by Amy Sumida
Torin nodded and gave Declan a grateful look.
“What he said,” Slate concurred. “Magic isn't a bullet that once shot can never be used again. It's more like a dagger; you throw it and hope that you hit your opponent hard enough that they can't pull it out and throw it back at you. Gargo flung our dagger back in our faces, but now we know we need a bigger blade.”
“That's a lot of weapon analogies,” Banning teased.
Slate was relieved enough to have me back that he even grinned. “I go with what I know.”
“I feel as if I've been wrapped in cotton,” I said on a sigh. “Everything is brighter now.”
You're telling me. I was alone in the dark, RS grumbled.
You're never alone, RS, I said gently and the feeling of her pleasure bubbled inside me.
“Losing your magic means losing a piece of your soul,” Darc reminded me. “You are not whole without it.”
“Or without all of you,” I added softly.
The men closed in around me and hands began to wander. Gage growled in my ear as Torin eased up my skirt. I closed my eyes and held my arms out to my lovers. Sweet stones, yes! This is exactly what I needed.
“Pardon the intrusion,” Zhavage's voice popped my eyes open. “But the other kings are assembled, and I thought you might like to join us.”
“Oh!” I disengaged myself from my men regretfully. “Everyone, this is King Zhavage of the Cinnabar Court. Your Majesty, these are my husbands: King Darcraxis of Kyanite, King Torin of Onyx, King Declan of Alexandrite, Prince Banning Dalca of the Blooders, Gage of the Saeiqa Tribe, and Slate Devon, Lord of the Oregon Zone.”
“An honor to meet all of you,” Zhavage said politely. “But, Elaria, I thought we were going to dispense with titles?”
My men lifted their brows at me.
I cleared my throat. “I didn't want to assume that the honor would be extended to my family.”
“But of course.” He bowed to my men. “We are about to go to war together, gentlemen. Please feel free to call me Zhavage.”
My guys politely thanked the Dragon King and offered him the same respect.
“How did all of you get here?” I asked suddenly. I looked at Zhavage to add, “I thought you had sent word to Cerberus?”
“I did,” Zhavage confirmed.
“Oh, Gods, Cerberus! Is he all right? I totally forgot to ask about him,” I rambled.
“Cerberus is just fine. He's the one who called us in,” Torin explained.
“We handed the messenger a traveling stone and asked him to take us to wherever you were,” Declan added.
“I see.” I grinned. “Well done.”
“As if we'd let Cerberus go in our stead,” Slate huffed.
“No one was supposed to go with the messenger,” I said. “We were going to meet you on land.”
“As if we were going to wait that long to see you,” Slate said in the same tone of his previous statement.
“Fair enough,” I conceded and smiled brighter. “And I'm glad you didn't.”
“As am I,” Zhavage added. “It will be good to have your counsel at our meeting.”
“Translation; save your reunion for later. We have a war to wage,” Gage said with a grin in Zhavage's direction.
King Zhavage spread his hands in a you-caught-me gesture then waved us out into the corridor. “This usurper will not wait on us so we should not tarry.”
“I can't wait to kill that son of a bitch,” Slate growled.
Chapter Twenty-Six
My men and I followed King Zhavage through the corridors of his palace, spiraling down to one of the lower floors of the main keep.
“How many did we lose?” I asked my men as we went.
“Very few,” Darc said. “Thanks to your aunt.”
“The Spellsingers are okay?” I asked urgently. “The Terrencals?—”
“Yes, they're all fine,” Torin cut me off with a gentle smile. “Most of the assumed fatalities were Greek but you said that Gargo took several prisoners along with you so perhaps they're not dead, after all.”
“Oh.” I sighed. “That's a relief.” Then I blinked. “Wait. Which of my aunts saved everyone? Adelaid?”
“Alexandra,” Torin announced gleefully. “She brought the Asrai to help us. When Gargo attacked us with the seabed, the Asrai spread themselves over our troops and cushioned us against the blow.”
“Unfortunately, they were so busy protecting us that they weren't able to focus on following you and the others Gargo took,” Declan said.
“Alexandra was very upset,” Banning said gently. “We need to find a way to notify her that you're all right.”
“She was also the one who gave me the idea to try to find you with my water magic,” Darc added.
“I can have the Asrai contacted,” Zhavage offered as we approached a pair of ebony doors carved with designs of seashells.
“We'd appreciate that,” Darc said.
“But... not to sound petulant but if the Asrai protected everyone, how did the three of you get hurt?” I looked from Gage to Slate to Banning.
“Gargo,” Slate snarled. “He sent additional stones at Banning and me after the initial blast. Talk about adding insult to injury. A gargoyle getting hurt by rock is unheard of.”
“And he knocked me away when he tore our ship open,” Gage added.
“He wants to destroy everyone I love,” I muttered.
“We won't let that happen,” Gage vowed.
