I approach a long-sword that is prominently on display at the center of the room. The steel blade is emblazoned with inscriptions, and the hilt is wrapped in supple red leather. I reach out to touch it, and Trav approaches behind me.
“It was your mother’s sword. She was a great warrior, as was your father.”
“How would you know? You’re not that much older than me,” I say, not taking my eyes from the sword.
“I’ve heard the legends. The Skylands were renowned for their fierceness. Both of your parents lived up to the name.”
I wrap my fingers around the hilt and as I lift the sword from its stand, the blade sings and blue light races through the inscriptions. I’m so startled I almost drop it. I’ve seen this before. It’s enchanted.
I lift the sword into the air, gazing at it with awe. My inner dragon roars ferociously, and I begin to feel a connection to my forefathers and mothers and all the ancestors of the past. I glance up at Trav and see a satisfied grin plastered on his smug face. I shrug.
“What?” I ask.
“The sword knows you. It knows its mistress, princess,” he explains.
I set the sword back on its stand and pace around the room inspecting the other weapons and armor that are housed there. I come across a fitted set of leather and chain mail gear that looks as if it is cut for a woman.
“Did this belong to my mother?” I ask Trav.
“I can’t say for sure. You could ask Hammon. I’m sure he would know.”
“I think I’d like to wear it today for our practice session.” I begin to remove the armor from the rack. It’s heavier than I had expected, and I have no idea how to put it on.
“How do I get into this?” I asked Trav, raising an eyebrow.
“I can help you into your armor, my lady. But first you must remove your clothes.” His face is serious, and I can’t tell if he is joking, coming on to me, or really trying to help me change.
“Can’t you wait until tonight? I mean really, it’s only a few hours away. Don’t we have sparring practice to attend to?” I know I’m teasing him. Every time around him he makes me angry and aroused at the same time. Just standing this close to Trav makes me lightheaded. I can’t imagine what I would do if I get naked in front of him right now.
“Dani, all I’m trying to do is help you put your armor on so you don’t get an arm chopped off. Wouldn’t you like to prevent losing a limb?”
“When you put it that way…” I sigh and begin removing my garments. I strip down to my underthings. I feel exposed, and if he were to touch me right now I would let him. But Trav just fits me with the leather and chain armor. He doesn’t even try to make a move. And I’m partially disappointed.
The armor fits my body contours as if it were made for me. When it is all on, it doesn’t feel heavy at all. It’s about as constrictive as a sweat suit, and I can still move with complete flexibility. “Why is this so comfortable?” I ask.
“Dragon born armor is enchanted. Just like your weapons. Only the best for royalty and the protectors of the world.”
I nod and grab the sword, shoving it into the scabbard that hangs at my hip. “All right then. Let’s do this.”
Chapter 21
We enter the sparring ring, and my dragon growls inside me. She’s ready to fight. I wish I could say the same. Trav pulls his sword from his scabbard and begins to circle around me. I look at him wide-eyed, surprised he’s going straight for the steel.
“What are you doing?” I ask. “Shouldn’t we start slower or something?”
“You’re ready for this princess. You are dragon born. You have only to let your skill come to the surface. Now, draw your sword.”
I bite my lip and grip the hilt of my sword, slowly pulling it from its scabbard. Trav cocks his head towards me. “Come at me,” he says.
I growl with exasperation and make a tentative lunge towards him. He smacks my sword away effortlessly, and I flail forward, falling to my knees. My inner dragon growls at me. She slithers inside my head and enumerates my weaknesses. I spring to my feet, incensed. I’m tired of constantly being told that I’m weak. It’s even worse that it’s coming from inside my own head. I can’t stand it anymore. Something inside me snaps, and I lunge towards Trav with full force.
Our swords crash against each other. I move and counter move to meet him. I don’t know where all of this fancy footwork and swordsmanship technique is coming from, but it’s suddenly there. I’m holding my own.
