Court of Valor and Synn

Part Seven: Draco & Kellan

"In the labyrinth of my heart, you have become my new addiction... both a blessing and a curse. I long to hold you, a possession I cannot release. Your every breath ignites a flame within me but also fills me with a need to own every inch of you. Yet, I fear the outcome with an overwhelming sense of unease. I fear the depths to which I would go to keep you with such intensity. For in loving you, I walk a treacherous path, teetering on the edge of ecstasy and duty as the need to protect you from any harm that may befall you fuels my fixation.
-YOUR SECRET ADMIRER
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Draco Synn
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The carriage sways about to and fro continuously as I make my way toward the grand, ethereal castle nestled atop the serene and aptly named, Swan Lake. My eyes grow wide and a sense of wonder engulfs me as I stare out the window at the mesmerizing beauty that unfolds before me; Swans gracefully glide across the shimmering clear water while cranes soar in the sky, creating a harmonious dance with nature. The air is filled with the symphony of chirping birds and the fragrance of countless flowers, their vibrant colors painting a vivid picture that leaves me utterly captivated.
Approaching the massive castle of white stone, I find myself standing before its imposing ivory doors, adorned with intricate carvings of the Goddess with her mates. The craftsmanship is remarkable, hinting at the beauty that awaits within its walls. As I prepare to step inside, a warm breeze whispers against my skin, carrying with it a delicate floral scent that reminds me of home and it immediately puts me at ease. The grand doors swing open and guards step aside as I walk into the impressive space and warmly greeted by Lady Sora who I grew up with alongside her twin, Sasha. Her husband, Rhys has visited my court many times over the years and I've heard countless stories about the captivating but tempestuous women who rule this palace. Beside her stands her daughter, Sybil, a young woman whose striking resemblance to my fated mate, Serena, momentarily takes my breath away. The soft contours of her face, the delicate arch of her brows, and the way her copper hair cascades around her shoulders evoke a haunting familiarity that leaves me momentarily disoriented. As I study her, I can't help but feel a bittersweet longing swell within me, a yearning that tugs at my heart and ignites a sense of impatience. Although I am surrounded by warmth and familiarity, the reminder of what could have been quickens my pulse and steals my focus, drawing me deeper into a bittersweet reverie. The castle's interior unfolds like a realm from a fairytale, with grandiose halls adorned with tapestries, intricate chandeliers casting a soft glow, and ornate furnishings that speak ofa decadent history. Sora and Sybil proceed to guide me through this enchanting abode, recounting stories of a bygone era and sharing tales of love, loss, and the enduring strength of family.
After what felt like hours we finally stepped into a glorious chamber, exquisitely decorated with ivory and marble, radiating an air of opulence.
"And through here, King Draco is the newly remodeled grand throne room." Sora opens her arms wide, gesturing towards the center of the room, where two colossal silver thrones are placed, one embellished with precious emeralds, and the other adorned with sparkling rubies, both gleaming with a regal aura. "The architecture used here is astounding and so close to how it looked before," I murmur as I wander around the room, taking in every intricate detail of the stunning design. "Indeed," Sora observes me with a hint of suspicion, her eyes following my every move. "And how have you been, Sora? It's been decades since I've last seen you." I ask casually, glancing around the room. Despite their guarded demeanors, I offer a smoldering smile to both of them, hoping that my dashing good looks are enough to get me an audience with my mate. Sybil's face turns red with a blush, giving a hint of warmth to the otherwise tense air around us. Sora rolls her eyes at her daughter's reaction and regards me with a quizzical expression, "I've been well, Your Highness." She says shortly, still staring at me with her eyes narrowed in suspicion, "Forgive my candor, King Draco but what is the purpose of your visit today?" Sora inquires, her voice tinged with impatience. I subtly tilt my head and direct my attention towards the auburn-haired lady standing before me. With a self-assured grin, I confidently profess my answer, "Of course, Lady Sybil. Forgive me for just showing up unannounced but I have come to escort your niece, Serena, who is my fated mate, back with me to Synnox." My tone is unwavering, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation, as I stand ready to take Serena back with me by any means necessary. As soon as I uttered those words, both women in front of me gasped in shock, their eyes widening. Sora leaned in closer to Sybil, their breaths mingling in the narrow space between them. She whispered something that seemed to ignite a spark of intrigue in Sybil's eyes. Intently, Sybil listened, her expression shifting from curiosity to rapt understanding as she absorbed Sora's words. After a moment's contemplation, she nodded in agreement, the faintest hint of a scowl playing at the corners of her lips. Suddenly, as if propelled by a surge of newfound energy, Sybil darted away, the door swinging shut behind her with a resounding thud that shattered the lingering quiet. The abruptness of it all left an eerie silence in its wake, wrapping around me like a thick fog. A slow, mischievous smile crept across my lips as I turned to glance at Sora. Her complexion drained of color, revealing a hint of concern in her wide eyes—an expression that only deepened my amusement at the unfolding drama.