The Bonded.

Reina

Dreams seemed fickle but they came true once in a while. I once dreamt about having a best friend and like a wish from a genie's lamp, it came true. Now that best friend of mine was galloping towards me on a horse at break neck speed. Not that it mattered. He would never break his neck. He was too careful, calculative and speaking of calculative, I had every intention of making him agree to a very particular plan I had been hatching for days.

As his horse raced passed me, he grabbed me and threw me in the saddle behind him. I screamed exhilarated by his playfulness. "Eric! You could have dropped me", I scolded.

He shouted as he nudged Spirit to go faster.

"Never Dimples," The nickname always made me grin which deepened the dimples for which I was nicknamed.

I loved riding and Spirit was every bit as exciting as his name. We raced for a while and I screamed all the way. Eric laughed when my arms tightened around his waist. The wind in my face, his amazing scent was a thrill worth screaming about.

Every Guard member, at a particular age was assigned a horse and a bird. One of the privileges of being on The Royal Guard. Creation in Royal was amazing. Beasts of every kind thrived with beauty and intelligence. All animals in Royal were really huge, most towering over the tallest Royals. Royal shifters were in charge of looking after every wild or domestic creature since they were extremely huge in their beast form as well. The birds were extremely huge, each had a unique blend of gifts. Eagles were reknown for their enhanced sight and endurance. Eric's Phoenix was a mystery. He seemed to be quite the listener often appearing where the action occurred. Never one for a dull entrance, he circled the Shifter Castle as he awaited us.

I was looking forward to making a new friend with feathers since I was officially ten today. Caleb got an eagle which he mentioned at least twice daily. He had bonded with her three years ago which made me feel left out. Josh had a falcon so regal, so graceful which could find just about anything. It had found my yellow hair ribbon which I lost at the try outs and I was so grateful. Enzo and Keith bonded with owls. Very large owls that were wiser than most creatures. They were telepathic and could lend their abilities to their owners which was so cool. All the Unrestrained had received their birds before me and had toured every part of the kingdom. Being the youngest sometimes bothered me but I was choosing to stay positive. Anyway today was the day. I could hardly wait to get a gigantic bird that would always be a friend. A bird I could bond with and guess what, it would probably have the most beautiful gift. Before I could begin day dreaming, Spirit slowed down.

As soon as we got to the castle, we both jumped down. Being on the Guard had made me stronger and agile thus enabling me jump down eight feet of horse muscle. Girls my age were weaker since royals believed females were to be groomed into beautiful pampered ladies who would make amazing mates. Which explained why every squad on the Guard had two females at most. Most girls in my family pitied me but also envied me since I was privileged to access the palace as a Guard member. My mother being a wonderful healer always gave me creams and ointments to help me heal faster from the bruising that came with training. All royals healed fast but accelerated healing was a gift for some, one I did not possess.

Parties and all kinds of celebrations were common in Royal and I expected one on my birthday. The Heart family threw the best parties so I was over the moon with excitement.

"Easy there Princess, your excitement might set me on fire", Eric chuckled.

"Come on Blue Eyes, I'd never set you ablaze", Knowing how many times I set him on fire during training made him snort. "You can't possibly be serious."

Eric's friends had become my friends, often treating me like their own little person, their little sister, defending me when jerks like Drake offended me and so on and so forth.So, it was no surprise when they came rushing out of the Castle to spray me with water.

"Happy birthday!" they shouted as I screamed. Caleb and Enzo sprayed me with water while Keith and Josh blew trumpets. They looked ridiculous with painted faces and funny costumes. Zeyana joined them and sprayed me with snowflakes with R in the center. I laughed when I saw her creativity. Enzo noticed and made the water from his hands form waterfalls spelling R-E-I-N-A. They were the special friends dreams were made of.

Eric quietly smiled like he had secrets. He was showered along with me but stayed close. I hugged each one of them and said,

"Thank you for giving me a reason to go change. You're all very sweet." They laughed.

"No need. I'll just pull out the water from your clothes, boots included and we will be on our merry way", Caleb offered. Zeya agreed and said she had a special outfit for later but first I had to get my bird and presents. Thrilled and expectant, I let Enzo dry us and then Eric whispered, "Ready to get a Mockingjay?"

I gasped at his teasing. They were magnificent but the I wanted something different and he knew it. He just laughed when he saw my expression. "Come on, let's find out."

No one believed that the Shifter castle got bigger on the inside until they got there. Some doors opened up to forests, mountains, green plains, fields, barns, lakes and rivers or just ordinary high ceiling rooms. The Shifter castle was special like that. Every creature had a place to belong. We were led by one of the elders who did not seem old at all. He opened a door that made my eyes widen. Trees of every color stood tall and proud. Birds bigger than any I had ever seen flew from tree to tree. Others soared the skies. High mountains in distance revealed the majestic eagles. A swan almost the size of a small boat floated peacefully in a lake. I immediately gasped as glimmering stars wavered towards me. The swan was female and gorgeous. She had a golden beak, gracefully long neck and white feathers but as I watched, she spread her wings that were golden. Mesmerized and in owe I went to her but a hand stopped me. "She has to come to you" , The elder whispered.

"My name is Reya and I'm bonded with you as of today and forever." Golden stars circled us as she lowered her head to mine. I kissed her soft feathered head and whispered, "I'm so glad it's you."

Caleb being Caleb exclaimed, "Oh Come on, She gets a talking swan." Everyone giggled.

Eric added, "that's not all."

Reya spread her wings then covered herself and turned into a breathtaking golden haired girl with striking green eyes.

"Now that's not fair... A shape shifting Swan!", Zeya cried. I laughed and hugged Reya. "Explains why she verbally communicates", The elder said. "Royal creatures are mostly gifted but rarely reveal their gifts. Some like Reya only do it when they bond with a royal. She's the Princess of her bevy. Her mother is bonded to the Queen of Royal."

"If the Creator is speaking, I am listening", Zeya joked.

I continued touching Reya and asked the Elder, "Will she be able to live with me?"

"Most of the bonded return to this place weekly for routine check ups with our shifters but all of them prefer to be close to their royals." The Shifter then let his power flash in his eyes and Reya nodded and changed back into a swan. She turned around and spoke to my mind alone, "Let's go see the world from above. It's our birthday after all." Sassy, sweet and super awesome. We were officially royally bonded. I was glowing already and the all serious shifter spoke in a deep calm voice. "Being royally bonded means you defend each other with your lives.Never harm each other. Reina, you're a lighter, do not let your emotions harm Reya. Swear it."

I immediately let the glow leave my body putting a mask in place. A gentle brush of warm fingers against my cheek returned the glow. "I'm sorry Dimples." His mind brushed my own. "It angers me to see you block your feelings like that, you should be wild and free and sassy." I smiled at the word sassy. He always teased me about being sassy. " I'll be alright, see you later." I murmured to his mind.

I placed my hand on my heart, bent low at the waist in the royal culture way and spoke, "I will never harm her. I give you my word."

He nodded and waved us away. My friends cheered as they saw me fly away on Reya's back.