Chapter 7

-Liam-

Charles and Jane left to get the ladies, while the rest of us headed to Dragon Island to settle in before they arrived. Going through the portal was easy. But getting Georgie through without anyone else seeing her was a little more complicated. Early this morning I helped Reynolds and a couple of the guards go through the portal with Georgie. All went smoothly and it wasn't long before I was heading through the portal myself and returning to my homeland.

I could feel my dragon relax into me as we breathed in the familiar scent of home. But not even that comforting fact could take away the pain in my chest. The farther we got away from Tennessee, the harder my chest began to throb.

I rubbed at the spot on my chest. Knowing I could not take the pain away, but it somehow helped ease my mind.

As much as I wanted to deny Elizabeth of being my True Mate, the pain I started to feel since I met her made it pretty damn clear.

Yes! Pretty damn clear! Come on, stop with this foolishness! As soon as she steps foot on Dragon Island, make her ours and forget about the stupid competition!

Please stop fighting me on this! I can not survive all this with you fighting me in my head and this horrible pain growing in my chest.

I could feel my dragon whine, but blessedly he relented.

I continued to rub at my chest as I looked through my library. I thought maybe I could find a book about True Mates that I had yet to read. Find something to help dull the pain.

"Well lookie here, the King has finally come home." Richard said as he formally bowed at my side. I rolled my eyes at him.

"How are you, cousin? Everything still going smoothly here?" I led us to a few seats by the fireplace.

Richard nodded his head, but ignored my request to sit. Instead he went to the whiskey I had to the side and helped himself.

He looked at the bottle and examined it while he took a sip. "Whoa, this Jack Daniel's knows what he is doing. Well at least we know one good thing has come out of Tennessee." Richard said as he took another sip. Then watched me curiously with an eyebrow raised. "Well I guess there is another good thing still in Tennessee." He moved over in front of me, with concern written all over his face. "Is Georgiana correct? Is she your True Mate? You are in pain, cousin!"

I looked everywhere but at Richard. The man could read me easily. I tried to brush off his words with a shake of my head. But Richard wasn't having any of it.

"Don't play dumb with me Fitzwilliam Darcy, why the hell have you not Mated with this woman yet? You clearly are in pain!" I could see his anger rising to the surface. His dragon urging him to come out and fight.

"I have been to see Gammear and he says the competition has to happen. I can not just claim her as mine. Not yet."

"That's bull shit Liam! Who cares about a stupid competition, when your True Mate will be here and you're stuck inwardly dying from not being with her! Richard ended his anger filled speech by throwing his crystal glass at the fire in frustration.

I barely flinched at it. Too distracted with my thoughts and the intense pain growing stronger every second.

Suddenly the pain started to ease and in a flash the pain had dulled down to a simmer.

My shoulders visibly relaxed as I could breathe again. "She is here." I stated clearly in a calm reassuring voice.

Richard looked over at me with a surprised look on his face. "You can feel that much of a difference when she is near. That's unbelievable."

I nodded. Still shocked myself.

"Well looks like it's time for me to meet my future Queen." Richard gave me a cheeky wink.

A growl ripped from my throat so loud, I am sure the whole Island could hear it.

Richard let out a loud cackle at my dragon and shook his head at me. "Calm down Darcy, you know I would never try to steal your mate. I am not suicidal. But I can't help but see the woman destined for you. Sounds like good fun to me."

I took a big breath and calmed my dragon down. Every bit of me hated the thought of Richard even looking at Elizabeth. I trust my cousin, but until I make her fully mine the possibility of another man with her makes me instantly irate.

As Richard was leaving the room he happened to look back at me and saw the smoke snarling out of me.

"Darcy I promise I won't do anything but say hello and leave. 5 minutes tops. You don't want me to be rude do you?" He asked with his palms up in defense. If it hadn't been for the smirk on his face, maybe I could have calmed down sooner. But I know how my cousin thinks and if he thinks about Elizabeth like that I am going to rip his frippen head off!

