by Brenda Trim
Chapter Nineteen
“The females must be trained, Angus. You can’t listen to these Neanderthals, and keep them in the dark ages,” Keira insisted.
Angus fought the smile at hearing Keira’s sassy comment. The discussion in the throne room regarding the Civappu, and the possible implications, was derailed by the feisty female.
Keira had never been a pushover, but wouldn’t dare take control of an entire meeting like she was now. She’d always spoken her mind but never been so forceful. The passion with which she defended the women and children of his realm was awe-inspiring.
Once Keira set her sights on something, she didn’t stop until it was accomplished. It didn’t matter whether she was learning to fly, trying to get her memories back, or organizing self-defense programs for the females, she poured her heart and soul into her efforts.
Of course, it helped Keira’s cause that Angus spent the past century on Earth surrounded by Breslin, Mack and other female warriors. “Aye, I agree,” Angus added.
The beautiful smile Keira threw his way made the glares and objections flying from Legette’s mouth worth the argument. “Sire, we have done things this way for a reason. Our women are precious to us,” Legette implored.
“That they are,” Angus said and winked at Keira. “And, what we’re proposing honors that. I understand why you have protected the females, and I am no’ suggesting we throw them in the middle of battles, but they are our biggest liability. They need to be taught fighting skills. Keira is right.”
“All due respect, Sire,” Legette snarled and glared at Keira. A low rumble from Angus told the male he was walking a fine line, and his first in command softened his tone and continued. “Our females are few in numbers. Hopefully that changes after the Civappu, but for now, no one will tolerate training them to fight. To lose even one female is too great a risk.”
Angus crossed his arms over his chest and considered the situation before responding. It was a precarious situation in Khoth, specifically where his dragons were concerned.
“You misunderstand. Neither Keira, nor, I, are saying to throw them into war, but we canna have them vulnerable to our enemies. They need to be trained in self-defense. I’ve seen females become valuable assets in a battle. Need I remind you aboot Mack,” Angus explained.
Keira nodded her head in agreement. “No one is safe from Cyril’s wrath, and I’ll be damned if I stand by if I can help make things better. After last night, I know I could use the training, too. I may not be able to beat Cyril, but if I had more skills, maybe I could’ve injured him enough to escape. If Angus hadn’t followed me, then I wouldn’t be sitting here right now. I owe him my life. Others may not be so lucky,” Keira said, and Angus saw how deeply the episode with Cyril had affected her. He refused to think about what would’ve happened if he hadn’t followed her from the castle.
Lorne placed a hand on her shoulder. “We look out for all our females. We would never let anything happen to them, and that includes you. And, it’s not because our King has claimed you as his. You’ve grown on us…like fungus.” Lorne teased then chuckled at Keira’s grimace.
“A fungus among us,” Legette added, spurring a round of laughter from the group sitting at the table. Angus could feel the change. They were coming together, uniting as one, and it was good.
“So, where should I report in the morning? And, can you help me inform the females, Elysia? We need to get the word out,” Keira replied with confidence.
Angus smiled. His sexy sea dragon knew he was going to make sure her demands were met. And, he’d make sure she met some of his later, as well.
“I can, your Highness. But, perhaps it would be easier for Angus to record an announcement, then we can broadcast it across our media. Much more efficient,” Elysia suggested.
“That’s perfect. Finally, an idea that will move us forward. You barbarians need females on this council if you hope to survive the next decade. All these meetings and discussion, I don’t know how anything gets done,” Keira teased with a roll of her eyes.
Her long green hair shone brightly in the candlelight, and her peaches-and-cream complexion radiated health. Just a few short weeks on Khoth and she looked like a new person. Angus attributed it to shifting and swimming in her sea dragon form, as well as, having a purpose that inspired her. The transformation was something to see, and he was honored to have a front row seat to watch it.
