“He tried to tame him?”
“Yes, he believed he could if he trained hard, and if he was passionate enough. He almost had him the last time, but then a new ability emerged. One that almost killed him. I’m glad that you are here now.”
My eyes grew as I stared at her. I could die and she sounded happy about it?
Queen Maggie’s lips spread into a smile. “I didn’t mean it like that? I mean, it will be easier for you. It’s your abilities within the Rubicon, so when he releases them, you will have access to them. Lucian couldn’t. I can’t wait to see the little shit fall.”
“The Rubicon?”
“Oh, he is cocky and has a tendency to get under your skin and pull all the nerves at once.”
“He’s little?”
“No, he’s gigantic, but inside he is a little shit.”
The Rubicon was a little boy? That was my luck.
She stared up at her son. She touched the brass plate of her daughter’s painting and swallowed hard. “Are you up for some breakfast?”
“Stomach is growling at me.”
She chuckled and led me outside to the patio.
Dad and King Helmut sat at the table on the patio with a breakfast feast lining the table.
“I thought you were up in your room?” I went over to my dad and kissed him on top of his head.
“Nope, I’m not that tired.”
I smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“Morning, Elena.” King Helmut smiled as he buttered his toast.
“Morning.” I sat next to my father, and the queen poured us each a cup of tea. “Thank you.”
“I would like to start as soon as we can on Elena’s tutoring,” Dad said.
“I’ll make the arrangements. She can learn here as she is not of age to attend Dragonia yet. We’ll get trainers to train her in the art of war.”
“Art of what?” I asked.
Chuckles filled the table. “It’s a subject, Elena.” My father spoke. “It’s crucial for Dragonians to learn how to fight with weapons, and learn the skill to defend themselves.”
I nodded.
“Mom!” A male voice came from the area we were just in.
Queen Maggie’s eyes raised as she gasped and a huge grin sprawled on her lips as she pushed herself from the chair and almost ran to the door.
“The last time I saw him, he was still in diapers,” Dad said, “Didn’t you have a daughter too?”
King Helmut’s face fell.
I bumped my knee into Dad’s leg, and his eyes flickered to me. I shook my head. Dad squinted.
“Dezi,” King Helmut said. “She passed away about eight years ago.”
Dad gaped as his eyes pulled down. “I’m so sorry, Helmut.”
