Dragonfyre

by Donna Grant

  She nodded and grabbed his face with her chubby fingers to kiss his cheek. “You may put me down now. I’ve more to do.”

  Aimery set her down, and she raced from his chamber. He then held out a hand and helped Rufina to her feet. Rufina held a grace that went unmatched by any Fae in the realm. She held the typical long, straight flaxen hair with swirling blue eyes and a lithe figure, but as queen Rufina held something no one else did—Theron’s heart. Though Rufina was more of a sister and Theron a brother to him, Aimery couldn’t stop the envy of the love they shared.

  “That child,” Rufina said with a shake of her head as she watched her daughter run down the corridor. “She certainly keeps the palace on its toes.”

  “She’s adorable, and she knows it.”

  “She is, isn’t she? “ Her smile vanished, and she faced Aimery. “Something has happened.”

  “I know. I was about to look for Theron.”

  “Hurry, Aimery. I fear the worst.”

  They parted ways at his door. Aimery turned left. He figured he would find Theron in the throne room. Why Theron hadn’t called to him already left him nervous. Whatever had happened must be bad. Very bad.

  “Aimery.”

  Finally, Theron’s call. Aimery lengthened his strides and hurried to the throne room, the white and bright blue squares of the floor blurring in his haste. The double doors to the throne room opened as he approached.

  “Aimery,” Theron called and greeted him in the middle of the massive circular room.

  “I felt it.”

  Theron sighed. “Every Fae felt it. Some might not know what it is, but most will.”

  “How bad is it?”

  “Terrible, old friend. Terrible indeed.” He ran a down his face and let his weariness show. “A Blue has been killed.”

  Aimery blew out a breath and shook his head in disbelief. The Blues were their greatest dragons. They weren’t the largest, but they had the strongest magic. The realm couldn’t sustain another dragon death. “How?”

  Theron shrugged his shoulders, his white and blue robes moving with him. “I don’t know.”

  “And the maiden priestesses of the Dragon Order? Have they not determined what killed the Blue?”

  “Nay.”

  Which meant it was far worse than terrible, it was disastrous. “What do you need me to do?”

  “It’s going to be dangerous.”

  Aimery grinned. “I live for danger.”

  Theron returned the smile. “I’m a fool for sending the best warrior we have, but I’d be a fool not to.”

  “Just tell me what is going on?”

  “We don’t know what happened to the Blue because the priestess has been unable to get close to the dead dragon to discover what killed him.”

  Aimery crossed his arms over his chest. He knew enough about the Dragon Order to know each dragon had a sub ‐ order and a leader. Because he was the commander of the Fae army and Theron’s right hand man, he knew the names of the leaders.

  “Kyndra is the leader of the Blue Order. Has she not tried?”

  “She was the first,” Theron murmured. “If they won’t allow her, they won’t allow anyone.”

  “Not even Julieth?”

  “Julieth is…weakening. Her magic has been used against the black magic that seems to have invaded our realm.”

  Aimery ground his teeth together. “This is related to the string of murders, Theron. I’m sure of it.”

  “As am I, which is why I’ve called for you.”

  “I’ll do what must be done.”

  “I have no doubt.”

  It was the uncertainty in Theron’s swirling blue gaze that made Aimery narrow his eyes.

  “What aren’t you telling me?”

  Theron glanced toward an open set of doors that led to the balcony. Aimery followed his gaze and found a cloaked figure with her back to him. The breeze lifted the cloak showing long, lean legs encased in black boots that stopped at her knee. He got a glimpse of pale blue skirts that ended mid thigh.

  The dress of a warrior maiden—a maiden of the Dragon Order.

  He knew without being told this woman was Kyndra. He’d heard rumors of her infamous beauty, how men had begged for her hand, but she had chosen the virgin robes of a priestess instead.

  “Together the two of you will be unstoppable,” Theron said. “Together, the two of you can right what went wrong.”

  At that moment Kyndra turned from the railing and let the hood of her cloak fall back.

