Her Elemental Dragons: The Complete Series

by Elizabeth Briggs

  Calla nodded. “When you get to the Air Temple, please say hello to the High Priestess Nabi for me. She and I have corresponded many times, though we’ve never met in person.”

  “I will. But what are you all doing here and not at your own Temple?” I remembered Sark flying over the Fire Temple as we left. “Are you fleeing Sark?”

  “Not exactly. He questioned us extensively for information on who you are and where you’re going next, but I refused to tell him anything. We decided it wasn’t safe at the Temple anymore after that.”

  I shuddered at the thought of facing Sark. “I’m so glad he didn’t hurt you.”

  “Oh, he wouldn’t dare. You see, Sark is my grandfather.”

  “Your what?” I tried not to cringe back in horror.

  She chuckled softly. “That was my reaction too when I found out.”

  “I’m sorry,” I said, my head spinning from the news. “I’m just surprised Sark let your relation stop him. He’s always seemed so heartless and cruel.”

  “Yes, he is. But he’s never hurt me or my mates, despite his threats over the years. He’s never let the other Dragons harm us either. Perhaps it’s a sign there’s still some humanity left in him after all.”

  “I doubt that,” I muttered. “I didn’t even know the Dragons could have children.”

  “It seems they can, though I’ve never heard of any others like me, and I don’t believe the Black Dragon can have any herself.”

  I’d never even considered children, though I should have when I’d slept with Jasin. The Black Dragon had ruled for hundreds of years with no children born to her, so in the back of my mind I must have known I could not become pregnant. Now that it was confirmed, a heavy sadness settled over me. Having a child wasn’t something I’d thought about much growing up and living on the run, but after meeting my four mates, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to have children with each of them. Not anytime soon, but after we’d completed the momentous tasks ahead of us and our lives had calmed down. Would we never get that chance?

  It mattered little, since I had more immediate problems to focus on. Sark knew about our existence, and even if he didn’t know who we were or where we were going, it was only a matter of time before he was able to track us down.

  After I bid Calla farewell and told her where she could find their boat, I sought out Auric, who was in the library with his head in a large, ancient-looking book, while a map was spread out beside him.

  “Calla has arrived with our horses,” I said.

  He let out a relieved sigh. “Thank the Gods she is safe.”

  “She didn’t tell Sark anything about us, but it won’t be long before he realizes where we are. Are we still planning to leave for the Air Temple the morning after the ball?”

  He tapped his fingers on the book idly. “Yes. I’ve been making preparations, but I think we should ask Brin if she will go with us.”

  “Brin?” I shook my head. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”

  “We can trust her with the truth and we could use her help. No one knows the route to the Air Temple better than Brin.”

  “We agreed not to tell anyone after what happened with Jasin’s family.”

  “Yes, but then we told my parents.”

  “That was different.”

  He gestured to the map. “The Air Temple is in the middle of the desert and it’s easy to get lost out there without a guide, even with the best maps. I’ve only been once, but Brin’s family goes every year. If we want to get there as quickly as possible, we need her guidance.”

  I stared at the map, then sighed. “All right, but we can’t tell her what we are or why we’re going to the Air Temple.”

  We called for Brin to join us, while a servant brought us all some tea and pastries. A few minutes later Brin sauntered into the library like it was her second home and smiled at us as she took a seat. “Hello again, lovelies. I was told you wanted to see me?”

  Auric nodded. “We have something we’d like to talk to you about.”

  Brin’s eyes sparkled as she leaned forward. “Are you finally going to tell me where you’ve been the last few weeks?”

  “Not exactly.” Auric cleared his throat and glanced at me. “I’m sorry. I wish I didn’t have to keep it a secret from you.”

  “It’s all right,” she said with a sigh. “What did you want to talk about?”

  “We need to go to the Air Temple,” I said. “And get there as quickly as possible.”

