The Seeking Series Box Set

by D. R. Grady

  “You and Lajos share the ruling duties, then?”

  “We do. Although he is the king, thankfully. But I’ve more experience, I suppose.” Yet that didn’t sound right.

  “You’re both running this country. He wouldn’t muscle in and take over. It’s better if you have your tasks and he has his. That’s what I’ve observed, anyway.”

  “That’s how it has been. There is so much to do, and we haven’t sat down and discussed anything. It’s been, ‘what needs doing first?’”

  “Isn’t your method the better one though?”

  “Whatever do you mean?”

  “You’re sharing tasks, counting on the other to take care of the matters you’re each best suited to deal with. Then it’s done, and you move on to the next one, content the other is working as hard and is accomplishing the same amount.”

  “It has been working that way.” Stefana encompassed the activity around them with a hand. “Many things are getting done, thankfully. Already the people are happier and more content because they’re not hungry and cold.”

  “They never should have gotten to that extent.”

  “You should have seen Ostard’s lavishness.” Stefana quelled the intensity of her emotions, but her jaw still tightened as her hand curled. “I can’t believe what a complete waste of a king he was.”

  “We heard rumors of his decadence. I still feel for Lalika.”

  “So many of us do. Oh, did you hear Genny is here?”

  “Genny as in your old maid?”

  “Yes.” She told Raene about Stuart finding her. “Thank you for Stuart, by the way.”

  “You’re welcome. I knew he’d only be happy if he was running a big house, and yours seemed in dire need of him.”

  “You hadn’t even seen this place.”

  “No, but you told me enough. Besides, with him in charge of the house, you know it will be run efficiently, without effort on your part, as well as cost effectively.”

  “All those things are true. With him in charge of the house, my mom and I have been free to concentrate on our health care.”

  Raene contemplated this. “Of course there was no health care if these people didn’t even have food, water, or heat.”

  “They’ve done without for years. There are few doctors. Those who remained were older and many succumbed to their surroundings.”

  “So, you must raise up healers.”

  “Yes. There are several promising ones who we’ve sent off to school.”

  “How did they take that?”

  “Very well. It’s a struggle because many have never ventured over these borders. Yet they do already have some knowledge because many of the older ones trained these young people before passing. We were able to expand on that and send them to the appropriate healers for further training. I believe those we’ve handpicked will do well.”

  “But it will be ages before they’re able to practice the healing arts.”

  “Yes. We are working to entice others who are finished with their training to come. And a few who are not happy with the state of medicine where they are.”

  “I suspect you’ll have to build hospitals and clinics?”

  “Those are under way. How is Rialta doing? Has she had time to work on the mental health facilities?”

  “She has arranged for several in her brother’s country, so she was familiar with the process and what does and doesn’t work. We have everything in place for our first facility. She and Haines are working together on that.”

  Stefana gasped. “How is that going?”

  “There are fireworks,” Raene stated wryly.

  “I imagine so.” She contemplated those meetings. “I should dearly love to observe them.”

  “I’m enjoying my front row seat.” A small dimple appeared on Raene’s cheek.

  “You need to keep me abreast of what is transpiring between them.”

  The dimple deepened. “I thought you were busy.”

  She leveled her best friend with her best scowl. It bounced off Raene. “You’re not nice.”

  Raene laughed.

  “So, do you think Haines is going to stay single for long?”

  The laughter faded. “I don’t think so.” Raene hesitated. “Or perhaps I should phrase that as I hope not. I believe there’s attraction on both sides, and she’s not so far from his age.”

  “She is definitely of child-bearing years.”

  “Yes. That’s the problem though. She’s not giving her feelings away.” Raene sighed. “And of course, neither is Haines.”

  “So it’s fun, but a mystery.” Stefana troubled her lower lip. “Can you please send me an account of the juicier meetings? We could use the entertainment.”

  Raene glanced around at the business and chaos all around them. “Yes, I can see that.”

  “It’s coming together. It’s slow, yet not.”

  “I can’t believe how large the palace is.”

  “You should have seen it before. So overfull of expensive things it was difficult to discern amongst all the stuff.”

  “Is there time for a tour?” Raene smiled at Vidar.

  “Of course. You can help me make a few decisions I’ve been putting off.” They headed into the palace.

  “I’m also here to help you plan your wedding.”

  Stefana stopped in the foyer. “I’m already married.”

  “I mean the formal one. I brought several dresses and the like for you to go through so you can plan the occasion.” She waved toward the outside. “Those people need something fun to look forward to.”

  Turning to stare out the door, she watched the people bustling about, a new spring in their steps, pending joy in their voices as they spoke to one another.

  “I think they’re already pretty happy about their future.”

  “Never again.” He knew his grip on Stefana was too tight. They had just retired to their bedchamber and Lajos didn’t waste any time grabbing her close.

  Her grip on him wasn’t any less firm. A rumble of laughter from her made him start. “Are you laughing?”

