by Sariah Skye
I felt Maxxus calm and he stole a brief glance at me out of the corner of his eye. He leaned in and whispered in my ear, very quietly, “I’ll be good, promise.” He placed a gentle kiss on my temple and went back to staring grimly at his parents.
“Ugh, honestly! Behavior totally disgraceful of a king!” Kreegan scowled and grumbled.
I shrugged, throwing my hands up in exasperation. “What in the hell are you talking about?”
“He kissed her! During a Circle conference! That is—distasteful!” Kreegan’s ugly face screwed up in a dismayed expression.
I snorted. “Oh yeah? Well, at least someone’s kissing me, cactus-fucker,” I retorted under my breath.
Maxxus elbowed me severely but he bit his lip, choking back his laughter.
My grandfather let out an interrupting cough. He tried not to smirk but was unsuccessful. You could see his mouth curl upward through his long, gray beard. “Your highness, please…”
I blinked, hiding my eye-roll from being visible. “Sorry,” I said bluntly.
“Lord Kreegan, their behavior is perfectly acceptable,” Valessia spoke up. “They are newly bonded. We are interrupting their—how do the humans call it? —honeymoon?”
I nodded once in confirmation.
“They are out of tradition, therefore if they want to engage in suggestive behavior—that is acceptable and furthermore, jovial—we will not stand in their way. Is that understood, Lord?” Valessia scolded him severely, her brown eyes mere slits as she glared.
Kreegan sighed reluctantly. “Understood, Duchess. It’s just…unusual.”
“It is unusual. We’re just as uncomfortable with this as you are. But we’re doing the best we can. So try not to be an asshat and we’ll all get through this, huh? Until the Court is healed properly?” I spat at him, with bitter venom.
He sighed once more, and bowed his head slightly. I could see his forehead wrinkle as he glowered, but his expression was once again neutral when he looked up. “Yes…your Majesty.”
My grandfather started rapping on the table. “I believe their union is a happy occasion, and the kingdom can use any happiness we can get now, right? So, let’s just let that part be. Now, let’s get back to the matter at hand, shall we?” He looked to me expectantly and I nodded. “Can you please fill in the details for us again, milady?”
“Certainly. As best as I can gather, the Loremaster Finnian of the Castle Danger mytho haven has been privy to at least two other Shadow attacks in other havens, some with portals strategically nearby Dreka and the Northlands,” I explained, trying to sound as diplomatic as I could. Really, I wanted to scream. “Stands to reason that if they targeted us, they could easily target others. Especially with their proximity to these havens.”
“It would be in the best recommendation by the Loremasters and us that we dispatch as many dragons as we can to help guard. White, silver, gold and yellow because of their magical abilities, but anyone with battle skills will suffice. Obviously, we’d prefer to send our own dragons, but of course...” Maxxus trailed off, motioning to the emptiness of the makeshift Court table.
“Point taken,” my grandfather spoke.
“It has been suggested that Zyanhei may be of great help.” I hesitated to speak about the rival kingdom.
“Zyanhei?” Valessia repeated in shock.
“Yes. I know relations are strained, but I do know someone from Castle Danger who once resided there. I believe if we can find him, he may be able to help us. He’s been attacked by the Shadows; if anyone can argue for protection it’s him. Prelate Yarrem—”
“—wait. Yarrem? You’ve spoken to him? You know him?” My grandfather interrupted me, shocked.
I nodded. “Yes. He lives—well, hides—in Castle Danger. I’ve put out a decree that I want him brought to us here in Anarach the second he is found.”
“Amazing! I thought he died years ago!”
“Nope. Still kickin’…sorta.” I frowned, thinking of the permanent injuries suffered by the bedraggled dragon. “He is…well, he’s alive. I think.”
“Who is to say they would even believe us?” One of the Countesses at the end of the table spoke up.
“Good point,” Maxxus agreed. “They’d need to see proof.”
I snorted. “We can escort them to the ruins of Castle Danger if we have to. We can introduce them to Yarrem. Once they see the result—I have a feeling they’ll want to help.”
