Sunshine

Distracted as she was, she hadn’t thought to slow down. The darkness rose to greet her, she heard Seth let out a rippling snarl as she tucked him into her belly and hit the hard stones in a roll. She released her grip on him and he leaped away from her. Lianna skidded into the wall of the cave with a loud crack, her head bouncing off of the red stone behind her.

They shifted at the same time. His hulking frame stomping towards her, a snarl on his lips.

“Do not ever do that again!” he raged through clenched teeth. His entire body shook with rage as he towered over her where she had yet to rise from her disgraceful landing.

She gave him an apologetic little grin. “I was not about to leave you behind, and we got here almost an entire day before you expected we would.” Was her dismissive reply. She glanced around the dark tunnel, the skepticism plain on her face. “This hardly looks like a palace Seth.”

He only hissed at her before he turned and stormed into the dark cavern. She stood on shaky legs to follow him. The entrance was large enough that two dragons could walk side by side through the tunnel. The air was warm and sticky.

A light flared some feet in front of her, illuminating the darkness. The flame roared to life and fire raced along the wall until it disappeared around a bend. Another roar and a second arc of flames slithered down the wall opposite of the first. Coming to a halt at the end of the tunnel her mouth fell open in awe of the chamber before her. They were on the second level of the room, the red stone balcony she stood on wrapped all the way around and converged on the other side of the room no less than one hundred feet, possibly more, across from where they stood. A grand staircase gave way before her, reaching down into a room so huge and grand it made her eyes water. Flames were still racing along the walls, highlighting statues and arched doorways. It was a neat trick. Troughs filled with flammable liquid connecting all of the rooms, zig-zagging back and forth through the chamber until it resembled a spider web of flame. Wooden doorways wide enough to accommodate her dragon form, and open archways the led into more chambers beyond were revealed as the room flared to life. She tried to take it all in. The beautiful red walls were interlaced with gold filigree swirling around the portraits and statues. More gold had been laid on the floor in square tiles, giving the room a royal feel to it.

“Welcome home Your Majesty.” Seth’s voice was soft near her shoulder. She whirled to face him but could not find words to express the emotion building inside her.

A loud bang followed by yelling and squealing had her turning back towards the staircase. Two small women and a boy came running through the chamber below them. She looked to Seth, who stood frozen in place beside her. He looked as if he were seeing ghosts advance on them.

The first to arrive was a plump woman with a long silver braid bouncing behind her as she reached the top of the landing. She did not even acknowledge Lianna’s presence as she reached the male beside her, wrapping her arms around him, sobbing into his chest. The other female approached cautiously, the young boy hiding behind her billowing blue skirts.

“Seth? Is it really you?” Lianna watched as tears welled in the young woman’s chocolate eyes. Eyes that looked so much like Seth’s own dark gaze. They had the same skin color and dark sandy hair as well.

“Catrione.” Seth’s strained growl echoed in the room as he disengaged himself from the larger woman and wrapped his arms around the girl. The small boy peeked around his mother’s skirts again. Lianna gave him a smile and a wink. His head disappeared into folds of sky-blue silk.

“Mother, who is the lady?” she heard the muffled words and looked up to see the woman in question finally look in her direction. She watched her nostrils flare in recognition and shock cross her features. Lianna stepped back as both women fell to their knees before her, heads bowed in meek obedience.

“Your majesty.” They said in unison.

“Please don’t do that,” Lianna whined, looking away from their show of fealty. Instead, she looked at the boy and his similar features that marked the four of them as relations. She offered the young feline another smile.

“I am Lianna, and I have come here to live with you. You don’t mind do you?” The boy looked to his mother who shook her head once.

“I do not mind.” He said in a small voice. “Where are your wings? Dragons have wings.” The boy’s mother, Catrione, cuffed his ear.

“Aerin! That is no way to speak to your queen.”

“It’s okay.” Lianna cut her off. “I have flown a long way and my wings are tired, young sir. I will be happy to show them to you after I rest.” He nodded solemnly in understanding. Lianna reached out to ruffle his silky brunette locks and was rewarded with a large smile.