  Chapter Four

  Aimery’s breath locked in his lungs as he stared at the wealth of dark hair that fell over her shoulder to her waist. It was uncommon for a Fae to have any color but flaxen, yet before him stood the rarest of the rare.

  It wasn’t just her brunette locks either. As a general rule all Fae were sensual, beautiful creatures, but beautiful didn’t begin to describe Kyndra. She was elegant, magnificent…visually stunning.

  She had high cheek bones and dark brows that arched over wide, expressive eyes. Her full lips held a hint of a smile, as if she knew her affect on men. Wisps of hair curled about her face and slender neck. Her gown molded to her full breasts and narrow waist. Aimery longed to run his hands up her toned legs, kissing every inch of her skin.

  Her swirling blue eyes held his as if she were sizing him up. But he didn’t care. He couldn’t tear his eyes from her. A warrior. A priestess. And a woman every Fae in the realm longed to possess.

  What in all that was magical had Theron been thinking to put him in this position?

  Theron cleared his throat, and Aimery forced his gaze away.

  “Aimery,” he said, “this is Kyndra, leader of the Blue Order and next in line for high priestess of the Dragon Order.”

  Aimery glanced at Kyndra to find she had moved closer to him, her gaze raking over him as his had done to her just moments earlier. Did she like what she saw? As soon as the thought went through his head he knew it was useless. She was a maiden, her life vowed to the dragons and her order. No man could touch her.

  “Kyndra,” Theron continued. “This is Aimery, commander of the Fae armies and Duke of Eldwinds.”

  “A duke?” she repeated, her voice smooth, soft. Mesmerizing.

  Aimery clenched his teeth. Theron knew he didn’t want his title bandied about, because it was just a title and meant nothing. “The title has been in my family for generations.” Her brows rose before her gaze shifted to Theron. “I would like to state now that I would prefer Julieth be here in my place.”

  “I know,” Theron said. “Julieth told me as much, but she doesn’t have the strength. As next in line for her position, this will give you ample opportunity to test your skills.”

  “You make it sound like a holiday, sire, when in fact our realm is at stake.” Theron glanced at Aimery. “You’ll have the finest warrior of our people at your side. I wouldn’t dare think to send you on a mission you couldn’t handle. Julieth praised your skill. Was she wrong to recommend you?”

  Kyndra’s chin rose. “Nay. I won’t let our people down.”

  “Where are we going?” Aimery asked.

  Kyndra felt Theron’s eyes on her. She swallowed and forced herself to meet Aimery’s gaze. “I don’t know.”

  His brow furrowed. “You haven’t been to the Blue yet? You haven’t looked?”

  “Of course I have,” she said through clenched teeth. Her ire rose at the condescending tone the commander used. “It is my duty to go to them as soon as something happens.”

  “Then what did you see?”

  Kyndra took in a calming breath and lowered her gaze to the blue and white tiles. “The female wouldn’t let me near the male. I’ve never seen a dragon so angry before. Without learning what caused the Blue’s death, we might never know who to find or where they went.”

  “The Blues know you. You need to try again. Maybe the female has calmed down by now.”

  She lifted her gaze to Aimery. He was more handsome than she had anti
cipated. The rumors of his sexuality and striking good looks were nothing compared to the gorgeous specimen before her.

  His flaxen hair hung down his back thick and straight. Several rows of braids were woven near his temples in intricate designs, and the light blue tunic stitched with silver thread showed the breadth and width of his muscular shoulders. She tried not to look into his eyes of swirling blue, but too easily his caught and held her. With his square jaw, wide mouth, and expressive eyes, she was surprised he hadn’t already found a wife.

  “Shall we return to dragons then?” he asked.

  There was no other choice really. They had to know what happened. “Aye. Be warned, the female is out for blood.”

  “We’ll be ready.”

  Since he wore no weapons, she wasn’t so sure of that. It was a good thing she had brought her sword. “Follow me.”

  Kyndra transported to the mountains, a safe distance away so they could see the dragons without being attacked. In a blink, Aimery and Theron stood on either side of her.