“You must be a part of this announcement, Turquoise. The Cuelebre need to see their Queen and hear from her,” Angus suggested and immediately put his hand up to stop the objection he knew was coming. “I understand that you havena chosen me, but that doesna change the fact that they see you as Queen. You had accepted my proposal, and the entire realm knew we were to be joined. They have mourned your loss as much as mine. They need to see and hear from us both. And, while we are at it, we can announce the Civappu will be held later this week.”
“Who is going to be in charge of this training?” Legette asked with a scowl.
“Lorne and Blaine would be good choices,” Keira added. “They seem to be popular with the females.”
“Very popular,” Blaine boasted. “Oi! What the fuck, prole?” he snapped a second later when Lorne punched him in the shoulder.
“That’s for condemning us to this assignment. Do you even know how to train a female?” Lorne scoffed, and Angus agreed it was a valid question.
His dragons had lived millennia protecting females, keeping them from any danger. Training them to fight was going against everything they’d been taught. It wasn’t going to be an easy assignment for his Maáhes. In fact, it wasn’t going to be easy for anyone in the realm. Fathers would object, and likely push back at the thought of their daughters fighting.
Guilt plagued Angus. He’d been gone so long his people were forced to adapt without his guidance. Now, he was back, and life was changing faster than they could keep up.
“Duh. Sweaty females, bouncing around and hitting bags of sand. Doesn’t get any sexier. What’s not to like about that?” Blaine asked. Seemed not everyone was going to have difficulty with the idea, Angus amended.
“How about the incessant nagging and complaining from them, not to mention, we’ll miss out on killing Buggane,” Lorne retorted.
“Och, that’s enough,” Angus interjected. “Lorne, Blaine, you two will oversee the training, and remember Keira will be joining you. I understand this is a major shift from how we have done things, but Cyril has a vendetta. He’s likely to try and hit where it will hurt the most, and I refuse to be a target,” Angus warned. “Now, aboot the Civappu. I’m certain there are those who doona want the ceremony.”
“I do have concerns,” Legette replied. “I’ve had a rash of visits from irate fathers who don’t want their daughters attending the first ceremony. They are afraid of what will happen if they are identified.”
“Shite. I feared as much. We are desperate for more Tuya in the realm,” Angus replied and rubbed a hand across his chin. “This is a delicate matter. I willna make attendance mandatory, but withoot the ceremony, we canna add new mates, which means we willna have new dragonettes.”
“It’s not just that, Sire. It seems the possibility of new Tuya reminded many of the dangers involved, and many feel it’s too much of a risk. They don’t want to lose the family they have,” Dyson replied.
Angus had to admit he’d forgotten the dangers of carrying Cuelebre offspring. It had been so long since any female was pregnant, but Dyson’s comment reminded him of the hazards involved.
“What do you mean by dangers involved? I can’t remember anything about dragon pregnancies,” Keira inquired.
“There is a reason few can bear a dragon’s offspring,” Dyson explained. “For starters, females cannot shift while carrying their young, but dragonettes tend to shift in utero. They use their magic to create the warm atmosphere needed in the womb. A female can die if the dragonette doesn’t shift back before birth. Currently, there aren’t any metho
ds to force the baby to shift before the mother is lost. Many times, we lose the child, as well.”
“Have there been no advancements in magic or medicine in the past millennia?” Keira questioned with a tilt to her head.
Angus gave kudos to Dyson. The male didn’t flinch under her unwavering challenge. “No. There have been too few births to perform studies and research,” Dyson shared as he let out a huge sigh.
The lack of progress in making births safer weighed on the physician. The male took his position seriously, and it was apparent he felt responsible. Angus understood his remorse, given the advancement of their society in other areas of technology.
“If you could create a rune that will force the infant to shift before the female goes into labor, I believe we can avoid much of the problem,” Dyson said and glanced to Angus.
Generating runes was time-consuming. Most of their symbols dated back to the first dragons, and not all Cuelebre possessed the power to wield the ancient magic. Angus and Legette, along with a few elder dragons were the only ones on Khoth capable of creating runes.