It was the older woman’s turn to speak up. “Of course, Your Highness, my name is Sylva. I have been looking after the palace for a long while … while everyone was away. My mother and father have served the dragons, for centuries in these halls. Oh, we are so glad that our Seth has finally found you and come home!” A beautiful smile lit up her face and more tears leaked from her glassy eyes. She linked her arm through Lianna’s and escorted her down the broad staircase.

Lianna caught Seth’s eye as she was pulled away and she saw the shrug that accompanied his unapologetic grin.

“Of course, you shall have the Queen’s chambers, but no one has been in there since Ainslee and Rowan left. Oh, heavens there is so much to do! Seth how dare you just show up like this without any warning!”

“There was no time, mother. Circumstances did not allow me to send a messenger ahead of us.” He refused to meet Sylva’s accusing glare and Lianna wondered just how long Seth had been away.

“And just where have you been all this time? We thought you were dead!” his sister hissed at him in reprimand. “When the others returned without you and told us of Rowan and the queen’s fate, we all just assumed..” Her voice broke and Lianna’s heart bled for the girl and what it must have been like for them to have felt so much loss at once.

Seth went to his sister and pulled her into his arms.

“I am sorry. I was lost for a long time. I should have come home, but I just couldn’t face you. I couldn’t... I felt as if I had failed you all.” His voice was raw with emotion, and it was Lianna who could not bear to look at them in this moment. She felt the elder woman’s tension beside her and wanted nothing more than to disappear and let them have their reunion.

“You did no such thing!” Sylva contradicted. “There was nothing to be done. And here now, you have brought us a new queen to take care of.” The woman’s face wrinkled into a watery smile as they approached a large golden doorway. She waved her hand and it opened on a magical wind.

A large sitting area decorated in gold and red opened before them. The vaulted ceilings seemed to go on forever and her neck ached as she followed the golden arches that decorated the red walls. A large fireplace nestled into one wall, surrounded by couches and fluffy cushions. Dark mahogany tables were littered throughout the chamber, piled with books and papers. One such table near the blazing hearth held miniature carvings that sat on a checkered surface, the whole thing looking to be made of glass.

Sylva did not give her time to explore but hurried toward another set of wide double doors set into the far wall. The second chamber, although smaller, was even grander than the first, the colors were, thankfully more subdued. The pale green and purple hangings on the giant bed reminded her of her valley in the spring. A matching lavender chaise was set at the foot of the monstrosity. She could sleep in the huge bed every day for a year and not hit the same spot twice. Three dragons could lie comfortably within its length.

A dark green screen sectioned off a large corner of the room to her left, and when she rounded the edge of it she nearly sank to her knees. A large pool had been carved into the floor. The water was smooth, and steam curled from it in long tendrils. Low shelves were cut into the wall on the far side where an assortment of vials and bars sat collecting moisture. Wooden pots containing small trees and flowering vines littered the bathing room. Four giant windows looked out upon snowcapped red peaks, the sky a crystalline blue above them. Moss green curtains were pulled back, outlining the glass frames in a bright color. It was like something from a dream and there were no words to describe the sanctuary they now claimed belonged to her.

She turned to the aged woman and grabbed her hands.

“I do not know what to say. Except thank you.” Lianna’s expression must have conveyed the sentiment as well. Soft hands squeezed hers and bright brown eyes went misty with the sincerity of the moment.

“You bringing my son home is all the thanks I need. Would you like me to bring food to you, or have him come to fetch you once something is prepared Your Highness?”

“You can send him to come to get me. I may rest for a while first. I have flown all night to get here.” She could feel the strain in her back where her wings had ripped through muscles she hadn’t known existed before.

“I will leave you to it then.” And with that the elderly housekeeper turned to hurry out the door, no doubt to find her son and get reacquainted.

Lianna quickly undressed and slid into the warm water. Wide stone steps led down into it until she stood waist-deep in the steamy pool. Sinking to her knees, she let out a moan of pure pleasure as the water clung to her. She ducked her head beneath the surface and swam over to the far wall and the jars of soaps and herbal oils that waited for her. The orange one stood out, and she squealed in delight as the tangy, spicy scent wafted through her senses. She would bathe every day just bask in this decadent warmth.

Sometime later, when her fingers were wrinkled with excess water, she climbed out and toweled off. Sponging the water from her hair so it wouldn’t drip across the stone floor. Padding over to the bed she threw herself onto it without bothering to don her clothes. She sank into the softness that felt like a cloud, and darkness claimed her before any other thought could enter her head.

