He stared at her with those green eyes that made her do stupid things. Maybe she did love him. She certainly liked him. She’d been trying to deny it since they started this adventure. When she imagined the future, she wanted him by her side. She dropped her eyes for a second so she could concentrate, but that made it worse. She had to clench her fists to resist reaching out and touching him. Her body was betraying her. Or maybe it was confirming to her that what he said was right. She was fighting a losing battle.
“You know what? I think you might be right.” And before he said anything else, she leaned forward and kissed him. Stars exploded in her eyes, and she felt such a strong need for him. She’d never felt this way about Sid. If she were capable, she would’ve felt a sting on her ankle. But she didn’t. She shifted and threw her leg over his body so she was straddling him.
She ran her fingers through his hair and held his face as their lips moved furiously against one another. She leaned away and gave him a huge grin.
He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer to him. “So, you think this will be good enough?”
“You know what? It’s better.” And she closed the distance and kissed him again, relishing the taste of his lips on hers.
Skye wasn’t sure how long they kissed. But after a while, they just lay in each other’s arms. She traced the lines on his torso and giggled once more when she saw the scar that changed his life. But she was more interested in the other mark that changed his life.
“Tell me about the moment when you fell in love with me.”
He grimaced. “It’s a dumb story.”
“Come on, it can’t be worse than dragon sex.”
He snorted. “You know, I’m never going to forgive you for laughing at me for that one.”
“The story. I want to hear it.” She looked up at him and pouted.
“It was the walnuts.”
“Walnuts?” She thought back to that moment. She remembered the brownies of course, but she didn’t see anything that would equal love.
“Yeah, do you remember when we were making brownies together? You wanted to put those walnuts in, and I didn’t. You practically climbed me trying to get at those stupid walnuts.”
“I wouldn’t have had to if you hadn’t held them out of my reach.”
He chuckled. “Well, after you grabbed them and the bag burst open, we both started laughing. You looked so beautiful. I mean you always looked beautiful, but this was different. Everything changed in a second.”
Skye’s heart felt like it was about to burst. She wished for a second that she could’ve seen him the same way in that moment. They could have had a few months of happiness before all of this started. But she was too busy trying to deny her feelings. She squeezed her eyes shut and forced herself to focus on the here and now.
She leaned up and kissed him gently. “That’s the most romantic story I’ve ever heard. I want you to know something. I may be incapable of loving you the way dragons love, but I love you with every inch of my human heart. Nothing’s ever going to change that, and I don’t need a mark on my ankle to prove that to me.”
He shifted a little underneath her and seemed lost for words. They held each other in silence for a bit, both lost in their own thoughts.
“We should probably sleep,” Rowan finally said.
She flipped over so she was straddling him again and stared deep into those beautiful eyes. She was pretty certain they were the things she loved most about him. She let her guard down, wanting to feel all of his love for her. She was surprised she’d denied him this for so long. He filled that ache in her chest. He loved her enough for the both of them.
She kissed him deeply and then pulled away. “We could sleep. But this is more fun.”
He raised his eyebrows at her. “That it is.”
ROWAN WOKE UP with a light streaming in through the window. Somewhere in the middle of the night they’d turned off the lights and fallen asleep. Skye sprawled out across his chest. Her hair tickled his chin, and her fingers rested lightly on his stomach.
He couldn’t remember ever feeling happier. Skye was his. Sure, his name would never appear on her ankle like Aspen and Sid. But that didn’t matter. He’d found his happily ever after. The dragon king thing was a complication, but they’d figure that out together.
Skye blinked her eyes open. “Good morning,” she said and leaned up and gave him a quick kiss. His stomach fluttered.
“Morning, love. You ready to go find out about that prophecy?”
“Most definitely.”
They showered and dressed. He was still uncomfortable in the get up that she bought him. But Skye couldn’t seem to keep her hands off him, so he supposed it was worth it.
