Author's Note:

Okay, y'all made me giggle with some of your responses. Seriously though, thank you for having such an amazing and positive response to this story, and yes I know I've already told you this in every chapter but thank you once more. I hope I am doing justice to that one person who likes dragons. Just a small reminder that this story is a mixture of folklore and my imagination and that what I don't know I am making up as I go. Love ya so much!

So, before we go into the chapter, I want to point out that there are a few things in store for all of you, and I hope you all do not freak out on me. There will be a few things that are revealed in this chapter, but before jumping to conclusions please remember how I always go about everything, if it isn't explained in this chapter it will be revealed in the next of in the future.

The room tenses as Garrett nods, and he moves to stand beside him. "No one is going to lay a hand on this youngling or my sister." He cuts in too.

The man I now know is Carlisle lets out a long tired breath, "We know. Which is why we must make sure that this matter does not get out before they are wed." He clarifies.

My father looks like he wants to argue but Carlisle holds up a hand to stop him. "You signed the concord when Annette was born. She has broken the concord. The concord dictates a maiden of the Swan Clan be given to those of the Cullen clan of Vespera. So, Isabella can decide… will she choose to uphold the concord and wed Edward in a fortnight… or will we declare war on Elysianth and all of their allies." He states, looking at me.

I let out a sharp breath and turned to look at my father.

"She- That is why she left…" I whispered in realization.

Annette wished to fall in love and marry someday… someone of the same realm as us. Someone who love-her for her. Just like me.

But her duty to our kingdom was great. She would have never left unless… Marrying Edward was - wasn't what she wanted.

That must have been why she left. She must have fallen in love. Only falling for someone of this realm would have changed her loyalty of this kingdom to herself.

Byron helped her realize what I had been telling her for a long time. That she didn't always need to be the one who took all of the weight of this kingdom on her shoulders. She was allowed to feel, to experience love, life, and happiness.

I wanted to smile at the realization, even if it meant that I was now taking her place. She was happy for once, my sister was happy, and that is what matters.

I still remember when she met Byron when they were both adolescents. He was a knight in training, and she was training to become the next heir to the throne since Garrett decided he wanted to lead our armies. They had grown closer with time, and eventually, my guess is that they fell for each other, but my father informed her of the betrothal to the heir of Vespera.

She had been closed off since the announcement, and become distant. Only days later would she flee with Byron in the dead of night.

Her duty to the kingdom no longer mattered to her. Her commitments shifted. She was now listening to her heart rather than what she was supposed to.

I realized then what she must have been going through. The pain of deciding what to do must have been agony to her. All on her own. Pain suddenly radiates from my chest as the realization fully sinks in.

My parents had always been hard on her while allowing me to do as I wished.

The thought of her thinking that she could no longer come back to Elysianth hurt more than anything else that was happening, and the thought hurt more than anything else that happened recently. I had to find out what happened to her, and make sure she was safe. I was no longer naive to believe I could escape this unscathed.

I had to do what was best for all of us. Even my sister.

"You-You are leaving it up to- to me?" I blinked at them, shocked.

My father finally snapped out of whatever stupor he was in as I spoke and nodded, "No. There is no choice here." He says.

I nod, holding back whatever I was going to say by biting my lip, looking down at Cas, and wrapping my arms around him, securely.

Even as I move my hands, I am relieved to see that the shield holds up, as I stand there holding Cas safely in my arms, even with Edward standing a mere two feet away, the shield stays.

'Ancient magic' I think, feeling somewhat relieved.

He continues, not acknowledging me at all. This makes me think of Anne once more, how many times had this been done to her? Leaving her with no choice in any matter? The thought leaves me feeling cold, despite the fact that I am still wearing my thick, travel cloak.

My father's voice snaps me out of my thoughts, causing me to look over at him."The engagement and wedding shall be announced immediately, and we shall have a banquet in your realm." He reassures Carlisle.

Carlisle stares at him for a long moment, as if debating for something before he holds up a hand, interrupting whatever my father is saying. "Just a moment there, Charles. Before you go ahead and start planning the future of your youngest daughter, you've forgotten to consider one thing." He tells him.

My father frowns, "Oh? And what is that?" He asks, as he turns to look at me.

I turn my head away, and look over at Garrett, who signals to me with his hands that everything will be alright. Which gives me some comfort.

Carlisle sighs, "How does Isabella feel about all of this? I mean she rejects all of the suitors you and Renata considered worthy of taking her hand in marriage. She disappeared just like Annette immediately after. So, Isabella, what are your thoughts on this subject we are discussing?" He asked me, as he stared at me.