A pair of guards dressed in Zhavage's colors opened the doors for us. Zhavage led us across the threshold then we all went silent.
The room we had entered was enormous, with several seating areas, including a square dining set done in cinnabar and gold. Opposite the doors, a two-story-tall window overlooked the Cinnabar City. Deep-sea fish swam past the glass, peering in at us curiously, but most of the larger creatures kept their distance.
I was so distracted by the view that it took me a moment to register all of the people in the room. There were several courtiers at the table but among them sat three men who were undoubtedly different. The Lóng race, as a whole, seemed to possess a coloring similar to that of the Asian races of Earth; dark hair and eyes with a golden tint to their skin. Doubtless, this was the reason they'd chosen to populate China when they'd first arrived; they could blend in easier.
Except for those three men I'd noted.
One of them reminded me of Lucifer; he had long, white hair, braided back from his striking face, and a pair of sapphire eyes that stared at me serenely. His clothing differed from the others as well, more luxurious and covered in gold embroidery. Across from him sat a man who I almost mistook for one of the courtiers until I noted his eyes. Elaborate braids hung in loops down his back like snakes, but their color was a normal, if exceptionally glossy, black. His eyes, however, were golden orbs that burned with magic. Over his velvet tunic, he wore a fur-lined coat, its golden silk embroidered with black dragons.
At the end of the table closest to the window, the final man of this unusual trio sat. He wore a leather cloak with a snow fox collar but under that rich garment, his clothes were those of a warrior. His hair was an unnatural color, but he wore it in a simple style, not nearly as long as the other two. He stood out from both groups; making most of the sea folk seem bland while the others appeared ridiculously flamboyant. Even Zhavage was like a peacock when compared to this predator.
There went the hope of never seeing him again.
My rescuer lifted his stare to mine. He flinched and that cool stare sparked with heat. My lips parted in surprise as my heart started to race, but then his gaze shifted to my men and narrowed. His jaw clenched and his upper lip lifted in a snarl as he looked back at me accusingly. What the fuck was his problem?
Oooo! Who's the hottie with the blue hair? And why did he just go from looking at you like he wanted to lick you from lips to lips to looking as if you smell funny? RS asked.
My love? Kyanite's voice was uncertain.
/>
He saved my life.
He saved your life when? You just got here. RS asked like a gossipy housewife.
A little while ago, I admitted. I was taking a bath when this woman attacked me. He came in and pulled her off me.
In the bath? RS shrieked gleefully. Oh, please tell me he pulled off those barbarian clothes and jumped in with you.
He left when he saw my wedding rings, I tried not to sound upset about it.
Good, Ky huffed. The last thing you need is another man.
I agree.
I don't, RS announced. We can always use backup. And frankly, we're going to need the extra firepower soon. Maybe you should have a private conversation with the Blue Devil over there and tell him you might have an opening for him.
You're disgusting, Kyanite huffed.
A position for him to fill, RS went on.
Please, stop, I groaned in my head.
Tell him you could fit him in your—
Don't say it! Kyanite raged.
Busy schedule, RS finished gleefully.
“El!” Cerberus shouted, jumped up, and ran over to me.
He scooped me up into a hug, and I laughed as I hugged him back, Ignoring the conversation still going on in my head.
“Cer! I didn't know you were here too.”
“Your boys didn't tell you, eh?” Cerberus asked as he put me down. “Must have wanted to keep me as a surprise.”
“I'm glad to see you, buddy,” I whispered. “It's been a rough one.”
“For all of us,” he agreed in a suddenly somber tone. “Come on, the Dragons are eager to meet you. From what I've heard, you've made quite a stir.”
“I don't know how,” I whispered. “I've only just gotten my magic back.”
Cer frowned at me in confusion.
“I'll tell you later.”
“Please, take the seat of honor beside mine, Queen Elaria.” King Zhavage pulled out a chair at the end of the table closest to us.
I took my seat, and my guys, including Cerberus, sat to my left. King Zhavage took the chair on my right. Triteia was already seated to his right with Zhavage's advisers beside her. But I only glanced at all of them before my gaze lifted and shot back across the table to Mr. Blue. I'd been wrong about him; his lips weren't full or sensuous. They were like the rest of his face; harsh. Made more for consuming than giving pleasure.
“Thank you, Brothers, for agreeing to meet in my kingdom,” King Zhavage said. “Before we begin, I'd like to introduce you to our guests. You've already met Princess Triteia and Cerberus. These are their companions and fellow leaders in the Beneather Army.” He went through the titles I'd given him without fail. Then he waved a hand at me. “And this is Queen Elaria of Kyanite. Esteemed guests,”—he nodded to all of us—“these are my brothers; King Finshen of the Dark Court, the Black Dragon of Winter.” He waved to the raven-haired man, and King Finshen nodded to us.“King Reihar of the White Court, the White Dragon of Autumn.” He motioned to the white-haired man, who also nodded at us.“And this is King Verin of the Azure Court, the Blue Dragon of Spring.” My blue-haired savior nodded crisply and looked away.
