by Juniper Hart
“Like I just said, I’m fine,” Daisy reiterated.
“Stubborn little thing,” he muttered.
“What’s the matter? Don’t want to spend time with me?” Daisy mock-pouted.
“Oh, it would simply be torture. Trapped with you on a plane for hours… how will I ever survive?” Nyle sighed dramatically.
“I truly have no idea.” Daisy grinned.
“Well, if you’re so hell bent on us spending time together, what do you want to do?” Nyle asked her in a light-hearted manner.
Daisy pondered, stretching her legs over his lap as she relaxed into the corner of the couch.
“Tell me a story,” she decided. She wanted to keep his mind off whatever was going on in his head.
He cocked a brow at her. “About what exactly?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know… Maybe something about your kingdom? Like a history lesson or something.”
“A history lesson?” Nyle questioned.
When Daisy nodded, Nyle gave a weak smile. “Do you always have to be such a nerd?”
“You knew what you were getting into,” Daisy teased.
Their home in Virginia had an entire library, her personal office was filled with books, and they had two bookshelves in their room. Nyle had indeed given her the dream life she had always wanted, spending her days reading and learning new things. He loved spoiling her with books, but also enjoyed teasing her for being such a bookworm.
Nyle stretched his arms out on the back of the couch. “All right, fine… Let me think for a second.” His honey eyes gazed to the ceiling of the plane as he tried to find a starting point. “Well, both Royals and Elementals are originally from Europe. Back then, we were just one big clan and had been since around the time Rome fell. When the Americas were discovered, the clan decided to start anew here. By that time, locals were starting to create stories about our kind, which was dangerous for us. My ancestors figured starting over in a new land would be promising.”
“So, you all moved to the Americas?” asked Daisy.
“Well, not all of us, but most of us.” He continued with the story after answering her question. “The unified dragon clan was well-established by the time the United States gained independence from Britain. However, when humans formed their own government, a divide showed itself in the clan. What now are considered Royals wanted to have influence in human politics, to sway them in our favor to make sure we stayed protected. To do that, it meant they had to become involved in profitable businesses. To humans, the only thing that matters is money, it seems. My ancestors became politicians, trying to hide amongst and rule the humans. The clan now known as the Elementals was irate. Their stance was we shouldn’t give a damn about humans and should just focus on simple living, and live close to nature like we had in the past.”
Nyle added a side comment. “I think that if the Elementals could have traveled to the present day, they would have joined us without hesitation. We’ve been able to hide our true nature because we have a lot of influence at high levels. What the Elementals don’t realize is that it’s because of us they’ve never been discovered.”
Daisy asked, “So Royals still hold political power?”
“Yes,” said Nyle. “You’d be surprised at the influence my father has because some of our people are in very prestigious positions. However, we’ve branched out from politics. You must have money to play the political game. We own several financial groups and large corporations. We try to stay diversified, so we can use anything that gives us leverage,” Nyle explained, his hands idly rubbing her legs.
Daisy made a bit of a face. From where she stood, she could understand both sides. It was smart for the Royals to protect themselves by influencing human policy to work in their favor, but she didn’t exactly like the thought of the corruption that must have taken place over the years.
Before Daisy could say anything in response, Nyle spoke again, “My family came into power directly after the split. You’ve met my father, but I wish you could have met my granddad, Gerardian. He was in charge for one-hundred-and-forty years. He died of a broken heart when his soulmate, my grandmother, passed away from someone poisoning her. It turned out to be an rogue Elemental. When my father got to power, he sought to avenge his parents.”
Daisy gripped his hand, not wanting him to talk about his father if he didn’t want to. “Nyle, we don’t need to talk about your father if you don't feel like it.”
