Page 103 of The Dragon's Gambit

“Yeah, Xander got a good one.” Dex smiled and followed after Reiya, with Weston at his heels.

“Honestly, though … you really think you could beat one of us in battle? We’re not just ordinary dragons.” Dex chuckled as he caught up to Reiya.

Reiya shrugged. “I don’t know. I just know that I wouldn’t make it easy on you, that’s for sure.”

“Princess, you don’t have to worry about such things in my company. I might play around, but you belong to Xander, who is dear to me. I’d never do anything to hurt him. You’re someone who I will protect for his sake but hope to make friends with for mine.” Dex nudged her shoulder with his own and smiled at her.

“I’d like that too. I want us to be good friends.”

“What about me?” Weston pouted.

She giggled and looked at Weston. “Yes, I want to be friends with you, too. Maybe with fewer nose bleeds, if we can help it.” She winked at him, and he nodded his head with a chuckle.

“I’ll behave. You can’t blame me for looking, though. I am an unmated male, and you’re gorgeous. But I’ll tell my hands to behave themselves.” Weston winked at her and gave her body one more side eye.

“That’s all I ask.” Reiya smiled and then let Dex take her arm again as he led the way.

He led her down a spiral cobblestone path that was surrounded by lush, green bushes, which made a wall around the area. As they reached the opening, Reiya was met with a breathtaking sight. There were stone flowerbeds flooding the inner area. It was filled with so many different exotic flowers. But that wasn’t all. There were also several fae dragons in the area. And, to her surprise, she saw sprites and brownies playing in the flower beds.

She smiled as she walked up to the brownies, and the sprites quickly flew over to her and perched on her shoulder. She reached down and picked up a brownie, holding it up to her chest. These were some of the creatures she was protecting. Creatures who were too weak to protect themselves.

A fae dragon landed on Reiya’s other shoulder. The fae dragon and sprite began to fight over the position.

“Hey, that’s enough. Be nice. There’s room for both of you up there. I won’t say it again, little friends,” Reiya called out gently, and they immediately responded to their princess.

Weston and Dex watched her curiously. They could see the fae dragon but not the sprite or the brownie.

Dex walked up next to her. “Your eyes are amazing. To be able to see what others can’t. It’s almost as if your sight allows you to see deeper than most. Maybe even deeper into people’s souls.” He looked at her curiously and wondered about her. It wasn’t just her fairy sight. She did seem to be able to recognize friend from foe rather easily. Maybe the skills went together.

She smiled at Dex and shrugged. She lowered the brownie back down to the flower bed and smiled as the sprite and fae dragon flew off. “Sometimes we get so caught up in life that we forget there are those out there that depend on us.” She met Dex’s gaze. “We have a duty to protect those who can’t protect themselves, don’t you think?”

He smiled and nodded. “Yes, we do.” Though he was actually referring to protecting the fairies. The dragons had a duty to protect them. It wasn’t that they couldn’t protect themselves, but that they were going to be overwhelmed by an evil force. The dragons had a duty to make sure nothing happened to them. The world needed fairies.

Chapter 67 Showtime

“Reiya!” Ruby called out as she walked around the corner and into the garden with Mason. “You look incredible.”

Reiya smiled. “So do you.” Ruby walked up and pulled Reiya into her embrace.

“I’m so happy we ran into you here. Xander’s been hogging you all to himself.” Ruby pouted while Mason chuckled beside her. He looked up and noticed Reese standing in the distance.

“I see you’re well-guarded today.” Mason smiled as he saw the immediate annoyance in Reiya’s eyes.

“Xander thinks I’m going to be sniped by an assassin or something.” Reiya let out a huff of air.

“No, he’s doing his job keeping you safe. You’re special and in an important position. Extra precautions are necessary when it comes to you. Better safe than sorry.” Ruby understood what it was like to feel smothered by guards, but it was also necessary, especially in Reiya’s case. She wasn’t just the future Queen of the West. She was also the fairy princess. In her opinion, she wasn’t being protected well enough.

“So, is this like the official pre-party hang-out?” Reiya figured she would switch topics. The truth was she never felt like she needed to be guarded. What these people didn’t know is she could call for Lee if she ever needed help. He was her summon, so she was never really alone.

Ruby walked away from Mason and locked arms with Reiya. “I guess we were just drawn to you. Come on, I want to show you my favorite spot here.”

The three men watched the two girls walking away together. Well, four men, if you counted Reese in the distance.

“You and Ruby ready for showtime?” Weston elbowed Mason playfully with a wry smile.

Mason chuckled. “I’ve been ready for showtime for years. I’m sure you know Ruby is ready, too. We’ve spent too much time apart. This is the final declaration before I crown her as my queen back home.” He turned and looked at Weston. “You know I’ll take good care of her.”

Weston looked out toward his sister and nodded, a gentle smile on his face. “I know you will. Because it’s you, I’m able to part with her.”