Once the meeting was wrapped up, Rowan and Jesika hugged their friends goodbye, then took off into the kingdom. They ran until they neared Audric's manor. Jesika shuddered as they looked at it.

"Darryn said our beasts should be in his barn. So, we don't even have to go in the house. Just follow my lead, okay?" Rowan whispered in her ear. Jesika nodded.

There were two knights guarding the door to Audric's manor, and another two knights guarding the sides. Rowan picked up a large rock laying nearby and threw it sharply at one of the knights on the side, knocking him unconscious. The other three knights ran to his side, and Rowan grabbed her hand.

They took off running towards the manor, going around the opposite side that the knights were at. When they reached the gate to the backyard, they stealthily climbed it, jumping over. Rowan grabbed her hand yet again, running with her through the vineyard to the barn. They skid to a stop though at the sight of even more knights guarding it. He groaned, throwing his head back.

"What now?" Jesika muttered to him.

He lowered his head, looking at her. "We fight them," Rowan answered simply.

Jesika's eyes narrowed but Rowan was already running towards the knights. She huffed, running after him. She watched as he narrowly dodged the two knight's attacks, the blade coming far too close to his body. She jumped one of the knights, knocking her head against his, making him go unconscious, falling to the ground. The other knight and Rowan paused, looking at Jesika in surprise. She stole the sword off the knight and faced the other one. The other knight raised his sword and advanced and Jesika easily blocked him. He tried yet again and once again she blocked him.

Finally, she pushed his sword, knocking it out of his hands. The knight once again was frozen in surprise as Jesika kicked his chest, knocking him to the ground. She jumped at him, swinging her fist as hard as she could, knocking him unconscious.

She stood and looked at Rowan and he stared at her in disbelief.

"There are no words to describe... How awesome that was..." Rowan muttered, just loud enough for her to hear. She laughed quietly, turning and opening the barn doors. Standing in stables was dozens of beasts, but most importantly, there was Kronos, Rocky and Frankie.

They ran inside and started unlatching every stable door they could, letting the beasts run free. They mounted Kronos and exited the barn, quickly soaring into the sky. Jesika couldn't help but chuckle as she watched Audric exit his manor to find a bunch of beasts wandering around. It did her heart good to see Frankie fly off into the sky, escaping his clutches, and Rocky leaping over the fence.

She turned her head as they continued to fly, tightening her grip on Rowan. She sighed, laying her head on his shoulder and she heard the faintest hitch of breath from him as she nestled her head in the crook of his neck.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

***

They were able to reach the cave in a much shorter time than before since they were able to fly high over the trees now that they didn't have to fly alongside Rocky. They stayed in the cave they had before they fought Aethelinda.

Rowan handed her a sandwich and they ate together, sitting against the cave wall. Once they were done eating, she turned to him.

"So, you told me to tame Aethelinda, but you never did explain how I go about doing that. I didn't even know it was possible to tame beasts that aren't acquired to you," she said.

Rowan nodded. "That's because it isn't possible. Aethelinda is a rare case. She's one of the only beasts that never was destined an owner, leaving her open to whoever can successfully tame her. Why it's like that, is a mystery to us."

Jesika frowned. "So, how do you tame her? The last time I went in there, I got burnt alive."

Rowan looked at her now restored skin, hesitantly touching her arm. She flinched, drawing away. He cleared his throat, returning his gaze to hers.

"You have to prove to the dragon your nobility."

Jesika narrowed her eyes. "And how do I do that?"

"You go inside the cave, drop your sword to the ground, take off any armor you're wearing, and you kneel. You kneel before her like you would bow to a queen."

"Well... then what?" she asked.

Rowan shook his head. "Then you wait. You wait until she either kills you or accepts you."

Jesika's eyes widened and she paled. "Kills me?!"

He nodded. "Yes. That is a risk."

She stood quickly, her heart racing. "Then why did you even suggest this?! Do you want me to die?! You're just like Au-"

He cut her off, standing with her, grabbing her wrist. "I don't want to ask you to do it either. The only reason I am is because I know it's a risk you're willing to take for the better of our kingdom. And I also know," he paused, stepping closer, bringing his hands to her shoulders, lowering his head until it was close to hers, "that you're most definitely noble enough."

Jesika blinked, trying to register what he said. "But... you said that I was..."

He shook his head. "Forget what I said, Jes. After everything I've seen you go through, and the fact that you're still trying to fight, I know for a fact you're noble enough for any beast imaginable." He trailed one hand up her neck, cupping her jaw. "Trust me on that. If you weren't noble enough before, you definitely are now."

Tears came to her eyes, and she tried to fight them, but she failed. "Rowan, I'm really nervous. Scratch that, I'm freaking terrified. It's all my fault the kingdom has been overthrown and if I die facing Aethelinda, my kingdom will continue to be ruled by Grumor."

"It's not your fault, Jes. It was never your fault. Not a single one of the people who know you best blame you for this. And who cares about everyone else's opinions. We know the truth. And that is that most queens would've tucked tail and ran by now." Jesika let the tears fall, shutting her eyes tight and reaching up to hug him. He held her close, his head in the crook of her neck.

She didn't stop him when he kissed her neck, didn't stop him when he kissed her ear, didn't stop him when he kissed her cheek. She inhaled sharply as he gazed at her mouth, his expression hesitant. Jesika leaned away, not ready to let him that close. He seemed relieved at her distance, straightening and stepping back. She smiled at him.

"Raincheck on that kiss?" she asked shyly.

A slow grin made its way to his face. He nodded. "Raincheck."

The handsome wink he gave her afterwards made her have to fight the impulse to kiss him anyways.