“Hopefully it will not come to that.” But Aleksei knew it was a possibility, and was glad that the Jarl had made such an offer.
“What next?”
“For now, we wait.” Based on their movement, Aleksei and Thoralf predicted that The Knights would come from the west. And they were standing right where they would come through after going through the magical veil. The veil itself was not a physical barrier, just a visual one that kept people from the other side from seeing the Northern Isles. But if they knew where to go, they could pass right through the veil without any problem.
“Perhaps you should stay back and make sure everything goes to plan,” Thoralf suggested.
“I cannot let you all risk your lives while I stay away from the battle. A leader would never ask his men to do something he himself wouldn’t do.”
A hand squeezed his shoulder. “You will be a great king someday, Aleksei.”
“Someday, my friend,” he replied. Not now. Not yet. He refused to think his father wouldn’t be able to recover from this.
“Aleksei. There.”
Glad for the distraction, he turned to where Thoralf was pointing. A group of ships appeared in the distance and were fast approaching. Based on their trajectory, they knew exactly where to go.
Ready? He knew that the other Dragon Guard and the rest of the Navy were waiting on the beach below for his signal. They all sent him an affirmative, their voices echoing in his head. He waited until the first line of ships came closer. Attack!
He wasted no time; leaping off the cliff, he shifted into his dragon form, hurtling down toward the beach, then suddenly veering upwards as his long wings flapped to send him soaring up to the air.
The rest of his men were already in the water. Members of the Great Dragon Navy were the fiercest warriors in the land. And, unlike other navies in the world, they didn’t need any ships or weapons; they were the ships, their bodies and claws the weapons. Over twenty fully-shifted water dragons were swimming toward their enemies, ready to face them head-on.
I’ll take the lead ship, he told them, indicating the large water craft in front. And you take your positions and attack at will.
Aleksei dove straight into the ocean and swam straight for his ship. On land, his dragon was unwieldy and clumsy, while in the air it was merely capable. But, here in the water, it was home. Its body moved with the grace of a dancer, slicing through water quickly and efficiently. The boat was right ahead, so the dragon picked up its speed, seemingly to take it head on. When the ship began firing missiles, the dragon dodged them easily.
As soon as the boat was at the perfect distance, Aleksei maneuvered his dragon to the right, then under, curling the rear part of his long, serpentine body around the ship’s hull, then crushed it in half. The sound of metal crunching was deafening, and as soon as Aleksei was satisfied that the boat was disabled, he released it and swam ahead.
All around him, the Dragon Navy was making quick work of their enemies. There were more ships behind, but judging from their progress, their side would soon prevail. Aleksei swam to the surface, bursting out from the waves, his wings pushing him up until he was airborne. As he flew high up, he felt something brush against one of his fins.
What the devil—
He turned back. There was something small, flying toward the mainland. Using his dragon senses, he could see it was some kind of flying machine. Another one whizzed by. And then another one. A drone?
The loud buzzing sound made him turn his head, and when he saw what was coming, he quickly dove back toward the ocean, then looked up.
The sky was nearly covered with what seemed like hundreds of drones as they flew overhead. All heading toward the mainland.
No!
This was what he feared; what his instinct had been telling him. In the ocean, the Water Dragons were unstoppable. But in the air … they had provisions and weapons for air attacks, but not for something like this. The swarm of drones moved as one, making a beeline for the Isles. And who knew what they carried? Biological weapons? Missiles? Bombs?
Thoralf, you take care of battle. I must get back. He barely heard the reply as he pushed his dragon’s body forward, swimming harder than he’d ever done in his whole life. Rorik and Gideon had stayed behind on the beach, but they were still too far away for him to contact through their mental link. He had to find a way to warn everyone.
He pushed and pushed, finally, bursting out of the water to try and stop the drones himself. His dragon’s body hurtled into the air, striking a couple of them down, but they were too fast and too numerous. He saw a few of the drones break away from the group, probably malfunctioning from the knock he gave them. A whirring sound came from one of them, and he saw its belly open, and something fell out—a round metal ball of some sort. When whatever it was hit the ocean, it exploded, sending a spray of water bursting upward.
