by Ivy Clyde
Once my hair was sufficiently dry and perfumed, they proceeded to oil it and comb it. I sat in my place, letting them fashion my tresses into an elaborate bun at the back of my head. Several gold pins were used to keep the braids in place. Lastly, they added a number of jeweled ornaments.
By the end of the hour, my head felt weighed down by the weight of all the gold in my hair. However, each time I glanced at the mirror, the image of a queen was reflected in its surface.
Two maids stepped forward to dab rouge on my cheeks. Next, they added thick swipes of black kohl to line my eyes. Lastly, they rubbed crimson-tinted rose balm to my lips.
My features came alive.
The sun rose higher in the sky as they got me to step into my royal robes. The maids laced and buttoned the dress tightly to my body, making sure it hugged my curves snugly. It showed off the small bump on my stomach. Resting a hand on it for a moment, I looked to the mirror, hoping the child could see how majestic we looked through my eyes.
Heavy, embellished gold ornaments were added to my neck, ears, and wrists. My body felt weighed down with their weight but the effect they produced couldn’t be denied. I looked like an image of a goddess, decked up in gold and jewels, ready to offer the people the gift of prosperity.
“Your Highness, Prince Ren wishes to see you,” said a maid by my side.
“Ask him to come in.”
Ren strode inside the room, looking extremely opulent in his robes of lavender silk. Sapphire earrings glinted at his ears. His ginger hair shone in the sunshine that poured in through the windows.
His vivid blue eyes widened as soon as they fell on me.
“I barely recognize you,” he said in a hushed whispered.
A soft chuckle escaped me.
“The kings have arrived,” he said. “They have been accompanied to the dragon temple.”
I nodded, feeling anticipation rise inside me. Of course, I kept my expression blank in front of the maids who were still hanging around us.
“Are the rest of the preparations complete?” I asked.
“Yes. Everyone is waiting for you at the temple. Your palanquin is ready to take you there. How much longer will you need? It’s close to noon already.”
“I’m almost done.” I gestured for one of the maids to bring forward the ermine-trimmed mantle of maroon velvet. “Wrap it carefully and bring it with you. I’ll wear it just before stepping into the temple.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
I glanced at Ren. “I am ready.”
He led me out of the room and into the corridor outside. A battalion of guards, garbed in ornamental armor, waited to escort me down the hallway. The clang of their metallic attire sounded behind me as I followed Ren through the network of passageways that would lead to the front foyer of the palace.
More soldiers and men waited for me there.
A richly bedecked palanquin was visible as well.
“That will take you the temple,” said Ren pointedly.
A pair of maids came forward to help me enter the large, velvet-lined box that would be carried by a dozen men. They lowered the curtains, sealing me from view until I made my appearance at the gates of the temple.
Journeys in enclosed palanquins were always uncomfortable. My body rolled with every movement of the box. Within minutes, I was nauseous. My child didn’t like the ride either and caused a deeper sensation of sickness to roil within me.
It was a relief when we came to a halt after an hour’s torturous ride. I schooled my features and hoped the layers of rouge on my cheeks would hide the greenish paleness there.
“We are ready for you, Your Highness,” the soft voice of a maid spoke from outside the palanquin.
I moved away the curtain. At once, two women stepped forward to help me step out. My movements were slightly clumsy due to the flaring gown and the weight from all the gold jewelry on me. Steadying myself, I waited for them to pin the regal mantle on my shoulders.
Ren wiped all humor from his face and stood stiffly at my side. The change in him almost made me giggle.
He led the way towards the entrance of the temple. The guards fell in place behind me, only stopping when I entered the cool, dark interiors of the sacred chambers.
In the flickering light of a thousand lamps, I found the people I was looking for. Cain, Adal, and Norvin stood in the far corner. They were each decked in their royal garbs with glittering crowns on their heads. They were already the kings of their nations. Now it was my turn.
A group of priests was lined against the altar where a granite statue of four coiling dragons was erected. Their leader stepped forward with a bowl of oil. Dipping his finger in it, he coated it with the herbal oil and made a sigil on my forehead.
Chants rose up in the enclosed cavernous chamber.
They prayed for the land, the people and me, their new queen.
The main priest sprinkled me with the ashes of certain woods as well as the waters from the rivers that flowed in Drakhaven. I stood erect as he continued with the rituals.
I could feel a growing energy pooling at my feet. In my mind’s eyes, I could see the swirls of energy rising up from deep within the earth. It might have been invisible to all who were present there but everyone could feel the effects.
“My queen,” the priest murmured and placed the crown of golden roses on my brow. It had once belonged to my mother and instead of preparing a new design, I decided to wear it in the honor of my parents. At least, it would always serve as a reminder any time I got complacent of my responsibilities.
I caught Ren’s eyes. His blue eyes were glowing with fierce pride. Next, I glanced at the three handsome men in the far corner. Their faces were hidden in shadows but I could feel their gazes on me. A heated blush rose up on my cheeks. My body craved their touch.
The priest beside me gave a soft cough. Tearing my gaze away from my mates, I turned around so he could lead me outside the temple.
