by L J Andrews
Ruby chuckled and nodded. “I must admit, I’ve gotten better with my knives. I think you’ll be surprised how quickly you fall.”
Athika chuckled. “We’ll see.” She turned to me, her smile widening. I was careful to keep a slight distance. “Well, T, I’ll take care of him. It’s what the mage do for each other.”
“It’s what we all do for one another,” I said simply, offering a flashing glance toward Jade.
“Come on,” Raffi groaned.
“It’s a good thing none of you are warriors, at the rate you move all our enemies would have slaughtered us by now,” Dash added.
“Oh, just go,” Jade laughed, shooing away her two friends.
Raffi nodded to her with respect, and in a scraping of skin and scales shifted to his enormous wyvern shape. Dash followed, and only the lights from the décor lit his dark scaly body against the backdrop of the night. Mitch stood in awe for a few moments before following Athika down the steps. Mitch tucked behind Dash’s broad, bluish-black wings, while Athika mounted Raffi’s ridged spine.
I stomped down the steps when the dragons tore into the sky, the brush of their wings powdering the steps in a brush of snow. As I watched them leave there was a tight knot that built in my chest. I should be with them. My eyes scanned the surrounding trees and I heard the whispers. Something was coming, and the tremble of fear along my spine told me this night would not go as expected.
Part Two
The Queen
Chapter 10
Sleep evaded me, yet when the gilded light of the morning broke through my window I wasn’t tired. The light washed over the beautiful symbols embedded in my arm. Each line, each delicate curve of the design was a marvel to me. Smiling I traced the seal feeling a comfortable rush in the pit of my stomach. I was sealed to a mage, something that had never happened outside the wyvern race. I’d been told my parents had sealed to each other, but I couldn’t remember. Eisha had a seal on her left shoulder blade. It was small, but was the mark of the warriors. Her mate, Gregor had been the lead warrior for my grandfather until that fateful night at the castle. That was how Eisha and I determined, this was the mage seal and I had been locked to Teagan now in my mind. Nothing could sever that.
A soft knock at my door drew my gaze from my arm. Konrad stuck his head in. “May I come in?”
“Of course,” I said, kicking off the silk sheets along the bed. Eisha loved fine things, but I think I preferred sleeping on the ground beneath the trees. “I haven’t seen you for so long it seems.”
Konrad leaned against the wall, his dark eyes glancing out the wide window. “Would you want to fly with me?”
My brow furrowed, but I nodded. “Yes, I’m always up for a flight. Is something bothering you?”
He shook his head. Konrad had trimmed his dark beard and it made his face seem more youthful than when he let it grow out. Everything that had happened with Bron and lindworms kept him from the reform house—despite being a royal wyvern—I knew Konrad Sapphire loved his work with the students and it was difficult for him to stay away.
“No, nothing is wrong,” he said with a smile. “As you said, we just haven’t had much time to speak lately.”
I smiled, sensing his concern for Mitch. Part of me recognized that was likely why I hadn’t slept well. I hoped Athika would protect Mitch. A human would be utterly defenseless against any lindworms, and honestly if the High Priestess was not an ally, I didn’t know how quickly Athika could stand against someone with her rumored power.
We didn’t take the front door. Konrad stood by me along the edge of the roof. The house was expansive, and offered the perfect ledge to erupt into flight. For years I’d envied Raffi and Dash, or Eisha on the rare occasion, when they’d burst into the air when I couldn’t. But as the frosty air whipped about my face, I smiled. I wasn’t trapped any longer. Konrad leapt first. His brilliant wings gleamed beneath the dawn as he shifted in midair. I loved the way the iridescent color of his scales drifted between dark blue and royal purple like the wings on a dragonfly. I dove into the air, feeling my body peel back the layers of smooth skin and harden to sharp, gleaming scales.
When I was in my wyvern form, simple worries drifted away. My mind was clearer, and I could breathe easier about what might be coming. I didn’t even think about the dark prince that wanted to take me as his mate—I didn’t share with anyone—even Teagan how much that thought brought the most fear into my soul.
