by T. S. Ryder
Caitlyn snorted. "Fine. I'll pick out a champion and your champion will fight them. But if mine wins, we are going to be married. And my allies? They'll put their champions in there, too. You're putting your kingdom at risk. Are you sure it's worth it?"
Benjamin smiled. "I'll be fighting for more than my kingdom. I'm strong. I will not be defeated."
"You . . . " Her eyes widened. "You're going to do the fighting yourself?"
"Yes. Now you'd best get back to your kingdom. I have a formal challenge to draft." Benjamin left the room, ignoring the people on the other side that scattered once he walked through the door.
Energy flowed through him, already planning the words he was going to use to write his challenge. It wasn't often that ancient traditions were invoked these days, but they were never turned down. He would fight the other kingdom's champions.
And he would win. Or lose the kingdom forever.
Chapter Seventeen – Champion
The battle would take place on a football field. The huge area was level and flat with special sheets of tempered glass erected between the field and the spectators. The glass was a foot thick to stop from shattering if the Dragons were hurled into it and treated so it wouldn't melt from Dragon fire.
Dozens of people were on the field, although Julia had been assured that only four of them were challengers. She could pick out those ones quickly enough. They were bare except for a pair of boxer shorts, oil being massaged into their skin. She wasn't sure what the oil was for, but since Benjamin was also getting the stuff spread all over him, she assumed it was some sort of fire retardant.
Her lips were bloody from picking at them. She was sitting in a box with a good view of the whole field, Henry in her lap. This fight wasn't her idea of a good thing to bring a baby to, but Benjamin had insisted since he was going to make a special announcement before the fighting started. Nerves twisted in her stomach, making her want to run down there and put herself between her prince and the challengers, to stop this from happening. Not that a small human like her could do anything against these giant Dragon warriors.
Caitlyn sat in a box across the field. If Julia didn't know better, she would have thought that the Northfall queen looked just as nervous. She glanced over to where Julia was and Julia looked back to the field.
Benjamin looked up to where she was and smiled. The tight nerves in her stomach eased. He knew what he was doing. She had to trust that if nothing else. He would win these battles, circumventing war, and they would live happily ever after.
She just had to keep telling herself that.
Somebody brought a mic out to the field and handed it to Benjamin as the Dragons started to form a line facing him. Was he meant to fight them all at the same time? Julia clamped her teeth down on her lower lip, wincing as she tasted blood. Benjamin took the mic and strode to the middle of the field.
"All bear witness to this battle between champions." His voice echoed over the field. "Our terms are as follows: If the champion of Northfall wins, I marry Queen Caitlyn and she rules both kingdoms once my mother, Queen Maria, steps down from her throne . . . "
Julia struggled to pay attention as he continued. If any of the others won, then the kingdom would bow to them. None of them would claim it as their territory outright but Enderby would be under their law, no longer a free state, and Benjamin would bow to that kingdom's kings and queens. Her stomach twisted tighter no matter how much she tried to trust in Benjamin's strength. He was strong, yes, but they were all strong. That was why they had been chosen as champions.
"And finally," Benjamin said, pausing a moment to glance up at Julia. "I would like to take this opportunity to formally announce that I have a son. A boy was born to me, and I am approaching marriage with his mother. When I win this challenge, she will be made my queen and our son will grow to be king after me."
The noise of people talking to each other filled the stadium. Julia shifted Henry, hating being out in the open like this. She wished that there could be someone else in the box with her. Queen Maria, maybe. But she was still in the hospital, although she had approved of Benjamin's plan.
All the champions except for Benjamin and a brawny, pale-skinned man left the field. They nodded at one another. Julia found it difficult to watch or breathe as she waited, but she couldn’t look away. Her heart hammered in her chest.
He won't die, she thought. Whoever gets the other pinned on his back first wins.