Seth’s emotions were still in a whirlwind of confusion as he strode down the hall toward the queen’s chambers. It had been several hours of talking and crying, and talking some more, his mother and sister wanting to know everything that had occurred in the past two hundred years. God, he couldn’t believe it had been that long! And his mother, she was much older than he remembered, her long auburn tresses were now silver with age. The laugh lines on her beautiful face were now deep and sagging. Guilt rode him hard over the grief he had caused her.

He had been surprised his mother was still alive, and then grateful when her arms had wrapped around him, like a ghost from his past, long forgotten. He had not realized how much he had missed them. His nephew, Aerin, was nearly eight summers old! Catrione had found her mate in one of the nearby villages she had said, but would not give Seth a name, causing him to think he would not approve of the union. Mating bonds were unbreakable and for life, so there was not much he would be able to do to prevent it especially with the young boy who was so clearly doted upon by everyone in the palace.

Seth rounded the corner into the main entrance hall. The enormous space reminding him of days long past, when the room had been used to entertain hundreds of high fae dressed in their finest. When the dragons had ruled this land for longer than they kept records and people lived in peace and prosperity. Childhood memories flooded through him, from when he was a boy about his nephew’s age. When he had finally grown the balls to invite Catrione and Rowan to slide down the one hundred-fifty-foot stone banister that stood at the entrance.

It had not taken much convincing on his part under the condition that he went first. Perched at the top, looking down a few moments later he had begun to regret his bravado. Seth smiled lost in thought, rubbing the memory of his sweaty palms and racing heartbeat on his long white shirt.

He had changed his mind and he remembered letting go of the small stone dragon carved behind him where he sat with both legs dangling over the inside of the rail. But his sweaty fingers had slipped, and he barely managed to grip the polished banister between his thighs and arms before he went sliding down.

He had picked up a lot of speed, and he could do nothing but hold on as Rowan and Catrione shouted from above. Everyone in the hall stopped to stare in horror, the poor unsuspecting guard standing at the bottom had just begun to turn and see what all the fuss was about when Seth’s eight-year-old body slammed into him with enough force to send them both careening across the ballroom floor.

His friends reached him a few moments after they slid to a stop several yards away from the bottom step. Catrione was trembling, her eyes huge and frightened. Rowan’s look of concern not quite enough to hide the laughter and amazement shining in his eyes.

Seth, gasping for breath, holding his aching side tried to sit up. “I would not recommend you try it.” He had panted, his body trembling with excess adrenaline in the aftermath. The guard beneath him groaned and lifted his head. Then his mother had appeared with murder in her eyes as she snatched him up and hauled him away from the onlookers.

Seth let out a chuckle, the memory had slipped upon him and he realized he stood staring at the now empty room, the once polished marble was now caked in a layers of dust. The skylights that lit up the room so far above were covered in debris, not even one fleck of light shining through. You couldn’t even tell they were there if you did not already know.

He turned away in disgust at what his world had come to. Shaking his head, he turned and continued to the queen’s chamber and the red-haired beauty who was like a flame winking to life in the dark hell hole that they had sunk into in the last half a century. When he reached the door to the outer chamber he stopped to listen. Silence greeted him and he did not know what he had expected to hear. He pushed the door open slowly. The fire blazed merrily; the magical flames would burn as long as his queen graced these chambers.

His gaze searched the room until he spied the door to her inner sanctuary slightly ajar. Seth moved quickly and silently through the sitting area, sidestepping chairs, and tables. The room was much darker, and he had to let his eyes adjust for a moment before he could see anything. Lianna’s clothes had been discarded in a heap on the floor near the long screen that sectioned off the queens bathing pool. He stepped into the room, darkness closing in around him as he walked slowly towards the bed.

Her hair was the first thing that caught his attention. It covered her naked form like a blanket of fire. She was curled up near the edge of the bed on her stomach; the blankets beneath her still smooth as if she had fallen asleep before she even hit the mattress. Her features were relaxed in softness and she was the definition of innocent beauty.