I stared back, unblinkingly, before licking my lips, "What my thoughts are at the moment aren't of enough significance. I know my sister's hand was promised to your son. That fact is not of much importance given the fact that I ended up being the bondmate of your son. So, it all is a moot point either way." I respond, honestly.

"So, are you going to accept or reject the proposal?" He finally asks.

I give him a dry smile, "I will accept… when he speaks to me about the entire ordeal…" I finally say, unable to hold back the amusement when Edward gives me a wide-eyed look. "We do have a lot to discuss, and I think it is best we do it alone," I added.

Carlisle nods, "That will be taken into account. But is this what you truly want? I assure you, no harm shall come to you or that youngling, but you must decide at once. Will you stay here, where I can not control what happens, or come to my realm? You are more than welcome to remain here or go there until you and Edward are officially wed and have completed the bond. Both Edward and I will make sure you both are kept safe. But I can not assure that some other realm will not attempt against your lives." He states honestly.

I nodded, having thought as much as I stared back at him.

My father frowns in response, as he interrupts, "She is safe here. This is her home, her realm. Why would she be in danger here?" He asks, offended.

Carlisle gives him a cold smile, slowly shaking his head from side to side. "Your knights, servants, and people are too easily swayed and betrayed by their own greed. Might I suggest keeping them in check before you get offended, Charles? It was almost too easy to sway them with the promise of gold and other babbles. My son easily paid off her guards to pass information about her to him." He informs my father, who sputters in disbelief.

"Did you know of this?" He asked Garrett who nodded.

"Aye, I discovered this bit of information the night that the suitors arrived here. Truth be told this tame compared to what the other suitors attempted to do. If my men and I hadn't placed a charm in the hallway of her room, who knows what might've happened." He informs them.

I turned to give Edward a disbelieving look as he gave me an apologetic look. "You spied on me?" I asked angrily, as Cas whimpered.

Edward's eyes flew to Cas, who let out a louder whimper. "He looks just like you." He whispers in awe.

I swallowed and nodded, "Aye. Jasper told me you managed to create him with a strand of my hair, and my flowers. How did you do it?" I asked him quietly.

He shook his head, "Little Fae, don't ask those questions right now. I promise to answer them later. You need to make a decision about this, now." He urges me, quietly.

I turn to find all of them all staring at me, expressions varying from concern, to anger, to fear.

I look down to see Cas's eyes looking up at me. I knew immediately what I had to do.

He comes first. He always would.

I could feel all of their stares on me as I debated on the advantages and disadvantages of either option. The best option would have been to take asylum in a different realm.

I knew which realm I'd chosen too. But I wasn't about to reveal my thoughts to anyone. Especially under these circumstances. I had to keep some sort of back of plan in case the occasion ever arose.

Cas opened his eyes to stare up at me as he sucked on his little fist, and cooed.

I looked up at Edward, who was staring intently at me.

My stomach clenched at the sight of his green eyes, there was an indecipherable emotion in them as he stared at me. A flash of blue burst causing me to gasp as I felt something lure me in.

Unable to look away. Everything disappeared around me.

"Isabella." Garrett whispered, uncomfortably.

I frowned, but remained, staring into the deep blue-green mix of his eyes.

The feeling as if something in my axis changed, like the collision of two stars, an intense feeling suddenly ensnared me, becoming me, drawing me in as a moth does to a flame.

Before anyone could blink Edward's eyes turned into the familiar dark shade of blue and I heard a gasp as a rumble began to emanate from his chest.

"Charles, she and Edward need to get to Vespera. As soon as possible. The mate call has been activated. If they aren't in Vespera and Edward loses control, a lot of people could end up getting hurt." Carlisle urges.

I blink as I hear him, breaking off the hypnotic siren-like call, before turning to look at Garrett, who looks concerned. "What's wrong?" I asked, confused.

He remained silent, and wouldn't look at me, until I heard a throat clearing.

I turned to my father, who looked anywhere but at me, "You need to go to Vespera. Staying here is not an option for you. The babe and you will be safer in the Dragon realm of Vespera until we can get the engagement announced officially. Go." He urges me.

My mother immediately interrupts. "What? No. That is preposterous. Not to mention humiliating. Think about what all the other realms will say when word gets out. Her reputation and ours will be left in tatters. We can't allow that to happen." She cut in.

My father shook his head, "No, it won't. As far as anyone knows she is still missing. She didn't have a babe with this dragon out of wedlock and we don't know of her location." He tells her firmly.

