Page 27 of The Dragon's Gambit

“Mom, why are you alone? Where’s Dad and Uncle Grayson?” Brody asked, feeling protective over his mother.

“They’re visiting Hunter and Chasen. I sent Chelsie there to let them know I was coming to see you. Though, knowing them, they’re probably panicking at the mere thought of me being out of Elysia.” Lita giggled at the overprotective men in her life. She took note of how protective Brody was acting as well. “You act like I’ve never been in a fight before. Not only have I fought in battles, but I’ve never lost one. So, save that protectiveness for a girl who needs it.” Lita tapped Brody on the nose with a gentle prod.

“Still, I’ll see you back home, just to be safe,” Brody said with a frown.

“Me too,” Lee said with a slight nod. “I will also ensure that you return safely.”

“I guess, no matter where I go, there will always be someone watching over me.” Lita grinned and then looked down at her daughter, who was still buried in her arms. “Reiya, why don’t you show me to your room where we can talk?” She felt her daughter nod. Chelsie had been very distraught, saying that Reiya was very upset over something. It sounded like a vision of sorts. Lita never really had these gifts, but her mother had them. And her grandmother had been extremely gifted in her foresight. She knew enough about it that she could help her daughter with it.

The two walked into the castle together and down the long hallway, leaving the men in the main hall. Reiya opened the door to her room and then shut it gently after they both walked in. Lita walked over and sat at the edge of the bed, patting for her daughter to come over. Reiya laid down on the bed, placing her head on her mother’s lap. She felt her mother run her soft hands through her hair. This was something she had always done for her. It helped relax her, and a small smile spread across her face. Even as a young adult, there was something special about being comforted by her mother. It was such a warm and safe feeling.

“Why don’t you tell me what happened? Start from the beginning.” Lita smiled as she stared down at her daughter and waited for her to speak.

Reiya explained everything to her, from the map to the premonition. She let her emotions flow freely, and her mother helped dry her tears.

“I don’t know what to think … about everything. I’m so confused, Mom.” Reiya stifled her sob as she finished what she had to stay.

“Hmmm … Well, I can’t imagine you failing at anything. I think that the vision didn’t take into account that you will winthe dragons to our side. As far as the map goes, why don’t you just ask them about it? I don’t think there’s any real threat from it, though. The dragons are wise. They wouldn’t start a war with the fairies. I think there must be another reason for the map. Why not ask Xander or Lee? Do you not trust them?” Her mother’s voice was filled with wisdom as it gently carried through the room.

“What about Lee not coming? I—”

“Reiya, do you trust them?”

“Yes. Am I wrong for trusting them?”

Lita smiled. “My sweet girl. Trust yourself. You have to be able to trust yourself and your feelings. And believe in them. The world could be telling you that you’re wrong, but you must have the courage to trust in yourself. Remember the time we fought Abaas, and everyone told me to give up on your father? They told me he was dead, but I believed in myself. I knew that he was alive. I ignored them all, followed my gut, and I found your father. Who knows how things would have turned out if I wouldn’t have believed in myself? You must trust yourself and your feelings. Try not to overcomplicate things, Reiya.”

“You make it sound so simple.” Reiya smiled and sighed.

“Some things are. Trusting yourself is simple. Having the courage to follow that trust can be a bit trickier.”

“What about the Ocean’s Tear?”

“I’ve never heard of it. I’ll ask your grandmother and see if she knows anything about it. I bet Grandpa Sage knows what it is. Maybe even Leviathan and Xander, too. I can’t see any harm in asking about it.” Lita reached her hand up and brushed her daughter’s hair back.

“I felt like I was doing something wrong by blindly trusting them.” Reiya gave her mother a weak smile.

“It isn’t blindly trusting. You can feel it deep inside if a person is good or bad. It gets stronger with your wolf, too. I’m sure she’ll come to you soon. When she does, trust her. She’s your partner.”

“Thanks, Mom. I knew I would feel better after talking to you.” Reiya wrapped her arms around her neck and smiled widely. This was why her mother was the best. It was simple for her mother. Believe in yourself and follow your gut. She trusted them. She trusted Lee, and she would continue to do so.

Chapter 18 Mine

Reiya smiled at her mother as they walked out of her room. Her mother was such an extraordinary person. Not only was she brave and confident, but she was also caring and very forgiving. In her eyes, she really was the complete package.

“This is the library here. Would you like to take a peek? Maybe we can find something. Or do you have to leave now?”

Lita smiled at her daughter. “Who doesn’t have time to snoop around in the dragons’ library?” Her mom had a tendency to get into mischief, too, which was also why she was awesome.

Reiya led her into the library. They were surprised to see Grandpa Sage sitting at the desk. His eyes met theirs, and he smiled warmly at them.

“I see my favorite queen has returned. What an honor.” Grandpa Sage waved for the two to come toward him.

“We came to look around in the library. I had found some little brownies in here messing up the papers on the desk.” Reiya smiled with a small shrug.

“That explains things, then. I noticed my papers were out of order. This is actually my personal library. Besides Xander and Leviathan, no one else is permitted to enter.” Grandpa Sage waved his arm, motioning around the room.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize this room was off-limits—” Reiya began to say, but he held up his hand.