Dragonbound: Birthrights (Book 2)

The city was busy, filled, flooded with people as they tried to sell items and grasp the attention of the travelers. They had been in Yuik for two nights and found nothing if interest. If nothing by the next morning, they were heading to Urlanai.

Brick haggled with a shop owner, trying to buy a few extra waterskins. Torin was looking at the arrows beside them and Kiaran simply waited. Her eyes drifted over the sea of people, her patience weighing thin.

Her gaze glided over someone who seemed all too familiar. Looking back, her heart completely stopped. Perhaps it was a trick of the eye...She stepped after the man. He wore simple clothes and a cloak to hide him away.

He tried to walk down the road, the people proving to be too much of an obstacle. Finally, he looked aside and she could see his face.

“Davin,” she breathed in disbelief. Glancing back, she saw the others hadn’t noticed, but she had to chase him down before he disappeared.

Darting through the people, she reached him. She yanked him aside and shoved him around the corner of a building with great force. His back slammed into the wall, his eyes wide as they landed on her.

“What are you doing here?” she hissed, her hands planted firm on his chest, keeping him pinned in place. Her heart fluttered in complete shock--What happened? Why was he walking the streets of Trindal? She thought he was imprisoned!

He continued to stare at her in shock, his heart bursting. “Kiaran...?” he breathed, as if to be sure it was true. Her brows arched and he shook his head. “Of all the people to find me...it was you,” he finally forced the words out.

“...I am trying very hard to not take that as an insult,” she replied.

He smiled--that smile that made her so weak. A look of relief washed over her face. They said nothing for a moment, but he held that smile, showing complete joy by her presence. Deep in his eyes, she could see nothing but loneliness and fear, temporarily hidden by his joy.

Hesitantly, she lowered her hands to her sides. “Davin, what happened...?” she breathed, her brows sinking. “Weren't you abducted? I was...They were--we were all worried,” she pointed toward the street where the other two were.

“I am here to find some answers,” he replied, his smile fading away.

“What?” she continued to press him for answers. "You were taken!" she hissed under her breath.

A cart moved through the alleyway, so she stepped closer to him. He tensed slightly and she said, “Davin...tell me what happened.”

“No one would believe me,” he shook his head and he looked aside. His hair was unkempt, falling partly down the sides of his face. “I had to do this on my own.”

He appeared more broken than she had ever seen him. She sidestepped to see his face. “Your brother...and Brick are with me,” she finally said, her voice soft.

He nodded, saying, “That is good...Torin is loyal.”

“As is Brick,” she said. He looked back to Kiaran and she asked, “Are you hiding, Davin?” His dark brown eyes locked with hers, his face hard as stone. Yes. He was. “From Walter...?” she breathed.

“I can’t explain,” he finally answered.

“You are afraid Brick will tell Walter, aren’t you?”

“You can’t tell them that I am here,” he said. He tore his eyes from her, no matter how badly it hurt to look away. He had to see her, but it was killing him. Keeping his eyes on the ground, he said, “If you come with me...I have something I can give you. It’ll...help explain everything.”

She hesitated, but nodded her head. “Alright,” she breathed.

He took her hand and led her back into the crowd and weaved through the streets to an inn. Once inside, they went up the stairs. It was quiet inside, everyone busy out in the markets.

“Once I took the throne, I kept a journal so I would always remember what my priorities are. I didn’t want to make the mistakes that past leaders had. They always left behind their intent and went with whatever gave them the most glory or power or money. I wanted to better Rishana. That was my goal, so I wrote each day what I had done. I needed assurance that I was keeping on the right track.”

She nodded, finding it somewhat inspiring. He still had her hand as they reached the second floor, but she didn’t mind. She actually dreaded the thought that he was about to release it.

“Did you stay on track?” she finally asked.

His fingers flexed on her hand then he let her go. Reaching his door, he said, “You’ll have to read it yourself. Half of it makes no sense.”

They entered the room and she closed the door behind herself. It was a small, square room with only one, small window. He moved his bag from the floor to the bed and began rummaging through it.

