by LJ Andrews
I’d been told my parents had sealed to each other, but I couldn’t remember. Eisha had a seal on her left shoulder blade. It was small, but was the mark of the warriors. Her mate, Gregor, had been the lead warrior for my grandfather until that fateful night at the castle. That was how Eisha and I determined this was the mage seal, and I had been locked to Teagan now in my mind. Nothing could sever that.
A soft knock at my door drew my gaze from my arm. Konrad stuck his head in. “May I come in?”
“Of course,” I said, kicking off the silk sheets along the bed. Eisha loved fine things, but I think I preferred sleeping on the ground beneath the trees. “I haven’t seen you for so long, it seems.”
Konrad leaned against the wall, his dark eyes glancing out the wide window. “Would you want to fly with me?”
My brow furrowed, but I nodded. “Yes, I’m always up for a flight. Is something bothering you?”
He shook his head. Konrad had trimmed his dark beard, and it made his face younger and showed its strength. Everything that had happened with Bron and the lindworms kept him occupied and distant from the reform house. Despite being a royal wyvern, Konrad Sapphire loved his work there, and it was difficult for him to stay away.
“As you said, we haven’t had much time to speak lately.”
I smiled, sensing his concern for Mitch. All at once, I realized he also burdened my thoughts, adding to my restlessness.
I hoped Athika would protect Mitch. A fae would be quite defenseless against lindworms. He might be able to mesmerize them for a moment, but no doubt, it would not last. Dragon pyre would break fae enchantments in no time. And if the High Priestess was not an ally, I didn’t know how quickly Athika could stand against someone with her rumored power.
We didn’t take the front door. Konrad stood by me along the edge of the roof. The house was expansive and offered the perfect ledge to erupt into flight. For years I’d envied Raffi and Dash, or Eisha on the rare occasion, when they’d burst into the air. I smiled and leaned into the frosty air. I wasn’t trapped any longer.
Konrad leapt first. His brilliant wings gleamed beneath the dawn as he shifted in midair. I loved the way the iridescent color of his scales drifted between dark purple and royal blue like the wings on a dragonfly. I dove into the air, feeling my body peel back the layers of smooth skin and harden to sharp, gleaming scales.
When I was in my wyvern form, worries drifted away. My mind was clearer, and I could breathe easier about what might be coming. I didn’t even think about the dark prince who wanted to take me as his mate. I didn’t share with anyone—even Teagan—how much that thought brought the most fear into my soul.
The winter air was crisp and brought my blood to a low boil the higher we flew.
Jade, Konrad’s voice echoed in my mind. What you think of the elder council?
My fellow royal dipped low in the sky, rolling slightly so his pitch eyes locked with mine. His sapphire wings were larger than mine and cut through the airstream like silk, but with a few long digs, I caught up easily.
Speaking with our minds was quieter and peaceful. I enjoyed being one on one, hearing soft words in my thoughts.
I shuddered so steam billowed from my nose. At times I am grateful only Aldwin and Frenrir are here, but then I wonder why the others have not shown the slightest interest. I worry for Teagan. I don’t think the council is his ally. By the way Aldwin spoke, they don’t trust him.
Konrad’s heavy head dipped, and he released a rapid stream of smoke from his throat in agreement. I had a feeling last night. It felt wrong, the council, I mean. For the first time since Aldwin questioned Teagan, I am worried much the same.
What do we do? I asked, picking up speed. Together we folded our wings and dove toward the earth. The rapid wind breathed new life into my lungs, and my heart soared.
You are the queen, Jade. That is your choice.
Konrad, I may be the queen, but I am not the only royal, and I certainly don’t want a kingdom where one voice rules all. We work together, as we always have, I grumbled with a snort once I spun out of my dive and let the wind billow in the thin skin on my wings.
Though it was hard to make out a smile when we were in our true forms, I sensed his heart lightening as I spoke.
I hoped you would say something like that. If you care to know what I think, he began slowly, I think it is time for you to officially claim the throne.