It was almost like wrestling. If wrestling included claws and fire. Both Dragons Shifted at once, the monstrous reptiles seemingly bursting from their skin. Julia had never seen Benjamin in his Dragon form before. He was magnificent: twice as big as an elephant with a stocky body, graceful neck, and a tail that ended in three spikes. His scales glittered silver-blue. The Dragon that launched itself at him was pure white.
Both Dragons roared as they clashed, tearing at each other with claws and teeth. Blood spurted into the air and Julia couldn't stop herself from screaming. Henry gave a giant jerk. His eyes widened, then his face crumpled. He started to wail and Julia lifted him to her shoulder, trying to soothe him. Her arms and body were rigid and it only took a few moments for her to realize that she was only going to make it worse.
She jumped to her feet and rushed to the back of the box where Heather waited. The queen's nurse accepted the baby and whisked him off, away from the violence and noise. A giant cheer rose, making Julia's heart jump to her throat. When she turned around, she saw the white Dragon slinking off, limping on three legs. Benjamin twisted towards her and winked.
"Yes!" she screamed, pumping her fists into the air. "Yes!"
From the sidelines, the other three challengers charged onto the field together. They transformed as they hurtled towards Benjamin. He turned to face them all too late. One of them gave a mighty flap of its wings and lifted into the air high enough to dig all four claws into Benjamin's back.
"No!" Julia hung off the edge of the box, fists clenched. "Not fair! Foul! He's only supposed to fight one at a time."
Nobody else seemed to care. They shouted and cheered, stomping their feet and clapping their hands. Benjamin twisted, clamping his jaws over the wing of the one that held him while the other two barreled into his side. He wrenched to one side as they knocked him over but threw out a wing to stop himself from landing on his back. His legs kicked out, striking a black Dragon across its face while dragging the green one by its wing to his other side. The golden Dragon backed up long enough for Benjamin to regain his feet.
The three surrounded him, tearing into his back and legs. Benjamin roared in pain, rearing to his hind legs. The black one dodged in and he came crashing down upon it. A loud crack rang through the air and the black Dragon roared. Benjamin threw it into the golden one, then turned to the Green Dragon. Claws raked across his face and he whipped his tail around. The spikes drove deep into the green Dragon's flank, causing it to tear away from him. Benjamin grabbed its wing in his mouth while his front legs kicked out. Yanking his head to one side, he lifted the Dragon up and used his body to throw it down onto its back. It gave a plaintive cry.
The golden Dragon jumped onto Benjamin's back, snapping his neck, while the black one sunk its teeth into his flank. Benjamin roared and twisted this way and that to dislodge them. The green one got back to its feet and Julia held her breath, certain it was going to attack again. But it slunk off the field, leaving Benjamin with the last two.
The black one ran under Benjamin's legs, clawing at his belly. He threw himself to one side, crashing heavily on the golden one. It tore at his side, sending silver scales flying, but as the black Dragon dodged in, he whipped at it with his tail. The impact sent the smaller Dragon flying. Benjamin rolled back to his feet, then seized the golden Dragon by the throat. He threw it back to the ground, using his bulk to pin it down. It bit at him, but a swift blow from Benjamin's clawed hand made it go limp.
Benjamin staggered as he turned to face the black Dragon again. It held itself low t
o the ground as it crept forward. Julia held her breath, her heart hammering so hard she was afraid it might burst. Her fingers dug into her face, head whirling.
The black Dragon lunged for his throat. Benjamin sidestepped it, using a wing to bowl it over. As it stumbled, he pounced, snarling and growling, as his teeth sunk into the Dragon's shoulder. He flipped it over and collapsed on it, pinning it to its back. It gave a mighty roar, then went still. When Benjamin stood on shaky legs, the black Dragon flipped over. Julia screamed but the Dragon only nodded and headed off the field.
The crowd erupted in cheers and shouts. It was over.
Benjamin had won.
Julia collapsed to her knees, sobbing in relief. He had won and it was over. No more war; no more threats. He had proven himself strong and now they could live together, happily ever after.