“I am trusting you with this, Kiaran,” he said lowly. “It is personal...and I don’t want just anyone reading my thoughts.”

She nodded, her eyes locking onto him as he hesitantly walked toward her. He gripped a thick book of papers and handed it to her. She took the battered journal, staring at the dark blue cover. Her eyes slowly shifted back up to Davin. He watched her with the deepest, unreadable expression, breaking her heart just a little.

“I’ll keep this to myself,” she promised.

“Thank you,” he nodded. He hesitated and said, “A war is starting, Kiaran. It concerns all of us.”

“You can’t stay here,” she finally said with an exasperated voice. “Davin, you need to come back with me, see your brother. He’s worried--”

“You don’t know what this is...” he hissed lowly. She glowered at him and he said, “Kiaran, this is a lot more than just a little corruption, alright?”

“What do you mean?”

He ran a hand over his face and he sighed heavily. For a moment, it seemed like he wouldn't answer. "I wasn't taken from my room that night," he finally said.

"Well, what happened?"

“I haven’t figured it all out, it still doesn’t make any sense,” he admitted as he plopped onto the edge of the bed, his hands sitting limply in his lap. "Men came to take me away," he explained. "I stopped them. But I wanted to see how Walter would react. I wanted proof that he was behind it. So I left under the ruse that I had been successfully whisked away in the night."

"What was Walter's plan, then? Why did he have you attacked?" she asked.

He let out a sharp, huffy laugh while shaking his head. Even Kiaran had doubts. "Kiaran, I think he is working with the queen of Trindal-VinCar."

"So...what are you doing in Trindal?" she asked slowly.

He shrugged a shoulder. "I thought it safest to start here," he said. He pulled his hood down and she was finally able to see his face. She hadn't seen him in so long. Remembering their time together, how close they had gotten...It made her blood run hot.

Her fingertips ran over the spine of the journal, her heart thudding. She took a step toward him, but said nothing. She didn’t want him to continue on his own. She wanted him to trust her and to trust his brother. Finally, she forced herself to his side and sat down.

“You don’t need to alienate yourself,” she whispered, leaning into his view. He tried to look away, but his gaze was stuck. “I am here for you...Your brother is as well. We came all this way to find who took you. Davin, we thought you were stolen away in the night--we were afraid...”

“You do not want to make the decision to have me around before you read that,” he replied, his voice soft and deep. It chilled her and he added, “Something was wrong with my mind, and I aim to fix it.”

“Sometimes--”

“Read. It,” he finally demanded. She glared at him and he sighed with a gentler tone, “God, Kiaran...” His hand twitched, but he stopped himself. He wanted to touch her face, her hair--but he forced himself to refrain. “I’ve missed you,” he breathed, lowering his eyes once more.

“I was afraid we might not find you,” she replied with about the softest tone he had ever heard from her. “Why did you not tell anyone?”

“I couldn't," he admitted quietly. "Before that night, I told Torin all that I could. Everything that I understood I told him. I nearly was kidnapped, and it was because of Walter.”

“Did you tell anyone else?” He shook his head and she felt a little foolish for thinking he should have told her.

“I would have sent you word,” he said, as if he knew what she was thinking, “but you were busy with your own problems.”

“Your problems are my problems,” she replied instantly without thinking about it. A weak smile broke across his face and she said, “Whatever is bothering you, I want to help...Don’t cast me out like we’re only acquaintances.”

“I’d never,” he said sternly, facing her once more. “I’d never cast you aside, Kiaran. You were the one I’ve trusted with my head,” he pressed his finger on the book in her hands, shoving it a little toward her.

“Yet you didn’t come to me,” she retorted. “I happened to find you by chance in a random country that neither of us belong in.” They glared at one another for a moment. Finally, she lowered her gaze and said, “I’m sorry.” Sighing, she added, “I simply wanted to help, but I was left in the dark. I felt...”

“...Worthless...?”

She nodded. His hand moved to the back of her head, pulling her forward an inch or so. Planting a kiss on the top of her head, he said, “You will never be worthless, Kiaran Krutia. You are so far from worthless.” With that, he stood and said, “I’ll still be in this room for the next few days. If you need me, I will be here.”

