Dragon Mine

by Donna Grant

  “I might have been away from Dreagan for too many millennia to count, but some things doona change. Vaughn was always one of the steady ones. He was never quick to anger or to choose a side. He weighs everything carefully. It’s what makes him such a good attorney.”

  Eilish clicked her finger rings together, something she did when she had a lot on her mind. “This isn’t about some legal matter. This is about his heart.”

  “Which is worse,” Ulrik stated.

  His mate blew out a breath. “I’m not trying to make light of the situation. I’m merely pointing out that you wouldn’t want anyone intruding in our relationship.”

  He turned his gaze to her, meeting her green-gold eyes. “You’ve always been wise beyond your years. I value your opinion more than anyone else’s, but you doona realize what’s coming.”

  “Con survived those years without Rhi.”

  “Because that was Con. He did it because he felt he had no choice, that he had to lead the Kings.”

  Eilish shrugged. “Vaughn is invaluable. Can’t we make him think the same?”

  Ulrik dropped his arms and faced her. “Sweetheart, it isna that easy. Con survived without Rhi because he’s stubborn and shoved all his emotions away. He was a shell of a man. The simple truth is that a dragon can no’ survive without its mate.”

  “What if Vaughn got it wrong?”

  “You saw them together. What do you think?”

  Eilish started to speak, then changed her mind. She blew out a breath. “I’ve never seen Vaughn look at anyone the way he does her.”

  “See?”

  “Yet I rarely see any Kings with just any woman. Usually, if they bring someone to Dreagan, it’s because there is already something between them that ends up being love.”

  Ulrik frowned, confused. “Exactly.”

  “You’re missing the point, babe. I’m saying that I don’t see Kings just dating. I don’t know how they interact with someone who isn’t a mate.”

  “Oh.” She had a point.

  Eilish touched his arm, her hand lingering on him. “Maybe Vaughn wants this so badly that he doesn’t realize the love isn’t there.”

  “He’s looked for her for so long.”

  “Precisely my point. He’s been so intent on finding out who she is, that his emotions have gotten all tangled.”

  Ulrik slowly released a breath. “I know what you’re saying, and anything is possible. But I doona believe that is what’s going on with him.”

  “What’s your plan, then? Do you really think you can stop Eurwen from leaving Dreagan? You do realize she can make another doorway and leave anytime she wants.”

  “I was hoping to talk to her.”

  Eilish wrinkled her nose. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

  “Then you talk to her.”

  “What?” she asked in shock.

  Ulrik grinned, the idea suddenly clear in his mind. “Aye. You talk to her. Female to female.”

  “I don’t know her.”

  “Neither do I.”

  Eilish gave him a flat look. “You’re a Dragon King. You have more in common with her than I do.”

  “She’s held a grudge against us for quite some time. Who do you think she’d readily listen to? Me, who she doesna trust nor care for? Or you, a female who came to Dreagan just as she has?”

  Eilish rolled her eyes. “I hate when you’re right.”

  Ulrik smiled and reached for her, pulling her against him so he could give her a quick kiss. “You love me.”

  “I do. Don’t let it go to your head,” she teased.

  “Too late.”

  She cupped his face and gave him a lingering kiss. “All right. If this is going to work, you need to leave.”

  “If she comes here.”

  “She will,” Eilish stated.

  Ulrik squeezed her hand before walking away. There was much he wanted to say to Eurwen but now wasn’t the time. Ulrik had faith that Eilish would be able to connect with Eurwen, even if it were only to keep her at Dreagan for a little longer. He didn’t want to think about what would happen if she left.

  Vaughn had been chasing a ghost for many lifetimes. He’d finally found Eurwen, confirming what he’d believed all along. The minute Ulrik had seen the couple together, he’d known that Vaughn had found his mate. It was also obvious that Eurwen wasn’t aware of that yet. It made sense that Vaughn would tell her while they were at Dreagan.