My mother holds back tears as she nods, and turns away. "We've already lost one daughter, do you truly wish to lose another?" She asks, quietly, before turning away.

I rolled my eyes at her dramatics before turning to Edward, "Let us go. Before she starts with more dramatics. I do not have the energy to listen to this." I sighed.

Edward frowned, as he looked over at Carlisle who motioned towards the fire that was moving in the hearth. "Walk towards it." He instructs as Edward guides me towards it.

I stiffen immediately as I slowly make my way toward the hearth, the sudden need to run the other way intensifying as I wonder if it will hurt Cas, but realize that Edward wouldn't allow anything to hurt me.

Edward pulled me against his chest protectively, as I tensed. "Relax, little fae. The fire will not burn you, it'll simply caress your skin like my touch." He reassures me as the flame suddenly turns blue and green as he waves his hand in front of it.

The flame suddenly flies up towards the ceiling as it intensifies before parting, a portal opening before us.

"Take her to your wing. Do not allow anyone near her or that babe until I have arrived." Carlisle instructs.

Edward nods, stepping into the portal first before turning to look at everyone, a nod given to someone I don't know, before he extends his hand towards me.

I hesitate for a second, turning to look at my brother, who nods in encouragement before I take a deep breath and extend my hand in Edward's, a hot, electric wave hitting me, the moment our skins touch.

I hold his hand tightly as I step in. He immediately wraps one of his thick, muscular arms around me, protectively, as the flames close behind us. It engulfs us for a moment, the warmth of the heat caressing my skin like a warm hug before it disperses a few moments later.

We stare at each other, the heat of the hearth seemingly disperses from around us, only remaining between us.

"How-?" I began only to trail off as I looked down.

"Jasper sent a message out that you all had arrived here in this realm. He planned to get you to a safe place before asking both of us what we wished to do, but you disappeared before he could even mention it to us." He explained.

"How did you know where I went?" I finally asked.

I knew I could feel him but I wasn't entirely sure if our developing connection was strong enough for him to feel me.

The enigmatic smirk returned as he stood a mere two inches away from us. "The mark." He finally replies.

I frowned, as my eyes flew down to the mark on my arm."That mark allows you to locate me…?" I asked, licking my lips as his eyes drank in my face.

"Aye. I can sense you. Your thoughts, emotions, and location. You would be able to, too, if we completed the bond... But that can't be done just yet." He confesses, shaking his head, as a frustrated huff escapes his lips.

I watch as his eyes shift from the emerald green to the mesmerizing blue from the garden.

The same scent that hit me earlier appeared in the air as I stood there, watching flabbergasted.

His nostrils flare, and his shoulders tense as he straightens his stance, as he stares back at me, solemnly.

"Edward?" I asked, anxiously, holding Cas to my chest protectively as I took a step back.

Dragons were supposedly known to be volatile creatures. Moods, always varying constantly. Sometimes even turning violent within a blink of an eye.

This is why I feared finding my bondmate in a dragon. We could be having a quiet moment and he'll be angry and end up killing me.

"Relax, little fae. I will not harm you." He spoke, but his voice wasn't the same smooth timbre that reminds me of honey, and lemongrass tea. This voice was deep, husky, hypnotic, yet soothing much like his voice… reminding me of melted caramel, with green crisp apples, and something headier lingering there too.

I stood there, staring back, as my mind was sucked into a memory of a few months ago.

It reminded me of the time Garrett and I were asked to attend the banquet in Ocecia to witness the engagement of Delphine of Ocecia and Wilhelm of Isengard. When I questioned as to why I had to attend I was informed that Annette was ill and bedridden, meaning I had to go in her place.

My parents would be joining us later in the night. I was to go with Garrett in the representation of our parents until they arrived. We had left a day earlier and sat by the entrance of their realm, having a picnic before we went in.

Back then the hardest thing to decide was what I wanted to wear. We were told we were only allowed to dress in colors of that realm because Princess Delphine wished to have women and men dress a certain way.

I had debated on whether or not to wear something scandalous, like wearing one of my brother's suits but remembered that mother had a nerve attack the last time I had done that in our realm.

So, I opted for the silk blue dress, with off-the-shoulder sleeves, and a sweetheart neckline. I added a few flowers, and butterflies to the poofy skirt, and curled my hair before pinning a flower and vine crown onto my head.

When the next night arrived, we were led into a massive coliseum, where we were asked to sit in a section of gold and pearly white while others were led to different colored sections.

