by Gayle Riley
Rowan and Griffin leave. They need time to analyze what the king is saying. Their future depends on it. If Dahlia is a shifter, then the king’s successor is no longer set. This is a problem for the entire kingdom. If others find out before a decision is made, the Draconians will be split and peace will be destroyed.
Griffin is torn. He loves Dahlia and cannot tolerate losing her, but he also loves Rowan like a brother. He will not take his place as king. That honor must be Rowan’s.
Rowan doesn’t know what to do. It is obvious that Griffin truly believes Dahlia is his true mate. Rowan does not want to hurt his friend, but the king made it clear. If Dahlia is a shifter, her mate will be king. Rowan must be king. It is his destiny. He trains for it daily.
Chapter 4
Griffin finds Dahlia alone in the protective rock formation where they first talked. He sits at her side and takes her hand. They sit in silence as their feelings flow between them. Words are unnecessary when minds are joined, yet Griffin feels the need to explain the fight with Rowan. He takes a deep breath and declares, “I am so sorry to put you in the public eye. It was never my intention, but it seems Rowan is attracted to you and wants you as his mate. I, of course, feel you are mine. Yet, I do not want to oppose my best friend who is also supposed to be the king’s successor. I am torn inside because I love you both.”
The soldier in Dahlia is angry. It sounds to her that the men are choosing her life for her and assuming that she will blindly agree to whatever they decide. She jumps up from the rock and faces Griffin, “Despite our connection and the love we share, you will not make decisions for me. Neither will Rowan, future king or not. I make my own decisions and will not be dictated to.” Dahlia turns and leaves Griffin open mouthed with shock.
Dahlia returns to the training ground, picks up a sword and challenges one of the soldiers. Swords clash as she works through her anger and confusion. Dahlia is unaware of being watched. Both King Asher and Rowan are watching for a glimpse of the dragon shifter. Her prowess and strength are quite astonishing and make them both swell with pride. If she is a shifter, she will be formidable in power, a true asset to Draconia.
Her battle finally at an end, Dahlia heads for a well to quench her thirst. Rowan joins her there. He reaches to help her guide the bucket from the well. Hands brush against each other and a surge of power passes between them. Dahlia tries to back away, but cannot. Their bodies have a mind of their own. The power is pulling them together into a kiss. Dahlia is shocked to feel such power. It is magnetic and irresistible, yet there is no feeling of the love she shares with Griffin. As she pulls away, Rowan sees that her eyes are golden, a color change that is positive proof that she is indeed a dragon shifter. With his keen eyesight, King Asher sees it too. He hopes that somehow peace can be kept in his kingdom.
Dahlia does not understand why she kissed Rowan. She feels guilty and like she is betraying Griffin. Her earlier anger at Griffin is forgotten and Dahlia rushes to find him. He is at the forge retrieving swords. Dahlia grabs him by the hand and runs with him back to their shelter among the rocks. Griffin is stunned when she instantly draws his face down for a deep kiss. This kiss is far more invasive than their first one. Griffin’s love surges forth along with passion as he takes the kiss to an even deeper level. Dahlia groans into his mouth and does not protest when his hands begin to roam. Griffin’s manhood rises, making Dahlia aware of his need. Her breasts tingle in response to his touch and a foreign dampness gathers between her legs. Griffin slowly removes Dahlia’s clothing, kisses each inch of skin as it is revealed. Dahlia shivers with need as she reaches to remove Griffin’s clothes. They collapse gently to the ground, Griffin on top. Dahlia wraps her legs around Griffin’s waist as he enters her for the first time. The quick stab of pain she feels as he takes her virginity is nothing compare to the transcending love they share. It is as if they share each breath and feel the other’s joy. Their climaxes bring such a level of love that they lose consciousness.
