him, but because something deep inside my soul made me.My brows furrowed in frustration. "There it is again."His expression hardened. "Diana.""You seem to like doing that," I snapped, taking another defiant step closer.His eyes flashed red in warning. "You should not come closer."The words struck deep inside me as I could hear the rejection tied to it. He couldn't even bear the thought of me standing near him.I laughed bitterly. "You truly dislike me that much?"His face went terrifyingly still. "I did not say that.""You don't need to."The ache in my chest intensified. Creator, what is wrong with me? Why am I acting like this?"I am your wife," I demanded, my voice beginning to shake. "And according to dragon tradition...your mate."Something flickered in his eyes, yet the words kept pouring out of me like a broken dam. Weeks of distance and questions could no longer be contained."You leave me alone for a month. You refuse

DIANAThe question was simple. Everyone was watching, waiting for me to answer.I lifted my gaze directly to meet hers. "It was eventful, Your Majesty."A flicker crossed the Queen's eyes, but it was gone so quickly I almost missed it. "Oh? A terrible tragedy." She smiled gently, though her eyes were devoid of warmth. I smiled back, keeping my tone polite. "Fortunately, Prince Draven's men are exceptionally competent."The First Prince's jaw tightened at the praise. The Queen's serene smile didn't waver. Across the table, the Second Prince hid a smile behind his cup.Apparently, I had just said something very interesting.The Queen tilted her head to her side, her jewelry clinking softly. "The Commander does inspire... unique loyalty."There was something highly deliberate in the way she chose to say Commander instead of son. I filed that toxic detail away in my mind.The First Prince reached for his wine, swirling it. "I must admit....I am surprised." he drawled, his eyes locking

DIANAThe next morning arrived far too soon.After my bath, I sat on the cushion before the vanity mirror.Because of the disaster at the royal breakfast yesterday, Sarah had practically sworn never to allow such an oversight happen again.I watched through the mirror as they packed my hair at the back of my head with pins. By the time they finally finished, the hairstyle looked beautiful, yet it was surprisingly comfortable.After a quick breakfast, a servant arrived to escort us to the archery grounds.The further we walked through the palace, the more crowded the corridors became. Everyone seemed to be heading in the same direction. Nobles, servants guards, ladies in elaborate gowns and children racing after their parents.When we finally got outside, a stadium stretched out endlessly before us. Thousands upon thousands of people filled the stands.Banners bearing various dragon emblem fluttered in the wind. Vendors moved through the crowds, selling food, while children sat on the