“But, you’re so new. How do you think they’ll react to—well…” Countess Oreste, Maxxus’ mother spoke, motioning to me.
Maxxus sighed. “Don’t pretend to be interested in our well-being, Mother. Leo—that is, the queen will be just fine,” he spoke quietly. She lifted a brow but, didn’t inquire further.
The Court members all glanced at each other with expressionless faces. My grandfather nodded singly at Duchess Valessia and stood, placing his palms on the table. “I will personally contact all the dragon leaders and request a contingence here in Anarach. Say for—three days’ time?”
“The sooner, the better,” I insisted.
“Right.”
“Elder, how is everyone in the infirmary faring? Is there anyone well enough to be able to assist with the scrubbing and rebuilding of Castle Danger?” Maxxus asked.
Grandfather stroked his long beard thoughtfully. “Hmmm, I’m afraid not. But Baroness Kiarra and Baron Braeden are probably the best to ask about that.”
My mother stood from a handful of seats away from me. “The victims of Castle Danger are reporting another six new arrivals; one human, a dragon family from Dreka, and a shifter of some sort.” I tried not to grin widely. I knew she was talking about Orion, the “goddamned” unicorn. “They are all responding well to treatment, however I believe it would beneficial if you, Leorah, would see to them. Just for a short time, of course. Twilight is near.”
I nodded. “Of course. Anything else?”
“How is the harvest?” Valessia asked everyone at the table. Everyone gave various reports of corn, wheat, or other various harvests over the past month. Things had gone slightly awry when the Shadows invaded the kingdom but were recovering nicely.
“Should we anticipate throwing the Samhain celebration as normal, or negate it this year?” my father inquired.
“I think we should aim for it. Some merriment might be just what we need,” my grandfather insisted.
Valessia nodded, and scribbled something down on a sheet of parchment in front of her. I just now noticed she was taking notes. Well, I was observant.
“Is that all?” I asked, looking to everyone in turn and attempted to not scowl at Kreegan. He avoided my gaze.
No one responded to my question.
“Good. This gathering is adjourned, then.” Maxxus stood, and so did I. I knew that it was customary for the remaining members to stay seated until we’d left the room, so we didn’t linger and quickly left, disappearing for the foyer in my family home.
Maxxus let out a long sigh and leaned against the stone wall. “Oi, that was…awkward.”
“Ugh, I know.” I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his waist and lay my cheek on his chest for a hug. His heartbeat was steady and soothing, and I felt a comfortable yawn wanting to overtake my body. I didn’t realize I had let it out when Maxxus chuckled.
He wrapped his arms around my upper body and pulled me in close. “Tired?”
I nodded slightly “I guess so. It just sorta hit me.”
He nuzzled his cheek against my neck. “Me too.” I giggled as the stubble of his jaw tickled my skin.
“Now, we’re going to need to talk about this rather solicitous behavior on display, you two.” A stern voice from behind us said.
Maxxus tensed momentarily but I just grinned. “Father…”
Saladin—my father—chuckled. “Isn’t that how human fathers are? Overly possessive of their daughters?” He winked a green eye at me.
Reluctantly, I pulled away from Maxxus and beamed at my father.
Everything happened so fast over the past few days I had barely had a chance to talk to him. He pulled me in for a tight hug, taking care to not bump the circlet on my forehead. “Oh, my dear, I am so happy to be able to just…be around you instead of pretending,” he said. “In case I haven’t said it, thank you for saving me. And…I’m sorry for—”
I held up my hand. “Mother already did all that.”
“But, I need to say it too. I am sorry. If I had seen any other way…” he trailed off.
“I know, Father. I know.”
He stepped back, smiling. “Well. I’m still not feeling right after the Shadows. I am going to rest myself. If you need anything—your mother can find me. Don’t overdo yourselves; just visit everyone briefly and get some rest. Okay? Royalty or not…I’m still your father.” He winked at me.
“Thank you, Earl Saladin.” Maxxus outstretched his hand and they grasped forearms momentarily.
He nodded at both of us before, limping slowly to his chambers in the opposite wing.
