Touch of Flame

Georgia was friendly and showed her different ways to make tea depending on the taste she wanted. Ravina wanted to know about coffee as well and Georgia was kind enough to show her. Then she looked at her confused, wondering why she wanted to learn.

"Malachi surely had a maid."

"Ah... I just want to learn. I have nothing else to do," she said.

"But it must hurt with your hands. What have you done to them?"

"She is sick," Brenna said pointing at her head, referring to her having a mental illness. "She does that to herself."

Georgia frowned and Ravina tried her best not to hide her hands. Thankfully Georgia said nothing and Ravina could ask her how to make eggs. Then they sat to eat the eggs she practiced on.

"You learn fast," Georgia said nodding as she tasted it.

"It is easy," Brenna commented.

Ravina watched Nelli eat. He was so... adorable.

"You like children," Georgia smiled.

"Oh no!" She said before she could think and then realized what she said. "I mean... I don't dislike them." She just never wished to have any and they scared her. Or so she thought.

Georgia laughed.

"Well, you are human so you will probably be able to have many children without waiting too long in between."

A tremor of terror went down her spine. Not just a child but many children? From how she was, a child would probably die in her womb. She was not fit to be a mother. Not that she wanted to.

After finishing their breakfast, they had to leave. Ravina thanked them and Georgia told her to visit her some time.

"I will," Ravina replied.

Nelli waved to her and she found herself waving back with a smile.

Closing the door, she went to her room and looked through the chest. It was filled with colorful garments, so unlike what she usually wore. This much color made her dizzy, but this was how they dressed. And they certainly liked golden jewelry.

The top garment was a red one. She looked at it for a long moment. This one she shouldn't wear. It would give the wrong signal. Or perhaps... the right one. Wearing it but not letting him touch, unless he made her his queen sounded good to her. But she wasn't brave enough for that yet.

Ravina picked out a green garment instead and paired it with the golden jewelry. She combed her hair nicely and adorned it with golden pins. She went a bit excessive with the jewelry having seen how they wore it.

Georgia had packed oils, scents, and paint for her as well. Ravina put some color on her cheeks and lips and dabbed her neck with scents. Then she was done preparing herself for the day's battle.

***

Malachi was waiting for princess Zoila's arrival. He had met her on a few occasions but didn't know her much. He knew that her father had tried hard to find her a husband after the death of her breedmate but she refused. What made her agree to meet him? Especially knowing he found his breedmate.

He sighed, feeling suffocated. His mother was preparing a grand lunch and he was confused about whether she supported Ravina or Zoila.

"Where is Ravina?" Saul asked.

Malachi stiffened.

"What do you want from her?" Aaron asked.

"Bring her here. She should be here for when princess Zoila comes." Saul said.

"There is no need," Malachi spoke between clenched teeth.

"There is a need. I arranged for this and she will wonder about your breedmate and since you want to keep both, they can't avoid each other." Saul explained and then went to order someone to bring Ravina.

"This will be interesting," Joel said leaning back in his chair.

"It will be." Aaron agreed but his tone was different.

A part of Malachi wanted to see Ravina's reaction when he ruined her mission and he even hoped she would be jealous, but another part of him felt uneasy.

"Princess Zoila is here," Saul announced coming back into the room.

Malachi stood from his seat to go out and meet her. She came with her sister Zara and Malachi went to greet her. Olive skin, hazel eyes, and red hair. She was beautiful, but she was not his breedmate.

"I hope I am not late," she smiled charmingly.

"Not at all. Thank you for coming." Malachi told her.

His mother came outside and went straight to Zoila. They greeted each other with a hug. "You look as beautiful as a remember." His mother told her.

Ziola smiled. "You flatter me."

If only she was his breedmate, he would have been smiling now. His mother led them inside and they sat in the parlor. His mother chatted with her for a little while, asking about how her parents were while tea and coffee were served. Then they all gave each other a look to leave them alone to talk.

"I heard you found your breedmate," she began.

Of course. The most difficult topic had to be addressed first.

"Yes."

"She is human."

"Yes."

She looked sadly at the cup in her hand. "I am sorry," she said.

Why? It angered him somehow. Did she even see Ravina? He sipped his coffee to stop himself from saying something rude.

"Why did you agree to meet me?" He asked.

She shrugged. "I heard of your situation and I felt like I could relate somehow, having lost a breedmate. I felt you would understand me too."

He frowned. No, he could not understand her. His breedmate was very much alive. It was different.

Then she kept talking and all he could do was compare her to Ravina. She didn't have those firm eyes. Those frightening bold blue eyes that felt like they could stare right into his soul. Nor did she challenge him with her eyes like Ravina did. Or with her words.

She was soft-spoken, while Ravina was sharp. She was womanly, warm, and curved yet... He clenched his jaw. Yet he missed the coldness. The need to feel like he wanted to mark that pale skin, melt that iciness and silence her sharp mouth with a kiss.

God, he lost his mind. He awakened his breeding instinct that he tried to bury with hatred. His senses sharpened so much that he could smell her from afar. She was here. He heard her voice downstairs and her sweet feminine and fertile scent reached his nostrils. Awakened his fiery dragon that demanded his breedmate.

"Well," his mother came to cut off their conversation. "Let's have lunch before it gets cold."

"Oh, I can already smell the food. I remember the only time I ate here. You are an excellent cook." Zoila complimented his mother as she rose from her seat.

"You remember that?"

"I do. You made us..." And then she went on to describe in detail impressing his mother. This left a sour taste in his mouth. Maybe he could see why his brother Aaron preferred honesty.

As they arrived at the dining hall, Ravina was already there. She stood near the window, the light shining on her and making her golden jewelry and hair glow. Malachi felt his heart stop, as he found her wrapped in a rich green garment and standing there like a queen.

She lifted her gaze, her blue eyes meeting his. Again they had that hint of challenge. Subtle yet clear confidence.

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Bonus dedicated to my supergifters. Thank you Reader2022 and Ivette_M11 <3