Aleksei’s heart slammed into his ribcage. There wasn’t much around the Cliffs of Skruor, maybe a fishing village or two, so he knew the drones would probably head right toward the capital city where they could do the most damage.
Without further thought, he pushed his body even more. As he focused his sights on the mainland, he saw something approaching. Something large and shimmering like gold.
Sybil.
He was a fool to think he could entrap her at the palace with Willa. He should have found another way to keep her safe. Now, the stakes were higher. And—
The fire was blinding, white-hot, and spreading out over the ocean. The golden dragon hovered over the water, its great maw spread open as flames continued to shoot out, burning the approaching drones. The burned-out pieces dropped into the ocean at once. As the dragon stopped to take a breath, it veered right, and the rest of the drones continued its path toward the Isles. The dragon made a U-turn and followed the hoard, then let out another stream of fire.
Aleksei followed suit and when he was near enough, he called to her through their link. Sybil! What are you doing? You should have stayed—
Kinda busy here! Her dragon let out another stream of fire, sending a few more drones to the ground. It continued to chase the hoard as Aleksei chased Sybil. But don’t think we’re not going to talk about how you trapped me down there. Another stream of fire. You are in such big trouble, mister!
Aleksei didn’t know whether to laugh or get angry. But, it was obvious she had been right; they really did need her. All right, lyubimaya, what do you need? Gideon and Rorik are on the beach. What can we do to assist you?
There’s too many of them. And I need to recharge for a few seconds before each breath. Plus, we don’t know if those drones can fight back or if they’ve called for some type of backup.
We will flank and protect you, and keep you safe. Based on their distance, he should be near enough to the two remaining Dragon Guard. Gideon and Rorik! Do what you can to assist my mate. I’ll be right beside you.
Within minutes, two dragons were fast approaching them. They split up, then flew right by Sybil’s dragon, flanking each side. As she stopped to breathe, Rorik and Gideon spread out, using their tails to knock as many drones as they could until she was ready again.
Aleksei was getting ready to join them, to take the rear when he felt his instincts going haywire. Of course, it wouldn’t be this easy or simple. And just as he thought, he spied from the corner of his eye a figure on the ground. He didn’t know why, but he knew who it was. The third assassin.
He pulled at his dragon’s body with all his might, veering it away from Sybil and headed straight toward the beach. There he was. The man raised his arm, The Wand in his hand, pointed right at Sybil.
No!
Aleksei didn’t even try to control his speed as he hurtled toward the beach. The last thing he saw before his dragon’s body went tumbling down was the look of surprise on the assassin’s face, right before his dragon’s head knocked him to the ground.
Aleksei quickly shifted back to his human form, and reached out to grab the assass
in as they rolled around the sand. He maneuvered his human body so he ending up on top, his hands squeezed around the man’s throat as he gasped for air. He wanted to kill this man, but instead, he settled for a blow to the head that knocked him out.
“Aleksei,” Rorik said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll take care of him. Go see to your mate.”
“Sybil? Where is she? What happened to the drones?”
“They’re gone. Sybil stopped them. Your mate is one kick-ass chick,” Gideon said with a laugh. “Remind me never to piss her off.”
“She’s going to be your queen someday, so you better not,” Aleksei warned. “Not if you like your hide intact.”
The sound of wings flapping and a strong gust of wind made them look up. A dragon flew overhead. From the scars on the long, scaly body, Aleksei could tell that it was Stein.
A few drones broke off from the hive and are headed to the city. Stein’s gravelly voice sounded alarmed, a rarity for the normally stoic Water Dragon. I need— The mental link broke off as he flew farther and farther away.
Aleksei glanced at the man on the ground, who was still out cold. “Gideon, take care of this bastard. And Rorik, go help Stein.”
