by Sariah Skye
Polite laughter tittered throughout the room.
“I find that a very admirable trait,” Prince Darzius spoke up.
I glanced about the room to catch Maxxus’ grunt at Darzius’ approval, but my bonded mate was not in attendance yet.
“Where’s Maxx?” I whispered to Kiarra.
She shrugged. “I haven’t seen him since last night. Haven’t you?”
I shook my head. “No, he went to take a shower and that’s the last I saw of him. He hasn’t tried to call or text me, or anything.” Normally, whenever we were apart I always got a text message from him at least; just politely checking in with me. I pulled my phone out of my robe pocket and lit up the screen with a swipe of a finger: no messages. “See?” I said, showing her the empty display screen.
Kiarra frowned at me. “Before I came to get you, your grandfather hadn’t seen him either. No one has.”
“What is on the agenda today, Queen?” Lord Kereck inquired, speaking up over the low rumble of conversation throughout the room.
I held up my pointer finger to indicate a moment, and quickly tapped in messages to everyone that wasn’t here, inquiring to Maxxus’ whereabouts, including one to Maxxus himself. I shoved the phone back in my pocket then and addressed him. “Sorry, trying to find the king.”
“It is unusual for him to be missing from these proceedings, isn’t it?” Maxxus’ mother, Lady Oreste spoke up.
“I’m afraid the king and queen have suffered a traumatic incident,” my grandfather replied, with a solemn smile. “Apparently, the king just needs a small break.”
Maxxus’ father, Jalenn nudged his mate scoldingly. “Of course he does, Elder.”
I scanned the room expectantly, seeing the new Court member, Cadegan, in a set of thick, official Court robes, in yellow to signify his color.
I motioned to him. “Do we all know our newest Court member, Baron Cadegan?” I inquired. His eyes widened as all attention was drawn to him. I urged him to stand and he did, slowly, nervous under the scrutinous stares of the dozen or so Court members.
“He will be part of the meteorology department, when it’s up and running again to full capacity,” I explained. “In the meantime, he will help monitor all the regions to make sure the weather isn’t too extreme.”
Baron Cadegan inclined his head lowly with appreciation. “I strive to function my best, Your Highness.”
A male court member—a middle-aged appearing white dragon with black hair, graying around the temples and light green eyes—raised his hand to speak. His white dragon’s mark, a wispy Celtic design on his olive colored skin—was exposed as the sleeve of his robes fell around his elbow. “New Court member? This is most unorthodox!” he exclaimed, in dismay.
I bound my arms over my chest and raised my brow expectantly at him. “Oh? How is that?”
“New Court members must be screened and tested of their abilities and come to a vote in the Court before any new appointments can take place!” he protested in his low, disgruntled voice.
“Except of course, in times of distress, or any time the king or queen chooses to sponsor someone,” Valessia spoke up, standing in the center of the room. “I trust the queen is choosing to sponsor him herself?”
I hid my nervous swallow, hopefully successfully and put on my best determined face. “Of course. I saw his potential, we need help, I am within my right,” I said, as confidently as I could.
The white dragon snorted. “He was a maid!”
Cadegan’s eyes fell with embarrassment.
“Earl, you are out of order!” My grandfather boomed loudly. “If the queen sees his potential, then we should have faith in her decision!”
“After all, there is nothing wrong with an honest job,” I said, narrowing my eyes defiantly at the disgruntled Earl. “What would you say to a queen that formerly poured coffee for humans?”
He glared briefly, before relenting, sitting back in his plush seat.
I nodded once at Cadegan, who appeared thankful as he too took his own seat and the attention veered away from him.
“I do have a piece of news, if I can?” The distinct voice of Prelate Yarrem announced, standing from his seat in the corner of the room.
I motioned to him. “Of course, Prelate.”
“A handful of delegates from Zyanhei will be joining us tonight; and here for the party tomorrow,” he said, clapping his gnarled hands together with excitement. “I just learned of their departure not long ago!”
Gasps rippled over the delegates and Court, as they voiced their approval and surprise.