“Very good, Dani. I knew your strength would come out.” He’s panting as I slice towards him. He leans backwards, my sword barely missing his neck by an inch. I laugh as I spin and dance. I had no idea my body could do this. With the enchanted sword and enchanted armor, and my own physical transformation, I’ve become something of a phenomenon.
“But you still have much to learn,” he says, laughing.
Trav suddenly makes a few quick motions, and I’m on my knees on the ground, my sword under his foot. His sword is at my neck, and I’m defeated.
“No shit,” I say.
He withdraws his sword and puts it in its scabbard before offering me his hand and helping me to my feet. “Well done. You’ve proven yourself the Princess of Skyland, beyond a shadow of a doubt.”
“Yeah, but you kicked my ass,” I say, brushing myself off.
“Course I did. You’re a complete novice. What did you expect?” He laughs. I’ve rarely seen Trav laugh so heartily; it makes me begin to giggle. He’s right, of course. The ability that I showed just now was beyond anything I ever could have imagined. I’ll take what I can get. I can sword fight. Who knew?
We stand there laughing together for several moments, and I feel closer to Trav than I ever have before. Our laughter dies down; we look at each other as our expressions sober.
“Thank you for showing me this, Trav. It means a lot knowing that I can defend myself. I think my dragon is happy about it too.”
“Of course, Princess Dani Storm of Skyland. You will be a great fighter someday, perhaps greater than Conyac. But never greater than me.” I punch him in the shoulder, and he grins at me.
Inside, I change into something more comfortable before we have lunch together in the dining room. Trav and I spend the rest of the day talking about the history of Endor and my people, the Skylands. It is an enlightening conversation, and I realize I enjoy spending time with Trav.
He isn’t just the brute of a man that I thought he was. He’s actually quite intelligent and well-educated on the history of Endor. He even gives me a few pointers on helping to integrate my dragon, and by the end of the day I feel more connected to him ever.
Chapter 22
Uria prepares my bath and helps me dress in a gown similar to the one I wore for Conyac. This one is pale lilac instead of white, but it’s just as see-through. I’m beautifully prepared but as nervous as I was with Conyac.
I like Trav. I like him more after today than I had before. There is a knock at my door, and I tell him to enter. My chamber glows with candlelight that flickers on the black silk robe that Trav is wearing as he stands in the doorway. I gulp. The fabric shows the contours of his body, accentuating the dips and curves of his muscles, the broadness of his shoulders, and the slimness of his waist.
I suck my lip and let out an audible whimper as he closes the door behind him. “Good evening, my lady,” he says in a husky, low voice. It sends a shiver up my spine. All at once I’m aroused and scared. I can smell the scent of his skin from across the room, and it sends a thrill through me.
He comes to sit beside me, close not touching. “You look beautiful,” he says, his eyes grazing over my breasts, my neck, and my mouth. I can feel his gaze burn over my skin. My pussy dampens with excitement, ready for him to touch it.
“Thanks,” I say shyly. Trav brushes my hair away from my shoulder and leans into the crook of my neck. He takes a deep breath, inhaling my aroma. He groans and all at once pushes me down onto the bed. He’s on top of me, his hardness
dipping between my legs.
“Trav,” I moan.
His stiff shaft presses against my tender, wet core. His hands are running up and down my sides before he grasps my breast and presses his tongue between my lips. He kisses me with the intensity of a starving man. I meet his passion with my own, finally allowing myself to be taken by Trav. I realize I’ve wanted to do this ever since the first time we were together.
I held myself back then, but I’m not going to do that anymore. I’m going to let him have what he wants. I’m going to let me have what I want. He pushes my sheer gown up over my breasts and takes my hard nipple into his mouth. His tongue flicks up and down over my swollen nub. A thrill of excitement coils at the base of my spine. I feel like energy is gathering inside me. The energy is going to explode at any moment.
Trav squeezes and sucks my breasts one after the other as he grinds himself between my legs. I’m moaning and panting; my pussy is wet and ready for him to enter. I don’t think I can take it any longer. I grip the lapels of his robe and pull them back revealing his hard, muscled chest.
