by Eric Vall
“If you say so.” I scrunched up my nose as I dropped my towel, took the clothes from her, and pulled them on. “Can I wear my regular boots?”
“Of course,” she chirped, so I sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled on my boots before I stood up and spun around.
“Good?” I asked as I held my arm out to the princess.
“Perfect!” Alyona grinned and looped her arm through mine.
I couldn’t help but smile with her, and we walked out of our chambers and into the hallway. We met Ruslan and Julia in the great hall, and they were also dressed up for the party.
The fox Demi-Human wore a dark green tunic that made his fiery red hair stand out, and my mother wore a long black dress with green accents to match my father. Julia’s brown hair was braided back from her face, and her blue eyes lit up as we walked in. Then my parents stood up from the sitting chairs, and Julia gasped when she saw Alyona.
“Princess!” she gushed. “You look beautiful!”
“Thank you, Julia,” Alyona replied with a blush. “As do you.”
The two women murmured over their outfits as Ruslan pulled me off to the side, put his arm around my shoulders, and leaned in closely.
“Everything okay after the battle?” he asked under his breath.
“Yeah,” I confirmed. “Nothing weird.”
“Just making sure you didn’t have a sudden lust for power,” the fox said with a wink.
Our laughter was cut short when the rest of my women began to enter the great hall. They had all dressed up for the party, and I stared in awe at each of them.
Laika wore a royal blue dress that hung to the floor with a pattern of embroidered flowers down each of the sleeves. The collar was cut low enough to reveal the upper half of her ripped abs and the swells of her breasts, and her bushy gray tail swayed back and forth behind her as she walked over to Alyona and stood next to the princess.
Then Aaliyah came in behind the wolf, and the lioness wore a short gold dress that ended just below her ass and featured small cutouts on the sides that exposed her bronze skin. Her muscular thighs rippled with every step she took, and her long blonde hair cascaded down her back in tight curls. She looked over her shoulder at Miraya, who I’d never seen wear anything other than her transparent dress, and my jaw dropped even further.
Tonight, the sword spirit had borrowed some clothes from Alyona, and the tight purple dress hugged her curves perfectly. The top looked like a corset, and it accentuated her hourglass figure, while the bottom puffed out like a ballgown. She smiled shyly at me and then stepped to the side to stand with Aaliyah.
Next, Naomi strolled out into the great hall, and her long black dress wrapped around her like a glove. A glimpse of skin caught my attention, and I realized the dress had a long slit up to the top of her thigh that revealed her long, tan leg with each step she took. She had a crown of pale flowers around her head, and she tucked a wisp of her magenta hair behind her ear without meeting my gaze.
Finally, Valerra stormed down the hall with Eleanor and Emily right behind her. The Crimson Dragon’s hair was piled on top of her head with a pattern of pins and buttons to hold it in place, and she wore a long red dress that clung tightly to her muscular body, except for big, puffy sleeves that billowed out like MC Hammer’s pants.
I cocked my head to the side as her servants repeatedly pulled on the sleeves to make them even puffier.
“They look ridiculous,” Valerra muttered to her ladies-in-waiting.
“You look nice, Valerra,” I consoled her.
“This dress is horrid,” she grunted.
“It’s the latest in fashion, milady,” Eleanor assured her. “You will be the talk of the city.”
“I’d rather not,” the lady dragon shot back. Then she grabbed the puffy sleeves and ripped them clean off the dress.
“Oh, I love her.” Aaliyah laughed while the other women gasped, and I chuckled as Eleanor and Emily paused for a moment to decide how to proceed.
“Ah, we can fix that,” Emily offered and pulled a small sewing kit from her dress pocket.
“It is fixed now.” Valerra smirked as she tossed the sleeves onto the marble floor, and then she shook her head.
At least a dozen hair pins fell to the floor, and my dragon mate’s hair tumbled out of its fancy updo. Her red waves fell down her back, and I grinned at the wild and free look.
“Now, you look even better,” I declared.
