That made her feel a little better.
As did the presence of Keegan flying overhead. If anyone came toward them, she’d be able to see it for miles.
Still, Tanis couldn’t shake her unease.
As they drew nearer Dash’s home, Tanis was awed by the large, dark gray stones that climbed toward the sky. It was a mammoth fortress that spread out into a perfect square. Each corner was anchored by a tall square tower.
She expected that square and those towers to be the castle, until they rode through the gate. Inside was a spectacular manor house nestled against the far wall. It was as elegant as the outside was intimidating. No wonder Licordia was given such deference.
“It’s beautiful.”
Ronan nodded. “Indeed. Dash’s ancestors built it over three hundred years ago to hold back those who wanted to invade and tear the unicorns down. There was a time, not that long ago, when the last of the unicorn race held only this area and were driven almost to extinction.”
That was terrifying to think about.
And thankfully, the center part inside the gate had an exceptionally large field that allowed Keegan to land.
Sliding off the horse, Tanis headed for the main building.
Inside was even more illustrious. The stone walls were covered with elaborate tapestries, banners and weapons. She could just imagine Dash walking through here as both a unicorn and human. The whole place was as commanding and fierce as he was.
“Excuse me? What is all this?” An older man rushed through the hall, as if he, alone, was going to drive them out. Irritated and stern, he glared at all of them.
Ronan stepped around her. “It’s all right, Kronnel. Dash sent them on ahead to secure the palace for him.”
“I don’t like this. Not at all.”
“You never like anything, you old warhorse,” Halla quipped. “And you need to be finding a servant to prepare a room for Princess Tanis.”
As Tanis started past one of the rooms on her left, she paused. The door was ajar and inside...
No. It couldn’t be.
Without saying a word to the others, she headed for the door and pushed it wider. Then she froze as she saw exactly what she thought she’d seen.
There, on a large, dark mahogany table lay her brother’s skull. It was really here, as if fulfilling Dash’s promise to her that he’d return it.
Tears filled her eyes. For a moment, she thought her legs might buckle. But somehow, she found the strength to walk toward the table.
Granted, this could be any dragon skull and it could have been here for years. She really had no way of knowing. But she didn’t think Dash would be the type to keep a trophy like this. Especially since it wasn’t on display. It merely rested out in the open.
Kronnel started toward her, but Ronan and Halla cut him off.
“Where did the skull come from?” Tanis asked.
Ronan approached her slowly. “It’s your brother’s. The one who killed him was taken into Meara’s custody. He turned it over to her, trying to keep her from killing him.”
That succeeded in freeing her tears. Choking on a sob, she ran to the table so that she could place her hand on the spindly ridges at the top of his skull. Even now, she could see Davin as he’d been. His glorious scales gleaming in the light as he moved gracefully.
Davin laughing at her before he chided her over something ridiculous she’d done. He had such a rich, jolly laugh. Just hearing it made others happy.
She laid her head on top of his snout, wishing more than anything that she could see him one more time. Tell him, just once, exactly how much he’d meant to her and how much she loved him. “I’m so sorry, Davin.”
Meaningless words that didn’t even come close to soothing her or easing the agony in her heart.
At least I know where you are now.
Finally. She just wished Dash was here with her to see that she had what had meant the most to her then.
