To my surprise, there was no one there. I looked around the hallway frantically and found a crumpled piece of paper five feet from my door. I unfolded the note, and it read. I know what you have. The same writing that was on the note that was left for Roland.

I stormed back into my room and shut the door. For fuck sake.

What is it, Maria?

Another blasted note. I know. I know what you have.

What was that?

That was what the note said—same handwriting as the last damn note.

I'll have Quinn walk around the castle halls tonight. See if she catches anything.

I feel safer already, knowing that Quinn is watching.

That was the truth. With Quinn hanging around more, it made me feel safer. Don’t get me wrong, I knew that Théoden could protect me well, but having more guards in the castle with Marcel around made me feel better.

I’ll be back at the castle soon. Then give me thirty minutes to get ready for bed.

Alrighty.

In the meantime, tell me Maria, what thoughts have you put into when it comes to telling King Alaric or Queen Eleanor?

That I hadn’t put much thought into yet. Other than the fact that I needed to communicate with them soon.

I know you have not, which is why I brought it up.

Yeah, he was good at making sure I thought things through. Well, he tried anyway. I knew I needed to tell them about the attack, that Marcel is a devil, and that we had a rough plan as to what to do about the situation. I however, had no idea how to deliver the message.

I have assumed by now that the other two kingdoms have heard of the attack. So, that shouldn’t come as a shock. However, finding out the man responsible for damages done to all kingdoms is a devil. That might be a tougher pill to swallow.

However, it was something that needed to be said. I needed to alert them in case they were facing the same issues we were. It was my duty and I must do it soon.

Good. Maybe start with King Alaric. He will be easy to persuade. Part because of his crush on you and part because of his sixth sense.

Theoden wasn’t wrong there. King Alaric had confessed to me long ago about his feelings for me. However, he knew that my heart belonged to Theoden due to his ability to detect if someone is telling the truth or not. So, I knew that he would be an easy one to talk with first.

Queen Eleanor on the other hand, was worse off. She was rough around the edges, often going against her own council. Not to mention I always felt like she was jealous of me. Despite all this, I still needed to discuss matters with her.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

I am back at the castle now. Get some rest and I will see you soon.

~Dream~

It was thirty minutes later when we entered our dream escape. That of South Haven beach spanned before me and all of its glory.

Theo's shadow formed along the shoreline as he stood motionless watching the waves crash against the shore. "The waves seem a bit different than normal, a bit rougher." He said as I approached him from behind, hugging him tightly.

"Maybe that is because you are a bit moody today." To which he was. We were being taunted, and two people knew he was a dragon, not to mention that he was dressed and drinking with Marcel.

He turned around and stared down at me, "I can't help it. It's hard seeing you with him. Planning something that should be ours."

I brushed my hand against his face, pushing back the hair that had fallen. "I understand. You can still back out."

"Never." He pulled me into him, kissing my lips firmly. "You are not getting rid of me that easily."

"Good."

In each other's embrace, we stood like that for a moment longer before he pulled me to the log that sat ten feet from the shoreline. I rested my head against his shoulder as he stared into the ocean. "Theo? What are you thinking about?"

He sighed, "Two people know now. One knows about the bond, too. How long will it be before the whole kingdom knows?"

"We knew this was a possibility, people finding out the truth. Hopefully, this is all that figures it out. We can't lose the upper hand."

"There were two different reactions. I suspect it will vary from one extreme to the other when more find out. I never wanted people to fear me. I always wanted to protect." He was hurt. His world was slowly falling apart around him.

"No matter what happens, we will get through it, Theo."

He smiled softly at me, "You think the kingdom would love their captain if they knew the truth?"

“I think so.”

“Good.”

He leaned in to kiss me, as he did, he pulled me into him. As his body pressed against mine, my heart raced. I wanted him and I knew he wanted me.

~Skip the rest of chapter if you do not want to read sexual content~

Once he was aware that I wanted it,

He was quick to undressed us both and moved one arm underneath my back, the other caressing my body with his fingers. He leaned into my ear and whispered, "I love you Maria." He kissed my ear and moved his lips down my neck, leaving a trail of goosebumps.

Theo moved his lips down to my breasts and carefully caressed them as he utilized his free hand to give me pleasure. As he moved his lips further down my body, he brought his hand up and placed it on my chest. I wanted him, and I wanted him badly.

"Please…" I begged. "Please…" My breathing quickened. My body ached.

Then he stopped. He stopped for a brief moment, looking down at me with a grin. "I could…"

"Don't you dare." I growled as I knew what he was threatening. "Don't you dare stop."

Taking that as further initiative, he gave in. He kissed my lips to catch my soft moans that escaped as he took his time with me. Gently first, as he paced himself. As it became evident that I was getting close to the edge, his pace quickened as he let himself go and became more aggressive.

After some time had passed and we both finished, he rested his head against mine, that glint of hunger still in his eyes. I nodded, giving him the initiative to continue. Switching positions, he pulled me on top of him, resting his back against the log, giving him complete pleasure of my body as I took my turn on top. Something I did not mind, as I got just as much joy out of this as he did.

It didn't take him long to finish a second time, and I fell against his body, resting against his cool skin. He softly kissed my forehead and brushed any hair that fell against my face, "I love you, Mi Amor."

“I love you Theoden.” I whispered before the dream faded.