He watched as the arm he could see wrapped around her head began to stretch out. She stretched like a feline, her beautifully round bottom sliding backward and out as she pulled her legs underneath her. The position left nothing to his imagination, and he watched in fascination as both hands appeared, fisted in front of her, stretching out her lean arms. Her body slid against the bed as her back slowly leveled itself out, stretching in the opposite direction. He felt her moan of pleasure all the way to his toes.

The blush that stained his cheeks swept through him like a white-hot fire that raced along his veins. His feline instincts screaming for him to pounce. He sucked in a loud breath and turned away. Lianna sat up behind him, quickly tugging the mint green blanket to cover her nakedness.

“I’m sorry. I must have fallen asleep after my bath..” She started but he cut her off.

“No need to apologize,” he said to the empty space in front of him, not daring to turn back around. He knew his physical appearance would betray the feelings still boiling through him. He cleared his throat.

“I came to see if you were hungry.” He almost growled. Seth felt like kicking himself for barging in on her. He should have knocked. He cast about his scattered brain for something to say, to break the silence.

“There are clothes in the armoire that should suffice until a new wardrobe can be made up for you. I will be waiting in the next room.”

He nearly ran out the door, shutting it swiftly behind him. He leaned back against the closed wooden panel his breath whooshing out of him. His pulse still throbbed in his ears. He had to get back into the human habits that he had forsaken for so long. Some rules and etiquettes were strictly adhered to. For good reason. She was his queen, and he was her guard. Some lines should not be crossed.

Seth pushed away from the door, needing to move his legs, the feline inside him pacing in stress.

He walked over to the shelf next to the hearth, where a dusty glass decanter sat with two matching glasses. He picked up a glass and using the hem of his shirt, wiped the inside clean before he poured a healthy amount and downed it smoothly. It slid down his throat burning a trail to his belly, causing him to cough and his eyes to tear up; enough to distract him from his baser instincts.

The door opened behind him. He spun around so fast he nearly dropped the glass, bumping into the table in the process. She had not brushed her hair and it was wild around her just as it had been in the forest the day before. God, he couldn’t believe it had been just two weeks since he found her. Her buckskins and furs were gone, in their place, a watery gray silk gown hugged her figure like a well-worn glove. He bowed low, sweeping the glass before him in a grand gesture.

He felt like an utter fool. Her smile was warm and sleepy as she smoothed the dress down her abdomen in a self-conscious gesture. He did not see the outline of a corset beneath it and had to stifle the groan that rose within him.

“This one fits but is a bit long.” She murmured shyly walking towards him. He straightened and offered her his arm, pushing his beast aside with an iron fist.

“My mother can take your measurements and have a seamstress take it in. The style suits you, Majesty.” Seth stole a sidelong glance at the curve of her hip. The fabric bunched there, accenting her slender waist before it dropped to the floor. The dress was about three inches too long, and she would need to hold it up if she did not want to trip on the excess material.

He guided her through the cavernous ballroom, walking beneath the balcony until they reached an open hallway. A beautiful red and gold carpet ran the center length, the intricate gold pattern swirling into whimsical flowers and threads of grass. Along the wall to her left, five giant windows stained in the same royal colors let the afternoon sun fill the hall with shards of colorful light. Several servants were hurrying on their way, carrying buckets and cloths towards the chamber behind them. Most staring at them in open wonder. Lianna carried herself with innate grace, watching them watching her, smiling at them with a hesitant openness that had been absent until now.

Seth was curious to know what had brought about this change in her demeanor. He pulled his arm from hers and put a hand at the small of her back to guide her into the dining room to their left. His mother stood at the head of the long stone table worrying over several plates she had arranged before a set of chairs.

The smell of fried eggs and bacon hit him like a wall, and he smiled as he heard Lianna’s stomach gurgle its need loud enough that she looked at him in surprise. A giggle escaped her throat, reminding him of the young girl she was. Green eyes sparkling at the sight of the feast laid out on the table. A large bowl of boiled oats sat between the two places, jars of honey and jellied strawberries, plates of eggs and bacon, even a stack of flat cakes.

Lianna’s eyes widened at all of the food. Sylva was standing back, wringing her hands, brow furrowed in worry as Seth pulled out a chair for her.

“This is more food than I have ever seen in one place, although my stomach thanks you for it. Please join us.” Lianna offered.

“I couldn’t, Your Highness, it just isn’t done.” Sylva weakly protested the look of undisguised pleasure, warring with strict palace protocol.