“I think I’ll go see Kit and the others right now before I get too tired. Want to come?” I asked Maxxus.
“Well I guess that sounds okay. Are you ready?” Maxxus asked, nodding out the door.
I stifled another yawn. “Yeah, sure. At least it’s close.”
“True.” We stepped out the large heavy door and out to the gardens where Castle Danger village was located.
I adjusted my robes over me. I was still wearing the dress from earlier and the neck was exposed. The September twilight air chilled my flesh as we walked and I strategically placed the robes in front of me.
“Awww,” Maxxus spoke. “Did you have to do that? I was enjoying the view.”
I grinned at him. “You can enjoy more of it later. If I can stay awake.”
His eyes hooded slightly. “Oh don’t say things like that to me…” he muttered, though he was still smiling.
“You’re here!” Kiarra came from the village, running up to us. “Everyone will be thrilled to see you!”
“Anything we can help with?” I asked.
“I don’t think so. I just think it means a lot for them to see you both here,” she said. “Just walk around with me and talk to people for a bit. Then you can get some rest. I’m sure it’s been a long day, huh?”
I nodded intently. “Yes, it has.”
She gave me a solemn look. “How was your visit?” I knew she meant to Castle Danger.
My lower lip trembled at the thought. “It was…horrible.”
“What’s even worse, is that there have been other attacks on other mytho havens,” Maxxus said.
She frowned. “He told you, huh?” She sighed, running her hands through her long, dark hair and smoothing it out over her shoulder. “What are you planning to do?”
“Gather the dragon leaders and ask for their help in protecting all the other havens,” I replied darkly. “That should go over well, huh?”
“Aww, your first diplomatic meeting! Get out the big crowns!” Kiarra kidded, smacking me playfully in the shoulder.
“Shit,” I said, smacking my forehead. “I decree those things burned. No way.”
Kiarra sniggered. “Well, you’re the queen. Do what you like.”
“Good.” I said stubbornly, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Shall we?” Maxxus held out his elbow, and I laced my arm through it, pulling him close to my side. The corners of his lips turned up slightly. We followed Kiarra through the makeshift tent village to the ‘town square’.
While mythos weren’t bustling about carelessly, there were signs of them trying to return to normal. The dragon family that owned the brewery were dressed warmly in thick robes and tall boots, outside with several kegs stacked up high and were arguing quietly about how to best brew a quick batch of ale for everyone. A fae couple were assembling crude wooden chairs and bringing them inside a tan tent; I figured they were attempting to rebuild an eatery.
My brother, Braeden paced around the square with a clipboard and a pen and was furiously taking notes as various shop owners made requests of things they needed to help ‘rebuild’ for now. His mouth was set in a thin line, his green eyes narrow as they concentrated at the different demands being made of him by a fae, a gnome and a few dragons as they all spoke out of turn.
Kiarra let out a loud, pointed cough as we approached. “The high Majesties of Anarach approach!”
I swallowed an apprehensive lump in my throat as eyes split from my brother and landed on us. The dragons instantly bowed lowly, along with my brother; the other Mythos hung their heads in reverence.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I insisted abruptly to Kiarra, elbowing her in the side.
“Oh come on, it’s tradition.” She offered a wink and stood aside.
Maxxus and I exchanged a look that could easily be mistaken for an eye roll if you were paying attention.
“Your majesties.” Braeden’s voice was serious, though I detected a quiver of laughter in his tone.
“Mockery, Baron? Off with your head!” I declared, mockingly; attempting to appear serious.
Around us sounded a collective gasp as several heads snapped upward.
Maxxus snorted. “She is…kidding. The queen likes to jest. For…levity?”
“Oh. Of course!” The dragons who owned the brewery tittered with uncomfortable laughter.
“Oh cripes. Seriously, at ease or…whatever it is you say.” I groaned, slapping my forehead with my palm.
The dragons smiled and stood upright fully; followed by the other mythos.
“Are you getting everything you need?” Maxxus asked.
“Oh yes. Baron Braeden here is most attentive to our needs; we’re most appreciative.” The male brewer said, in his thick accent, trying to stand up straighter, adjusting his red plaid tunic shirt over his broad chest.