“You just learned of it? How can they have departed ‘not long ago’ but be here tonight?” I questioned.
“Zyanhei employs their own Loremaster; they have their own portals for traveling. Makes things easier that way, yes?” Yarrem replied with a chuckle.
I couldn’t disagree. “Well, we welcome them.”
“Leo—Queen Leorah, this is fabulous news indeed. We can celebrate a new era of togetherness, peace and friendship tomorrow!” My grandfather was nearly giddy as a kid on Christmas with the news. “What an accomplishment!” He stood, followed by Valessia and the rest of the Court followed suit, applauding and cheering.
I raised a brow. “All I did was apologize and talk to them,” I snorted my confusion at the displaced approval to Kiarra over my shoulder.
“That is something no one has bothered to try in centuries,” she replied.
“Sheesh…” I said, shaking my head. “Athalos wasn’t known for his diplomacy, obviously,” I retorted.
Kiarra chortled, tossing her long, high ponytail over her shoulder flippantly. “You have no idea.”
I shot her a pointed look, and she laughed shortly. “Okay, obviously you do.”
The remainder of the semi-informal meeting was a joyous occasion—for everyone else that is—and between the food and drink and dancers provided by the Babuan constituents, the music provided by the refugee dragons from Castle Danger, the excitement built for everyone.
But me, that is.
Still, I was pleased that everyone seemed to be excited for the event, and surely, my grandfather and Maxxus were right: we needed this.
After more discussion on song choice and event order, Finnian popped in with his portals outside, and Gabriel, Daniel and himself slipped through for the day’s Court healings.
Gabriel and I exchanged a sullen glance as we met eyes.
The sorcerer was sorrowful with his brown eyes downcast, black robes over his trademark hoodie and skater sneakers. His messy waves were unwashed, and slicked back ever so slightly, with several pieces hanging over his pale, unshaven face.
“Where’s Maxxus?” he asked, and I shrugged.
“That’s odd…” he replied.
“Let’s just get this over with.”
Today’s healings would be different; everyone that didn’t need to be here was skirted out, and anyone coming into the room was searched both for weapons and magically, with assistance from Finnian, the guards, and Daniel. By orders of the missing King, of course. I was surprised he wasn’t here conducting the searches himself.
Gabriel and I healed a handful of dragons with little effort. The procedure actually felt good after a while, the healing magic working wonders for our own fragile hearts as well. There were no assassination attempts, nothing out of the ordinary whatsoever—except the fact that I was a queen pink dragon, with a human sorcerer, healing dragons in the library.
Nothing strange about that at all.
In the middle of healing our fifth dragon—a very soft-spoken, golden dragon; the only golden dragon in service of the court—a set of frantic footsteps interrupted us.
Gabriel and I held hands around her, and we dropped them as my eyes flew open. She appeared alarmed for a singular moment before seeming relieved.
I did too, as Maxxus, appearing frantic, came storming into the room.
“His Highness, King—” Lorusto attempted to announce his arrival�
�albeit prematurely—when Maxxus waved him off.
“I’m sorry for my tardiness,” Maxxus said, walking up to Gabriel and I, carrying a heavy, brown leather backpack over his shoulder. He slung it at our feet breathlessly. “I got here as soon as I was finished.”
“Finished? With what?” I asked.
Maxxus leaned over, digging into the bag with a hand, raw with burns and cauterized cuts.
I reached for his arm, concerned, hoping to get a closer look at his fresh injuries but he pulled away.
I winced as he shied away from my touch, taken aback. “Sorry…” I muttered.
He gave me an apologetic look. I blinked, taking a closer look at his appearance.
His skin was ashen and dusty, trails of sweat had worn over his cheeks and forehead. His normal clear, ocean blue eyes were bloodshot and rimmed with purple as he appeared bedraggled, tired. His slight ginger locks were coated with ash and dirt, plastering tendrils to the side of his neck and forehead and his clothing—tight fitting black Henley and ill-fitting blue carpenter jeans were dirt covered and sweaty. He smelled of earth and soot. I wrinkled my nose as I took a tiny step backward. “What have you been doing?”
