by Jana Downs
“Yeah, of course. The shower is in that room there.” Druis pointed to the closed door. “I’ll have one of the servants bring you some clean clothes while the rest of the heirs and I prepare for our journey.”
Devon furrowed his brow. “Journey?” He didn’t like the sound of that.
“I’ll fill you in later.” A warm smile spread across Druis’s face. “Just take your time doing whatever you need to do. We’ll be right outside the door.”
“You can call me if you need anything,” Cerilius chimed in with a little bit too much enthusiasm. His sincerity came off as forced and Devon eyed him suspiciously.
“Come on, suck up. Let’s leave the boy in peace so he can shower.” Asher grabbed the scruff of Cerilius’s robe and dragged the protesting dragon out of the room. Devon’s lips twitched with amusement as he watched Asher manhandle Cerilius.
“Just ignore those two. I swear, they don’t know how to behave at all.” Abraxas’s irritated tone pulled Devon’s attention from the commotion in the hall. He looked up and was met with the clan heir’s penetrating stare. The man was sin incarnate, and Devon couldn’t help the flood of desire that raced through him every time he looked at him.
He planted a firm smile on his face, determined to not let his attraction show through. “It’s okay. I don’t mind.”
The corners of Abraxas’s lips curved upward, and their eyes met for the briefest of seconds. Devon’s heart skipped a beat as he watched the man of his dreams follow the others out the door without so much as a glance back at him.
“I see how you are,” Druis said.
Devon turned to look at him with false innocence written all over his face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You like him.” Druis’s accusations caused Devon’s cheeks to flush bright red. Apparently his little crush was a bit more obvious than he thought.
“I do not,” he refuted even though he knew his embarrassment had already given him away.
“Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.” Druis’s goofy grin widened. “I’m just glad I haven’t completely failed at my mission in protecting your ass before we’ve even started our journey.” He turned and walked toward the door. “Yell if you need anything.”
“Druis, thank you,” Devon said, stopping him before he’d reached the door. “You know, for everything.”
Druis cast one last look over his shoulder. “It’s my duty, Devon. You don’t have to thank me.”
“I know, but you don’t have to be so nice about it. Trust me, I don’t think I could’ve handled all this if I didn’t have you on my side.”
A warm smiled spread across the dragon’s face. “I’m glad I could help.”
* * * *
Devon stepped into the throne room, fidgeting with the royal blue kameez the servants had left for him. He felt awkward and uncomfortable wearing such attire, but from the way everyone else was dressed, he’d gathered it was probably the only option they had to offer him. Finding a pair of blue jeans was probably damn near impossible.
“Hello, Devon,” the woman from earlier greeted as he walked through the doorway. “My apologies for not formally introducing myself earlier. I’m Maeva, mistress to this palace, and I will be assisting you and the heirs on your journey as much as I can.” She smiled sweetly.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Devon said as he took a step closer. Everyone was gathered around a table, mulling over the dozens of papers Druis had scattered about. His eyes flickered to Abraxas. He was watching him, staring fixedly as Devon approached. Has he been looking at me the whole time?
“So I think if we head here first, we should be able to find the water gem relatively easily. That’s if Devon is able to channel the king’s powers and can pinpoint the exact location.” Druis pointed to an indiscernible point on the map and Devon snuck a glance. The kingdom was broken into five different factions, each one labeled with the appropriate clan name. The spot Druis was talking about was near the Azure clan.
“Don’t let him overwhelm you. Druis has always been this way. That was one of the things my king loved about him. No matter what the task, he always found a way to get done what needed to be done.” Maeva moved to stand next to Devon as the clan heirs and Druis continued to hash out details.
“So Druis works for the royal family?” Devon asked, looking to the smiling elder woman.
“Yes, he was raised here actually. His mother used to work in the kitchen, and when she passed away, Adonis took him in as his own. He trained him as a guardsman, but Druis advanced so far in the ranks that Adonis named him head of the guard. Pretty impressive, considering he’s only twenty-seven.”