"Liam, you have to calm down." Georgie was suddenly beside me. Resting a comforting hand on my arm. I didn't hear the door open again, so she must have already been hiding amidst the books.

I closed my eyes and nodded while I tried to take deep calming breaths.

"You love your cousin, remember? Richard is the only other family we have left. You know he is just messing with you. He would never do anything to harm you or your Mate." I nodded again. Still unable to form words through my anger. "If it makes you feel better I'll go spy on him and if he tries to pull something, I will karate chop his ass!" Georgie ended in a martial arts stance. Making me let loose a chuckle at her theatrics.

"Thanks Georgie, I needed that. I couldn't see past the red for a minute." She smiled up at me and gave me a hug. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

She pushed me towards the secret door. "Go! It's time to get ready for the ball my dear brother!" She did a dramatic curtsy and we laughed all the way to my room.

Thank God for Georgiana!

-Ellie-

"Did you hear how loaded this guy is? I mean look at this thing? We are going to be bathing in hundred dollar bills!"

"I know! I can't wait to see all the dresses and jewels we get to wear!"

I rubbed at my temples and glared daggers at Charles and Jane.

Apparently the fates had an evil sense of humor because the first two women to join us were carbon copies of Lydia and Kitty.

Jane mouthed 'sorry' and Charles had on his uncomfortable smile. If these were the other types of women that I would be competing against I should just give up from annoyance now.

The only problem with that plan was the words 'give up' made me sick to my stomach.

I don't care if a lot of the shifters are A-holes and I am being forced to do this, I am Elizabeth Freakin' Bennet and I will NEVER give up!

My pep talk got me through the next set of women to enter the car. By the time we got to the ninth woman, I let out a praise of hallelujah! For I was beyond ready to get this show on the road.

The volume level was on high alert and I barely could hear my own thoughts.

"Wow. That's a whole lot of loud." A woman beside me said. I recognized her as the last girl to be picked up. She probably said it more to herself but I was happy to have someone on my team.

I looked over at her with a fierce nod. "Oh yes. This is going to get crazy for sure."

"Hopefully this place we're going is good and large, maybe we won't have to hear their giggles throughout the night." She said in a dry sarcastic tone. Instantly reminding me of Mary. Well Mary with bright red hair. But she was cute and sassy, hopefully she wouldn't get cut too soon. It will be nice to have a sane friend against all the bimbos.

We laughed in agreement. "I'm Ellie by the way." I said, putting my hand out to shake.

"Anne. Nice to have someone else here who won't be wallowing at the King's feet."

I laughed loud again and could feel my shoulders relax. All that remained was the constant pang in my chest. It had actually been rather dull all day. But since we left Anne's house it seemed to become more vibrant again.

"So any idea what this guy is like? I mean he's clearly crazy, any ideas if he will be attractive or that he needs this competition because he's butt ugly." Anne said with wide eyes and a smirk.

I chuckled at the thought and shrugged my shoulders. "Your guess is as good as mine, but I'm with you on the crazy part. This whole thing almost seems medieval."

She nodded along. "Yes! Exactly what I said!"

Aaron made a loud noise getting our attention and shushing all the Barbie's.

Charles waved his hand, gaining all our attention towards him. "Just want to let you know we are about to go through the portal. No worries, it's harmless. If you do experience any nausea please let me or my Mate, Jane know and we can help you." Jane smiled a little to help them know who she was. She ended her smile with a bigger one towards me. I smiled back, so thankful to have her here with me.

I wasn't sure what to expect with the portal, I wondered if it would feel like in Charlie and the chocolate factory when they go through that creepy tunnel and Wonka sings that super creepy song you never can get out of your head.

Or maybe like the warp speed feeling that happens in Back to The Future.

But in reality it was neither. One second we were in the States and the next we were in a freakin' fairy tale.