“No, it’s okay. You ought to know,” he shrugged. “My grandfather pushed the Elementals out of our territory, down into Pennsylvania and onward. As soon as my father became king, he conquered Pennsylvania. He took an entire state away from the Elementals to punish them for his parents’ deaths. There had been countless battles between the two clans before he seized Pennsylvania, but it only ramped up from there. Now both sides are out for blood and willing to do anything to get ahead. My father once told me he had a plan to overtake Ohio before I was born, but the plan never came to fruition. I don’t think he ever got over my grandparents’ deaths and probably would have worked forever to avenge them. I suppose, in a way, he did…”
Nyle’s eyes became glazed by tears and pain, his gaze fixated on a single area on the floor as he mulled over his thoughts. “My father has always been rooted in tradition. Hell, I think I can count on one hand how many times I saw him in a suit. He always wore the traditional robes and other garb.” He let out a breathy chuckle, “I remember the first time he saw me in human attire without needing to be at the office; he nearly lost his mind. He went on this whole rampage that I didn’t know what I had and I was only seeking out human culture because I didn’t appreciate the struggle my family had gone through. Really, I just like jeans. They’re comfortable.” He shrugged. “Feels a little silly to walk around in silk robes all the time.”
“Remember when you asked for a soccer ball for your sixth birthday?” Evryn spoke up from a few seats away.
Nyle laughed, running a hand over his face. “I’ve never seen someone so upset over a ball. He said that we had our own sports and that I shouldn’t concern myself with human pastimes.”
“Seems like he really hates humans,” Daisy commented, getting even more weary of going to the palace. She didn’t want to agitate a dying man on his deathbed just by being there.
Nyle nodded. “It’s wrong of him, but he thinks of humans as pawns. Little pieces to move around to get his way. Other than that, they are pests to him.” He noted the look on her face and smiled. “Don’t worry. You’re the cutest pest I’ve ever seen,” he teased, poking her in the nose.
“Doesn’t mean I’ll get on his nerves any less,” Daisy grumbled, crossing her arms.
A heavy sigh passed his lips. “I know. It’s callous of me, but I don’t care. When we first left New York, I had chosen you, and he knows that. If he expects me to go anywhere without my mate, then that’s his mistake. It’ll be okay; I promise,” Nyle tried to soothe her. “Thank you for coming with me, even though I know it’s uncomfortable for you.”
Daisy smiled faintly. “I don’t like being away from you.”
Nyle returned the grin. “I was thinking the same thing.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Nyle’s stomach was in knots as the town car pulled up to the palace, his heart thumping in his ears. He couldn’t believe that it had been so long since he was last there. Flashbacks of the last conversation with his father played in Nyle’s head. A part of Nyle thought that maybe Evryn was tricking him and wanted Nyle to come home in hopes that he would apologize to his father. It just seemed so improbable to Nyle that his father wanted to make amends with him.
His eyes fell to the woman slumped into his side, peacefully napping as she held to one of his arms. Daisy was going to be his source of strength through this entire process, even if she didn’t see it that way.
Nyle gently shook her shoulder. “Daisy, we’re here,” he whispered to her.
Her blue-gray eyes opened slowly, allowing a
faint light to illuminate her iris, her long lashes blinking in a sleepy fashion. She was so perfect it made Nyle’s heart hurt. Nyle reached and wiped away the tiny bit of drool that was coming out of the corner of her mouth, pressing a light kiss to her lips.
The driver then opened Nyle’s door. He stepped out with Daisy’s hand in his. They gazed up to the beige castle, memories flooding Nyle’s mind. It was strange for him to not think of it as home anymore.
Evryn joined at his side and paced toward the palace. “Most of the additional staff has been sent away for the time being. Only family, close allies, and necessary staff are here,” Evryn informed him.
Nyle didn’t bother to ask why the staff had been sent away; he knew why. Funeral arrangements. He clenched his jaw, trying his best to contain the emotions that rose up inside of him. Daisy’s thumb rubbed the back of Nyle’s hand, making him realize he was clutching her hand too tightly. He gave her a nervous, apologetic smile and loosened his grip.
