“No mind reading, I promise.” She stood and turned toward me with a seductive grin. “But maybe you can show me some of these things…”
“Are you sure? You’re still recovering.”
“I’m all right. Besides, we can test out the theory that touching gives me energy in return.” But as soon as she stepped into my eager arms, she swayed a little and I found myself supporting her weight. She pressed a hand to her forehead. “Sorry, I got a little lightheaded there.”
I held her tight against me as concern overcame my desire. “How about we just relax together instead?”
She nodded. “Probably a good idea. I’m sorry though.”
I pressed a kiss to her lips. “Don’t be sorry. All I want is to be by your side.”
“Thanks. I wish I had the strength to do more. I’d like to continue what we started in the Fire Temple.”
“Soon. Once we’re on dry land again maybe.”
Together we climbed into the hammock and she curled up in my arms. A sense of satisfaction and peace settled over me as she tucked her head against my neck. Before I met Kira I’d been the type of man who had a new woman in every city I visited, and I’d only spent a single night with each of them. Cuddling with a woman was out of the question—that was how people got attached, and that was the last thing I’d wanted. Until Kira.
“Auric will want to join us too,” she mused, as she played with the collar of my shirt idly. “Are you sure you’re all right with that?”
“I don’t mind. I’ve shared women with other soldiers before, and if it makes you happy then I’m all for it. Even if Auric isn’t my favorite person.” I wrapped a strand of her red hair around my finger. “Although he’s not my least favorite person anymore either.”
“No? Who is?”
“Reven.”
She snorted. “I think the other guys would probably agree with you.”
“He left us when we needed him most. I’m not sure I’ll ever trust him again.”
“He came back at least,” Kira pointed out.
“He should never have left in the first place.” Why was Reven even here, when he didn’t seemed to care about Kira at all? He wasn’t good enough for her. At least Auric—annoying though he may be—was a prince, and he obviously loved Kira as much as I did. Even Slade, who avoided Kira as much as possible, obviously had feelings for her he wasn’t ready to admit yet. But Reven? I couldn’t tell what he wanted, and I worried he would only hurt her in the end.
“I have to believe the Gods chose all of you for a reason,” Kira said.
As I held her close I stared up at the ceiling, the hammock creaking under us, matching the roll of the ship on the waves. “The Fire God said they chose us to help bring out certain aspects in you.” For me it was bravery and passion, but I wasn’t sure what the others were supposed to be helping Kira with. All Reven brought out in Kira was frustration, and Slade wasn’t much better. It would be up to me and Auric to keep her happy during what came ahead, which was why I’d agreed to share her with the prince more than any other reason.
Kira was going to face a number of obstacles in the future and she needed people by her side she could trust, who would support her and help keep her strong no matter what she faced. I’d already pledged my heart, mind, and soul to that task. I had no doubt Auric would too. But would the other two, when the time came?
9
Kira
As we approached Stormhaven, Auric’s wind buffeted our sails and the ship sliced through the waves at an unnatural speed. I stood on the prow and gazed at the capital of the Air Realm in the distance, a barely visible assortment of tall buildings shining bright under the midday sun. With each passing moment it grew in size, and in only a few more hours we’d be stepping onto shore again.
The Air Realm was known as the center of culture in the four Realms, prized for its fine art, music, and literature. Thanks to a rich trade of dyes, spices, and oils, the Air Realm was also the wealthiest kingdom in the world. I’d never been to Stormhaven before in all of my travels, and I couldn’t help but feel excited at seeing the City of a Thousand Spires, as it was called.
I wished Tash could be with me, especially since she’d always wanted to visit the Air Realm for the shopping and fine cuisine. She’d been my best friend in Stoneham, where I’d lived the last few years in the Earth Realm, and I missed her greatly. While I enjoyed the presence of my four mates, I missed speaking to a fellow woman now and then. Especially Tash, with her cheerful demeanor and easygoing attitude. Even after I’d killed her abusive father—in self-defense, of course—she’d remained strong and didn’t seem to harbor any resentment toward me. I closed my eyes and imagined her now, likely running her family’s inn, her dark hair braided as she worked. I prayed to the Gods she was okay and that I would see her again soon.
Auric moved to stand by my side, resting his hands lightly on the railing as he stared across the waves toward the city where he’d been raised. “We’ll be there soon.”
I turned toward him, examining his handsome, regal face. “Are you nervous?”
“A little. Reven assures me the plan will work, but I can’t help but worry I’ll be recognized, as it would be difficult to find anyone in Stormhaven who doesn’t know my face. If my family finds out I’ve returned, I’m not sure what will happen. I can’t imagine they’ll be happy with me after I disappeared without a word when I went to find you.”
“They must be worried about you.”
“Probably,” he said with a sigh. “It would be nice to see them briefly and let them know I’m safe, but that isn’t a good idea.”
I hesitated, but then asked the question lingering on my tongue. “Are they loyal to the Black Dragon, like Jasin’s family?”
“I’m not sure how to answer that. My parents are good people who want what is best for their kingdom. That means serving the Dragons and bowing to their wishes, but I’ve also seen my parents stand up to them too. They’ll protect the Air Realm however they can.”