“At once, Your Highness.”
He knew he could trust his friends, so he went off in search of his mate. “Sybil!” he called. “Sybil, where are you?”
“Aleksei!” a small voice squeaked. “I’m here. Over here. Come quick.”
Turning to the sound of Sybil’s voice, he strode to the group of bushes to his left. He nearly jumped out of his skin when Sybil’s head popped out from behind a leafy branch.
“Sybil?”
“Is anyone with you?” She looked around, and when she saw there was no one, sighed in relief. “Hand me your shirt.”
“My shirt?”
“I’m naked!” she cried. “Very naked under here.”
Aleksei bit his lip to keep from laughing, and dutifully did as she asked. She yanked the shirt from his hand, then disappeared. A few seconds later, she emerged wearing his shirt, which hung down below her knees.
“Now,” she put her hand on her hips. “You better get ready, mister, because I’m about to give you an ear blistering that will—hmm!”
He silenced her with his mouth. He’d give her a chance to chew him out later, but for now, he just needed her. To feel her in his arms and to kiss her, so he knew that this was real. That she was here and alive and with him. His dragon sighed in contentment as he felt the bond pulling them together and making him feel warm inside.
“Aleksei,” she whispered when he pulled away. “What … you …”
“I can bring you up to speed later. You can even ‘blister my ear’ all you want. But first, I must apologize to you.”
“A-a-apologize?”
“You were right. I shouldn’t have locked you up like that, and you had every right to be here, to protect our people and fight by my side.”
“I do?” She seemed confused.
“Yes. Forgive me. As your mate, it’s my instinct to protect you and keep you safe. But you are no child, and you will be Queen someday.”
“And don’t forget, I kind of saved your ass.”
He chuckled. “Yes indeed. You saved my ass. And the entire kingdom. And I will make sure they know this.”
“Aleksei,” she said, her expression softening. “I told you, I don’t need any of that.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him close. “I just need you.”
He didn’t know why he got so lucky. To have a fierce, loyal, protective, and beautiful mate like her. “Sybil, I love you.” And now, he would finally get to do what he’d been meaning to do. He got down on one knee, then reached into his back pocket. “Will you marry me?”
Sybil’s silvery eyes grew to the size of dinner plates as she looked down at the ring between his fingers. “Holy moly! That thing is enormous! You probably had that thing locked up with like, five guards or something. When did you find time to get it?”
“I had my father take it out of Royal Treasury as soon I told him about you right before we got here. He gave it to me when I arrived and I’ve been carrying it around ever since. This was my mother’s. My father had it made just for her after I was born.” The stone was a twelve-carat blue-green diamond surrounded by smaller white ones. “Do you know, despite the fact that the official color of the Royal Family is blue-green, this is the only diamond of this color we’ve ever found in the quarry? My mother said it was special and had it fashioned into a ring. My father said she’d only worn it once and then put it away.”
“Why?”
“It was beautiful, she had said. But something about it didn’t feel right and that I was a special gift enough; she didn’t need anything else. She mentioned that maybe one day, there would be another future queen who would deserve it.”
“Aleksei …” Her eyes shimmered with tears. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes.” He took her hands in his. “Please.”
She stared into his eyes, and the way she looked at him took his breath away. Like there was no one else in the world around them. Like she had poured every inch of love she felt and was handing it to him.
“Then yes, Aleksei. I will marry you.”
Epilogue
Seven months later…
“I know I say this each time, Dutchy,” Riva said. “But you really have outdone yourself.”
The fox shifter gave her a smile. “Well, this isn’t just a royal wedding, but a coronation, too. I had to pull out all the stops.”
“Can I look at myself now?” Sybil asked. She still had her back turned to the mirror as she stood on the small dais. Although she’d already seen the designs and fitted pieces of the gown, this would be the first time she would see the entire outfit and herself fully made-up.
Dutchy beamed at her. “Go ahead.”