They walked through the door of the palace. It didn’t surprise Nyle that nothing looked different. The palace had stayed the same Nyle’s entire life, only minor decorations changing to suit his mother’s fancy. The one thing that was different, though, was the noise level. The house was dead silent, no distant shuffling of feet or quiet chattering. It was as if they were moving through a museum. Their footsteps echoed through the chambers as Evryn led the way down the corridors toward Thalydias’s room.
As soon as they turned a corner, Nyle’s eyes fell on his father’s door. His heart leaped into his throat, panic surging through him feeling his vascular muscles contracting ever faster. Was he ready to see his father in such a debilitated condition? It didn’t really matter if he was or not. It was either see Thalydias then or never. Evryn approached the heavy wooden door first, knocking lightly. A once powerful, but noticeably weakened voice from within called, “You may enter.”
Evryn opened the door and stepped inside. His hands clasped in front of him, looking in the direction of the bed. “My king, Nylyrias and his mate are here.”
There was a pause before Nyle heard his father’s weak, raspy voice. “Send them in,” Thalydias said in a hushed tone.
Evryn turned to Nyle and waved them in. Taking a deep breath, Nyle paced to the door. He could hardly hear a thing over the sound of his heartbeat as they walked into the room. His eyes started from the far wall, taking in the familiar gold and burgundy decorations and the aroma of incense. He felt Daisy’s hand grip his harder; she was already looking at Thalydias. Nyle bit down on his lip out of nervousness.
Reluctantly, he gazed over to the large four-poster bed. His heart plummeted into his stomach. Thalydias, who had looked not a day older than forty, was a husk of the man he was. His father had lost an extraordinary amount of weight, and it looked like nothing more than skin draped over his bones. His pale skin was almost gray in color and looked as though it hugged his skeleton too tightly. Thalydias’s champagne-colored eyes were sunken with dark purple circles around them. His long white hair was completely gone, the only hair remaining being thin, patchy eyebrows.
Thalydias had been battling a rare illness that only occurred in dragons. There was no cure, and the doctors still had no idea what caused it. It was attacking Thalydias’s entire body, slowly draining him of all his strength and abilities. The disease was finally winning. He remembered the doctors saying it was astonishing he had lived as long as he had. Thalydias was indeed a fighter.
Nyle was frozen in his place as he stared at his father. Thalydias lifted a shaking, frail hand. “Nylyrias, my son, come here…”
He blinked rapidly, letting out the breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. Nyle slowly walked over to the bed, Daisy walking with him. His eyes only momentarily looked at his mother, Asalei. She was standing next to the bed, her eyes red and bloodshot from crying. Nyle’s heart went out to his mother; he couldn’t imagine how painful it was to be losing her soulmate.
They sat in two chairs that were pulled up to the side of the bed. Nyle finally released Daisy’s hand, taking his father’s in both of his.
“Hello, father,” he breathed to Thalydias, his voice pinched with pain.
The king smiled tenuously. “I have missed you a great deal, Nylyrias. Thank you for coming back to see me.”
“Of course,” Nyle nodded.
Even though Nyle had been hesitant and unconvinced that Thalydias wanted to make things right between them, he now felt differently. Nyle was certain it had been right thing to do. He wouldn’t have been able to live with himself if he hadn’t at least tried to speak with his father before his death.
“Thank you for sending Evryn to let me know what was going on.”
“I didn’t send him. That old cook has a mind of his own,” Thalydias commented, giving a dry chuckle—which was followed by painful coughing. Nyle rubbed his father’s arm, wanting him to take it easy. “I am thankful that he found you, though. I suppose he didn’t want me dying with too many regrets.”
“You have nothing to regret,” Nyle stated. He didn’t want his father to wallow in mistakes that had already been made. There was no point in it.
“You and I both know that I do,” his father said. “I should have never made you choose between the kingdom and your mate. That wasn’t fair of me to do. I know now by going through this, how painful it is to lose someone you care for so dearly.” Thalydias’s eyes lifted to look at his wife. “I never had to think about what it would be like to not have her, but my eyes have been opened now that she will be without me. I’ve seen the pain in her eyes and heard her cry in the night. It’s something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, let alone my only son.”
