Fated Hope (The Fated Saga Book 3)

by Sariah Skye

  "Thank you for coming, your Highnesses," Finnian spoke. I grumbled at the title, swearing under my breath as I watched a hint of a smirk peek through the corner of his lips. He motioned to the young gentleman—I swore he couldn't be more than about twenty-two at the oldest. Which wouldn't be too much younger than the brothers, but he appeared even younger with his baby face, sparse white facial hair dotting around his mouth, piercing gray eyes and small, pointy features all underneath a shock of white blonde hair. "This is Link. He’s been away on a mission elsewhere but was recalled due to the nature of Castle Danger."

  Link nodded and offered a nervous smile. "Hello," was all he said, in a shockingly deep voice.

  "This is Queen Leorah and King Maxxus, newly crowned of Anarach in the dragon realm; they're here to survey the Shadow damage. In the ‘light’ this time," Finnian spoke, his tone once again commanding and familiar of the god-like Loremaster.

  "Good to meet you," Maxxus said, and I nodded in agreement.

  "First, I want you to know that, with Ceceline gone missing, we have a space for another Loremaster," Finnian said, pacing ever so slightly as he spoke. I raised a brow and peered at Kit who looked positively giddy underneath my stare.

  "I figured now was as good a time as any; Kit here has agreed to be my newest apprentice; she is now a Loremaster in training," Finnian spoke, offering Kit a nod and a smile.

  "Kit!" I said almost scolding, but not really. "You didn't tell me—"

  "I know, I know. I didn't want to interrupt your honeymooning," she said, flashing Maxxus a wide grin. I could feel Gabriel, who'd been silent, shifting in his seat, "but Finnian told me about it a day or so ago. And I accepted! Isn't that exciting?"

  I wanted to question further about Kit's being accepted as Loremaster—Finnian had told me before that out of every one-hundred people who had the potential, only one of them ever sought it through and it was a very difficult process. It seemed so fast. But, I knew time was irrelevant to Loremasters and they probably couldn’t tell me about the process anyway.

  I felt a light elbow at my arm and Maxxus nodded towards Daniel, who's blue-eyed gaze was transfixed on the Loremaster. I knew that the two of them had spent time together recently, and Daniel was acquiring quite a crush on him; I didn't know if it was mutual but Finnian seemed to enjoy the seer's company. We watched as Finnian tossed him a pleasant smile. I soared inside at the thought: Daniel and Finnian? Official? I couldn’t wait to grill one of them about it later.

  "Well, this is all good and everything, but let's get down to the real reason they're here," Gabriel finally spoke up, sounding somewhat cranky at his brother. I knew he’d never begrudge his brother love, but I knew as a fact it was difficult watching everyone around you paired off, leaving you to be the third wheel.

  "I agree," I said, catching his gaze and offering him an apologetic smile. He stared at me straight-faced a moment before his expression relaxed and he finally returned the smile. I felt my icy tension creep from my shoulders; perhaps I hadn't fucked him up too bad after all.

  "What is it, Finn?" Maxxus asked.

  Finnian sighed, long and burdened. He leaned over slightly, perching his leg on the nearest chair—Daniel's. Daniel gave him a knowing smile. I could almost feel a sense of peace wash over the Loremaster and Finnian turned once again to us and spoke. I tried to catch Daniel's gaze to give him a "I want details!" look but, he was clearly ignoring me or totally transfixed on the Loremaster's sculpted features. "I'm afraid that Castle Danger wasn't the only safe haven attacked."

  I let out a yelp. "You're serious?"

  "As a heart attack," Finnian replied. Evie, from across the table, slid him a manila folder and he opened it, scanning its contents quickly. "Yes, at least two other safe havens—one in Canada and the other in Ireland—have reported attacks. None quite so bad as ours, thankfully."

  I let out a low whistle. Those fucking Shadows. "Is everyone okay?"

  Finnian nodded slightly. "I think so. No fatalities, minimal losses to the Shadows. Lots of destruction, but buildings can be rebuilt."

  I felt relieved. "Oh, thank god."

  Finnian chuckled dryly. "Don’t be thanking anyone yet."

  "How did they get there?" Maxxus asked.

