Chapter Eighteen

With so many bringing wagons full of belongings with them, we had to march back to Renris. But my parents and Ellas bid me to return by flight so the crown city wouldn't remain without its king for long. I insisted on seeing them past the borders of Vacrond first. I wanted to be there in case the nobles attacked.

They are busy plotting against you, the Eye said. They have only just started to notice that there is no food prepared or staff about to take their coats. The Eye chuckled. You have emptied the enclave of its workers, crippling the nobles, and they don't know it yet. Their hatred blinds them to so much. You're right, Lyrandir. It is their weakness. An army is marching out of their enclave and they don't have a clue!

I'm not surprised. But once they notice, they may come after these people.

I cannot split my attention, but if you wish, I can stay with your people during this journey and alert you to any attack.

That surprised me enough for her to feel it.

I told you that I am not all-seeing. I am from the Goddess, but I am not her, the Eye reminded me. I am not omniscient. And even the Goddess cannot focus everywhere at once. Gods are not what you believe them to be.

Interesting.

How do you think the Dragon God was trapped? They are not all-powerful beings. However, they are your creators and are much more powerful than you are.

I had to stop myself from laughing aloud. Undoubtedly.

So, shall I stay here?

No, I said. Instead, will you watch the nobles for me? You will know their intentions earlier that way and can warn me before they set out.

Very wise. All right. I will go to them now and return to you in two days. By that time, your army should reach Renris.

All right. I paused. Thank you.

You're welcome, Your Majesty. And then she was gone.

I held up a hand to stop the march. I was driving the lead carriage with my parents seated inside. They came out as I stood up on the driver's seat and turned around to face the line of Dragons.

“My people!” I shouted. “I wanted to see you safely from Vacrond and now that we have left the borders, I need to return to Renris with all haste. I leave my parents to guide you while I fly ahead and prepare to receive you. You will all have rooms within the royal castle and will be provided for. All Dragons are equal in my home!”

The parade cheered as I jumped off the platform with my mate. My parents took my place, offering their carriage seats to some of their staff who had been walking. Meanwhile, I went to a clearing beside the road and stripped, handing my clothes to Aras. He stepped back when I was finished, and I transformed into my beast. Another cheer came as I launched into the sky with my mate clasped securely within a talon. I roared back at them, giving them one last bit of encouragement before heading home.

With a start, I realized that Renris was home to me now. I would reclaim my kingdom, but even after I triumphed, I didn't think Vacrond would feel like home to me. I was the King, and Renris was the home of the Dragon King of Gavemor.

With a shiny new determination fortifying me, I flew on, and when the walls of Renris appeared, I roared to let the city know that its king had returned.

The Horns on the city walls cheered and waved at me as I passed overhead—more reminders that I had been prey to my upbringing for too long. I thought I had overcome it. I had become King, for fuck's sake. But I still had the mentality of a “commoner.” I had felt less-than deep inside. I felt the separation of the classes. Worse yet, I had, on some level, believed it. I believed that I was different from the wealthy and noble. And that belief had weighed upon me even as I ascended the throne. It had alienated me, segregating me from all of my people so that I felt alone. I failed to recognize that my people were more than nobles, more than Dragons. I ruled a kingdom full of many races, and all the other races acknowledged me as their King without reservations. The noble Dragons of my dread were in the minority.

The Eye wasn't there to remind me that the minority was powerful. But I didn't need her to. The truth lurked within the lies I'd been fed. No, they weren't better than anyone else as people, but they were better warriors. Even the laziest noble knew how to fight—how to kill in both their forms. Our dread may have veered from the Dragon creed that the strongest made the best king, but they still held to the idea that stronger was better. Maybe that was what fueled their elitism and why they were so horrified when a farmer won the crown tourney. They couldn't accept that one of us was stronger than one of them.

But I was done trying to give reason to their hatred. That time was over. I had returned to Renris a new man. A new king. I had been bitter and filled with fury before, but now I was full of pride in my people and a determination to win this war with and for them. I had the fire of change in my blood. Driving me. Compelling me. I wasn't just a king anymore. I had become a revolutionary.

