Page 6 of Taming the Kraken

“What seems to be the problem?” Brian watched Mikah swing his arms around in exasperation.

“You two are destroying the training ground … again. Look at it! It’s a mess. I think we need to look into a better fighting barrier or going somewhere that’s all rocks.” Mikah looked over at the burned grass and large craters filled with ice daggers everywhere.

“See, Brian. This is what happens when you don’t let us have an easy session.” Alexa frowned and rubbed her forehead for a moment. Then a wicked smile spread over her face. “You know … the cliffside is all rocks. And we can’t damage anything over the ocean.”

“Lex, no.” Mikah looked at her with annoyance, shaking his head. “Don’t even think about it. I can’t get to you over the ocean.”

“You can’t get to her in the air either.” Brian grinned in triumph, shrugging. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea. Especially with these sessions getting more intense. We can’t damage anything over the ocean.”

“She doesn’t need to keep having these intense sessions. Protecting herself is one thing, but you’re training her like we have a war coming up.” Mikah inhaled sharply and pursed his lips. “My nerves can’t take the thought of you actually fighting, Lex.”

“Mikah, you aren’t turning soft on me, are you?” Alexa bumped into his shoulder playfully and looked up at him. “I know your job is to protect me and keep me safe. But my job is to protect the fairies. I won’t hide behind a barrier. I will fight. I believe the reason we’re a strong duo is because we are going to have to fight. And if something happens to me while fighting, it will never be because of you. Because I know you will risk your life protecting me.” She shrugged slightly and shook her head. “But this isn’t like how it’s been in the past. The fairy princess isn’t the same now. Ever since my grandma Lita, we’ve grown in strength. We’re meant for more than to be protected. You and I are meant for greatness. And you will be the legendary guardian that all guardians will talk about for years to come.”

“Of course. Unless you end up mated to that deity of yours, that is. Then think of what kind of powerhouse princess will come from that union? The fairy princess will basically be a deity.” Mikah watched the frown form on her face. “Lex …”

“Don’t you dare think I’m some weak girl pining away for a man,” Alexa snapped at him and furrowed her brows. “You know, you men take too much charge over the whole dating scene. The man asks the woman out. The man decides on the relationship. The man steals the princess for his own. Well … look out, men, because I am the one who will decide my future. And IF I decide I must have Ken, then I will. If that makes me sound crazy, then he better hide really well, because crazy is after him.”

Her gaze moved between Brian and Mikah, whose jaws were slightly agape as they stared at her. “What?”

“I think you’re too much woman for me to handle. Glad she’s your charge, Mikah.” Brian patted him on the back sympathetically as Mikah nodded his head sadly.

“I don’t care what all the other guardians say. I definitely got the hardest one. I hope Ken has a cloak of invisibility.” Mikah watched as Alexa's eyes flickered playfully and he arched his brow. “What exactly are you planning?”

Her lips curled upward and she raised her shoulders, blinking slowly. “Me? Planning something? Not the darling fairy princess …” Her gaze fixed on two figures in the distance. “Brian …”

Brian turned to see what Alexa was looking at. He could see Elwin standing in the distance, looking down at the ground. In front of him, a large man was standing with his arms folded in front of his chest. A moment later, there was a frosty shield surrounding Brian. He turned his head to look at Alexa, who gave him a knowing smile.

“We’ll wait here.” Alexa flopped onto the ground, and Mikah copied her. As much as she wanted to go over there, she knew this was Brian’s show. And it would also be their sideshow, from a respectable distance.

Brian nodded at them in appreciation and walked toward Elwin and his father. As the future leader of the dragons, this was something he wanted to investigate further. Unfortunately, because of his aura, he was afraid he would have to rely on advisors to do this for him. He couldn’t always rely on Alexa, but for now, he appreciated her help.

As Brian approached, the man immediately bowed his head respectfully.

“Your highness.”

“Elwin. It’s nice to see you, and I take it this is your father?” Brian looked from the boy over to the man.

“Y-y-yes. This is my father, Dirk.”

“Ah, I see.” Brian looked at the man with a frown. “What were you just talking about with your son?”

“My lord … I found out my son just tried to force a shift. As you can imagine, I’m quite upset hearing this. You know how much he could have hurt himself.”

Brian glanced over at the boy as he studied his face. “How did you find out about it?”

“One of the maids came to get me. She said that the fairy queen had to heal my son. I guess she saw everything when she went out to tend to the plants on one of the balconies.” Dirk shook his head angrily. “It’s my fault. All of it. I understand you were there as well. I know how much forcing a shift is looked down upon. Please don’t be upset with my son. He was trying to make me proud.” The man swallowed hard as his voice cracked. “I messed up. I didn’t mean to put that kind of pressure on him. I wanted him to know we had strong dragons. I talked about me being an early shifter.” The man looked over at his son. “I didn’t know you were silently carrying this burden. I didn’t know you were suffering. I am proud of you. I don’t care when you shift. But don’t you EVER do something this reckless again.”

“Yes, sir,” Elwin said with a small sniffle.

Brian felt relieved and his shoulders relaxed. This wasn’t a farce. It was genuine. It was a father who just didn’t understand the strain his own son was feeling. “No one is in trouble. I’m just glad this is getting sorted out. Maybe take some time with him and teach him how to mentally connect with his feral side. That part comes first before the shifting.”

“Good idea, your highness.”

Brian cleared his throat and glanced behind him. “Well, you two have a good rest of your day.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

Brian turned and walked back to where Alexa and Mikah were laying on the ground. Alexa removed his ice veil as he approached.