Devon looked at him now and couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. He was talking circles around Asher, who was currently looking at him like he’d lost his mind.
“Would you care for some wine?” Maeva’s sweet demeanor made Devon feel welcome.
“Yes. Please.”
Maeva summoned a servant, and they brought enough for everyone to enjoy. It was dry wine, bitter to the taste, but it suited Devon just fine. He’d never been one for the sweeter options. He inhaled the smell as he took a sip, savoring the first bit of substance he’d had since arriving in Draconia.
“So where are we going?” Devon asked, curious about what it was Druis was planning.
“You’ll be traveling to each of the five kingdoms collecting the stones of Raj.”
Maeva’s answer provided little explanation, and Devon drew his brows together in confusion. “Stones of Raj?” he asked skeptically.
“They’re required to complete the Ceremony,” Asher offered. “A select stone from each of the five clans is required to summon the Dragon God and declare a new king. Since we only have two months to locate all five stones and they’ve been hidden away for centuries, we’re in a bit of a time crunch.”
“Why only two months? Can’t I just name the heir before I go?”
Asher shook his head. “It doesn’t work that way. Only you know where the exact locations of the stones are, and only you can summon the Dragon God.”
“Me? I don’t know anything about the stones or your clans.” How the hell was he supposed to find these ancient ruins?
“It’s okay. The late king instilled his power to you,” Maeva explained. “His strength will guide you.”
Devon raised an eyebrow at the woman but didn’t dare to challenge her. There was no point. Trying to explain to them how crazy this all sounded was redundant. To them, this was logic.
“Don’t worry, Devon. It’s my job to supply you with the things you may need. You’ll have plenty of money, ample travel equipment, and thanks to the late king, you have the map of the last known location of the stones. You’re in good hands. I will warn you, though, since there’s so many supplies you’ll have to travel by foot most of the time.” That wasn’t what Devon was worried about. He was more concerned about being able to magically know where these stones were at. He hadn’t even given a thought to the fact that they would be heading out into the desert, wandering aimlessly for god only knows how long.
Devon glanced to the tattered map. The rough leather looked as old as some of the artifacts he’d uncovered back in his world. “How long has it been since you had to locate the stones last?”
Maeva shrugged. “A few centuries. Not since Adonis was crowned.”
Devon’s eyes widened. “A few centuries? Is that common for dragons to live so long?”
She nodded. “Sometimes a king can live longer if they find their twin flame.”
“Twin flame?” Something about that sounded familiar to Devon as he vaguely recalled a Native American legend centering around the idea of one soul being born into two different bodies.
“In dragon society, only lovers who have stood before the Dragon God Ryujin and survived are allowed to wed. I could never muster up the courage to do something like that even though I loved my Adonis very much.” Her eyes were kind as she tucked the l
oose strands of hair behind her ear. “Us dragons can be very prideful. We’ve been driven to war over jealousy and greed. It is part of the reason the Dragon God tests our love so much. True love must withstand the dragon’s impulses.”
Devon wanted to ask more about their histories and their culture, but before he had the chance, the sound of the double doors opening at the far end of the hall drew everyone’s attention.
“Looks like Ezekiel must be back with Alex,” Druis commented. “About damned time. I told him to be back last night.”
Devon instantly recognized Ezekiel and his model features, but the other person who accompanied him was a stranger, a very gorgeous stranger. He had an ethereal look about him with olive skin tones and raven-black hair that fell carelessly in front of the deepest set of blue eyes Devon had ever seen. He was taller than Ezekiel and had a much larger build, but his muscle wasn’t bulky. He appeared to be lean and hard in all the right places.
“What’s he doing here?” Druis demanded, anger boiling in his tone.
I guess that’s not Alex.
Ezekiel raised an eyebrow at Druis’s temperament. “Layden’s the new heir to the Azure throne, Dru. I have returned with him as you requested.”