“You really...I can’t just leave you here,” she argued, standing with him.

He smiled, as if to say everything was going to be fine. His fingers touched her shoulder gently, then gripped it. Please...he wanted to ask her...He wanted to request her return. He wanted nothing more than to keep her, but it wasn’t right. Not yet. Her brows lowered a bit, irritated with his lack of explanation.

“I will be back,” she finally said. “I expect you to tell me everything after I read this.”

“I swear it,” he nodded.

Her blood burned, and ignoring everything she was feeling, she nodded, wearing a slight glare. Stepping backward, she said, “Do not leave me in the dark again.” She said each word sternly and jabbed a finger toward him.

“You might regret asking that of me,” he grinned.

“I don’t care,” she retorted. “I don’t like not knowing what is going on. I seem a fool when I am the last to know.” She moved to the door, her hand on the knob. Looking over her shoulder, she watched him for a moment. She missed him as well, though she couldn’t admit it to him--or to anyone. Breathing in deeply, she said, “Until next time.”

“Until next time,” he replied with a soft smile, bowing shortly to her. “Keep safe,” he added lowly. Even as he said it, he knew it couldn’t express the desperation he had for her safety. His deep eyes were taking in everything about her, as if he might forget who she was the moment she left.

“You as well,” she replied. It took everything she had to walk out of the room. Once the door closed behind her, she felt broken. She faced the door, hesitant. She wanted to go back in there, but couldn’t bring herself to do it. Lowering her gaze to the journal, she breathed heavily and left.

She joined Brick and Torin at their own inn, sitting at the table. A barmaid left them three full mugs of ale. Kiaran had tucked Davin’s journal in the bag in her room. Though they had noticed it, neither of them questioned her.

The two men talked about what they had bought that day while Kiaran remained quiet. Her silence was not uncharacteristic, so neither of them noticed. However, Torin could see a small hint of discomfort in her eyes.

She wanted to tell them she had found him, but thought it best to read his journal first. Maybe decide for herself what was going on. Each time she looked to Torin, she felt herself breaking a little further.

As it grew late, Brick stood, stretching his colossal body. “I aught to get some sleep. Hopefully we can head to the city tomorrow,” he said.

“Yeah,” Kiaran nodded. They stood with him as he walked away.

Kiaran turned to head upstairs, but Torin tapped her shoulder. Looking back at him, she paused. “Are you alright?” he asked. “You seem troubled.”

Her jaws clenched slightly and she said, “Your brother worries me, is all.”

He slowly nodded and answered, “He worries me as well.”

She opened her mouth, but paused. Lowering her eyes, she sat back down, Torin with her. “Torin, do not be angry with me...” she began cautiously.

“I will not,” he replied lowly, his brows creasing slightly. His vibrant, green eyes were almost nonhuman, looking straight into her.

“I...I trust you more than anyone,” she was hesitant to continue. “So when I tell you this, I expect you to trust me as well.”

“I do trust you,” he answered.

“Good...Because I cannot bring myself to continue lying to you," she breathed in slight relief. Bracing herself, she finally said, "I found your brother."

“What?” he hissed.

“He is safe—he is alone,” she said. She leaned in so they could speak quietly and be heard over the clatter of the tavern. “We spoke as well...He is afraid, Torin. But I will talk to him tomorrow and try to get him to come with us.”

“What is he doing?”

She smiled a little, though it was more out of sympathy than anything. Whatever reason for the smile, it was still something he loved to see. “Ask him yourself, yeah?”

“Alright,” he breathed uneasily. “...Was he alright?”

She shrugged a shoulder. “Worried. A little broken. Apparently he was never taken. But nearly was.”

“I wonder what happened...”

“He will tell us,” she said. She tugged on his sleeve as she stood. “We should get some sleep, Torin.”

Reaching her room, she locked the door and sat on the bed, leaning against the wall. Lifting the book, she was reluctant to open it. It was incredibly private--Davin’s personal thoughts. It was difficult to bring herself to read his mind.