Each section held an emblem for each family. As I sat I noticed that the family next to us wore blue, red, and golden clothing, each family wore a shade of blue, but added their realm colors to their attire.

My mother replaced my flower crown with one of flowers, gold, and diamonds. Shaking her head at my attire.l before turning her attention to King Triton, his queen, and King Agares.

I remember dancing with my brother for most of the night, laughing and spinning around carelessly.

The same smell hit my nose as I excused myself to go to the lavatory. My brother having escorted me so nothing bad happened to me.

I blinked as I heard a huff. "Edward?" I asked again, taking another step back.

"Edward is not here. I am." He replies as he moves forward, stalking me.

I swallow, before taking a slow breath, "I see, and to whom am I speaking to?" I asked carefully.

"Kaldrak. His dragon counterpart." He answers, matter-of-factly. "He seems to be under the impression that he is in charge when in reality, I am the one who has the last say in all matters." He adds, with a shrug.

I hummed, as I slowly twitched my fingers, placing an invisible shield around Cas and me. "I see, and what may I ask is it that you want? Are- Are you here to hurt us?" I asked, my voice wavering with uncertainty.

He huffs, "Of course not. I would never harm you or our offspring, little fae. It would hurt me too." He responds.

I frown, "I don't- I don't understand." I whispered.

He hums, as his nostrils flare, "That mark? On your left arm… that is my claim on you." He informs me.

I stare back at him, with a furrowed brow. "I- I don't understand," I whispered back.

A smile pulls on Edward's face, but it's not the same. The warmth is missing. Instead, there is cold amusement in it, which leaves me chilled to the bone. "You didn't think that you could talk like that to me and expect me to not retaliate? Did you? You don't touch a dragon physically unless you have permission, little fae. You could have gotten hurt." He offhandedly says as he moves across the room to lean against one of the stone walls.

I blinked, "I-I never-" I began to argue as he gave me a disbelieving look, a brow lifting as his blue eyes gleamed.

"You came at us with a dagger, Fae. I could have hurt you if I hadn't registered the pull when our magic touched. You could have been harmed. I figured with you being of royalty you'd know this, but I can see that I am going to have to educate you in every sense of the word." He stated flatly.

I frowned. "Our magic never touched." I responded, frowning.

He scoffed, "What do you call this then?" He challenges as he pulls off the cotton shirt he is wearing, and reveals the dainty hand-size mark on his peck.

No. When had I- Oh Oberon! I touched him without meaning to… I bonded us to each other without-

"I see that this has finally sunken in, little fae. For future reference, I suggest you don't touch anyone else besides Edward or I. I don't share what's mine." Kaldrak says before the blue hue disappears and the emerald returns, but it reappears a second later. "Before I forget, I must remind you that this binding cannot be undone. So don't do anything stupid. You won't like the consequences." He adds before the color goes back to emerald.

His words leave me stunned as I stare at Edward, who blinks in confusion.

"What just happened?" He asked.

"I- I met Kaldrak." I softly say, as Cas coos in my arms, holding him to my chest reassuringly.

He frowns, before growling under his breath in his native tongue.

"Cursing at him won't undo anything. So, just leave it be." I cut him off.

He mumbles something again, and shakes his head. "Grouchy interfering oversized fire-breathing, oversized, lizard." He sighs.

"He is correct, though. I've made a lot of mistakes. Kaldrak simply pointed them out. I- I should not have asked you to give me a dragon." I quietly say to him, as I swallowed around the knot in my throat.

He hums and turns to look out the window. "I wasn't cursing at him. We were arguing about what he told you. Stubborn fool." He shakes his head.

I wave my hand and shake my head before turning away to look around the room, badly wanting to avoid his heavy stare.

My emotions swirled in my chest, and head, practically leaving me dizzy as I felt tears pool in my eyes.

"Little fae…" He whispers as he moves towards me.

I shake my head as I look out the window.

The land stretches out before us, leaving me breathless as I stare in shocked awe.

"What's wrong, Isabella?" He finally asks when he moves towards me.

I shake my head, unable to speak, for I know now that I am the cause of this. Annette and Garrett were correct when they said I was inexperienced, foolish, and naive.

How could I do this to everyone? Not only had I placed myself in danger but I had also placed Edward in a bad position, and he didn't yield it. He gave me what I wanted.

He gave me my son.

"Isabella." He whispered again.

"How could I be this foolish?" I sobbed, holding Cas to my chest. "I've spent years making it a point to know our laws and accordances, yet failed to learn of yours in true depth. It was correct to make me the spare. I am… not worth it." I whispered, tearfully.