In her unconscious state, Dahlia has a vision of what a future with Griffin would be like. She shares her vision with him in a dream, until the vision morphs into a possible future with Rowan. Dahlia’s brain shuts down her connection with Griffin instantly awakening them both. Dahlia hides her confusion and guilt as Griffin pulls her closer and resumes sleeping.
The pair awaken to shouts of, “Everyone come to the courtyard! King Asher is calling a town meeting. Hurry!” Griffin and Dahlia dress quickly and join the gathering. The Draconians are mumbling among themselves, wondering what the king is going to say. In times of peace, these meetings are not usual. King Asher does not normally interfere with day to day activities. He likes to give his people freedom.
King Asher stands above the crowd, raises his voice so all can hear and announces, “There is a storm coming. It is much larger and stronger than any we have ever experienced. Gather enough food and water for several days, along with clothes and bedding. Bring your animals into the stalls of the Great Dome and your families into its protective shelter. Leave no one behind. Help each other. We only have a few hours to prepare.”
The people hurry to heed the king’s bidding. His visions always prove to be true. Rowan divides the soldiers into groups, sending them to aid the elderly and infirm. Griffin leads a group as does Dahlia. Discussing the change in their relationship must be put aside. Their jobs as protectors of the people comes first.
Chapter 5
All animals are put into their stalls, food is stored in small chambers, water is added to barrels along the walls and each citizen is accounted for. The Great Dome is sealed tightly. The waiting begins.
Parents settle children in small groups and resume their daily lessons. Soldiers check to be sure everyone has what they need. King Asher, though he is provided with a private room, prefers to join his citizens. His presence keeps the group calm and controlled.
As the day progresses, they hear the wind grow louder, rain and hail pound on the roof and loud explosive noises frighten the children. To calm the little ones, stories of long ago are told and ancient songs are sung. A small human boy, great, great grandson of the king, stands and asks to hear the greatest story of all. The Prophecy of the Golden Dragons is a favorite of all. King Asher recites the prophecy, “The first dragon shifters entered Draconia thousands of years ago. Their human families were left behind in the human world. There were few true female shifters among them. All had mates. One male shifter felt alone and searched far and wide for a mate. When he found her among a tribe in the mountains, he used an ancient and now forgotten magic to turn her into a dragon shifter as well. The use of such magic is now forbidden. The magic gave the woman more power than the man. Eventually she gave birth to a son. As her son entered the world, the ancient magic transferred to him and the woman died. The baby was able to transform from birth, not having to wait for his coming of age at 21. He became a huge golden dragon with great power. None other could compare. The prophecy states that the gods would provide him a female dragon shifter, golden and of like power. They would eventually bring a child into the world, a golden daughter, with more power than they had combined, an immortal. She would be the salvation of the dragon shifter species in a war between worlds. The time for that war is still far in the future, according to the prophecy. Now sleep dear children and let the storm pass us by.”
The storm continues throughout the night and for two more days. Dahlia is kept from both Griffin and Rowan by her duties. Even her sleep is not deep enough to join Griffin in dreams. Rowan throws open the doors only minutes after the storm subsides. All enter a world of chaos. Homes are gone, water is everywhere but draining quickly, but the Great Dome and the mountains appear untouched. Animals are released from captivity and the citizens of Draconia silently begin clearing debris. The shifters transform in order to carry away large logs and other debris. With the dragon’s help, temporary shelters are erected quickly. Life moves forward and the Draconians are undeterred. All remain alive and homes will be
built anew. Their king’s great vision is their salvation once again.
Dahlia now finds herself watching Rowan and Griffin from afar. The pull she feels toward each is almost painful. The king notices her distress and takes her aside. He asks, “Why do you seem so disheartened? We will rebuild, even better than before. Or is it the two great dragons you watch so closely that are a problem? Are they making demands of you? Shall I reprove them?”