“I do not know what is or is not done, since I grew up alone in the woods. My manners are probably atrocious, and I beg you to correct me if I make a mistake.” The young queen sat, and Seth gently pushed her chair closer to the table as she continued to shred Sylva’s protests.

“Now that I have become somewhat accustomed to being around people, I would like the company.” Lianna lifted slightly arched red brows in question.

“If you insist, Majesty.” Sylva finally gave in, a slight blush reddening her cheeks. A servant quickly brought forth another plate and they sat in awkward silence for a moment. Lianna began scooping heaping spoonsful of eggs onto her plate, along with several slices of bacon, before grabbing the jar of honey and pouring a liberal amount over top the pile of food now gracing the dish in front of her.

She set the sticky jar down, and began chewing on a slice of bacon, then proceeded to suck the honey off of her fingers one by one. The room was too quiet, and she looked up glancing around, a thumb still poised between her lips. The look on Sylva’s face was one of amused horror, the gleam in Seth’s eyes was something deep and unfathomable. She quickly lowered her hands, heat suffusing her face. Sylva handed her a thick white napkin, lowering her eyes.

“Well,” She cleared her throat. “Queens are not known to lick their fingers, at least not at the dinner table in front of guests.” The elderly fae winked at her, trying to dispel the shame that had begun to creep over the girl’s features.

“It has been quite some time since I have seen anyone eat with such enthusiasm.” Sylva smiled at her. “I shall be sure to pass your compliments to the cook. I am sure Lionel will be thrilled.” The woman’s face was lined with age, her sharp cheekbones seemed to barely hold her thin skin in place as she spoke.

“Meals such as this did not exist for me until a few days ago when I was invited to dine with Erin and his wife. That was before, I met your son.” Lianna admitted.

“It is rare indeed for outsiders to be allowed into the dens of the ash forest. They are sacred to the pack.” The old woman’s eyes twinkled at her.

“Eris tried to help me, but his mother would not allow it. The dinner did not go well after Erin announced that I was percipient, the Omega even kicked me out.” She lowered her eyes to the table, remembering the look of fear and hatred that the lady had leveled at her across the table.

Sylva gasped in outrage. “I will remember that next time I send a troop of scouts to the forest to give them aid.” She gritted out through barred teeth.

“You send scouts out?” Seth cut in, surprised.

“Someone has to make sure the people of the forest have fresh water to drink and food that is not poison. In the centuries that our family has lived here, we have always taken care of the poor creatures who need our aid. In these dark times, we must offer what we can to help each other.” The housekeeper raised her chin a notch as if daring them to protest against her passionate reasoning.

Lianna reached a hand out to place atop the woman’s wrinkled appendage where it gripped the golden tablecloth fiercely.

“I am honored to be in your presence and call you friend.” She felt the urge to say. She looked at Seth who was watching his mother still, a faraway look in his eyes as if he did not see the women before him.

“Are there any members of the guard left?” he asked quietly.

“Three. Lucas, Nathaniel, and Dorius. Lucas and Nathaniel head the patrols that we send out weekly. Dorius sulks about, coming and going as he pleases. He has been our emissary these long years, dealing with the other royals, such as they are.” She sneered at the word royals like an insult before she took a dainty bite of warm oats.

Lianna looked to Seth, who was staring at his still empty plate in thought.

“He carries gossip of the land when he deigns to return. Apparently, Errewyn is mining sulfur and lead, although no one knows why. The few people who have dared to question his motives were silenced quickly.”

“He killed them?” Lianna’s shocked expression was the only warning sign, before her aura flared around her like a wave of water, causing some of the servants waiting behind them to jump in reaction. Her nostrils flared as her beast awoke with a snarl. She had just begun to enjoy the relaxed company and the lack of feral emotion coursing through her.

She nearly jumped out of her chair, when a strong cool wind rushed past her. It soothed her raging beast and Lianna shot Seth a grateful glance as her pulse calmed to a normal rate.

“Some of the more influential high faes, just simply stopped asking questions, others quietly disappeared.” Sylva hastily replied, trying to ease the tension in the room. Her eyes darting back and forth between her son and the queen.

