Gold Dragon

by Lindsay Buroker

  “I shooed away the people who showed up wanting to attend me. I can put on a uniform by myself after almost twenty years in the army. I even bathed myself and trimmed my own fingernails. It’s appalling what noble people pay others to do for them.”

  “You’re going to put people out of business if you don’t use their services, ma’am,” Rysha observed.

  “I hardly think that’s true. Besides, Angulus said I was saving the taxpayers a lot of money by singlehandedly being responsible for this being the least expensive of his three weddings, and likely the least expensive of any wedding. They should love me. I also said no to the florists, the jugglers, and the person who makes decorative pamphlets for all the guests. A thousand nucros? For a stack of calligraphy cards? Who would pay that?”

  “Well,” Rysha said, “at least you said yes to him.”

  “You may be the first queen in history to save the country money,” Blazer said.

  “Maybe so. I helped him do his own bathing and nail trimming this morning too.” Kaika grinned a tad wickedly. “I admit, it was half bribe. I’m trying to get him to say his part of the oath without using my loathed first name.”

  “Your parents are here, aren’t they?” Blazer asked. “Won’t they be confused if he just confesses his love to a Kaika?”

  “I make them call me Kaika too.”

  “Don’t they find that weird, ma’am?” Rysha asked.

  “They shouldn’t have given me such a dreadful first name if they wanted—”

  The musician changed his tune, playing the refrain of the Royal Ceremony, a cue for the guests to find seats and for everyone involved in the wedding to take their places.

  Kaika clapped Blazer and Rysha on the back, then strode out of the gardens so she could come back in on Angulus’s arm.

  With nerves tickling her stomach, Rysha headed to the front of the gardens, to the same area where the king had stood to deliver their medals. Now, his assistants carried velvet trays with promise necklaces on them, and a royal officiator waited to perform the ceremony, with a priest from the Order of Nendear looking on. It was no longer the most dominant religion in the country, with devotion divided between the seven gods, along with a smattering of agnosticism mixed in, but the Order had backed the throne for centuries and continued to do so, so the priest would bless the union. Bhrava Saruth, when he’d heard about the preparations, had offered to take the priest’s place and give a far more meaningful blessing. Angulus had sadly informed him that some nods toward tradition had to be given.

  As Rysha took her spot with Blazer behind the officiator, she caught herself patting and smoothing her uniform, the same way Kaika had been doing. She snorted at herself. She didn’t have to do anything except step forward on cue, give Angulus a look over, and say, “Yes,” to the question of whether he looked healthy and fit and like a good provider for his wife-to-be. But it seemed terribly presumptuous for a lieutenant to make such a judgment over a king.

  She wondered if General Zirkander, who had a similar responsibility when it came to Kaika, would follow the script or make some irreverent joke. Even now, the corners of his mouth kept twitching, as if he was having all manner of amusing thoughts about the proceedings.

  Rysha smoothed her uniform again, then caught herself. She was sure she looked fine. Besides, who would be looking at her?

  You look beautiful, Trip spoke into her mind. He’d finished speaking with Prince Varlok and now stood with Leftie, Duck, and a few other Wolf Squadron pilots. Almost as beautiful as last night.

  I was naked last night.

  Exactly.

  I’m afraid it would be scandalous if I got naked here.

  I thought this wedding was already scandalous. Three out of four newspapers said so in their headlines.

  It would be four out of four if nudity broke out in the castle gardens.

  It’s possible our people are terribly repressed.

  That sounds like something Major Kaika would say, Rysha observed as the music swelled, promising the bride and groom would soon appear. You aren’t getting brochures from the Sensual Sage, are you?

  No, but Leftie recommended that place. He went and had a good time.

  I’m sure he did. Did the ladies there like his balls?

  I believe they’re paid to like men’s balls.

  No wonder he enjoyed himself. Rysha looked around the crowd, most of the people now sitting, and marveled again at how crisply she saw everything. She spotted Varlok in the front, surrounded by an entourage of people in the currently fashionable flowing silk attire. The princess sat at the end of the retinue with Captain Pimples next to her, his Iskandian uniform in stark contrast with their dress. He and the princess stole shy smiles at each other.