The winter air was crisp, and brought my blood to a low boil the higher we flew.
Jade, Konrad’s voice echoed in my mind. I wish to ask you what you think of the Elder council?
My fellow royal dipped low in the sky, rolling slightly so his pitch eyes locked with mine. His sapphire wings were larger than mine, and seemed to cut through the airstream like silk, but with a few large digs with my wings I caught up easily. Speaking with our minds was quieter and peaceful. Only when everyone was in wyvern form did my mind echo with voices. I enjoyed being one on one, hearing soft words in my thoughts.
Glancing at Konrad I shuddered so steam billowed from my nose. At times I am grateful only Aldwin and Frenrir are here, but then I wonder why the others have not shown the slightest interest. I worry for Teagan. I don’t think the council is his ally. By the way Aldwin spoke they don’t trust him.
Konrad’s heavy head dipped and he released a rapid stream of smoke from his throat in agreement. I had a feeling last night. It felt wrong, the council I mean. For the first time since Aldwin questioned Teagan, I am worried much the same.
What do we do? I asked picking up speed. Together we folded our wings and dove toward the earth. The rapid wind breathed new life into my lungs and my heart soared.
You are the queen, Jade. That is your choice.
Konrad, I may be the queen, but I am not the only royal and I certainly don’t want a kingdom where one voice rules all. We work together, as we always have, I grumbled with a snort once I spun out of my dive and let the wind billow in the thin skin on my wings.
Though it was hard to make out a smile when we were in our true forms, I sensed his heart lightening as I spoke.
I hoped you would say something like that. If you care to know what I think, he began slowly. I think it is time for you to officially claim the throne.
As the air thickened, and the ground drew closer I admitted I was surprised by his suggestion. I hadn’t expected it I suppose, and perhaps I didn’t catch his full meaning. What do you mean, claim the throne? Aren’t I already queen?
My claws dug into the frozen earth first, but Konrad was just behind me. I felt the soil tremble when he plodded his swift landing and came to a halt. He danced about for a moment, folding his massive wings along his back, and pacing as he locked his gaze on me. Claiming the throne is ceremonial. It would be a massive announcement and it would officially denounce the council from the decisions for the wyvern race and return it to the royals. But it’s risky. It would reveal your location and that means the lindworms would have an easier time finding you, but so would those hidden from us. All our people would once more know who ruled.
I considered each word carefully. My wings nestled along my ridged spine, though the wind trembled them like a folded chute. Will I, in turn, know where our people are? Konrad rustled his snout and nodded. So, the elders know where all the wyvern are now?
That’s my understanding. It doesn’t have to be immediate, Jade. But there is something wrong with the council, I haven’t been able to shake the feeling since it came. It is the only solution I have to take back the power from the elders in the event there are ulterior reasons that Frenrir has been placed among us.
I opened my mind to answer but stopped when the faint rustle of wings sent the scales on the back of my neck on end.
Someone is coming, Konrad hissed through my mind, his eyes already looking to the sky.
Yes, I can hear them. I don’t recognize their scent or sound.
Go, Jade.
Stop, I demand
ed with a narrowed gaze as I spread my wings into a battle stance. I’m not leaving anymore.
It could be the lindworms, Konrad growled.
No, it is not! Sapphire, I hear you!
It was a voice I hadn’t heard for years—so long had passed the sound was hardly a memory but from a young child’s mind.
Sapphire breathed out a blue flame and looked to the sky, stomping his front claws. I can’t believe it, his soft voice filtered through my mind.
I followed his gaze and scanned the morning sky. Nothing stretched across the pale blue canvas apart from a few wispy clouds.
Then I felt the surge of energy rush through my very soul.
A shadow cast along the ground, stretching and growing as ebony wings blocked the sunlight. I backed away when the two pitch dragons drifted to the ground with skill and a landing that was softer than the snow falling. The two wyverns were dark-scaled like Eisha and Dash, but along the edges of each scale was a gleam of silver. It seemed as though they were armored with black steel. They both stood regal and important. I found I could hardly breathe when both lowered their enormous heads, widening their jaws and spraying the snow in a wave of brilliant purple fire. It was a common greeting, respect for the higher royals. Sapphire stomped toward the larger of the two and stared. I heard his thoughts and felt his excitement.
