Falling for my dragon tamer

Where is Ingrid?" My mama flinches hard,I have to grab her shoulders to steady her and she clutches my hands in hers very tight,digging her nails into my skin. She definitely does not realise she's doing it,because she smiles shakily at me,and opens her mouth to lie.

"In her room. She wanted to be alone for a while. I'm sure she'll come out to see you once she feels better."

I narrow my eyes and stare my mama down till she looks away.

"What's happening,mama?"

"Nothing unusual,my dear. You should eat. Come on,Anya, let me feed you."

She stands and holds her hand out for me to take. I ignore it and remain seated.

She huffs "Your papa-"

"Fine. I'll ask him myself."

I dash for my papa's office before my mama can stop me. As I burst into the office without knocking I realise too late that I've made a mistake.

"Why have you forbidden-" I pause and notice my sister's wide eyed panicked eyes on me,my papa's furious gaze on me,a man who I recognise as the head of the house of Arkael,sitting opposite my papa at his desk,looking at me curiously. Renvaren Arkael. And a younger man who looks to be my sister's age,sitting beside his father,looking at me with amusement. Marek Arkael. Then, another boy who is my age,leaning against the wall behind the door,a permanent scowl etched on his face. Corven Arkael.

Fuck.

Even though I'm absolutely shocked,I do not let it show. I only raise a single brow,when no one says anything, I nod slightly at Renvaren Arkael to which he nods back. Then I look at my dad,who is still fuming. I can literally see the smoke coming out his nose and ears,you'd think he had a dragon in him. The thought makes my lips quirk up in an amused smile.

"Anya. As you can see,I'm in the middle of a meeting. You can come after."

I ignore my papa and turn to my older sister. She notices the question in my eyes and shakes her head vigorously.

Well,that isn't assuring

I turn to my papa and narrow my eyes slightly,giving him a second to tell me what's happening. He doesn't,only glares at me with the promise of a punishment. But I don't give a fuck,not when I know that something dreadful is happening.

"What's going on,papa?"

"Nothing you should concern yourself with." He forces a smile,trying to hide his fury from his guests.

I smile right back,not moving an inch from the room

I look at lord Arkael to make sure he isn't pissed. He isn't,only mildly curious.

well then

My sister,the favored and perfect daughter,tries as usual to diffuse the situation.

"Anya,you should go be with mama. The meeting will be over soon and I'll tell you all about it."

I look at her,unimpressed. Seriously?

"I'm not a baby,Ingrid. I'm staying until this meeting is over. And if you really want me to leave,you can simply tell me what the meeting is about and why Ingrid is present at this meeting. No offence Ingrid,but a meeting among two houses is definitely not your scene."

I look at my dad again,expecting answers. He only glares.

I decide to join my sister on the couch and stay until someone in the room tells me what the hell is going on.

I don't make it ,because lord Arkael speaks.

"You said she was ill,caelyn. She looks well and full of energy to me." He looks at my dad,unhappy.

Sick? Me?

And also,Caelyn? Since when are these two on first name bases?

I look at my dad wondering why the hell he would tell such a lie. If he didn't want them to see me today and told that lie,that would definitely be sensible. But it doesn't explain why my sister is here in this meeting and he would lie to keep me out of it. Unless

I look at Marek and then at Corven and at their father and I realise...

"It's a marriage contract isn't it? That's the reason you're all sitting here acting civilised."

Everyone looks surprised except Corven,and I know. I know my dad was about to sign my sister off to the Arkael's as a bride to one of their sons.

I grab my leather wrist band and flick it,to unfurl from around my wrist. I flick my right wrist and it snaps in the air,matching the anger I feel boiling beneath the surface of my skin.

"Someone speak,dammit."

My papa slams his fist on his desk.

"Watch your tone young lady."

I laugh and take a step towards my dad,then I pause,restraining myself because of our guests.

"This will not happen." I say instead of spewing all the thoughts going through my mind.

"Papa- I make sure he's looking right at me- this will not happen. Not today."