“Thank you,” Valerra huffed, but a small smile twitched at the corners of her mouth.
“Now, let’s go party!” Aaliyah cheered.
With that, my women linked arms with my mother, and Ruslan and I followed them out of the Lunar Palace toward my homecoming celebration.
Chapter 8
We walked past the courtyard and down another new path until we arrived at a large gazebo. Tall, white columns soared up twelve feet high to a marbled roof with black and white swirls, and tiny strands of white lights twinkled as they hung overhead and looped from column to column. A band of bird Demi-Humans played soft music with harps and guitars, and a lady bird warbled a sweet melody.
“A hero returns home,
And the fires burn bright,
A love like no other,
Lights up the night…”
No shit, they even wrote a song about me coming back? Badass.
I could smell hints of the meal to come, though only baskets of rolls waited on a long table next to the band. As soon as the song was over, Ruslan cleared his throat, and suddenly everyone stopped and turned to face him.
“People of Hatra!” he announced. “I’m sure most of you have heard by now, but the Dragon Lord has returned!”
Applause roared throughout the pavilion, and there were even a few whistles and cheers as Ruslan motioned for me to stand next to him.
“Within hours of his arrival, Lord Evan has already defeated an enemy at our gates!” Ruslan continued and was met with more cheers. “Now, everyone, please welcome Lord Evan and Princess Alyona!”
This time, the applause and cheers were nearly deafening, and I took a bow while Alyona curtsied next to me.
“Thank you for your warm welcome,” I boomed once the noise had quieted. “We are happy to return home. I would also like to introduce the women who have helped me on every step of my journey.”
I motioned for the women to step forward.
“Laika, leader of the Blue Tree Guild,” I continued as the wolf Demi-Human gave a shy curtsy. “Lady Aaliyah of Tikal, Miraya, spirit of the Sword of Hatra, Lady Naomi of Kana, and, of course, Lady Valerra, your Crimson Dragon.”
Valerra scowled and refused to curtsy, but the crowd erupted into even more cheers with some hooting and hollering as soon as her name was called.
I laughed as her scowl faltered, and she nearly smiled at the love everyone had for her. She hated the attention, but she couldn’t deny how good it felt to have the people of Hatra love her.
She may have hated people, but these were her people now.
Ruslan gestured toward the table, and Alyona and I took our places in the center seats that faced the crowd. Then my father sat on my right, and Julia sat on Alyona’s left, while the rest of our group fanned out into the chairs around us.
I looked out on the hundreds of people who had returned to their quiet conversations, and many strange faces looked at me with wonder.
“What is this place, Pops?” I asked as I studied our surroundings.
“It’s the Smoky Pavilion,” he replied and then chuckled. “Get it? Dragons, fire, smoke?”
“Clever,” I laughed.
“We’ve continued with the city meetings you started,” the fox explained. “The people are welcome to attend, and they play a role in the way the city is run. It really has worked out well.”
“Good.” I nodded. “I want everyone to feel connected.”
As I turned back to face the crowd, a handful of pig Demi-Humans approached the table. They were whispering to each ot
her and squeaking nervously, so I offered a warm smile and waited for them to speak. Then a male pig stepped forward and held out a wide square box.
“For you, Lord Evan,” he murmured as he set the box down in front of me.
I raised a confused eyebrow before I lifted the lid to reveal a fresh chocolate cake with a thick layer of chocolate frosting. An intricately designed black and purple dragon made of hard candy sat in the middle of the confection, and it was almost lifelike with visible scales and sharp teeth.
“Amazing,” Alyona breathed.
“Arthur is a fantastic baker,” Ruslan informed us. “He and his family moved here a few weeks ago, and they started the bakery next to the market.”
“Thank you, Arthur,” I said to the pig, who blushed and ducked his head.
“I am only happy to contribute to such a wonderful city,” he nearly whispered.
“We are happy to have you,” I replied with a grin. “This looks delicious.”