“I wish some of the other Realms had kings and queens who would think of their people’s best interests and stand up to the Dragons sometimes.”
“It’s not easy. The last ruler who truly stood against the Dragons was the Earth King, and his entire family was slaughtered for it. Except for his youngest daughter, who was only four at the time. The Black Dragon raised the girl as her own daughter to ensure her loyalty, and now the Earth Queen is basically a puppet.”
I’d heard that story about the Earth Queen as well. I shuddered. “I can see why no one wants to appear disloyal.”
“Exactly. My parents must walk a fine line. So yes, they’re loyal to the Dragons. But they’re also not.” He shrugged. “Politics.”
“I don’t think I could live that kind of life.”
“No, me neither. I was never good at the political maneuverings and courtly intrigue. That life never felt like it was meant for me. I’m much happier now as one of your mates.”
“We’re lucky to have you. Without your wealth of knowledge, we would be lost. Literally.”
“Glad I can be of use.” His head tilted as he examined the city again. “I have to admit I’m eager to return to Stormhaven, even if only for a short while. I’ve traveled to many places now, but this will always be my home.”
“I’m excited to see it. I’ve heard so much about Stormhaven. The markets. The cafes. The spires.”
“Stormhaven gets terrible lightning storms, hence its name,” Auric said, as he caught me gazing out at the city with awe. “The spires were originally built to protect the city from lightning strikes, but then it became a trend to build high into the sky to honor the Air God.”
“The city is beautiful.”
“You have to see it at sunset. There’s nothing more stunning than the sun turning the clouds pink and the spires reflecting the light back.” He turned toward me and lightly rested his hands on my waist. “I only wish the circumstances of our arrival were different and I co
uld show you around the city and the palace. Maybe even meet my parents.”
I swallowed my longing for those very things. “I would like that very much. Someday...”
“Yes, someday.” He pressed a quick kiss to my lips before releasing me. “I should probably ease off on the wind and ask Reven to slow the currents as well so that those ships up ahead don’t notice we’re moving a bit too quickly.”
I nodded. “I’ll make sure everything is packed up and ready to go.”
I headed below deck and found Slade putting the last few things in our bags, including some of the supplies Calla and her priests had provided for us. “Can I do anything to help?”
“No, I think we’re ready.” He tied off one of the bags and set it with the others.
I moved to the area where I’d kept my things and checked that my bow and sword were ready, along with the small bag I’d brought. “I bet you’re excited to be back on land again.”
“You have no idea. I can only pray I never have to be out at sea again. I need to be able to see the land at least. If this is my last time on a boat, even better.”
I bit my lip and decided not to tell him that much of the Water Realm was made up of tiny islands and the Water Temple was only accessible by boat. By then he would be able to fly at least, although if he hated the ocean I couldn’t imagine he’d like the sky much better.
“Did you do much traveling before we met?” I asked.
“No, not at all. I’d only left my village a few times. I never would have imagined I’d get to visit each Realm.” Slade rubbed his beard, which had grown longer while we were on the boat. “Then again, I never would have imagined any of this.”
“Me neither.”
“You’ve been to the Air Realm before though, haven’t you?”
“Yes, a few years ago.” I debated revealing more, but that was a story better suited for another day. “Although this is my first visit to Stormhaven.”
Reven dropped down onto the lower deck. “Watch your coins. Stormhaven is known for its thieves. All the Air Realm is full of bandits, actually.”
I knew that all too well. With any luck, we would never come across the Thunder Chasers, the bandit group I’d once been a part of. At some point I would have to tell my mates about that part of my past, though I worried what they would think of me. Reven probably wouldn’t care, but the others? A soldier, a prince, and a blacksmith would not look fondly on the things I’d once done.
“I thought the Air Realm was the wealthiest kingdom,” Slade said.
Reven put on his twin swords. “It is. But it also has the weakest guard and the smallest division of the Onyx Army. The people here are peaceful, fat, and happy, with no desire to fight. Which is why thieves run wild here, and why getting in and out of Stormhaven will be easy.”
“I hope you’re right,” I said. “Have you done…jobs here?”
“Two,” Reven said. “I poisoned a man who was beating his mistress, on behalf of her sister. I also strangled a woman who was smuggling children on the black market.”
A part of me wished I had never asked, and a part of me was fascinated by Reven’s cold brutality and how he spoke so matter-of-factly about murder, even if the targets seemed like people who’d deserved it. I’d killed before, numerous times, but only in self-defense. I didn’t think I could ever be as casual about taking a life as Reven was. Perhaps that was why the Water God had chosen him—to teach me to do what needed to be done without letting my emotions get in the way.
If so, I had a lot to learn.
10
Kira
Without magic guiding our ship we seemed to creep into the busy harbor, passing boats both bigger and smaller than ours as we approached the dock. Reven shouted out orders to the other men to hoist the sails while he steered the wheel, his dark hair flowing in the wind. With his black clothing and his twin swords at his waist he looked like a pirate captain from the Water Realm. He'd originally claimed to know only a little about sailing, but luckily he'd remembered more than he'd let on. Without his expertise we would have no idea what to do, especially as we brought the ship up to the dock, but he'd clearly spent some time handling a ship before.