  When Ulrik had seen Vaughn sitting forlornly on his mountain, he’d recognized that his friend had bared his soul—and not gotten the response he’d hoped for. Ulrik had then left his position on patrol to seek out Eurwen. When he hadn’t found her, he’d decided to wait in the Dragonwood. Now, all he could do was hope that things worked out for Vaughn. Ulrik couldn’t remember the last time a King had died from not having his mate. They’d come close to losing Con. Too close.

  Ulrik wouldn’t lose Vaughn.

  Eilish looked around, feeling uneasy. She didn’t want to be here. She didn’t think talking to Eurwen would do any good, but she would do it for Ulrik. It was evident by her mate’s attitude and words that this was important to him.

  She also wanted Vaughn to be happy, but she didn’t know how she could change things for him and Eurwen. Especially when Eurwen seemed intent on refusing him. At least, that’s what they thought. No one had actually spoken to either of them. Vaughn because he refused to talk to anyone, and Eurwen because no one could find her.

  Eilish wasn’t even sure this was where the Fae doorway was. She was sure it was in the area, but she hated not being able to see it.

  She’d debated asking another of the women at Dreagan to come and help her. Too much rested on her shoulders when it came to keeping Eurwen on Earth. She had no idea what to say, and if she said something wrong, she could ruin everything. How could she face the Kings if Vaughn died because of her?

  Eilish turned around to pace and drew up short at the sight of Eurwen. She stood as still as stone between two trees, her blush-colored clothes almost glowing. There was no moon that night, but it was as if a light shone directly upon Eurwen anyway.

  “Hi,” Eilish said.

  “You think to stop me?”

  Eilish inwardly winced. “We both know that while I’m a powerful Druid, I don’t stand a chance against your dragon and Fae magic. I came to talk. Nothing more.”

  “I don’t have anything to say.”

  “Maybe listen, then?” Eilish offered.

  Eurwen’s silver eyes regarded her silently for almost a full minute before she relented. “Fine. Talk.”

  Yeah, this is going great, Eilish thought to herself. “I remember the first time I came to Dreagan. I was overwhelmed by everything and everyone. They meant well, but they had no idea how disconcerting it was. Unfortunately, I was just like them for your arrival. We’ve been waiting a long time to meet you and Brandr. We might have ganged up on you.”

  “It wasn’t too bad.”

  Eilish saw Eurwen relax a little and gave herself a small pat on the back. It was a tiny victory. “The mates hoped we’d get some shopping, eating, chatting, and all of that in. It might seem so mundane, but—”

  “I’d like that. I really would,” Eurwen replied over her.

  Eilish blinked in astonishment. “Really?”

  “I don’t get to do any of that on Zora.”

  “But you’ve come to Earth. Surely, you’ve done it while here.”

  Eurwen shrugged and glanced away. “It isn’t nearly as fun by myself.”

  “No, that it isn’t.” Eilish looked at Eurwen with new eyes. Here was a powerful being who ruled the dragons on another realm, but she didn’t have any female companionship. “We could go now. Just you and me.”

  “Now?”

  Eilish shrugged, smiling. “Why not? I can take us anywhere,” she said and wiggled her fingers with the finger rings that allowed her to teleport. “Your choice.”

  “I wouldn’t know what to choose.” />
  “Oh, I have so much to show you,” Eilish said with a grin. “The one thing a girl needs is friends. All of us here lean on each other a great deal. There have been times I wouldn’t have gotten through a day without the other mates. I’m not saying we always get along. Quite a few of us have different personalities, but we’re a family. We always have each other’s backs.”

  Eurwen’s lips softened in a sad smile. “That sounds amazing.”

  “You’re part of that family, as well. You and Brandr.”

  “My brother would never come here.”

  “Things change. Give it time.”

  Eurwen looked at the sky. “I can see the Kings on patrol. It’s heartbreaking that they have to remain quiet.”

  “They’ve gotten used to it.”

  “The longer I’m here, and the more I learn, the more I realize why they so desperately want to visit Zora.”

  Eilish nodded. “To see the dragons.”

  “How do they do it?”