The sound of glass shattering caused everyone to jump and they turned to look at Abraxas. He stood seething with anger and clutching the remnants of his wine glass as blood trickled down his fist. Small electrical pulses were crackling around him again as every muscle in his body tensed. His sight was locked in on Layden, making Devon extremely uncomfortable.
“Nice to see you haven’t changed, Abraxas,” Layden stated with a coldness in his tone. No one moved as they waited to see what Abraxas would do.
“Druis,” Abraxas said through clenched teeth, his gaze never wavering from Layden.
“Yeah, what’s up, Abraxas?”
“Summon me when we’re ready to leave. I’ll be waiting outside in the gardens.” Lowering his bloodied hand, Abraxas turned and left the room.
Everyone returned to their work as though nothing had happened, but Devon couldn’t shake the haunted look in Abraxas’s eyes when he saw it was Layden and not Alex who had come. He sat his glass on the table and ran to catch up with him.
“Abraxas, wait,” he called, but Abraxas kept walking as though he hadn’t heard Devon.
“Leave me alone.” He growled, refusing to stop even for a brief moment.
His harsh tone caused Devon to falter, and he misjudged the distance to the next step. His foot twisted, and he collided into Abraxas’s backside.
“Hey! Do you mind watching where you’re going?” Abraxas snapped as he turned around. Losing his support, Devon fell to the desert floor, pain radiating from his leg.
Man, this just isn’t my day.
“Ouch,” Devon groaned as he pushed himself up to take a look at the damage. Tears stung his eyes as the throbbing ache worsened when he pressed on the tender area.
By that time everyone in the throne room had seen his pathetic attempt at walking down two measly stairs and had run outside to see if he was okay. Abraxas just stood there looking down at him.
“You okay?” Druis asked, bending down to take a look at his injury.
“Yeah…just twisted it is all. Apparently, I’m a klutz today. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. It’s like I have two left feet all of a sudden.” He was more irritated with the fact that he’d done this right before they were planning on leaving for a big trip that he was sure would require an excessive amount of walking.
“Here, let me carry you back inside and we’ll wrap it.” Druis’s massive frame lifted Devon with ease as he carried him back into the throne room. Devon cast a look over his shoulder looking for Abraxas, but he’d already stormed off toward the gardens.
I guess he really did want to be alone. Devon suddenly felt very foolish for going after him as he clung to Druis’s chest.
Druis carried him back to the bedchamber. “Ezekiel, do you mind taking a look?”
“Not at all, Dru.” The blond-haired beauty stepped forward and bent down to take a look at Devon’s ankle. It was already starting to swell.
Devon winced as he carefully twisted and turned his foot.
“Yup, he definitely sprained it. I’m going to need something to wrap it with and some ice.”
Cerilius offered to go and get it as he hurried out of the room. Within a moment’s time, he’d returned carrying a bandage much like the ace bandages they had back home and an ice pouch. Ezekiel wrapped his ankle, propped it up with some pillows, and laid the bag of ice on his foot.
“There that should do it.” He flashed Devon a kind smile. “Just give it a little while and I think you’ll be good as new.”
“Thanks, Ezekiel,” Devon said. He could already feel the ice working to soothe the pain.
“Well then, shall we get back to our plans?” Druis asked. “We can let Devon rest up for the remainder of the evening, while we finish getting everything together.”
They all agreed and headed back to the throne room, leaving Devon alone with Druis.
Druis looked down at him, amused by Devon’s sustained injury. “You’re not going to make this easy on me, are you?”
Devon cast him a meaningful glare. “It’s not like I meant to fall.”
“Yeah, yeah, just don’t try to walk anymore today. I’d like you to at least remain in one piece for twenty-four hours.”
He waved a hand of dismissal and followed the others back outside. Devon sighed in frustration at being bedridden. He wanted to explore the palace, ask half a million questions, but he supposed there would be plenty of time for that later.
A knock at the door broke the silence in the room. “May I come in?” It was Abraxas, and instantly Devon could feel his nervousness rising.
“Yeah, it’s open,” he called.