They flew to Sid’s house. As soon as they arrived, Skye changed, and they walked into the house hand in hand, still giving each other sappy looks. Rowan hoped this stage lasted for a while. Maybe even forever.
“Sid, Aspen,” Skye called out, not letting go of his hand.
Runa’s mother, Stella, flew into the room. “They’re gone. Hazel and Val are getting sealed.”
“So they’re with the council?” Skye asked. She creased her eyebrows, and Rowan wondered if that worried her.
“Yes.” Stella seemed unconcerned with the goings on, so Rowan assumed it couldn’t be too serious.
Rowan spun Skye around and pulled her against him. “We can wait here.”
She shook her head. “No. We need to find them. This is important. I suppose it’s best if we involve the council. They need to understand what’s happened.”
Rowan was disappointed, but he understood. He worried for Skye’s sake though. She’d been so adamant at keeping this a secret, and now she was going to show herself to the council.
“Do you know where to find them?”
She scoffed. “You insult me. Of course I know where to find them.”
Skye pulled him outside, but Rowan wanted to go right back inside. The air was bitterly cold. It would be better when he was on Skye’s back. He gave Skye a smile.
“Then lead the way. Let’s go give my sisters a shock.” Rowan was probably too excited by what Aspen and Hazel would think when they saw him. He’d never done anything before that would surprise them.
NERVES SETTLED in Skye’s belly as she and Rowan flew toward the council. She’d never planned to make an entrance, and now she was about to make a big one. Something about confessing her secret to Rowan made her bolder.
She actually felt silly, like she never should’ve left Montana in the first place. She didn’t care anymore if anything was a secret. People would find out soon enough. She still hoped the answer was in the prophecy because it was odd that she was a king.
They flew into King’s Cave, along the sapphire studded hall, and into the council’s chambers. A full council was convened, and a few humans milled about. Skye recognized Aspen and Sid, but not the others.
Rowan slid off her back.
“Rowan!” Aspen screamed and raced for him. She flung her arms around her brother. The other young woman was behind her. He crushed both girls in a hug. Skye wondered briefly what it would’ve been like to have siblings. She was the only egg her parents ever hatched.
“You scared the hell out of me,” the young woman mumbled into his shoulder. She let go of him. “Where have you been?”
“That’s a long story,” he said with a huge grin on his face.
“Yeah, and I expect it has to do with that black dragon over there. How’d you find him when the rest of the dragons couldn’t?” Aspen asked.
Rowan snorted. “Him?” Then he turned around. “Love, I think it’s time you revealed yourself.”
Skye changed and joined Rowan.
“Skye?” Aspen looked at her with confusion.
“The one and only.” She put her arm around Rowan’s waist. “Have we got a story to tell you.” Skye still marveled at how good it felt to hold him like this. He was warm and strong. She could take on the world with
him at her side. Then her heart tightened. She might have to do that.
Sid joined Aspen. “You’re the third dragon king?”
“Apparently. I don’t know how, but I’m hoping you guys will help us with some answers.” She wasn’t quite sure what reaction she’d been expecting, but a little more surprise would’ve been nice. They all were acting like there was nothing unusual about her being a king. All except Aspen, of course.
Aspen gaped at her for a few more seconds. “Sorry, I can’t quite believe it. And what have you done with Rowan?”
Skye grinned. “He looks pretty badass, doesn’t he? Who’s this?” she asked pointing to the young woman standing next to Aspen.
“This is Hazel, my sister. She’s Val’s queen.”
Skye narrowed her eyes at Hazel. “Runa said you hated Val.”
“When did you see Runa?”
Runa crashed in front of them. “I found them in Yosemite. Said I had to keep a secret. I did a good job, didn’t I? Everyone was looking for them, and I’m the only one who found them.”
Hazel stalked over to Runa, murder in her eyes. “You knew they were alive, and you let us think they were dead?”