I walk out of there before I explode. The wrym is prowling restless within me and so when I pass the living room and my mama calls for me,I don't stop. I just get the fuck out and run into the forest,barely holding on.

By the time I reach the spot I was earlier in the morning,I'm shaking and sweating. I tie the wrist band around my wrist carefully,take a breath,and I let go.

I soar a little above the ground and feel the flames and heat licking at my skin. It doesn't burn,it caresses me like a friend. I close my eyes and vanish.

-------------

It's been an hour since I left the office and I do not want to return. Not yet.

I know my papa will not proceed with any life altering decisions just yet. I know.

I sit on a stone at the edge of one of the few Normal rivers we have in the house. Most of the rivers are molten lava here,except this one and a few others. The water is rarely cold,and today,it is warm and sparkling under the sun. I stare into it and watch my reflection morph into him.

I hear a twig crunch and I stiffen,reeling the dragon back in. He coils with a purr and shields himself,going to sleep.

We're both exhausted.

And that is why when I see Corven Arkael approaching me,I do not stand or make any snarky remarks. I just stay still and quiet .

"Had enough socialising today? But then again,you didn't socialise,you just made demands and walked out. Classic spoiled brat move."

I roll my eyes and stand anyway. The asshole doesn't take a hint.

Corven Arkael and I have been enemies since the first day we laid eyes on each other. And that was when I was 7 years old.

"At least I spoke. You were standing in the corner sulking like a baby whose lollipop was snatched."

I turn to look at him and I narrow my eyes at the amused look on his face.

"Something funny?"

"You know,the fact that fire is everywhere here does not mean you should go around bathing in it." He says with a chuckle.

I look down and huff at what remains of my gown. The skirt part is half gone because the other part has been eaten by what is obviously fire. I wiggle my bare toes in the sand and sigh,annoyed that he's seeing me like this.

"At least I'm not wearing a suit that I obviously don't want to be wearing."

"I wouldn't be here in this suit if it wasn't for you."

I scoff

"So the existence of my house is a problem now?"

"It has always been a problem" he hisses, stepping in my face.

I'm so tired. So I turn and sit again,ignoring him. Hopefully he'll leave. Hard pass

I hate the asshole but I'm too tired right now. When I don't hear him leave,I look over my shoulder at him and I notice that he's not looking at me. Just staring at his shoes with a frown. It makes his inky black hair fall over his face. His hair is longer on the top and shorter on the sides,always looking like he just got out of bed. I've only seen him with neatly brushed hair once,but the messy look works for him. Another reason I hate the asshole. He's unreasonably handsome. With the darkest green eyes I've ever seen and long lashes to frame them,his eyes are mostly intense whenever I lock eyes with him. His strong jawline and pink supple lips that I've heard girls whispering about. Bastard

When a servant comes to tell him that his brother and father are waiting to leave,I don't look to bid him farewell and he doesn't say anything either.

I get out of my dress and dive into the water,hoping that whatever is waiting to happen when I get back is not as bad as I know it will be.

"Lord Drevik wants you to see him in his office."

Of course

I take my sweet time to eat my cold breakfast and change my clothes before I finally go to my papa's office. Where my mama and Ingrid are already seated with my furious papa.

"Where have you been?"

"In the forest." I pick up an apple from his table,take a bite and plop down into the couch at the furthest side of his office. My papa's eyes follow my movements with his left eye twitching like the way I do every time he wants to break something. But of course,he holds back.

"You came here earlier today when I did not call you here and you were absolutely disrespectful to me. That behaviour that you displayed was an insult to me and the house of Drevik."

I raise a single brow,regarding my papa coolly.

"We all know it's not my behaviour that has you worked up,papa. And also,the house of Drevik,really? That's just too far."

"Be quiet! You will not speak until I am done. You have only caused problems since you were born. I was doing what was right for this family and this house,but you came in here and blew it up. You will comply! You will obey me as your father and as the lord of this house. I will not have any more of your stupid tantrums."

His face is red now,a vein threatening to pop in his forehead and his fist clenched in tight fists.