  “By the gods,” Theron murmured.

  Just looking at the dead Blue made Kyndra’s heart ache. The female stood near her mate, her roars of grief echoing through the mountains. All around them dragons had begun to come, watching the female. They flew across the sky while others landed and watched.

  “Do you feel her pain?” Aimery asked.

  Kyndra nodded. “The depth of her anguish is staggering.”

  “Come, Kyndra. We must learn what happened.”

  She was prepared to go alone, not with Aimery and the king with her. “I don’t think it wise that you follow me.”

  Theron smiled. “We’ll be fine. Lead on, priestess.”

  Kyndra walked toward the dragon, her nerves tensing when the female turned her dark eyes on her. There was hatred there, something Kyndra had never seen in a dragon’s eyes before.

  It gave her pause and told her the magnitude of the female’s anger.

  “Be careful,” she said over her shoulder. “The female’s rage grows.” By the time they reached the dragon, Kyndra was having serious doubts that any of them would come away unscathed. The female had spread her wings and began to growl. With every step Kyndra took toward the male, the female readied to strike.

  “Let me,” Aimery said.

  Kyndra jerked her gaze to him. “You don’t have dealings with the dragons. If she doesn’t allow me near her mate, what makes you think you can get to him?” Aimery shrugged his shoulders. “A hunch.”

  Kyndra opened her mouth to argue when Theron placed a hand on her arm. “Give him a chance. He just might surprise you.”

  She doubted it, but what choice did she have when the king commanded her? She watched as Aimery moved to the male. He stopped and looked at each of the dead Fae before he turned to them and shook his head.

  “He doesn’t recognize them,” Theron said. “I was hoping he would know who they were.”

  Kyndra fisted her hands when the female turned her head to Aimery. She wasn’t happy about being paired with Aimery, but she didn’t want to see the commander die.

  “We’re here to help,” he told the dragon. “Let me see who dared to kill your mate so that we may bring them to you for justice.”

  The female stared at him for the longest time before she returned to her roars of grief.

  Kyndra was stunned. Why was the Blue allowing Aimery near her mate and not her? Most of her life had been dedicated to the Blues, so it was more than galling to have Aimery earn the dragon’s trust so easily.

  Aimery glanced at Kyndra to see her mouth pinched in anger. It wasn’t how he wanted to begin their partnership, but it was a chance he’d had to take. He knelt by the dead male and sighed. The Blues’ magic made up for their size. It was the reason the Fae had chosen to take blue as their color. Even being one of the smaller dragons, its size was still staggering.

  He laid his hand on the male’s shoulder. His breath was sucked from his lungs as he saw through the dragon’s eyes. Three men, two who

  had dared to enter the lair and take their most prized possession—an egg.

  The male had managed to kill them. Then the dragon had looked at the third man. Aimery bellowed as he saw his friend, Isran, with the egg at his feet. Aimery didn’t think his betrayal could cut any deeper until he saw Isran call the black magic that had killed the male.

  Aimery released the male and lowered his head into his hands. Fury ripped through him, and the need for vengeance turned his blood to ice. He lifted his gaze to the female. “By my very life I vow to return to you the Fae who killed your mate, and I will do everything in my power to bring your egg back to you.”

  The female lay down next to her mate and closed her eyes. Aimery rose on shaky legs and without a word returned to the palace. He needed to prepare. Isran had left their realm, and with a dragon’s egg there were only a few places he would dare to go.

  Aimery stripped off his clothes and reached for his battle gear. He had just fastened his breeches when he felt the air stir around him.

  “What happened?” Theron asked.

  He paused for a moment before he sat and pulled on his boots.

  “Aimery.”

  With a curse he faced his king to see Kyndra standing behind Theron. “We travel outside our realm. You best prepare.”

  “Aimery,” Theron bellowed. “Tell me what you saw!”

  Aimery closed his eyes and tried to rein in his rioting emotions. “They didn’t just kill the male. They took an egg.”

  Kyndra gasped and grasped the doorway to help steady her.

