Dragon's Quest (Dragon Princes Book 1)

by Cyci Cade

This is only a gift so you remember me.

  With love.

  Wei

  Kate opened the box; inside rested a gold bracelet with a blue dragon pendant. She laughed and took the bracelet out of the box. The dragon had diamond eyes and a blue sapphire body. It was beautiful, and she wondered where he could have bought that jewelry. Those guys were full of tricks.

  “Liu was right.” She sobbed feeling guilty.

  She didn´t know how she´d feel if he had kissed another girl, if he had kissed her sister Samantha; that thought was so repugnant that it nauseated her. She didn´t have any reason to accuse him in that way. He was a perfect gentleman when she charged him of being too nice with the girls, not mentioning she had kissed his brother. What kind of person she had become? If she was Liu, she´d have already sent her back home. Idiot!

  Chapter 31

  Liu

  With his wings extended Liu rose toward the mountain, pushing aside all connection he had with Kate, giving space to the sorrow spreading inside him. He only heard the racket of his wings against the air. That mountain was his new refuge, his second home, where he spent all nights as a dragon, alone, to put his ideas in order and, to sleep. He once slept in caves and liked to be isolated for some hours.

  He could date how many women he wanted or pick the one that attracted him most; blonds, brunettes, red heads, Chinese or from any other nationality, but he loved Kate, he chose her, the stubborn, immovable, lovely girl. He wanted to follow the protocol, do things right, propose to her, give an engagement ring and talk to her parents… Now she was angry because he respected her and didn´t meet her expectations. When he tried to fix the problem and prove he was able to provide a great, unforgettable night and he was willing to do what she wanted, she complained saying that he was doing her a favor. How did their conversation take that course? What did she want after all? Where did he screw up? He had planned that night perfectly, but everything fell through.

  “Argh!” Some sparks flew out of his mouth; he shook his head.

  He hated the idea that he had argued with Kate. At this moment she was crying in the palace. In his dragon shape and hidden in the mountain to keep himself alive, he felt imprisoned. He desperately wished to beg her forgiveness, to kiss and love her. He desperately wanted to marry her and spend his last days next to his beloved girl, but which kind of life could he offer her while cursed?

  Besides, there was much more that she didn´t know. The first thing was his culture and duties as the empire´s heir or maybe new Emperor. Would she accept his commitment? Now he understood why princes got married to princesses, they too were raised to lead a nation, and for the woman to support her husband and Emperor.

  One day, Kate would break up with him because she couldn´t comprehend what an Emperor represents to the people and a nation. Of course, those women admired him; it was always natural, but it didn´t mean he would flirt with all of them. If he gave up the throne, what kind of work would a man who spoke ten different languages and was the best at handling a sword find? He thought there weren´t many opportunities, unless he joined the Imperial Guard, which meant, he became Wei´s guard.

  Despite all of their differences he couldn´t deny, he loved Kate and he was willing to do anything to keep her. He just wanted her to understand his feelings and how difficult was being respectful, he did it because he truly loved her.

  Liu remained on the mountain for two days. He thought, hunted, contemplated his thoughts once more and returned to the palace to attend Fu Chow´s meeting even without having the answers he needed.

  He took a shower to rid himself of the cave´s dust, slipped into his new clothes and paced toward the library. Only Kate was there, on the sofa, reading on her tablet. She liked that tablet very much; she was always with it in her hands.

  “Good morning.” He smiled, but she scowled at him. He bent down to kiss her; she turned her face and his lips found her cheek.

  “Did you have fun?” she inquired malevolently.

  He laughed facing her bad temper and teased her. “You don´t have any idea.”

  She opened her mouth, before she attacked him again Fu Chow and Wei arrived, having a demonstrative conversation. Liu didn´t figure out the topic, but they disagreed with an important point because Wei insisted vehemently.

  When they noticed that they weren´t alone, the conversation ended. Wei and Kate scanned each other for an instant while Fu Chow spread the map with his notes on the table.

  What happened while he was away? Why did they look with furtive glances? Did Wei take advantage of his absence and kiss her again? Did she allow it? How far would a scorned woman go?

