Chapter 10

-Ellie-

"Wakey! Wakey! Eggs and bakey!" Clara chirped loudly. Busting me out of a deliciously peaceful sleep.

Once again dreaming about a particular Dragon King. I could still feel his thick arms encased around me, holding me up with ease while my legs wrapped tightly around him. His warm kisses blazing a trail down my throat as he…

Bright lights flashed in front of my face, as Clara chirped louder this time. "Up! Up! Up! No time to waste!" As I slowly opened my eyes, I watched as she continued to pull back the huge golden curtains and the insanely bright sunshine filled the room. Causing me to squint.

Guuuuhhhhhh!

I grabbed a pillow and covered my face. If I had gotten more than a couple hours of sleep last night, I would have been a little more understanding.

After Liam left me last night, it took me forever to stop my brain enough to fall asleep. My thoughts kept switching from his deal, his sweet encouraging words, his massive golden dragon and oh yeah the crazy future telling thing that happened when I touched his Dragon's forehead to mine. You know, totally normal stuff.

"I was asked to make sure you actually got up and dressed before I did my other jobs. Also... I get a fancy box of chocolates if I get you up extra annoyingly." Clara said while fighting back a laugh.

I glared at the door and then back at Clara. "And I thought having my sister here was going to be fun." I said with an exaggerated huff. "Hopefully those are some seriously yummy chocolates." I said while rubbing my temples and finally getting myself out of bed.

Clara smiled brightly and gave me an excited nod.

I went to the bathroom, took a super fast shower and headed to the closet for a T-shirt and Jeans.

"Nope, everyone has to wear the same kind of outfit today, it's a Trial day." Clara said matter of factly.

I looked at her with an eyebrow raised. "Did I miss out on hearing the schedule yesterday? I totally missed that big piece of news."

She shook her head. "I only know, because it's my job. They haven't explained the schedule or given any information yet to any of the other ladies. They plan to update you all during breakfast this morning." Clara said while handing me a stack of clothes. They looked like workout clothes. I'm not crazy about working out, but I'll take it over tight dresses and high heels any day.

I blew out a breath, with a nod of my head. "Ok then, well let's get this show on the road! They have coffee here right? Not some crazy substance that they say taste like it but it doesn't compare at all?"

Clara laughed loudly as she made my bed. I tried to stop her, saying I could easily do it, but she just waved me off.

"Yes they have coffee and it's pretty tasty too, I had a cup not too long ago."

"Cool. Then I definitely got this."

I was dressed and ready in no time and made my way to the Great Hall.

The morning sun glittered across the castle floor as I took in how large and magical this place was. I saw the now familiar Knights lining the hallways, a strange feeling yanking at me. Something just didn't seem right about those guys.

I walked into the Great Hall and saw most everyone already seated at the table eating breakfast. Strong coffee filled the air and I relaxed knowing all would be well if there was coffee.

I found a seat next to Anne, who had been talking with Jane that was sitting across the table from her.

Jane looked up at me with mirth dancing in her eyes.

"You think you are so funny don't you. Oh just you wait dear sister of mine. Payback is coming." I said with a wink.

"Wait, what happened?" Anne looked between Jane and I, confused about what was going on.

"Don't let my sweet, innocent sister fool you. She can be pretty mischievous if she wants to." I said while filling my coffee cup to the rim.

"Isn't it the quiet ones you have to watch out for?" Anne said with a smirk and raise of her eyebrow.

We all three laughed loudly. I looked around the table, but was surprised that Liam was not there. Maybe he's not a morning person.

Just then a vision filled my thoughts of Liam in bed, with me in his arms. Just waking up from a restful night's sleep, wrapped up in eachothers embrace.

I blinked and it was gone. It was one of those moments that had flashed in my mind from the night before with the Dragon.

Whoa, that was super strange and oh so freaking hot!

Hair mused, sleepy eyed Liam was probably the hottest thing I had ever seen. I could still feel his warm arms wrapped around me. Holding me tightly to him.

I buttered my toast and tried to calm down my breathing before anyone noticed my flushed cheeks.

