Dragon Emperor 4

by Eric Vall

  Once he was done being useful, however, I was going to use whatever methods I wanted to snuff the life from his eyes.

  I went in search of Alyona, since being around her always helped calm down the fire of my rage. I found her in the library researching, and the dryad sisters had joined her. All of them were sitting at a table, with books spread out around them, but Alyona was the only one of the women who still held a book in her hand. The sisters were all in different poses as they leaned on each other and snored softly.

  I smiled at the image and cleared my throat quietly.

  Alyona looked up and smiled brightly. Then she glanced around at the sisters and rolled her eyes fondly. She marked her book, stood, and stretched her arms before she he walked over to me and quietly said a chant to create a soundproof barrier around us.

  “I’m glad you’ve used the buddy system,” I said as I gestured to the group of sleeping women. “Although, I’m not sure the sisters were the best choice.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” Alyona laughed, “but they were helpful until they got bored.”

  “They don’t seem like the type to enjoy sitting around reading books,” I agreed with a snicker, “but at least they are loyal.” Then I laughed as Polina’s head slipped off Marina’s shoulder and into her lap without even waking up.

  “They are,” Alyona replied fondly as she stared at the sisters with a warm smile, “and they are essential to our city. They keep everyone’s spirits up. Without them, Hatra would be far less joyful.”

  I remembered the sisters from earlier when they handed out the flower crowns to the children of the city, and I smiled at the memory. Alyona was right, they were important to Hatra, and I felt a twinge of guilt.

  The sisters had been busy with the reconstruction of the Asuran village and the mines, and I’d also been so busy with Hatra that I hadn’t had time to talk to them lately. Maybe tomorrow I could spend some time with them, and we could plan out the next steps for the Asuran village together. I knew the village was important to them, and maybe they could plant some seeds of the dragonsblood trees to help reinforce the village and begin the regrowth of the dragonsblood trees that were once planted there. I had a strange feeling in my gut at the thought of them leaving again so soon. Aleksey’s words still rang through my head as I pictured the sisters getting attacked by a traitor while at the village.

  “How well do you think the sisters would like expanding the farms?” I asked Alyona. “They could take a break from the Asuran village and stay here in Hatra. Afra has mentioned before she needs as much help as possible, and with their affinity for plants, they could be helpful.”

  Alyona thought for a moment before she smiled. “I think they would love it. They could stay close, and we wouldn’t have to be worried about them being so far away.”

  The village wasn’t too far away, but I understood Alyona’s concern. I didn’t want them to be too far from us either. They were some of the first people I’d met here in Rahma, and I was very protective of them.

  “Okay, good.” I nodded. “When they wake up, I can talk to them about it more. If they agree, I’ll speak to Afra in the morning. I’m sure she’ll be ecstatic.”

  “She will be,” Alyona agreed with a soft smile. “I cannot imagine how hard it would be to try and expand the farms on her own. I know Leon has been helping when he can, but even then, two people is not enough for a job like that. If they decide they do not want to help, maybe I should consider going to assist her myself.”

  Before I could reply, there was a clatter of books, and Alyona and I turned toward the sound. Polina was on a heap on the ground, and her hair was a mess around her head as she blinked blearily. Then her eyes met mine, and she jumped up.

  “Lord Evan!” she exclaimed, which caused her two sisters to jerk awake as well.

  Soon, all three sisters were walking toward us, and they ran their hands through their hair to straighten it up before standing before me.

  Alyona lowered the barrier around us, and the sisters joined us in the corner of the room.

  “Good morning, ladies,” I teased with a smile. “Perfect timing. I have a question for you.”

  They all stood up a little straighter and looked at me.

  “Of course, my lord, what is it that you need of us?” Trina spoke for the sisters.

  “How would you ladies feel about staying in Hatra for a while?”

  Their green eyes looked around at each other, and their confusion was evident.

  “What about the mines and the Asuran village?” Trina asked.