Sybil held her breath as she turned around. “I …” She was speechless. The gown really was spectacular. Rather than going for the usual white gown, Dutchy had insisted the dress be gold and bronze. Sybil was worried it would be too much, but she trusted her friend. It wasn’t garish at all. Instead, the colors were muted, and the rich embroidery and Spanish lace along the bodice, sleeves, and neckline made for elegant embellishments. The tulle and taffeta skirt had a monarch hemline—of course—and a long train that would trail down the Royal Chapel beautifully. Her hair had been done in a simple bun, and a matching tulle veil was attached. Her head was left unadorned, as right after the marriage ceremony, she would have to wear the queen’s crown. I just hope I’m worthy of it.
Although they were able to thwart The Knights’ attack and secure The Wand—with the Dragon Council keeping it in a secret location—the battle wasn’t without its casualties. Sybil still felt guilty about the dozen or so stray drones that had made their way to Odelia. While Stein and Rorik were able to stop most of them, three had reached the city and destroyed half a dozen buildings before they could reach them. There were some casualties and serious injuries, including to Stein, who had used his own body to block an explosive that was about to hit one of the evacuation centers. Aleksei assured her that it wasn’t her fault, and that she should instead focus on the entire country that she had saved instead of those they had lost.
And then of course, there was King Harald. The surgeons were able to save him, but The Wand had done its job; the king’s dragon was gone and he was human now. Which is why he decided to abdicate and name Aleksei as his successor. The formal abdication took place the previous morning, to make for a smoother transition.
Sybil and Aleksei were worried that he would fall into a depression or madness at the loss of his dragon, but surprisingly, he was taking it well. “Dragon or not,” he had told her one afternoon when the two of them were having tea, “I have so much to live for, now that you are here. Our kingdom must look to the future.”
The thought of being queen made Sybil nervous. She was 100 percent sure about bei
ng Aleksei’s wife, but the role of queen, she was iffy about. Though the Northern Isles was an absolute monarchy with advisers and ministers and the role of queen really more ceremonial; but still, she didn’t know what she would do after getting married. Aleksei and King Harald assured her that she could do whatever she wished, but she knew she wasn’t just going to stand around and smile and cut ribbons. She wanted to make a difference and to help people, especially those they had lost.
“You look beautiful, princess,” Hank said as he entered the dressing area of Sybil’s guest suite in the palace. His smile was wide, but his eyes wistful. “I mean, I guess I should say, ‘Queen’?”
“Dad!” Sybil hopped off the dais and ran to her father, enveloping him in a hug. “And no, you can still call me princess.” She felt the tears stinging her eyes and her father’s arms surrounded her.
When she and Aleksei decided to wait for spring for their wedding—to give the people of the Northern Isles enough time to mourn the dead, recover from the attack and so that both Penny and Catherine could give birth and travel with the babies—she thought it was too long. But the time had passed too quickly and she couldn’t believe her wedding really was here and she would be living in the Northern Isles from now on. Sure, she was still welcome at home, but she couldn’t just jet back to Blackstone anytime she wished once she was officially Queen of the Northern Isles.
“You know you’ll always be my princess, right?” the hitch in Hank’s voice made her sniff back the tears she’d been fighting.
“I know, Dad,” she said. “I know.”
“You’re going to ruin your makeup,” Riva said, but she was also dabbing at her eyes.
“You look beautiful, princess.” Hank turned to his mate. “Both of you do.”
A discreet cough made them break away. “Sybil.” Amelia had entered the room. She looked gorgeous wearing her green and blue matron of honor gown. “You have a visitor.”
“Is it Aleksei?” Riva frowned. “I told him no seeing Sybil until the ceremony.” It seems that Riva was enforcing her twenty-four hour rule, despite the fact that Aleksei was practically the king of this country and this was his palace. Yesterday, she counted down to the second, dragging Sybil off to her rooms, much to the annoyance of Aleksei.
The Blackstone She-Dragon: Blackstone Mountain Book 8 Page 19