The colors were brighter and everything seemed picturesque. Perfect mountain scapes and seasides. Dragons flew peacefully in the distance. And smack dab in the middle of it all was Cinderella's castle. Not exactly but it looked pretty crazy similar.

When we got out of the car and stood at the steps of the castle and looked up I had this strange feeling. This warmth pulsing inside of me. And the pang in my chest was throbbing ten fold.

Home!

My eyes darted all around me, searching for that voice.

"You ok?" Anne asked me, concern written all over her.

"Uh. Yeah. Sorry. Just keep thinking I am hearing something. This whole thing must be making me go crazy." I said with a fake laugh. Hopefully she didn't notice exactly how fake it was.

I looked over at Jane looking at me curiously and I sprinted past half the girls and was excited when we were shown to our rooms. I needed time to think all this through.

A statue in the hallway caught my attention and made me stop in my tracks. A gasp escaped me. I looked around quickly and was thankful everyone had passed by and didn't hear me.

This man. He looked almost identical to my mystery shifter. Why would there be a statue of him here?

Maybe he worked for the King. Someone uppity up in the court, maybe the leader of the guard. I can see that.

But everything inside of me shouted that wasn't true at all. I looked around for my group, but couldn't see or hear anything.

I went through the hallway and noticed old timey knights in suits of armor. They even had feathers in their hats. I looked up and down the hallway and realized their was one every few feet. I looked around and saw no one was there so I knocked on one.

"What's so important? What you got here that's worth living for?" I said with a laugh. But then jolted in surprise when the knight moved. I about peed on my self.

"I am so sorry! I had no idea actual people were in these things." My cheeks went beet red.

The Knight just nodded. But didn't say anything.

A man chuckled behind me. He was a nice looking man, somewhere between the size of Aaron and my mystery shifter. He had dirty blonde curly hair and the longer I observed him the more he actually looked like my shifter. Weird

"I am so sorry for disturbing them. I truly thought they were props or something." I said in a rush. This castle was so strange, people popping out of nowhere.

He chuckled again. "Don't worry about them, they are here for your protection."

"Ok. That's a whole lot of protection, this must be some kind of world if you are guarded like Fort Knox." He looked at me with a curious expression. I just shrugged my shoulders in response.

"Well I am guessing you are one of the chosen women for the competition?" He said with a smirk.

I cocked an eyebrow back at him. "Well if I wasn't here for the competition, then what else would I be doing here?" I put my fists on my hips and stared him down. Hoping maybe he would spill some secrets.

After a long few minutes of staring at me and not blinking, he finally backed down and looked to the ground.

If I hadn't been through the 'stare down ritual' with Charles bodyguards, I would have looked at him like he was insane when he looked at me so defeated.

"Damn woman, you truly are the most dominant little thing I have ever seen." He said with another chuckle.

What's with all the chuckling smartass! Whoa where did that thought come from? Today my thoughts have gone from nice to super mean in seconds.

"I am going to take that as a compliment. But if you call me 'little' again, I might have to show you how truly dominant I am. Is that clear?" I had pulled him by the shirt collar down to meet me in the eyes and basically growled the last few words out. I looked at him expectantly.

"Very clear madam. I truly apologize." He looked contrite, so I let him go and gave him a tight smile.

Did I really just growl at him? So so strange...

He straightened himself and smiled genuinely at me. "You are going to make an epic Queen."

I let out an uncomfortable laugh.

Who is this guy? "Who are you? You aren't the King himself are you? If so, I'm a little shocked."

"No. I am most definitely not the King. But I am curious why you would be shocked if so." The man's brows furrowed.

"I have this feeling I won't be able to so easily dominate the Dragon King like I just did with you." I winked and left the man now howling with laughter and went in search of my room.

I fumbled with a couple wrong turns but finally heard high pitched giggles and followed their path.

I let out a relieved sigh when I caught sight of Jane talking to an older man at the end of a long hallway.

"Yes, I believe I can see to those adjustments. Very good mam." The man bowed to Jane and she smiled at him as he left down another hallway.