  "They opened up existing portals and just dove in. More than likely. Finn said they've been scoping out both communities for some time and knew just who to go after for maximum impact," Link explained, exchanging a look with Finnian who sighed.

  "It could have been worse, though. If Finnian hadn't report the happenings of the Shadows to his colleagues, they would have been blindsided," Evie said, raking one of her hands through her short, pixie crop.

  "Yes, they were able to prepare with appropriate wards and potions," Finnian said. "Healers and white and silver dragons are already dispatched, helping to heal the shadow damage."

  I set my elbows on the table in front of me, and sighed heavily. I rested my chin in my palm, trying to hide the frustration on my face. Those damn Shadows…

  Maxxus rubbed my shoulder blade lightly with his fingertips, causing a shiver to run down my spine. “What can we do, Finnian?” he asked.

  I pulled my hands away from my face. “Yes, Finn—there has to be something we can do.”

  It was the Loremaster’s turn to sigh now. “Well, we are a small group. Between us, and possibly whoever is well enough from Anarach—which aren’t many—I’m not sure there is anything you can do. Except…” he trailed off, his eyes flipping color from blue to muddy brown.

  I raised a brow and exchanged a look with Maxxus, then the brothers. “Okay, spill. What do you want?”

  “You’re not going to like it,” Gabriel said warningly, with a frown.

  “I’m sure I’m not. But let me have it,” I said.

  Finnian chewed his lip momentarily. “Don’t kill me—”

  “Out with it!” Maxxus demanded, smacking his palm on the table.

  Daniel rolled his eyes and grumbled audibly. “Shit, guys—what do you think they’re going to do? They only threaten to eat us, they wouldn’t actually do it!” He turned to me and grinned. “They want you to use your new monarch-ly influence to ask dragons from other kingdoms to help out.”

  My mouth fell open. “Absolutely not. There have to be some from Anarach—not Court dragons but—”

  “We need Court dragons. They’re more powerful. Right?” Finnian challenged, narrowing his eyes at me inquisitively, daring me to deny it. I didn’t. They were in fact more powerful than the average dragon; it took special training and a natural talent to make it in the Court (which is why it didn’t always matter if you were a complete dillweed or not). “We need Court dragons. It took all of us just to make a dent—and we have your spelled pink powers,” Finnian insisted. “They have a disadvantage. They will need power in the most powerful numbers. We can’t wait until the Court dragons of Anarach have healed.”

  I smacked my palms against my face, and kneaded my temples with my fingertips. A meeting between other leaders? We’d only been on the throne for about—oh, thirty-six hours—and already they want me to summon leaders of other kingdoms to ask favors?

  What could possibly go wrong with this?

  “Why don’t I just heal them?” I threw up my arms with frustration.

  “It’s not quite that simple, Leorah,” Gabriel replied. “Every time you heal a Shadow-touched, you’re strengthening that tie with them. The Shadows. We need to know it’s safe first.”

  I grunted, crossing my arms over my chest stubbornly. “I’ve already been exposed! What more is more going to do?”

  “Remember, you’re running a kingdom now. Keeping you safe keeps them safe,” Kit said, knowingly.

  “But having everyone up and functional again would be keeping everyone safe!” I protested.

  “True,” Finnian agreed. “But even still, this problem is bigger than Anarach. With other havens affected, they should be informed—and involved—anyway.”

  I growle
d outwardly, reluctantly. He was right, even if I didn’t want to audibly admit it.

  “What kingdoms are you suggesting? Surely you have ideas,” Maxxus spoke calmly but I could hear the hesitation in his tone. “That’s a lot to ask; we’re new leaders. We’ve never dealt with other kingdoms. At least, not Leo or me. To ask something this large…”

  “It’s unheard of,” I finished for him.

  “Are you in any danger asking this?” Finnian asked.

  “Well, no, but—” I began, but Finnian interrupted me.

  “Well then all I ask is you try. I’m thinking that Dreka and Babua at least would be the best places to start,” Finnian suggested. “Other dragons from Castle Danger have suggested they’re backwards, but mostly fair.”

  “Mostly,” Maxxus agreed. “There is a contingent of warrior dragons from the Northlands that might be willing. They should be relatively close to your northernmost haven.”

