“Mede,” Saben yelled in excitement as they darted through the woods. “You looked just like the dragon tapestries. You had wings and a tail. And you spit fire! Oh, do me next? Set me on fire. Please, Mede. I want scorched clothes, too. Can you shift into the full dragon again?”
Mede ran faster.
“Hey, can you at least fly us home? That might be quicker.” Saben tried to keep up.
“Sorry, Saben,” Mede answered, “there’s only one dragon who lights my fire.”
Chapter Sixteen
Mede did not want to wait to seal their fate. When they made it back to the encampment the sun was just starting to lighten the morning. It was early yet and many of the wedding couples still slept. However, the festival raged on and the drunken crowd was only too willing to stare after the tattered trio as they emerged from the forest. Llyr wore his silken loincloth and nothing else. He held the crystal stone minus the leather strap that had withered to ash. Mede had a bracelet and partial veil tied to one wrist, a scorched male tunic that barely had enough material to hang over her breasts, and a very revealing skirt of cat-shredded strips. Saben was just missing his shirt. He’d taken it off and rubbed dirt on his skin so he’d look as battle-worn as the bridal couple.
Queen Lorna dozed in her chair and the king talked with one of the elders. At Llyr’s approach, he instantly stood in worry. The crowd quieted. The strums of the gittern tripped to a stop. The queen’s head came up at the silence. She blinked heavily.
“Queen Lorna. King Tared. May I present Lady Medellyn, my true wife?” Confused cheering erupted at the sound. The queen looked over their attire with a stricken expression. The king started to cross over to his son, only to stop when Llyr lifted his crystal.
“I believe you have some experience with this,” he said, lifting it to Mede. “Shall I find a rock from the forest for you?”
Mede arched a brow. “How do you know that’s how I destroyed my…?”
“I saw you that day running in the forest and I followed you,” Llyr admitted. “You were so angry and I wanted to help. When you stopped, I didn’t think you wanted company, so I watched you just to make sure you were fine. My crystal didn’t glow as I was too young, but I knew I had to wait for you. I felt you were going to be my bride.”
Mede gave a soft laugh. “You and every other boy I came across.”
“I think this proves me right.” Llyr handed her his glowing crystal.
She took it, dropped it on the ground and stomped on it. A small sensation worked over her like a shiver. Mede grinned, so very happy. The pain of her long night became more forceful now that the crystal’s glow wasn’t luring her to it like a euphoric painkiller.
“Welcome to the family, Lady Medellyn. I hope you will enjoy your new home,” the Queen stated loudly so the crowd could hear her blessing. Then she hurried over to her husband’s side, closer to the couple.
“Thank you,” Mede acknowledged. “I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to accept your invitation to the palace sooner. I did not mean to ignore them all.”
“All?” The queen looked confused. “I don’t understand. Have I missed something?”
“Oh, yeah,” Llyr said with a guilty look. “I might have written those invitations.” He gave Mede a sheepish smile. “I really, really wanted to meet you. But that’s it. That’s all I wasn’t fully honest about. I promise no more deceptions.”
“What happened tonight? Why is there blood on your clothing?” King Tared eyed his son and new daughter with worry.
Llyr motioned to Saben to come onto the platform and the man jumped up. “He’ll explain everything. As for me, I’m taking my wife to the bridal tent for some much needed sleep.”
Mede smiled as he hooked her arm and led her away. Drunken blessings and well wishes came from those they passed. As Llyr lifted the tent’s flap, Mede paused and said, “You really don’t think I’m going to let you sleep now that you’re my husband?”
“Beautiful wife, I am yours to command. Do with me what you will.” Llyr leaned to kiss her.
“Oh, I intend to, my prince.” Mede grabbed him by his shirt and tugged him into the tent behind her. “Believe me, I intend to.”
* * *
Attor walked the length of the palace hall to his bedchamber. Nothing could lighten the sourness of his mood. He’d lost Mede. He’d lost his only chance at happiness and love. The obsession he felt for her would not lessen, so instead it turned to hatred, and focused on revenge. He would not kill her. No, that would be too easy, but he would take everything she loved. “I will bide my time, Lady Medellyn, and even if it takes a hundred years, I will destroy everything you love. Have your sons with Prince Llyr. Watch them grow. And when they try to start their families you will see your lines crumble. You will watch your sons lose what you have taken from me—their mates.”