  “Yes. You do know that we can’t predict or prevent invasions, right?” The slight imp in her eyes made his heart swell and warm, despite the fear of the day.

  “I’m aware of that.”

  “You’re also aware that you’re perfectly capable of quelling those invasions, correct?”

  His sigh emitted from deep inside him.

  She giggled and folded him close again. Then, propping her chin on his sternum, smiled at him. His heart swelled again.

  “I love you.”

  Everything around him stilled. It halted as though encountering a stone wall that loomed out of nowhere.

  “You love me?”

  “I do. Raene pointed it out earlier today.” Stefana caressed Lajos’ cheek, stars and love in her eyes.

  His chest tightened. It all made sense now. “I love you too.” It sounded rusty, like he hadn’t taken very good care of this emotion.

  He probably hadn’t.

  “Thank you.”

  Laughter rumbled from his chest. “You’re welcome.” He stared at her, unable to comprehend that he not only was married to the most beautiful, courageous, caring woman on the planet, but now she had given him the gift of her love.

  “I’m the luckiest man alive.”

  “I’m the luckiest woman alive.” She brushed her lips against his and he liked how she thought.

  “You’re magnificent.”

  “Show me.”

  He didn’t need further encouragement. This woman made him joyous. She heated him after years of being cold. Something he hadn’t been aware of.

  Now that he’d experienced her, he couldn’t go back.

  He wouldn’t.

  The only way to go then, was forward. Together.

  Chapter 19

  Donning the confection Raene had earmarked for her, and that Stefana had loved on sight, she waited for Genny to finish fastening it for her. Raene dithered
between two different colored shoes. Trying to decide which best matched Stefana’s gown, while Stella stood with the Queen of Montequirst to discuss it.

  “You’re not in the least bit nervous about this.” Genny’s statement contained no accusation. Stefana’s newest lady-in-waiting, who had recently become engaged to Stuart, more so sounded awed.

  “I’ve already married him. So, no, I’m not nervous.” She fingered the lovely heirloom necklace from their treasury. The one her mother had admired and Lajos had fitted around her neck upon their first visit to the marble space. It matched her gown perfectly and was fit for a queen.

  “Today is also your coronation.”

  “Yes. While I’m not certain what this will bring, I’m still not nervous about it either.”

  Genny finished fastening the gown and then smoothed a hand down the back of the dress so it fell correctly. Then she walked around Stefana, tugging at the fabric until it was perfect.

  “We still have to go downstairs, so don’t fuss too much.” She kept even a tinge of dryness out of her voice.

  “Yes, I know, but I want to be certain I can make it look perfect once we arrive. This is the practice run.”

  “Okay.” She smiled at the woman, thankful to have her back in her life. Genny had provided friendship and an ally here, just as she had in Montequirst.

  Not that there weren’t plenty of allies here already. So far she hadn’t met anyone she didn’t connect with. A wonderful state of affairs, actually. And fabulous to feel so welcome.

  Now, three months after she and Lajos had arrived, they would celebrate their formal wedding today, in addition to their coronation. It would be nice to have the formality out of the way.

  “These shoes.” Raene stopped in front of her, carrying a pair of lovely court slippers. They matched her gown, but then so did the other pair. Stefana raised her skirt hem and stepped into the shoes, thankful to have this finished.

  Compared to her work on obtaining employment, as well as medical and health care for her people, this all seemed a little silly. But then the people were excited about today. They longed for this ceremony because it would be legal in the eyes of every Swiftland citizen. Their king and queen would also be legally recognized in all the other nations.

  Stefana didn’t look forward to the pomp and circumstance, but she would be with Lajos and Raene, and her family. Her brother had arrived, as well as assorted other family members. Summer presided now and had swept away the decay.

  The land flourished. The orchards resounded with the promise of ripening fruit and vast fields of crops spread as far as the eye could see. All of which they watched with a rather severe form of security. The coffee trees showed plenty of beans, and their coffee bean expert appeared pleased with the upcoming crop.

  Lajos, in particular, most anticipated this harvest. Like him, Eduard, who visited as he could, enjoyed walks with Lajos to peruse the abundance of their land.

  He and his wife, as well as his sister and Haines, the Duke of Lockwillow, were also in attendance today.

  “It’s time.” Her mother announced this as though she’d been watching the clock. She probably had.

  Stefana smiled at her companions and then left the bedchamber she shared with her husband and made her way to the staircase. Her gown wasn’t as heavy and formal as some, but it did require her attention as it would be a tragedy to trip and break something on such an important day.

  The staircase loomed, and their little processional maneuvered down it. Court dresses truly made little sense.

  “You look gorgeous Stefana.” Her father’s greeting was all a daughter could ask for.

  She kissed him and then took his arm. Her mother tucked her bouquet into her hands as well as offering Raene hers. Then they all turned to the door leading to the massive room where she had first been told she would marry the ruler of the land.