“Contact Harley, Steel, and Ryker. Let them know our plan, and organize a meeting. Legette and I will be there,” Angus ordered Declan.
“Yes, Sire. I haven’t seen those fine males in ages,” Declan replied, pursing his lips in appreciation.
“We will move forward with the Civappu, but these Tuya will no’ be left to Fate’s fickle hand. We will do everything we can to make sure they survive childbirth,” Angus stated.
He grabbed Keira’s hand and twined their fingers. They were a perfect team, even if she couldn’t see it yet.
“What do we do about those who don’t want to attend?” Legette asked. “Unfortunately, that is a far larger number than I care to acknowledge.”
“What does being identified mean for a female? If there is a benefit, we can focus on that, and perhaps entice more to come,” Keira speculated.
Legette sat up in his chair and leaned forward, intrigued by Keira’s suggestion. “Any female identified is elevated in status. Not only do they become highly sought after by the males, but they are also given special treatment. They receive the best seats in restaurants, discounts at stores, and first pick of new designs each season,” he explained.
“Don’t forget the shoes,” Blaine added with a smile. “That’s a big draw, although I don’t know why. How many shoes does a female need? Give me one sturdy pair of boots, and I’m good.”
Keira threw her head back and laughed. “Aside from coffee, shopping is the highlight of my day. And, shoes top the list. Heels, sandals, tennis shoes…I love them all. I can’t wait to return to the shopping district and…speaking of that, Angus. I have no money, or job, for that matter. Better yet, do I have a hoard?”
Angus crossed arms over his chest. “Aye, you possess a hoard, but I doona know it’s location. Money isna an issue. You are Queen,” he answered matter-of-factly.
Keira rolled her eyes. “We’ll discuss this issue further in private,” she retorted.
“As you wish, my Queen,” he teased and reached over to caress her cheek, enjoying the heat that flared when their skin met. “And, I’ve seen your appreciation of shoes, Turquoise. In fact, I’m having additional closet space added to my suite to fit them all.”
Keira blushed and smiled, ignoring his blatant claim. Progress, he thought. It wasn’t exactly an acceptance, but he’d take what he could get from the delectable female.
“Sounds like it’s time to remind the realm the perks of being Tuya. When you announce the ceremony, include the information Legette mentioned,” Keira suggested and reached up to take his hand in hers. He stared into her beautiful turquoise eyes, and his heart melted.
“I will include that, as well as, the resources we will be dedicating to studying child birth. Jace may have some insight into the topic. I will ask him when he comes for our…a visit,” Angus said, barely stopping himself from saying mating ceremony. Keira was accepting his affections, and he didn’t want to give her reason to pull away.
“There is one other topic we need to discuss, Sire. As you know, we haven’t had a recent Civappu ceremony, but we’ve had plenty of matings. I have been approached by many couples, asking if you will make their mate a Tuya,” Legette relayed.
The male sat straight with his hands clasped on the tabletop. The lines around his mouth and eyes told Angus how much this topic weighed on him. He knew Legette had chosen a mate and wondered if he was asking on Natasha’s behalf, or for the realm.
“I canna promise anyone will be identified. You know that, and so should they. If I had the ability to choose Tuya, I would have done so in the last ceremony,” Angus countered as he glanced to Keira.
He would have made her a Tuya if he had the power. It crushed Keira when she left the ceremony without the mark on her shoulder. She wanted to give him dragonettes and had dreamed of becoming a mother. She gave up those dreams when she agreed to be with him. It devastated them both. He’d be damned if he went into this ceremony with those expectations for anyone.
“It seems the realm has forgotten that fact. That’s the reason for these tributes,” Legette explained as he uncovered a mound of treasure next to Angus’s empty throne.
He refused to sit in the chair, preferring his council sit together at the large wooden table. It was one of the things he appreciated about the relationship between Zander and his Dark Warriors, and implemented the idea in his throne room. Zander was their king, but they sat as equals and made decisions together.