Lianna wrestled with her demons, fighting to push down the flare of rage that had surged up so quickly. She could feel Sylva’s pulse throbbing in response; Seth’s feline froze in anticipation; both of them watching her with uneasy expressions. Reaching for the glass in front of her she swallowed the emotion with a gulp of the dark bitter liquid. Making a face at the horrible taste. She took a deep breath managing to offer them a small smile in apology.

“I am sorry for that.” She whispered, staring at her hands folded in her lap.

“No need to apologize, child. The atrocities of this world are enough to shrivel even my ancient soul.”

Seth let out a haggard breath as if he had been holding it in this entire time. Lianna looked at him as she began eating again. He met her direct gaze and nodded slightly acknowledging her apology. She continued to watch him as he began to fill his plate and wondered not for the first time what he thought of her sudden beastly outbursts.

They finished their meal in silence and Sylva had just offered to take Lianna on a tour of the palace, when two males sauntered into the room, laughing and talking loudly before they noticed the three at the head of the table.

They stopped dead in their tracks, their faces slowly registering the shock and awe that Lianna was quickly getting used to when people got close enough to feel the aura of power that radiated from her. Their eyes darted from her to Seth, and the males’ jaws dropped simultaneously.

“Seth?!” The single word broke the magic of the moment, and the older one bounded forward to grip her guard in a bear hug. Lianna took a step back away from the pair as a chair was almost knocked over.

“We thought you were dead!” was the other male’s thick reply to an unasked question. Emotion clogged the air, the stiff reunion bringing tears to Sylva’s bronze eyes. Lianna felt like an intruder in this personal moment and tried to back away slowly. The second mousy haired male had noticed her again while he clasped Seth’s arm and pulled him into a tight hug. She watched as he stepped away and gestured toward her, seemingly at a loss for words.

Seth turned and his stormy chocolate eyes pierced her to the spot effectively halting her retreat. He came to stand beside her, one hand going to the small of her back, gently guiding her forward. Her heartbeat took up a faster rhythm, as all eyes turned to her. Her palms began to sweat.

The beast raised its head silently, and they were as one, seeing the company before her. She looked at each one in turn noticing that although each had different expressions on their faces, they were all oddly similar. Like the wolves almost. Her nostrils flared as the wall of feline scent rocked her senses.

“Your Majesty,” Seth spoke up.

He gestured to the surly-looking red-headed male, the one who had gotten to Seth first when they realized who they were.

“This is Nathaniel, my first cousin, and second-in-command. And Lucas. They are both members of your personal guard.” Both males knelt swiftly before her, heads bowed in submission. The beast inside her purred its approval.

“Please stand.” She stepped forward and reached for their hands.

“ Thank you for the show of loyalty, but I fear it is wasted on me. I am no high fae. I did not even know I was fae at all until a week ago.” She gave them a sweet smile, and almost laughed at the disbelief mirrored on their faces.

“I will let Seth explain the details, as I was just promised a tour of my new home.” She turned to look for Sylva, who had been standing back while Seth made introductions. The soft face glowed with an emotion that looked oddly like hope and pride. She nodded her chin once, her thin lips pursed in a watery grin.

Lianna took her offered arm in one hand and lifted her too-long skirts in the other. She kept her back ramrod straight and tried to walk like the queen they wanted her to be. As soon as they rounded the corner, back into the bright hall, the air rushed from her lungs with a small curl of steam. She glanced towards the ceiling as if in supplication to the heavens above. Her grip relaxed on the surprisingly strong arm of the lady beside her and her shoulders slumped in relief.

Sylva chuckled as she watched her deflate like a balloon upon exiting the dining hall, Lianna looked at her with a chagrined expression but the lady’s smile was genuine and open making her face look decades younger.

“I think, my dear, that you may be just what this land needs to heal the festering wounds.” She said proudly.

Lianna thought the woman must be daft. She was going on instinct alone. Her beast showing up when least expected and disappearing just as quickly.

“You do not think I am too unpredictable and dangerous?” She hated the tremble in her voice as she recalled Varise’s words. The feeling of shame that accompanied the memories.

“Good heavens girl! You are a dragon. It’s been a might’ long time since we have had one traipsing about these mountains, but it is in your nature to protect and cherish, not destroy. Dragons are the children of the Mother herself. It is your sacred duty to rule these mountains.” The older woman patted her hand where it rested against her deep purple gown in a matronly manner.

