Corrupted: An Epic Dragons and Immortals Romantic Fantasy (Fallen Emrys Chronicles Book 1) by E.E. Everly (motivational books for men txt) 📕

Just trying to keep things light.

A maid swept silently to the table, presented a folded note on a silver tray, and backed away after the queen plucked up the parchment.

“Oh, my dear. It’s for you.” Sorfrona held the note out. “Go ahead and read it. Maybe it’s an eager gentleman from last night awaiting a swift reply.”

Sorfrona giggled, with Tiwlip, as I took the creamy parchment. I marveled that two mature ladies—mature in that they had children—did so much giggling. I conceded to the queen’s notion. After the dance with the prince, I passed through many hands. Sadly I never danced with Owein. He’d disappeared after his turn with the young woman.

I broke the plain waxy circle—no mark indicating any household.

Niawen,

You may be surprised to receive this because I cannot write. I hunted down a young scribe to pen these words. The festival is over. Arnall and I intend to leave with the caravan in the morning. I’ll be well on the road by the time you read this.

You were a dream. I enjoyed showing you the simple things of this world. The crown prince will show you all the extraordinary, because that is what you are.

I had the pleasure of being your first mortal contact. I will treasure the look on your face revealed by the subtle moonlight. Oh, yes. I had a clear view of your face. One of wonder and excitement. Who would have guessed such a humdrum mortal could hold your fancy so? Nevertheless, the image is engraved in my mind.

If you’re ever in Tarren, call on me. Though I must say, I’m rarely home. Trapping drags me across the country all year. If we ever meet again, I expect it will not be anytime soon.

Fondly,

Owein

I gasped, staring blankly at the words. Why would he do this? What possessed him to up and leave?

“Whatever’s wrong, Lady Niawen?” Sorfrona asked.

I stood, and my napkin slid from my lap to the grass. “He’s gone. Owein left with the caravan this morning. Why didn’t he say goodbye?”

I glanced over at Kelyn, the taller brother, looming over Brenin as Kenrik helped him line up his move. Seren, now’s your chance for an entrance. Please, intercept Owein. Bring him back here.

I can’t say I’m happy about Owein finally flying, but I’ll be glad to flee from hiding.

Thank you.

So many emotions rippled through me. Why should I care so much that Owein left? But I was bordering on outrage. Disappointment. I liked him. We were friends, and he just tossed me aside.

Humans were so callous.

I don’t think Owein meant to hurt you, Seren said.

It stings as if someone shoved me across gritty sod in a sparring match.

“Your Highness!” With too many Highnesses present, I clarified. “Prince Kelyn!” I turned to him and started across the lawn to their mini tournament, picking up my skirts as I went. Kelyn must have sensed my urgency because he dropped his mallet and headed my way. I stomped my initial displeasure over Owein’s ill-timed goodbye before Kelyn drew up, but impatience danced under my skin.

“Niawen, what can I do for you?” Kelyn’s gentle touch on my wrist electrified my urgency.

“Your Highness—”

“Please, just Kelyn.”

I swallowed, and my head bobbed. “Kelyn, I haven’t been honest with you. I’m not the only one who came into this realm from Gorlassar. My home is also called the dragon realm and for good reason.”

Kenrik reached us, with Brenin trailing beside him, carrying an armful of croquet balls. “I remember the scrolls the scribes copied. Your ancestor—she wasn’t alone either, was she?” Kenrik studied my face with his deep-set eyes.

The moment of truth. My ears burned from his intensity. I gnawed my bottom lip as I returned his brown-eyed stare. Kenrik would welcome Seren. His face—his light—told me I didn’t have to fear. I exhaled a held breath. “The sorceress you speak of was Siana. She’s the only other emrys to leave Gorlassar. Her dragon was Nimue—a pinkish flesh-colored dragon. Is that whom you remember from the scrolls?”

Kenrik nodded. “The creature was the color of pale skin. Yes. With talons and scales. Kelyn, you remember the picture. A giant, fearsome beast with wings like a bat’s. The sorceress sat upon her back.”

Bat wings? Seren grumbled. We aren’t related to bats, even in the slightest way.

I know. I’m sorry. “Yes, Kenrik, that’s her!” I nearly jumped with relief. Siana and Nimue had once come this way.

Kelyn inclined his chin slowly, as if considering all the ramifications. How did the ancient scribes portray Nimue? Did flames shoot from her mouth? Were her lips curled back, revealing her pointed teeth? They might think she was a monster, yet Kelyn still sought Siana out to heal his mother. He obviously didn’t think she was a danger. Even so, his apprehension waved like a leaf trapped in the wind.

I needed to crumple that uncertainty. “I came with a dragon—my dragon sister, Seren. She seems imposing, even dangerous, but she wouldn’t hurt a mouse. And I’d say she’s more like a flying lizard.”

Silence while I squeezed my fingers into the fabric at my side.

My eyes darted to each brother. Both as different in mind as in stature. Kelyn, tall and wiry, while Kenrik was my height and solid. He accepted the impossible while Kelyn wanted so much to believe me.

Kelyn’s blue crystalline eyes swirled with the questions Kenrik’s did not. Kenrik’s acceptance was almost the same attitude Owein carried for Seren. No otherworldly beast seemed to shock them.

“Where is she?” Kenrik asked.

“She’s been hiding,” I said. “We didn’t want to scare anyone. This is such a new world, and we were waiting for the right opportunity to show her. I was going to tell you about her later today.”

“But…?” Kelyn shifted his weight,