I stand and swallow the rest of the apple down my throat.

"First of all,ouch. I have always known I am the problem child,but it stings a little when you remind me every day or two."

I pretend to look wounded and rub my chest as if it hurts.

Even though I make it look like I am only being playful,it always stings when I'm reminded that I'm a problem.

"Second of all,whatever you're doing is for your benefit,not the house. This house is fine. We don't need an alliance for anything. Thirdly,I don't see the need to obey you as my father when you haven't been a considerate father to your daughter. And as a lord,well you're old,maybe you should rest and allow someone younger to take your place and make a better decision."

I toss what's left of my eaten apple on his desk.

"You will call off whatever arrangement you have with the Arkael's. My sister will not be pushed into an arranged marriage. You have taken enough from her. It is enough."

My papa stand up abruptly and points at me in anger

"It is her duty to this house and it is your duty to comply. What has gotten into you?"

"What has gotten into me? You didn't expect me to sit and watch you marry my sister off to people she barely knows, did you?"

I unfurl my wrist band and snap it,making my dad flinch.

"Anya,I'm fine,really. I will marry him,he's nice."

My sister says,looking wary.

"Nice? Nice? You don't want Nice Ingrid. This will not happen. You and mama should step out. I need to talk to papa alone."

"But-"

I glare at my mama before she completes her sentence.

She grabs Ingrid and they both leave,shutting the door behind them.

"You would think you're my eldest daughter with the way you're acting." My papa muses,despite himself.

I scoff and take a seat opposite him.

"Sit down papa. We have to talk.

He huffs and sits down.

"Why are you doing this papa? Why are you throwing your daughter to the wolf?"

His flinches and shifts uncomfortably in his seat.

"I can't tell you why,Anya. But I have no choice. It has to happen. Trust me,I don't want this to happen"

Even though I wish it was a lie,I know my papa,and the truth I see in his eyes is all I need to know that we're fucked royally.

"Damnit papa,I can't watch her do this. I will marry Marek."

His gaze sharpens and he sits up.

"It will not happen Anya. It's too risky for you and this house."

His voice reduces to a whisper as if the books are listening.

"You have a wyrm within you. You have magic. You need to stay in this house or else your sister will face a fate far worse than marrying Marek Arkael. This whole house and all within it will burn. Do not even think about it."

I slump into my seat and moan mournfully.

I know he's right. No matter how much I want to protect my sister,taking her place will be worse than marriage. That Arkael's are not terrible. There are far worse options.

Fuck my life.

"Papa, just tell me why you have to do this. It can't be that bad."

He tightens his lips, and I know he will not say a word.

I sigh

"Ingrid does not deserve this,papa. Her wings have been clipped enough."

"I know Anya. But it was to protect you both."

"Protect? Only to be carted into an arranged marriage to people she barely knows? Papa,that's worse than all the wrong things you've done."

"She's the oldest,she understands her duty."

I scoff and stand

"Well thank you for giving birth to me second and thank you for making have a whole ass dragon in me. Thank you for making me a liability to my family and this house. Thank you for making me helpless when all I want to do is save my sister. I don't care who I marry Papa. I don't. But she does. Ots the one thing that could erase all that you've taken away from her."

I walk out of the office and go to my room,defeated

I have avoided my sister since I realised that there was nothing I could do to help her.

And that is why I freeze like a deer caught in headlights when I bump into her as I make my way back into the house after my 'business' in the forest.

"Ingrid!"

My sister raises a brow,looking at me like she knows exactly what I've been doing.

It's been two days since the Arkael's came here,I'm not looking forward to their return.

"Don't Ingrid me. You've been ignoring me."

I make an innocent face

"I have? Why would I? I've just been busy."

She scoffs like she knows I'm lying. But the look in her eyes makes me frown.

"What's wrong Ingrid?"

She bites her lips,looking nervous.

""The Arkael's are here. An- and they're not asking for me,Anya."

I start to smile,but I pause when I see the tears in Ingrid's eyes.