  Maybe this won’t be the only wedding this summer, Trip observed, following Rysha’s gaze.

  Oh? Rysha pretended to misunderstand him. Should I brace my parents for something more dramatic than you appearing at the dinner table with me?

  I’d be amenable to making long-term plans with you, though I think I should get some more money saved up first, so we can buy or build a place of our own.

  Married officers are offered free fort housing, you know. Maybe we could get Kaika’s old place. I hear it comes with beer steins. Though I’m sure you’re right. There’s no hurry. Rysha smiled across the gardens at him, not wanting to pressure him. She wasn’t sure marriage was something she was ready for, anyway, since that seemed to lead to children, and she couldn’t imagine that right now. She’d only just been accepted into the elite troops. She looked forward to missions and countless adventures before settling down. Would Trip understand and wait? Surely, he had adventures of his own in mind.

  No hurry, he agreed, gently returning her smile. Though I don’t think children are a requirement of marriage. I assume Major Kaika doesn’t have any planned.

  Not that I’ve heard about, but you never know. Angulus may want an heir, and tradition dictates that the queen’s womb is the ideal place for one to originate.

  I suspect nothing about this marriage will be traditional.

  True.

  The music rose to a crescendo, and the bride and groom appeared at the entrance to the gardens. They walked arm-in-arm slowly, stately, and to the pace of the now more subdued music. It morphed from The Royal Ceremony to Heralding of the Wedding, each of the songs at least five centuries old. It was too bad Kaika hadn’t bucked tradition there, too, and invited Colonel Grady to play something. Maybe Angulus could have joined in, though songs about weeping flowers might not be on point for a wedding.

  I’m not sure if I should warn you or not, Trip said, but Bhrava Saruth and Shulina Arya are on the roof of the west wing. They just arrived.

  Uh, maybe you should warn Angulus.

  He hasn’t invited me to speak to him telepathically.

  I don’t think I ever invited you to, either, Rysha pointed out.

  You’re fortunate that I’m perceptive and could tell you’d been missing out on this your whole life and would love it.

  Uh huh. And you don’t get that feeling from Angulus?

  Oddly, no.

  Kaika and Angulus reached the dais, stepping up to join the priest, officiator, and kin watchers. They clasped hands and faced each other. Angulus had worn his typical hard-to-read expression during the walk up, but his eyes glinted as they met Kaika’s. She quirked an eyebrow at him, and they both broke into smiles.

  Rysha had never seen the king smile and decided he should do it more often. But maybe Kaika was the only one who could twitch an eyebrow and elicit such an expression from him. If so, Rysha definitely thought they should stay together.

  The officiator cleared his throat, and the murmurs of the crowd quieted as he spoke about the bride’s and groom’s duties to each other, present and future, and the long life they would spend together. Angulus and Kaika gazed at each other, not looking like either was paying much attention as they took turns making playful facial gestures. The officiat
or first called the male kin watchers forward to scrutinize Kaika.

  “Do you, being faithful and loyal friends of King Angulus Masonwood, affirm that you have researched the vitality and emotional stability of Astuawilda Kaika and found her a suitable mate?”

  Kaika propped a fist on her hip and looked like she would punch either man if they responded with anything but an emphatic yes. Of course, that surly gesture might also be in response to the use of her first name.

  The nobleman’s lips thinned, and Rysha had the sense he’d been pressured into accepting that this match was good for the country, but he nodded and said, “Yes.”

  The officiator’s gaze shifted to Zirkander. Angulus’s eyes narrowed.

  “I can’t personally attest to her vitality,” Zirkander said, eyes twinkling, “but my research does indeed suggest that she is well endowed in that area.”

  Rysha watched Angulus warily—maybe he would be the one to punch someone. But he actually appeared faintly smug. Or pleased?

  He’s suspected that Kaika and Zirkander have explored each other’s vitality in the past, Jaxi said, surprising Rysha by speaking into her mind. Since that was something of a promise to the contrary, he’s happy to hear it.

