Page 82 of Ava's Legacy of the Dragons
"I love you too, Lilly."
Together they strolled back to the main room, where Marcus and Rob were deep in conversation and the dragon had fallen asleep in the middle of the dining table. The men looked up, and when they spotted Lilly, Marcus laughed at her.
"Hey Lilly, I was just talking to Rob, and we have a great idea."
"Actually, it was Marcus's idea," Rob added with a wink.
The girl grabbed a piece of butter cake. "What is it?"
"The cave has very good acoustics, so I heard that Ava wants to say goodbye to her aunt to stay with us forever. I knew you'd never leave me." He winked at Ava while Lilly snorted.
"You eavesdropped on us."
"Now, hear out my suggestion first. If Ava agrees, Rob will fly her on his dragon to the border, and she can sort things out with her aunt. As soon as she's done, he'll bring her back. She'd be gone for three hours at most."
Surprised, Ava eyed Rob, who nodded halfheartedly. He didn't look thrilled, so she shook her head. "You don't have to do this."
"I know, but Kilian won't be back until this evening anyway, and I like to get things done."
She looked at him in disbelief. "Did Marcus blackmail you into agreeing?"
Marcus snorted, his admiring gaze wandering over Ava. "As if it were a burden to carry the esteemed dragon guardian on his dragon. I'd do it in a heartbeat if I could."
"I know you would."
Rob pointed to her plate, where the last bite of butter cake remained. "As soon as you're done eating, we can go. Unless you want to get some sleep first."
She shook her head decisively. "I'm dog-tired, but I'd like to have this done before Kilian comes back and..." Her gaze wandered to the sleeping dragon. She had wanted to add "takes him away," but couldn't rule out that the little one might hear. So she kept it to herself. Instead, she looked pleadingly at Marcus.
"Would you be so kind as to look after Lilly and the little one?"
"Come on!" Lilly raised her chin. "Nobody needs to look after me, but of course I'll help him protect the hatchling."
Smiling, Ava turned to Marcus, who beamed at her. "I'd grant you any wish."
He made no secret of his admiration. It was too bad that things weren't so simple with Kilian. But she didn't want to think about that, as it only tormented her, and she'd had enough of that for now. So she thanked Marcus before hugging Lilly goodbye. She gently stroked the dragon's head, then left the cave with Rob to return to her old village one last time.
Chapter 32
They flew over the king's capital city, which Rob said was called Belmonde, and in the distance, Ava could already see the small town that had been her home for years.
It had changed. What would it be like to return? To see her aunt and tell her she had finally dared to step out of a monotonous life that didn't suit her?
Helen would certainly be happy for her. That was why she was also looking forward to it, even though her return to the world of dragons was dampened by the prospect of having no future with Kilian. But men didn't play a big role for her anyway, so she wouldn't let that spoil her fresh start.
"I need to tell you one more thing," Rob said, interrupting her thoughts. His voice sounded concerned, which made Ava pay close attention and look over her shoulder at him.
"What are you talking about?"
He hesitated. "Kilian didn't want to tell you, but I think you have a right to know."
"I know he has to marry the princess."
"That's not what I mean. Haven't you wondered why the sorceress is so determined to see you dead?"
"Elora told me. She believes in the prophecy and fears I would change the world to her disadvantage."
"Did she also tell you why she thinks that?"