  Her eyebrows shot up and I could see her trying to put the pieces together. “Is that so? In that case, you’ll need a lot of supplies, along with camels.”

  “Camels?” I asked.

  “Of course. The Air Temple is surrounded by harsh desert with nothing around it for miles. Horses would have a difficult time there.” She reached for a quill and some paper and began jotting things down. “You’ll need lots of water, for sure, along with shelter capable of surviving the heat and sandstorms…”

  “How do you know so much about this?” I asked.

  “My family’s ancestral home is on the edge of the desert, so I’m quite familiar with what it’s like traveling there. I’ve also been to the Air Temple once a year for my entire life. My parents are quite devout.” She scribbled across the paper, biting her lip. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you have everything you need.”

  “Thank you, Brin,” Auric said. “I knew we could count on you.”

  “Of course, it’s the least I can do for my dear friends.”

  “Would you possibly be interested in coming with us as our guide?” I asked.

  She pressed a hand to her chest. “Oh, I would love to, and I’m honored you’ve asked, but I can’t. My parents want me to stay in Stormhaven to meet with potential suitors in the next few weeks. But don’t worry, I’ll make you an excellent map with the quickest route. I’ve done the trip in four days once, though much depends on the weather.”

  “That would be most appreciated,” Auric said. “Thank you.”

  They began going over everything we would need, while I sat back and listened. In two days’ time we’d be leaving Stormhaven behind and venturing into the desert. But could we make it to the Air Temple before the Dragons found us?

  23

  Slade

  On the day of the ball the palace descended into chaos. I managed to stay in my room for most of it, even though I found myself antsy and itching to be outdoors. I’d spent the past few days walking the palace grounds, trying to find some solitude with the earth and visiting the palace’s blacksmiths to remind myself of who I was. Not a prince. Not an assassin. And not a soldier either. I was an ordinary man, and all I’d wanted was a simple life in my village. Now my life was anything but simple or ordinary.

  I left to head out for a short walk outside to ground myself before the ball, but nearly ran into Kira in the hallway. She looked frazzled, wearing a white sparkling gown that was impossible to take my eyes off of, especially as it showed off every beautiful curve.

  “Kira, what’s wrong?” I asked.

  She pressed a hand to her head and groaned. “My maid has disappeared and I need to finish getting ready for the ball and my hair is a mess and I have no idea what I’m doing. What will Auric’s parents think of me when I show up like this?”

  “You look beautiful.” I took her arm and led her back to her room. “But let’s see what we can do about your hair.”

  She followed me with a confused expression, but I sensed she was too frustrated at this point to argue with me. I knew she didn’t feel like she belonged here, which was understandable. None of us did, not even Auric. But she wanted his parents to like her too, which I could also understand.

  “Sit,” I said, lightly pushing her into the chair at the dresser.

  She sank down and stared at me in the mirror. “What are you going to do?”

  I stood behind her and examined her for a moment, before picking up a brush. “I’m not sure yet.”


  I began to slowly run the brush through her glorious red locks, which shined with every stroke. Kira’s hair was thick and had a tendency to get tangled, but I was gentle with it as I eased out the knots and pulled the brush through. She let out a soft sigh and her entire body relaxed under my care, though I suspected I might be enjoying it as much as she was.

  I set down the brush and considered for a moment, then took small pieces of her hair in the front and began to braid it. She watched as I did this to both sides of her head before asking, “Where did you learn to do this?”

  “From my sisters.”

  “You have sisters?”

  I grunted. “Two of them. Both younger than me.”

  She smiled as I piled the rest of her hair atop her head and pinned it in an elaborate up-do with a few tendrils hanging down. “What are they like?”

  “The younger one is a troublemaker. She’s about your age and always finding ways to drive our mother mad, but she can put a smile on everyone’s face she meets.” I couldn’t help but smile myself as I said it. “The other one is the quieter, more serious one. She married a few years ago and has a son.”

  “And your parents?”