  “I think we can afford to keep you three at home for a while,” I chuckled. “I have a new assignment for you, if you guys want. I want you to assist Afra with the expansion of the farms. She is trying to manage it all by herself, and while she is doing a great job, it’s a lot for one person. Maybe you guys could help her with planting or even leveling out the earth so we can begin sowing new seeds. We are also supposed to be receiving livestock from King Rodion any day now, and we need more space for them to live and roam. So, what do you say?”

  The sisters glanced at each other, and then they all nodded before Trina spoke for them again.

  “Lord Evan, it would be our honor to help provide the people of Hatra with food. We would love to stay and assist Afra, thank you!”

  The three sisters jumped forward and hugged me, and I chuckled at their enthusiasm.

  “No, thank you,” I replied as my fingers trailed down their slender shoulders and smooth backs. “I know Afra has been struggling, and this will be a nice way to help her. This is going to be a big help for everyone. Plus, I’d like to keep you guys close. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to hang out with you guys. I miss having you near me.”

  I wanted to keep them safe, but some part of me knew I only wanted them around so I could keep them close to me. They were mine, and I didn’t want anyone else to have them.

  “Can we tell Afra right now?” Marina asked as her sisters hugged Alyona. “I’m just so excited I can’t wait!”

  “Sure,” I chuckled. “Tell her I already gave the okay, so she doesn’t have to worry about talking to me about it or anything.”

  The sisters hugged me again, and I noticed Alyona had a small, soft smile on her face while she watched the sisters. Then she shook her head softly as they took off out of the library.

  “What?” I asked once the sisters were gone.

  “It’s nothing,” Alyona replied. “I’m just glad they will be staying with us. I didn’t realize how much I had missed them until now.”

  “So,” I changed the subject, “have you found anything about how to get Asher out of my head yet?”

  Alyona’s expression brightened, and her amethyst eyes twinkled like gems.

  “Yes!” she exclaimed. “I did find something. It involves The Sword of Healing amplifying your own healing magic to essentially clear your mind of any impurities. My theory is it will cleanse the miasma that has infected Asher, and once he is free, his soul should easily pass on and leave your spiritual sea. Though, I am not sure what will happen to the lightning power he gifted you.”

  “That’s great, Alyona!” I grinned. “Do you think we could try it tomorrow?”

  “Of course, we can meet tomorrow morning at the entrance to the River Moonstone House.” She kissed my cheek. “But I should probably return home now. I wouldn’t want to break the rules being down here alone.”

  “No, of course not,” I said with a smirk. “What kind of example would you be? Come on, I can walk you back.”

  She smiled and grabbed my hand, and together we exited the library.

  Chapter 3

  I woke up the next morning bright and early. The sun had yet to even begin rising, but I was too wired to stay in bed. Plus, I had my daily patrol with Valerra.

  I knew the rest of Hatra would still be asleep, so I quietly slipped from my sleeping quarters to stand outside in the city. I walked toward the canyons, and once I reached
the walls around Hatra, I shifted into my dragon form. Then I took off into the sky and let the wind whip around my body as I leisurely flew toward the canyons. Thirty minutes later, I landed and quickly changed into my human self as I stood at the entrance to Valerra’s cave.

  “Valerra?” I called into the cave.

  When I didn’t receive an answer, I took a step inside and walked toward the other dragon’s hoard. I paused to admire the treasure, and as I ran my hands over the gold and gemstones, a pleased growl emanated from the back of my throat. The treasure hoard may not have been mine, but Valerra was, so I felt a sort of ownership to the mountainous pile, which pleased my dragon soul.