  Eilish thought about Ulrik. “Some days are easier than others. Some are very difficult for them. Dreagan allows them the space they need when it gets to be too much. They can go to their mountains and take to the skies at night. During a storm, they’re all up there,” she said with a smile, thinking about it. “It’s a beautiful sight to see them together. They don’t hold back their roars then. Con ensured a safe place for the Kings. No matter what you think of your father, know that he always had the dragons’ survival at the forefront of his mind.”

  “I’ve learned much about the Dragon Kings as well as my parents over the last few days. I thought I knew everything. I’m ashamed to even admit that because no being can ever know everything. We’re all meant to grow and continue to learn. But Brandr and I judged Con and the Kings harshly.”

  “And Rhi?”

  Eurwen walked closer to Eilish. “Her, as well. How ridiculous is that? Neither of my parents had anything to do with what happened to us.”

  “Children often blame their parents for things. I did. When I learned who my true father was, I couldn’t have been more shocked. Then I learned the truth about my mother and what her family had done to her. I looked for someone to blame. My parents seemed an easy target. They were responsible for me, after all. Then we learn they are much more than our parents. They are people who live and love and make mistakes like everyone else.”

  “I’m coming to see that.”

  Eilish wrinkled her nose briefly. “Your parents are amazing people.”

  “Everyone keeps telling me that.”

  “Because we want you to know that, without them, most of us would be dead. Rhi risked her life time and again for the Kings and mates. She nearly died in a couple of instances. Even as she battled personal issues, she was always there for us. Do you know she healed the Fae Realm? It’s habitable again. A small portion of it, but it’s growing each day.”

  Eurwen’s face went slack. “She did?”

  “She has the power to destroy worlds as well as heal them. In her darkest days, she could’ve destroyed all of this in a blink. But she was strong enough not to.”

  Eurwen sighed softly. “Everything I thought or believed has been turned on its ear.”

  “Sometimes, that’s the best way to find a new path.”

  Eurwen was silent for a long moment. “Take me somewhere we won’t be disturbed. Somewhere we can talk.”

  “I know the perfect place,” Eilish said as she held out her hand.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  The instant Eurwen took the Druid’s hand, she teleported them to a tropical beach. The sun beat down from a cloudless sky, sparkling off the vibrant green water that lapped lazily at the white sand beach as mountains rose from the sea, leaving only a narrow space for boats to enter the cove. She turned and looked behind her to the dense jungle beyond.

  “I love this place,” Eilish said.

  Eurwen blinked against the harsh sunlight. “Where are we?”

  “Thailand. I can’t get enough of these islands. Each one is more spectacular than the next. And the water?” Eilish smiled contentedly. “Ulrik and I get away and come here as often as we can. It’s a place we aren’t disturbed.”

  Eurwen lifted her skirts and walked to the water, taking her shoes off along the way. The cool waves rolled over her feet and up to her knees as she waded deeper. Listening to the waves had a calming effect on her.

  “Thank you,” she said over her shoulder to Eilish.

  The Druid came up beside her, now wearing an olive green bikini. “My pleasure.”

  “Most of my life, I only had Brandr to talk to. We’re close—or we used to be. We’ve drifted apart recently.”

  “I never had any siblings. I wish I’d had someone to turn to.”

  “But you had friends.” Eurwen turned her head to look at her.

  Eilish nodded. “I did. Do you?”

  “Not really. There are dragons I would call friends, but their lives are much different than a human’s.”

  “And you’re a part of both worlds.”

  “Not fully in either one,” Eurwen admitted aloud for the first time.

  Eilish frowned, her green-gold eyes filled with concern. “It’s easy for someone to put labels on us. I think we should get to decide who and what we are. If you want to be a dragon, then you’re a dragon. If you want to be Fae, then you’re a Fae. It doesn’t matter who your parents are or what anyone expects of you.”

  “That’s the rub,” Eurwen said. “I don’t know what I want.”

  “I think you do.”