“Thank you, Lord Evan.” Arthur nodded and ushered the rest of his family back into the crowd.
“Be prepared,” Ruslan murmured. “I’m sure he’s not the only one who will welcome you back.”
“More gifts?” I snickered as I closed the box to save the cake for dessert. “It’s like my birthday.”
Ruslan chuckled as Afra strode through the crowd with someone close behind her. I couldn’t see who trailed the fox Demi-Human, and she grinned as she walked up to the table and set down a basket.
“We’ve been able to grow plenty more fruits since you left, Lord Evan,” Afra announced and gestured toward the basket, and her blue hair swayed behind her as she stepped back with a twinkle in her eyes. “And I’ve gotten a lot of help from Cia.”
A small head of bright purple hair peeked around Afra, and I waved at the tiny person behind her.
“Cia, I’m grateful for your help in the fields,” I said softly.
“He won’t bite, Cia,” Afra chastised her. “Greet Lord Evan.”
After a small sigh, a girl the size of a dwarf meekly stepped around to stand next to Afra. Her purple hair was twisted back into a braid that nearly touched the ground, and her eyes were black as night. Her features were hard with a strong jawline and hooked nose, and I had a feeling she was more worried about her looks than about me.
“I am honored to meet you, Lord Evan,” Cia said in a harsh, raspy voice.
“Likewise,” I replied with a smile.
She dipped her head and then scurried back into the crowd.
“Cia is a Mesic,” Afra explained as she watched the girl disappear into the throng of people. “They aren’t known for their, ah, social skills.”
“I can see that,” I chuckled. “As long as she is good for Hatra, she has nothing to fear from me.”
“I’ll pass along the message,” Afra replied with a grin. “It’s good to see you again, my lord.”
“And you, as well.” I returned her smile before she sauntered away from the table.
I grabbed a roll from one of the baskets on the table and tore off a bite as we waited for the rest of the meal. I caught another whiff of dinner, and my stomach growled at the smell of roasted chicken.
Then a familiar face appeared in the crowd, and Natalya breezed up to the table with a curtsy. Her pale blue hair was pulled back into a bun, and her ivory horns protruded from her forehead as she raised herself up to face me with a faint smile.
“Lord Evan,” the Asuran greeted me. “Princess Alyona, it is wonderful to see you both again.”
“Likewise, Natalya,” Alyona replied.
“Where are Ilya and Ilyushina?” I asked as I peeked behind the blacksmith.
“Oh, they’re coming,” she giggled.
Just then, a few people gasped, and the crowd parted for the siblings who sprinted through the pavilion toward our table.
“Evan!” Ilya shouted.
“Manners, Ilya,” Natalya called out.
“Lord Evan!” the Asuran boy corrected himself as they ran right up to the table and grinned.
I stood from the table and strode around to squat in front of the children. Their tiny Asuran horns poked out of their foreheads, and their matching silver-blue hair had grown since I’d been here last.
“Well, come on,” I said as I held my arms open wide.
The Asuran children squealed as they sprinted toward me, and I wrapped them up in a hug.
“Ilyushina missed you,” the girl mumbled against me as I held them both close.
“I missed you, too,” I replied and swallowed the lump in my throat. “Did you get my messages?”
“Yes, of course!” Ilya answered as he gripped me tightly with his small hands, and I noticed his voice had deepened slightly. “And we have been taking good care of Hatra.”
“I didn’t doubt you for a minute,” I chuckled.
“Even my secret mission,” Ilya whispered into my ear.
I glanced up at Valerra, whose features had softened at the children, and I laughed again as I remembered Ilya’s solemn vow to keep an eye on her and her temper.
“I knew you would,” I replied as the children let go.
“And we have a surprise for you!” Ilyushina giggled before she turned to Natalya. “Can we show him now?”
“Of course, children,” the Asuran woman said with a smile before she reached into her satchel and pulled out a small metal statue.
Natalya was a smith, and she’d created many weapons and armor out of the orichalcum mined near her former village. It appeared she had made something new, though, and Ilyushina gently took the statue from Natalya and placed it in my hands.