He senses my need and yanks his robe the rest of the way off before pulling my gown up over my head. We are both naked on the bed. He crawls over me on all fours, licking his lips as his eyes penetrate the depths of my soul. He grins, showing his sharp teeth. My lips curl back, revealing my own sharp teeth.
My passion for Trav, and my past annoyance with him, make me want to bite him and draw his blood with my strong teeth. I lick my teeth and flick my tongue at him. He growls above me and dips down, pressing his hardness between my legs.
He grinds back and forth over my slick entrance as I kiss his neck and lick his earlobe. He angles his hips back and presses the head of his cock against my pussy. I grasp his shoulders, running my fingernails down his arms and around his waist. I pull him towards me. Instead of pressing inside me, he trails kisses down my body and yanks my legs apart.
His tongue flicks up and down my slit, encouraging my wetness. I moan loudly and grip the bed sheets lifting my head slightly off the pillow. I feel like I’m going to lose my mind if he takes any longer. He runs his tongue over my clit, teasing me, pressing gently against the swollen bundle of nerves.
“God, Trav, just fuck me. Take me now,” I demand.
“All in good time, my lady,” he taunts. “All in good time.”
I growl and run my fingers through his hair, pressing his face against my hungry pussy. He laughs between my legs, and the sound waves excite me, driving me crazy. All at once, he devours my core. He sucks my clit into his mouth, and I shatter.
I scream so loudly, I think it will alarm the servants. My orgasm throbs and clenches my entire body with mind shattering pleasure. Trav is on top of me, his cock pressed against my opening. He slides inside in one lunge, and I scream again. His teeth grip my neck as he thrusts.
I’m rolling on utter pleasure as Trav sinks his massive shaft into my tight, wet core. I’m coming, over and over. My mind goes blank, and all there is this moment. My whole world is Trav and the feeling of him inside me. As the pleasure rolls through me I suddenly know what I want. I want him.
My dragon growls with longing and release, happy that I gave myself to Trav in this way. I’m more confused than ever, so I choose not to think. I choose to only be my body, the dragon born, with this prince who makes love with me so ecstatically.
He lifts me up on his lap. I’m straddling him as he guides me up and down on his shaft. My breasts bounce in his face, and he sucks my nipples into his mouth, groaning at the sight and taste of them.
He squeezes my ass cheeks, spreading them as he bounces me on his cock. Fingers press against my tight opening. I throw my head back as I feel him coming inside me. My pussy clamps around his shaft, milking the last of his seed.
Finally we stop, panting, our foreheads pressed against together. “Trav,” I say, breathless.
“Shhh, there is no need for words now,” he whispers.
We collapse onto the bed and hold each other under the soft blankets. I snuggle against Trav’s chest and hear his heart beating wildly from me. He kisses the top of my head and strokes my back, tender expressions of affection I never would’ve expected from Trav.
“And now you will choose me,” he says. Now that is Trav, with his overconfidence. The truth is I have no idea who to pick. I adore them both, and I don’t feel capable of choosing between them. If only there were a way I could have them both.
“I just don’t know yet, Trav. I don’t know.”
Chapter 23
I wake from my deep sleep to the sound of insistent knocking at my door. Trav and I both jump from the bed, but he is faster. He throws his robe around his shoulders and ties the front before opening the door. Gizmel stands in the entrance wringing his hands.
“What is it?” Trav growls at the gnome.
“Your Majesty, you must go quickly to Castle Blackwell. The Orgs are converging on the fortress. Prince Conyac and his troops will not be able to defeat them on their own. He needs assistance immediately.”
I jump to my feet, ignoring my nakedness. I grab my clothes and pull them on. “Let’s go,” I say. Trav opens his mouth in what I expect to be an objection, but I stop him. “I’m going,” I insist.
Gizmel leaves, and Trav helps me into my armor before leaving to put on his own. We meet in the front of the castle with the full moon high overhead and the stars glinting in the heavens. A chill wind blows against my leather and chain armor and ruffles through my hair. I grip my sword. I don’t want to admit how nervous I am. I will have to fly in dragon form, and fight alongside Trav and Conyac. This is my destiny.
