Danica POV:
I paced up and down the hallway. I was going to faint. I had never fainted in my life, yet it seemed less terrifying than what I was doing.
"Shardae, they have arrived." Rei informed me waiting for me to follow him. "Dani," he lapsed into the informal, "are you sure you know what you are doing."
No I wasn't, I was still wondering what I had done. "Yes." I assured him.
I saw the one person I thought I never see as I shifted into my human form, Zane Cobriana. He was absolutely still, and then he looked up and unerringly caught my gaze. Two pools the color of the bloodiest ruby that sparkled like fire was striking against his pale almost white skin and onyx black hair the same color as his clothes. For a man who had killed many he still had a boyish look to him coming obviously from his hair, a neat mess, a piece of hair fell in front of his eye. His shoulders were broader than an avian man and all muscle. He was clearly not an idle man but toned from working.
"It is a pleasure to have you Zane."
"The pleasure is all mine." The coolness of his voice made the feathers on the back of my neck stand up. I motioned for him to follow.
Zane POV:
All of the rumors were true. Danica Shardae was the most beautiful woman in the world. I had always known hawks were golden creatures both in air and land but her hair the color of pure liquid cold tumbled down her back in wild waves blending I with her wings, shimmering with each step she took.
"This is your room." I was on the second floor of the keep.
"May I see my brother." She nodded leading me to the third floor to I guess her room. My eyes met Gregory's still form, only did I relax when he took a deep breath.
"He is in a coma." Danica explained.
It was my entire fault I told him he was to young but gave in as he persisted, if only…
Danica interrupted my thought. "There will be a feast in your honor tonight. You have this time to freshen up and rest from your journey."
Danica POV
I rushed to my room after leading Zane back to his, locking the door behind me, collapsing onto my bed though that was hard considering Gregory. I was panicking, the way Zane looked at me made my cold heart jump for the first time in four years. Closing my eyes I let sleep overcome me.
Dream
"Boo!" Vasile screamed as I appeared from behind him my eleven year old self.
"That was not funny."
"Yes it was, and you know it. I gotta go."
"Pay back Danica."
I waved as I ran to my dance lessons. Making my way down the corridor I passed my parents room when I heard a whimper coming from inside. I opened the door to see my father beating my mother. I rushed to my mother's side, "leave mom alone," I cried. He just turned and stared at me before advancing his fists on me.
End of Dream
I woke up crying, hugging my knees to my body. That day was the beginning of the rest of my life.
Looking out of the window I realized the time.
Zane POV
Two guards escorted me to the Great Hall where I met Danica. She was beautiful tonight. I ran my gaze slowly over her body, she blushed bright red, and she was perfect in every way.
Danica POV
I caught him checking me out making me blush; he smirked clearly enjoying it.
The meal was wonderful. Zane and I talked about legends and myths treading carefully. I looked toward the musicians, the leader nodded. It was time.
"Excuse me Zane there is something I must look into."
Zane POV
The avians had begun to return to their seats from dancing.
"Ladies and Gentlemen our entertainment"
A woman in a outfit fit for serpents not avains walked onto the middle of the floor.
Her face was covered in a black veil. The room quieted as the music began. The dancer raised her arms high above her head enter twining her fingers before becoming as rigid as a stone. Her belly began to move, rolling to the music. I was entranced in the music, my soul swaying o the rhythm. The dancer moved her body to the sensual music, her breast rolling with every breath she took. Bending back and forwards, circles with her body, moving hips 'till they were nothing but a blur. Shapely legs shown through slits in her skirt; the jingle of gold coins on her hips and bust.
This mystery woman flung her veil off dramatically, using it as a prop.
Danica Shardae, the reserved soon-to-be avaian Queen. My jaw dropped but closed when she stopped in front of me.
"Come, let us dance in peace." I joined her, letting the music take over my senses.
We danced that night in harmony, not as enemies but as friends.