With itching fingers, she pulled it open. The first several pages explained his care for the people of Rishana--and even those outside of his own country. He wanted to keep people more important than his glory.

Further in, the words were only stronger, almost as if he craved to better his people, slowly killing his own personality off. Then, the dates skipped forward by a few weeks.

She sat quietly, looking at the page that was dated after her coronation. He seemed confused, troubled, and wrote about a woman. He wrote about his reluctance to marry, and how he knew it was because of his attachment to this particular lady whom was just out of his reach. However, most of what he wrote were scribbles with sketches and blacked out words. The pages made no sense, the words difficult to follow.

The thoughts that swarm me...I believe I’ve lost all connection to who I once was. I only care about work. And if it isn't work, it is this woman. On the loneliest nights like these, I know my own destruction is near. I’d tear down my own country and hers as well if it means to bring us together.

....I fear that I might actually accomplish this if...

Anything just before or after was illegible. A few words were made out and it chilled her. Failure...He knew that if he failed as a king, it would no longer be an obstacle to be with this woman. Soon after, the following few dates were filled with confusion and distrust toward anyone within his city. Walter most of all.

Kiaran’s face lost color as she forced herself to continue through the pages, finding one of the last entries.

...I dreamt, last night. For the first time in weeks. It was dark and terrible. Blood and smoke and cords of gold and strings of perils all twisting together into the single form of a king. This King only wanted one thing, and gave away his perils and gold for it. He poured blood to get it. All that was left was the smoke, the darkness swirling around in a silhouette of a man who was once a leader. It stood over a darkened, dead country.

I have full confidence that king was me.

I will not allow that to happen. I have to stop myself where no one else will.

What did he mean by that? She was utterly confused as she looked over the pages. He never mentioned this woman’s name or where she was from. He never said anything about this great fear that he felt. However, she could read it. His handwriting was even different.

It was clear that he felt obsessed over something nearly the entire time he was ruling. Obsessed, first, with perfecting the relationship with himself and his people, and then with this woman. Then he was scared to ruin his own country. It was strange--it had flipped from an obsession to a paranoia. Something like Murdock's need for dominance to a need of self-preservation.

Flipping the page to the last entry, her insides grew hot, her ears burning and her lids as hot as coals.

Ever since our last visit, I cannot keep you out of my thoughts. You haunt my mind every second that I am awake. There are some days that I am fine, and yet, a few hours into the day, I feel physically sick...It is as if my longing to be with you is somehow amplified far past what it should be. You have no idea what I would give to touch your smooth lips to mine or feel your scarred skin. I want to smell your raven-black hair. There is something about you that draws me in, and yet you vomit me back out like filth. But I keep going back. I can’t stay away from you.

I know that one day this will lead to something I will regret. I can feel it. Something’s in me that is making my heart feel like it’s torn out. I feel like it is in your hands wherever you are standing. My heart is across the sea in another country and it is killing me.

“What...” Kiaran breathed, carefully running a hand over the page. Who was this? Her stomach hurt as she wondered—was it her? “Why...” she whispered. She hadn't visited him since she first agreed to remain in Avestitia. That was so long ago...

Lying on her pillow, she stared at the ceiling, the candlelight flickering across it. Nurra leapt in through the open window, eyeing her closely. He crept across the floor and hopped onto the bed, trilling uneasily at her.

“I know,” she breathed. “I’ve found him.”

He crawled to her, lying against her side between her ribs and arm. She gently stroked his head and sighed. He trilled again which only made her heart sink further. A tear ran down a cheek and she wiped her eyes harshly.

She hated crying--of everything, crying was about the worst feeling possible. She’d rather have a broken rib rather than those puffy, damp eyes. But worst of all was the broken feeling of a swollen, broken heart.

How could anyone feel anything of that sort toward her? She was a killer, a savage, and if she wasn’t viewed as such, she was cold and detached. How could Davin love her? Was it even her? Maybe he was talking about another woman altogether.

Her stomach twisted and she rolled onto her side, another tear soaking into her pillow. There was no reason for anyone to feel so compelled toward her.

She hid her face in her arms. Finally, she fell asleep, the journal clutched firmly in her hands.