by Sariah Skye
“You will all submit yourselves for healing, spread the word. Anyone Shadowtouched needs to be healed by the Queen and the sorcerer’s magic! Is that understood?” his voice bellowed throughout the room.
My grandfather, looking surprised, spoke up first. “I understand how important it is, Majesty, but forcing—”
“—Elder, with all due respect it’s these disrespectful, whining, baby dragons that are causing all the storms, and we simply cannot rely on the Queen’s magic all the time to solve problems. We need the Court at full capacity, period! It is not up for debate!” Maxxus demanded, storming past the handfuls of shocked delegates to step onto the dais and stand before his throne.
I exchanged a glance with the nearest person to me—Finnian—and followed suit. Climbing on the dais I looked at Maxxus pleadingly. “Maxx—this is not the way to go about it.”
“I don’t care!” he slammed his fist on the gilded arm of the plush throne furiously; I heard several rumbles of earth nearby.
I exhaled slowly and exuded calming vibes that I hoped he wouldn’t pick up on.
Maxxus turned to glare at me through eyes as furious as stormy seas. “Please do not. We’ve been too venerable on them so far. They need to take responsibility. These storms were caused by their actions, and their inactions. You aren’t in any position to keep performing all this magic!”
“Respectfully, your highness,” one of the Courtmembers stepped forward from the crowd, looking uncomfortable in his velveteen golden yellow robes, “but why can’t she use magic?”
Maxxus turned to glare at him. “Earl Tembelard, you dare disrespect me like that? It is not of your concern!”
I flinched at his overly-aggressive, angry display. The Earl’s eyes widened and he shook his head quickly.
“Of course not, I just—” he began, but I cut him off.
“I’m pregnant,” I just said, rather blandly.
All the Courtmembers in the room exchanged looks and, looked relieved.
“Oh. I understand. Congratulations to the both of you,” the Earl clasped his hands together and offered a bow of reverence.
Maxxus turned to me, looking furious.
“Oh come, they’re going to know soon anyway. The hormones and what not—it won’t be long, right before I start looking like a whale,” I said with a chuckle.
Maxxus gaze melted. “Of course. Excuse me, Earl. I’m a bit nervous as you can tell,” he added a laugh for good measure.
Tembelard just smiled. “Certainly.”
“What do you mean by, ‘we are causing the storms’?” Shazandre spoke up next.
“He means that the negativity, anger and sadness you’ve been feeling has been seeping into the air, causing the storm to be much worse than it should have been. They’ve been accumulating for years probably,” Gabriel explained. “Lots of humans on Earth have done experiments involving houseplants. They’ll stick one plant in a room, come in and yell and swear at each other, being all angry and thinking negative thoughts. The plants will not grow, in fact in most cases they will wither and die. But, they’ll stick the same plant in another, sunny room, talk to it nicely, play music for it and that plant will thrive. They aren’t sentient, of course, but they feed off the energy around them because effectively, magic is energy just like nature and if all there is around is bad energy, well…”
Shazandre appeared skeptical for a moment before considering. “You know, that actually makes sense.”
“With the Shadow taint, the battle, all the death and the resentment, it’s been a hard time for Anarach,” I said, with a sigh. “The environment needed healing, but in order for it not to happen again, we really need all the Shadow touched healed.”
“And, so that we can be running at capacity again and not requiring the queen and I to become so exhausted doing what you should be doing.” Maxxus voice held much resentment as he spoke. Several of the courtmembers appeared ashamed.
“How about this,” Valessia began. “You do not have to report for healing but if you don’t, you will be giving up your station, and someone new will be appointed in your place.”
One of the courtmembers gasped. “That feels like blackmail!”
“Not at all, you have a choice, but we need to do what’s best for the kingdom, not some narrowminded individuals that have some ridiculous hangups about pink dragons.” Maxxus’ eyes narrowed at Kreegan, standing nearby his mate. He balked only slightly but remained silent.