  “My father passed away some time ago from illness. My mother still lives, but hasn’t remarried.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  I shrugged as I wrapped the braids around the bun I’d created. “It happened many years ago. I took over as village blacksmith, as was customary. Although now that I’m gone my cousin is running the shop.”

  “Do you miss your home?”

  “Every day.”

  “I’d like to see it someday and meet your family too. Maybe on the way to the Earth Temple?”

  “Maybe.” I wasn’t sure I wanted Kira to meet my family. That felt too…serious. I cleared my throat. “There. Finished.”

  “It’s lovely. You’re very talented at this.” She admired her hair in the mirror with a smile. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  She stood up and turned around, then wrapped me in a close embrace. “I know you didn’t choose this and don’t really want to be here, but I’m so happy you’re one of my mates.”

  I couldn’t help but hold her against me, drawn to her soft curves and feminine body despite myself, even as her words warmed me from the inside out. “No, I didn’t choose this life, and I’m still not sure I’m the right man for the role, but I do want to be here.”

  She looked up at me with hope shining in her eyes. “You do?”

  “Yes. I’m honored to be your Jade Dragon.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead before releasing her. “And I think you’ll be an excellent Black Dragon.”

  She sighed as she turned to admire her hair in the mirror again, touching it lightly. “I’m not sure I agree. The other day I was training with Jasin and couldn’t control my magic.” A small shudder passed through her. “What if I can never master it? What if I hurt someone by accident?”

  I rubbed her shoulders as I met her eyes in the mirror. “You will master it, in time. The four of us had a month to train before we met you, and we’re still learning. You only need more practice with fire.”

  “But soon I’ll have air to learn too, and then earth and water.” She covered her face with her hands. “It just seems so overwhelming and impossible sometimes.”

  I sensed she meant more than just learning the magic, but everything else that came with being the Black Dragon. When we’d started our journey together we’d all still been in disbelief, but now the implications of our new roles were starting to set in. “You have a lot resting on your shoulders, it’s true. But I have no doubt you’ll rise to whatever challenge you’ll face in the future.”

  “That’s nice of you to say. I wish I could believe it.”

  “Believe it,” I said. “You’re smart, capable, kind, and strong. The world could not ask for a better woman as the Black Dragon.”

  Her eyes softened and she turned toward me. “Thank you.”

  I looked away, unnerved by the warmth in her gaze. “I’m only speaking the truth.”

  She rested her hand on my cheek and turned my face back to her, then pressed her lips to mine. Something rumbled inside me as her soft mouth opened for me, and emotions I’d tried to keep buried deep now burst to the surface. I found myself gripping her arms as I began to slowly kiss her back, unable to stop myself. It had been a long time since I’d kissed anyone and I wanted to take my time with it. I needed to savor every taste of her sweet lips and every touch of her soft tongue.

  But then I realized what I was doing and abruptly pulled away, as every reason I’d had for keeping my distance from her came rushing back. I couldn’t lose my heart again, not to Kira, not to anyone.

  I stepped back, while her face filled with confusion. “No, I can’t do this. I’m sorry.”

  “Slade—” she started to say, but I was already dashing out the door, wiping my mouth to try to remove the taste of her from my lips. Except I had a feeling I would never be able to forget that kiss…or stop wanting another one.

  24

  Kira

  I stepped into the ballroom and was immediately enchanted by the sights and sounds inside. Spinning gold and silver decorations hung from the ceiling and caught the candlelight from around the room, making the room seem magical. A group of musicians played in a corner, while guests in exquisite clothes danced across the floor. An entire wall had been reserved for food and drinks, the likes of which I'd never seen before. I headed there first to sample the tiny dishes laid out, although the massive dessert table was hard to ignore. I'd never seen such extravagance before in my life, and while I'd expected to hate the ball, I wasn’t going to complain. Especially as I popped a meat pastry puff in my mouth and nearly died at the flavors exploding across my tongue. I followed it with some sort of brie and raspberry tart, which was equally amazing.