  Her sister’s egg sat in a nest of silks as always, but I knew Valerra was missing. I couldn’t sense her presence anywhere near the cave, so I turned to walk back toward the entrance. I frowned as I left the egg and treasure behind, but I shoved away the strange feeling of loss. As soon as I stepped out of her cave, I shifted back into my dragon self and took to the sky. Thankfully, my dragon sight helped me see in the predawn darkness, and I quickly spotted the crimson color of her scales on the other side of the canyon. I flew over, carefully watching to see what she was doing, when I noticed the smell of blood. I felt a moment of rage at the thought of someone causing her pain again before I saw Valerra turn her head toward me and realized she’d been hunting. The blood I could smell was her prey.

  I landed on the cliffside and let her finish. I yawned as I waited.

  “You’re early,” she said as she stretched her wings, and I was once again in awe of her massive size.

  “I was up, figured we might as well get an early start.”

  “Did you now?” she sniffed. “And why would I agree to that? I told you I would patrol every morning. You are to meet me at sunrise, the sky is still dark.”

  “Come on,” I rolled my eyes, “if we start now, we can finish before sunrise.” Then I took off into the air before she had a chance to give a snarky reply.

  After a few seconds of hesitation, she joined me.

  “Had a change of heart?” I teased as she settled in the sky next to me.

  “Do not press your luck, young dragon,” she replied without any venom.

  I laughed and turned toward the desert, and we flew for a few minutes in silence. The sun had just begun to rise when I thought I saw a flicker of light in the distance.

  “Valerra, did you see that?” I asked as I tried to find the light again.

  “See what?”

  “There was a light in the distance, it almost looked like a fire,” I mused, and then a thought struck me. “Do you know if any people live in the desert?”

  If people lived in the desert, they might be able to help us find the missing caravans. My dragon soul hummed in anticipation as I thought about all the buried treasure hidden under the sand.

  The crimson dragon was silent for a moment, and I turned my head to look at her. Her great, scaled maw was stoic, and she seemed to be thinking carefully about her answer.

  “The desert holds many secrets, Evan,” she finally replied.

  I turned my head back to the endless dunes, but I didn’t see any other source of light besides the rising sun.

  We continued to patrol the area, but nothing was out of the ordinary. I just saw a few lizards crawling along the sandy floor as we flew toward the oasis.

  When we landed, Valerra shifted into her human self. Per usual, she didn’t bother with clothes, and her naked body knelt by the water to drink. She cupped the water in her hands and lifted them to her lips. Some water escaped her hands and dripped down her arms and down her torso, and my eyes followed the drops of fluid closely. Then she threw her head back, exposing her neck to me, and I could nearly see her pulse beating along her throat.

  After drinking, Valerra stretched her arms over her head, and her breasts rose with the action.

  My eyes roamed over her skin, and I could feel my cock twitch with interest. I wanted to leave bite marks all over her body and make her scream with delicious pleasure while my seed filled her.

  She turned her head and smirked as if she read my mind.

  “It’s too bad you were early, I almost prefer when you are late,” she purred, and then she shifted back into her dragon form and flew into the sky. “Come now, we are done for today.”

  She took off toward the canyons, and I followed after her.

  Once we began to approach her cave, Valerra slowed down. Then she dove and landed gracefully at the entrance.

  I followed after her, and both of us stayed in our dragon forms.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow, Valerra.”

  “If you can’t show up on time, then don’t bother,” she warned as she disappeared inside her cave.

  I shook my head and smiled after her. Her threats no longer phased me, since she had said the same thing a few days ago while my cum dripped down her legs. I knew she would never hurt me or anyone from Hatra, but I would never tell her I knew that.

  I quickly flew back to Hatra, and once I reached my city, I shifted back into my human form and landed in front of the kitchens. Breakfast was still being prepared for the citizens, but when the cook noticed me, she handed me a piece of toast with jam and quickly fried a few eggs.

  I thanked her, dug in, and ate in silence until I heard the door open. Then I felt a familiar magical signature, and I turned in my seat.

  Alyona stood at the entrance of the kitchen in her white dress, and I drooled at the sight of her. I quickly remembered how the princess never wore anything under her dresses, and that thought alone sent images running through my mind, and I coughed to clear my head.

