The red-headed woman had her arm around Marcel’s waist as they appeared to be in deep conversation. Part of me hated the feeling of being a bit jealous of her but I couldn’t help it. I despised Marcel, don't get me wrong, but that didn’t mean he needed to bring another girl into the picture.

They both turned their focus on me as soon as I took another step into the grand hall. “So, this is the princess?” The woman snarked as she studied my body. “Not much to look at.” I recognized the accent in her voice right away. It was something Théoden had on occasion when he got really heated. And that was common with a draconic undertone.

Draconic? I questioned through the bond. I felt Théoden pull into my vision.

I didn’t want to, but being raised to be polite, I extended my hand to her. “Nice to meet you?” I glanced at Marcel, who wore his skin tight pants and no shirt. While the woman was wearing a matching skin tight black dress.

Marcel approached me and wrapped his arm around my waist. He pulled me close to him, almost choking me with his scent. “Maria, this is my leading lady and you, my lady, already know this is my future wife.” He said introducing the both of us.

The sheer thought of being called his “future wife” caught me off guard. As it made me feel a bit uncomfortable.

“She doesn’t appear to be thrilled about marrying you.” Crimson smirked as she watched my body language shift.

Shit. I thought. Perhaps she was like Theoden and was insightful in determining people's behavior.

“It’s still sinking in. A new reality is hard to get used to.” Marcel responded, “Now Maria, I would like to formally introduce you to Crimson.”

“Crimson?” I questioned. My mind began to race as I clicked the pieces together. This woman, standing in my kingdom, was the exact same dragon I had read in books. The very same one that could destroy half my kingdom in a single breath.

I stepped away from Marcel as I was afraid he would hear my heart pound in my chest. “What…Bring her here?” I managed to question him, despite my mouth beginning to feel a bit dry.

Marcel arched his eyebrow, perhaps he sensed my unease. “We just needed to catch up.”

I could feel Crimson's piercing orange eyes study my posture. I couldn’t help but wonder what she thought of me. Then again, I was scared of what she thought of me. “Are you feeling jealous dear?”

I rolled my eyes. “Please, why should I be?”

A grin fell on her face, “easy dear. I’m not going to steal him away from you. Besides, I need to return to Summer Crest.”

She walked over to Marcel and wrapped her arms around him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “With you not fully present, I am the only one who seems to care enough to get anything done.”

He nodded and murmured something in her ear then said, “follow the instructions I gave you and I will be in touch soon.”

Crimson gave me a nod and with a swift flick of her wrist she used teleportation and vanished before us.

Marcel turned towards me, “I do hope that one day you two will become friends. Now, what does my princess want to do today?”

“I would like to go to the stables. It has been a few weeks since I visited the horses.” Which it had, with everything going on, I hadn’t been able to ride them let alone visit them. Thankfully we still had our stable hand Bernard to look after them and mess with them in my absence.

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Marcel suddenly became a bit anxious as his shoulders appeared to lock up. His lip twitch and his hand clenched at his side. This behavior, I was unsure of but I knew I would get to the bottom of that later.

“If that is what you wish.” Marcel’s voice wasn’t his typical deep and husky voice however, it was more brittle and spoke quickly.

Something was definitely off. However, if he was willing to go to the stable with me today, I was going to take it.

“Well, I still would like to take you to the horses. Maybe even go for a ride.” It had been awhile since Theoden and I took a ride on the horses and I missed that feeling.

His posture didn’t fluctuate at all. His uneasiness and displeasure was loud and clear. However, his response surprised me, “If you insist on these…these horses, then we can go. I will draw the line and have to decline the riding portion of the evening.”

With that I felt Théoden's presence disappear as the threat seemed to diminish.

The air was warm as we walked to the stables as it was midday. The sun was shining down on us in the cloudless sky. Our feet thuddied heavily against the marbled path that leads to the stables. As the only sounds that could be heard were that of nature, our own feet, and the sound of my heart. For the majority of the walk, it was silent as there wasn’t a word said between us. Which, I didn’t mind as the sound of the surrounding nature gave me a sense of peace.

With staff leaving, the only horses in the barn left were Theo’s and I. My white horse that had the name of Juniper and Theo’s all black mustang that he let me name Eclipse. Which left the stables feeling pretty empty nowadays. Once we got to the stables we were greeted by Bernard who led us to the stalls and left us to do our own business.

I pulled out some supplies for grooming and began to brush her. Noticing a lack of brimstone I glanced back and saw Marcel standing a good thirty feet back.

I thought his behavior was strange so I had to ask, “What? Do you not like horses?”

He shook his head.Marcel’s body went tense. I could see his uneasiness with the topic of animals,“I’m not fond of four legged creatures. They tend not to like me, so I just stay clear of them.”

Double meaning to that perhaps? I questioned in my mind as Theo himself had four legs in his natural form. I put on a face “Please? I assure you not all animals despise you.” I motioned for him to approach.

“No, I'll stay here and watch you with that creature.” His words were laced with hate.

“Suit yourself.” I replied, returning my attention to brushing my horse. After giving her a quick kiss, I decided it would be best to leave the stables if Marcel was uncomfortable around creatures with four legs.

As the afternoon sun began to set, I eagerly awaited the moment I could reunite with Théoden. “Tell me, Marcel.” I began, as I attempted to make small talk as we strolled the castle grounds. “What's it like being the king of Summer Crest?”

Surprised by the question, he glanced at me before responding. “Well, considering my lack of prior experience, it's much more challenging than one might expect.”

I couldn't help but chuckle softly. “Ruling is no simple task.” I remarked, recalling how my father had spent years studying with the hidden council before they deemed him fit to take the throne.

He introduced me to the council at a young age, and they approved my royal studies early on. Perhaps he had always known that one day I would ascend to the role of Queen long before their reign was meant to end.

“You're right. With you by my side, everything will be much more manageable.” He took hand and gently kissed it. “How am I doing?”

"What... What do you mean?" I asked.

“Being with you.” He said, kissing my cheek.

I pulled back from him, crossed my arms, and sighed, “Fine…”

“Then why do I sense fear from you?”

“You attempted to kill me and then threatened me.”

“Perhaps that route was not the best way to handle things.”

I rolled my eyes. “You think?” I explained, “there is always a better way of handling things.” I recalled our previous conversation about how marriage should not be forced.

“Can I ask you something, darling?” He asked as we continued our walk back to the castle entrance. I glanced over at him, nodding, giving him the go-ahead, “have you seen him outside his guard duty?”

“No,” I responded dryly.

I could sense him studying me, trying to see if I was lying, but to my surprise, he said. “I believe you, for now.”