Dahlia looks into the kind, understanding eyes of the king and replies,” No sire, they do not make demands. It is my own body and mind that are at war. My love for Griffin is strong and has been a part of me since childhood. I feel the pull toward him at all times. I am not sure that I can even breathe without him anymore. Yet there is a strange, exciting power that flows between Rowan and me. It too pulls me. I have been told that he wants me as a mate. I know not what I should do.”
King Asher gently touches Dahlia’s face and whispers, “I have told them that the choice remains with you. Do not agonize over it. Spend time with each and let your inner power decide. Soon things will become much clearer to you. I have seen it. All of you will prosper. Be happy and enjoy them both for a time.” The king leaves Dahlia contemplating his words. He is a wise and kind king and somehow she senses that he will be leaving soon and it saddens her.
The king’s home, built inside a large cave is untouched by the storm. He returns there to analyze his latest vision. It is disconcerting to see one’s own death. He is, however, very old and the responsibilities of kingship way heavy upon him. It is time for a younger generation to take the lead. His visions show troubled times ahead, but that magnificent new rulers will bring Draconia to new heights of progress and a peace that will last forever. Sadly, war comes before such peace, but worlds will unite and war will end. King Asher looks out at his domain and smiles at the kingdom he rules. All is well. Homes are rising, children are laughing and a New Age is upon them.
Rowan looks toward the king’s home and senses a change in the atmosphere. Something big is about to happen. He feels it in the very air that he breathes. Unlike the king, Rowan does not have the gift of visions. Instead he is able to discern whether someone is telling the truth or a lie, sense change and reach out to the powers contained within another. He reluctantly goes back to work, clearing land to replant the gardens of Draconia. If the change is important or involves Rowan, the king will inform him soon.
The king’s advice echoes in Dahlia’s head. She is to enjoy both Griffin and Rowan. Is it wrong to want to test her compatibility to Rowan? She is still technically not mated with Griffin. The pull toward Rowan’s power cannot be denied. Dahlia wants to feel that energy running through her veins again. She watches as the great dragon uses his powerful tail to plow the garden rows, then looks up to see Griffin staring at her with knowing eyes and a sad smile. He nods, giving her his blessing to seek answers to her dilemma. He is a good man and she loves him so much.
Chapter 6
Night falls and the Draconians gather in the courtyard to assess their progress in rebuilding their city. All are pleased and go to rest, for tomorrow will be another day of hard work. Dahlia quietly walks up behind Rowan and whispers his name. Rowan takes a deep breath before he turns around. He knows that when he looks into Dahlia’s eyes, he will be unable to resist reaching out and taking her to let their powers explore what might be. Slowly he turns and lifts his eyes to her face. Rowan sees that Dahlia needs to feel the rush of power too. He leads her away from the light of the courtyard. When they reach darkness, Rowan lifts Dahlia into his arms and runs into the mountains. No words are spoken, yet each is aware of what is about to happen.
Rowan carries Dahlia into a small cave and stands her on the floor. The powers within them overwhelm their senses and in seconds they discard their clothing. Their bodies come together like magnets. As they writhe on the floor, kissing and touching with abandon, what feels like an electrical current runs through each of them. The power between them as Rowan enters Dahlia is intoxicating. Thrusting in time to the beating of their pulse, they explode in powerful climaxes, just seconds apart.
Rowan sees Dahlia’s eyes change and he feels the scales on her body. Dahlia feels something strange happening inside her and runs off into the darkness. Rowan tries to stop her, but he is too late.
Dahlia hides until Rowan leaves the cave. She takes deep breathes, in and out to slow her heart and calm her fear. She thinks that Rowan is the cause of the strangeness she is feeling. Dahlia believes that some of his powers caused her body to react this way. As she returns to the cave and dresses, Dahlia decides to keep the strange changes to herself. She doesn’t think anyone will believe her anyway.
Rowan is worried that he may cause Dahlia to turn before she is ready. If she shifts before coming of age, she will die. Her lack of knowledge and training will allow the change to destroy her. She needs to be told what she is soon so that training can begin. The king and Griffin need to be informed of the new development. Rowan is reluctant to talk to Griffin, so he will tell King Asher first and allow the king to tell Griffin.
