by Crystal Dawn
There were no arguments that swayed Allendra and she looked at Serena as if she could see deep down to her soul. It was as if she knew that she had started her challenge early, but didn’t think it would make any difference.
All the same players were present, but this time everything felt real and not dreamlike at all. “Because the Blood Moon will be upon us fast,” Allendra said in a magnanimous tone, “I will grant each of you a clue.”
This time when it was finally over, she looked at her hand and saw the crescent moon that represented the dark fae of the White Dragon kingdom over an H that stood for the human that her mate was.
The dream only confirmed what she had already known deep inside. The magic the world or worlds, if you preferred, possessed was in danger of being erased by an unhappy woman who had lost her faith in love. Serena suspected Zaan had something to do with that but it no longer mattered how it had come about. All that mattered now was that it had.
No one would be untouched by this if Allendra truly took away the magic from every place that it existed. It would devastate the worlds that relied on it and they would look for someone to blame. Some of these races, including her own, hated humans anyway. Serena had no doubt they would attack the humans and enslave them. Human women rarely fought, they would be defenseless. Human men couldn’t take a formerly supernatural warrior that had lived and learned to fight for hundreds of years.
Chaos would rule the world and the death toll would be staggering. Supernaturals would find it difficult to adjust, some might even end their lives, unwilling to be what they considered an inferior creature.
Serena sat up covered with sweat, her breath coming hard and her heart pounding. She unintentionally woke Flint who took her in his arms to give her comfort. “I can see it happened as you foresaw. We are well on our way, Mate. Everything will work out fine.”
If he knew what she did, he might not feel so confident. Most of the beings that had been there with her, had resisted believing. Those that waited might be too late finding their mate. Some of them might even attack Allendra, though Serena knew they would have no chance of winning. Normally a positive person, she saw little to be positive about right now except for her mate. His warmth was comforting and she knew eventually they would find a love that was deep and true.
Right now, comfort was turning to passion and she wanted him in every way she could imagine. Her imagination had always been very good. His lips found hers in a searing kiss that lit up all her nerve endings.
She could feel his warm smooth skin so she moved her fingers to his nipples, tweaking them. He groaned so she ran her tongue over one, then the other. They instantly responded causing her to suck on one, then the next. Serena played with them enjoying how responsive they were and the way it made him moan. Her hands moved lower to stroke his cock, which was hard as steel.
She reached down to stroke his impressive length. So hard, yet the skin was so silky smooth. He felt so good she wondered what he would taste like. She could see the pearly drop at the end of his rock hard cock, she leaned in running her tongue over it. Moaning as his flavor burst on her tongue, she knew she wanted more.
Sliding lower on the bed to explore his magnificent cock, she milked more of his tasty essence for her searching tongue. Mm, his skin was salty. She continued to run her tongue up and down his length. Flint was writhing and arching against her tongue and she could tell he wanted, no needed, more. She sank her mouth over the head of his cock sucking it in.
So slowly she sank all the way down till her nose nestled into the soft curls at his groin. He made a noise almost a growl at the back of his throat before he started rocking in and out. She sucked in his cock keeping the pressure on him as her tongue twirled over him. He went faster and faster making soft sexy noises of pleasure.
He was close and she could tell, so she reached over cupping and fondling his balls. He screamed her name as the first stream of hot, spicy come splashed against the back of her throat. She sucked hard and swallowed fast as he shot his load deep into her throat. Serena drained every drop until he started shaking. She slid up his body to claim a passionate kiss and he held onto her as he pulled her to him and on top of him.
She was ready to ride him. His amazing taste had invigorated her and she was ready to go. She raised herself over his cock and her hand positioned it at her entrance. Sliding down it slowly, she didn’t stop until he was fully seated. The feeling was incredible and the pleasure enveloped her. Pausing to enjoy the feeling of being joined to him for a moment, her channel clenched around him.
Serena began to move, rocking against him as pleasure washed through her. Friction built and her need grew. Flint arched up, meeting her when she began to lift and drop onto his hardened shaft. Together they both headed toward a magnificent release.
A shiver moved up her spine and she felt flutters in her belly as they moved together in a dance as old as time. There was a mental and emotional connection she’d never felt with a man before, just with her mate, Flint. It added more levels to the pleasure making it threaten to overwhelm her.
“I’m so close.” She admitted.
“Me too. Come for me, Mate!” Flint demanded.
Not normally one to take orders, her body betrayed her and took his. A wave of pleasure so intense, she lost all reason as it washed over her. Her body shuddered and shook, clenching and clutching at his, squeezing his shaft, until he had no choice but to fill her hungry channel with his hot load of come. They bucked and jerked against each other as they rode out their massive orgasm together.
“Oh, my goodness.” Serena moaned.
“Yeah, me too.” Sweat slicked and worn out, they held each other close and they drifted off to sleep.
Morning came and neither of them seemed ready but they had no choice. Now that the Challenge had been issued, time was counting down. Serena knew in the end it might all be for nothing, but all she could do was fulfill her part. She had no control over the others and if she succeeded, and it all went to hell anyway, her conscience would be clear.