Nyle’s throat went dry, closing his eyes as he still fought back his own emotions. “It… It means more to me than you will ever know to hear you say that,” he managed to get out.
Thalydias’s eyes fluttered to Daisy. “What is your name again, child?”
Nyle glanced to his mate, seeing her eyes widen when Thalydias addressed her.
She stammered a bit, “Uh um, Daisy, sir…”
“Daisy? That strangely suits you,” he spoke. “I’m sorry I called you an abomination before. That wasn’t fair of me. I’m sure learning of your own bizarre heritage was already overwhelming, and for me to label you such a thing to your face was cruel. We have never known of someone to be half dragon. You are not an abomination, you are just… peculiar. Perhaps that is a good thing.”
The corner of Nyle’s lips turned up, remembering he had used that very word to describe Daisy when they first started talking. She was a wonderfully strange woman, and he loved it.
“Thank you,” Daisy smiled softly, her eyes brimming with tears.
Thalydias nodded. “As long as you are kind and loyal to my son, you will be family to me. No matter your heritage.” He looked back to Nyle, “This kingdom needs a king, Nyle. I want so badly for that king to be you.”
Nyle’s brow furrowed. “I don’t understand… I thought when I left, you said my sister, Erasina, would marry and inherit the kingdom?”
He sighed heavily. “I thought so, too. Apparently, she refused an arranged marriage also. She ran away and hasn’t come back.”
Nyle snorted. How typical of his sister. She had been pressing him to marry someone for the good of the kingdom. Yet, when the duty was passed to her, she panicked and ran away.
“Did Maylei and Cecona run off too?” he asked, mentioning his two younger sisters. Nyle figured they all had refused an arranged marriage and that was why Thalydias was asking for Nyle to do it.
Thalydias shook his head. “I didn’t ask them because I don’t believe they are ready to rule. Besides, you’re the oldest and rightful heir. I’ve always wanted you to be the one to take the throne, Nyle.”
“But… Daisy…” Nyle muttered, looking to his mate.
His father was bound to know that the kingdom wouldn’t accept her willingly. There could even be a civil war.
&nbs
p; “I give you my blessing, my son. I’m making my last decree to honor your union,” Thalydias stated. With a flick of his wrist, he gestured for Evryn to go fetch something for him.
Nyle’s eyes widened, his chest heaving. He was so honored and overwhelmed. He couldn’t believe that all of this was happening; it felt like a dream. It was what Nyle had wanted all along. It was certainly bittersweet to be getting it on his father’s deathbed.
“Are you sure about this, Father?” Nyle asked.
He nodded, “I am. I should have done this when you came to me the first time. Now I have missed eight months of time with you and getting to know my future daughter-in-law. It is my cross to bear, though.”
“It was understandable for you to react the way you did, though, Father. Daisy and I go against everything you have ever known.”
“And that makes it right for me to exile my own son? No, it doesn’t,” Thalydias pressed. “This is my dying wish, Nylyrias, for you and Daisy to lead the kingdom and to find peace with the Elementals. I was far too stubborn and hotheaded in my day to do anything but make the problems worse. For us to survive for generations to come, we must find some sort of middle ground with the Elementals. All this fighting is going to get us caught by the humans, and the last thing any of us need is for them to find out about our existence. That’s a war we would not win.”
Nyle looked to Daisy. Would she be willing to lead the kingdom with him? This decision involved her just as much as it did him. She would have a huge target on her back because she wasn’t Royal. It would be a new and dangerous life for her. As he stared into her stormy hues, Daisy gave a small nod. His heart was elated. She didn’t quite understand the weight of what she would be taking on, but the fact she was even willing to consider it spoke volumes. Looking back to his father, Nyle nodded. “We will do our best to respect your wishes.”
As soon as the words passed his lips, Evryn returned to the room with another man. It was one of the Royal lawmakers. Nyle couldn’t place his name, but he did look familiar.