Zhavage lifted his brows as he looked back and forth between me and Verin. He cleared his throat before saying, “I'm told that there was an altercation between you and a member of my court, Queen Elaria, an altercation which King Verin quelled.”
Verin's head lifted and his gaze narrowed at Zhavage.
“I'd like to apologize for Biyu's bad behavior,” Zhavage went on with an assessing look in Verin's direction. “I swore to protect you and then you were accosted in my castle. This is not acceptable. I beg your forgiveness and assure you that she's been punished appropriately.”
“What's this?” Torin growled, transferring his stare from Zhavage to me.
“I was attacked,” I said simply. “The woman was afraid that I was bringing war to her home. It's fine. Let it go.” I looked at Zhavage to add, “It's forgiven, Your Majesty.”
“It's not fine or forgiven,” Slate snarled. Then he set his silver stare on Zhavage. “What was done to this woman?”
“She is currently bound in a vat of electric eels,” Zhavage said casually. “Then several tentacles will be removed with pincers.”
Slate blinked. I blanched.
“Does that satisfy you, Lord Slate?” Verin rumbled.
I glanced over at the Blue Dragon. His head was lowered and his eyes shadowed by his brow, but I could still see the derision in his eyes. My hackles rose. Who the hell did he think he was to look at my man like that?
Oh, our girl is ready to lay the smackdown! RS shouted. Go get him, El! And might I suggest mud wrestling?
Elaria, calm yourself, Kyanite counseled. Their help could be invaluable. Remember that you're a queen and be diplomatic.
“My satisfaction is none of your business,” Slate growled back, his voice lowering to match Verin's tone. “But the bitch should have been executed.”
That's right; I don't have to defend my men. They can handle themselves. Wait. Did he just say executed?
“Slate?” I whispered in shock as all of the Lóng shifted uncomfortably.
All but Verin, who grinned savagely and grunted. “I agree.” Verin widened his smile to bare his teeth. “But Biyu is not my responsibility, and I had no desire to kill her in front of your... wife.” He said the last word scathingly.
“She's not my wife.” Slate smirked at the other man as if he'd just figured him out. “But she is mine. Does that stick in your craw, Dragon? That a gargoyle has something you want? Or is it the fact that Elaria has multiple lovers that bothers you? You a prude or some kind of religious fanatic? Or perhaps you're too much of a chauvinist to approve of a man sharing his woman?”
The table had gone silent and still. The advisers were pulled back in their chairs as if preparing to flee, but the other dragon kings watched the exchange avidly. King Finshen even licked his lips.
“Gods damn it, Slate!” I snapped. “You couldn't have just left it at 'she's mine?'”
Slate smirked at me. “Not when he's been staring at you as if he can't decide whether he wants to fuck you or bitch-slap you.”
There goes diplomacy, Kyanite groaned.
I sighed and rubbed my forehead as the Dragon Kings straightened in their seats.
Verin grunted again. Except this time there was a scornful, dismissive note to it. As if he didn't care what Slate thought or did. As if Slate posed no threat to him. Was, in fact, so pathetic that Verin couldn't be bothered to form words to answer him. I have no idea how he put so much meaning into one sound, but he did, and—if I'm being honest—it impressed me.
Slate was not impressed. He roared and shot to his feet. I jumped up with him and grabbed his arm urgently. Slate swiveled his furious stare to me, and I gave him a heavy look. Slate took a deep breath, calmed himself, and slipped back on his Zone Lord mask. He inclined his head and waved his hand out toward Verin in a go-ahead gesture.
“Whatever you think of my family and me,” I said as I turned to pin Verin with my furious stare. “We're here to form an alliance with your people. Now, you can insult us all you want. Go ahead and make your little grunts and growls,” I lowered my voice to growl to match his, “in your head. As a proper king would. But if you continue with this boorish behavior, I will sing you to sleep and leave you like that until the battle is over. Do you really want to miss out on all the fun because you don't condone the way we live?”
King Verin sat back in his seat and lifted his chin. He pursed his lips and considered me a few moments while the rest of the room waited anxiously.
“The way you live doesn't concern me. So long as everyone involved has willingly agreed to the arrangement,” Verin finally said. “It was your... consort who came to the conclusion that I disapprove. I said nothing of the sort, only that I was unwilling to kill in front of you. Your man is the one acting boorish, not I.”
Well, doesn't that just make you feel like a heel? RS ch
uckled.
Hardly, I scoffed. He's twisting things. Very cunning. If I didn't know better, I'd think he was a loup.
“I call bullshit.” Cerberus leaned forward on his beefy forearms to glare at Verin. “You can say a lot without actually speaking, and you have been saying some nasty shit since you spotted my girl. Slate was right to call you on it because we can't have a dragon fighting at our backs when he's thinking about stabbing us in them.”