“These halls used to be filled with laughter and joy once upon a time before the world began to fear them, but that fear was rightfully earned. I assume you have heard the stories?” Lianna gave a small nod and Sylva continued with her tale.

“Rowan’s father, Lucien, was a fierce dragon. His exploits were known across the continent far and wide. He was a wild one, and he took what he wanted without a care for the people and their needs. He sired bastards across the land, using his power to control the minds of those who dared to tell him no or disagree.

“ The people finally rose against him, and all dragons. The individual did not matter, as long as that horrible power was wiped from existence. Fae and humans worked together to forge weapons strong enough to bring down the mighty beasts. Giant crossbows of ash wood, with sharp iron points. Errewyn claimed the honor of bringing down Lucien.” She was silent for a moment as they climbed the hundreds of steps that led to the second floor of the grand ballroom. She stopped at the top, fingering the stone dragon carved into the highest point of the banister. A matching one guarded the adjacent rail and Lianna studied the small replicas as Sylva caught her breath.

“Forgive me, Highness, I am not as young as I once was.” Lianna shook her head at the woman, dismissing her worry, as she surveyed the balcony that wrapped around the entire room. Large portraits were being dusted, maids and manservants carried buckets of water to the tops of ladders, balancing bravely, high above their heads. A screeching noise, like nails on glass, pierced the room and Lianna looked up. Her head tilted so far back it hurt her neck. A shaft of light appeared and grew larger as she watched.

“It’s about time they got to those windows. This room has been abandoned for far too long.” Several other patches scraped into view and she could barely make out the small winged bodies that hovered above the thick glass high above. She gasped in amazement at the little creatures who hovered just above the glass on the outside.

“Pixies,” Sylva answered Lianna’s silent question. “It is easier to employ them to clean the outside windows.” She shook her head, “They are, however, very susceptible to violent mood swings and must be managed with great care.” Lianna watched them in fascination. Their tiny bodies fluttering over the glass-like butterflies.

“This is Rowan,” Sylva called her attention back to her. She gestured to the first portrait next to the cave entrance. The male was as beautiful as all the fae she had seen so far. His skin seemed to glow with light. His hair was muddy brown, and his eyes an electric blue that seemed to be filled with laughter.

“He was a good boy, and he fought so hard to change the dragon’s reputation. He worked with Aeros, his mates, brother, to set a trap for Lucien. They thought that working against the evil that was his father would save them from their fate. Ainslee, Aeros’s half-sister, and Rowan were a match made in heaven. They made such a lovely couple, trying to clean up this mess of a kingdom. But they underestimated the people’s fear and hatred, at a deadly cost.”

“Aeros was Lucien’s son?” Lianna questioned her, surprised at the revelation.

“Yes, and the most powerful dragon that ever was. Many feared him. Lucien sired children all over the continent. Aeros’s mother was not a willing participant, or so I was told. He had more reason to hate his father than many others.” Lianna felt the woman’s sorrow as they gazed at the portrait. She followed her as she continued to the next.

The woman was perfect. Her hair was the color of sunshine and her smile open and honest. She was tall and slender as she stood for her rendering. She held her chin at a proud, noble angle and the sparkle in her eye was incredibly life-like. This had to be Ainslee.

“Her beauty was outshone only by her sparkling personality.” The housekeeper whispered. She just stood there lost in memory as if she forgot that Lianna was waiting for her to continue.

Lianna kept walking, more portraits lining the wall than she could count. She was only half-listening to the woman name each one and extol their virtues, or lack thereof when she came to a halt before one that made her beast sit up and pay attention.

The man was tall and broad, his midnight hair seemed to dance in an unseen wind. His angry black eyes set in a grim face. A thick beard covered the lower half of his countenance and he stared down his hawk-like nose at her. Something pricked at her memory that she could not grasp.

He wore an audacious red and gold costume, his hands clenched into fists by his sides. He seemed to radiate darkness.

“Lucien,” Sylva answered as if reading her thoughts.

“He seems familiar to me somehow,” Lianna admitted.

“That man fathered children everywhere he went.” She shrugged as if that were explanation enough and continued. Her gaze lingered on the male for a while longer before she made herself turn away.