  Finnian and Link nodded at each other.

  “We’d like to have at least a small number of dragons set up in every haven around the human world, just to make sure no more get through. So that would require…” Link spoke expectantly.

  I rolled my eyes. “Inquiring Zyanhei and the others as well.”

  “There a problem with Zyanhei?” Gabriel asked.

  I grumbled. “Anarach hasn’t dealt much with Zyanhei in…I don’t know how long.”

  “Why is that?” Finnian piped up.

  I shrugged. “Maxxus?” I really wasn’t quite sure; I sort of tuned out Court politics in the past. I supposed I would have to listen now.

  Maxxus’ eyes sparkled with mischievousness. “The previous prince of the Court—Prince Davaronesh—had some, ah, involvement with the Queen of Zyanhei. She got pregnant and well…” he winked to prove his point.

  Daniel let out a peal of laughter. “Oh, scandal in the dragon world!”

  Maxxus let out a low whistle. “You have no idea. The monarchy was embarrassed and nearly declared war on Anarach but this was when the previous monarchy and Athalos and Valessia were coming into power, but relations have been strained.”

  “No one has successfully conducted talks with them in forever,” I said with a sigh. I exchanged a look with Maxxus. “I guess we can call the Court and see what they say?”

  “They won’t be happy, but we’ll manage.” Maxxus nodded in agreement.

  Finnian gave us an appreciative nod. “Wonderful.”

  My brow furrowed as I thought, pondering of the only dragon I’ve ever met from Zyanhei. “Finn, you’re for sure that the Prelate hasn’t been spotted yet?”

  He shook his head. “No, I’m afraid not.”

  “Well. Put the word out I’m searching for him. I want him in Anarach as soon as possible.” I frowned, perplexed, looking at Maxxus. “Can I do that? Decree him to come?”

  Maxxus smiled slightly. “I think you just did.”

  “But he’s not from Anarach. He’s from Apa—errr, Zyanhei,” I said. Originally, the ancient Prelate had been from the kingdom of Apakoh that fell in a previous Shadow invasion, and absorbed by Zyanhei. He was probably the only dragon alive that could remember it.

  He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. The ruler of a kingdom decrees something, you follow no matter what.”

  “Fine. I want him brought to Anarach as soon as he is found. He might be able to bridge the gap between us and Zyanhei. ‘Kay?” I spoke directly to Finnian, and then subsequently, Link.

  “Okay.” Link’s voice squeaked mildly, as he squirmed in his seat.

  Daniel chuckled. “Leo, quit scaring him.”

  I glared at him severely, slowly raising my middle finger at him. “I’ll scare you next, Seer-boy. Besides, I’m not scary.” I protested. “I’m a pretty pink fairy dragon, remember?”

  Kit, who’d been very quiet, let out a little giggle. “Sorry, Leo. I’ve seen you when you’re determined. You can be quite scary.”

  I feigned a glare at her.

  “In the meantime, what can we do for Castle Danger?” I asked, moving on. “There is no trace of the Shadows left?”

  “There is a little; just residue like at the palace,” Gabriel replied. “Your grandfather has been slowly helping to scrub it but, we need more.”

  I frowned. “Is there anything I can do? Provide some magic?”

  Daniel snorted. “Man, we need to get you to go nuclear again, that’d help,” he said.

  “Can I do that?” I wondered aloud.

  I felt a hand on my arm and Maxxus spoke softly. “No way Leo. You were out for days. It’s too big of a drain on you. We’ll come up with something else.”

  “Yes, Esmé is currently working on some spells. She’s researching the spell that was used on you; hoping that maybe it will provide some insight. Maybe we can fake a pink dragon bomb,” Finnian said with a shrug. “We’ll try anyway.”

  “I think a handful more dragons were released from the infirmary today; I will see if they’re able to come help,” I said, then sighed. “I’m not sure what else we can do.”

  “It’s enough, Leo. It’s enough.” Finnian gave me a solemn smile. “We’ll get there, but it will take time. In the meantime, you should take your friends and get back to Anarach.” Finnian stood, drumming on the table top briefly before looking at Gabriel. “How are you feeling? Worn out or are you ready to get to Anarach too?”