"That's good news,Ingrid. You don't have to marry Marek. Unless...you love him?"

She snorts an abrupt laugh,a tear falling from her eyes.

"I don't love him. They- they want you. They want you to come to the office, Anya. Papa asked me to call you when you return."

"Me?"

She nods,more tears falling from her eyes.

"I'm sorry Anya."

I grab her shoulders,dropping my bag in the process

"Hey,it's not your fault. We don't even know why they want me there yet."

But from the look in her eyes,I'm not fooling her. We both know why they want me there. And even though I'm relieved my sister doesn't have to do this anymore,I'm dreading my fate.

"I'll be fine."

I hug her shortly and hurry to look presentable,getting rid of my leather pants and top and replacing them with a gown.

I hurry to the office and knock,then I step in when I hear "come in".

My papa flashes me a wobbly smile when I enter and I nod. The lord of Arkael house is sitting opposite papa and Corven Arkael is on the couch, scowl in place on his face. There's no Marek Arkael today.

"Lord Arkael, Corven." I address them

Renvaren looks amused,probably because of the change of my tone compared to the last time we met. But he nods in acknowledgement. Corven's scowl deepens when I look at him. I roll my eyes and take a seat next to him on the couch.

There's a heavy silence for a few seconds before my dad finally sighs deeply and tells me why I was called into the office.

"The Arkael's have decided that the marriage between Ingrid and Marek will not happen since Ingrid is obviously unhappy about the match and you were enraged about it."

I raise a brow,wanting him to continue,because the Arkael's definitely didn't change their minds because of our feelings. There's more

"They have decided that the marriage will happen but with you,Anya and Corven Arkael. "

My eyes widen comically,forgetting to school my features. When I walked in here,I knew that I was going to sign a marriage contract. Between me and Marek. Marek not Corven fucking Arkael. My number one hater. Who's idea was this? I voice my thoughts

"Who's idea was this?"

"Mine. Why do you ask?" Renvaren asks.

I twist my lips.

"Have you seen your son and I in a room together? We could kill each other if we are left alone,and you expect us to get married? You definitely didn't think this through."

"Anya." My dad reprimands,but lord Arkael only laughs.

"I like you. And even though you and my son act like enemies, I think you're perfect for each other."

I huff and now,Corven and i have matching scowls.

"You both have to sign to seal the contract."

My papa says,gesturing for us to come over to the table and sign.

I walk over to my papa's desk with Corven in tow,ready to sign the contract,but I pause when I see the vowshroud parchment. The Vowshroud is not ordinary parchment. It is made of the withered and sanctified flesh of celestial monsters-silk thin but not tearable, and never rotting. The parchment is pale ivory in hue, with faint silver veins that shine only under the divine truth or mortal lie.

The boundaries are inscribed in the script of runic oldspeech, a message interpretable by great scribes and scourgeborn enforcers only. The message itself is penned in the ink of blood taken from signers' bodies, and from a pen that is forged of the wing feather of a deposed god.Once signed, the agreement cannot be broken by magic, mortal agency, or divine intervention. Only death-inescapable and true-will render the agreement null.Some claim there is a "False Vowshroud", a duplicate that not only binds your life-it binds your bloodline, cursing descendants to the agreement.

I swallow and look at Corven who also looks slightly uncomfortable.

A small blue fire appears and hovers over the parchment,waiting.

My papa passes me a knife

"You have to let your blood pour on the vowshroud to sign."

I slice my palm and watch my blood drip onto the parchment. The blood swirls and writes my name in cursive by unseen force. Corven does the same.

The vowshroud glows for a few seconds and the blood dries to a red-black colour.

I feel and see a silver of my soul's essence and Corven's represented by a white smoke drift into the parchment,tying our life force directly to the pact. As the blue flame goes out,I feel some part of me dim with it.

I feel lightheaded and sway a little. Corven grabs my upper shoulder and looks at my dad.

"Is that all? She should rest."

Signing that thing definitely took out my energy. Especially since my dragon wore me out completely today.

He purrs within me,hearing my thoughts