Chapter 34: Home
"I noticed how Amantha keeps addressing Sebastian as black lizard." Dexter pointed out.
Both the men fell into deep thought. There was indeed a small lizard community in Vandrad. But they weren't even powerful enough to shift for more than a hour.
There was no way someone so powerful like Sebastian, who defeated the deity of rain and thunders would belong to that community.
Even the most powerful red dragon couldn't achieve that feat. So it only meant one thing.
Lawrence's and Dexter's eyes met as they both uttered their guess at the same time. "The black dragon"
Everyone always thought the black dragon was myth. Only few folk tales remained. But even they were exempt of the black dragon's true power.
"Is this why prince Calhoun went into the snowblood peaks? Does he know something about the black dragon?" Lawrence asked Dexter, since he had an encounter with the prince before.
Dexter frowned as he recalled his encounter with the prince.
"The prince didn't really show any extraordinary abilities except for his fast running." he paused before talking again. "I guess anyone would run the same way if death was following them closely."
Dexter really felt funny thinking about it now. He saved that ungrateful prince's life, but that kid didn't even hesitate before saying a 'no' to his face.
"But there was indeed an almost unnoticeable vibration I got from him. I thought it was the artifact. But might be that's not the case." Dexter analyzed.
"And the prince also wore a fur cloak. The style and design looked quite old, but the magic on it was very strong. It was able to shield him from the ice of the peaks." Dexter added.
Lawrence leaned back in seat and sighed. The chill in snowblood peaks was not something any normal magic could resist. It held the power to cut through magic. No ordinary wizard could make something like that.
Even he made a few especially for the traveling there. But they didn't last for more than a week.
"Shall I go there and check on the prince your majesty?" Dexter offered, but Lawrence shook his head.
"No. The ancestral ceremony will be held soon." The king looked straight into Dexter's eyes as he continued. "You should meet your father."
Dexter averted his gaze from those green orbs without responding.
Lawrence sighed. Dexter would take each and every order of his' except this one - meeting his father. The king didn't press any further. Dexter wasn't a kid. He was capable enough to resolve his own matters.
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[London]
Isabella had a huge smile plastered on her face as she looked around the house. Dylan brought her to show the house he selected for them to move in.
It was a cozy house, with light wooden flooring, a small kitchen, a single bedroom and a common bathroom.
She instantly liked this place. Though a little far from the university, it was a safe community, and most importantly, it was an independent house.
The owners were an old couple who were now living in states with their kids. Dylan once helped the old lady back in states, and hence was able to rent this place at a reasonable price.
"This is beautiful Dylan." she said, while Dylan was already lost in her smile.
They came back three days ago, and Bianca took away his princess with her. He was able to spend some time with her because of this home tour.
"I knew you will like it." Dylan said as he hugged her from behind. Isabella suddenly felt shy as her heart raced at his every simple touch.
She felt funny and stupid every time she blushed. She and Dylan had hugged many times before. She never felt this way before.
"Is my princess blushing?" Dylan whispered in her ears, his lips softly brushed over the tip of her ears before moving away. Isabella toes curled inward as she bit her inner cheeks to not embarrass herself more than this.
"Is this blush because of your to-be-husband, my princess?" Dylan teased her again. This shy princess was very new to him, but he was also enjoying this a lot.
Isabella tried to push him away, but Dylan only tightened his arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"You're so full of yourself," she huffed, though her voice lacked any real irritation.
Dylan chuckled, his breath warm against her skin. "I'm full of you, actually. Can't think of anything else these days."
Her heart did an embarrassing little flip at his words. She tilted her head slightly to glance at him. "You're getting worse with your flirting."
"And yet, you're still blushing," he countered smoothly, nudging her cheek with his nose.
Isabella groaned, covering her face with her hands. "I hate you."
"Liar," Dylan smirked, finally loosening his hold but keeping a hand on her waist as he turned her around to face him.
"Shall we check out the bedroom next?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
Isabella snapped out of her daze and smacked his arm. "Dylan!"
He laughed, grabbing her hand before she could escape. "What? I meant to check the storage space!"
But Isabella was already marching ahead, hiding the warmth blooming across her face. Dylan followed, grinning to himself.
Isabella entered the bedroom, her cheeks turning red looking at he bed. In less than a week they both will be sharing a bed. The thought alone was enough to raise a zoo of butterflies in her tummy.
"Let us get our marriage photo framed and place it on the bedside table" Dylan suggested, walking in. Isabella smiled, liking the idea and nodded.
The house was decently furnished, with a sofa, chairs, bed, cabinets, a small dining table, a refrigerator, and a modular kitchen.
Isabella turned towards as she remembered something. "I am going to shop for the dress later. Which color do you want me to wear?" she asked.
She knew everyone usually wears white, symbolizing purity, but she didn't want to follow something blindly. This was a very important day, and though it wouldn't be grand, it should be special.
Dylan understood her thoughts and thought in which color he would like to see her in. Closing his eyes, he leaned his forehead against hers, thinking of the time when he first saw her.
It was many years ago. Isabella fell out from a black magical portal, like an angel from heaven, sent for him. She looked so cute in the olive green frock she was wearing that day.
"Olive green." he said.
Isabella blinked in surprise, tilting her head slightly. "Olive green?" she repeated, a soft smile tugging at her lips.
Dylan nodded, eyes full of warmth. "You looked like a dream when I first saw you in that color. I think it's only fair you wear it again on the most important day of our lives."
Her heart clenched at the sincerity in his voice. She had expected him to say something like white, red, or even blue, but olive green? That was so… Dylan. Always remembering the little things about her, the details she wouldn't have thought mattered.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him. "Olive green it is then," she whispered.
Dylan smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Good. Because no matter what you wear, you'll be the most beautiful bride."
Isabella rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the blush from creeping up her neck. "You really need to stop with the cheesy lines."
"Never," he smirked. "You love them."
She scoffed, stepping back to hide the ridiculous grin threatening to take over her face. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."
Dylan chuckled, watching as she turned to explore the rest of the house. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, admiring her as she moved around, checking cabinets, running her fingers over the furniture, and mentally planning how to set up their home.
Their home.
The thought made something warm settle in his chest. This wasn't just a place they would live in. It was the beginning of something bigger. A life together.
Isabella turned back to him, excitement shining in her eyes. "Let's go shopping tomorrow! We need decorations, some cozy pillows, and—oh! Fairy lights for the bedroom!"
Dylan chuckled, pushing off the doorframe. "Anything my princess wants."