As the air thickened and the ground drew closer, I admitted I was surprised by his suggestion. I hadn’t expected it, I suppose, and perhaps didn’t catch his full meaning. What do you mean, claim the throne? Aren’t I already queen?
My claws dug into the frozen earth first, but Konrad was just behind me. I felt the soil tremble when he plodded his swift landing and came to a halt. He danced about for a moment, folding his massive wings along his back and pacing as he locked his gaze on me. Claiming the throne is ceremonial. It would be a massive announcement, and it would officially denounce the council from the decisions for the wyvern race, returning power to the royals. But it’s risky. It would reveal your location, and that means the lindworms would have an easier time finding you, but so would those still hidden from us. All our people would once more know who ruled.
I considered each word carefully. My wings nestled along my ridged spine. Will I, in turn, know where our people are? Konrad rustled his snout and nodded. So, the elders know where all the wyvern clans are now?
That’s my understanding. It doesn’t have to be immediate, Jade. But there is something wrong with the council, I haven’t been able to shake the feeling since it came. It is the only solution I have for taking back the power from the elders in the event there are ulterior reasons that Frenrir has been placed among us.
I opened my mind to answer but stopped when the faint rustle of wings sent the fire in my dragon heart pumping.
Someone is coming, Konrad hissed through my mind, his eyes already looking to the sky.
Yes, I can hear them. I don’t recognize their scent or sound.
Go, Jade.
Stop, I demanded with a narrowed gaze as I spread my wings into a battle stance. I’m not leaving anymore.
It could be the lindworms, Konrad growled.
No, it is not! Sapphire, I hear you!
It was a voice I hadn’t heard for years—so long had passed, the sound was hardly a memory but from a young child’s mind.
Sapphire breathed out a blue flame and looked to the sky, stomping his front claws. I can’t believe it, his soft voice filtered through my mind.
I followed his gaze and scanned the ghostly morning sky. Nothing stretched across the pale blue canvas apart from a few wispy clouds.
A shadow cast along the ground, stretching and growing as ebony wings blocked the sunlight. I backed away when the two pitch dragons drifted to the ground with skill and a landing that was softer than the snow falling. The two wyverns were dark like Eisha and Dash, but the edges of each scale gleamed in silver. As though armored with steel. They both stood regal and important. I could hardly breathe when both lowered their enormous heads, widening their jaws and spraying the snow in a wave of brilliant purple fire.
It was a common greeting, respect for the higher royals.
Sapphire stomped toward the larger of the two and stared. I heard his thoughts, embraced his excitement.
Onyx! Konrad exclaimed.
Of course. Now that the name was in the open, I recognized the energy from the third royal line. Onyx shook his head in response, but his gleaming eyes found me. We received the warning. Last I saw you, Queen Ariana, you were such a small thing. My parents always spoke fondly of yours.
I hope your family is well, I said quickly, a pang in my chest. A sharp bitterness at the time we’d spent apart. The dragons I didn’t know. They remembered so much and I shrunk beneath their loyalty to a queen who hardly remembered their faces. My parents left a legacy, and I yearned to rise and lead as they once did.
Onyx let out a soft gr
owl. It is only my two brothers and myself left. I’ve brought Peran with me today. Our other brother remains at our protected home. Our parents chose to leave this life, heartbroken after the war and the divide, but my brothers and I have never given up hope.
Nor have we. Please just call me Jade. We all use the bloodline names, I replied firmly stepping closer to the two brothers
Onyx faced me, eyes bright from flight. Perhaps these royals had been just as trapped as us for so long that soaring through the sky brought back a life long ago forgotten. If I may say, my queen, you have grown into a remarkable ruler. I look forward to what the future brings when you officially ascend.
Thank you, but I will not succeed without help. I must ask, Onyx, how have you broken free of your human form? Do you bring a mage with you?
Onyx glanced to Peran, who snorted a puff of steam before stepping forward. Peran’s voice, though he was the younger of the two brothers, was deep and shook inside my mind. We hid our mage from the beginning. He has always been with us, even after the divide. We know it was against the direction of both the council and the mage Priesthood, but with so many of us to keep watch over, he eventually made himself known and has protected us ever since.
