by S. E. Smith
Orion chuckled. It sounded like Drago was taking his fatherly responsibilities to heart. He could relate to how much joy being a father could bring.
He glanced at Juno who was building a sandcastle with little Jenny. His son looked up at him and smiled. Orion didn’t miss the look of expectation on Juno’s face. Nodding his head, he let Juno know that his wish would come true soon.
Orion turned his gaze to Jenny’s glowing face. He felt love surge through him as he watched her tilt her head back and laugh at something Carly said. As fearful as he had been earlier, he was glad things had worked out. He was happy that she had found her friend.
He acknowledged that Jenny and Carly’s friendship would help forge a new alliance between him and Drago. That alliance would speed the healing process that kept the kingdoms from reaching their full potential. There was still much to do, but the Seven Kingdoms were once again on a path to peace.
Orion’s thoughts briefly flashed to Magna. As far as he knew, she was unaware that he now had both Eyes of the Sea Serpent. So far, his search for Magna had been fruitless. If she was not in the water, it would be difficult to locate her. His brief visit to the Isle of the Elements proved that fear of Magna’s growing strength was having severe negative effects. His only hope was that she would return to the water where he could capture her.
“Orion, Carly asked us to stay for dinner. I told her yes. We are also staying for a few days,” Jenny called out to him with a happy grin.
“Ah, the visiting stage has begun. Carly warned me that such a day would arrive. I believe she called them slumber parties,” Drago groaned.
“Jenny told me of doing such things with Carly when she was growing up. She has taught the boys how to build forts. They love sleeping in them at night and playing in them during the day,” Orion chuckled.
He bent and scooped up little Jenny in his arms when she toddled over to him and held up her arms. Orion grinned when the little girl shook her head and wound her arms around his neck when her father tried to take her. Drago’s soft snort of wounded pride drew a giggle from his daughter.
“Betrayed already,” Drago sighed. “The forts are already made. We cannot keep the covers on their beds at the moment. Mine also love to have nightly pillow fights. I suspect they will be camping out together tonight.”
“Most definitely, and preferably in your living quarters,” Orion chuckled.
“How about we have a challenge to see who gets the kids? I wouldn’t mind a few nights alone with my mate,” Drago suggested with a hopeful grin.
Orion shook his head. “There is no way I’m playing a game of chance after being around Ashure. How about we flip a coin and take turns?” he suggested instead.
Drago was quiet for a moment while he thought about it. “Heads, you get them, tails we do,” he agreed.
“Little Jenny tosses,” Orion said.
Drago grunted and pulled a gold coin from his pocket. He gave it to Orion to look at. Orion noticed the markings were different on each side and nodded. He handed it to Little Jenny who promptly stuffed it in her pocket.
“I should have known better,” Drago groaned with a shake of his head. “Never give a dragon gold. She won’t give it up now.”
“I have an idea,” Orion said with a grin. “Jenny, Carly, heads or tails?”
“Tails,” both women said at the same time. “Why?”
Orion grinned. “The boys are spending the night with Drago and Carly,” he replied.
Drago scowled at Orion. “I think you set me up,” he said suspiciously.
“At least you didn’t lose another gold coin over it,” Orion laughed.
Orion quietly closed the door to their bedroom. Jenny turned from where she was standing on the outside balcony. A gentle sea breeze was blowing in, and her hair floated around her shoulders.
“Are the boys settled?” she asked.
Orion chuckled. “I suspect they will be up all night. They discovered Drago’s magical paper birds and want him to make some fish. It took a while to get them to understand that paper and water do not mix well. Drago is currently trying different combinations of magic to see if he can create some. I never thought I would see that mighty dragon melt into a pile of molten lava,” he admitted.
Jenny smiled and turned back to look out over the walls of the castle. Orion could feel her sadness. Walking over to her, he wrapped his arms around her and drew her back against him. She released a deep sigh and laid her hands over his, caressing him.
“What’s wrong?” Orion asked, brushing a kiss against her temple.
Jenny shook her head. “I don’t know how Drago could have survived. Carly told me what happened to his people and what it means for a dragon. I’m glad she found him. No one deserves to be so alone,” she whispered, lifting a hand to brush away the tear that ran down her cheek.
Orion didn’t say anything. He had felt it the moment the dragons disappeared and Drago retreated—all the kingdoms had. Despite everything, Drago and Carly had filled their kingdom with warmth and laughter. Even now, they could hear the echo of it ringing through the palace as Drago playfully growled, and the children squealed in delight.
“Carly has filled Drago’s life just as you have filled mine. You can be surrounded by people and still be alone, Jenny. When I am with you, I never feel alone,” Orion admitted.
Jenny turned in his arms. Her eyes were filled with love. Orion lifted his hand to caress her cheek.
“I love you, Orion,” she murmured, leaning closer to him.
“How about showing me how much?” he suggested.
“With pleasure, my merman,” Jenny purred, threading her fingers through his short hair with one hand while her other hand moved down his body.
Orion captured her lips in a passionate kiss, their breaths mingling and growing more urgent. He picked Jenny up and turned toward the bed as the sound of Drago’s yell rang out behind him.
“You owe me, Sea King! Ouch! No bite, Jen,” Drago roared.
“Pillow attack!” the boys yelled.
Orion caught the door with his heel and shut out the sound of Drago’s torture. Tonight was his and Jenny’s, and he was going to cherish every single second of it.
“Goddess, but I will love you forever, my beautiful mermaid,” Orion moaned.
Seven Kingdoms—Eight Incredible Love stories…
A Witch’s Touch: Seven Kingdoms Book 3
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Additional Books by S.E. Smith
Short Stories and Novellas
Dragon Lords of Valdier Novella
For the Love of Tia (Book 4.1)
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A Dragonling’s Easter
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Night of the Demented Symbiots (Halloween 2)
The Dragonlings’ Very Special Valentine
Pets in Space Anthology
A Mate for Matrix
Marastin Dow Warriors Short Story
A Warrior’s Heart
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Curizan Warrior Series
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Ambushing Ariel (Book 4)
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Paul’s Pursuit (Book 6)
Twin Dragons (Book 7)
Jaguin’s Love (Book 8)
The Old Dragon of the Mountain’s Christmas (Book 9)
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About the Author
S.E. Smith is a New York Times, USA TODAY, International, and Award-Winning Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.