  “Come here,” Fu Chow called them and began his explanation.

  Liu stopped next to Kate, laid a hand on her shoulder, but she tapped it away without making eye contact.

  “Here is Mountain Kunlun.” Fu Chow made a red mark on the point. “The Palace of Jade is hidden here surrounded by a vast garden in which grows the Peach Tree of Immortality; only the most virtuous of human beings are permitted to visit the garden. The fruit appears only once every six thousand years. The Palace has nine gates that are on each side, each guarded by a beast called Kaiming, along with phoenixes, a Luan Bird, and Quing Long Pa Jiang Jun, the Green Dragon General.”

  “I don´t think we´ll visit the garden.” Wei laughed and glimpsed at Kate who lowered her head and chuckled.

  “Speak for yourself,” Liu roared and faced Wei, but his brother avoided his glance.

  Fu Chow cleared his throat and continued, “It is the Jade Emperor´s home; his name is Yu Huang and he is founder of Xia Dynasty. He is the ruler of Heaven and all realms of existence below. He is one of the most important gods. The scriptures say that the Jade Emperor was originally the crown prince of the Kingdom of Pure Felicity and Majestic Heavenly Lights and Ornaments; at his birth he emanated a phenomenal light that filled the entire kingdom. He was supposed to have been born as a winged dragon. Emperors after him claimed to be descendants of the dragon.”

  “As the Dragon´s Emperor,” Kate added.

  “Exactly.” Fu Chow grinned at her.

  “It was a high honor for a person to be given an honorary dragon name. The dragon is associated with the east, the direction of sunrise, and in general, positive actions. People kept dragon´s possessions or held festivals welcoming the dragons and their life-giving power each spring. They also painted dragons with four claws on the doors of temples and on the walls surrounding the villages and towns to summon the powers and to keep these places safe from harm,” Wei explained.

  Kate smiled at Wei. “Very interesting.” She moved and sat beside Fu Chow. She seemed really interested in Chinese culture or maybe she wanted to stay far away from Liu. “How many gods do you have?”

  “They are so many that I´d spend days talking about gods and legends. One day I will tell you about them.” Fu Chow gave her his notes.

  Liu took advantage of the situation, reproached her, and slid his hand on her back. Kate frowned and shook her body to get free of him.

  “In the beginning, the earth was a difficult place to live. A lot of strong demons were challenging the immortals of heaven,” Fu Chow continued the explanation. “A powerful evil entity ‘demon of sorts which dwelt on earth’ had an aspiration to conquer the immortals and gods in heaven and proclaim sovereignty over the entire universe.”

  “It is always the same fight, good guys against bad guys.” Liu glanced at Wei again. The story always repeated.

  “The Jade Emperor saw an evil glow emitting from heaven and knew something was amiss; he ascended, a war was going on, the demon was too powerful to be stopped by any of the gods present.” Fu Chow looked for a pen; he liked to hold some object while he spoke.

  “Was he more powerful than all those gods put together?” Kate put the notes aside and picked up a book about the history of China.

  “Yes, he was. He rose up, challenged the demon, and a battle ensued between them. Mountains shook, r
ivers and seas toppled, however, the Jade Emperor stood victorious.” Fu Chow finished.

  “I am impressed.” Kate kept motionless, astonished like a child hearing an interesting story.

  “You´ll be more impressed watching me in combat. I´d provide a show that you´d never forget.” Wei smiled smugly. His brother didn´t lose an opportunity to show off to Kate.

  “I´d love to.” Kate was enticing another male.

  Was she looking for another mate? Was this the end of their relationship?

  “Tell me more about the elixir of immortality.” Finally Kate returned her attention to the mission.

  “The elixir of immortality or the fruit is a potion that grants the drinker eternal life, youth, and it is also capable of creating life.” Fu Chow shared another note. “The eye is hidden with the elixir and is guarded by the thirty-six immortal general warriors.”

  “How will we defeat them if they are immortal?” Liu inquired; it was the big question that worried him the most. They´d be defenseless fighting immortals with mortal weapons and without the dragon´s powers.

