The Dragon Brothers
Chapter 30 - Missing Molle

* The Castle at Drakor; The Capital of the Chromos *

Viola POV

Even though I told Agenta not to, she sent the royal doctor and Lucian up to my room.

"So Queen Viola, tell me how long you have been feeling nauseated?" The doctor questioned me while jotting notes down about my appearance and how I was feeling. "Maybe a week now." I said slightly nervous knowing where this was headed.

"Any other symptoms? Tenderness of the breasts, frequent urination, change in eating habits, change in sleeping patterns?" The doctor questione me while checking my pulse.

"There have been tenderness of the breasts and frequent urination but that's it." I said getting more nervous with each question and answer.

"Well, we might want to monitor your nausea another week longer but it sounds to me like you might be pregnant. My suggestion is to get plenty of sleep and try not to over exert yourself." He said while packing up his supplies. "Sounds to me like you should be on bed rest from on." Lucian said while stroking my hair.

"What about the upcoming festival and the ribbon cutting ceremony? I can't miss that." I search Lucian's eyes trying to determine how resolute he is in his decision.

"We can talk about you possibly going to the ribbon cutting ceremony but you'll have to miss the festival. I'm sorry but I don't want to play around with your health. Now get some rest, I'll be back later." Lucian said firmly. "But Lucian!" I try to start with another argument in my defense but he cuts me off before I can even speak.

"No. This isn't up for debate Viola. That is my final decision." Lucian said firmly and gave me a no nonsense look. I knew he wouldn't budge now.

* Threlkeld: A Small Village in the Salona Kingdom * Wolf POV

I arrive in Threlkeld the morning after leaving Roselake. The village is well taken care of with nice cobblestone streets, businesses on the main streets with homes on top of the businesses, and nicely painted buildings. The streets aren't bustling but people are walking around without fear of violence. Most of the people stop and stare at us as my men and I march down the middle of the street. On the outskirts of town are smaller homes with livestock in their backyards but that seems to be common.

I stop at a local bookstore to see what new books they may have just received that maybe Emily hasn't had a chance to read yet. They have a beautiful edition of the 'Canterbury Tales' by Chaucer that they just received today. I purchase it and then make my way to the florist. I make sure they can deliver to Roselake today and I select a dozen yellow roses with red tips. Then I make my way to the local lord's manor. We have one more stop to make and then we can return to Roselake. * Roselakee: A Small Village in the Salona Kingdom * Emily POV

Lord Garbg has been hanging out all day at Mrs Fishere's seamstress shop so it's taking forever to get the laundry done and we have two seamstress jobs to be completed as well. Mrs Fishere is even starting to get annoyed. He wants to know who sent me the flowers but I don't want to talk about it with him. I hear the front door bell ring and I use this as my excuse to escape him. A man that I don't recognize is holding a package about the size of a book and a beautiful red vase with a dozen yellow roses with red tips.

"I have a delivery for Emily Black." The man says standing at the front counter.

"I'm Emily Black." I say as I take the roses and package. I open the package and find a beautiful edition of Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales'. I haven't read it yet and have been just dying to. I quickly open the note card wondering if there will be another poem.

Already rejoicing, I begin to love,

For I am made better by one who is, beyond dispute

The best a man ever saw or heard.

By her joy a sick man can recover,

by her wrath one well can die,

a wise man turn to childishness,

a fine man see his beauty change,

the most courtly man become a churl,

and any churl become courtly.

Your Devoted Wolf.

Lord Garbg's words quickly fade into the background as my emotions reach a level of elation. I cannot believe this is happening to me. How lucky am I? Lord Garbg walks out of the store in a huff but I barely notice. Lord Garbg POV

Now I know the flowers are coming from the new king. "Your Devoted Wolf!" If it wasn't for me he would never have met her but do I get any recognition NO! I don't! I'm not putting up with this. He needs to understand who he is dealing with. Without me he won't have the support of the village. He needs me and now I need to show him how much. I walk into the tavern looking for men to talk to.

"Men, how do you feel about these new laws from the Cromos Empire? I'm not sure if they are good for Roselake." I ask not really addressing anyone in particular.

"Will there be a raise in taxes? I already give a third of my earnings in taxes to your manor. Am I going to be expected to give more?" One of the men in the tavern asks as he fills up my mug with beer.

"Their laws seem to be written for larger cities. I want to know how they will affect me? I don't own any slaves so why should I care if that's illegal?" Another man adds to the conversation. "My children under fourteen can't work because they are supposed to be in school but we don't have a school in our village. Makes no sense!" Another man adds his complaint.

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"Their laws matter because I will have to collect a larger portion of your earnings for taxes. Also, their labor laws put a harder burden on the family if your children cannot work outside of the home if they are under fourteen. Many families need that extra income. Also, I'm going to have to raise money to build a schoolhouse and hire a teacher. That's another tax increase too." I yell out hoping to get the men more riled up.

"I say to hell with their laws! Roselake has been fine on our own without this empire and we don't need their city laws!" Another man adds his opinion and people start cheering him and raise their mugs in agreement. I just sit back and smile. This is only the start and now I have to be patient as I let the men ruminate on our discussion. I just need to keep coming back each day and I'll get the men worked up into a frenzy.

* Penshaw Village: A Small Village in the Kingdom of Cait * Cyprian POV

Finally, our last stop to make before returning back to the castle and I can see Molle again. I hope she is being treated fairly by everyone there. I was worried when I sent her to the castle alone that she may not be received well without me being there. If anyone does not treat her well they shall taste my wrath.

The Penshaw Village is a small quaint village. The streets are dirt instead of cobblestone but they aren't filled with filth either. There are a few businesses along the street but not very many. A tavern, a blacksmith, and a butcher made up the local businesses. I would need to speak to the local lord about creating more businesses and stoning the street.

I can't get Molle out of my mind. I keep thinking of her fiery red hair and green eyes. She's so beautiful to look at and when we touch I feel an instant sense of calmness deep in my soul. I've always felt a deep storm brewing inside my soul wanting to bubble over and she seemed to calm my storm. No one has ever done that before.

"General, you seem to be lost in thoughts today. Are you thinking of your lovely maiden?" My Lieutenant Harms has been serving with me for a long time and he knows me well.

"Yes, I can't get Molle off my mind. I'm worried about how she's being treated in the castle without me. She doesn't seem like someone that will fight back if she's pushed around." I answer honestly. Lieutenant Harms and I have always had an open and honest relationship. I've helped him out of a couple scrapes and helped with his family.

"Will you move your family here? I'm not sure how long we will be staying. I could give you a leave of absence while you move them here." I know he's missing his wife as much as I'm missing Molle.

"I think I would like that. I'm sure the wife and kids would like it here." He says with a smile on his face.

A/N

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