by Brenda Trim
The female’s whiskey-colored eyes were crazed, and Keira took a step backward to remove herself from the line of fire, should Mack lose control. The small blade in the female’s hand didn’t put Keira at ease, and she felt better with space between them.
Keira shuddered at hearing Mack talk so nonchalantly about murdering the giant ogres, and she reconsidered her affinity for the female. “Are you serious? I hope I never encounter them.”
“You haven’t experienced Khoth until you’ve met the Shreks of the realm,” Mack joked. “Don’t be afraid of them. Sure, they’re big, but they’re not very fast. And, I imagine your sea dragon could rip them to shreds.”
Keira hadn’t thought of it that way. She wondered if she fought many battles because she didn’t feel like a fierce warrior like the female standing in front of her.
“Why aren’t you afraid of them?” she asked, thinking about Mack’s size in comparison to the massive beasts.
“I learned a long time ago that fear is pointless. It stands in your way and weakens you. Any object can be used as a weapon, and every being has weaknesses you can exploit, once you discover them. NoFear, that’s my motto.”
“I wish I could live like that,” Keira admitted as she sat on her bed, crossing her legs. Mack was right. Fear was debilitating. She was slowly pushing it aside, but it was hard when she had so many unanswered questions.
One thing she knew was she spent an incredible night with Angus and never told him he made her feel more alive than she’d felt before. And now, he was battling Buggane, and if he didn’t return, she would never get the chance.
Mack stopped and faced her, hands on her hips. The stance accentuated her muscular frame, and Keira’s eyes snagged on her arm that was covered in colorful tattoos. Mack was no wilting flower. The female had a shark on her bicep. It was an apt depiction given Mack’s fierce attitude. And, that day’s t-shirt, ‘I want pizza, not your opinion,’ paid homage to her bold personality.
“You can live like that. You stop yourself, no one else does. From what Angus has told us, you didn’t take shit from anyone and did what the hell you wanted. I’m not sure what you’ve been through, and I don’t need to know. Trust me, I’ve had my share of shit dealt to me, but I took my life back. I didn’t sit around whining about it. There is a reason Angus gave up everything, including his kingdom, to find you. My point is, I know you have it in you,” Mack replied.
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. “Come in,” Keira called out, suddenly feeling underdressed in her jeans and t-shirt.
The staff saw her as Angus’s queen, and she understood that carried certain expectations and responsibilities. She preferred dresses, but also enjoyed the comfort and practicality of the casual attire. Oh, well, she amended. The staff would have to learn to accept it. She was going to dress as she saw fit, not how others felt she should. Baby steps. Taking her life back was one small decision at a time.
Elysia stuck her head around the door, and when she saw Mack, a smile bloomed across her face. The door swung wide, and Keira saw a box in her maid’s hand and a pink furry animal on her shoulder. When the animal began chattering, Keira recalled hearing the noise in the forest. This must be a female Kippie.
Mack squealed, and the animal quickly scurried from Elysia to Mack’s open arms. Angus was right. The animal was a furball, and Keira couldn’t resist touching the soft pink fuzz. As Keira and Mack fawned over the adorable animal, Elysia started laughing over Mack’s sarcastic t-shirt.
“Oh, that one is brilliant. I wear the one you sent back with Blaine all the time. See?” Elysia said as she opened the silk robe of her staff uniform. Underneath the garment was a bright pink shirt, displaying an image of a dragon that was rubbing its bottom along a path, leaving fire in its wake. Keira couldn’t stop from laughing to the point her side ached.
“That is hysterical!” she barely managed through teary eyes.
“Isn’t it? Mack, you’ve got to send me pictures of all your shirts so the Barista sisters can carry more styles. Their store can’t keep this one in stock,” Elysia explained.
“I’m thinking of designing a line of t-shirts. I’ll have all my crazy-ass slogans offered in an array of styles. I was thinking I could call the collection ‘Made With Sass’. I could offer them to all realms,” Mack shared. “And, if this little girl needs a home, I’ll take her,” Mack cooed as she cuddled the pink Kippie.
