Chapter 37

VALKYRIE

“Eat,” Dimitri insists for the fourth time.

“And I’ve told you, I’m full,” I retort, my patience wearing thin.

“Valkyrie?” Dimitri’s voice is a hiss as he brandishes the spoon.

“Dimitri!” I snap back, my temper flaring. “I can’t eat anymore.”

We’ve been at this for the past hour. Dimitri’s been hounding me to eat, but I’ve had my fill. I’m stuffed. Why can’t he get that?

“Valkyrie, it’s for your own good,” Dimitri repeats, like a broken record.

“And I’ve told you, I can’t. I’ll throw up!” I say, my annoyance with his persistence growing.

“Leave her be, Brother,” Damian interjects, sipping his wine. “You’re going to make her sick.”

“He’s right,” Mia chimes in, a giggle in her voice. “The queen will get sick, Your Majesty.”

Rolling his eyes, Dimitri finally gives in, shoving the spoonful of food into his own mouth. Feeling uncomfortably full, I push back from the table and stand.

“Where are you going?” Dimitri asks, his eyes following me.

“For a walk,” I reply, avoiding his gaze. “I feel too stuffed.”

“I’ll come with you,” Dimitri offers, standing and taking a swig of his wine.

I shake my head and head for the garden, quickening my pace when I hear Dimitri’s footsteps behind me.

“Why the rush?” Dimitri asks, catching my hand.

“Because you’re too persistent, and it’s getting on my nerves,” I snap, trying to pull my hand free.

“I’m just worried about you,” Dimitri says, pulling me back. I let out a sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose.

“Enough, Dimitri. Let’s just go,” I concede, giving in.

I’ve been feeling pretty good all day. Sure, there’s the occasional cramp that hits me out of nowhere, but other than that, I’ve been fine.

Dimitri, on the other hand, has been like a dog with a bone, following me around all day. Doesn’t he have anything better to do?

“I just remembered something,” Dimitri says as we walk side by side. “Irene and her people are ready for you. If you want to meet them.”

He glances at me, knowing full well I’d rather put it off. But would it help me in some way if I did meet them?

“I know, I just…,” I trail off, stopping in my tracks.

“If you don’t want to meet them, that’s fine, Valkyrie. I’ll respect your decision,” Dimitri says, pulling me into a hug. I return the embrace, resting my head on his chest.

“There’s something I wanted to talk to you about,” I say, lifting my head to look at him.

Dimitri looks down at me, then kisses my temple and smiles. “Tell me. What is it?” he asks.

“I… Dimitri, I want Prince Cian to look into my mind,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Dimitri’s frown is immediate. He pulls back, looking at me with confusion.

“You want what?” he asks, his voice a hiss.

“I want Prince Cian to check my mind. I…I’ve been having these strange dreams. It’s like a voice,” I explain, fidgeting with my hands. “I told Michael about it.”

“And you didn’t think to tell me until now?” Dimitri asks, his teeth clenched.

“I didn’t know how to bring it up. And I know you don’t want Prince Cian anywhere near me, but I need to find some answers about myself,” I insist.

“You can’t be serious, Valkyrie,” Dimitri says, pinching the bridge of his nose. He shakes his head, then grabs my hand and pulls me further away from the palace.

“Cian isn’t a good man. He wants something from you.”

“Like what?” I ask, confused. “All Prince Cian has done is help me, Dimitri.”

“NO!” Dimitri shouts, his anger flaring. “Can’t you see? He wants you! That man is obsessed with you, Valkyrie,” Dimitri says, gripping my arm tightly.

“We don’t know what he might do to you.”

I grab Dimitri’s hand, squeezing it tightly. “Can’t you trust me?” I ask, my voice small.

“NO,” Dimitri spits out. Then, as if shocked by his own words, he releases my hand and looks away. A pang of hurt shoots through my chest. So Dimitri doesn’t trust me?

“I see…,” I say, turning to walk away. “That’s a shame, because I trusted you…”

***

Angry and hurt, I decide I need some time alone. I’m on my way to the library when I collide with someone. Why am I always bumping into people?

“You okay?” the man asks. I look up and freeze. Who is this?

His hair is as black as Dimitri’s, his eyes as red as blood. He towers over me, easily six foot nine. His muscular, toned body is hard to ignore.

Who is this guy?

His eyes widen as he looks at me. He reaches out, helping me to my feet. I feel tiny standing next to him.

“Uh, could you let go, please?” I mumble, staring at his rough hands on my arms.

Snapping out of his daze, the man releases me and bows.

“My apologies, Queen Valkyrie,” he says.

“Please don’t call me that!” I blurt out, panic rising.

He lifts his head and frowns, a small crease forming on his forehead.

“You’re the queen, aren’t you?” he asks as he straightens up. His gaze roams over me, taking me in from head to toe.

“Uh, yes?” I reply, feeling awkward.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Casen,” the man—Casen—says, bowing again.

“Pleased to meet you. Valkyrie’s the name,” I say, a bit timid. There’s something about this man that’s intimidating, yet oddly familiar. “Sorry about earlier.”

“No need for apologies,” Casen replies, his smile warm and inviting. “Where are you off to? Mind if I tag along?”

“Uh, no, that’s okay, thanks,” I respond, ready to make a quick exit. Why would he want to accompany me? I give him an awkward smile and make my escape.

As I push open the library doors, I spot Michael. He’s sitting in my usual spot. I halt in my tracks and duck behind a bookshelf, observing him. He seems oblivious to my presence, his brow furrowed in concentration.

He’s engrossed in a massive book, similar to the one Prince Cian used to show us the totem. He’s so absorbed in it, he’s completely unaware of his surroundings.

I can’t help but smile as I lean against the bookshelf, watching him. Michael is such an enigma.

“Could you quit being a creep and stop staring at me like that?” Michael suddenly snaps, startling me.

“Um,” I stammer, scratching my head and laughing nervously. “Sorry, didn’t mean to disturb you.”

“No, it’s fine,” Michael replies, standing up. “Want to join me?”

“I’m good. I’ve got something else to do,” I say, shaking my head and heading towards a bookshelf.

“You sure?” Michael asks again. “I wouldn’t mind the company.”

With a sigh, I grab a book and settle down on the cushions. Michael just watches me, a smile playing on his lips. He takes a seat next to me, his gaze never leaving me.

“So, are you finally ready to step into the role of queen?” Michael asks, curiosity evident in his voice.

“Queen?” I echo, looking up at him. “That’s what I’m supposed to do, right?”

“Yes, but if you do, it means you accept Dimitri,” Michael smirks. I respond with a nervous smile.

“Not just that, you’ll also need to be accepted by the council. And those old dragons aren’t exactly your biggest fans.

“Especially Damian and Dimitri’s grandfather,” Michael continues. “They’re not too fond of humans.”

“But I’m not human, am I?” I’m confused. Didn’t they say I wasn’t?

“Yes... But they don’t know that,” Michael says, closing his book. “What you need to understand is that the elders want a pure dragon for Dimitri, not someone they perceive as human.

“But you’re not. All you need to do now is prove it to them.”

“And how am I supposed to do that?” I ask, tilting my head.

“That’s something Dimitri will tell you. I’m sure he’ll introduce you to everyone soon,” Michael murmurs.

“And for that, I suggest you sort out your issues with him and anything else that’s bothering you. And if you can… let Cian help you.”

With a sigh, I lie back and groan, covering my face with the book. I rack my brain for a solution. How did I end up in such a mess?