“Your Majesty,” said Ren, coming to stand beside me. His voice rang with pride and solemnity.
The palanquin waited to take me back to the palace where a feast would be held for all my royal guests as well as every noble and official who worked for me. With a resigned sigh, I let the maid help me inside it.
At the feast, my place was set on a raised platform so I could watch over my court officials enjoying a good meal of roast meat, freshly baked bread and good wine. Cain, Adal, and Norvin sat around me, having been given guest-of-honor places on my table.
Away from the rest of the crowd, we were able to talk with some privacy. We still couldn’t touch each other intimately but at least, we could exchange news between ourselves.
“Now that you’ve been crowned queen in Drakhaven,” said Cain in a low voice. “It’s time to be crowned as the queen of Iorna.”
“And the queen of Redfall,” said Norvin, lifting his goblet of wine.
Adal smiled at me. “It is time you ruled over all the four kingdoms.”
I shook my head and suppressed a chuckle. “I am barely able to handle the responsibilities of Drakhaven.”
“We’ll be there to help you,” said Norvin. “You just have to be our queen.”
“How long must we stay here?” asked Cain. “I am dying to touch you and take a closer look at the baby bump.”
Adal and Norvin turned their gazes on me.
“We could leave now,” I said. The court officials were sufficiently drunk now. Their chatters and wild laughter grew louder as the minutes passed. It would be easy to slip away. “Come.” Getting to my feet, I led my mates through a sealed entrance to reach a corridor.
I didn’t stop until we’d reached my quarters. There were guards and soldiers stationed at every turn and corner, but they all bowed to me respectfully. No raised eyebrows followed us.
Pushing open a tall door, I led them into my private chambers.
A long breath exhaled out of me just as Adal closed the door behind us all.
Cain and Norvin reached me and both hug
ged me at the same time. Adal waited for his turn, and then he swept me into a gentle hug and kissed my lips. My heart beat with joy as my mates showered me with their affections.
“How about we get onto your bed?” suggested Norvin.
“Go ahead.”
Norvin climbed onto it and lay down among the pillows. Cain and Adal looked more hesitant but followed him to sit on the edge of the bed.
I went to the corner where a vast table was set up along with a gilded mirror over it. One by one, I started taking off my jewelry.
It took longer to get rid of all the pins in my hair but a sigh of contentment escaped me as my hair fell freely past my shoulders.
Next, I took off the lavish gown.
Cain, Adal, and Norvin had their gazes on me. Fighting a hot blush, I stepped towards them in nothing but a long, thin shift that I’d worn underneath my dress.
They shifted to make space for me.
One by one, they moved closer to kiss me.
Cain lay a gentle hand on my protruding belly. “Our child is growing up fast,” he said approvingly. “It feels like mere days have passed since your stomach was flat.”
“Three months have flown by like a breeze,” said Adal. “We’re so busy through the day we barely notice time passing us by.”
“I hate having to spend time apart,” said Norvin. His purple-hued eyes looked between Adal and Cain. “I have to admit. I miss you both as much as Daria.”
Adal chuckled. “Yes. I do miss the days when our companionship was the only thing holding us together. We’ve gone through near-death experiences with each other. It’s a very different kind of bond.”
“Did you think we’d ever be able to have this moment?” Cain’s silvery-gray eyes looked at each of us in turn. “It feels like a dream to be here like this.”
“It is no dream,” I said, squeezing his hand. “At least when I am arguing with a dozen court official it doesn’t feel so dreamy.”
We all sniggered at that. Arguments and discussions with our officials were always exhausting.
“Ren seems to be doing quite well,” said Norvin. “Who was the man with him? They have the same ugly shade of ginger hair.”
I laughed. “It’s not ugly!”
“That shade looked ugly on you alone, Norvin,” said Adal in a light, mocking tone.
We all burst out laughing at that, remembering the time when I’d dyed Norvin’s hair with henna in an attempt to hide his identity.
“That man is Ren’s real father,” I added once the chuckles stopped. “He came to me and told me the truth the day after the assassination attempt.”
Norvin swore loudly. Adal and Cain turned stiff.
“I can’t imagine how desperate they must have been,” said Cain. “It was cowardly and barbaric.”
“They wanted to see if they could kill me in my sleep. Thanks to Tuto watching over me, they never got the chance.”
“I declare the owl to be the royal protector,” said Norvin. “I will present him with lots of meat for his services to my queen.”
“Those old nobles even murdered Helena,” I said in a bitter voice. “Their greed for control grew so much they wouldn’t even let Helena live.”
“She was never banished?” asked Cain.
I shook my head. “She was already wasting away from the shock. Ivan was dead and so were her brothers. Ren wanted me to let her be imprisoned in the dungeon. I never thought she would be in any danger from the nobles. She would have happily supported their decision to kill me.”
“It is good it was taken care of,” said Adal in a grim voice. “All those who had connections with the evil traitor have perished. Let this tale stand through the ages to serve its lesson. No matter how strong evil gets, there will always be those who fight it.”
A large yawn escaped me.
“She is tired,” said Norvin, laying me down on the pillows beside him. Gazing at me with a gentle expression, he said, “I wish I could stay with you and take care of you every day.”