“Oh, that would be wonderful. I found her a couple months ago. Looked like she’d been attacked by a Redcap, and was near death. I nursed her back to health, but she’s become so tame, I feared she wouldn’t survive if released back to the wild,” Elysia explained.
“Say no more. Nate’s going to have a fucking heart attack when I bring another Kippie to Zeum, but that makes it even better,” Mack said with a laugh, “I’ll call you Squeak, and Pip is going to love you.”
“Mack, I think the clothing line is a fabulous idea, and the name is perfect,” Keira stated and her eyes went to the package in Elysia’s hands. “What do you have there?” she asked, changing the subject as she watched Mack love on Squeak.
“Oh, sorry. This package was just delivered for you. Please let me know if you need anything else, Princess,” Elysia murmured with a bow as she held the parcel out in her hands.
“Is this from Angus?” Keira asked when she accepted the paper-wrapped box. As soon as she touched it, a peculiar sensation crawled up her arm and fogged her brain.
“It could be. I’m not entirely positive because a service delivered the parcel. If you’ll excuse me, I have chores to attend to,” Elysia replied before she left the room.
“What is it?” Mack asked as she made her way closer.
Keira couldn’t divert her gaze. It was as if a magnet held her attention, and she was rooted to the object in her hands. “Don’t know,” she mumbled before she tore the brown paper from the object, uncovering a simple white box.
Her heart sped up, and her eyes widened as she scrambled to remove the lid. Keira tossed the top to the bed, and the rest of the world receded when she saw the beautiful ring inside the box. The large pink diamond sparkled brighter than the Khoth stars at night.
Keira was attracted to anything shiny. It was the dragon part of her wanting to collect and hoard precious gems. Light flashed from the ring, and Keira’s heart settled as one thought dominated her mind. Leave the castle now and don’t allow anyone to stop you.
Something was off, but Keira couldn’t concentrate on that. Nothing mattered but leaving and heading for the mountain.
Her mind whirled as a plan quickly formed to sneak around the staff. A nearby vase sparked an idea. She could say she was going for flowers from the garden, and the vase could double as a weapon if she ran into trouble.
She would have to send Elysia on an errand. No doubt the servant was waiting outside her bedroom door to meet her every need. Then she would need to get past the knights that would be waiting in the halls. She could knock them over the head with the vase. Yes, that would work, she thought. Urgency rode her hard as she remembered Angus would return soon.
Thinking of Angus had a temporary pang ring through her chest. It made her stop for a second before the imperative to keep going kicked in, and she was back in motion.
She cracked her bedroom door to see if Elysia was in the hallway. A hand landed on her shoulder, and she jerked, trying to shake it off. Keira felt a squeeze and spun around to stare into Mack’s worried gaze. Keira’s body turned and was moving before she knew what was happening.
Suddenly, Mack grabbed her hand and yanked the ring from her finger, and the world came back into focus. Elysia entered the room, and Mack held the ring, inspecting it.
“What happened?” Keira asked, grasping her head. The disorientation reminded her of when she woke in the cave. Her hands tingled and her breathing sped up. She wasn’t asleep like before, but she didn’t understand what happened, aside from the urgent need to leave the castle.
&n
bsp; “You were under a fucking spell,” Mack spat.
“Should I get King Angus?” Elysia asked.
Blood dropped to Keira’s feet, leaving her lightheaded and dizzy. “No. I’m fine. Don’t bother him. He’s busy trying to heal Heqet,” she mumbled, lost in a daze.
The pull to the ring hadn’t vanished. She wanted to snatch the jewelry from Mack’s hand and take off. It was hers.
“Give it back. That’s mine!” Keira demanded, and thrust her hand toward Mack.
“Okay, Smigel. This ring isn’t your precious. Trust me, you don’t want it,” Mack said turning the ring over as she touched it in several spots.
“Why not? It’s just a ring,” Keira declared, transfixed on the beautiful pink stone.
