Dragonfire--A Dark Kings Novel

by Donna Grant

  “Shite. I doona even know how to respond to that.”

  “It gets worse. She spoke with the men, her ancestors, who stole V’s sword. They said they were there to make sure the Others didn’t get it.”

  “Others?” Ulrik repeated.

  “I think they meant the Druids and Fae. Ana, who had the vision about the annihilation from the Dragon Kings, told the men that a woman from the future would be with V, and that she had to be the one to hand them the sword.”

  “Please tell me V wasna aware of all this.”

  “I believe he was. Or he is now.”

  “Dammit,” Ulrik muttered. “Tell me exactly where on Iceland I need to go.”

  Roman gave the location, then said, “I doona think V should leave the mountain.”

  “We’ll see how he is when I get there. I’ll let you know.”

  Roman severed the link. The deeper he went into the mountain, the more nervous he became. It was relatively easy to navigate, other than the dark. But that would never hamper a Dragon King.

  And the Others would know this.

  They could be walking right into a trap. One no doubt set for V. Or any Dragon King.

  Roman looked at Sabina, who was right behind him. She kept a tight hold of his hand as they walked. “Why do you think you had to be the one to give the sword to your ancestors?”

  “I don’t know,” she answered. “I asked, but Iacob never answered. There wasn’t exactly a lot of time for conversation.”

  “I wonder if you touched V again if you could go back and get more answers.”

  She halted and waited until he looked at her again before saying, “I don’t want to go back. Mainly because I feared I’d be stuck there. The entire episode was frightening. I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something ominous coming for me.”

  “Like the Others also knew you’d be there.”

  Sabina came even with him. “Yes. But if it’ll help you and V, then I’ll do it. I want answers as much as you. Well, maybe not as badly as V,” she said with a grin.

  He liked that she was trying to make him smile. He tightened his hand around hers and gave her what she wanted. “I doona want you to have to return to that time if there’s another way.”

  “But there probably isn’t one,” she finished with a firm nod. “I understand.”

  “I keep expecting you to tell me that you’ve had enough and willna help me anymore. After all, we’ve taken you from your home, separated you from your brother, caused you to jump back in time, and nearly got you killed.”

  She faced him and put a hand on his chest. “First, you didn’t make me leave my home. That was my decision. As for distancing me from Camlo, you did it because he told you to. And you had nothing to do with me time traveling or the decisions I made while there. And let me remind you that you saved me from suffocating.

  “I’m not finished,” she said when he opened his mouth to speak. “Secondly, I have this feeling I can’t explain that keeps telling me I need to help you. It may go against the story my gran told me, but even she said stories change as they’re passed down. She kept telling me to remember every word so I wouldn’t change anything.”

  Roman took her hand from his chest and kissed her palm. “Aye, but something was obviously changed.”

  “On purpose, perhaps?” she asked, brows raised.

  “There are a million guesses, and we’re no’ likely to learn the answers.”

  Her lips twisted as she rolled her eyes. “I don’t like that.”

  He tugged her after him as he started walking again. “We’re still searching for answers about the wooden dragon from a few months ago. We’ve learned a little more.”

  “Which only leads to more questions.”

  He grinned at her. “That’s usually how it goes.”

  “It’s beyond frustrating.”

  “Aye, lass, it is. I meant to ask, how did you get back to this time?”

  She shrugged. “As soon as I handed over the sword, I was back here. I don’t think I did anything.”

  They walked a little way in silence before she asked, “How far down do we go without finding the sword before we call it quits?”

  “I’ll stay down here until I find it. I have to.”

  She nodded, tucking her hair behind her ear. “You believe it’s here.”

  “The animals told Camlo your ancestor brought it here. If it had been taken, they would’ve conveyed that to him. Why? What’s wrong?”

  She glanced nervously at him. “I can’t put a finger on it, but the farther we walk, the more I want to turn around and run back the way we came.”

  “I can return you.”

  She shook her head violently. “No. I’m going forward. I want to know how I’m involved. I have to know. My family began this, and now, here I am. None of it makes any sense.”

  “You’ll probably never get answers.”

  “In other words, I’ll never know if I’m helping the Dragon Kings or making things worse?”

  He shot her a quick look. “What do you mean?”

  “Ever since you told me that the Others could be biding their time to exact their revenge on my family, I’ve been wondering if my being here, helping you and V, might be the thing that prevents V from reclaiming his weapon.”

  A chill went through Roman. With what he’d learned of the Others, that sounded exactly like something they would do. Just to fuck with the Dragon Kings.

  “Do you still want me with you?” Sabina asked.

  He gazed into her dark eyes and smiled. “I’m a Dragon King, lass. The Others are going to find out just who they’ve picked a fight with. We protect our own, and those we call friends. And to answer your question, aye, I want you with me.”

  “Good,” she replied and lifted her chin as she squared her shoulders. “Let’s find the sword then.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  Overconfidence. Sabina was pretty sure that wasn’t exactly a virtue. Then again, it was hard to keep track when she was with an immortal Dragon King.

