Treasure Of Dragons, Royal Dragons Book 1 Chapter 87

Drago

Today we found out we are expecting another girl, which is fantastic, but again, I wish that Ria could be more excited about it. Right now there is so much pain, that even a small amount of joy feels like taking a deep breath after suffocating. 

The feeling in the cafe today was far more subdued than usual. First, the people are genuinely grieving for Desi, she grew up here, she had friends here, she went to school with people here. So, they are grieving her loss as well, and I think perhaps seeing her death made them realize, perhaps there are aspects of all of this they have truly missed. I pray that something good will come out of all of this.

This afternoon I went seeking my mate. I have been doing that a lot lately, taking a break from whatever work I am doing and going to find her. Perhaps, it is because she actually helps my dragon and me with our grief. Just being in her presence is a soothing balm to us. I wish I could give that back to her as well. 

When we spoke the other day, and I knew she was thinking of a way to end our mate bond, the idea was like a death sentence to me. I love this woman more than I could have imagined I could love someone. I know that her feelings are different. I know her dragon has great affection for all of us, and perhaps their severe separation has caused the distance in their feelings regarding us. Who really knows at this point?

So, we have been tasked with showing her and proving to her our love, and that is what we feel is true. I actually look forward to the task. I enjoy doing things with and for my mate, not just making love to her beautiful body, but just being with her, Ria, just her is wonderful. My mate is an amazing woman, and through all of the years, she has become even more so. Seeing her as a mother, that has been one of the highlights of my whole life. 

When I hear crying coming from Desi’s room I know it’s her. I quietly open the door. I don’t say anything to her, I simply go and sit with her. I am there for her to cling to. She grabs me and screams into my chest as I hold onto her, she rails against me and everything else, beating her fists against my chest, and I just hold her through all of it. Eventually, she cries herself to sleep, so I carry her up to our room and place her in the bed. I cover her with a throw and leave her to sleep. I’m glad I was able to be there with her, and just hold her through the storm. Maybe that is where I can at last be useful, just supporting her. I have felt so very inadequate throughout all of this, but perhaps this is where I may be of use. 

I return to work feeling emotionally drained, but in a better headspace for finding a purpose in all of this. 

Ria

The Diamanis have brought Mari to me. The plane landed just a few minutes ago according to Drago. I am out in the garden, and have asked that they bring her directly here to me as soon as they get here. Drago has assured me they would have that done, and bring my daughter to me. 

Nicholas is carrying her limp body out to me, she has her eyes open, but she is seeing something very different than what is in front of her face. Her mind has gone somewhere else, and it is refusing to return to a place where there is such pain. 

I hope by bringing her to a place where that pain doesn’t exist, we will be able to pull her back to us, at least in some sense. I’m not sure how I feel about the whole still-mated thing for her, but I’m also honestly not sure what I could possibly do about it. Right now, I have to just concentrate on helping her.

I am sitting on a very large blanket, and Nicholas places her on the blanket, lying on her side, with her head in my lap, as I asked him to. Then I just watch my daughter's face as I talk to her about everything and nothing, while combing my fingers through her hair. I am not sure how long we have been sitting here, but it must be afternoon now. My mates have brought drinks and snacks out from time to time, but they have left us alone mostly. I know they are watching but they are out of sight.

It must be afternoon, because Brand comes and sits with us, so that means school has let out. My other school kids will be coming out here to play momentarily as well. That will be good. Mari loved to spend time with her brothers and sisters, so hearing them running around and playing, hearing their laughter, could be very therapeutic. 

The kids are all ecstatic to see Mari and talk to her, and I explain that she’s not feeling so well right now, but I’m trying to help her get better, and that is why she doesn’t respond to them as usual. Some give me knowing looks, but none of them says anything. Brand stays next to me and holds her hand. He has always been so very close to the girls.

“Hey Mari, remember, I’m your Dartanian, so you know I’m here, and a musketeer, so you are safe now.” I hear him whisper to her as he leans close to her ear. I smile at that. 

They were always the 3 musketeers and he was the 4th, or they called him Dartanian, who was the 4th wanting to join the musketeers, in the movies. When he says that, for the first time, her hand squeezes just a bit against his. We both look up and smile at each other. Maybe this will work, and she’ll come back. We just have to be persistent and hopeful.