The female next to him rolled her eyes. She wore a similar plaid shawl over a white shift dress. She shook her head; her silver curls bounced around her friendly face. “Forgive him, your highnesses. My husband is a terrible flirt, and I know he finds you very attractive, Queen. He starts acting a bit…moronic.”
My eyes widened slightly and I choked on a breath. “Is that so?” I dared to sneak a look at Maxxus who bit his lip.
“Kressina!” the male blushed and play-smacked his wife.
Maxxus chuckled lightly. “It’s all right; you’re in good company. I regret that I don’t recall—before Castle Danger, where were you from, originally?”
I breathed a sigh of uncomfortable relief at his subject change. Nice one, I thought to myself, giving him a wide smile.
“Dreka, your highness,” Kressina replied. “We lived in Castle Danger for a long time; since the famine.”
I winced. “Famine?” How is that possible? Didn’t their Court assist them with crops and such, like Anarach?
The male nodded. “Yes. It was an ugly time. Much fighting amongst the Drekan courtmembers. No one could agree on how to get anything done. We left when the weather dragons refused to tend the crops.”
“Why wouldn’t they?” I asked, confused. It just was a no-brainer here. You helped or you didn’t eat. Of course, a dragon could hunt but, most didn’t desire to if they didn’t have to. Contributing was just easier.
He shrugged. “They wanted more gold for their services.”
“That was years ago, though. I have heard it’s better now. But our children were born and Castle Danger became home. Or…did.” She sniffled as she spoke, sounding despondent.
I grasped her arm gently in solidarity. “Well, you are welcome in Anarach as long as you need to be. You may remain after Castle Danger is rebuilt, or you can go back. But you’ll always have a home here, I promise.”
Kressina smiled widely. She bowed her head and made a curtsying gesture with her legs and arms. “That is…very kind your highness. Thank you. Did you hear that, Mendac?”
Mendac nodded his head. “Yes. Most kind. Thank you.”
&n
bsp; “Please tell us if you need anything at all.” Kiarra was gesturing for us to move on.
“Well, yes but tell me first; the king and queen are very busy,” Braeden said with a chuckle.
Kiarra gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and led us away, through the square and towards a large white tent with a red Celtic symbol painted on it. I recognized it to be the infirmary.
There were several mythos and dragons in human form laying in half of the two dozen or so beds along both sides of the tent. I noticed the back of a black pixie cut from across the room as the head it was attached to bobbed up and down gently. It turned and I grinned, seeing Evie, the resident nurse and vampire taking care of everyone. She nodded towards her patient—it appeared she was mending a gossamer wing of a fae as it hung awkwardly over the bedside; the male fae it was attached to grimaced as he drank a vial of whatever it was he was just given. She stood and came rushing over to us.
“Leo—your highness! It’s good to see you again!” she said, running the tip of her tongue over her slight, pointed fangs at the top of her mouth. I’d seen her briefly the other day, after the Shadow invasion but we barely had time to acknowledge the others’ presence, let alone talk. We clutched hands briefly in a greeting. “You just missed Esmé; she just retired for the evening but she’ll return tomorrow. How are you doing?”
“Just fine. You escaped the attack relatively unscathed, obviously?” I asked. I noticed Maxxus had stepped away and was having a quiet conversation with someone in a nearby bed. I allowed him his space to do his kingly thing—whatever that was.
Evie nodded. “Yes.” Her eyes followed my gaze to Maxxus. “Congratulations on the marriage, by the way.”
“Oh,” I lightly giggled. “Thanks.”
“How did the sorcerer take it? It all happened so fast, huh?” she asked rhetorically.
“Yes and…as well as to be expected I guess. He sort of encouraged this, so…” I shrugged.
“Did he? Interesting…” Evie trailed off, smirking. “Well, nonetheless, you’re very lucky. He’s so hot!”
I chuckled, trying not to let the blush glow too much. “He is.” I uncomfortably gazed around. “So, is there any word on that Prelate Yarrem?”