Runa cowered and slid behind Rowan’s legs. “They told me to keep it a secret.”
Hazel glared at Rowan. “You knew we were looking for you? Thought you were dead, and you felt it important to let us think that. So you could hang out with your girlfriend?” She slapped him across the cheek. Skye made a move for her, but Rowan held her back. Skye took a couple of deep breaths. Rowan didn’t deserve to be treated like that by anyone, let alone his sister.
“No, I deserved that. Sissy. I’m sorry. But it was important that no one knew where we were. We weren’t just hanging out. If you want to know the truth, I’ve killed two dragons and was nearly killed by another. This was not fun and games.”
Hazel clenched her fists and took a few steps back, her expression promising death.
Sid moved forward. “This probably isn’t the best place to hear all about it. Why don’t we go home and let Rowan and Skye tell us everything? Aspen, we should get your parents. They deserve to hear this all now. All three of their kids are involved. They should be too. Let me dismiss the council.”
Before Sid could even turn around, another dragon flew into the cavern. Skye watched as Murdoc glided down to meet them. His swirl of colors mesmerizing. His eyes were wide, and his wings trembled.
Dead, they’re all dead. His voice was loud in her head, and she was certain everyone else heard it as well. Especially since she saw Rowan holding his head, Aspen hunched over, and Hazel with her eyes squeezed shut. His voice would be overwhelming for them.
Sid hurried forward and put his hand on Murdoc’s flank.
“Calm down. Who’s dead?”
All the woodlands dragons. Slaughtered. All my fault.
Skye covered her mouth to prevent a scream from coming out. Sid’s face went pale. The rest of the dragons rushed forward, but Sid stopped them with a look.
“How is it your fault?”
Kingston told me the canyon dragons wanted a meeting with the woodlands dragons. I figured it was over territory or something. I told everyone. They all showed up. Sequoia was here, but she and I are the only living woodlands dragons. The rest were there, and the canyon dragons came and killed them all. Kingston betrayed me. I must find him and avenge my race.
Skye felt her stomach drop. She’d known Kingston was a traitorous monster, but she didn’t realize he’d caused the slaughter of an entire race of dragons.
Rowan stepped forward. “Too late. I already killed him.”
Skye watched him. He was so confident. It was a side of him she hadn’t seen until recently.
Sequoia climbed closer to Murdoc and laid her head against his neck. She had tears streaming down her face.
The other council dragons stood back, restless. Skye figured no one knew quite what to do.
Skye watched Murdoc and Sequoia. They blinked, but made no movements. Skye was certain they were having a conversation. She could feel their anguish in the pit of her stomach.
After several moments, Murdoc got up and bowed before Rowan. Then I am forever in your debt. Anything you need is yours.
Skye didn’t hesitate. “Can you heal me?” She wasn’t sure what made her speak up, but she remembered what he did for Rowan. Maybe he could help her as well.
Murdoc slowly turned his head. His deep orange eyes narrowed at her. He took slow, deliberate steps toward her.
I was speaking to the boy.
“Yes, and the only thing standing between me and him is my illness. Can you heal me so we can be together as we were meant to be?” The council rustled behind her. She was sure they thought what she wanted was petty and dumb, but this might be her only opportunity to get back her ability to be sealed to Rowan.
Is this true? Murdoc stared at Rowan, but Rowan had his eyes trained on Skye.
“It is. Nothing would make me happier.”
Very well. It doesn’t even begin to repay my debt to you, but it is a start.
Skye moved forward so she was standing directly in front of Murdoc. Everyone else took a few steps back as Rowan waved them away.
“What’s he doing?” Sid asked.
“He’s going to heal her, but he uses his flames. Watch out.”
Murdoc opened his mouth and let out a jet of orange flames. Before he was even done, she felt the sting on her ankle.
She opened her eyes when it was over and gave Murdoc a bow. “Thank you.”