"What was that all about?" I asked her when I finally reached her at the end of the hall.

Jane looked up at me with a sigh. "There you are! We have been looking everywhere for you!"

"Sorry I got distracted. Do you happen to know where my room might be? I missed orientation." I said with a wide grin.

Jane rolled her eyes at me and pointed at a door to the left of her.

"Your home away from home my lady." She said with a curtsy. We both laughed but my laugh was cut short when she opened my door.

The room was massive. Looking every bit what I would imagine a mystical fantasy castle room would look like. Everything was accented in Gold. It was much too flowery for my own preferences. But it was beautiful nonetheless. I fell onto the humongous bed in the middle of the room and laughed as the super soft pillows engulfed me.

I heard a knock on my door and yelled for them to come in. Figuring it was Jane.

A hesitant girl creaked open the door. She looked around my age, but I didn't recognize her as one of the competitors.

She stood awkwardly a few steps from the now closed door.

"Was there something you needed? Anything I can help you with?" I asked concerned about what this random girl was doing here. Maybe she's in trouble.

She smiled a little and took a few steps closer to me. "I am actually supposed to be asking you those questions." She said in a timid voice and my heart aches for the quiet girl.

I looked at her quizzically. "Are you from the states?"

She nodded her head. "Yes. Charles asked my sisters and I if we needed jobs and we happily accepted. We worked at our family owned salon, but it went out of business when the supernaturals took over. We were desperate for work." She said with a shrug of her shoulders. I could see sadness there but overall I believed she was thankful to have work.

"Charles is a good guy. I am so glad to hear he took care of you all." I said while encouraging the young woman to come sit beside me on the bed.

"Oh, but it was the Dragon King's decision to hire us. Charles was just the one to let us know. The King is a very nice man." She smiled sweetly at me as she whispered the last part.

I nodded my head, unsure what to say after having that new knowledge.

I finally straightened and smiled with an extend of my hand. "I'm Ellie Bennet by the way."

She took my hand and shook it. "Clara Hill." She smiled brightly at me. She was a sweet looking girl, not much taller than me with light brown board straight hair. "I am here to help you get ready for dinner tonight." She said while ringing her hands uncomfortably.

I couldn't help the laugh that bubbled out of me. "I'm sorry, but this whole thing is absolutely nuts. What world is this? I have loads of sisters that help me get ready sometimes. But I'm pretty sure that's not a normal thing people need help with these days."

She nodded her head in understanding and laughed with me. "Yep. That's why I was so unsure of what to do for you. Mrs. Jane gave me good suggestions, but it all felt strange like I was acting out a Victorian play."

"Well do you happen to know when dinner will be?" I looked at my Apple Watch and saw that it was 5:15.

"It will be at 7." She said while pulling some things out of a bag she brought with her and setting them on my vanity.

"Sweet. We have two hours to chill then. I think I might enjoy myself in that huge tub in there." I hooked my thumb over my shoulder towards the bathroom.

Clara's eyes went wide. "Your hair alone will take half that time. If you need to take a shower or bath, might want to do it quick." She said seriously, but it seemed more like a joke to me.

"A whole hour on my hair! That's insane! I stared at her like she just grew two heads.

"This is the first time you will be meeting the King, we need to do you up big time." Clara said letting loose a bit of her southern drawl and making me smile.

Someone at that moment came through the door with determination. I looked over to see Jane with her arms crossed. "Ellie, this is a big deal. Please don't fight sweet Clara about this." Jane's eyes pleaded with mine. I let out a huff of frustration, but nodded and complied with their wishes.

"Ok. Do your worst my friends." They both smiled like two kids in a candy store.

Yikes. What am I in for with these two?

A knock sounded at the door and Clara went to see who it was. The older man I saw speaking with Jane earlier stood outside the door holding a large white box.

"Excuse me madam. This was delivered for Miss Bennet." The man extended the box to Clara. Bowed towards us and left.