He produced an object from the pack; a simple, silver circle on a small, silver chain. It was simplistic, but artfully formed. He handed it to me and I took it in my hand, carefully observing it.
“It’s a shield knot,” Gabriel said, reaching over my arm, and tracing his fingertip over the smooth metal. When I still looked confused he finished, “For protection.”
Maxxus nodded. “Yes. I got the idea from the little girl, from Dreka. Daxira. If you imbue these amulets with your healing magic, and pass them out to everyone Shadowtouched, it will slowly heal them over a couple days’ time, without risk to either of you and it will remain protective even after they are healed. I started it some time ago but never could find the time to finish. Well, no time like the present,” he said, with an awkward chuckle. More quietly, he whispered to me, “It was hard finding space in the shack, but after I threw away everything that had been in there the fireplace suited nicely.”
I grasped it in my hand, feeling a sense of strength tingle up my arm. Maxxus’ magic. “I think this will work well indeed. How many are there?”
“Many,” he said. “Imbue the ones needed by the Shadowtouched first, when your magic is strongest and the others will be for everyone else. I think it will be a more effective way to heal everyone and keep safe.”
“A wonderful idea,” Finnian said, interrupting us.
“You think it will work?” I asked.
“Good time to find out.” He said.
I glanced at Maxxus, who appeared unsettled. I took a step towards him, and he started when I rested my hand on his arm.
“Sorry,” he said, with a yawn on his worn face. “I’m a little tired, I guess,” he said with a chuckle.
“I see that. Why don’t you get some rest? We’re fine here, especially if these work,” I said, giving him a concerned once-over.
He placed a calloused hand gently over mine and smiled warily. “Thanks…I think I will. I’m sorry I wasn’t here; I lost track of time.”
“No worries, this is important,” I said, fisting the amulet in my free hand.
He let go of me, and acknowledging the rest of the room with a careful nod, he left, presumably for our bedchambers.
“What is up with him?” Gabriel mused, quietly near me. “I mean, I know what happened but I’ve never seen him like this.”
I nodded in agreement, observing the empty spot he once stood. “I know. He’s very upset over the baby thing—I am too—but for some reason I’m finding it easier to just keep going, you know?”
“You’re not really acknowledging it, then,” Gabriel said quietly.
I shook my head insistently. “No, that’s not it…” I said, trying to convince myself just as much as him. Truth was, I didn’t know if I was ignoring it or not. I just knew I couldn’t go on as a basketcase. Over something I could no longer control. I sighed, opening my palm and viewing the carefully crafted jewelry. “Well, how should we do this?”
“I assume just like we were healing someone…but hold this in our hands.” Gabriel said.
I nodded, and I took a deep breath. He pressed a hand in mind, pushing the cold metal into my palm and we began to infuse it with healing magic.
After we glowed, and felt warm and the metal in our hands heated and burned lightly, we opened our eyes and our hands. The silver amulet glowed gently.
I turned to the golden dragon, who stood there, still and stoic. I placed the long chain over her head, and gently let it tumble down over her chest.
The metal glowed brightly for a brief moment, before fading.
She raised her head upwards, a slow smile spreading across her young face. “Oh, I feel much better.”
We all cheered—Gabriel, myself, grandfather—everyone in the room.
We sat on the ground, piling up all the amulets and imbibing the jewelry with the same healing magic. The pile glowed and fizzled out as the magic took. Gabriel and I glanced at each other triumphantly.
“This is much easier,” my grandfather said. “A shame we didn’t think of this sooner.”
“Would everyone have used them, though?” Gabriel questioned. “Knowing where they came from? It was probably wise to do the public healings anyway so everyone knows we only have our best interests at heart.”
“A good point,” I agreed.
Gabriel and I passed out the magical talismans to my grandfather and Valessia, and instructed them to give them out to everyone in the Court.
As soon as it was polite, I excused myself from the library. “I think I should check on Maxxus,” I said, hushed to Gabriel.