“There you are.” Myrddin appeared, looking as battered as Attor. “Did you hear the news? Your father was found dead this evening. Apparently he’s been rotting in his bedchamber for a few days. The maids thought he was sleeping off one of his drunken stupors and did not want to risk waking him. When the cooks noticed no meals were being requested, one guard ventured in and found him.”
Attor stiffened, remembering his father’s still body under his hands. He should have known this moment would come, but it hadn’t and so he’d tried to push the reality of his deeds from his mind.
“You’re the new king,” Myrddin exclaimed. “And after tonight, you have to agree. War can finally begin.”
A small fear that his actions were known filled him and he lashed out. “What did you do to my father?” Attor shouted at the old house noble.
“Nothing,” Myrddin swore in surprise. “I did nothing. He died in his sleep.”
“I don’t believe you. You talked of killing him when we were in the forest.” Attor pointed accusingly at him. “Tell me now. Do they suspect foul play?”
“I swear he died a natural death, my king. I did not have the old king killed. You must believe me.” Myrddin fell to his knees. “I would not betray you, my king.”
The title was hardly official since there had been no coronation, but it did flatter Attor’s pride, so he did not correct it.
Attor pretended to consider the noble’s answer. Finally, he slowly nodded. “I believe you. Now stand and go. I want sleep.”
“Do you want me to send a woman to ease you?” Myrddin rose to his feet.
Attor thought of his swollen balls where Mede had kicked him. “No. If I wanted a woman I would have told you to bring me one. Go and make sure I’m not disturbed. I’m going to grieve the sudden shock of my father’s passing.”
“Yes, my king,” Myrddin backed out of the room.
Epilogue
Mede eyed the new design for a wedding dress with a look of both horror and amusement. Apparently, her debut as the new princess had caused quite a stir—especially when Saben’s tale of her bravery in the face of a Var kidnapping somehow made it over the countryside. Of course, no one believed him when he said she could fly. Mede could hardly believe that part herself. All she could reason was that her love for Llyr had surged forth to protect him. She remembered the dragon’s feeling of family and protection. She guessed if Llyr’s life ever was in danger again, the dragon would show herself. Until then, Mede’s shifting had resumed to normal.
“Apparently,” Queen Lorna said with an amused smile as she lowered the paper, “the grooms think this new outfit will be lucky and bless their marriages with strong women like the new princess.”
They were in the royal office where the family often gathered to socialize away from the eyes of servants. Being married to a prince was hard to get used to, but there were perks—like an incredibly devoted husband she couldn’t keep her hands off of.
“What about the grooms? If the brides have to be mostly naked, don’t you think the men should be punished as well?” Mede liked her new mother-by-marriage very much. She’d been very welcoming in the man
y months since her marriage to Llyr.
“I was thinking loincloths,” Queen Lorna whispered. “Tiny bits of fur and nothing else.”
Mede laughed, gasping as she nodded. “Yes, please. Saben will be thrilled, though I’m not sure anyone else will be. Only you had better not mention it to my mother when she comes to visit tomorrow. The last time I spoke to her, she had ideas for changes she wanted me to implement now that I have power. She said something about starting a movement to end liquor consumption, fighting in front of women, and the Order of the Dead Dragons.”
“If anyone can do it, your mother can. That woman is amazing. The way she gets these dragons to do whatever she wants without raising her voice.” The queen sighed in admiration. “That’s a talent.”
“It’s the sugared biscuits,” Mede said. “Apparently, men will do almost anything for sweet foods.”
“I’ll remember that the next time the king tries to convince me to go camping in the forest.” The queen stood. “The men should be done meeting with the new commander soon. I’m anxious to hear what they found out. King Attor has been too quiet this last year. I’d like to think that he feels sorry for his misguided attempts at marriage, but I’m afraid this may be the quiet before the storm.”
Mede watched as the queen left her alone in the office. She closed her eyes, trying to beckon Llyr to her side. Within moments, he was running through the door to her.
“You called, my princess?” He always had a smile for her.
“I did, my prince. Any news from the commander?” Mede didn’t bother to stand as she reached her hand up to him.
“Still quiet. No signs of Var movement in the forest.” Llyr took her hand and kissed it before leaning over the arm of the chair to kiss her properly. “I know you are worried he might try to strike at this next Breeding Festival, but there is no evidence he’s planning an attack. We’ve been vigilant all year. The warriors are better trained than they were last year. Soldiers have been posted along the borderland and there will be a heavy presence around the festival grounds. I’ve even asked that Galaxy Brides does a scan for heat signatures in the forest before they land. It will be safe.”