“Because I can feel his power tainting it. This trinket is as powerful as the tablet that held you in stasis,” Mack informed her as she tapped one final location and pumped her fist in the air. “Yes. Another one bites the dust. That was too damn close for comfort. Not to mention creepy as fuck to watch you get all crazy-eyed.”
Like clouds parting to reveal the sun, clarity struck, and anger replaced her confusion. She understood enough of what Mack had said to get that someone was trying to enchant her again. “Who did this?” she growled, ready to draw blood.
“That would be Cyril. He needs to get over his God complex and give up already. He lost to a much better man,” Mack asserted with a wink. The female was partial to Angus and took every opportunity to sway Keira in the same direction.
“Are you sure it was Cyril?” Keira asked.
“I’m going to pretend you didn’t go there. Long story short, I have an ability to cancel spells, and I never forget magic once I’ve felt it,” Mack explained as she stuffed the ring back into its original box.
“Sorry to doubt you. I’m just having a difficult time believing Cyril would do something like this,” Keira explained.
“Girlfriend, you need to take off the blinders and see Cyril for the piece of shit he really is. But, more importantly, what are you going to do now?” Mack asked with genuine concern.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do, but he owes me an explanation,” Keira admitted.
Was Angus right about everything? She didn’t believe Cyril was capable of such evil, but after this, she had to consider Angus was telling the truth. Keira slumped to the edge of her bed as she thought about her next move. Why did it seem like she took one step forward, only to take two steps back?
Chapter Thirteen
Angus growled at the physician as he tested Angus’s shoulder. The second they returned from consecrating Heqet, Angus wanted to seek out Keira, especially after Elysia informed him of Cyril’s delivery, but Dyson insisted on examining him.
“Shite, I told you this isna necessary. I shifted and healed the wound. It doesna hurt anymore,” Angus growled as he tried to shrug off the physician.
“With all due respect, Sire, your time away changed you. The fact that you had any pain after the shift is concern enough. I am merely making sure there is no internal damage,” the physician replied as he continued his examinations.
“Och, Dyson, I apologize. I know you’re doing your job, but I need to see Keira. And, I disagree. I doona believe ‘tis a change in me, but a change in the land. I wasna affected this way on Earth,” Angus replied as he lifted the other arm. They still had to regenerate trees, flowers, and groundcover but the earth was consecrated and ready for the ceremony.
“I didn’t think about that. You have a point. Your connection to Gaia could explain the discomfort. You’re certain there is no more pain?” Dyson asked.
“Nay, it lasted for a couple of hours while we worked, but is gone now.”
“We need to keep monitoring this, but I’d say the injury has healed. I imagine you will gain strength and power as you take back, and mend, more of the land we have lost,” the male speculated.
Dyson’s deep blue eyes brightened as his excitement took over. The members of his realm were ecstatic over the upcoming Civappu ceremony, and Angus could feel the shift towards hope.
“Aye, I felt better after we finished the job, and I know the healing of the land had a lot to do with that.”
“That makes sense. I see the facets have returned to your eyes, which is a good sign. And, from what the Munundungo said, your dragon smoke is nearly back to full strength.”
“Aye, ‘tis easier now. It came naturally when I was at the site, and I feel more like myself every day,” Angus admitted.
His veins sang with renewed vigor and health, and he never wanted to leave his kingdom again. The best part was that he sensed the same enthusiasm in his people, as well.
“How about Keira? Have you made any progress with unlocking her memories?”
“Unfortunately, nay. I stand by my assessment that there is a tablet, or a talisman, holding the spell. Until that is located and unlocked, there is nothing anyone can do for her,” Angus replied as he watched Keira enter the throne room.
Keira’s presence immediately calmed and settled Angus. Dyson could poke and prod to his heart’s content, and Angus wouldn’t mind with Keira there. He could watch her move all day and never tire of it. She walked with fluid grace and confidence and captured his attention the instant she walked into a room.
The devotion and admiration he felt towards her had not waivered. If anything, his feelings had intensified, and grown stronger.