As the sun rises, so do the Draconians. Even the smallest of children help to rebuild the capital. Everyone needs to feel that the city belongs to them. The children drop seeds into the newly plowed garden. The elderly use their walking sticks to cover the seeds with dirt. The infirm keep the fires burning and food ready. No one just sits and watches.
Rowan finishes lifting the last log into place on the new house of worship. He shouts to Griffin and lets him know he will be back soon to help build the stone tower for the granary. Rowan trudges up the trail to King Asher’s abode. He is ready to confess the issue he caused, beg forgiveness and ask for advice.
The king is waiting. He already knows what transpired. He can sense the change in the shared force of shifters. King Asher stops Rowan before he can start talking, “Do not fret Rowan. All is well. What happened between you and Dahlia was meant to be. In order to make a meaningful choice, she needed to be with each of you. It is not over. My vision shows that three must become one before all is settled. Dahlia will change at the correct time and she will survive. It is a necessity. I can tell you no more. Take your leave and care for our people. Soon they will need you more than ever.”
Rowan leaves with a heavy heart. King Asher’s statement that three must become one makes no sense and Rowan worries that the king is confused. He searches for Dahlia needing to clear the air between them. Dahlia sees him coming, turns her back and walks away. She obviously doesn’t want to talk. Rowan then joins Griffin who is piling stones to form the granary.
Griffin appears angry and strikes out at Rowan verbally, “What have you done to Dahlia? She speaks to no one, avoids me, and isn’t even eating. I want to honor King Asher’s demand for peace between us, but if you have caused her harm, I will fight you.” Griffin waits impatiently for an answer.
Rowan clears his throat and chooses his words carefully before he replies, “She is unharmed. She just has a lot to consider. We shared our bodies and I fear that her coming of age may be sooner than we believed. She is feeling emotions and changes to her body that she doesn’t understand. It worries me, yet the king swears all will be well.”
Their discussion is interrupted by a lookout running and shouting into their midst, “A large ship is on the horizon. It is moving slowly and appears to be quite damaged. Few souls are on deck. I estimate its arrival to be in two hours.” Rowan and Griffin rally the soldiers to meet the incoming ship on the shore below. The capital is more vulnerable to enemies due to the storm damage. A young scout is sent to inform King Asher, although Rowan is sure he is already aware of the situation. The soldiers gather their weapons and take a path down the mountainside.
Chapter 7
The soldiers line the shore as the ship draws closer. The nearer it comes, the more the extent of the damage is noticeable. It sits too heavily in the water. The ship stops in deeper water and a small boat is lowered. Three people climb down into
the boat and row to shore. The soldiers stand their ground as the three strangers step onto the sand. Rowan, Griffin and a subdued Dahlia step forward. Rowan is surprised to see that Dahlia has presented herself as an officer, but keeps silent.
A tall male represents the strangers, “I am Logan. My companions are Athena and my brother, Rogan. As you can see, our ship is in danger of sinking. A storm almost destroyed it and took many lives. We seek a place to repair our ship as well as to let our injured and sick heal. Many aboard contracted an illness after the storm. We do not recognize it.”
Athena, the female companion, whose face appears to glow, states, “I am the healer, and though I have used all known cures, the illness responds to none. I would ask the help of your healer and a dry place to keep the sick. We will not enter your city in hopes of keeping the disease from spreading.”
Griffin leads the male, Logan, to a cave on the shore that is safe even in high tide and offers it as a haven for the ill. Rowan assures the strangers that the soldiers will bring whatever is needed to repair the ship as well as fresh food and water. The capital’s healer is also to be sent. Dahlia helps Rogan make a fire pit close to the cave for warmth, heating water, and cooking. The soldiers bring clean woven mats to the cave for the comfort of the sick.