I sighed. It wasn’t how I wanted this to go, but, he was right: we had no choice. To be strong for the Shadows—we needed to be running at full strength. “All in favor?”
The majority of the Court in the room nodded their heads and spoke clearly, “Aye.” Several shook their heads and said “No.”
I shrugged, looking to Maxxus. “The vote passes.”
“As soon as Evie—the nurse—clears the queen for healing, you will be expected to report. It may take a few days but we should be through everyone shortly,” Maxxus said.
“There is also the matter of the Court members that have perished, we still need to replace them,” my grandfather said, pacing nearby me on the side of the dais. “This Friday I will accept nominees. Anyone in the kingdom, regardless, is able to apply. Spread the word, in a fortnight, we hope to have the positions filled. Understood?”
A murmur of yes sounded throughout the room. I chuckled under my breath. At least we were in agreement about one thing, I thought to myself.
One of the rear doors to the throne room opened, and in entered the delegates from Babua. “May we volunteer a suggestion?” Ganareth glided in, wearing her see-through gossamer gown and little else.
I wanted to curse her appearance out loud but I forced a smile instead. “Of course, Highness.”
“Since this kingdom has been wrought with such tragedy, allow us to throw the Court a party? You sound like you could use some relaxation, and it should help put a positive tone in the air, yes?” she said, an impish glint in her eyes.
I fought the urge to growl at her and forced a smile instead before looking at Maxxus for his opinion.
“It sounds like a great idea. We would be most appreciative,” Maxxus said, with a wide grin.
“Perfect. We have several wagons on their way, with ale and decadent food and décor. It will be a party unlike Anarach has never seen!” she said, clapping her hands together happily.
I exchanged a look and a raised brow with Gabriel who caught my eye. “I am sure it will be.”
After the impromptu “meeting” in the throne room, Maxxus was pretty insistent on getting me to Evie for more tests. Evie was busy with helping to rebuild the infirmary in Castle Danger, and I didn’t want to take her away from that so I urged Finnian to take me to the Shadow-ruined town.
He reluctantly agreed, but not without some chiding. I had to bring Daniel and Gabriel along, of course and I had to wear a talisman that Maxxus had created and Gabriel had infused with light magic to help me from being taunted by the lingering Shadows’ pull. He also insisted I use a glamour, pull out my wings and pretend I was fae. It wasn’t a foolproof disguise but it’d confuse the Shadows long enough to be defeated before it could affect me.
Of course I’d maintained that the Shadows wouldn’t affect me even if they were there, but Finnian still feared the green dragon’s protective wrath enough that he made sure precautions were taken.
“I’m not some dainty flower,” I protested, rolling my eyes and tapping a perturbed foot on the floor. “I’ll be fine.”
Finnian chuckled, as he prepared the portal in the Sitting Room to take us to Castle Danger. “You are to him—a precious flower—not dainty, of course,” he added as I began to glower at him. “He’s just concerned about you.”
“About both of you,” Daniel piped up. “I tell you, if he wasn’t…I’d prepare to skin some bastard dragon hide,” he said, raising his fists as if he were readying for a fight. He pretended to punch at the air, making Hiyaa! sounds.
The Seer raised a playful brow. “Oh, really?”
I took one of the plush pillows on a nearby chaise and chucked it across the room at him. My trajectory was off, but Gabriel helped the impact by forcing it into his face with the help of air magic. I laughed, uproarious as the pillow smacked him upside the head.
“Not a good idea to flirt with a Queen’s mate,” I said, shaking my finger at him, but grinning playfully the entire time.
Daniel snickered as Gabriel facepalmed himself in frustration. “He’s going to get eaten; my brother is going to be the first human to be eaten by a dragon in centuries…”
Finnian just shook his head before turning to me. “I will be busy here, preparing the Court for healing or, whatever Maxxus needs of me, but Link will greet you on the other side and take you to the infirmary. It wasn’t Shadowtouched much, but it did receive a good blast of magic in the battle against them, so be aware there might be some unsteady beams or broken glass.”