“Good morning, Beautiful.” Flint greeted her with a sweet kiss.
“Good morning, Handsome.” She returned. He was handsome and strong. Her perfect match in so many ways. Serena was beginning to understand it was wrong of her people to shun humans. They had a lot to give, at least some of them like Flint did.
It wasn’t like he wouldn’t develop some of the attributes of her kind when they mated in the way of her people. That was a good thing since he would be the target of some of the less enlightened fae. If she was aware of any of them attacking him, she would make them pay. Flint wasn’t the type to bring his complaints to his mate, so she might never be aware of those who bothered him.
Once he gained speed, strength, and healing, she wouldn’t worry about him so much. She felt he personified the best of the human world. Maybe seeing how wonderful he was would cause some fae to think better of humans as a whole. Serena could only hope. Today was a new day and maybe his father had thought about sending Ender with them.
He was the only brother she had yet to meet but she knew from the high regard Flint held him in that he was the best brother. If his father agreed to let him come with them, they could leave right away. They could be in her land in under a week and then she would know what she faced for sure. Not that she had any doubt she would have to fight the White dragon. He was the dispenser of justice among her kind. If she fought him and won, her cause was just and everyone had to accept her actions. If she fought him and lost, her mate would still be given safe passage back to the human world along with anyone who came with him.
Her father would be incensed either way. Among her people, no one was more judgmental than he was. First, he would try to get her to send the humans away. He would promise rewards if she did as he asked but when she refused, he would threaten. When all was said and done, she would be sent to fight the White Dragon. She would be allowed one defensive item like a shield and one weapon like a sword.<
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No one had ever beaten the dragon and it was said to be impossible. Magic could be used, but the dragon had magic, too. Her only hope was that a royal had never yet fought the dragon. Maybe a royal could win. She would study everything she could find about the dragon and she would give it her best shot.
They were dressed in a snap, literally. Once dressed, they headed out to find food. This time they ate in the main hall where most of the castle’s occupants dined. This must be a preferred time to eat because the hall was full. As they walked in, everything got quiet. All eyes watched them as Flint led her to a bench where they sat. A serving wench came over immediately to take their order. She smiled at Flint, but ignored her completely.
When the server came back, she gave them both their drinks and each a hot plate filled with food. They ate quickly and the food was good and filling. “Can we get some food for Sir?”
“Of course. Let’s go by the kitchen.” Flint suggested.
The kitchen was busy, but he got a young boy who was a cook’s helper to get him two baked hens. Sir would be happy. Two hens would satisfy his need for meat and he could also eat the grains they fed him.
Chapter 6
Heading to White Dragon
Flint was excited when his father sent a messenger to bring him and his mate to his private meeting room. They had just fed Sir when the messenger had appeared out of nowhere. “My prince.” The young boy said as he bowed. “Your father, the king, has sent me to find you. He wishes you and your bride to come to his private meeting room as soon as possible.”
“Thank you for letting me know. Tell him we are on our way.” Flint replied. No one, not even a prince ignored the summons of the king. Not that he would, anyway. He was dying to know what his father wanted and he hoped that it was to send Ender with him. Nothing would please him more.
Hurrying his bride across the grass to the castle, hope filled him. Things had gone well for him lately and he dared hope they would continue to do so. They entered the castle and moved quickly along the hall to the door to his father’s private meeting room. As they entered, he saw his mother, Ender, and Damian all waiting for them.
“Glad you came so quickly. I have something to discuss with you.” The king said.
“I will listen and do what I can.” Flint said. It was his usual response to his father and he always did whatever he could to make it happen. He was the good son, he and Ender kept his father happy.
“We want to have a family discussion and it seems Forest has decided not to come since he got the summons an hour ago. We’ll go ahead without him. I’ve given a lot of thought about what it means that you’ll be leaving. Damian and I have discussed his role in the kingdom and he says he’s ready to give up some of his hobbies to begin taking a serious role in running the kingdom. He’s starting today by working with Arcan this afternoon training soldiers.”
“I’m glad Damian will be helping you.” Flint said.
“In light of that, I hope Forest will also step up because I’m sending Ender with you. I believe that he will learn a lot and grow in many ways. He may even find a bride like yours in this foreign kingdom. You may each take two guards to help protect you along the way. Choose quickly and carefully. Now that I’ve decided, I wish you to set out quickly lest I change my mind and not let you go at all.”
“Thank you, Father. You know I’ll miss you and Mother, but this is my fate. We’ll pack immediately and leave first thing in the morning.”
“Very good. Pack wisely, you’ll be on the road without supplies for a long time.” He counseled.
Flint noticed his mother near tears, but was that not normal? Especially since they’d never expected any of their sons to leave and go far away. He felt a hint of sadness at all he was leaving behind, but the excitement of traveling to a new land and learning about magic was far too great to allow him to feel bad.
