Queen of Savon by Tricia Andersen

Author:Tricia Andersen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, love, magic, dragon, king, medieval, sorceress
Publisher: Tricia Andersen

Chapter Nine

Matthew opened his eyes drowsily, disoriented for a moment. He rose himself up on his arm to gaze at his lover. He smiled as her eyelids fluttered apart sleepily.

“Good morning,” Matthew greeted as he softly pressed his lips to hers.

“Good morning. Is the sun up?”

“Nay, love. The horizon is turning gray though. It will be, momentarily. I thought we would have enough time to love each other once more before it rises, then we can dress and go to breakfast. Afterwards, we will see where the day takes us.”

“I am sorry.” Cassandra pushed him away gently. “I cannot.”

She slipped from under the sheets and stood quickly, scooping her dressing gown to herself. She tugged it over her head and pulled it into place.

“Where are you going?” Matthew demanded, dumbfounded.

“Away. I will not return for quite a while. I need to go before anyone else in the palace wakes.”

“Why? Why must you go?”

“Because you need to forget this night.”

Matthew grasped Cassandra’s hand, drawing her back to him. “But to forget this night is to forget you.”

“You must purge me from your mind and your heart.” She pulled away, slipping on her undergarments.

“I cannot. I will not.”

“You must. Fate made you a king and demands a woman of royal blood for your bride and queen.” Cassandra slipped her gown over her head next, snapping the clips into place as it settled against her frame.

“How can you be so cruel?” Matthew asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Cassandra looked up to see the devastated expression on his face. She took a step towards him, softly kissing his mouth as she touched his cheeks. “This is the most difficult task I have ever had to perform. I love you with every breath I take, with every beat of my heart. But I am not meant to be your bride. Please forgive me.”

Stepping away from Matthew, she crossed her arms over her chest. Matthew scrambled for his undergarments and pulled them on as he stood. “Cassa, no. Please do not go,” he begged.

Cassandra smiled tearfully. “Goodbye, my lord.”

“No. I order you to stay!”

In a flash of bright light, Cassandra’s human form disappeared and a butterfly emerged, beating her wings in search for a breeze. She ascended towards the balcony, drifting out into the autumn dawn.

Matthew reached out, cupping his hands around the creature and holding her captive. His gaze raced around the room, looking for a bowl or vase to hold his prize in.

I will confine her. Matthew’s brain worked wildly. Just until tonight. Just until we can talk.

Matthew felt her wings beat frantically against his fingers. He raised his hands to his face as tears filled his eyes. “I love you, Cassa. Please stay with me.”

The thought of holding her against her will broke his heart. I want her to want to be with me. Reluctantly, he opened his palms, releasing his tiny captive. She fluttered against his flesh for a moment before floating away.

Matthew’s disposition had lightened in the weeks following his night with Cassandra.

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