Sweet Dragon Gods, that felt good.

It was what I wanted in the beginning. I lost sight of that somewhere in the years of ruling. Somewhere under the veiled scorn of my nobles who should have supported me. I forgot that I had set myself on this path not just to better my life or even the lives of my parents, but also to better the lives of my class. I wanted to unite my dread.

If I had to kill every last noble to do that, I would.

The thought should have given me pause, but the flames of my conviction burned away all doubt. That was the risk of zeal. It could blind you as much as arrogance. But there was something even more powerful rising inside me as I descended to the castle courtyard.

Love. Love for the man I set carefully on the courtyard stones. It had grown every minute of our trip. That Aras had come with me and shown pride in me strengthened our mating bond, but it also fueled my love for him. And I couldn't tell him any of it. I couldn't even confess my love.

The realization was a bucket of cold water thrown in my face. The Eye had said that my downfall began with a declaration of love. So, not only did I have to withhold Aras's status from him, but I also had to withhold my love. Or at least the words. I could show him that I loved him, couldn't I?

I shifted and got dressed, taking each piece of clothing as my mate handed it to me. Mossemas was already coming down the castle steps by the time I had my boots on. The guards atop the castle walls were also standing at attention, saluting me. I held up a hand to acknowledge their respect, and they went back to their watch.

“Your Majesty,” Mossemas panted, out of breath. “Welcome home.”

“Thank you, Mossemas,” I said. “I need you to prepare rooms for . . . oh, four thousand or so guests.”

Mossemas didn't even blink. The castle—a soaring structure over twenty floors high—was well equipped to handle my entire dread, should the need arise. That's what it had been originally built for. Granted, people may have to share rooms, but I didn't think they'd mind.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” he said. “Dare I hope the rooms are for your dread?”

“They are.” I grinned at him. “It turns out that I have more support than I thought. My people are coming to bolster our ranks.”

“Thank the Gods,” Mossemas murmured.

I stared at him. Here was another loyal soul who I had overlooked. I saw what he did for me, but I hadn't seen him. Setting a hand on his shoulder, I said, “Thank you , Mossemas. You make my life so much easier. I hope you know how invaluable you are.”

“Your Majesty!” Mossemas gaped at me, then jerked forward into a bow. “I'm honored.”

I smacked his shoulder. “Good. Then you won't mind arranging for a larger training space for my Dragons.”

“Oh, dear Gods,” he muttered. “I don't know if such a space exists.”

“We will rotate training sessions to suit whatever you can come up with,” I said. “I know my old knights had their own training yard. I want that opened up so there is only one yard. I will train all of my soldiers, no matter their race, but I will have to schedule groups, and the Dragons need to be trained first because most of them have never had combat training.”

“Now that, I can arrange, Your Majesty!”

“Very good.” I went past him, into the castle. “Any trouble while I was gone?”

“No, Sire. All was quiet here. Commander Fravar has met with the General, but he can give you his report.”

“Excellent. Oh, and my parents will be among the guests arriving in about two days.”

“I will see to their comfort personally, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you.” I paused when four men entered the corridor, two ahead and two behind us.

Then I realized who they were—my new guards. I grinned at their formation and then at Mossemas, who had doubtless trained them. But I wouldn't say anything. Better to just act as if I expected their professionalism.

We marched to the royal apartments, Mossemas breaking away long before we reached them. Once I entered the suite, my knights separated, two going in to search the rooms and take positions on the balconies, and two standing guard at the entrance. Again, it was well executed, and I was pleased.

I was also exhausted.

Alone with my mate, I let my shoulders droop and headed for the bed. Not for any mating sport. I needed sleep, and I needed it soon. And maybe food. I wasn't sure in what order.

“Ly, are you all right?” Aras asked.

I sat down on the edge of the bed and huffed a sigh. “Of course.”

“You don't look so good.” He crouched to help me with my boots. “Here. Let me get those for you. You need some rest.”

Aras helped me out of my clothes and then tucked me into bed.