  “Are you afraid of them, great warrior?” Kate insulted him. Wei laughed.

  What?

  Fu Chow narrowed his eyes and studied them. “One of the immortal warriors´ duties is to protect the Palace. Another is to aid Hsi Wang Mu in her attempts to guide humanity toward wisdom and compassion, possess perfect, ageless bodies; they can travel anywhere in the Universe.” Fu Chow´s features became somber. “You can delay them, not defeat.”

  “We will fight immortals with supernatural powers using our mortal weapons. What could be worse?” He stared at Kate.

  “When you reach the mountain you´ll lose the dragon´s power. I don´t know why.” Fu Chow gathered some more paper. “You need to bring the eye for the Chinese New Year and put the eye in the dragon´s statue on January the 23rd, precisely.”

  “What is Chinese New Year?” Kate took the paper.

  “It is the longest and most important Chinese festivity. The lunar solar Chinese calendar determines the date of the New Year; 2012 is the 4709th Chinese year and year of the Dragon. It is a symbol of good fortune and intense power, in Chinese tradition reveres the Dragon as a divine beast. People wear red clothes, decorate with poems on red paper and give children ‘lucky money’ in red envelopes. Red symbolizes fire, which according to the legend can drive away bad luck. It is a time of family reunion, they gather at each other´s home and share meals.” Fu Chow gathered all his notes.

  “Your culture is so rich; there is much to learn.” She gave him the notes that she had.

  “You must leave tomorrow morning.” Fu Chow folded the map while Wei and Kate exchanged smiles.

  Something was going on between Kate and Wei. Liu would find out and kill Wei if he had spread his wings over her again. Several images came to his mind; he didn´t like any of them. Liu couldn´t accept that awkward situation and he would put an end to that story right away.

  When Fu Chow and Wei left, Liu held Kate´s elbow and cornered her. She punched him and tried to escape, but he imprisoned her with his body. She had to explain her inappropriate behavior, and he´d not wait one second more.

  “Why don´t you look for your girls and leave me in peace?” She kicked.

  “Let me see…” His lips grazed on her ear. “Because I want you.” He sighed. “I missed you, Kate.”

  “I didn´t, and I don´t want you anymore!” she protested.

  His hand glided across her side while his lips traced her neck. “Are you sure?” He sensed her heart racing. “I don´t think so.” He unclothed her collarbone and his mouth explored her soft skin.

  Kate punched him again to get free. Liu closed the thin gap between their bodies and continued to kiss her. She tilted her head giving more space to his kisses and his mouth trailed the way to her face. Suddenly, she wrapped her hands around his neck and forced his head toward her lips; her body reacted in a way he had never felt. He pressed tender kisses on her neck; his hand moved up and down on her side. She dug her nails in his back´s muscles. He moaned in delight and kissed her cheeks.

  Her lips looked for his desperately; she had accepted his invitation. He went on and moved his lips to her right side. She nibbled his earlobe while he kissed her neck ferociously, and his fingers crushed her body against his. Her lips trailed his cheek, when she reached his mouth he stepped back and pushed her away. His body screamed and protested; the pain became physical. His flesh was on fire, his legs wobbled and his hands shook. He clenched his fists and kept distant from her.

  “Thank you for clarifying my doubts. Now I know you missed me too. You belong to me, Kate. Don´t forget it.” He left the library, left Kate behind, cursing him.

  That encounter had slashed his flesh; his body yelled and throbbed begging him to go back, melt in her arms and let her finish what he had started. But he kept firm; he had promised himself he´d be a gentleman and she needed to learn to respect him. Wei was a subject he would solve when they returned.

  Chapter 32

  Kate

  Kate ate her breakfast alone the next morning, neither Liu nor Wei appeared, and she wondered where they were since the last morning after they had left the library. Actually, she didn´t want to meet Liu, she´d like to eat him alive, she wished that a lightning bolt hit him and toasted his scales.