  I looked sideways at Gabriel who just shrugged. “I’m fine for awhile. Daniel, Link and I can hunt for that Yarrem for Leo.”

  I raised a brow slightly at him, but didn’t press. I could feel he was upset—and avoiding me—but I didn’t want to push him into anything. “Tomorrow, then?” I urged and he nodded.

  “Fine then. Leo, I’ll be back first in the morning to tend to everyone there.” I raised and crossed the small distance across the room, and sensing his despair I offered him a slight squeeze.

  “It’ll be okay, Finnian. We’ll figure it out,” I whispered to him.

  Finnian responded by returning the hug. “Thanks, Highness.”

  I groaned. “Never gonna get used to that…”

  Chapter 7

  Lord Kreegan slammed his fist down on my family’s dining room table. “This is lunacy! I will not hear of it!”

  My grandfather who sat calmly next to me, threaded his fingers together, resting his elbows on the table. “You forget, Lord, who you’re dealing with here. Leorah is the queen whether you like it or not, and we at least have to hear her out.”

  Kreegan narrowed his eyes and set his mouth in a thin, firm line. “You can’t even be considering this, Elder! If she wasn’t your granddaughter, I doubt—”

  My grandfather quickly held up the face of his palm, indicating that Kreegan should hush. He glared at the brown dragon. “Let me get this straight, Lord. You are implying that I cannot make a wise, adjusted, unbiased decision? You’re questioning my position?”

  I sat smugly in my seat, desperately trying to sit upright as straight as I could, my arms folded over one another on the table top. I had to force myself not to laugh like a hyena at my grandfather arguing with the douchebag dragon and his stupid mate.

  Maxxus, who sat on the other side of me, outstretched his long arm over me and placed a hand on my grandfather’s forearm. He had a look of amusement in his eyes but, he kept his face fixed with an expression of seriousness. “Now, Elder, I’m sure he’s not suggesting that at all. Because that would be treachery to the monarchy—and you know what the punishment is for that, don’t you, Lord?” His gaze trailed from my grandfather, over to Kreegan where he glowered at him for a few uncomfortable seconds. Kreegan’s eyes widened briefly.

  “Of course I am not saying that, but surely you cannot deny how crazy this idea is, Bar— your highness,” Kreegan quickly corrected himself.

  “Why is it crazy? Because we want to ask the rest of the dragon leaders for help?! This affects them as well. If we were targeted, the chances are good they could be, too!” I insisted, my voice raising wit
h each word as I spoke. “Hell, the local havens already have been!”

  Upon returning to Anarach after our morning visit to Castle Danger, Maxxus and I wasted no time assembling the remaining members of the Court to discuss bringing the dragon leaders to Anarach for a meeting.

  Most of the Circle—the highest-ranking members of the Court—were out of commission, so currently it consisted of whoever was left: my parents, my grandfather, Valessia, Maxxus’ parents, Kreegan and three more Court members which had been mostly successfully healed and weren’t having any relapses. Kiarra and Braeden would have been eligible to be there, but they were attending the healings at the makeshift tent village outside, and overseeing to everyone’s needs. Someone needed to be there at all times to check on the general welfare of the Shadow victims.

  “I see what you’re saying, neacchanan,” Maxxus’ father, Earl Jalenn spoke up, scratching at the short, precisely-manicured beard that painted his jawline. I tried not to wince at his terminology: neacchanan was an affectionate term for “daughter” in Dragon. In my mind he hadn’t earned the right to use this term, but this wasn’t the time or place to address it. Hell, we’d barely even spoken more than five words to each other—ever! But, I knew he was trying to boost his importance by being linked to me; a monarch and technically his daughter in law. No matter how long it’d been since his parents and Maxxus had spoken, we were still connected through blood and bond. He wasn’t likely to let anyone forget it anytime soon.

  I could practically hear Maxxus grit his teeth next to me. Under the table I squeezed his thigh gently, urging him to control his temper. I knew one of these days, we were going to have a falling out with them. Maxxus’ temper was a boiling cauldron, waiting to explode. And it wasn’t the fact that they were here that bothered him, I knew. It was the fact that they were here, and were pretending everything was all rainbows and sunshine between them and their son. That they have been active, friendly members of Maxxus’ family for the past decade.