The Selection: Bride Of The Dark Dragon
Chapter 85

MIRA

“Oh, I am so sorry!” my mother looks embarrassed, “Did I interrupt the two love birds? I just…”

“Mum!” I say weakly and Tristan helps me up a bit so that I could see her better.

“Here!” he says softly and I want to hit him. But I don’t have enough strength for that.

“Oh, dear!” mum says as she sits next to us on the edge of the bed, “I would have scolded you two for being so inappropriate but considering the circumstances…”

I follow her gaze and realize that I am wearing just a thin white nightgown with an embroidered front that’s almost see-through. And nothing else.

I urge myself to cover myself with some sheets but mother passes me the shawl she was wearing and Tristan wraps it around me carefully, leaving his hands on my shoulders and making me lean on him. Again, not what I want but I am too weak to make a scene right now. And somehow I want to spare mother from this. She looks… not her usual self. If anything, she looks older and… tired.

“I am so happy to see the two of you together again,” she smiles, “And you are home, Mira! This is the best part! After we found out what happened at the Selection…”

Her voice breaks and I want to give her a hug.

“It’s all right, Maxine”, Tristan says soothingly and I flinch at that. Just when did he start calling her by her name instead of the title? “She is here now and she is not going anywhere!” he continues and now I just replace strength and turn to look at him questioningly. Has he lost his mind?

“Thank Gods for you and for your friends, Mira!” mum says with teary eyes, “They really wanted to come and see you but we all decided that it would be best to give you some time to recuperate. What those gerdians did to you…”

She starts crying but then quickly regains herself. Gods, what does she think happened exactly?

“Mother, I am fine,” I say weakly, “Nothing bad happened to me there. Trust me!”

“Of course not!” she gives me the smile she usually gives to sellers who try to deceive her, the fakest one in her arsenal of smiles, “No one could do anything to a daughter from house Freyn!”

Oh, gods…

“And where is Father?” I ask, “I think I’ve seen Colton here, but I never saw Dad.”

Mum’s face is changing and I know that something is wrong. Tristan’s hands are suddenly squeezing me tighter.

“Maybe it’s enough for today?” he says, planting a k**s on the top of my head, “You need more rest…”

“What is going on?!” I roar. Funny, because seconds ago it felt hard to even lift a finger.

They are both silent. And now I know I am onto something here.

“Where is Dad? Did something happen?” I yell.

“Dear,” Mum says carefully, “He is sick. When he found out about what happened… he… his heart… he…”

“Oh, gods!” I try to stand up but that’s when strength leaves me and Tristan catches me on the way to the floor, “I need to see him! Take me to him! Where is he?”

“Mira!” Tristan sounds firm as he puts me back to the bed, “If he sees you like this, it would only make him feel worse! Besides, it’s too late and he is sleeping now. I’ll take you to him tomorrow when you will be stronger and healthier. And dressed.”

“He is right, dear,” mum chimes in, “I have told him that you have returned alive and well. I have told him everything and it made him so happy! It would be best if he sees you full of life and pretty! You can wait till tomorrow, right?”

“Right,” I agree quietly. Dad is sick. Because of me. Oh, Gods!

“We will leave you for now,” Tristan raises and so does my mum, “The maids will help you prepare tomorrow and the healer will have a look at you as well. If you are good to go, I’ll take you to him after lunch. Would that be fine with you?”

“Yes,” I mumble. He leans down to me and it looks like he is about to k**s me, but I give him a death glare and he nods in understanding, just brushing his palm over my cheek instead.

“Sleep well, my love,” he smiles and I hear mother gasp in delight.

They both leave and I look at the window again. The sun is going down…

Maids brought me dinner and afterward helped me to take a bath. Rubbing oils into my skin and hair and taking care of every part of my body. Unusual experience. After a few years at the Academy, I am not used to the help anymore. They are silent, not saying a word unless spoken to, and treat me as if I am made out of thinnest glass. Whatever they do, they avoid touching the mark on my chest. And when one of them looks at it, I notice that she holds back tears. Just why is that? What are they thinking? What is going on here?

Every minute that passes helps me to recover. The maids helped me to change into fresh underwear and a new nightgown, also white but with even more lace and embroidery work on it. Luxurious.

It makes me think again about why I am at the palace. Even if I am considered Tristan’s fiancée again, I should be in his castle or my family home. But instead, we are all here. At the palace.

I mean, Tristan is a son of a duke and the Sapphire Knight of the Empire, but it still doesn’t explain anything! He is of royal lineage but he rarely stays in the palace… And I am not even his wife yet! And, in all honesty, I will never be.

When the maids left, I feel too weak to do anything again.

I need to check on Dad and replace out what is going on here! And I need a way to speak to Derrien. The fastest that I could think of is our dreams. I lay on the bed and close my eyes. The darkness consumes me slowly but inevitably…

I open my eyes and realize that I am still in the palace and its morning. The maids return with the breakfast tray and help me up.

And that’s when I realize that it didn’t work! I couldn’t see Rien. I saw nothing during the night! I couldn’t connect with him.

“Is everything all right, my lady?” the maid asks, “We’ve brought you “The Eye of Akyria” as well in case you would like to catch up with the latest news.”

“yes, please,” I quickly nod to her and accept the newspaper.

My lips part in huge surprise when I see the cover. That – I did not expect!