  It had undergone a much-needed transformation, with everyone offering up ideas on how to make the space inviting. She was happy with it now. Far less formal with white walls and brighter, more vibrant furnishings, and stripped of the gold, although the sheer size of the room would always prevent it from feeling cozy.

  Taking a deep breath, she looked forward to when she and Lajos could be alone.

  The doors opened with all the flair one would expect from a royal wedding and she straightened her shoulders, relieved all over again that they were already married.

  Then she stepped into the room that held the hope of a dying nation. Their nation was very much alive now, with a people who appreciated her and Lajos and loved their country and its promise. In the remodel of the space, Stefana had made certain it was mostly Aern proofed, and both dragons kept watch from a corner of the room.

  Aern winked at her, and this only added to her joy.

  She stepped into her future, aware of the well wishes of all the people and the dragon pair seated within.

  Her eyes met the icy-blue ones that had captured her upon sight. They glowed with love. For her.

  Marriage was a risk for a woman. If she didn’t choose wisely, her entire life could be ruined. But, if a woman did choose wisely, she could reach out and grasp joy, happiness, contentment, and love.

  She loved her lot.

  Stefana reached out and grasped her future with the hand not holding her bouquet. Then she handed that off to Raene so she could embrace Lajos with both hands.

  She made a vow to never let him go.

  And he returned the favor and all her love.

  She smiled at the man who had claimed her heart. Content with her present and anticipated their future.

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  Seeking: Warrior Mate

  Ari the Loyal, a rare female Aasguard warrior, loses her dragon to old age. While mourning she seeks the comfort of her brothers, fellow Aasguard warriors. Both of her brothers have recently married—unheard of among their kind. This has given birth to thoughts of a life she never envisioned for herself. These thoughts only multiply after she meets Kellen the Mighty.

  Kellen the Mighty’s dragon also succumbed to old age. He makes his way to one of Ari’s brother’s new homes. After learning of two different Aasguard warriors’ marriages Kellen contemplates how having a non-dragon companion might better combat the ever encroaching loneliness.

  Both Ari and Kellen struggle with their returning emotions and feelings for the other that they’ve never encountered in their long years of living. When they surrender to their mutual attraction a portal opens to a monstrous creation that immediately and gleefully attacks. Could this catastrophe mean the end of their union? As well as the unions of future Aasguard warriors?

  Chapter 1

  The castle spires of Montequirst rose high above the land. Ari the Noble clutched Fricassa, the female dragon who had traveled with her brother, Lajos the Swift. Lajos and his wife, Queen Stefana rode their other brother’s dragon, Aern, with whom Fricassa had mated.

  Ari hadn’t had a place to call home since leaving her parents’ house to follow her older brothers to Aasguard warriorhood. Her dragon, Mikal, had chosen to go on months ago, and she had elected to return to her brother. She had known the location of Vidar the Loyal, her middle brother, who had married the Queen of Montequirst and gained himself the title of King of Montequirst.

  Aasguard warriors had never married prior to Vidar’s nuptials, but their older brother Lajos had been present for Vidar’s formal wedding ceremony. He fancied the Montequirst princess, Stefana, and after she was kidnapped, went after her with the aid of Aern. In the ensuing ruckus, Lajos killed the abhorrent king who made the
mistake of kidnapping Lajos’ charge, and in doing so, suddenly became king of an impoverished land. The people viewed him and Stefana as their only hope.

  They had been right.

  Ari had been asked to accompany them to their new land, along with the dragons. She hadn’t taken even a moment to ponder the request. Clearly, much work needed to be done. Now, other Aasguard warriors made their way to Montequirst, and Swiftland, where King Lajos the Swift and his new queen resided.

  Lajos and Ari had been comfortable leaving Swiftland in the competent hands of a fellow Aasguard, Rykert the Bold and his dragon, Felix who were pleased with the cushy post. They had settled in with ease.

  The Swiftland people quite enjoyed him and his companion and would defer to him should they need assistance while she, Lajos, and Stefana were away for a few days.

  They had left because the Queen of Montequirst was celebrating her first birthday as the queen. As Ari and Lajos were family to Vidar, and Stefana had grown up here and counted Raene as family, the three of them elected to attend the celebrations.

  Ari watched as the castle loomed closer and closer and her heart pounded a little harder. She could admit to being eager to arrive, but perhaps not for the reason she should be.

  Those stone walls encompassed Vidar and his queen, but deep in the bowels of the castle, at Vidar’s former post, stood another Aasguard. His dragon had also elected to move on. Kellen the Mighty protected the queen’s treasury, as Vidar and Aern had done not so many months ago.

  Now, upon Aern and Fricassa’s arrival, they would reside in the cavern outside the treasury so Kellen could enjoy the festivities. The dragons, especially Aern who tended toward clumsy, were far more comfortable in Aern’s old residence beneath the castle. They both preferred proximity to treasure and would enjoy the space.