  "Enjoying yourself?" Reven asked from the shadows, as I filled my plate with every single dish on the table. He wore all black, as usual, but tonight his clothes were finer than normal and he'd ditched the hooded cloak.

  "Yes. Have you tried these?" I asked, before biting into a tiny sausage wrapped in more pastry.

  He eyed my full plate. "I had one or two.”

  "Don’t judge me. After being on the road for so long it's a nice change to eat like this, and it's not like I had the best meals before I met you either." Food in some parts of the world was hard to come by, especially when the Dragons demanded so much from their people. Back in Stoneham I’d usually eaten a little of whatever I’d caught in the forest after Tash had fixed it up for me. I’d certainly never had anything like the food in the Air Realm before.

  Reven took a sip of his red wine. "Don't get too comfortable. We're leaving in the morning."

  "I won't, but even you can admit it's nice to be able to relax and enjoy ourselves for one night at least."

  He lifted a shoulder in a casual shrug. “I suppose.”

  Jasin strolled over with a grin, wearing a fine navy blue coat that accentuated his broad shoulders and muscular frame. He offered his hand and asked, "Care to dance?"

  "I’d like to, but I don't know any of the fancy dances these nobles are doing,” I said.

  "Me neither." He winked at me as he took my arm in his. "But we'll manage."

  I shoved my plate at Reven, who grumbled as Jasin swept me onto the dance floor and into the crowd. The crystal-covered gown I’d bought with Brin shimmered around me, and many people stopped to look at the way it caught the light. Or maybe they were looking at me because they’d heard rumors the prince had broken his engagement because of me.

  As Jasin took me in his arms, he said, "You look lovely."

  "Thank you." I smiled up at him, admiring how the red highlights in his auburn haired seemed to dance under the torchlight. "You cleaned up nicely yourself."

  He swept me across the floor and we managed to move together in time to the music. "It's strange to not wear my unif
orm at things like this, but I suppose that part of my life is over."

  "Do you miss being in the army?"

  "Not at all.” He brushed his lips across my cheek. “I'm exactly where I'm meant to be."

  "You seem so certain." I longed for that certainty. Lately all I had were doubts, it seemed. Take earlier, for example. Slade had finally let me get close to him, but after I’d kissed him, he’d ran away. Now I didn’t even see him in the ballroom. Was he avoiding me again?

  "Meeting the Fire God will do that to a man, I guess." He touched my chin lightly. “Don’t forget, he gave you his blessing as well.”

  “True. Sometimes I still can't believe it happened."

  "Believe it. And you have three more Gods to meet soon."

  I nodded. Maybe once we reached the Air Temple I’d find some more clarity. There was still so much I didn’t know, like who my true parents were and why I was the Black Dragon. I prayed the Air God would tell me something useful.

  When the song ended, Auric appeared at my side wearing white and gold, with his blond hair slicked back and his gray eyes shining bright. "May I steal her away?"

  "I suppose it’s your party,” Jasin said with a smile, as he stepped back.

  Auric clasped my hand in his, then settled his other one on my waist. "I've never seen a woman more beautiful than you tonight."

  My face flushed and I looked down. "That's very kind of you to say.”

  "It's the truth. Every other woman in his is jealous. Look how they stare at you."

  "Only because I'm dancing with you. Do you think they know...?"

  "Know what?" he asked, as he led me across the dance floor with surer steps than Jasin. He was obviously quite experienced with this kind of dancing.

  "That you ended your betrothal because of me?"

  "Definitely. Gossip travels fast. But don't worry, I care not what anyone thinks, and Brin is doing fine too." He nodded in the direction of the drink table. I followed his gaze to find Brin standing there with wine in hand, speaking to three women who hung onto her every word. "She'll take at least one of them to her room tonight, I'm sure. Maybe all three."