He nodded in agreement. “I will walk you there. I am tired myself.”
“Are you officially in the castle now?” I asked, realizing stupidly that I didn’t know.
He nodded. “Daniel and I are rooming in the next hallway. It’s fairly empty, I guess it’s where Athalos’ and Valessia’s children would have stayed?”
I glanced down at the floor, keeping my sad eyes from Gabriel’s eyesight. “Where Maxxus’ and mine would stay, if we could have any.”
Gabriel threaded my arm in with his. “It will happen, just…give it time to be figured out.”
“I hope you’re right.” Gabriel and I left the now empty library—Daniel and Finnian had ported to whereabouts unknown, leaving us behind. Baron Lorusto followed us through the hallways. We were about to part ways when a pair of quick footsteps came clacking down the corridor.
“Leorah!” Kiarra shouted, breathlessly, her impeccable robes rumpled as she smoothed her flyaway hair. “The delegates from Zyanhei are here!”
I groaned. I smacked a hand over my face. “Fuck…”
“Since Maxxus is indisposed…” she said, smiling coyly.
I sighed. “Yeah, yeah. I’m coming.”
“I’m coming too. I want to see these dragons,” Gabriel said, with a laugh.
I rolled my eyes. “Be my guest. Ugh, this sucks. I’m tired.”
“It’ll just be quick! Aleron and I will take them to their chambers, they just need to meet with one monarch, at least!” Kiarra insisted.
I groaned again, reluctantly following her to the large foyer.
I noticed new banners had been strung from the rafters of the high ceilings: banners in pink and green, with Maxxus’ and my dragon marks respectively, with contrasting colored embroidery along the outside.
“When did this happen?” I mused.
“Just today! We finished them just in time! With some help of some resourceful dryads,” she added with a wink, meaning Hildie from Castle Danger.
“They’re beautiful!” I praised.
My grandfather was already waiting at the front door. With a gesture, he prompted Barons Donneghan and Gaster to open the large doors, and he nudged me out, Gabriel close behind.
I tried not to
be taken aback as the two strange Zyanhei-an dragons slid up the dirt path, leading to the entry of the Anarachian castle.
“They…don’t have wings?” Gabriel whispered with surprise over my shoulder.
The dragons from Zyanhei appeared serpent-like, with shining scales, long, trailing tails and seemed to hover—rather than fly—over the ground, their feet barely touching.
“They must use magic to fly. Huh…” I said, amazed, watching the black dragon and the red dragon come up the path.
As they neared us, they shifted in step into their human forms. A male—the red dragon, and a female—the red, stood before us, wearing floral robes with high collars, large, silk belts around their waists.
“They have magic like Finnian’s!” I said, a little too loudly.
“Yes,” the female said, a hint of an amused grin on her heart shaped, red-lipsticked mouth. Her bluish-black hair was piled on top of her head in an elaborate bun, fastened with jewels and wound with streamers. “We ported in just down the path, we didn’t want to be rude to our new friends from Anarach.”
“Not at all. Our Loremaster pops in and out as he pleases,” I said with a chuckle.
She grinned, showing two rows of slightly sharpened, white teeth. “We are Prince and Princess from Zyanhei.”
The prince—shook his hair out of his striking violet eyes. It was shaved close along the sides and angled over his face artistically. He held out his hand. “It is good to renew ties with Anarach once again.”
I took his hand in my own. “Queen Leorah. Good to meet you.”
“This is not the king,” the princess said, acknowledging Gabriel behind me. “Consort?”
Gabriel coughed in surprise.
“Friend,” I replied with a wink. “He is our official sorcerer and a knight of the Ord na Draconis Dianthus, Gabriel O’Donnell.”
“Really?” she replied. “Been a great while since I heard that organization.”
Gabriel shrugged. “We haven’t been needed in some time, I guess.”
“Please, come in. Lady Kiarra and Elder Aleron will guide you to your chambers.” I stepped aside and allowed the Prince and Princess of Zyanhei entrance to the castle.