“There you go, being adorable again.” I snatched his hand and kissed it. “Could you send for some lunch?”

“You're about to go to sleep.”

“I need food too. I'll rest my eyes until it comes.”

Aras grimaced. “All right. But if you're asleep when I get back, I'm not waking you.”

I grunted and closed my eyes.

It felt as if a moment had passed, but when I opened my eyes again, Aras was lying beside me, asleep.

I stared at my mate. Aras had removed most of his clothes, leaving only his undershorts on, and he was sleeping above the covers, on full display. Night had fallen while I slept and a cool breeze came in through the open balcony doors. With his fur, Aras didn't need a blanket. Still, his nipples pebbled in the chill.

After I glanced at the balcony to make sure none of our eager new knights were out there, I reached for one of those pert buds. Just a little rub. A playful tap to roll it. I loved how large his nipples were. How long they got when I tugged on them.

“Damn it all,” I growled and drew my hand away. That one touch had hardened me. But I didn't want to rouse my mate. I wanted him to have his rest.

So, I carefully climbed out of bed and crept away. There was a tray of food on the low table before the fireplace, but a bowl of stew and a loaf of bread sat on the hearth, as close to the flames as they could get without burning. I grinned at Aras's thoughtfulness and retrieved the food. Sitting on the couch before the table, I put the stew and bread on the tray and then pulled it over to me. There were also honeyed carrots, a jar of butter, a carafe of water, and some chocolate confections for dessert.

I set into the meal voraciously.

It wasn't until I was halfway through my meal that I realized how peaceful it was in my head. No voice badgering me. Great Gods, that was such a relief. I'd gotten used to the Eye so much that I had forgotten what it was like to not have her there. Now, I remembered.

Breathing deeply, I sighed and enjoyed my quiet repast. Would she be with me forever? Even after I won the war—if we won—would she remain, talking in my mind and reading my thoughts whenever it suited her? I would still be in possession of Ensarena's Eye. I assumed that meant that she would continue speaking to me.

A shiver of dread ran through me.

I couldn't keep going like that. She and I would have to come to an arrangement. I needed my mind to myself or I would truly go insane. And no one wanted a mad king.

I was staring into the fire, the empty bowl in my lap and the taste of chocolate still on my tongue when Aras sat down beside me. With a jerk, I turned toward him. I hadn't heard him approach. And this time, I didn't have the Eye to blame, only thoughts of her.

Aras chuckled, the sound low and sexy. He was still in his shorts, as was I, and so his fur tickled my back when he slid his arm around me. “Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you.”

“It's all right.” Inside me, my dragon rumbled, akin to a cat purring. “Thank you for keeping my food warm.”

“You're welcome.” He looked over the tray. “I see you didn't save any for me.”

Horror filled me. I had failed to provide for my mate.

But then Aras started laughing. “Your face!” He laughed harder. “Ly, I ate before I went to sleep.”

“Oh.” I frowned. “Aren't you hungry again?”

“Actually.” He smacked his lips. “Yes, I could do with more food. But I can send for another plate.” He stood up. “Would you like anything else?”

“Cake,” I said. “I'd like three slices of cake.”

Aras widened his eyes at me. “Any particular kind?”

“Tell them to make it a selection, if possible.”

“All right.” He headed for the suite door, chuckling again. “You've got a sweet fang.”

“I do love my dessert,” I murmured as I watched him prowl away, his tail swinging gently.

An image of lifting that tail and sucking on his sacs came to mind. They were hairless like his cock, so I could enjoy them thoroughly. Maybe I'd smear some frosting on his dick and make that my dessert.

I leaned back and smiled contentedly. My mate. Here at last. And he was incredible. Aras guarded my back, stood at my side, and did wonderful things to my front as well. So beautiful. So loyal. I knew he would be true to me forever. There was no other man for me and never would be.

When Aras got back to the couch, I tucked him in against my side and just held him while we waited for the food. I didn't want to start something and get interrupted. But also, I enjoyed sitting with him, staring into the fire. The possibility of doing just this, every night, popped into my head. A comfortable life full of love. It was so different from the life I had imagined for myself and so much better.