I nodded. “Got it.”
“The dragons from Anarach that are helping with the rebuilding are there right now; there are a few that have arrived recently from The Northlands via the haven there, which is fantastic. They are master builders,” Finnian explained. “The Loremaster headquarters are coming around, but I’m afraid they aren’t too good at preserving the relics that once contained inside,” he added with a sigh, ruffling his unkempt curly hair. “I’m just hoping the magic protective spells put on them over the years will help.”
“Right.” I waited, with Gabriel and Daniel in tow, for Finnian to open the portal, but he appeared faraway, lost in a thought. “Finn?” I waved my hand in his line of vision.
“Sorry,” he said, shaking himself. He pulled out a vial from his spring-green, button up shirt pocket and poured a dark purple, viscous contents all over the stone ground.
“That’s the portal?” I questioned in disbelief. “It looks like…coffee gone wrong.”
Finnian’s eyes shifted color and glinted with suspense. “Just wait.” The sticky substance popped and fizzled until it burst upward, forming a perfectly-formed portal.
“How many of those do you have?” I inquired. “Must be a lot with all the portals you keep throwing up.”
Finnian grinned. “Infinite. Each vial is attuned to each Loremaster. It requires about an hour or so to recharge, but as long as we dump the liquid in a specific spot each time, we can cast it as many times as needed.”
“That is awesome…” I said, amazed, as Daniel pulled on my hand and led me through the portal.
Like the other portal of Finnian’s casted, it didn’t feel like the sweeping, sucking vortex like the one from Minnesota to Green Knoll had; it just felt like stepping through a doorway.
“I’ve got to get me one of these,” I murmured, seeing Link’s blonde self nearby on the other side.
“We’ll work on it,” he said, with a wink of his blue eyes. Gabriel stepped out behind me and Link motioned for us to follow him.
The haven was mostly empty and quiet, emphasizing the icy chill of the northern Minnesota fall air. Link wore a gray bubble jacket that made his hair and complexion appear more washed out than normal but for some reason, it suited him.
Still, the cold was nothing compared to what we’d dealt with earlier in the day, so with my special robes, slit for the wings I left out on display I didn’t let it bother me.
What did bother me, though, was the ominous, dark “glow” of the shelled remnants of buildings in the town square. As the last of the sun’s rays trickled down from the openings in the trees above and struggled to rest on the Earth below, they found no home in the Shadowed buildings. Whatever dank substance was left over from the battle absorbed any drop of light around it and allowed no glow. It was a bizarre sight, seeing sunlight and no actual shadows, but Shadows of the creepy kind. I shuddered, feeling incredibly uneasy and agitated at the vibe they gave off.
Gabriel conjoined his arm with mine, clearly sensing my discomfort. I gave him a thankful smile as he hurriedly pulled me away from the sickly Shadows. “We have to get that dealt with,” I mumbled to him quietly.
“We will, but first things first.” He urged me to point my gaze ahead and ignore the demolished buildings and empty town.
Link was sauntering ahead of us now, quite a few paces; Daniel not far behind. Even though the Loremaster appeared very young we knew appearances were deceiving, and Gabriel and I muttered about how his brother was probably admiring the view of the blonde Loremaster from behind, not paying attention to anything else, when we collided with a solid form that was walking the opposite direction we were.
“What the—” a familiar voice began to curse.
When I lifted my chin, my eyes fell upon a set of black, beady eyes.
“Lorusto.”
Lorusto set down the heavy burlap bag and its contents on the ground to look me over, with confusion.
I realized I was still wearing my fae glamour—surprising at how easy it all came to me now—and I allowed it to drop.
His squinty face formed an expression of surprise when he saw me standing before him, arms crossed over my chest, glaring upwards at him. This is one of those times I hated being shorter than everyone else in my human form; I would have loved to glare down upon him like he deserved to be.
“Le—your majesty,” he corrected himself quickly. He stood there, dumbfounded under my penetrating stare.
