Darcus - POV "Your Majesty," Henry's words pulled me from my thoughts, and I let Ella's hand rest in mine. "Henry, I called you here to discuss the story you spun about my father's mate link with Mia. So, you decided to lie to me and play games, is that it?" Henry's back stiffened, and his gaze lowered. "Henry, I want you to be truthful with me. I have always considered you a father figure... I don't want to learn about these behind-the-scenes machinations from anyone else. Knowing that my parents are conspiring against me is almost too painful." Ella's hand tightened around mine as I snarled. Looking down at Henry, I did my best to suppress my rising anger, but the tension in the room was palpable. "I didn't mean to deceive you, but I was forced to acquiesce to the previous king's threat to abduct my family," Henry began. "In fear, I went along with King Ladon's plans. However, the task of telling you the story was meant to make you trust Ladon and let him manipulate events from t
Darcus - POV James informed me that Mr. Hart had teleported home after interrogating Sofia, just moments before my elite troops took her to the Dragon realm through a Minnesota teleportation portal. I immediately instructed James to accompany Archer to Mr. Hart's residence. Ella's apprehension was palpable as we sped along the highway, her worried gaze on the road ahead and her hands restlessly fidgeting. "Ella, I'm sorry that you had to hear all that trash from my mother," I said, glancing at her. "Why are you apologizing? You haven't done anything wrong. It's your parents who are out of line, hurting you and now my father," Ella replied, sighing deeply. "My dad means everything to me. I can't lose him." "I won't let anything happen to him," I assured her, although an uneasy sensation was growing inside me. The traffic was stifling, impeding our progress, and Ella's anxiety was becoming almost tangible within the confines of the car. "Darcus, pull over. You must transform into a
Ella - POV I felt sadness and couldn't resist until warm hands rescued me. Pulled above the water's surface, I was greeted by the smiling faces of my parents. Overwhelmed with joy, I lunged at them for a bear hug, enveloping them in my arms as their laughter filled the air. "Mom, Dad, I've missed you both so much," I choked out. They comforted me, their hands rubbing soothing circles on my back. But as I pulled away and took in my surroundings, a sense of confusion washed over me. We were in the mountains, the air was crisp and clean, and there was no ocean trace. I thought I was sinking in. "Where are we, Mom and Dad?" I asked, my confusion deepening as my mom brushed my hair away from my face. Looking down, I saw the hands and legs of a seven-year-old. "We're on a picnic, sweetie. Do you like it here?" My dad's voice was warm, but something wasn't right. My parents were no longer alive; I didn't recognize this memory. My mother had passed away before I ever had the chance to meet
Ella - POV My journey to the hospital was somber. I was consumed by thoughts of my father and our cherished moments. Uncertainty regarding Hana's condition gnawed at me. The unsettling thought that Darcus's father, being a ruthless figure, might have killed my father but spared Hana perplexed me. Why leave any witness behind? Such grim thoughts spiraled into my mind, intensifying my anxiety. "We've arrived, Ella," Darcus's voice cut through my disturbing musings. With renewed urgency, I dashed towards the hospital, disregarding his attempts to accompany me. "Can you please tell me where Hana Lee's room is?" I quickly asked the receptionist. "Next left, room 138. Are you a family member of Ms. Lee?" she queried, her gaze filled with professional concern. "Yes, I am. Can we take care of the formalities later? I need to see her first," I responded, my anxiety making me impatient. The receptionist tried to call me back, but I didn't listen. I was only focused on finding Hana. Enterin
Ella - POV Following our newfound alliance, Archer had left to visit his father. He needed to discuss the alliance and strategize for the upcoming conflict in which he would stand with us against Ladon and Blair. Meanwhile, James had returned to ready his realm for the impending battles. Lost in my thoughts, I didn't hear Darcus approach until he stood beside me, holding a lunch tray. "What are you thinking about?" he asked. I didn't have an appetite, but I knew Darcus wouldn't let me get away with skipping a meal. "I'm trying to figure out how to explain all of this to Hana. The dragons, magic... she'll think I've lost my mind," I sighed, a faint smile on my lips as I recalled my initial disbelief when Darcus had first confessed his identity to me. "Hana's a human, Ella. If she learns about the world of Dragon Shifters, it could put her in danger," Darcus cautioned as he settled beside me, nudging the tray towards me. "I really don't feel like eating," I protested. But Darcus' ex
Ella - POV Henry entered the room, taking his designated seat. "So, what's the latest intel we have?" Darcus asked a frosty look in his eyes that echoed the gaze he once directed at me when we first collaborated. "The execution order for Arya couldn't be carried out. The assassin turned on our troops, freed Arya, and escaped," Henry reported, his words igniting a fire in Darcus's eyes. "Why is she still alive, Henry? Why can't you follow simple orders?" Darcus's frustration was palpable. Henry dropped his gaze, a mark of his remorse. "What's the status with Ladon and Blair?" Mr. Archer Taylor interjected, attempting to steer the conversation. "Mr. Taylor, I'm afraid I can only answer that question if his majesty requests it," Henry replied stiffly, earning a scowl from Mr.Archer Taylor. "Henry, remember that Mr. Archer Taylor and James are my allies. Feel free to share information with them," Darcus clarified. Henry's gaze shifted towards me as Darcus spoke, causing discomfort. C
Ella - POV It was already dark, and supper was being served in the castle. The servants were busy preparing for the forthcoming celebration. As I entered the dining hall, I noticed Archer, James, and Darcus eagerly awaiting my arrival. After finishing our meal in an uneasy silence, I excused myself from the dining table. Making my way to the training field, I found it empty and stood there, gazing at the night sky in tranquility. Archer approached me, and I averted my eyes, looking up at the stars as he joined me. "What do you want?" I asked as Mr.Archer Taylor stood beside me, my gaze fixed on the sky. "Don't be unkind, Ella. I came here to relax and unwind, but I saw that you were already here," Mr.Archer Taylor replied, sighing. I turned my gaze towards him. "Then I'll leave you alone in this place," I said, taking a few steps from the training field. "Did you remember me visiting your house when you were a kid?" Archer's question caught me off guard, and I whirled around to fa
Darcus - POV Many Dragon Aristocrats in the royal court appreciated my presence, while others were enraged. I received hostile gazes from my mother's followers, who despised my power. Though I considered eradicating them, I needed more proof to take action. However, I found another way to undermine them by imposing strict laws and taxes on the products they dealt in, leading to the downfall of their businesses. As I ascended the throne, Ella's surprised expression met my gaze. I could imagine how strange it must have been for her to see such a different world from the human realm. "Thank you all for being here. Today, we gather to celebrate our Kingdom's alliance with the Hope and Wolf families," I addressed the crowd. "However, some members of my own family have committed treason. Former King Ladon, former Queen Arya, and my stepbrother Blair is considered crown criminals. Any support given to them will result in imprisonment and the stripping of titles." The dragon aristocrats mur