It brought him a feeling of satisfaction that Ender would be going with him and that Damian was at least attempting to become the heir his father needed. Maybe Forest would fall in line out of necessity. Serena had managed a great thing getting his father to view the situation in a different manner. Ender looked shocked and then pleased. He’d always wanted to travel and now he would get his wish.
He and Serena left with Ender on his their heels. “How?” Ender asked.
“Serena showed father a different way of viewing things. He suggested if Damian and Forest were forced to step up, they might become the men he wanted them to be.”
“They might not as well.” Ender offered.
“Damian is at least willing to try. When have you seen that out of him?” Flint asked.
“What of Forest? He’s making no effort, as usual.” Ender pointed out.
“Not yet, but he doesn’t know everything has changed.”
“True, because he couldn’t be bothered to find out.” Ender said. “I’m Ender, by the way. Happy to meet you, Serena. Father explained to Damian and me about you and Flint.”
“Glad to meet you, too. Now, I’ve met all of Flint’s brothers.”
“The best was saved for last.” Ender teased with a smile that told her he could be a heartbreaker if he chose to be. “I’d best get to packing.”
“We’ll see you in the morning, early.” Flint assured.
“Let’s find an office and write a list of what we need to do.” Selena suggested.
“You can write?”
“Of course. The people of our kingdom are mostly educated, I guess not in yours?”
“Sadly, no. Clergy, noblemen, the rich, and the rare female educated for a purpose like keeping her families books or running the household, are the exceptions. Only a small percentage of our people can read and write. Ender has started some programs to educate and train the gifted regardless of station, but those programs have just begun to make a difference.”
“Do you fear without him they will falter?”
“No, his assistant is more than capable of running things. It pays to find good help.”
“And your assistant?”
“He’s good, too. It will make the transition easier. Here’s an office I sometimes use.” He opened the door and motioned her in ahead of him.
Once set up in the office, Serena asked him questions and quickly wrote out a list. “Do you do this a lot? You seem so skilled at it.”
“Yes, I handle some of my father’s diplomatic tasks, those that don’t require travel. I also run our castle and I keep myself well informed with the military. I know all the higher level officers and even many of the lower ranked ones. I also keep up with our animals and companions which is what the dragons are. All aspects of the kingdom are under my review and the only one who ranks higher is my father.”
“That makes sense if you are his heir. Will he try to disown you?”
“I don’t believe he will.”
“I bet you have a good idea of what he will do.”
“Here’s the list. You’re going to be very busy.”
Flint looked at the list. Was all this really necessary? Scanning each item, he came to the conclusion that it was and he needed to get started right away. “I’ll let you go to the kitchen and work with the cook on the supplies we need.”
Serena smiled. “Good job of delegating. I’ll write out a list and go through it with her. Can she read?”
“Yes, it’s a requirement of running any part of the castle. That should be helpful.”
“It will be. Will we meet for lunch?”
“Yes, that would be great and we can see where we stand.” Flint pulled her in for a sweet kiss. He wished they had more time to spend alone, but they might have forever so he would take care of business for now. Serena was writing her list for the cook as he left to start on his list.
The first thing he needed to do was catch up with Ender and do some more delegating. Lucky for him, his brother was in his room packing his personal belongings and the door was open. “Ender?”
“Hey, Brother. What
brings you here?”
“I’ve come to find an assistant to help me prepare for this trip.”
“Really? I can suggest a few good men.”
“Haha. I mean you. I want you to pick the two guards who will accompany you and notify them right away. Then, they or you need to get a wagon to carry your stuff and some trip supplies. Serena is working on the kitchen supplies. I’d like you to see to two more wagons, horses, and the supplies for the wagons and the horses. Believe me, I still have a lot to see to and I will be lucky to get done.”
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Yes, okay. Did you expect and argument?”
“Maybe a little one. Thank you, Ender. I’ll see you early in the morning.”
“See you then.”
Flint walked away wondering why that had been so easy. He’d put a lot of responsibility on him, but Ender was the other responsible son. Now he had to see Arcan. He found him on the practice fields. “Arcan!” He yelled and motioned him.
“I’d hoped to see you. I hear you’re leaving.”
“Yes, and I wish you could go, but the king needs you to train Damian.”
“I know that or I would go with you anyway. When you come back to visit if Damian is too much, I’ll go with you no matter what anyone says.”
“Fair enough. I need two guards for me and two for my bride Serena.”
“Moore is young, but strong as an ox and has not family or anything else tying him here. His skills are not the best, but being with you will improve them and if the wagons get stuck, there’s none better to have with you. Greg is good with the arrow to hunt for you and his sword skills are better than average. He has no wife and a large family so he’ll not be missed as much. Booth is a pretty boy, but he’s smart as a whip and observant as hell. He’ll see trouble coming and warn you of it. His parents live far from here so no ties for him, either. Last is Lorun, who is a fine soldier and has trading skills should you need supplies along the way. I’ve already told them they might need to travel at a moment’s notice.”