  Eurwen blew out a breath and looked out at the stunning water. “I want to belong to something. I don’t know why I’m saying that when I do. I belong to Zora and the dragons.”

  “Do you really? Or did you and Brandr answer a call the universe sent out? Did both of you take on the responsibility without considering what you wanted?”

  Shock went through Eurwen. She slowly looked at Eilish. “I–I’ve never thought of it that way.”

  “Perhaps you once belonged to Zora. But maybe now you’re seeking something else. We all grow. Sometimes, we outgrow what we’ve been doing.”

  “Where does that leave me, then? I’ve always ruled alongside Brandr.”

  “But is it what you want to do?” Eilish shrugged. “I think you need to step back and consider that.”

  Eurwen shook her head. “I’ve never asked myself that.”

  “Let’s start small. What do you want to do right now?”

  Eurwen smiled, a laugh bubbling within her. “Swim.”

  “Then we swim!” Eilish shouted as she ran into the water.

  Eurwen snapped her fingers, her clothes gone, replaced by a turquoise bathing suit. She dove into the water and swam beneath it. Spectacularly colored fish darted here and there. She spotted an octopus before it ducked between some coral.

  When she finally broke the surface to drag in air, Eurwen looked around for Eilish. She found the Druid lazily swimming back to shore. Eurwen wasn’t nearly finished yet. She dove back under to explore more of the wonderful world beneath the waves. She lost count of the number of different fish she saw. Her excitement grew when she spotted some rays and even a couple of smaller sharks.

  The final time she broke the surface, she found Eilish reclining in a hammock, strung between two trees. Eurwen swam to shore and walked from the water.

  “Now that’s a smile,” Eilish said when she saw her.

  Eurwen chuckled. “I feel great.”

  “You’re so much like your parents, and you don’t even know it. Both of them turn to their duties before seeing to their own happiness. You’ve done the same.”

  Eurwen dug her wet toes deeper into the beach, watching the sand cling to her feet and clump. “Yes, I have.” She looked at Eilish. “You’ve not asked the one thing I know you want to ask.”

  Eilish swung her legs over the side of the hammock and sat up. Then she patted the spot beside her. Eurwen used her magic to return her clo
thes and dry her hair before lowering herself next to the Druid. They sat in silence for a while, watching the sky grow darker as sunset approached.

  Eilish dropped her chin to her chest. “I like you, Eurwen. I’m not saying that just because of who you are. I’d like us to be friends.”

  “I’d like that, too. I’ve never had a human friend before.”

  The Druid turned her head to her and smiled. “We have so much catching up to do to remedy that.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Me, too,” Eilish replied. Then, her smile died. “Your life is your business. I don’t want to interfere, but I also want you to know that you can talk to me about anything.”

  Eurwen drew in a deep breath and released it as she pressed her lips together and looked at the sea. No matter what she had been doing the last couple of hours, she couldn’t stop thinking about someone—Vaughn.

  “You know about Vaughn, don’t you?” she asked Eilish.

  There was a small hesitation before Eilish said, “Yes.”

  “What did you do when Ulrik told you that you were his mate?”

  Eilish laughed softly and got a dreamy look on her face. “We went through quite an ordeal. Neither of us trusted the other, but we couldn’t ignore the attraction.” She turned her head to Eurwen. “It was always there, at the forefront. At first, I thought it was just lust, but the more time I spent with him, the more I began to care about him. It wasn’t long before I depended on him, and then I couldn’t remember a time when he hadn’t been a part of my life. He was there for me at my lowest point. He saved me. He loved me unconditionally. When he told me we were mates, I was overjoyed because I knew I wanted to be with him always.”

  “And there’s the rub. I don’t know any of that.”

  “I’m guessing you didn’t know how to respond to Vaughn when he told you?”

  Eurwen shook her head. “I could’ve handled it better. I know that. I didn’t want to hurt him. I begged him not to say the words.”

  “So, you knew?” Eilish asked, shock in her voice.

  Eurwen thought about it for a moment and then shrugged. “I knew Vaughn wanted something I couldn’t give him.”