  I met her amethyst gaze with my own, and I could tell by the mischievous twinkle in her eyes that she knew exactly what I was thinking a moment before.

  My lover gracefully stepped into the kitchen and approached the bar where I sat enjoying my breakfast. As she sat next to me, the cook placed a plate of toast and bacon in front of her as well. The princess delicately picked up a slice of toast and bit into it. Then she turned to me and smiled.

  “Good morning, Lord Evan. I hope you are prepared for training today.”

  The use of my full title sent a chill through my body, and I turn my head to see her take another bite of food to hide the smile on her face.

  So, that’s how she wanted to play it.

  “Good morning to you as well, Princess Alyona,” I replied with her title as well. “And don’t worry about me, I’m always prepared for anything.” I placed my hand on her thigh and slowly moved higher.

  The princess froze under my touch, and she dropped the piece of toast she’d been holding.

  “Well then, perhaps we should be on our way to the River Moonstone House.” She promptly stood, and with a quick thank you to the cook, was out the door.

  I stared after her for a second before I also stood and left the kitchen.

  I found Alyona along the side of the kitchen, quickly grabbed her by her hand, and pulled her against my chest. I kissed her deeply, and she pressed her body closer to me as her hands wrapped around my neck. Then she broke away from the kiss with a pleased smile.

  “Evan, as much as I enjoy this, we should probably go. I want you to have a clear mind as soon as you can.” She pushed against my chest, but I pulled her close and kissed her again.

  “I think it can wait a little bit. I’m happy right here.”

  “Evan!” she giggled. “We need to go. You know how we get. If we don’t stop now, we won’t start the process to cleanse your spiritual sea for a few hours at least. And do you really want Asher in your head still?”

  I thought about what I wanted to do with the princess, and I definitely didn’t want Asher there for that anymore.

  So, when Alyona pushed against me once more, I begrudgingly let her go.

  “Alright,” I sighed as I ran a hand through my hair.

  “Come on, Evan,” Alyona urged with a beautiful smile as she slipped past me and started to walk
down the road. “I promise I will make it up to you later, okay?”

  “I’m coming,” I replied with a smirk. “Just not in the way I really want to.”

  “What was that?”

  “Nothing!” I jogged over to her, and she grabbed my hand and entwined our fingers.

  The morning had barely started, and I’d already had two of my women tease me. This day was not going the way I wanted.

  I would have to rectify that soon.

  Before long, we reached the palace gardens, and Alyona pressed the base of the statue, which opened the staircase that led down into the River Moonstone House. The room was peaceful as ever, and the sound of the river was the only noise within the walls of the room.

  Alyona sat down in the middle of the floor, and her legs folded into a meditation pose.

  I had to force my eyes to look away from her legs, since I knew what would happen if I even caught of glimpse between them. Then I sat down next to her and copied the pose.

  “First, you must enter your spiritual sea and find Asher,” Alyona instructed. “From there, Miraya should be able to assist you in healing Asher from his miasma poisoning. If you need help, I will be right here. Let me know if anything starts to seem strange or if you feel the miasma trying to attack you.”

  I nodded and focused on entering my spiritual sea and finding Asher. Before long, I stood in front of my former enemy turned mind-roommate. He looked terrible, definitely worse than I’d ever seen him. The miasma seemed to coil around him like a rope and trapped him against a wall. The black smoky substance glided through and around his body so it was impossible for the man to move. His head hung loosely from his shoulders, and his chest seemed to barely be moving.

  “Asher,” I called. “Can you hear me?”

  “Evan?” he croaked, and his head barely lifted from his shoulders.

  “Hey, man. Long time no see, huh?”

  Asher blearily stared at me but didn’t respond.

  “Listen, Asher. I’m going to get you out of here, okay? Alyona thinks she found a way to clear you from the miasma, and you’re finally going to find peace. How does that sound?”