"So Miss Bennet, do you plan to drape yourself all over the King again today?" The fake blonde from the night before asked with disgust, her head held so high I thought it was going to pop right off.

I cocked my head towards her and then gave Anne a quizzical look.

"Anne, are we not here to compete for the King? Or am I confused and was forced onto the wrong game show?" I said pushing my lips out in thought and tapping my chin with my longest finger.

Anne smirked and looked back at me. "Yep! That is what I was told when they forced us here against our will." Anne said with a wide grin. "But, we're here so why not fight for our right to paaarrrtttyyy." Anne said the words to the popular 90's song in the most sarcastic, monotone way. Reminding me of a character from Daria.

We busted up laughing, while Fake Blonde (now affectionately named FB in my head) stared at us like we had completely lost our minds.

Charles walked into the Great Hall talking to the chuckling guy I met in the hallway yesterday.

Charles sat down next to Jane and gave her a heart stopping kiss. Causing Anne and I to let out loud whoops and Jane's cheeks to become bright red. She was just too cute.

Mr. Chuckles sat down next to me. "I would greet you in the same fashion, but I'm pretty sure my cousin would have me beheaded." The man said casually to me as he reached for the plate of scrambled eggs.

I let out a scoff. "And who might your cousin be, sir?" I asked with an eyebrow raised. A hint of a smile turning up on my lips. As much as I wanted to keep my poker face up, the man had the unnerving ability to make me laugh.

He turned his face towards me with a wide grin. "That would be the great Fitzwilliam Darcy, Dragon King of Dragon Island, owner of this lovely Pemberley Castle." He said while bringing his coffee to his lips, his pointer finger pointed out like a dainty lady.

"I think you forgot 'Most High Rightness' in that title." Anne quipped beside me, causing us to chuckle.

"So you are a cousin to the great Dragon King, I have yet to hear what your name is? I am leaning towards Phil, you're giving off a strong Phil vibe." I asked, genuinely wanting to know this guy better. I think he would be a fun friend to have around here.

A loud snort came from the man. "Hell no! I'm not a Phil! Phils are creepers! I'm way more fun than a Phil, Richard Fitzwilliam at your service mam." He pretended to tip his non-existent top hat, then extended his hand towards mine.

I shook his hand, highly amused by this guy. Before I could tell him my name, he piped in. "And you are the one and only Ellie Bennet."

"Should I be super weirded out that you already know my name? I thought you weren't Phil the creeper?" I asked with a curious smirk.

Richard leaned in a little closer, just so I could hear him. "Let's just say a relative of mine is obsessed with you. So much so that I have never seen him so rattled."

I wished so badly that I could play it cool after a comment like that. Act like it was no big deal. But my stinkin' cheeks immediately went bright red. The idea of me rattling the King, ha. He had no idea what kind of rattling was happening in my own brain.

A loud growl sounded behind us, causing me to jump. Richard quickly straightened back to infront of his plate, leaving a good amount of room between the two of us.

The warm, fire scent and the pang in my chest told me exactly who was standing behind us.

I slowly looked up towards his deep chocolate eyes and felt my insides go weak.

Liam.

Mine! Mine! Mine!

I rolled my eyes at the inner voice that has decided to go all cavewoman on me every time I see him.

Would there ever be a time where I could be near this man without me wanting to plaster myself to him in every possible way? It seemed like we could have a normal conversation after our initial meeting after being apart. But those first few minutes of seeing him, always set my insides on fire.

By the blaze in his eyes, I don't doubt he was having the same struggle.

Richard got up and moved to the next seat over and Liam sat down beside me. I was super surprised since I'm pretty sure his normal seat was at the end of the table.

I took a sip of water to help calm my insane heart that felt like it wanted to beat out of my chest.

I felt Liam lean into my side. "Good morning, Elizabeth." He whispered into my ear. Making my stomach feel like hundreds of butterflies had taken root down there.

I stared straight ahead, refusing to look at him again and get lost to his magnetic pull. I am only so strong. "Good Morning, Mr. Darcy." I hid a smirk from him by chowing down on a few pieces of bacon.

I could feel the heat of his stare on the side of my face. Silently urging me to look at him.