The horrors of war that I have beheld before in my human life have to take a backseat to the reality of my duty now as a dragon born. I am stronger than I ever imagined I could be. My inner dragon growls in agreement. Trav nods at me, and we both begin our shift, changing almost instantly into massive beasts whose scales gleam in the moonlight. Trav roars, and I roar back at him.
We jump into the night sky on strong wings that fly swiftly over the land. Below I see the cavern that dips far below Skyland Castle. The height no longer scares me. It no longer scares the human within me, for she and I are becoming one.
We fly fast through the night until we make it to Conyac’s land. Below, in the distance, I see the black rock walls of Castle Blackwell, surrounded by the writhing he formed bodies of the legion of Orgs.
The human within me shudders. She fears the fight, but I do not. I long to use my sound waves on these mutant beasts. I wish to see them fall before me, their ears bleeding from their ruptured brains.
We swoop into the inner yard of Castle Blackwell and find Conyac preparing his troops for the defense of his fortress. We land and shift in mid-motion, walking quickly towards Prince Conyac.
“Thank the gods you have arrived,” Conyac says approaching us. “I’m glad you are here, princess. I need you both tonight.”
As Conyac’s men mount the walls and begin firing blazing arrows at the oncoming Org army, Conyac, Trav, and I burst into the air in our dragon forms. We fly above the castle walls, taking in the numbers of enemy below us.
Trav attacks first, unleashing his fiery breath on a squadron a thousand strong. The Orgs burst into flames, screaming, and writhing as they die. Conyac attacks next, swooping above another squadron of Orgs.
He blows his frost breath at the Orgs closest to the castle. Their bodies are frozen solid instantly. He swoops to the ground, in a crash that reverberates through the earth. The shockwaves burst the ice, and the frozen Orgs shatter into a thousand pieces.
There are still many Orgs attacking. I know it is my turn, and I will not hesitate to do my part. I swoop, aiming at the oncoming army. I open my mouth and scream. The sound cracks their skulls and shatters their bones. A thousand Orgs lay broken and bloodied on the ground. I smile, knowing my power is great.
But there are still many Orgs, and I will not have my dragon breath again for some time.
Without making the hilock, I do not have the power of the monarchs. I can only use my sound shock once an hour. It cannot wait; the battle must be won now.
I fly to where Conyac and Trav have landed and have transformed into their mortal forms. I land beside them and shift, gripping my sword. Now that I am a woman again, fear rises in my chest and grips my stomach. I think I’m gonna hurl.
“With me,” Conyac shouts lifting his sword. There is no time to think. We dart into the fray along with the rest of Conyac’s troops.
I draw my sword, growling as I hurl myself into battle. Both strength and skill I didn’t know that I had emerge as I move in my deadly dance. The dragon born princes and I fight back to back, hacking through the deformed bodies of the Orgs.
Sticking close to the princes, I slice and kick and punch the enemy, until a pile of bodies lies at my feet. I glance over my shoulder to see Conyac dart into dragon form and fly several hundred yards ahead of us into the battle. He transforms back into a man and begins to fight ferociously, hacking one Org after the next.
A new legion of Orgs sprints over the hill and assaults Conyac all at once. He attacks them, their bloodied forms falling to the ground at his feet. I continue fighting, but when I look up I see several hundred Orgs jumping on Conyac from behind. I scream, and Conyac begins to shift, but an Org stabs him in the gut. Conyac staggers, bleeding from a mortal wound. He slices the Org’s head off before falling to his knees.
I scream. “Help him!” I jump into the air in my dragon form and land beside Conyac, biting and snapping at the Orgs, until they fall back. I nudge a still conscious Conyac onto my back and fly him into the castle.
I know we must get him to Gizmel as quickly as possible. But the keep is still under attack. As I land, I see Trav’s dragon bounding over the walls. He lands before me and shifts.
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