“You know, I was thinking, we never got to experience our night in the bridal tent. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed making very tired love to you the next morning before passing out for twelve hours, but I think I want the full experience.”
Llyr began to nod but suddenly pulled back. “Wait, no. You do remember that couples aren’t supposed to have sex the night before the crystal is broken? They can talk and play, but they can’t find release.”
“What? Are you scared you’re not up to it?” she challenged.
Llyr laughed. “Oh, you’re on, my beautiful princess. We’ll see who begs who first.”
Mede moaned softly into his mouth. Her body tingled with longing. A year had done nothing to cool her desires for him. “Good thing that’s still a few weeks away.”
“What do you mean?” He stroked her hair back from her face.
She leaned to whisper hotly into his ear, “Carry me to our room and you’ll find out.”
Llyr swept her up into his arms before she could finish the sentence. He ran through the palace halls, not caring if the servants saw them.
“I love you, forever, lady wife,” he said as he pushed through the thick door to their private wing.
“Yes,” Mede whispered. “I love you, forever.”
The End
The series continues…
What to see how King Attor’s sons turn out, despite their father’s teachings?
Lords of the Var: The Savage King
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Michelle M. Pillow, Author of All Things Romance™, is a multi-published, award winning author writing in many romance fiction genres including futuristic, paranormal, historical, contemporary, fantasy and dark paranormal. Ever since she can remember, Michelle has had a strange fascination with anything supernatural and sci-fi. After discovering historical romance novels, it was only natural that the supernatural and love/romance elements should someday meet in her wonderland of a brain. She's glad they did for their children have been pouring onto the computer screen ever since.
Michelle loves to travel and try new things, whether it's a paranormal investigation of an old Vaudeville Theatre or climbing Mayan temples in Belize. She's addicted to movies and used to drive her mother crazy while quoting random scenes with her brother. Though it has yet to happen, her dream is to be in a horror movie as 1. A zombie or 2. The expendable screaming chick who gets it in the beginning credits. But for the most part she can be found writing in her office with a cup of coffee in pajama pants.
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Curious to see the Var’s side of things?
A Dragon Lords Story
The Savage King (Lords of the Var) by Michelle M. Pillow
Bestselling Futuristic Shifter Romance Series
A girl with a mission…
Agent Ulyssa Payne is on a mission. It's her job to make sure the Medical Mafia leader doesn't leave the planet of Qurilixen. But, when her target is killed by his own daughter, her mission is over. Now, she stuck on a barbarian planet for three months until the Agency comes to get her.
Getting kidnapped by King Attor, she's left in the Var harem to await his return. But, when the King dies in battle and doesn't come for her, she's stuck dealing with his son, the new savage King of the Var. This is one complication Ulyssa didn't need.
A royal complication…
The Var Princes were raised by a hard man who put no stock in love-especially love with one woman. Bred to never
take a life mate, these men will do everything in their power to live up to the dead King Attor's expectations and never fall in love.
Kirill is a man who must do his duty, only he didn't expect to do it so soon. When his father dies, he knows it's his destiny to be King. What he didn't expect is the troublesome mistress that's now his to deal with.
The Savage King Excerpt
“We can’t make peace with the Draig! They are our enemies!”
At the sound of his brother’s hard voice, Prince Kirill of the Var looked up from where he’d been studying his hands. The stresses of the last several days lined his eyes—eyes that were so dark of a brown they were often mistaken for black. He held still, not moving from the chair he rested in.
The old council hall was empty, except for Kirill and three of his brothers. Deep set, antique, cushioned chairs were set around a large, intricately carved fireplace. A fire burned brightly, giving the tomblike room light and warmth. Long pillows lined the red-carpeted floor. There were no windows in the old section of the castle, not even a little slit. As young boys, they had made the room their private fort. Now that they were older, they still convened there to relax and talk in private. The air was stuffy and unmoving, but the four princes were too preoccupied to notice such things.
Falke, the Commander of the Guards, sat to Kirill’s left. His stiff body was unmoving in its rigid discipline. Falke commanded the warriors at the castle and was in charge of the military. After a half century of command, he’d become hard and unforgiving.
The Dragon's Queen (Dragon Lords) Page 18