I held up the creation and stared at it in awe. It was a dragon in flight with two children on its back, and the detail was exquisite. I could pick out each individual scale, the talons on the feet, even the look of excitement and thrill on the children’s faces. Even their little Asuran horns poked out from their foreheads, and I grinned at the sight.
“Is this me?” I asked in wonder.
“Yes,” Ilya replied and nodded his head vigorously. “We’ve been learning from Natalya. Do you like it?”
“This is incredible,” I breathed and turned it over in my hands. “And it’s you two riding on my back?”
“Yes!” Ilyushina squeaked, and her smile was so wide I was worried her face would split in half.
“I love this,” I murmured and had to push back another lump in my throat. “Thank you both.”
These kids really knew how to pull at my heartstrings. The Asuran children had obviously worked hard on this statue, and it was easily the best gift I’d received since I’d been in Inati.
“Was this your secret project?” Ruslan asked as he peered down at Ilyushina.
“Yes, sir,” she answered in a quiet voice. “Ilyushina did not like keeping it a secret from you, but I wanted to surprise Evan.”
“Very understandable,” my father replied with a grin. “It’s an amazing work of art.”
“Thank you!” Ilyushina squealed, and her pale cheeks tinted an adorable pink hue.
“I’ll keep it forever,” I promised and hugged the kids again.
Then I heard the thump of several footsteps, and I turned to see a line of servants with tray after tray of food.
“Oooh, we better go sit down, so we can eat!” Ilya told his sister before he turned back to me. “We’ll see you later, Ev--I mean, Lord Evan!”
“Sounds good,” I chuckled as I stood and walked back around to my seat.
I carried the small statue and rolled it around in my hands as the servants approached with the food.
“They did a fantastic job,” Alyona murmured as she leaned over and looked at the figurine. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah,” I grunted as I blinked a few times and straightened up in my chair.
“You’re going to make a wonderful father,” the princess whispered into my ear as the trays began to fill the table, and a pleased growl rumbled in my chest.
&nbs
p; As I turned back to the spread before me, I counted six trays piled high with roasted chicken, and the savory smell filled my nose as I took a deep breath. Thighs, drumsticks, and breasts were already cut from the large birds, and the thick brown skin was covered in a variety of herbs. Several dishes of mashed potatoes were covered with a creamy brown gravy, and even more bowls of roasted squash and zucchini were placed on the table. The staff set mugs of a sweet wine in front of each of us, too, followed by plates that I knew would barely contain everything I was ready to eat.
As soon as the servants stepped away, we dug in. We loaded our plates with the delicious food, and I tore into a drumstick with fervor. It felt like days since we’d had breakfast in Kana, and I’d worked up a hell of an appetite between the battle and Valerra. I finished one plate and then another. At some point, I looked up to see the citizens had sat down as well, and they were enjoying more of the food the cooks had prepared. I smiled as I reached out to fill my plate a third time, and then the staff appeared again with more trays.
“Holy hell,” I mumbled. “What else is there?”
As they set the trays down in front of us, my mouth watered at the sight of a dozen fruit pies. I could smell apple, cherry, and pumpkin, as well as several other fruity smells I didn’t recognize. The pies were already cut into perfect slices, and I grabbed the closest one to put a piece on my plate.
I forked a bite into my mouth, and the pastry practically melted onto my tongue. The fruit was one I didn’t know, but it was sweet and had a hint of banana and raspberry.
“Don’t forget about the cake,” Ruslan murmured into my ear.
“Oh, right!” I grabbed the cake box and conjured a dagger to slice into the chocolatey confection.
Then I speared a piece onto my plate next to the pie, and I slid the box down the table for everyone to grab a piece. After a few moments, I finished the pie and started on the cake. The creamy chocolate cake was baked to perfection, and each moist bite was better than the last.
When I finally felt stuffed, I set my fork down and leaned back in my chair.
It was good to be home.
