Falling for my dragon tamer

Where is Ingrid?" My mama flinches hard,I have to grab her shoulders to steady her and she clutches my hands in hers very tight,digging her nails into my skin. She definitely does not realise she's doing it,because she smiles shakily at me,and opens her mouth to lie.

"In her room. She wanted to be alone for a while. I'm sure she'll come out to see you once she feels better."

I narrow my eyes and stare my mama down till she looks away.

"What's happening,mama?"

"Nothing unusual,my dear. You should eat. Come on,Anya, let me feed you."

She stands and holds her hand out for me to take. I ignore it and remain seated.

She huffs "Your papa-"

"Fine. I'll ask him myself."

I dash for my papa's office before my mama can stop me. As I burst into the office without knocking I realise too late that I've made a mistake.

"Why have you forbidden-" I pause and notice my sister's wide eyed panicked eyes on me,my papa's furious gaze on me,a man who I recognise as the head of the house of Arkael,sitting opposite my papa at his desk,looking at me curiously. Renvaren Arkael. And a younger man who looks to be my sister's age,sitting beside his father,looking at me with amusement. Marek Arkael. Then, another boy who is my age,leaning against the wall behind the door,a permanent scowl etched on his face. Corven Arkael.

Fuck.

Even though I'm absolutely shocked,I do not let it show. I only raise a single brow,when no one says anything, I nod slightly at Renvaren Arkael to which he nods back. Then I look at my dad,who is still fuming. I can literally see the smoke coming out his nose and ears,you'd think he had a dragon in him. The thought makes my lips quirk up in an amused smile.

"Anya. As you can see,I'm in the middle of a meeting. You can come after."

I ignore my papa and turn to my older sister. She notices the question in my eyes and shakes her head vigorously.

Well,that isn't assuring

I turn to my papa and narrow my eyes slightly,giving him a second to tell me what's happening. He doesn't,only glares at me with the promise of a punishment. But I don't give a fuck,not when I know that something dreadful is happening.

"What's going on,papa?"

"Nothing you should concern yourself with." He forces a smile,trying to hide his fury from his guests.

I smile right back,not moving an inch from the room

I look at lord Arkael to make sure he isn't pissed. He isn't,only mildly curious.

well then

My sister,the favored and perfect daughter,tries as usual to diffuse the situation.

"Anya,you should go be with mama. The meeting will be over soon and I'll tell you all about it."

I look at her,unimpressed. Seriously?

"I'm not a baby,Ingrid. I'm staying until this meeting is over. And if you really want me to leave,you can simply tell me what the meeting is about and why Ingrid is present at this meeting. No offence Ingrid,but a meeting among two houses is definitely not your scene."

I look at my dad again,expecting answers. He only glares.

I decide to join my sister on the couch and stay until someone in the room tells me what the hell is going on.

I don't make it ,because lord Arkael speaks.

"You said she was ill,caelyn. She looks well and full of energy to me." He looks at my dad,unhappy.

Sick? Me?

And also,Caelyn? Since when are these two on first name bases?

I look at my dad wondering why the hell he would tell such a lie. If he didn't want them to see me today and told that lie,that would definitely be sensible. But it doesn't explain why my sister is here in this meeting and he would lie to keep me out of it. Unless

I look at Marek and then at Corven and at their father and I realise...

"It's a marriage contract isn't it? That's the reason you're all sitting here acting civilised."

Everyone looks surprised except Corven,and I know. I know my dad was about to sign my sister off to the Arkael's as a bride to one of their sons.