  She covertly cut her eyes to him. And she’d made love to him. She still couldn’t believe it. His hands, his mouth had been on her body.

  And he’d given her pleasure, unlike anything she’d experienced before.

  Granted, her so-called experience was on the almost non-existent side, but she did have a little. Honestly, she didn’t think it would matter if she’d had hundreds of lovers. Nothing could have prepared her for Roman.

  The fact that he continued to hold her hand made her absolutely giddy. Though that was paired down significantly because of where they were.

  She was extremely grateful for the light he provided. Otherwise, she’d have had to hold her phone up and use that. There was no telling how long the battery would last, not to mention that her arm would surely get tired.

  Sabina looked around the tunnel. The part they were in now made their progress slow significantly. The ground was littered with jagged rocks. The passageway was wide, but the ceiling was low enough that Roman had to walk hunched over.

  It was weird to see the walls and ceiling nearly smooth and the ground so rocky. Several times already, she’d twisted her ankle. Had she not had hold of Roman, she would no doubt have fallen.

  She picked her way through the rock, hoping they reached a smoother section soon. Her thighs burned, as did her arm that was holding onto Roman so tightly.

  What seemed like an eternity later, the rocks finally began to lessen, making their walk easier. She inwardly snorted. There was no their. Roman made his way with no problem. It was almost as if the rocks themselves moved out of his way. She was another matter entirely.

  As soon as she found a cleared section, she halted and bent over, bracing her hands on her knees as she drew in breaths to calm her racing heart. The muscles of her legs were fatigued to the point that she wanted to sit, but if she lowered herself to the ground, it was likely she wouldn’t get back up for some time.

  “Let’s
rest,” Roman said.

  Sabina shook her head. “I’m fine. I just need a second.”

  She didn’t want to be the reason that they had to stop. They weren’t on a timed schedule, but the sooner they found the sword, the better for everyone.

  Her eyes snapped open when she heard something near her. As soon as she saw Roman sitting against the wall with his legs outstretched, watching her, she gave up her fight and sank to the ground.

  “Needing to take a break doesna make you weak,” he said.

  She shot him a look. “You’d keep going if you were alone.”

  “Maybe.” He held out his hand, and a water bottle appeared.

  When he handed it to her, she couldn’t get the cap off quickly enough to drink down the refreshing liquid. She’d been so focused on not falling on her face that she hadn’t realized how thirsty she was.

  “Hungry?” he asked.

  She looked at him while finishing the last of the water. Sabina smacked her lips together and nodded. “A little.”

  “Doona wait to tell me you need food or water. I tend to forget such things.”

  Because he didn’t need them. Sabina couldn’t imagine a life where she didn’t have to eat, sleep, or rest. Her productivity could triple. She could put out dozens more pieces of jewelry and increase her and Camlo’s income drastically.

  “Did you hear me?”

  She turned her head to Roman. “I did. Sorry. I was just thinking how life would be if I didn’t have to eat or sleep.”

  He chuckled, his lips curving into another of his sexy smiles. “Do you no’ enjoy eating?”

  “Not when I have to fix every meal.”

  “You willna be cooking now. What do you want?”

  She leaned her head back and laughed. “Anything?”

  “Anything.”

  “Really?” she asked as she looked at him.

  He met her gaze. “Of course.”

  “I thought you didn’t use your magic for things like this.”

  “Sabina,” he said, his voice dropping an octave. “I’ll no’ allow you to starve. Now tell me what you want to eat.”

  So many things came to mind, but she focused on items that would give her energy to continue this harrowing journey. Maybe later, she’d ask for a slice of cake. “A ham, cheese, and tomato sandwich on a croissant. Also a banana and some cashews.”

  “That … isna what I was expecting.”

  In the next second, her order was in her lap. Sabina didn’t hesitate to take a bite of the sandwich. As soon as it filled her mouth, her stomach grumbled, begging for more as if she hadn’t eaten the protein bar at the hot spring.

  Three bites later, she realized that Roman was staring at her. “What did you expect me to order?” she asked before taking another bite.

  “Lobster, maybe?” he said with a grin.

  “I’ve never had lobster. I might not like it.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest and made a sound in the back of his throat. He seemed content to watch as she finished the sandwich, another bottle of water, and was munching on the banana.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone stare at me while I ate. Want a bite?”

  He grinned as he shook his head. “Do you want more?”

  “I still have the bag of nuts,” she said, holding them up. “I’m saving them to snack on later. They’re very high in protein.”

  “Is that so?”

  She nodded and finished the last bite of banana. After she’d swallowed it, she rested her hand on her stomach and sighed. “Thank you. I didn’t know I was so hungry.”

  “It’s been hours since you ate, and obviously, the protein bar didna do enough.”

  Sabina glanced around at the darkness that edged the soft light above her. “How long have we been down here?”

  “About eighteen hours.”

  No wonder she was so tired. With her belly full, sleep called to her, but she refused to give in. “Shall we go?”

  “No’ now,” Roman said. “Let your food digest.”