Abraxas stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
“How’s your foot?” he said, staring at the bandage.
“It’s fine. Nothing really. I can’t believe how many times I’ve fallen today. You’d think this is normal for me.” Devon was babbling, something he did frequently when he was anxious.
“It’s not?” Abraxas raised his eyebrows in a teasing manner as his met Devon’s gaze.
“No,” Devon said defiantly. “I’m actually quite good on my feet.” God, he sounded like an idiot.
“Well, I came to apologize. If I hadn’t been such an ass, you wouldn’t have fallen.” His genuine disposition was nothing like the hostility he’d emanated earlier. “I overreacted when I saw Layden and took my foul mood out on you.”
“It’s all right, really. I was the one who tripped. I should have just let you have your privacy, but I was concerned because I saw how upset you were. I wanted to make sure you were okay. You have nothing to be sorry for, Abraxas. I brought this on myself.”
A moment of silence passed between them before Abraxas took a step closer and reached for his hand. Devon made no move to protest as his erratic heart beat loudly in his chest. Their eyes locked as Abraxas lifted Devon’s hand and placed a gentle kiss upon it. Devon’s cheeks redden with embarrassment as a shiver of desire ran down his spine. This attraction was becoming a bit absurd at this point, but god he was beautiful.
“I assure you, I’m quite all right now.” His voice was almost a whisper as the warmth from his breath tickled Devon’s skin. The sound of the door opening caused Abraxas to quickly release his hold on Devon’s hand.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had company.” Layden stood in the doorway, unsure of whether or not to turn around and leave. “I just came by to introduce myself.”
Layden had a quiet disposition, nothing like the strong emotions that always seemed to come from Abraxas. The two men stood staring at one another, but not with anger. Devon had picked up on the fact that Abraxas’s cousin had something to do with the death of Layden’s eldest brother, so he understood why there had been such hostility between the two men earl
ier, but the look reflected in Abraxas’s eyes now was one of longing, something Devon hadn’t expected.
Abraxas pursed his lips before closing the distance between them.
“Abraxas.” Layden’s tone was short and to the point as he stiffened his posture defensively.
Abraxas extended his hand toward Layden. “I just wanted to give my condolences on behalf of the Night clan for your loss and congratulate you on becoming clan heir. I know you will be a formidable leader for your people during their time of grief.”
Layden’s expression was hard to read, but he took the extended hand. “Thank you. Your sympathies are much appreciated but unnecessary. My people know it is not the fault of your clan but rather the actions of one stupid man that resulted in the death of my brother and he has been dealt with accordingly.”
Devon remembered well the bloodied death of his own mother and could imagine how hard it must be for Layden to keep himself so composed.
Abraxas left the room, leaving Devon alone with the strange newcomer. Layden’s kind eyes met Devon’s. “I apologize for the interruption.”
Devon shook his head. “No interruption. Abraxas was just checking on my foot.”
Layden nodded as though he understood. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be here earlier. I’m Layden, heir to the Azure clan.” He extended his hand to Devon, and Devon took it.
“Devon Avalon, misfit human who apparently can’t seem to go more than two minutes without doing something clumsy.”
Devon’s humor made Layden smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to our travels together.”
The thought of being around Abraxas and Layden for the next two months made Devon a bit nervous. There was definite tension between the two and he didn’t know if he could handle being in a constant state of uncertainty, but he smiled nonetheless.
Layden ran a nervous hand through his tousled hair. “Well, I guess I’ll let you get some rest. We can talk more later.”
“Okay,” Devon agreed. He watched Layden exit the room and sighed as he leaned back into the softness of the pillows that surrounded him. His eyelids grew heavy as exhaustion overcame him. Aside from his minor concussion, he hadn’t been able to get much rest. As much as his curiosity yearned to defy Ezekiel’s orders, Devon was too tired to get up. Instead, he let himself drift off into a dreamless sleep, grateful for the reprieve from everything that had happened to him since he’d first entered the world of Draconia.