Onyx! Konrad exclaimed. You found us.
Of course. Now that the name was in the open I recognized the energy from the third royal line. Onyx shook his head in response, but his gleaming pale eyes found me. We received the warning. Last I saw you, Queen Ariana you were such a small thing. My parents always spoke fondly of yours.
I hope your family is well, I added quickly hoping not to dwell on the devastation of the past.
Onyx growled a little in response. It is only my two brothers and myself left. I’ve brought, Peran with me today. Our other brother remains at our protected home. Our parents chose to leave this life. I fear after the events of that night, they were heartbroken, but my brothers and I have never given up hope.
Nor have we. Please just call me Jade. We all use the bloodline names, I replied firmly stepping closer to the two brothers
Onyx faced me, his eyes bright from flight. Perhaps these royals had been just as trapped as us for so long that soaring through the sky brought back a life, long forgotten. If I may say, my queen, you have grown into a remarkable ruler. I look forward to what the future brings when you officially ascend.
Thank you, but I will not succeed without help. I must ask Onyx how have you broken free of your human form? Do you bring a mage with you?
Onyx glanced to Peran who snorted a puff of steam before stepping forward. Peran’s voice, though he was the younger of the two brothers, was deep and shook inside my mind. We hid our mage from the beginning. He has always been with us, even after the divide. We know it was against the direction of both the council and the mage Priesthood, but with so many of us to keep watch over he eventually made himself known and has protected us ever since.
Onyx chuckled and glanced to Sapphire before speaking, Yes, Donovan wasn’t too happy with the decision for Peran and I to come here, but we heard a rumor you had mages at your disposal? It was the only way we could get him to agree to release us from his watch.
We have mage protection, Konrad said quickly, staring to pace again in the melting stone. The longer our warm bodies stood in the snow the more wet the and muddy the ground became. Though we have some explaining to do on some of our mages.
Donavan remains with our youngest brother, Peran said, lowering his voice as though anyone in the forest could hear our thoughts. Along with our stone. We felt it too dangerous to move the stone. We heard…we were told he has come back and is seeking the elemental stones?
The dark High Priest along with King Nag have returned. They are in possession of the fire stone, Konrad said.
Onyx dug his claws angrily into the soil and Peran seemed ready to breathe molten breath. What of Ruby? Onyx asked, his voice so pained my heart ached as I absorbed his anguish.
Sapphire chuckled, though I didn’t see the humor. Don’t fret, Onyx. Ruby is safe. She is here, with us.
Onyx breathed a sigh of relief. Then I understood. That sort of relief only occurred when someone shared deeper feelings than one might for a friend.
Come with us, we’ll bring you back to our home, I said. Everyone will be so relieved to know you’re safe.
Onyx and Peran were more than glad to take flight alongside me and Sapphire. I found it difficult to keep my eyes off the two brothers. Relief flooded my soul. Four of the five royals were found, alive, and ready to rise against Nag and Bron. Now, all that was left—we had to find Amber.
By the time we returned to the mansion, I caught sight of Raffi and Dash setting up the exercises for the day. I wasn’t blind to how fiercely Teagan had been training with the warriors ever since the word the lindworm prince was known to be looking for a mate. Raffi’s eyes widened and I could practically see the steam billowing from his skin when his emotions at the approaching royals took hold.
I found my footing and shifted easily. I loved the way the shimmering gown floated over my skin—the smooth fabric was all that was left of my scales, but it was always warm and filled with energy left behind from the shift. Konrad was next, then Peran and finally Onyx. Both brothers were draped in dark robes that reminded me of a dark night with a hint of moonlight tucked behind clouds. Onyx had shoulder length hair that was the color of chestnuts, while Peran had lighter hair, cropped short to his skull. Both brothers were hard with muscle like most wyvern men. Onyx had a strong square jaw, and his pale eyes were playful when he enjoyed Dash and Raffi’s reaction to the newcomers.