Chapter Eighteen – Until the End of Forever
Julia huffed as she brushed a wet sponge over his back. Her light touch felt soothing and Benjamin smiled. He closed his eyes, repressing a yawn. He was stretched out on his bed while Julia gave him a sponge bath. It wasn't strictly necessary, but he liked how nurturing she was, not to mention how good it felt to have her hands on him.
"I thought you Dragons were supposed to be quick healers," she said. "Look at this! All puckered and red. You're lucky you didn't get a raging infection."
Benjamin chuckled. "Darling, if we didn't have advanced healing, my back would still be a raw mess. It's only been three days since the battle, after all. You can't expect me to get better overnight."
She made another huffing noise, rinsing out the cloth. "I guess not . . . But it's really over, right? There isn't going to be a war?"
"No. There isn’t going to be a war." Benjamin rolled over, careful not to disturb the water and pulled her over him. "I took out their champions and all the kingdoms readying for war have bowed out. Caitlyn vowed loyalty, as have several of the others. I guess they finally see that I'm not weak after all. Especially not when I have you and Henry to fight for."
"Caitlyn." Julia shook her head. "Do you know what's going to happen with her now?"
Benjamin shook his head. While he wasn't feeling especially charitable towards her, he understood where she was coming from. He didn't want to see her dethroned just because her councilors didn't want to have a queen ruling them. They had found that her cousin had sent the assassin after Julia, trying to frame Caitlyn, so he wasn’t going to be king. He was no longer a threat to her rule. There was only so much he could do to help her, though.
He focused on Julia again, smiling at her. He ran his hands up her thighs but she pulled back. Benjamin sighed in disappointment, only for it to turn to a chuckle when Julia playfully slapped his arm. She gave him a half-glare, then settled back. A hesitant look crossed her face.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Well . . . I'm just . . . I want to know if you're serious about marrying me."
"Is that all?" He was tempted to chuckle again but her worried look stopped him. He grew serious. "Of course. And it's not for the kingdom, Julia. I love you. I want to marry you. But I also want to do this right. I don't want to rush in with either of us think we have to. I'll take as long as you need."
Julia threw her arms around him. She kissed him hard, making his flames leap and spread through his veins. She straddled him again and he grasped her hips tightly. Once more, though, she stopped and pulled back.
"I don't need time. I just need you to forgive me."
"Oh, my love." He brushed her hair from her face. "Of course I do. I understand why you did what you did. I think the next step here is for you to forgive yourself, not the other way around."
"Maybe so." Julia brushed another kiss on his mouth. "It just feels like there has been so much happening. When did you have time to forgive me?"
Benjamin sighed. She felt a lot of guilt over how she had come into his life and he knew it would take time for her to forgive herself, but the truth of the matter was he had already forgiven her. He could see the way she punished herself and he wanted to help her understand that while it was wrong, she had done the right thing by telling him the truth – by bringing Henry into his life. He only wished that he could apologize to Cynthia for being the kind of man that she couldn't trust her pregnancy with. He had found her employment records. Natalie had fired her for vague reasons. No doubt because of her jealousy.
There was a knock on the door.
"That'll be Heather with Henry."
Julia rolled off him and gathered up the water and sponge. Benjamin watched her with an admiring eye before he grabbed his clothes and pulled them on. When he was dressed, they went to the den together. Benjamin's brows shot straight up. It was Heather, but she wasn't holding Henry. Instead, his mother, in her usual wheelchair, had the baby on her lap. Henry giggled and clapped.
"Mother!" Benjamin dropped to a knee to embrace her. "You're out of the hospital . . . for how long? Why didn't you tell me? I could have had things prepared for you."
"Maybe I wanted to see how you ran the place in my absence. And here I find you holed up in your room with your mate." Maria's eyes twinkled. "I take it you've solved your differences now?"
Benjamin wrapped his arm around Julia's waist. "Yes. We've talked about what Julia told you and we're all the closer for it. No more secrets between us."