I said nothing, allowing my silence to speak volumes.
Imagine my absolute shock when Lorusto, the black dragon who threatened to burn me to a crisp years ago; who taunted me and Maxxus both, knelt low to the ground and bowed his head so low I thought he was about to tip over.
I cocked a brow. “What is this? Aren’t you going to set me on fire? Make fun of me again?”
Lorusto raised his closely-shaven head slightly. All he said was, “No.”
“No? Oh because I could literally have you executed just on a word, huh?” I snickered. “Well, whatever. Carry on, and if I find out you’ve done anything to damage this town, I will have your head.”
“I wouldn’t. What they’ve been through is horrible.” Lorusto’s voice matched the solemn air upon his face.
“You…feel bad for them?” I blinked repeatedly, stunned. In all the years that I could now remember, Lorusto never appeared to have a heart. Or a conscience.
He nodded slowly. “It is a terrible fate. No one should have to deal with it.”
I tapped my finger against my cheek, looking him over. “You’re…not Shadowtouched, are you?”
He shook his head. “No. Thankfully. But my parents…my parents are.”
My scowling expression fell. “I am sorry.”
Lorusto stood up slowly, as if expecting me to knock him back down or fricassee him on a skewer right there. I just held my place and watched him cautiously.
“Yes. Lord Kereck and Lady Omande. They were in the palace the day the Shadows attacked. Both of them have been in quite a state since then.” Lorusto’s face fell, his eyes brimming with tears. “Also, Countess Nyzare was my aunt. I know, she was strange but she was a kind lady.”
“I never knew her, but Kiarra worked under her. She spoke highly of the Countess. I am sorry,” I said.
“Thank you. It’s more than I deserve from you.” Lorusto sighed. “My parents seem to have gotten a good dose of the Shadows, my mother is mostly okay, but my father…he will start randomly screaming and clawing at the walls for no reason. My mother, when she’s alone, will cry at night. She’s trying to be strong, but…” He shook his head, looking away briefly.
“I can help,” I said quietly.
He returned his gaze to me. “I…have heard. In my mother’s testimony of the battle, she spoke of your actions. She was surprised, of course…but she said you were a noble fighter and you saved everyone.”
I fiddled with my hands in front of me. “Well, not everyone,” I spoke with regret.
“The King sacrificed himself for his mate; Maxxus would do the same for you.”
I stood, silent; surprised that I was having a personable conversation with the once-cruel black dragon.
“Leorah?” Gabriel said from nearby with concern. His hand was ready to conjure magic but I shook my head lightly. He nodded once and dropped his hand; but he didn’t look away.
“Do you think you can heal them? The Shadowtouched court members? My parents?” Lorusto asked, his voice pleading.
“She can.” Gabriel said with confidence.
“I want to try,” I corrected, trying to sound as self-assured as the sorcerer.
“Will you heal my parents? Or at least, try?” Lorusto snorted. “Anything is better than the state they’re in now. I think death would be better.”
“I think we can avoid death,” I insisted.
Lorusto almost smirked. “I would be grateful.”
“We want to start the healings in a day or so, so please…bring them to me when called. I have seen the Shadow realm. It is…more terrifying than anyone could imagine. My friend…” I trailed off, wanting to remain composed in Lorusto’s presence. Once, he intimidated me. Now…he was average in every way. Certainly, nothing to be feared.
“I would be grateful. I certainly…” he looked away, with a sigh. “Queen Leorah, I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but…” his narrow cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
“You have it anyway. Besides, I think Maxxus more than punished you for your wrong-doings,” I said, with jest.
Lorusto rubbed at his shoulder. “Yes…yes he did.” He offered me another swift bow. “Thank you. My parents will be first in line when you’re ready.” He glanced once at Gabriel before bending to lift his load once more and walking through the town square.
I let out a low whistle when I thought he was out of ear shot. “I’ll be damned…”
“Who was that?” Gabriel questioned.
“Lorusto. The dragon that tried to kill me in school.”