“Marry me, Carrier?” Drakina asked, her gaze locking with his.
His heart raced, but he wanted her love, not her compassion. “Not for pity, princess.”
Her eyes gleamed with resolve. “I know little of this pity,” she said but he knew it wasn’t true. She reached to touch his cheek, tentative. “I have mated with a warrior and would keep him as my Consort.”
It was everything Troy had always wanted and more. He bent and kissed her thoroughly, vaguely aware the the official in front of them was clucking that the vows hadn’t been exchanged yet. Many of those in the gallery shared his feelings, because they were cheering.
Troy felt like cheering himself. There was someone in the galaxy who wanted him alive, after all.
The official cleared his throat. “The vows, Highness?”
“Yes, the vows.” Drakina gestured to another minion. “And please stream the ceremony to my father’s court. By the time we return to Incendium, he may have made his peace with my choice.” She cast a sparkling glance at Troy. “He will have a grandson to spoil, after all.”
“When do you plan to go back?”
“After a seclusion as befits a couple newly bound.” Her eyes twinkled. “I have been thinking of that boar, and that it should not go to waste.”
Troy grinned. “It would be about time to smoke it, and roast a haunch.”
Drakina’s hand closed over his own. “And we will bring some of this bacon when we return to Incendium. It may be of aid in winning my father’s agreement.”
“That’s brilliant, princess.”
“We have conquered with teamwork before, Troy, and we will do so again and again.” Her smile was confident and the weight of her hand in his was perfect. They turned to the official and exchanged their vows in clear voices.
For the first time, in a very long time, Troy felt optimism about his future.
No. He felt exhilaration about his future.
Because a dragon princess had claimed him for her own.
“This exchange of vows,” Drakina said when the official stepped back. “Must be sealed with a kiss.”
“You won’t get an argument from me, princess.”
* * *
The royal egg was delivered a little later than might have been expected, but Ignita assured Drakina—and Troy, who had been banished from the imperial birthing chamber—that this was normal for a first-spawn. The queen had been with her oldest daughter for the entire duration of the labor.
“You took much longer, Drakina,” Ignita said with a laugh, her gaze lingering on the newly delivered egg. Drakina’s sisters were in the nursery with her and her mother, along with the physician, six nursemaids, and a cluster of astrologers. It was an ornate and cozy room, without windows to ensure its security and better regulate its temperature, and generously proportioned for a reason.
The delivery of a royal egg always commanded a crowd.
The viewing of the royal egg before it hatched was also a popular activity.
It was not uncommon for a mother to unwillingly shift to her dragon form in the act of birthing the egg, which was yet another reason to have such a large room. Drakina was glad she hadn’t done that, and that her mother had managed to restrain herself, as well.
She lay on a bed against one wall of the chamber. The egg was perched in the very middle of the room, at the focal point as it should be. Drakina thought it was the most beautiful dragon egg she’d ever seen. It was blue-green and shone with iridescence. The shell’s surface was marked with opalescent patterns and caught the light. The physician bent over it, murmuring and listening as everyone else watched him in rapt silence. There was a tension in the chamber until his features brightened.
“The crown prince quickens!” he declared and there were tears of joy, as well as shouts of delight. Drakina’s sisters kissed her one after the other, and her mother began to sing.
Even in the sheltered room, Drakina could hear the bells pealing in the city below, informing the citizens of Incendium of the good news. There would be feasting on this night, courtesy of King Ouros. It had been a long time since Peri’s delivery, but memories ran long in Incendium of the lavish spreads bestowed on the populace when an egg quickened.
There was more to celebrate as well, for Troy had been officially pardoned. Just the day before, he’d received an official apology from the Emperor and another from the Governor of Xanto.
The locked portals to the chamber were opened, and Troy was summoned. The egg was surrounded by nursemaids who wrapped it in ermine and silk and tucked it into a warm nest. The astrologers hovered at the perimeter of the chamber, desperate to begin their examination of the shell’s surface and chart the horoscope of the crown prince, but they had to wait.
Troy was the first male through the doors, but he came directly to Drakina instead of the egg. Gemma was beside Drakina and she momentarily blocked Troy’s path. It might have looked inadvertent to another, but both Drakina and Troy knew better. Drakina knew the hard shimmer in her sister’s eyes was enough to freeze the blood of many men.
Troy bowed and excused himself.
“I may never excuse you,” Gemma said tightly, then moved out of his path.
Troy paused to hold her gaze, so unafraid that Drakina was proud. “Remember that I have been an assassin. If there is a man you would seek to kill, Gemma, I might be of aid to you.”
“I do not need your aid,” she replied, her voice hard.
“I can stand testimony against Urbanus now.”
Gemma lifted her chin. “I will solve this matter myself.”
Troy’s gaze was simmering when he bent to kiss Drakina’s cheek. “All right, princess?” he murmured for her ears alone.
“Never better,” she said, and kissed him properly.
Gemma averted her face but didn’t leave.
When Troy went to look at the egg, Drakina appealed to her sister yet again. “You should break the betrothal, Gemma,” she advised quietly. “You should not marry Urbanus.”