Maneuvering a ship like this with five inexperienced people was a challenge, even if the boat wasn't that big. As we neared the dock we came disturbingly close to another larger ship, and it was only with a touch of Reven's magic washing us to the side that we avoided colliding with it.
"Careful!" Jasin called out as he hauled on a rope.
Reven only glared at him as he turned the wheel and eased us up to the dock. Slade dropped the anchor and Jasin leaped out to tie the boat off, while Auric remained below deck, much to his dismay. He was the opposite of Slade and hated being in confined spaces, preferring the open air and the sky around him.
When the ship was secure I took in a breath of fresh air tinged with the smell of fish and something else like faint perfume. We'd made it to Stormhaven, and all around us the port was bustling with activity. Sailors hauled goods on and off boats, men and women in colorful clothing strolled along the marina with umbrellas to block the hot sun, and people at nearby stalls called out to offer food and more. Behind it all, the great city rose up with its many silvery spires glittering under the sun as they reached toward the sky. In the distance, the palace stood on a hill with the tallest spires of all, which disappeared into the clouds.
Jasin drew me in for a hug. “Stay safe.”
Our lips brushed and I nodded at him. “We’ll be fine.”
The plan was for Slade, Reven, and I to go through the city and look for supplies and some new horses, while Jasin and Auric waited on the ship. Jasin had argued he should go with us too, but Reven was the only one beside Auric who had been to the city before, and Slade said he wasn't spending a second longer on the boat. I’d insisted on going too, which meant Jasin had to stay behind to protect the ship with Auric, who needed to stay out of sight until we returned. After night fell we would sneak him out of the city with our new supplies and horses.
"Are we ready?" I asked Slade and Reven.
Reven nodded and hopped off the ship. But as Slade and I followed him onto the dock, a number of soldiers suddenly approached us. They weren't wearing the black scaled armor of the Onyx Army, and instead had smooth metal armor that gleamed gold, with the symbol of the House of Killian etched on their chests. Royal guards.
"Halt," called out the one in the front. He was the only one with a white feathered plume on his helmet, which I assumed meant he was their Captain.
Reven rested a hand on the hilt of his sword, his muscles tense as though he was ready to start slaughtering them all, but I shook my head at him.
I stepped forward with a smile. "Is there a problem, good sirs?"
"All ships that are not registered with the Harbor Master must be searched by order of the King,” the Captain said.
I tried to keep my face calm, though my heart was pounding. "Is that truly necessary? As you can see, our ship is small. We don't have anything of interest here. We're simply weary travelers looking for a better life in the Air Realm."
"That may be so, but I have my orders." The Captain glanced between me and the other men, his eyes lingering on Slade's large form for an extra second. "Have you traveled from the Earth Realm?"
He must think that because of Slade's dark skin, which was more common in the Earth Realm. Slade nodded. "Yes, from Mudport."
Jasin drew a bag of coins. "Listen, how about you say you searched the ship and go on your way. We can make it very worth your while."
"Is that so?" the Captain asked, and I held my breath, hoping he'd let us go. Instead he drew his sword and shouted, "Detain these people and search the ship!"
Reven reached for his sword again, but I grabbed his arm to still him. Violence might be his natural instinct for dealing with problems, but these men were only doing their job in service of Auric's family. Perhaps if we used our magic we might be able to escape, but n
ot without drawing a lot of attention from the other people on the docks. Auric would never be able to remain anonymous that way, and word of us might even reach the Dragons. Right now our only advantage was that the Dragons might not know where we were.
“We don’t want any trouble.” I stepped forward and offered my arms in surrender. My mates grumbled, but they stood down. The Royal Guard dragged us each away from the ship and bound our hands, while their Captain watched. Soon they would begin searching the ship and would find Auric below deck. As rope was tied around my wrists, I tried to think of a way we could cause a distraction to allow Auric to get away unnoticed.
But then Auric emerged and stood above us on the ship’s deck. “Let them go,” he said. “They're with me."
"Prince Auric?" the Captain asked, before dropping into a hasty bow.
"Yes, it's me. Release my friends." My heart sank as Auric stepped forward, though he didn’t look anything like a prince with his longer hair and his worn commoner’s clothes. There would be no hiding him now. His family would soon learn he was here, and we would never be able to escape Stormhaven unnoticed.
"I'm sorry, your highness, but I can't do that. In fact, I need you to come with me." The Captain lowered his voice. "Your father has been searching for you and he's ordered us to detain anyone you are found with."
“That’s not necessary,” Auric said.
The Captain crossed the deck to Auric and spoke quietly. "I know it must have been difficult being kidnapped and held captive all this time, but you don't need to keep up the ruse. You're safe now."
Auric’s eyes widened "I'm not being held captive!”
The Captain ignored him and turned toward the rest of his guard, who were also bowing at the prince. "Get those people to the prison! I'll inform the King immediately that his son has been rescued. Now, Prince Auric, if you'll just come with me."
Her Elemental Dragons: The Complete Series Page 22