  Rysha spotted Sardelle in the crowd, wondering if she knew her sword was chatting up the wedding participants, but she was lifting her eyes skyward. It might have been in response to Zirkander’s typical irreverence, or she might have been looking toward the west wing and the dragons perched on the rooftop.

  The officiator cleared his throat. “It’s a yes or no question, General.”

  “Ah, then yes.” Zirkander bowed to Angulus and Kaika, then stepped back into his spot.

  The officiator offered a similar question to Rysha and Blazer, asking them to attest to Angulus’s suitability. Rysha, her cheeks warm simply from being included and having everyone looking at her, simply stepped out, glanced at Angulus without seeing him, and said yes. She stepped quickly back into her spot.

  Blazer strolled out and considered Angulus more thoughtfully. “I’m not terribly well equipped to comment on a man’s suitability, but he seems sturdy and stout enough to handle Kaika’s vitality.”

  Off to the side, journalists were clucking their tongues with disapproval while hurrying to scribble down direct quotes.

  The officiator sighed. “Again, it’s a yes or no question.”

  “No room for creativity? Disappointing. Then I shall say yes.” Blazer bowed, as Zirkander had done, and stepped back.

  Rysha shook her head, unable to imagine being irreverent at someone’s wedding, especially a royal wedding.

  Fortunately, Angulus didn’t appear distressed. He was quick to meet Kaika’s eyes again and smile.

  “Pilots,” the officiator muttered under his breath, followed by what sounded like a string of curses. But he recovered, raised his voice, and said, “The wisdom of the kin watchers prevails, as we trust it always will.” He looked to the priest.

  “This union is blessed by the holiest and oldest of the gods, Nendear,” the man said.

  Rysha wondered how much he got paid to say that handful of words. Or rather, how much would be donated to his Order.

  “Then, King Angulus Masonwood and Major Astuawilda Kaika, I invite you to touch lips to make official this union of souls.”

  They came together so quickly it was as if someone had been physically restraining them up until that moment. Rysha would have expected a chaste public kiss from Angulus, but wasn’t surprised when Kaika wrapped her arms around him and gave him a passionate lip plant. He returned the kiss with equal intensity, and Rysha doubted either of them was aware of, or cared about, the onlookers.

  “It’s going to be more than their souls that are unioning tonight,” Zirkander said.

  The old nobleman at his side frowned darkly at him, frowned at the length of the kiss, and also frowned over at the journalists, who were all scribbling furiously.

  I usually yawn at newspapers, Jaxi said, but I do expect tomorrow’s edition to be interesting.

  I just hope Kaika doesn’t regret this one day, Rysha replied. I know she won’t regret Angulus, but he does come with a whole locomotive full of freight cars.

  Indeed, and you encouraged the wedding!

  I know. Rysha hoped Kaika wouldn’t one day be cursing her.

  If it makes you feel better, Sardelle also encouraged it. Two years ago. A year ago. Six months ago. Did you know that there have been many proposals?

  So Kaika said. I’m going to find the fact that they’re still kissing promising for their future happiness.

  Their future horniness, at least.

  A shadow fell over the gardens, and a hundred people gasped. Rysha looked up, hoping Shulina Arya wasn’t the dragon about to cause a stir.

  Bhrava Saruth landed in front of the dais, where Shulina Arya had landed to receive her medal at the ceremony. His wings stretched out, and he looked quite magnificent. Or terrifying. Depending on one’s point of view and how well one knew him.

  Angulus and Kaika broke their kiss, if not their embrace, to look over at him.

  I, the god Bhrava Saruth, have come to bless this union, and unlike with the human gods, my blessings are useful.

  He’s not at all cocky, is he? Trip asked into Rysha’s mind.

  He’s been waiting for just the right moment to make a dramatic appearance, Jaxi said.

  Rysha imagined all the soulblades and sorcerers present having had long telepathic conversations with each other while the ceremony was going on.

  A golden glow emanated from Bhrava Saruth, and more gasps came from the crowd. It spread and gathered around Angulus and Kaika. Zirkander pointedly took a step back. The nobleman, the priest, and the officiator could only stand and gape.