Meanwhile, Gemma smiled, a warrior princess to her toes. She was blond with blue eyes, and often underestimated for her prettiness. When her dragon was ascendant, though, it was impossible to imagine she was anything else. “I will keep the betrothal, and I will wreak vengeance from inside his own home. Nowhere is it writ that I will welcome him as my wedded husband.” She arched a brow. “Urbanus will know the fullness of my wrath only when it is too late for him to save himself.”
“Then you do not need Troy’s help.”
“I do not.”
“But if Urbanus guesses…”
Gemma laughed. “Does he come to the quickening? No. He and his mother are casting spells, I am sure.” She shook her head. “As if words could save him.”
Drakina frowned. “Don’t imperil yourself, Gemma. Vengeance is not noble.”
“But sometimes it is necessary,” she said with heat then walked away.
Drakina watched as Troy walked around the egg, his expression a mix of wonder and curiosity. Ouros was close behind him—and he examined the egg first—his pleasure with events more than clear.
Ouros even spoke to Troy, which was progress. Drakina guessed that her father was explaining the marvel of this particular dragon egg and how it exceeded all others.
Mostly because it contained his first grandson.
Troy glanced at Drakina and their gazes met, his slow smile prompting her lips to curve in return.
“Kraw!” Ignita called. “We must make ready for the blessings!”
“Indeed, Highness, the tidings have journeyed quickly. The High Priestess of Nimue has already arrived to give her blessing.”
Drakina saw Troy wince at the news of their visitor. How did he know the High Priestess? Or what did he know of her?
Ignita fluttered, then hurried from the chamber to ensure that all was made ready for her guests. Gemma joined Ignita at the portal to welcome the first of those come to bless the egg.
Troy came to Drakina�
�s side and perched on the side of the bed. He took her hand and laced their fingers together. “I’d rather face the high court of Xanto than your sister,” he murmured.
She nodded rueful agreement. “She has the longest memory and the strongest battle skills.”
Troy grimaced. “There are more reassuring things you could have said.”
“I meant that if there is anyone to avenge the crime of Regalia, it will be Gemma,” Drakina clarified. “She will accept that you were not truly responsible for Arista’s death, in time.”
“I don’t have your lifespan to wait, princess.”
“That is something we must discuss,” Drakina said, holding fast to his hand. “But you know I will protect you.”
He surveyed her warmly. “And you are okay?”
“It was not so bad. I am glad that there is a quickening already.” She spoke quietly to him, as the others hastened about.
“Were you afraid?”
“Concerned,” she admitted with a smile. She patted the pillow and he lounged beside her, his long legs stretched out beside hers.
“Me, too,” he replied and kissed her knuckles. “It’s so strange that you revere astrologers over astronomers. That’s not the way it is on Terra.”
“It is so strange that you divide the knowledge of the stars, calling part science and part myth. It is all wisdom.”
Troy nodded understanding, and she knew he was thinking of something else. “How long until he’s born?” He frowned. “Or hatched?”
“Several months in your time, but he will be tended at every moment. The greatest peril is past.” She squeezed his fingers and tried to encourage his confidence. “I hear that you have been down in the shipyards again.”
“It’s fascinating. I always liked engines, and the stellar drive is so interesting.”
Drakina smiled. “It is said that you have offered good suggestions.”
Troy grinned. “I’ve just asked questions, princess. There’s so much to learn.”
“Do you like it on Incendium?” she asked, fearing his response. Troy did not have to have an ongoing role in the court, not now that the crown prince was hale.
“I do. I think of Terra, sometimes, but I feel as if I have two homes.”
“I am glad.”
He turned to face her. “But I have an idea, princess. I haven’t done any MindBending as it seemed it would be rude, but I’ve noticed something that you might not have seen.”
“Tell me.”
“Everyone in Incendium worries about the planet falling toward the sun.”
“Surely this is reasonable.”
“Of course, but what if that, if all those thoughts, are actually drawing the planet toward the sun? What if the focus of so many minds is accelerating Incendium’s fall?”
Drakina straightened. She had never considered the possibility, but Troy knew more of the power of the mind than she. “Never mind my father’s concern.”
“Right. There’s a dragon who can make things happen by force of will!”
“What do you suggest?”
“I’m thinking that maybe you and I should return to Terra, with our son. It would be a huge change for you and a concession, I know—”
“Not so much of a concession, Troy, to be with you in the paradise you call home.”
He smiled, obviously pleased by her words. That he hadn’t expected them meant she had to confess more, once he was done. “Maybe that’s how our son will save Incendium.”
“I don’t understand.”
“All those people and dragons will turn their thoughts from the sun to our son.” He pointed, and she realized that Terra was in the opposite direction, far away from the central star of their system. In fact, Terra was nearly as far from their sun as it was possible to be in the galaxy.
“And you think it might draw Incendium away from its sun.”
“I think it’s worth a try, princess.”
“The boy’s name has been divined, Highness,” Kraw said, clearing his throat at close proximity. “It is to be Gravitas.”
Drakina laughed aloud, for the astrologers had confirmed Troy’s suspicion.
He grinned at her. “Maybe there is something about destiny being in a name.”