She turned around and saw Rowan staring at his ankle. He raced for her and kissed her. She pulled away and smiled at him. She felt like he was about to burst from love. It was strange though, Rowan’s feelings didn’t change at all. She supposed he’d already loved her enough. “See, this is better.”
Rowan shrugged. “Eh. Maybe. It’s hard to tell.”
Sid strode over to them. “Well, now before we go home, we need to take care of one more thing.”
Skye wasn’t sure she could handle one more thing, but she smiled anyway.
“What’s that?”
“You two need to be bonded.”
Sequoia stepped forward. With all due respect, Your Highness, would you let Murdoc and I go mourn our race. Perhaps this can wait a few days.
“No. This is now more urgent. We haven’t read the prophecy in its fullness, but we know that the key to defeating the white witch is the three kings. All of us need to be at full strength. That can only happen if we are bonded. Val and I have already completed this. It won’t take long.”
But what of the testing? Sequoia asked.
“What’s the testing?” Rowan asked.
“A series of tests to make sure you’re strong enough to be, er, queen.”
Rowan stalked up the circle of dragons. “In the last week I’ve killed a dragon to protect Skye, recovered the prophecy, and killed another one that was responsible for the deaths of the woodlands dragons. I don’t think I need to be tested anymore.”
“He’s got a point,” Xanthous said. “I’d say that’s a sufficient test if the rest of you do.”
The council deliberated. Xanthous jumped up and down in the middle of the group. Sequoia swatted at him, and he scowled at her. Pearl leaned closer to Anasazi. Skye waited with bated breath. She wished she could hear what they were they were talking about. She didn’t want Rowan to have to go through the horror Aspen went through.
“They don’t like it, but given the circumstances, the council will allow it. Sequoia spoke for you, and we feel it best to follow her council today,” said Xanthous.
Skye watched as each dragon stepped forward and placed their snout on Rowan’s forehead. She nudged Sid. “What are they doing?”
“Giving him each of their gifts. When you are bonded, you’ll receive them all as well.”
Skye took a few steps back. She didn’t want other gifts. She was happy with the one she had. She had no idea that was what it meant.
No wonder the council was cautious about who they gave the gifts to. That meant she would be able to read minds and heal.
“Who performs the bonding?”
“Me. Everett gave me the gift before he died.”
“How did he die?”
“Old age. I think. Truthfully, I expect we’ll find that answer in the prophecy too. Good work on retrieving it.”
“The book is rather thick. I didn’t think it was that long.” Skye wasn’t sure how they were going to read it all quickly. She needed answers now.
“Let’s get you and that boy bonded, and then we’ll read the prophecy together.”
After the canyon dragon gave Rowan his gift, Skye approached him. “You okay?” She gripped his hand and tried to absorb what he was feeling. His hands were clammy, and his eyes were wide.
“Yeah, I’m fine. But it’s a little overwhelming.” He rubbed his forehead.
She pulled him over to Sid, and they knelt in front of him.
“You’ll want to embrace. It will make this easier.”
Rowan wrapped his arms around her, and she buried her head in his shoulder. She’d never thought she’d be able to feel this way about him. It exceeded all of her expectations. Sid let out a jet of white flames that engulfed both her and Rowan. She felt herself merge with him. His feelings became hers, and so did his memories. She saw herself through his eyes, and she knew she’d never be worthy of his love. He cared for her more than she could comprehend.
Then as fast as it began, it was over. She blinked and took a couple of deep breaths. She and Rowan were forever. Nothing would change that. Skye was worried though. The immediate future would prevent them from having a happily ever after.
Sid clapped them both on the shoulders. “Congratulations.”
ALL SIX OF THEM gathered in the theater room to read the prophecy. The mood was almost optimistic, though Skye knew that could change in an instant. Runa was sitting outside the door, pouting. Sid said this was official business, and they didn’t know what they would discover.
Skye: The Dragon Kings Book 4 Page 15