  “Should we be alarmed?” Angulus asked, looking at Zirkander and then Rysha.

  “I don’t think so, Sire,” Zirkander said. “But if you don’t want children, you may need to be extra careful in the future. Bhrava Saruth’s blessings do seem to improve fertility.”

  Kaika made a face that was hard to read. Angulus actually looked a touch heartened. He looked over to Rysha, as if for a second opinion.

  “I only know about one dragon, Sire. My understanding is that she’s still on the rooftop.”

  I would not presume to interrupt a human mating ceremony, Storyteller. I merely came to watch. It’s very romantic. Like in the stories. Someday, perhaps I will have a romantic mate, rather than a horny dragon overly obsessed with breeding cycles.

  Rysha rubbed her face, not certain whether that comment applied to Bhrava Saruth or Trip’s new elder dragon contact. She did hope the telepathic comment had only gone to her.

  The gold light faded, and Bhrava Saruth shifted positions, lowering himself to all fours and folding his wings in. Climb aboard my back, newly mated humans, and I will take you for a ride to a private place where you can consummate your relationship.

  Angulus eyed Bhrava Saruth dubiously, his mouth open and a likely rejection on his lips. But Kaika grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the dragon. Rysha didn’t know if she was excited by the offer of privately consummating their relationship or if she simply wanted to escape all the watching eyes.

  Though Angulus still appeared dubious, he allowed himself to be tugged off the dais and climbed onto Bhrava Saruth’s back.

  “There’s a nice arch in Crazy Canyon that looks out over the sea,” Zirkander called to them. “I recommend taking a blanket and a picnic basket though.”

  Sardelle’s eyes narrowed, and Rysha imagined her silently admonishing him. Whatever she said, he winked at her.

  Such preferential treatment is available to all those who give up their inferior gods and come to worship the god Bhrava Saruth. With that announcement—judging by the startled exclamations, it had gone out to all gathered in the gardens—he sprang into the air, flapping his wings and carrying Angulus and Kaika out of sight.

  “Inferior gods?” the priest asked
in the most indignant tone of voice.

  “I knew I should have charged more than usual for presiding over this wedding,” the officiator mumbled.

  Storyteller, are you done with your duties? Shulina Arya asked.

  Rysha glanced at Blazer and the others around her. They all looked uncertain except for Zirkander, who was strolling toward Sardelle. He seemed to assume the king and Kaika wouldn’t be back and that the wedding had adjourned.

  I think so, Rysha replied.

  I wish to instruct your mate.

  Rysha met Trip’s eyes across the gathering. I’m sure he would be amenable to learning new things. Is this something to do with magic?

  Indeed it is.

  After Bhrava Saruth disappeared with his riders, the murmurs of the crowd died down. Until Shulina Arya appeared overhead, gliding into the garden to land in the same spot Bhrava Saruth had vacated.

  Trip walked toward her, his expression curious. She must have shared her words with him.

  Rysha joined him at Shulina Arya’s side as her head swung on her long neck, lowering to look into Trip’s eyes.

  It is not an easy thing to learn to shape-shift, she spoke into their minds. I did not learn until I was well out of my nest. But if someone helps you to do it a few times, you learn what it feels like, how to call upon the magic that allows you to defy the laws of nature.

  Trip stood listening, his eyes riveted to hers.

  You have helped my rider to see better. This is excellent. I know little of how human eyes work, so it would have been difficult for me. I am appreciative. I will show you how to change shapes.

  Trip nodded, though he looked stunned. And speechless.

  Shulina Arya shifted in front of their eyes, turning into her human form with a flowing white dress covered with sparkling gold glitter and her blonde hair in a high ponytail. She spun a pirouette. Trip’s brow furrowed slightly. She reached out and touched his arm, some telepathic communication going on between them.

  Trip studied the grass, his face intense with concentration. He seemed oblivious to how many people had been watching this since Shulina Arya landed. Numerous jaws had dropped when she shape-shifted. In a world where magic hadn’t existed, or had barely existed, for centuries, Rysha could understand the reaction. At least nobody had come running in with firearms.