“My father will be greatly pleased if my Consort invites him for a regular visit and offers him the chance to hunt verran again.”
She watched as Troy considered that. “I could do it,” he said. “It’s quiet around the farm. I could MindBend whoever is in the vicinity when your family visits and hide their dragon forms.”
“It is perfect!” Drakina threw her arms around him and kissed him with enthusiasm. “Not only are you the Carrier and my Consort, but you are my HeartKeeper, Troy.” She saw a flicker of confusion in his eyes, mingled with hope. “I love you,” she said, choosing the Terran phrasing and saw him smile. “And that means I have a gift for you.”
He raised his brows. “There’s more?”
Drakina held fast to his hands, for this was no joke. “My kind live many centuries, Troy, and though we mate with men, men do not live so long as that.”
“I’ve wondered about that,” he murmured.
“Our wise women considered this question for many generations, until they created a potion.” Drakina beckoned and Kraw brought a chalice to her. She had never before seen the purple liquid or smelled it, but the formula was recorded and the chalice used for nothing else. “It is only offered to a HeartKeeper who is not a dragon shifter, and he or she has the right to refuse it.”
“What happens if I drink it?”
“Your lifeline will be matched to mine. You will not survive long after my demise.” She smiled. “And if I drink it as well, then my lifeline will be bound to yours.”
He smiled a little, his expression making her heart skip and her blood warm. “Giving destiny a little help, princess?”
“Something like that.”
Troy took the cup from Kraw, holding her gaze as he drank half of its contents. Without a word, he handed it to Drakina and she liked that he knew her intention even without peering into her thoughts. She drained the chalice, handed it to Kraw, then welcomed Troy’s kiss.
Someone was admitted to the chamber, and they broke their kiss with reluctance. Drakina was too busy holding Troy’s gaze to be curious about the new arrival. She was thinking instead of how soon they might celebrate the delivery of the egg, and how soon they might return to Terra…then she realized his features were changing. Before her very eyes, his face shifted from the form she’d once found ugly to a splendidly handsome countenance. A different man, and yet the same one.
He looked like a king. A prince.
A man for whom a thousand ships might be launched.
“Troy?” she whispered, reaching with her fingertips to touch his jaw. “What is happening?”
“I didn’t know the potion did that,” Callida commented.
“It doesn’t, Majesty,” Kraw said.
Drakina frowned. “Then what is wrong? Why is this happening?”
Troy leapt to his feet, and peered into one of the mirrors on the walls of the chamber. Then he hooted with delight and returned to swing her in the air. “You broke the spell, princess,” he declared and his joy was unmistakable.
“What spell?” Drakina asked. She was relieved that his mouth had not changed at all, though she liked that he was so pleased.
“As part of his punishment, the MindBender was condemned to look as he did,” the High Priestess of Nimue declared. She was the one who had entered the chamber and stood by the portal in her robes that flowed like water, leaning upon her silver staff. A fiery gem glinted in the setting at the top of her staff, like a watchful eye in the night. One of her white snakes peered through a gap in her robes, revealing that it was coiled around her waist. It, too, had watchful eyes. “I saw in the future that love could save the MindBender from his execution, but the high judge of Xanto did not believe a dragon princess could love a man who looked like
that.” She smiled. “We made a little wager.”
“Fiends!” Drakina declared.
“They stacked everything against me that they could,” Troy muttered.
“Because they understand nothing about my kind,” Drakina replied with fury. Even as she marveled at the change in Troy’s appearance, she knew it made no difference to her feelings. The High Priestess looked between them with satisfaction, then crossed the room to bless the egg.
But Drakina cared only for Troy. No matter his appearance, his nature was the same. He was a warrior, a champion, and the man who had won her love.
“HeartKeeper,” he repeated, his gaze dropping to her lips. “I definitely like that title best of all the ones you’ve given me, princess.”
“And that is good,” Drakina said, looping her arm around his neck to draw him closer. “For it is one you cannot abandon.”
“Just try to take it from me, princess,” he whispered, his eyes shining, then slanted his mouth over hers in a most satisfying kiss.
It was both slow and thorough, which suited Drakina very well.
Watch for
Nero’s Dream
A short story
#1.5 of the Dragons of Incendium
Wyvern’s Prince
#2 of the Dragons of Incendium series
Coming Soon!
The Dragons of Incendium have their own website
http://dragonsofincendium.com
About the Author
Deborah Cooke sold her first book in 1992, a medieval romance called The Romance of the Rose published under her pseudonym Claire Delacroix. Since then, she has published over fifty novels in a wide variety of sub-genres, including historical romance, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, fantasy romance, time-travel romance, women’s fiction, paranormal young adult and fantasy with romantic elements. She has published under the names Claire Delacroix, Claire Cross and Deborah Cooke. The Beauty, part of her successful Bride Quest series of historical romances, was her first title to land on the New York Times List of Bestselling Books. Her books routinely appear on other bestseller lists and have won numerous awards. In 2009, she was the writer-in-residence at the Toronto Public Library, the first time the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre. In 2012, she was honored to receive the Romance Writers of America’s Mentor of the Year Award.
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