"I thought we were past that. Why won't you call me Liam?" He whispered through clenched teeth. Like it was insanely painful for me to be so formal with him. Strange.

I let out a huff of frustration. Damn this man was fire and ice. So serious and intense all the time. Well except for last night, when he almost seemed goofy and fun when he told me goodnight and literally shifted in mid-air off the balcony. Which I'm not going to lie, was one of the coolest things I had ever seen. But the rest of the time I had known him, his intensity felt so strong like it would actually burn me if I got too close. But at other times he was so cold and standoffish. I just can not figure this man out.

I chose to ignore his comment. I am not calling him Liam in front of the other women. That is reserved for just us. Not this crazy competition. Not when 9 other women are fighting for his attention.

Something inside me snarled at the thought of other women looking at Liam, wanting his attention. Lately it's like I am constantly fighting an animal inside of me. This raging fireball that was just waiting to attack. This place was making me go insane for sure.

I continued to feel his eyes on me as I finished up my breakfast, which was mostly just coffee, toast and bacon. But what else do you really need when bacon is around?

Not too long after Charles stood up and Liam walked over to stand beside him. Richard followed and stood closely behind them like a guard.

Charles enthusiastically got everyones attention. "Today marks the official first day of the competition to be Queen. There will be three trials that you will compete in. The first will be today. The next two will be announced the day of. No one will know what the trials are beforehand other than Jane, Colonel Richard, The King and I." Charles took a moment to nod to both men and ended with a sweet smile at Jane. A small laugh escaped me. Those two needed a two week honeymoon, not having to be the keepers of 10 silly human women. Charles continued on. "Before I explain today's trial, we need to discuss rules for during your time here on Dragon Island. You are allowed to venture most anywhere inside the castle and on the island. There will be certain areas that will be off limits, but they will be heavily guarded so you will know not to go into those areas. If found in an off limits area and you were not asked to be there by one of us." Charles gestured to himself, Jane, Richard and Liam. "Then you will be immediately sent home. If you are found fraternizing with any male other than the King, you will be sent home. You may only spend time with the King outside of the trials if he has come to you or requested your presence. If you go to him uninvited you will be sent home. If you are sent home from any of these infractions your family will only receive half the money that was promised to them."

"Geez, this just got intense fast." Anne mused in my ear.

I gave a quick nod. These guys weren't fooling around.

Charles let out an exasperated breath and then put his normal bright smile back in place. "Ok now that we have all that cleared up. Onto the trials. Each trial will test you three different ways: mental, physical and magical…"

Did he just say Magical? How do they plan to test humans magically? I noticed Anne with a confused look, mirroring my own. Happy to know I wasn't the only one to catch that crazy bomb.

"You will be watched throughout the whole competition. If you do not win a trial, you will still be judged and scored. At the end of the three trials whoever has the highest score will be Queen. If you are harmed to the level of not being able to continue on in the competition, we will have to send you back home. You will still get the money that was offered in full to you and your family." Charles took another large breath and ran a hand through his wild hair. "Now today's trial. A Ceremonial Dagger has been hidden somewhere on the island and you will need to find it. This Dagger will be used in the coronation ceremony for whichever of you becomes Queen. When you find the Dagger, an alarm will sound notifying all other competitors that the trial is over and to come back to the castle. The woman who finds the Dagger will bring it back to the castle and hand it to the King. You will be the winner of today's trial and get to have a special dinner alone with the King tonight."

All the girls clapped and squealed in delight. I looked at Anne who was full out cackling at the other girl's response, which of course made me laugh.

I peeked a glance at Liam, who was still staring me down. Goodnight! If he wants me to win so badly, I'm going to need to not be so heavily distracted by his insane hot stares.

Charles and Richard moved us all outside to the backside of the castle.

They lined us all up, counted down and with a blast of fire from a dragon- we were off!

*Authors Note*

And we're off! I am posting two chapters today because I promised my next chapter would actually start the competition. And technically it did, but just a tiny bit. So to make up for that, in this next chapter you will get to enjoy all kinds of adventurous crazy trial fun!

Thank you all for all the favorites, follows and reviews. They mean the world to me! I love hearing all of your guys thoughts on the story.

Have fun friends!