“Tell me about your family,” I said to Aras.

He jerked upright. “What?”

I frowned at him. “You know all about me, but you haven't told me much about yourself. Where were you born?”

Aras cleared his throat. “I was born . . .”

“Aras?” I took his hand. “I was born a farmer. I won't judge you. You know that.”

He sighed and leaned back. “I don't know where I was born. Not exactly.”

“What does that mean?”

“My mother was found in the forest, dead, with me in her arms. She died from giving birth to me.”

“But Hulfrin are immortal.” I sat up.

“Yes. Dying in childbirth is rare, but it happens. I've heard it even happens to Dragon women.”

“Does it?” I murmured. “Aras, I'm so sorry.”

He shrugged. “The men who found me were Zaknir.”

“Zaknir? What kingdom were you in?”

“Latur.”

“Latur?” I paused. “I didn't think there were any Hulfrin in Latur.”

“They aren't native to the region, no. Nor do pregnant Hulfrin women travel alone.” Aras stretched his shoulders. “There was a lot of mystery surrounding my birth. No one has been able to tell me who my mother was, much less my father, or why she gave birth to me alone. They don't even know that last part for sure. They said she was clothed, and I was swaddled, but her skirts were soaked in blood. It looked as if she had given birth somewhere else and ran into the forest for sanctuary.”

“You are a miracle, Aras,” I whispered.

He frowned. “I'm an orphan with no homeland.”

“No homeland,” I murmured. “Is that why you took to the sea?”

“The Zaknir wouldn't take me with them. You know how they are about their kingdom. No outsiders.” Aras shrugged. “But they couldn't leave a baby to die either. They took me to the nearest village and gave me to a human orphanage.”

“A human orphanage?! You were raised by humans?”

“Yes. And they were good to me. But they knew nothing about my people.”

I stared at him. Was this why Aras hadn't known about Dragon mating? “But surely, you learned after you matured?”

“I was too ashamed.” Aras chewed at his lower lip, his whiskers twitching. “I left the orphanage when I became an adult and went straight to the docks. The orphanage was in a coastal town, so the sea trade was the biggest opportunity for those without formal skills. I found a ship that needed a deckhand and signed up to be on the crew. Luckily, it was a legitimate vessel, and I learned an honest trade. I worked hard and eventually saved enough to buy my own ship. Along the way, I met more Hulfrin and slowly learned what it was to be Hulfrin through watching them. When I bought the Tiger's Claw, I decided to hire only Hulfrin. It made me feel connected to my mother.”

“Holy fuck,” I whispered. “I have to say it again; you are a miracle.”

“No, I'm a survivor. I did what I had to, and I got lucky along the way. I could have easily wound up as a pirate.” He grimaced and looked toward the balcony. “I could have been like that Neraky I tortured.”

“Hey.” I laid my hand on his leg. “You aren't like him, and I don't believe that you would have gone that route. Maybe when you were young and didn't have a lot of options, you might have turned to crime to survive, but once you got stronger, you would have chosen a new path.”

“How do you know that?”

I cupped his cheek and pulled him closer to touch my forehead to his. “I know you, Aras. You were meant to live and thrive.” I eased back to meet his stare. “Whatever your parents went through, whatever they were fleeing, they did it for you. Your mother loved you, and I'm sure both of your parents would be proud of the man you've become.”

Aras blinked back tears. “I have no tribe. No people. No heritage.”

“And yet you became a sea captain. You clawed your life out of the ocean when the land offered you nothing. Damn, you're impressive. It's no wonder that you refused to back down when I was attacked. You don't have it in you to give up.”

Aras grinned suddenly and brilliantly. “Neither do you.”

“Then we make a good team.”

A knock came at the door.

Aras grinned. “I think so too.” He kissed my cheek and hurried off to get our food.

I was glad he left. It gave me a few seconds to compose myself. I was so overwhelmed by Aras and all he'd been through. He had conquered life despite the odds being against him, and I wouldn't let him experience defeat now. I took a deep breath and added another brick to my wall of conviction.