18 Chapter Eighteen

Warning: Sexual Content Ahead.

Robbin's POV

"How was the ride?" I ask Lilliana as we got off of Phoebion's back.

"It was, how do I put this nicely?" She asked, clutching her knees in a bent down position, shallow breaths endlessly escaping her mouth. "The most terrifying thing I've ever experienced."

"Ah, well, sorry to hear that." I turn away from her and face Xander who, as much as he's trying to hide his fear, is standing there waiting for us.

"How are you not afraid of those winged fire breathers?" Lilliana asks Xander, finally standing up straight.

"He's not a first-time flyer," I respond to him. "But don't worry, it'll get easier over time."

"You say that, but I'm never getting on her again."

"Then how will you get home?" I ask.

"We'll come to that when the time comes. Now, can we please get out of here? I'm sure we look like a lunchtime snack to them."

I laugh softly at her comment. "Sure." The three of us exit the dragon pit and meet up with my family who had only arrived moments earlier.

My coronation was days ago, and it was time for everyone to return home. But, as luck would have it, the Northerner kingdom got word that some people down by Drakon Bay might have some information regarding the rogues, or more specifically, who's leading them.

The tip may be a stretch and I'd never listened to the word of someone I don't know, but this information came from an old friend. One I thought I'd never see again.

"Do you need us to come with you?" My brother asks.

"No, we'll be fine on our own. Now go take care of your kingdom. I'm sure they've missed their king."

"My brother gives me a sad, familial smile and responds. "Not as much as they missed you." His words warmed my heart, bringing me back to the day I returned to the Westerlie kingdom. The rows among rows of citizens who showed up to greet their long lost princess.

"Right, well we'll leave you to your business. "My family gives me a tight hug, not wanting to let me go again. I breathe them all in, knowing we won't see each other for some time after this. We were only staying for a few hours, and they couldn't be spent together.

Reluctantly, we all let go and I watched the three of them walk away and return to their people.

"Are you ready?" Xander asks as he walked up behind me, his body heat pushing against my own.

"Yes. let's go." The three of us exit the dragon pit and head to an awaiting black SUV to take us to our destination. "Drakons Bay isn't too far from the capital."

"Yes, I remember," Xander replied, referring to the time we flew there on Phoebion, experiencing our first real moment.

Xander, Lilliana, and I enter the car and it takes off instantaneously. The drive would be short, but sitting in this vehicle with Xander for ten minutes is almost as uncomfortable as flying with him for five hours.

It was an earsore first five minutes, up until Xander placed a hand on my leg. My first thought was to shoo it away, but the contact eased my discomfort. My tensed shoulders relaxed at his touch and I momentarily closed my eyes, easing myself into his hand.

Suddenly, his hand began a circling pattern, caressing every part it touches, and I became uncomfortable since Lilliana was sitting right beside us. I swatted his hand away, but it returned seconds later, this time with a firm grasp. His intentions became clear. This wasn't for my enjoyment, it was for his.

It's no secret that Xander wants another round of, well me, but distractions aren't going to help our current situation. Maybe after dinner, we can...

I shut my eyes quickly and inch the bridge of my nose, not wanted to finish that thought. Thankfully, the car came to a stop and the sound of door opening revealed that we've arrived.

The three of us step out of the car, taking in the seaport town of Drakons Bay. It's a beautiful area, filled with amazing views of the sea and warm weather. It also happens to be the location of Vision. The thought of him pains me, especially since I'm not here to see him.

"Are you okay?" Asked Xander. He must've noticed my sudden discomfort, but I quickly brushed it off.

"Yes. Come on, it's this way. I led Lilliana and Xander to a bar near the docking area where many sirens spent their time. If I'm right, then she should be here.

The bar happens to be an outside one, so being able to find her should be- "There!" I almost squeaked from excitement. Ninety-six years old and she still looks the same. The wetness of her hair kept it slicked back, droplets of water sliding down her tanned skin.

As if sensing us, she turned around to find the three of us meters away from her. Her expression was as happy as mine. She got up from her seat and ran over to me, me meeting her halfway.

"Robbie!" she cried out. I didn't say anything in response, my joyfulness choked down any possible sentences being spoken.

"Oh my seas, I've missed you!" she released her hold on me and gripped my shoulders instead to get a better look at me. Her deep emerald eyes scanned over every part of me, noticing I've kept my appearance as well.

"Damn, we still look good." She noted.

"I suppose we do. How are you Lilac?"

"Well, I've had better days, but enough about me, what are you doing here? I heard you're a queen now."

"We can get to that later, but I'm here for you."

"Me?" She confusingly asked.

I led her back over to Xander and Lilliana who patiently waited for our reunion to end. They examined her generously, may be overdoing it just a bit. Werewolves aren't too keen on outsiders, especially a siren given their history.

Guys, this is Lilac Saren, one of the Siren leaders. Lilac, this is Lilliana Hale, The Northerner kingdom's best trainer, and Xander Nightwalker."

I had a feeling that the lack of introduction is going to result in a punishment later, maybe one with no clothes...dammit, I need to control these feelings.