Onyx chuckled and glanced to Sapphire before speaking, Yes, Donovan wasn’t too happy with the decision for Peran and I to come here, but we heard a rumor you had mages at your disposal. It was the only way we could get him to agree to release us from his watch. I suppose we could ask you the same, Queen Jade.
We have mage protection, Konrad said quickly, starting to pace again in the melting snow. The longer our warm bodies stood in the snow, the more wet and muddy the ground became. But we have some explaining to do on some of our mages.
Donavan remains with our youngest brother, Peran said, lowering his voice as though anyone in the forest could hear our thoughts. We heard . . . we were told he has come back and is seeking the elemental stones?
The dark High Priest along with King Nag have returned. They are in possession of the fire stone, Konrad said.
Onyx dug his claws angrily into the soil, and Peran seemed ready to breathe molten breath.
What of Ruby? Onyx asked, his voice so pained my heart ached as I absorbed his anguish.
Sapphire chuckled, though I didn’t see the humor. Don’t fret, Onyx. Ruby is safe. She is here, with us.
Onyx breathed a sigh of relief. Then I understood. That sort of relief only occurred when someone shared deeper feelings than one might for a friend.
Come with us, we’ll bring you back to our home, I said. Everyone will be so relieved to know you’re safe.
Onyx and Peran took flight with us. Relief flooded my soul and it was difficult to keep my eyes off the two brothers. Four of the five royals were found, alive, and ready to rise against Nag and Bron. Now, all that was left—we had to find Amber.
By the time we returned to the mansion, Raffi and Dash were setting up the exercises for the day. I wasn’t blind to how fiercely Teagan had been training with the warriors ever since the word the lindworm prince was known to be looking for a mate. The two warriors had returned early in the evening after Athika demanded there was too much energy. It only added to Konrad’s anxiety for Mitch.
At our arrival, Raffi’s eyes widened, steam billowing from his skin when his emotions took hold.
I found my footing and shifted easily. I loved the way the shimmering gown floated over my skin—always warm and filled with energy from the shift. Konrad was next, then Peran, and finally Onyx. Both brothers were draped in dark robes that reminded me of night with a hint of moonlight tucked behind clouds. Onyx had shoulder length hair that was the color of chestnuts, while Peran's was lighter, cropped short to his skull. Both brothers were hard with muscle like most wyvern men. Onyx had a strong, square jaw, and his pale eyes were playful when he enjoyed Dash and Raffi’s reaction to the newcomers.
“Warriors,” Onyx said with an approving nod. “Excellent.”
“Highnesses,” Raffi and Dash said in unison, lowering their heads in a bow to the Onyx brothers.
Onyx waved his hand. “No need for that. We’re pleased to be here and for your service in keeping the queen safe all these years.”
“Oh good. Jade, you’re back.”
I swallowed hard at the sound of Teagan’s voice from the porch. My heart shot to the sides of my head. On the porch, he stood with his back toward us—shirtless as usual and the bright green seal beamed in the sunlight as he secured the sheath along his shoulders.
Peran gasped first, but Onyx inched closer to the porch steps where Teagan stood, unaware a new royal had even arrived.
“A jade mage,” Onyx said, drawing Teagan’s attention.
“Whoa.” Teagan jumped back and spun around, gripping one of the blades tighter. “Who are you?”
Onyx looked at me, his mouth open in surprise. “I never . . . my queen . . . how is this possible?”
I smiled up at Teagan, touching Onyx’s arm gently. “Teagan, this is Onyx and his brother Peran. They are from the Onyx bloodline.”
Teagan released a heavy breath, and his white-knuckled grip on the hilt of his sword loosened. He shifted on his feet, eyeing the two brothers. I clapped a hand over my mouth, grinning, when Teagan stiffened as the royals gawked and muttered over the mage armor marks on his skin. Doubtless he wanted to run inside and cover up, never one to enjoy the spotlight, but he heated almost as much as dragons. By the end of sparring matches, the warriors and Teagan were always drenched in sweat. T-shirts were rather pointless. I didn’t mind.
Peran poked Teagan’s bicep, as if the armor might engage.
