Touch of Flame

While Malachi was taking Zoila on tour around his kingdom, Ravina had to sit with his brothers and have tea while his mother showed Zara around. Saul sat right across from her, having an ultra-masculine and proud presence.

He was the one who hated her the most and was probably fueling his brother's hatred toward her. She wouldn't be surprised if it were him who arranged this alliance with princess Zoila. Ravina would admit that it was a smart plan. Make his brother keep her and still get a queen amongst them that his people would accept.

And after the incident with the messengers that put Malachi under pressure, his brother utilized the opportunity to benefit his people while having his revenge and helping his brother. He must be proud of himself.

Now she knew, he was the one handling the affairs of the kingdom and being his brother's adviser.  Malachi probably didn't want to disappoint his people and his brothers so he agreed to this. He probably enjoyed having a little revenge on her as well.

She sipped her tea, thinking if this was really revenge against her. She wanted to be queen but a part of her was also terrified knowing what that would mean.

How did people just get married to someone and endured it each day? Ravina thought of her sister to find some strength and give herself reasons why she should do it. She thought of her people back home, of how this was only a one-lifetime chance. Another part of her remembered all the failed attempts and tragic endings, making her think that perhaps this was a waste of time.

SHE was a waste of time because unlike the other dragon tamers, she was not in love. She remembered Arshan, the way he looked at Hiroshima and spoke to her. The way he felt about her. She didn't feel that, nor did she think she was capable of something so deep and pure. This was torture for her.

"What do you think about princess Zoila?" Saul suddenly spoke to her.

"She is beautiful, but not compatible with your brother."

"Did your science tell you that?"

"Am I wrong?"

"I don't see you being compatible with my brother."

"Then is your brother wrong?" She asked.

"Something is surely wrong, but I will find out," he told her.

What? Did he think she did some witchcraft? Or perhaps he thought she was a genius to do the impossible and experiment on his brother to develop a protective instinct.

"It is too bad you inherited everything bad about your father," he sighed leaning back and sipping his tea.

Ravina stiffened. Did he really want to go there now? He was prepared for a fight. He wanted to win a word battle with a woman? One who had practiced on other women? And men too. He should meet her cousin and his wife.

But she would not indulge in this. She had a good sleep for the second time in a long time, she would not ruin her mood. In fact, while she still felt like this, she wanted to go outside and enjoy the weather. Maybe go on a ride.

She looked over at Aaron. He was watching something outside where he sat near the window. Perhaps he wanted to escape this room like her.

After a while, Malachi and Zoila returned and the strange woman came to sit beside her while Malachi went to sit beside his brother. He looked her way then shifted his gaze to Zoila.

"Did we miss something?" Zoila asked her as if they were best friends.

"No," Ravina replied.

Araminta returned with Zara as well and then it was time for dessert. Zoila was good at engaging in conversation and spoke candidly to her and Araminta, telling them about their kingdom and speaking of everything from food, and clothes to funny incidents that made Araminta laugh. Then she sat with Malachi on the balcony and Ravina watched her as she spoke to him as well. Leaning in and laughing at times, smiling charmingly and sometimes touching his shoulder.

Aaron came to sit beside her. "Are you enjoying the view?" He asked.

"Isn't she trying too hard?"

He chuckled. "She has to. She is not his breedmate so she has to use all her female charm."

Female charm.

"I heard you are considered a beauty among your people. I guess you never had to try charming anyone."

"I never wanted to," she replied.

"Are you not worried?" He asked.

She looked at Zoila and Malachi again. "No."

Aaron smirked. "How can you be so calm? I need to learn that."

"I have a temperament too."

"I have a hard time believing that."

"Ask your brother."

He chuckled. "I just today found out that he has a temperament too."

"Then perhaps we only have a temperament with each other."

"It seems so. Compatibility?" He raised a brow.

She shook her head with a chuckle. "I am with your brother Saul on this."

He just smiled. "So what is your plan with all of this?"

"I have no plan. I'll make it along the way."

Malachi rose from his chair and she thought he would leave but he moved closer to Zoila and sat beside her. She was making him remove her hair that got stuck in her necklace. Ravina almost laughed. The woman was cunning.

"She is trying really hard. You know, you would just have to try a little and you would set things on fire." Aaron almost whispered before he rose from his seat.

He went to the large table to refill his cup. Ravina blinked trying to process what he said. Was he suggesting... she tried?

Her heart skipped. Set on fire? She wasn't sure she was ready for that or she would have worn the red dress.

She remembered that day, how he violently tugged at the chains ignoring all the pain to get to her. He was not in chains now, so she certainly did not want that reaction. She shivered, her eyes focusing on him again. She cringed. She could not do that kind of trying that Zoila was doing. Not even with Ares had she done that.

Ravina studied the woman for a while. The way she smiled, looked at him, lowered her gaze sometimes seductively. Ravina could almost imagine her voice. Low hushed tones.

Did men really like this? Did Malachi like this? According to the erotic books Ester lent her, men fell for easy tricks. But again, professor Ward's book stated that once someone found their breedmate they were not interested in anyone else.

Aaron returned with his cup and some delicacies. "It would be fun if you interrupted them."

"You want to have fun at my expense?"

He laughed. "Not yours."

"Let them have their moment." She said.

"No. She had her time with him. You should claim your place and take your time, otherwise, she will think she can have him all to herself."

But she didn't even want him. It was the place beside him she wanted, but perhaps she would have to play along for that.

She took the plate of delicacies from his hand and Aaron looked at her confused. "I will listen to your advice." She said.

He smiled.

She rose from her seat and headed to the balcony. Pretend Ravina. Pretend. But she was already feeling her fury rising. This would only feed his male pride.