It seemed that he didn't mind, as Xander continued the conversation. "Maybe we can have this conversation somewhere private. We're drawing in attention."

I look around realizing Xander is right. The rulers of a foreign country out at a bar brings in the eyes of suspicious people, especially since we're constantly targeted. I nod and we leave the bar, heading for the docks.

As we walk, Lilac sarcastically asks, "So what brings you down here? Already throwing in the crown?"

"That's not as easy as you might think. But it's as I said. We need your help. We heard the Saren pack was attacked by werewolf rogues in the Easterlie kingdom. Can you tell us about it?"

"Yeah, some of us were swimming in the Gulf of Weldon and decided to head into down. They must've been watching us because as soon as we got out of the water, they attacked us from behind, killing two of us and taking one with them. We tried to stop them, but they got away. After that incident, I ordered the Saren pack to evacuate the Westerlie kingdom until further notice."

"Did you find out who leads them?" Asked Xander, getting straight to the point.

"Yes, he was with them."

"What? Did he announce himself as their leader?"

Lilac nods. "He spoke as he was gutting Annabella. That bastard. He said his name is Ryker." she said his name in anger which was completely understandable.

I look over to Xander, who exhaled a deep breath of sadness. Does he know him?

"They were dressed in winter clothing, so it's possible they came from the north."

"But there's nothing up there beside Northerner territory, and it's not winter, yet," said Lilliana who also wore a face of disbelief.

"I'm talking about the true north."

"You mean-"

"The Broken Kingdom." Lilac finished.

The Broken kingdom, the same one that fell when we went to war all those years ago. It was a mysterious place, filled with mysterious people. When their kingdom fell, many things were lost, including the now-extinct ice dragons. Nothing was left, not even then damned souls who roamed the icy grounds.

"Living there is a death wish. The weather is frozen cold and the seas are too strong to sail." Xander said, breaking our uneasy silence.

"Not impossible. A siren can swim there, and dragons would come and go."

"No dragon has flown to the Broken kingdom in the last Millenium." my voice was cold, but my heart was set aflame. I didn't want to discuss this or that place anymore.

"Not a fire dragon, but ice-"

"No Lilac, it's impossible. There are no more ice dragons. My mother killed the last one."

The news of my mother wasn't a shock. Everyone knew of it. "Robbin, we have to be open-minded with this." Xander consoled.

I let out a deep sigh and give them a nod. He's right. "Alright," I say. "Is there anything else you can tell us?"

"That's all I know, but if something comes up, I'll come to visit you. It's the Northerner kingdom, right?"

"Yes. and don't worry. I'll see to it that any siren entering our kingdom is welcomed."

Lilac gives me a small smile, then looks over to Xander who by now should be fuming. Werewolves and sirens don't exactly get along, but they'll have to for the sake of our kingdoms.

"I should get going. There's a pack meeting about the Easterlie kingdom." I walk Lilac over to the shore, but just before she dives in she grabs my arm and pulls me into a hug. "I missed you, Robbin."

"I've missed you too." I wrap my arms around her as well, embracing my old friend.

Lilac lets me go but doesn't move away. "How long do you have?" She asks, regarding my corrupted dragon blood.

"About a month."

"Robbin, this fight between the rogues is not something you should take part in. you are going to die."

"What kind of queen will I be if I don't stand up for my people?"

"The kind that will live long enough to encourage them! Robbin this isn't one of our games. I know about Vision. I know that you can't save him if you're dying!"

"Don't bring him into this!" I snap back.

"Something's happening to you Robbin. You're sick, I can smell it."

"I know that." I move away from her, suddenly wanting to create some distance between us.

"No, it's something else. Go home and get examined," she says, turning to face the water.

"What else could it be?" Lilac jumps into the water, not answering my question.

"Lilac!" I shout after her. She pokes her head up from the water, her skin turning green from the ocean.

"I'll see you soon Robbin." and with that, she disappeared, leaving a trail of waves in her wake.

"Something else?" I ask myself.

"Hey," Lilliana shouts from behind me, causing me to jump from surprise. "What was that about?"

"Oh," I turn back to the water, every sign of Lilac gone. Should I tell them? "Nothing. I'm tired, let's head back to the palace."

"Good, cause' I'm starving." Lilliana chimes. I look up at Xander who has grown a questionable look on his face.

We head back to the palace and are served dinner. My family wanted us to have a meal before we leave tonight. I wasn't in the mood for another awkward Drakon/Nightwalker meal, so I ate quickly and excused myself to my old bedroom.

What Lilac said has stuck with me. Is there something else wrong with me? I don't want to worry about my family or Xander. I'll never hear the end of it, but I suppose a check-up once we return wouldn't hurt anyone. I just need to know. A siren can smell disease in almost anything. Some of them even work with macers to help heal. I've considered going to them for help, but I don't think I'm in any position to ask for any favors from them. I'll just wait until I get examined to do anything drastic.

"Robbin," Xander calls out from the doorway. I look away from the window and watch him approach me.

"Are we leaving?"

"No, but we will in a few hours. What's wrong." He asks, scanning my body, maybe looking for something.