  To her surprise, he pulled her toward him so that her head rested on his legs. She sighed contentedly when he started playing with her hair.

  “You really don’t like being here, do you?” she asked softly.

  “As in the mountain? I’m used to that.”

  “Iceland.”

  He was quiet for a heartbeat. “Ah.” Another pause. “No, I doona.”

  “How long has it been since you’ve been here?”

  “This is my first time back.”

  She rolled onto her back to look at him, shocked to her core. “Since the dragons left?”

  He gave a nod as he looked down at her. The shadows hid his eyes, but she doubted she’d see anything in them anyway. Roman’s control over his emotions when it came to his homeland was limitless.

  “I see.”

  She rolled back onto her side, and he continued playing with her hair. But her mind couldn’t help but try and figure out why he didn’t like it here.

  The land was harsh, yes, but dramatically beautiful, as well. She wished she could’ve seen it with him and his clan of dragons flying around. Their pale blue scales would look amazing against the bright white snow, the vivid green during the summers, the stunning waters from the outdoor hot springs and the glaciers.

  “I told you I was a twin. But I didna tell you that I had an elder brother.”

  She remained still, barely breathing for fear that he wouldn’t continue his story.

  Roman drew in a deep breath and slowly released it. “Our family line had a history of Dragon Kings, so each time a new dragon was born, everyone expected them to be King. My grandfather, father, and four uncles didna claim the throne. So everyone had his or her hopes pinned on Freyr. To everyone’s delight, he became our King.”

  Sabina put her hand on his leg, feeling the pain that he didn’t allow to come through in his voice or words.

  “My brother was a good dragon. He was very strong, his magic unbelievable. From an early age, my father and grandfather made sure he would be ready if the magic called upon him to be King. Freyr never wavered when he challenged the current King. My brother won, but it was close. Verra close. There were times I was sure Freyr would be defeated.”

  She rolled onto her back again to look at him, but Roman’s gaze was directed across to the far wall. Sabina watched his face, her heart growing heavy when she saw the sadness etched on his features.

  “Freyr would’ve led us a long time,” Roman continued. “I’m sure of it. He was strong in all ways. Except when it came to my father and grandfather. They wouldna let him rule as he chose. They were there, constantly telling him what to do. And Freyr listened.

  “A clan needs a King who knows his own mind. The fact that my brother ignored his own counsel and did as my father and grandfather wanted brought great dissension to the clan. It was Ragna who came to me and told me she felt something within her. Except it wasna her magic or power she felt. It was mine.”

  Sabina’s heart missed a beat.

  Roman’s lips twisted ruefully. “I ignored it as long as I could, but when the magic chooses you to become a Dragon King, there’s no running from it. I tried to talk to Freyr to get him to do the right thing, but he wouldna listen. I finally told Ragna I was going to challenge our brother. She stood beside me. The rest of my family disowned me as soon as I did it.”

  Sabina took his hand and enfolded it against her breasts. Slowly, his gaze lowered to her. With his other hand, he moved a strand of her hair. It broke her heart to see him hurting so. If only she had words to help heal the wound that festered to this day.

  She didn’t need to ask what had happened. Obviously, Roman won. But it had cost him dearly.

  “I lost my family that day. It wouldna have mattered if I won or no’. I was dead to them,” Roman said. “All but Ragna. She never wavered. I put her in charge when we sent the clans over the dragon bridge. She’s fierce. I wouldna want to go up against her.�
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  Sabina brought his hand to her lips and kissed his knuckles.

  He flattened his palm against her cheek. “All I see when I’m here is blood and death. I had to kill my own brother. I was happy to leave, and I would’ve preferred to never return.”

  “You did what you had to do for your clan,” she said.

  He glanced away, shrugging. “It doesna make the pain any more bearable.”

  “How long were you King before the dragons were sent away?”

  “Six thousand years.”

  She raised her brow. That was a significant period of time to her, but to a dragon? “Is that a long time?”

  “The longest anyone in my clan has ever ruled. Freyr was King for only three years.”

  “Oh. But shouldn’t your family have been happy that another one of their sons was King?”

  Roman shook his head, a lock of sandy blond hair falling over his forehead. “They knew they could control my brother. But no’ me. They ruled through him, and that’s no’ how it’s meant to happen. In my mind, they’re the ones who put Freyr in that situation. But I blame my brother for no’ having the courage to stand on his own.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Roman had believed he’d forgiven his brother and family for their actions, but returning to Iceland dragged all the nastiness back up again.

  And forced him to confront the things he hadn’t been able to before.

  He wasn’t sure why he’d told Sabina the story. Now, she would know how much blood was on his hands. There were some dragons who yearned to be King. But Roman hadn’t been one of them. He’d been happy.

  Yet the call from the magic was powerful.

  “Hm,” Sabina said. “I hear your words, and I think you believe them, but you don’t blame your brother.”

  He frowned at her. “What?”

  She took his hand and held it before her. “Do you know how many times I’ve seen you looking at your hands? You do it when there’s talk of Iceland. I knew there was something in your past that bothered you. Now I know what it is.”