“Angus. We need to talk,” Keira said as she walked straight to him with determination, and his heart sank. For a brief moment, he imagined she was coming to him because he was away, and she missed him.
“Of course, lass. But first, I must know how you are. I heard about Cyril’s gift,” Angus replied with a snarl.
He was sick and fucking tired of that Fae bastard messing in his life. Cyril needed to accept that Keira was never going to be his. If he had a chance in hell of winning her affections, it would’ve happened when she was with him.
“You can stop your growling, pal. I’m angry enough, as it is,” Keira snapped, making the staff gape, and his smile return.
She was a breath of fresh air. Angus’s people didn’t approve of the way she challenged him, but it fueled the fire he needed to be the best king for Khoth.
“You’re right, Turquoise. And, I’m verra glad to hear you’re finally angry at that wanker,” Angus indicated before he turned to Dyson. “Thank you. I’m okay, and I will let you know if I am affected as we reclaim our land.”
“Very good, Sire,” Dyson replied with a bow of his head after he gathered his bag. “I believe you will see significant improvement after the land is completely restored. When Gaia’s health is renewed, so shall yours be.”
Angus watched Dyson’s exit the throne room then turned to Keira. Now,” he murmured and took her hand in his. “What can I do for you?”
The heat where their skin connected was incendiary and instantly clouded his mind. It was a chore to remain focused and not allow his dragon to ascend. His beast clawed at his insides to claim and mate Keira. Like jewels and shiny objects, his dragon took what it wanted and hoarded it away.
Angus would do whatever necessary to keep her safe and win her heart. There was no other option. And, he counted it as a win when she didn’t pull away and allowed him to twine their fingers. Guiding her to the table, he sat and grabbed a plate of food.
“I want to go home,” she blurted.
“Nay,” he countered. He winced at his knee jerk reaction and the hate-filled glare it garnered.
“See, that’s where you’re wrong. The days of everyone dictating my life are over. Too much has been stolen from me, and I refuse to allow you, or, anyone else, to keep one more thing from me. You say Cyril is evil. Well, you are just as bad holding me prisoner in this place, no matter how comfortable the cage,” Keira scolded as she crossed arms over her chest.
Her defiant demeanor told Angus she was at the end of her rope again. He made a mental note to check her room afterwa
rd to see if it was in one piece. All remaining collectibles had been removed after her last explosion, but Keira might’ve destroyed the furniture. It was rare when she reached this point, but it was never pretty.
Many on Khoth believed females needed to be protected and coveted at all costs, and he had been one of them until he’d spent time in the Tehrex Realm.
He glanced across the table to Mack who was sitting in Kyran’s lap, feeding him food. She was living proof that females were as capable and vicious as males. He understood why they’d always protected the fairer sex on Khoth, given the small percentage that could bear dragon babies. He vowed to discover a way to include them in the tactical side of the realm, if not the actual fighting.
“Shite, I’ve made a mess of things. I never meant you to feel like a prisoner. My goal has only been to protect you. If my dragon dictated the situation, you would be locked in my hoard, along with my treasure,” he admitted as he cupped her cheek with his free hand.
Keira’s eyes widened in surprise at his words. When her expression softened, his hand glided along her jaw, and he caressed her slender neck, enjoying the burning flame under his palm.
“I will agree to more freedoms, but I canna allow you to roam withoot a guard,” he added and disliked the immediate narrowing of her eyes.
Looked like he wasn’t going to experience more of what they shared the night before, even though her nearness had his shaft hardening and his mouth watering. Her sultry scent filled the room and made his head swim.
“I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. And, dammit, I’m so tired of being told what to do and how to do it,” Keira growled and snatched her hand out of Angus’s grasp.
“Whoa, chica. Chillax. Angus is only trying to protect you,” Mack interjected, surprising him with her defense. “You don’t want to become a zombie queen, do you? Have you forgotten how that spell controlled you? It was freaky. I’d gladly take a guard any day over that. Besides, you get one of these burly, handsome dragons to follow you around. How can that be a bad thing?”