"Nothing." very convincing, I tell myself.

He gave up rather quickly and stepped back from me. There was a small silence brewing between us, making me uncomfortable.

"Who's Ryker?" I ask.

Xander's gaze burns through me. I knew it. He knows him. This is the same reaction he had when that Thandililion was brought up.

"A traitor." he pushed through his teeth. "He is the younger brother of Thandililion Arden. I had a feeling he was leading the rogues. And now that we have evidence I'm going to rip his throat out just like I did to his sister." Pure anger fell from his mouth. Betrayal speaks highly in Xander's book.

"Were you two close?" I find myself asking, almost tiptoeing around the words. I don't want to set him off, but I need to know.

"Yes. He and his family were very close to mine. We all grew up together in the palace. They're the reason...my parents died."

Xander's head lowered further than my gaze and met the floor. I feel bad for even bringing it up.

"I heard about them. Gus said they were good people. Hey." I grab his face and lift it back up to meet mine. "They died protecting their people. With honor. Just like my mom." I close my eyes quickly, remembering her face. "It doesn't matter who killed them. Don't let the last memory of her be filled with hate."

Xander's eyes pour into mine, the look of anger slowly starting to fade, although not completely as it was now mixed with hope. For what? I don't exactly know. But it was a start.

"She would've loved you." He said, bringing one hand to cradle my face. "My dad too."

"I'm nothing special Xander. I wasn't exactly a perfect princess during my time before my exile." I admit, mostly because it's true.

"Are you the same person you were before?"

"No," I answer truthfully. "I'm better now."

Xander pauses for a few moments, looking unsure what to say next. His hand never left my face and mine his. Neither of us was sure what to do next, but maybe Xander did. His face held a lot of restraint, keeping himself from touching me. Oh, how the tables have turned.

I pull his face down to mine and bring our lips together. The feeling of them brought out a side of me, and I knew Xander was glad to see it return. He wasted no time lifting my shirt, his hands trailing every part of me. I went to remove his, but one of his hands grabbed both of mine and pinned them above my head.

I looked up at him, my eyes doing the questioning for me. "I'm sure you know what you did wrong earlier," Xander said calmly, but I could sense his own need growing as well.

What I did-oh, the disregard for an introduction earlier. "It wasn't a big deal now let me touch you," I commanded.

"I am your mate. Anyone and everyone who meets us will know that. Understand?" the power in his voice made me feel small, but I agreed since it meant I'd have him inside me sooner.

"Okay." My body begged for him and finally, Xander released my hands, but before I could hold him he turned me around.

"Put your hands on the wall," he commanded and I obeyed quickly. I wanted so much to turn around and pounce on him, but I knew Xander wouldn't let us continue.

I felt him reach around my waist and unbutton my pants, dragging them down along with my underwear. I hurriedly stepped out of them and waited for his touch to return.

The sound of metal clinking together, followed by a zipper indicated that he was one less piece of clothing closer to me. But when no noise was made after that, I began to think we weren't going to continue.

Then without notice, Xander grabbed my unwoven hair and pulled it back, making me stand up straighter. I felt the tip of his cock press between my legs, rubbing itself against my clit. I let out a low moan, letting the familiar feeling swirl around in my stomach. A beg almost escaped my mouth, but Xander finally pushed inside of me, giving us both what we needed.

His thrusts were slow but deep, dominating my body to let me know who was in charge, but I didn't mind. I embraced it. His hand pulled my hair back with every ram, bringing me closer to his chest.

Soon the pace began to pick up, my moans getting needier and louder and Xander's grunts sounding as violent as his thrusts. I knew I wasn't going to last long as my orgasm edged its way to the surface.

Finally, I let myself go with an exhausted silent cry. Letting my whole body experience it as well. I wanted to drop to the floor I could feel my legs giving out, but Xander wasn't going to let me.

Our hips rolled together as he also neared his end, but the speed kept its momentum. How could something brutal feel so good?

His hand finally left my hair, but instead traveled through it to reach my neck. Xander wrapped around it and pulled out of me almost entirely, but stopped as the head of his cock was remaining inside of me, and once again filled me with his cum.

My legs stood locked to their position, not being able to move. Xander pulled out of me, and I almost felt empty without him inside me. But instead of leaving me completely, he stood there with me with one hand still wrapped around my body, the other moving away from my neck and onto the wall for stability.

His tired breaths brushed down my shoulders, with the occasional gentle kisses he'd place every few seconds. I don't think either of us wants to move, but a knock on my door jolted us back to reality.

"Robbin?" Lilliana called out. "We're leaving soon."

I removed one of my hands from the wall and grabbed Xander's, pulling him off of me. I turned and faced him, only to find more hunger in his eyes. He lowered down to kiss me, but I walked away from him.

"No." I unwittingly said. "Put your clothes back on. We have to go."

"Fine." He responded while grabbing his pants from the floor. "We'll continue back home."

I pause in my movements, suddenly wanting to run away again. I'm not sure I can handle two rounds in one night. But I guess a five-hour break will give me enough time to change my mind.