Teagan cleared his throat and took a step away. “Uh, what a surprise. I’m glad there are more royals who are safe.” Onyx readied to poke him now, but Teagan barred him out with his hand outstretched. “I’m Teagan.”
Onyx shook Teagan’s hand, but the royal still hadn’t blinked. “How, mage? How has the jade bloodline been restored? When I heard you had mage power, I expected the ruby bloodline, or yours, Sapphire—and these weapons,” Onyx said, with a bitter whisper.
Teagan sighed. I had a bit of sympathy for him. He grew weary of the story and trying to stop accusations before they even came. “Yes, these were the High Priest’s blades. No, I’m not loyal to him. Yes, I am the jade mage. We don’t know the answer to how it happened.”
Onyx glanced to me, and I took my place beside Teagan. “Onyx, come inside. This is part of what we wanted to explain.” Looking to Teagan, I curled my hand around his bicep and leaned closer. It was impossible to keep too far a distance for too long. “Have you heard from Mitch?”
Teagan nodded. “They are on their way back. Athika wouldn’t expound on what happened. They should be here soon.”
I was relieved, but cautious. When the warriors returned, I’d grown suspicious of possible motives, though I kept it to myself. I hadn’t felt any malice from the ruby mage, and she had kept Ruby safe. Bias was clouding my feelings toward the woman. Teagan might not have sensed Athika’s connection, her interest, but I did.
I wouldn’t doubt him, but after sensing the ruby mage’s attraction and pull to Teagan’s power, I knew she wouldn’t give up the fight to win him easily.
“Onyx?”
We all looked to the doorway. Ruby leaned against the frame, her dark hair falling over her shoulders, and her smoldering eyes brightened.
“Ruby,” Onyx said rushing to her side. Peran sighed, but didn’t look disappointed. More annoyed. A typical younger brother.
“What’s going on there?” Teagan whispered.
I shrugged. “It seems there are tighter connections between the royals than I knew.”
“I heard you’d been attacked,” Onyx said, his fingers gently tracing Ruby’s cheek.
She smiled and stepped closer. “I’m fine. I’m so relieved you and your brothers are safe. Come inside, my mage has found some information that might help us gain more mage support.”
Onyx took Rub
y’s hand and together they rushed inside. Peran followed with Raffi and Dash. Morning exercises would have to wait until we heard what had been found out about the High Priestess.
Chapter 11
I wasn’t doing well at keeping my promise to Teagan not to fret over Athika’s behavior toward him. She arrived within the hour and immediately went to his side, filled with a thrill about the night.
“We have so much to tell you,” she said. Her hand on his forearm. His forearm. I wanted to slap it away.
Mitch nodded, his hair messy and standing on end when he plopped onto one of the Victorian style sofas in the front room. “It was amazing. Like, how is any of this possible? I love my life.” He sighed, closed his eyes, and rested his head against the couch.
Gently, Teagan eased out of Athika’s hold. I smirked when he scanned the room to find me. I was thankful he hadn’t put his shirt on, and when he turned to slide the sweatshirt over his head, I might have enjoyed Athika’s scowl at my seal on his back a little too much.
“Hey, do you have armor too, Jade?” Mitch asked, pointing to my arms. It drew Athika’s attention as well. Teagan smiled and settled next to me.
“No.” I drew my thumb over my seal. “We believe I’ve also been sealed. This is the symbol of the mage—so, like Teagan has mine, it seems I have his, too.”
Athika slid down on the cushion next to me and touched my arm. I didn’t shrink back because I only sensed her curiosity.
“It is the ancient symbol of the mage,” she said, meeting my eye. “What exactly do wyvern seals mean? I ask because I don’t understand the bond with Teagan. Is it because you are the queen that he has a royal seal, perhaps?”
I shook my head. “It’s because we love each other.”
Teagan’s lip rolled over his bottom teeth, his cheeks reddened as he tried to stifle his smile. Okay, maybe I was being a little petty. I vowed to stop. Athika’s brow furrowed, but she didn’t respond. She only shook her head and drifted to the window seat.
