A Sister's Concern

Calum was in his study as he stood in front of the large window, staring blankly outside.

He had asked Azrael to make his sister his wife inorder to strengthen their allies, this was only true to an extent. The whole truth was, he did this for Renata's sake, she was head over heel for the dragon king for the longest time and at this point, he couldn't do anything but grant her her wish. He hoped he made the right decision, and this wouldn't backfire on his kingdom or his sister.

Calum was flabbergasted when the dragon king mentioned he would consider the proposal, he couldn't trust his word, after all king Azrael was known for being cunning.

The door to his study pushed open, causing him to turn around, just to find out it was his sister.

"I had not expected you would propose the marriage so soon," Renata said, her voice calm. She walked to the table which was placed in the center of the study as she leaned against it.

Calum eyed her as he swirled his glass cup, before taking a gulp of the content in it. "This is the best time," he said simply, to which Renata nodded. "You met with King Azrael at this hour of the night?" He asked, his brows raised, questioning her maturity.

Renata rolled her eyes, "I am no longer a child, brother, but a woman already. Besides, the king said he would consider the marriage proposal," she replied, tucking her hair behind her ears.

"And you trust Azrael's words?" He asked with a frown. His sister was a lot gullible than he thought.

"Not that I truly trust his words, brother. But, king Azrael is not the one to beat around the bush, rather he gives direct answers. For him to consider the proposal—"

"I understand," Calum interrupted, raking his fingers through his disheveled hair. The only reason the dragon King had even considered the offer was because his kingdom was on the line, if it wasn't for that, he would have rejected the proposal as fast a blink.

"I plan to visit Valeria with King Azrael," He heard Renata say as he gritted his teeth, anger seething through him.

"Renata, do you know what you are speaking of?" He asked, his face red in anger. Sometimes, he does question the sanity of his younger sister. "A human in a world of barbaric dragons?"

"I know exactly what I am doing, brother, " Renata said, sending daggers at her brother. "Dragons are not barbaric, take King Azrael as an example."

Calum could only stare blankly at his younger sister. It was indeed correct that being in love does alter one's brain chemistry.

"If it is that you desire, I shall speak to the King about it," Calum said, finally giving up. He poured more wine into his glass cup gulping it in one go.

"Thank you," she truly appreciated all the effort her brother was putting in to make her dream come to be. "You are not growing any younger, brother. Is it not time you wed?" She asked, glancing at Calum who choked on his drink.

"Renata!" He warned, his voice stern. "I will wed when the time comes," he said, adjusting the collar on his shirt.

"The people of Arcadia needs a queen, you are eight and twenty years of age." Renata stated

"The people of Arcadia do not need anything more than they have. A queen will come at a due time, for now I have more pressing issues to attend to". He responded, Calum hated having to discuss about his personal life with anyone especially with his sister because she had a way of letting her words get under his skin.

"I love you brother and I want nothing more than to see you happy and loved. You have built around yourself walls after our parents died and I think it's time for you to lower those walls" Concern lacing Renata's eyes and voice.

"Thank you for your advice and concern, I am perfectly capable of handling my own affairs" Calum responded.

"You---"

"That would be the end of your discussion for tonight Renata, it is late, go to bed," Calum interrupted his sister, he could already feel his hand shake slightly. He turned around to avoid the look of hurt in her eyes.

A stiff silence passed between them for a few seconds, "Good night brother, sleep well," with that Renata walked out of the study closing the door behind her.

Calum could finally breath well, his hand worked aggressively to loosen the button of his coat. A sigh escaping his lips as he fell back into his chair, he hated arguing with his sister but sometimes, she knew how to push his limits. Calum looked at the clock and it was already far into the night but he wasn't feeling any sign of sleepiness. The only thing he could do was to drink till he passed out. His arm stretched to the jug of wine as he brought it to his lips pouring a mouthful of the content into his mouth, it burned as it passed his throat but Calum couldn't stop himself, he needed the wine.

---

The carriages were already prepared and ready for departure, Azrael was dressed in his black royal coat with golden buttons and neatly ironed black pants, his hair was in loose bun allowing a few strands to fall by the side of his face.

"Thank you for your visit King Azrael and I hope you have a wonderful journey ahead, but I must announce to you that my sister Renata wishes to journey with you to Valeria, she claims she is bored and a new scenery will rejuvenate her," Calum announced with a small smile across his face.

Azrael stared at Calum for a few seconds before he spoke. "A new scenery is always good."

"Thank you for your kindness," Calum said with a smile.

Azreal watched as Renata and her brother hugged each other. He hadn't expected the sister to follow him back to Valeria, now he had to share his personal space with a woman he had no interest in.

The woman stepped into the carriage and Azrael followed behind her. He watched as her face was completely flushed and her hands clamped together.

Letting out a deep sigh, he rested his head on the walls of the carriage and closed his eyes, blocking out the blinding bloody red dress she wore. This was certainly going to be a long journey.