Well that was interesting.

"Uh Jane, did you order this for me?" I asked as Clara excitedly placed the box on the bed in front of me. She was practically jumping with excitement.

"Nope. I picked out some nice stuff for you, but it's already here in your closet." Jane pointed towards the huge walk in closet that was inside the bathroom area.

I looked at the gift suspiciously.

"Come on, just open it. Maybe it's from the King!" Clara's eyes were huge like saucers, making her look like a Disney princess. She was just too cute to say no to.

I gingerly opened the box.

"I doubt it's a bomb Ellie. Open it!" Jane said with a smirk. I guess she caught on to my hesitation.

I shrugged my shoulders and yanked open the rest of the top off.

Resting on top of the tissue paper was a handwritten note.

To my future Queen,

Something to make sure he can't take his eyes off of you.

Your future friend and Ally,

-G

I stared at the piece of paper like it burned me.

Both Jane and Clara read the note over my shoulder and let out echoing screams of glee.

I peeled back the tissue paper and saw the most perfect emerald green dress I had ever seen. It had a v-neck line and gathered together in the middle helping everyone not to focus on my non-existent flat stomach. Whoever this 'G' was totally got me.

When I tried it on everyone, including myself, sighed with how perfectly it fit me. Clinging to my curves in just the right way and showing just enough cleavage where it was nice, but not slutty.

"It was like it was made for you!"

"It fits you like a glove!"

Jane and Clara exclaimed at the same time with bright happy smiles on their faces.

"Ok time to tame your hair." Clara said while pretending to push up her sleeves. I smiled at her playful manner. It made my heart happy to see her coming out of her shell.

I dramatically rolled my eyes at her as I sat at the vanity in front of her.

"And that's my cue. I'll see you at dinner Ellie. Thank you Clara for taking such good care of her." Jane winked at Clara and Clara beamed in delight.

Clara decided on an intricate updo that took almost a whole box of bobby pins. I knew by later this evening I would have a migraine from so many pins sticking into my skull.

But as she finished helping me with my makeup, I had to admit I looked pretty dang good.

We were all beckoned to the Great Hall and yes that was its actual name.

As we waited for everyone in the foyer, I noticed all the ladies were decked out in formal wear. Dripping in jewels and outrageous poofy gowns. If that had been my only option I would be standing here in my jeans or in only my birthday suit. But I draw the line at poofy gowns.

Two of the Knights in the shiny armor opened two big wooden doors and led us into the Great Hall. The look of the huge room reminded me of a cross between The Hall of Mirrors in Versailles and the huge dining room in Harry Potter where the candles floated overhead. It was huge, ornate and magical.

Thousands of candles flickered over the whole room giving the room a golden warmth that made the vastness feel not so epicly huge. A long table ran through the center of the room. It was perfectly decorated and set.

I was thankful my seat was close to Jane and Charles and right next to Anne. She looked lovely in a soft pink A-line halter dress. It went nicely with her pale complexion and red hair that was down in perfect waves.

"Do you think we will actually ever meet the King?" Anne asked, clearly annoyed. Looking ready to be done with this whole thing. I couldn't blame her, we were already halfway through our dinner and the Dragon King had yet to show his face.

"No idea, but at least the food is amazing. Did you try the grey stuff? It's delicious! I could bathe myself in that sauce. It's so tasty." I said with a dramatic lick of my lips for emphasis.

We both cracked up laughing. But I stopped suddenly when the pang in my chest began to throb and felt like it was on fire. Just like after my dream this morning. Just like when I saw my…

The wooden doors opened and several of the Knights walked in. At the same time Charles stood and announced "May I present to you all, Liam Darcy, The Dragon King!" Jane stood beside him and we took their lead and stood as a tall man entered into the Great Hall. My back was to the door, so I had to turn my body to the side to get a view of the aloof King. But as soon as I got a good look at the man I turned back towards the table. My heart felt like it was about to jump right out of me.