“Warriors,” Onyx said with an approving nod. “Excellent.”
“Highnesses,” Raffi and Dash said in unison, lowering their heads in a bow to the Onyx brothers.
Onyx waved his hand. “No need for that. We’re pleased to be here and for your service in keeping the queen safe all these years.”
“Oh, good, Jade you’re back.”
I swallowed hard at the sound of Teagan’s voice from the porch. My heart shot to the sides of my head when I saw him standing with his back toward us—he’d forgone his shirt like usual and the bright, green seal beamed brightly in the sunlight as he secured the sheath for the blades along his shoulders.
Peran gasped first, but Onyx inched closer to the porch steps where Teagan stood, unaware a new bloodline had even arrived.
“A jade mage,” Onyx whispered, though loud enough to draw Teagan’s attention toward the lawn.
“Whoa,” he said, gripping one of the blades tighter when he realized two strangers were standing near me. “Who are you?”
Onyx looked at me, his mouth open in surprise. “I never…my queen…how is this possible?”
I smiled up at Teagan, touching Onyx’s arm gently. “Teagan, this is Onyx and his brother Peran. They are from they Onyx bloodline. They’re royals.”
Teagan released a heavy breath and his white-knuckled grip on the hilt of his sword loosened. He seemed slightly uncomfortable to stand before the two brothers without his shirt, but by the end of his sessions with Raffi and Dash they all three were usually drenched in sweat. Even in winter there wasn’t much point to dressing for the fight.
“What a surprise,” he said, nodding at Onyx. “I’m glad there are more royals who are safe. I’m Teagan.”
Onyx shook Teagan’s hand, but the royal still hadn’t blinked as he studied Teagan’s markings. “How, mage? How has the jade bloodline been restored? When I heard you had mage power I expected the ruby bloodline, or yours, Sapphire—and these weapons,” Onyx said with a bitter whisper before locking eyes with Teagan.
Teagan sighed, and I knew he grew weary of the story and trying to stop accusations before they even came. “Yes, these were the High Priest’s blades. No, I’m not loyal to him. Yes, I am the jade mage. We don’t know the answer to how it happened.
”
Onyx glanced to me and I took my place beside Teagan. “Onyx, come inside. This is part of what we wanted to explain.” Looking to Teagan, I curled my hand around his bicep and leaned closer. It was impossible to keep too far a distance for too long. “Have you heard from Mitch?”
Teagan nodded. “They are on their way back. Athika wouldn’t expound on what happened. Raffi and Dash only just arrived. They left on Athika’s request. It was too risky having them in the sky. They should be here soon.”
I was relieved, but cautious. Why would Athika send away the warriors? I hadn’t felt any malice from the mage, and she had kept Ruby safe. Bias was clouding my feelings toward the woman. Teagan might not have sensed Athika’s connection, but I did. I’d already told Teagan I wouldn’t doubt him, but after sensing the ruby mage’s attraction and pull to Teagan’s power, I knew she wouldn’t give up the fight to win him easily.
“Onyx?”
We all looked to the doorway. Ruby leaned against the frame, her dark hair falling over her shoulders, and her chocolate eyes brightened when she saw the other royal.
“Ruby,” Onyx said rushing to her side. Peran sighed, but didn’t look disappointed. More annoyed like any younger brother might when his older brother showed affection to a girl. I felt the corners of my mouth tug up into a grin when Teagan chuckled.
“What’s going on there?” he whispered.
I shrugged. “I seems there are tighter connections between the royals than I knew.”
“I heard you’d been attacked,” Onyx said, his fingers gently tracing Ruby’s cheek.
She smiled and stepped just a few inches closer. “I’m fine. I’m so relieved you and your brothers are safe. Come inside, my mage has found some information that might help us find more mage support.”
Onyx took Ruby’s hand and together they rushed inside. Peran followed close behind with Raffi and Dash giving up their morning exercises. It would have to wait until we heard what had been found out about the High Priestess.