"Good." Maria reached for Julia's hand. "It took courage to tell us the truth, my dear. I'll admit that I wasn't so certain about you. I knew there was something you were hiding and I feared that you were just after my son because of his position. I thought you were trying to be the housekeeper who would be queen."
"I never—"
"I know. Your ability to move past your fear and be truthful has convinced me. You will be a fine queen. When is the wedding?"
"Mother!" Benjamin couldn't help but laugh. "We're letting things calm down a little before we decide. I don't want to hear anymore about it. Julia and I will decide when we marry and we won't marry one day sooner than we're ready."
Maria regarded him for a long moment before nodding. She looked stronger, her cheeks had a healthy color in them, and her breathing was easier. But that didn't mean she was fully recovered. It was going to take some time for Natalie's treachery to heal and for the queen to return to her former self. After what she had gone through, she might never be as strong as she once was. She wasn't a young Dragoness anymore and her health problems, combined with the stress, had taken a toll on her.
"Well. When you decide when to marry, let me know. I'm tired of this crown and you have proven yourself ready to be king. Once you are properly married, then you will be king." Maria settled Henry into the crook of her arm and smiled at the baby.
Benjamin wasn't sure what to say. He always knew that one day he'd be king, but he hadn't expected it to be handed over to him like that. Was Maria still that frail? Or was it that she wanted to have the freedom to enjoy the rest of her days without that responsibility? He kissed her temple, the weight of this responsibility settling on him.
"I will do whatever it takes to make sure I don't let you down, Mother."
"I know. And you, young lady." Maria smiled at Julia. "Thank you for helping my boy learn that he's a man. Thank you for teaching him his own strength."
Julia's fair tones flushed. "Well, I really didn't—"
"You did. More than you know. Now, as much as I love this little one, I'm tired. I need my rest."
Julia gathered Henry and Maria took her leave. The two of them stared at each other once she was gone. Benjamin pulled his mate into his arms, careful with Henry, and kissed her, then his son. There was the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, but he was ready. He was going to be the best king he could and build a better world for his son and whatever other children might come.
"I love you," he whispered. "So much."
"I love you, too," she said. "So . . . once we're married you'll be king. Are you ready?"
Benjamin shivered. "King. I'm
not sure. Yes, I'm willing, but I feel like I wasted so much time when I ought to have been learning what a king does. I'm worried I won't be good enough. But I'll be okay . . . The real question is whether you are ready to be the queen."
"Hello! No way am I ready. I'm just a servant girl, remember?" Julia widened her eyes at him. "Are you certain you wouldn't rather marry someone else?"
Rolling his eyes, Benjamin kissed her again. He held her close, Henry resting in both of their arms. He never thought he'd have this. A woman who loved him despite his flaws, and a son. Soon, he would be the king as well. It was a frightening prospect, yes, but he was ready. Henry sneezed, then wrinkled his nose and started whimpering. A foul odor rose from his tiny body.
"I changed him last time," both Benjamin and Julia said at once.
"You're his father," she said.
"You're his mother."
Julia wrinkled her nose at him. "Fine. I'll give him a bath while I'm at it. That one felt explosive. Can you undress him while I run his water?"
"I see what you're doing. You want to con me into changing his diaper anyway."
"I would never."
Henry waved his fists in the air, puffs of smoke seeping from his mouth as Julia handed him to his father. One day he was going to be a strong little Dragon, a prince in every sense of the word. There was so much he was going to learn, so much he would experience. Benjamin couldn't wait to teach his son everything he knew.
*****
THE END
Mated to Two Beasts
Description
Desired by a sophisticated vampire king and a bad boy shifter. Life could be worse… Or, could it?
Audrey is a reporter with big dreams for the future. So when she gets the chance to visit the Harvest Moon Festival, where human women are chosen as vampire mates, she doesn’t hesitate. This will give her the inside scoop she needs.