You have to be freaking kidding me!

What on earth? It can't be? No, I must have imagined it.

The head of the table was just a few seats down from me and I could feel his presence like he was right beside me. Charles motioned for us all to sit back down. I needed to look at him again, I needed to know for sure if it really was him.

Could it truly be? Is the King, my Mystery Shifter?!?!?

But I knew if it really was him, if I looked into those deep brown pools of fire there would be no turning back. I would be wrapped around him within seconds, feeling those strong arms around me and his soft lips on my…

No! You can not go there!

Mine! Mine! Mine!

The strange voice caused me to look up and when I did I looked right into his warm gaze.

My breath caught in my throat and the pull towards him attacked me stronger than ever.

He looked unbelievably good. He had on a three piece suit with a thin green tie. His curly hair was perfectly styled and he had a 5 o' clock shadow that made me weak in the knees.

I held on to my chair tightly with both hands. Trying to will myself to look away from his dangerous eyes. But that pull, that force between us seemed to grow stronger and stronger as the seconds passed by.

The King whispered something in Charles ear and Charles nodded with a smile. I watched as Charles walked over to a few men off to the side with stringed instruments. They began to play and I welcomed the relief the distraction gave us.

That was until I felt a tap on my bare shoulder. The electricity of his touch shot all the way through me to my core.

I slowly looked up towards my no longer Mystery Shifter and the fire between us consumed me once again. He held out his hand to me and the whole table erupted in gasps. I could feel 8 daggers pointed directly at me as I took his hand and he led me towards the dance floor. Only 8, because I was pretty positive Anne didn't give a flip.

As we started out our dance I stared at my feet, not out of submission but I had not slow danced in years and I was pretty positive I was bound to step on one of his feet any minute.

I felt his fingers under my chin and he slowly pushed my chin up to meet his eyes.

But still he didn't say anything. Just stared me down. Reminding me of that moment after the most explosive kiss I had ever experienced in the Netherfield library. Where we just stared deeply into eachothers eyes.

Thousands of questions sprung to mind and I could not handle the silence anymore.

"We must speak sir, for we can not continue to meet like this." I said with an raised eyebrow.

Liam pulled me closer to him with the hand that rested on my lower back. He then lowered it just a smidge to where it would rest right above the curve of my ass. Then he whispered into my ear "Can we not? And what exactly would you like to speak of my lady?."

His soft words and warm strong hand on my lower back sent shivers right through me.

I sucked in a deep breath and mustered all the strength I could to fight my thoughts. They always seemed to become lost through the hazy fog that captures my brain when I am around this man.

"To start with, how about the fact that you are the Dragon King. That could have been a nice tidbit to tell me before you stuck your tongue down my throat." I said giving him the best glare I could, even though all I wanted to do was kiss him senseless.

His light chuckle in my ear fed my soul and I could feel all my lower muscles clench with a need I had never known.

"I don't remember you mentioning to me that you were chosen for the competition." He challenged.

I barked out a laugh. "Is that something I am supposed to let every male know from here out? Sorry I forgot my neon sign at home to let you know." I dead panned and it was his time to let out a hearty laugh. Making me think I could pass out from how wicked sexy this man was.

I was so tuned into our banter I hadn't noticed that he had moved us towards the side of the room where no one was paying attention to us anymore. He said something to a few of the Knights and they hit a panel in the wall. As soon as the panel opened, the King rushed us in it and it closed behind us.

We were in a tall room with floor to ceiling books and a winding staircase that went through the several floors of bookshelves. It was marvelous.

I stared in awe at the insane room but didn't get long to enjoy before my back was pushed up against one of the bookshelves.

*Authors Note*

I know I am mean for leaving us wanting so much more there, but don't worry more will come!

Thank you so much for all the love for my story.

By the way if interested their are two unnamed movie lines quoted in this chapter. I would love to see if you guys can figure them out.

Have fun friends and Happy New Year!