  A servant broke her daydream making strange noises that seemed like a different language Kate had never heard; the woman pointed outside. Kate knew what the woman tried to say, Mr. Fu Chow and the boys were waiting for her. She grabbed the small bag with her personal belongings and followed the woman walking around the building to a distant place in the middle of the trees.

  Mr. Fu Chow was tying a big bag on Wei´s back. As she approached them, Liu moved toward her. Great. She should ride him; she´d feel more comfortable with Wei, but he was ready and Liu wouldn´t allow it. She had no choice, but maybe she could torture that green dragon a little pinching his scales or ignoring him as if she was riding a horse.

  “Come here young lady,” Fu Chow beckoned and when she was near enough he gave them the final instructions. “Stay together, you must work as a team, put your differences aside, forget all bitterness. This isn´t a contest, you´ll only reach your goal as a group. One of you will be capable of taking the eye, I don´t know who or how. Be careful, my boys.”

  Kate felt her cheeks burning, those words were to her; probably, he read her mind and knew her intensions.

  Fu Chow bowed to the dragons, turned to Kate and laid a hand on her shoulder, guiding her to the other bag and helping with the straps. “There are tents, weapons, warm clothes, food, and other supplies in the bag. Liu will carry it during the earth bound trip in the mountain. Stay close to the boys, and they´ll protect you. Keep your mind free of problems, concentrate on the mission and everything will be fine.” He grinned and tapped her hands; those tender gestures reminded her of her father when he wanted to soothe her.

  Kate hugged Mr. Fu Chow and stepped to Liu who was crouched for her to mount him easily. She hesitated; a mix of sensations invaded her and she considered them briefly. It was very hard to stay so close and yet so distant to the person you loved at the same time; it was her feeling and she didn´t know how to manage it. Liu was there, but she still sensed him far away, in an inaccessible place; an invisible barrier kept them apart.

  She stretched her arms; her hands shook. Mr. Fu Chow pushed her upward to help her, possibly thinking she had difficulty carrying those bags. When she held Liu´s scales tightly, he took off followed by Wei. He ascended straight to the clouds, almost in a vertical flight to escape the village people´s eyes.

  Cold wind whipped her braid, hurt her face and eyes; she covered her head and leaned forward to protect herself against the chilly weather. She saw only the white snow covering the trees providing a beautiful freezing show of nature. She remained in silence for approximately an hour admiring the landscape and working out mentally how not to freeze, at least
until Liu broke the silence.

  “Are you fine? Why are you angry with me?” His voice hit her mind as if he had spoken in her ear.

  Kate shook her head trying to block out his voice. “I am not angry. Why should I be?” she answered in an ironic tone.

  “You are on edge.” He veered to the left and ascended a little more. Kate dug her nails in his scales.

  “I am not tense. Why do you think I am tense?” Where did he want to go with that conversation? She loosened her fingers a little.

  “I can feel your hands shaking on my scales. It causes me goose bumps, if we were alone I´d land for a little, you know…” He didn´t end the sentence, but his intention was implicit, just to torture her because at the end he´d push her back like the other times.

  “Just cold. Your heating system isn´t working very well,” Kate provoked him.

  “I am working very well.” He growled and ended the conversation.

  Kate felt a realization. Now he was upset, like her. She had hit his pride. At last, she had found the exact words and done it right. They had a job to do; they were coworkers on this trip and she´d keep things at that level, professional, without emotional issues.

  As they approached Kunlun Mountain the air became distressingly cold, strong, and treacherous. Liu increased his effort to counter the gust of air and keep balance. Sometimes his wings faltered. Kate shook, tightened her fingers around Liu´s scales and thanked God that he hadn´t sent any lightening to toast them as she had wished. But her fingers were freezing and she couldn´t feel them anymore; it was as if they could snap at any moment.

  Kate looked around and saw Wei in an unstable flight. He made a great effort to flap his wings; but the movements were uncoordinated. He had serious problems keeping balance and could crash anytime. It was only then she realized how difficult it was for Liu to keep them stable facing that bad weather. Liu might be exhausted, but she kept her eyes on Wei, uncertain how long he´d would be capable of sustaining himself in the air before starting a spiral free-fall.