Angus eyed the gold and gems with avarice. He was tempted take the jewels to his lair with his other treasure. “Give it all back,” he ordered, overcoming his dragon’s desire for the sparkling jewels. There was no way he was accepting gifts for something he couldn’t do.
“Won’t your people be insulted?” Keira asked as she eyed the offerings. Her beautiful orbs twinkled more than the gems. Sea dragons weren’t controlled by the need to collect treasure, but they did have small lairs under the sea, and Angus recognized Keira’s appreciation for the items.
“They might be offended, but if I keep this, they will expect me to perform the impossible, then become irate when it doesn’t happen. I don’t want to be a part of tearing families apart,” Angus lamented.
“Families are going to be torn apart no matter what you do, Angus,” Keira muttered. “Mates will ask for their bond to be dissolved so they can seek a Tuya. Daughters are going to rebel against overprotective fathers. Your job is to minimize that damage. It wouldn’t hurt to offer a safe place for Tuya, either. It sounds like eager males wanting children will stalk them. Who knows, you may discover a Tuya that can bear your dragonettes,” she explained, the bitterness in her voice unmistakable.
Angus quickly pulled her into his lap, ignoring the fact his council surrounded them. “Doona ever doubt who I want,” Angus professed, and claimed her mouth.
She gasped, and his tongue parted her lips, delving inside. The kiss quickly heated, and when he pulled away, she was panting.
“There isna anyone for me but you, my love,” he professed, and pulled her close before addressing the others. “Now, as for the other things Keira mentioned, I agree. Let’s research a safe place for any female that feels she needs extra protection. My main goal is for my people to begin healing. I’m so verra sorry for leaving all those years ago, but I wouldna change my decision,” Angus admitted, his gaze never leaving Keira. She lowered her eyes and turned a deep shade of red.
“We all know that, Sire, and none of us blames you. I would’ve done the same for my Natasha. I know you blame yourself for all that has befallen Khoth, but that fault lies with that bastard Cyril. It’s time you stop owning his burden and shove it down his fucking throat,” Legette said with such vehemence it surprised Angus.
Of everyone, Angus’s second in command had the biggest reason to hate him, yet he remained his biggest supporter. Legette had filled the role of king without the inherent power of the position
. From what Angus learned the past weeks, life had been hell for Legette while Angus was gone, and the male hadn’t complained once to him about it.
“Fuck yeah, let’s do this shit,” Lorne blurted, pounding his fist on the table, and the other council members joined him. The loud thunder in the room pumped Angus’s blood and ignited a fire within.
“Let’s bury that Unseelie fuck, once and for all,” Angus shouted and hugged Keira close. Her eyes went wide, and he wasn’t sure how she felt about the testosterone-induced excitement, but she squeezed him back and smiled.
Angus was going to give his people their ceremony. After that, he was hunting down Cyril and forcing him to disclose the location of the talisman holding Keira’s memories.
It was high fucking time he claimed his mate and they started their lives. A thousand years was stolen from them, and the Fae bastard was going to pay for all the heartache he caused.
Chapter Twenty
“You sure you’re okay to drive, Big B?” asked the hot little shifter. He’d flirted with her the past hour, and was ready to take her home and fuck.
Bhric closed his eyes and the world spun. Whoa. That last drink had taken hold of his ass, and was taking him for a ride. “Aye, I’m okay, darlin’,” he replied and reached an arm around her waist.
“I don’t know. You’ve had a lot to drink,” Candace said, her tone laced with worry as she caressed his cheek.
His head made another trip around the world, and Bhric relaxed into her palm. Yeah, he fucking loved when the world spun. Nothing else intruded when his mind whirled, and every thought about his infernal problem with Pasha disappeared. Unfortunately, thanks to his vampiric tolerance, no buzz lasted long enough.
“Awe, come on, lass. You know you want me,” he slurred then lost his footing, releasing his hold on Candace. He quickly grabbed the edge of the table to avoid face-planting with the floor.