  A tick jumped in Theron’s jaw. “Who would dare such a thing?”

  “Isran,” Aimery ground out.

  “He wouldn’t,” Theron said.

  Aimery snorted. “I saw him. I saw him take the egg, and I saw him use black magic.” For long moments no one said anything. Aimery ran a hand down his face, eager to begin looking for the bastard who had fooled him so.

  “The betrayal cuts deep,” Theron said. “For all of us, but for you most of all because you considered him a brother. At least now we know who has been murdering the other Fae.” Aimery jerked on his tunic and reached for his sword. “I’m going to find him no matter how long it takes.”

  Theron stepped into his chamber and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’ve led my army meticulously for years, old friend. Don’t let your emotions rule you now. Think.”

  “I am thinking. Isran is going to pay for what he’s done.”

  “I’ve no doubt.” Theron sighed and dropped his arm to pace the chamber. “If Isran has taken the egg, it’s because he’s using it to gain coin.” Kyndra moved into the chamber and leaned against the open door. “There aren’t many who would dare to anger us by accepting a dragon’s egg or a traitor.” Aimery reached for his dagger, a massive curved blade that would sever a head from a body. He strapped it on his waist before slinging the strap to his scabbard over his head so that his sword rested on his back.

  “I’ve an idea where to start,” he said. “Thav.”

  Kyndra visibly shuddered while Theron paled. “Aimery, no Fae has come back from that realm. It is a pit for thieves and mercenaries and cheats. Even when Lugus has gone as emissary it’s always a gamble if he’ll be able to return.”

  “Which means it is the perfect place for Isran to take the egg. Someone will be willing to pay what Isran wants for the egg.”

  “But why take the egg at all?” Kyndra asked. “Why kill the male?”

  “He killed the male because he could. He knew we would discover it was him. He wants me to come looking for him.”

  Theron nodded. “I agree. I think he took the egg not because of coin.” Kyndra’s blood turned to ice when Aimery laughed, the sound hollow and devoid of mirth. Ever since the commander had touched the blue dragon he hadn’t been able to hold back his anger, or maybe he didn’t want to. She didn’t know who Isran was but, whoever he was, the treachery to Aimery was severe.

  She
glanced at his chest, disappointed that he had put on the tunic, but the glimpse she had seen of sculpted muscles had been well worth it.

  As he gathered his weapons for battle, she knew their journey would be treacherous, most likely claiming both their lives.

  “You’re right,” Aimery said. “Isran isn’t after coin. He’s after power. The black magic he’s been using is demanding more. He will continue until he has the power to invade us.”

  “That won’t ever happen.” Theron crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m sealing all doors in and out of our realm.”

  Aimery shook his head. “It won’t stop Isran, not for long anyway. If he gets the power he needs, he’ll be able to move through time and space much like Lugus does.” Kyndra listened with interest. Everyone knew of Lugus. As brother to Theron and rightful heir to the throne, he had been wrongly accused and thrown into the Realm of Shadows to die. Only he hadn’t died. He had managed to live through it, growing stronger until his powers were great enough to get out of the realm and try to take over the Fae as well as Earth. He nearly succeeded, but he gave his immortality to save their realm, thereby giving him a second chance at life.

  Though Lugus had been forbidden to ever return to the Realm of the Fae, he had done so to find Theron who had been tricked into the Realm of Shadows. That feat, as well as the love of a Fae, had returned his immortality. To the surprise of all, he hadn’t claimed the throne as was his right.

  “Lugus can travel wherever he chooses?” she asked.

  Theron nodded. “I’ve already called him here. He’ll help us.”

  “You shouldn’t have,” Aimery said. “Ahryn is ready to give birth to their first child. He needs to be here for that.”

  “I’ll let him decide.” Theron turned on his heel and walked from the chamber.

  Kyndra glanced from the king to Aimery. “Where is he going?”

  “To the throne room to await Lugus.”

  She licked her lips and pushed from the door. “Thank you for getting the information we needed.”