“I feel the same,” said Adal. “I want to be around you and our baby.”
“I can barely concentrate on anything I miss you so much,” said Cain.
“Then, come live with me,” I said, meeting each of their gazes. “You can rule your kingdoms from here too. And you can fly back to your nations any time you need to.”
“I have been thinking about that,” said Adal, lying down on my other side. “I want to set things up in such a way that I can stay away from administrative roles as much as possible. That way, I can stay closer to you.”
“You must help me,” said Norvin. “Whatever grand ideas you have, do share. I can’t stay away from Daria. And once the baby is born, I’d never want to apart from them.”
“It will be hard work,” said Adal.
“We have six more months,” said Cain. “We can do it. In fact, we have to do it.”
Soon, my eyes drooped closed. As I was lulled to sleep, I could feel the presence and warmth of my mates all around me. In the back of my mind, I knew they would have to leave soon but I desperately hoped they could come and live with me without having to go back so quickly.
20
Daria
Three years later
The night was lit up by the glow of a thousand lanterns.
Dareena, my two-year-old daughter, rushed past me towards a vendor selling floating lanterns. Norvin and Adal ran after her, shouting for her to slow down. I stayed back and suppressed a laugh as Cain supported me with his arm wrapped around my shoulders.
“Are you sure you should be here?” said Cain in a grim voice as he kept his gaze all around us. One of his hands lay protectively against my large protruding belly. I was pregnant with my second child.
His protectiveness was growing each day. If possible, he would have stayed back in the palace with me, letting Dareena enjoy the lantern festival with Adal and Norvin.
“It’s not good for the baby to be cooped up all day inside a room,” I reminded him, watching Dareena skip away while Adal and Norvin were paying the lantern vendor. Adal shouted after her while Norvin had to run after to catch up. “Children like a little excitement,” I said indulgently as I watched Dareena ask for sugar candies from a vendor.
We were all dressed in simple peasant clothes to blend in with the crowd around us so we could move around freely without needing guards to escort us. It gave us a rare opportunity to be a family without the bonds of royal etiquette.
Tonight, we were free to be as wild as the children on the street.
There was a general air of festivity all around us. Children played all along the street, laughing cheerfully. Their voices were strong. No shadow of sickness lay over them.
The past few years, we’d stopped levying taxes on our citizens. It gave them a chance to rebuild their lives and come out of the abject poverty they’d been subjected to. As prosperity spread around the towns and villages, the rate of crime also decreased.
As rulers, we could see our burdens lightening.
“This is delicious! Try it, Mother!” Dareena had come back to me with a sugar candy molded in the shape of a swan. Two curly ponytails on both sides of her head bobbed as she shivered with excitement. Her jade-green eyes glowed with happiness. My heart swelled to see my child looking so healthy and happy.
I took the sweet and bit into the hard caramel. “Mmm. It does taste good,” I said, handing the rest to her. Looking up at Adal and Norvin, I grinned.
“You only have eyes for your mother,” said Norvin in a mock upset tone. “Your fathers buy you the sweet but you run to your mother with it.”
Dareena looked slightly peeved. “For you, Father,” she said, offering her piece of candy.
My heart melted at the gesture.
Norvin swept her off her feet and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, sweetheart.” Taking the candy, he held it to her mouth.
“Are you crying, Daria?” asked Adal, glancing at me.
“A little,” I said,
wiping my eyes. Lately, my emotions were strong. From anger to love, it was doubly strong. Right now, my heart was overflowing with so much love, it was aching.
After years of neglect and unimaginable pain, I was standing here with my complete family. My child was loved by me and her fathers. She would be protected by all of us and one day, she would rule the realm with her brothers and sisters. We would help her grow stronger, but for now, we were satisfied to let her innocence stay intact a little longer.
Even though peace and prosperity had come to us all, I was always on my guard.
A ghostly white shadow flew over our heads. Tuto’s screeches were drowned by the noise of the street, making him melt into the night more effectively. From time to time, I would let my irises turn a tawny gold from green and take in the aerial view my familiar provided.
The assassin within me was ever vigilant, ever present…
Did you enjoy Daria’s journey?
Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for reading until the end.
This is the last book in this fantasy series. I hope you enjoyed the adventure of Daria and her dragon princes in this tale.
Would you like me to write more realm fantasy like this series or do you prefer your fantasy in a modern, urban setting? Let me know!
For now, I am working on a contemporary academy series. It is a reverse harem story as well. If you like the genre, please check out the first book in the series.
Lastly, I hope you enjoyed the story and would consider leaving a short review on Amazon. Even a simple “I liked it” will make my day.
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About Ivy
Ivy is an Electrical engineer by profession. She started writing fanfiction in her spare time and after a whole year of writing; she decided to start writing an original series with her own characters.
Although, work and tight deadlines often have her drinking coffee, she is a tea-lover at heart. She loves to read, but keeps taking trips to Hogwarts now and then. (Who could miss JKR’s lovely invitation?) Her favorite current TV shows are Game of Thrones and Pretty Little Liars.