He shook his head, "You are not foolish, and you are worth everything and more. Besides, you are wrong. I find it rather impressive that you bothered to know anything of other realms at all. No royal does, unless forced into it." He replies, amused.

"Stop trying to sweet talk me, Drah- hm- Edward. It's not going to make me feel any better." I replied, wiping my face with the back of my hand.

He lets out a gentle laugh, and shakes his head, "Sweet talk you. But I am not stating anything that isn't the truth, Isabella. You are known to be intelligent, impartial, noble… and sweet. That is knowledge to all realms, my sweet little fae. So, you knowing merely anything besides what is common knowledge of all the other realms is amazing." He replies.

I shook my head, "Garrett knows all of the laws, and concordances of the other realms by memory, he makes my knowledge look like a mere parlor trick." I mumbled, shaking my head.

"Oh, I know. We've run into each other a few times at the gatherings the elders hold every winter solstice." He informs me.

I snort, "I always skip those." I mumbled, shaking my head as I stared down, "He said I was missing out on a great opportunity, to make acquaintances in other realms…" I added with an eye roll and scoff.

He snickered, "Oh I know, I remember the night Garrett walked in with a black eye, and a wide smile on his face. We were all surprised when he informed us all that he had been training with you, and that you managed to get the upper hand on him." He told me, amused.

I snorted, "I've been getting the upper hand for years, especially since one of our relatives showed me how to use defensive and offensive enchantments and incantations. Nature is a powerful thing, and no one knows just how powerful it can be. He's trained me in hand-to-hand combat, sword fighting, and archery." I informed him as I stared off in the distance.

He makes an appreciative sound, but stares behind me as I look curiously at him.

His eyes are trained on something in the horizon. Flashing between the emerald and deep blue, as his shoulders tense.

I frown and turn back to look out the window in time to notice what he is looking at.

I saw some specks in the sky, but blinked and realized what it was.

A group of dragons were flying in the distance.

It was a mesmerizing sight to behold as they flew in a circle.

They moved with agility, precession, and grace. It was a wonder how such massive beings could hold themselves in the air, in the night sky so easily.

Suddenly I noticed that two moved out of the circle and flew off.

It seemed that they were moving in our direction. Fast.

I noticed that there were two. A green, and yellow one. It looked like a long serpent in the sky, with a yellow belly, and orange claws with two rows of spikes aligning down its back, with two thick legs curled towards its belly. The thin, elongated, and leafy-looking wings floating behind it.

The other one was red, and maroon. It was thicker than the other one and had a thick body, arms, and legs. Spikes covered all of its back, face, and neck, and its wings were large and pointy, and curved.

A deep, throaty roar emanated from behind me, causing both Cas and I to jump as I turned to look at Edward.

The sapphire was back in his eyes.

Kaldrak was back.

"Do not come here," He growled at them as he yanked me back.

His voice carried itself through the wind, loudly.

I gasped, almost losing my balance as he moved to stand in front of me, protectively.

The other two dragons weren't stopping, and before I could say anything, a large humming began, along with the creaking, and snapping sound. I stepped back, fearing the worst as I stared in disbelief.

The clothes Edward had been wearing were now hanging in tatters as two large wings slowly began to slowly contort out of his back. His arms hang on his side as his neck slowly rotates to the side, his spine twisting and contorting, elongating and curving. His skin began to gain a dark yet bright blue.

Spike and scales replaced the skin of his back, as the last of the transformation began.

His entire body shifted, and suddenly I found myself staring at a large blue, black, and orange dragon. His eyes glowed in the now shattered room.

I gasped, "E-Eh-Kal-Kaldrak?" I managed.

His head swiveled in my direction as I spoke, and huffed in response before turning back to look at the two dragons.

Without warning, Kaldrak took flight, and a short battle began.

I watched in horror as all three dragons began flying higher into the air, circling as they clawed, smacked, and bit at each other.

Kaldrak seemed to have an advantage as he kicked the red one, and smacked the other one with his tail.

The green dragon suddenly roared and smacked Kaldrak in the face with his wings and spiky tail. While Kaldrak retaliated by ripping off part of one of his opponents' wings.

Then I blinked and a massive golden dragon appeared roaring at them and spitting fire at them, causing the other three to move out of the way quickly, before turning to look at a large gold dragon. The massive gold one suddenly turned, along with the three other dragons followed it away from my view.

What in the great Oberon was that?