The rest of the afternoon flew by in much the same manner. The palace built inside the mountain was unbelievably large and open. Sylva told her it would take weeks, perhaps months for her to memorize its layout. If she ever got lost she was to use her Mother-given senses to find her way just like everyone else. Lianna found herself quite taken by the woman and her no-nonsense nature that she tried to hide her kindness behind.

But the warmth in her eyes could not be denied and her beast knew the woman to be an old softy, especially when she saw her sneaking pastries to her grandson one morning before lunch. She had become familiar with enough of the underground rooms to know her way to the kitchen, her next favorite room after her own chamber.

The days flew by in a whirlwind of activity. When she wasn’t following Sylva around, learning the history of her people and the customs that dictated the lifestyle she was now expected to maintain, she could be found scrubbing windows or polishing the priceless heirlooms. The maids had given up trying to convince her that such tasks were beneath her.

Her snort of disdain at society’s strict rules had them smiling behind her back, shaking their heads at their new queen’s obvious lack of enthusiasm for her royal station. Lianna’s forthright and sunny deposition made her beloved to them, and the people opened their hearts to her.

Early one sunny morning, Lianna found herself restless and in need of fresh air. She had finished dressing in her buckskins and rabbit top when the idea struck her. She hoped that Catrione would allow her to steal Aerin away for a few hours, maybe she would even join them. She made her way quickly to the kitchens where she knew she would find him trying to steal pastries from Lionel. She bounced into the large chamber and sure enough, the boy was sitting on the wooden counter watching as the cook kneaded and rolled a large portion of sticky dough. The man was giant, at least a foot taller than herself and just as round as he was tall. His salt and pepper hair was pulled back and tied neatly at the nape of his neck.

“Lianna!” Aerin squealed when he saw her come in. She smiled brightly, knowing how excited he would be if his mother agreed to her plans.

“Good morning Aerin. Good morning Lionel. Do you know where your mother is?” She asked innocently. She watched as the smile disappeared from his small face and a guarded look replaced it. Obviously, he had managed to sneak away from her this morning.

“I am right here, Majesty. Somehow I knew I would find you two here.” She rolled her eyes heavenward as if in an appeal for patience.

“Catrione! Good morning! I was wondering if it would be okay if we went on a picnic today? Outside, if you know a good place. I was hoping you and Aerin would join me?” She made the statement into a question. Aerin looked at Lianna, his excitement coming back suddenly. They both turned pleading looks to his mother.

“I can have a basket made up right quick, Majesty if that is what you wish,” Lionel interjected. Catrione gave an exaggerated sigh and nodded her acquiescence.

“That sounds lovely.” She murmured. “But we must take the guards with us, even as isolated as we are, there are spies everywhere. I will go find Seth and meet you in the entryway.” She turned to leave but Lianna stopped her.

“Might I take Aerin for a ride down the mountain?” she asked the woman in her sweetest voice. Aerins gasp of utter delight doubled her excitement instantly. Catrione turned and looked at her queen, eyes wide and face stiff with wrath.

“Lianna, people do not ride dragons.” She said matter-of-factly.

“Just once, I did promise him, and I am not most people. I promise I will not drop him or let him get hurt in any way. Please?” She whined prettily, bouncing with anticipation. Aerin came up beside her and joined her begging, bouncing stance.

Lionel stifled his laughter when Catrione shot him a warning glare.

“Fine! But if any harm comes to him, Queen or no, I will have your hide for a rug in my chamber!” She growled in frustration as she stalked from the chamber mumbling something about ‘damned dragons’. Lianna turned to Aerin and they both squealed in delight, clapping hands and jumping up and down.

“You two are gonna make her hair turn gray before her time, you mark my words.” Lionel snickered, bringing his arm up to wipe his sweaty brow on his sleeve. Lianna beamed at him, before grabbing Aerin’s arm and tugging him out into the hall. The fire-lit walls danced with merriment as they skipped along.

They had just made it to the ballroom when Seth came sprinting down the stairs.

“Lianna, you cannot think to carry this child down the mountain! It is not done, woman!” He began before he even was halfway down.

“I most certainly do. He will be riding on my back, not in my claws.” She said to him with a smile and a wink. Aerin looked as if he was about to question Seth about what that meant, and Lianna could barely contain her mirth at the murderous glare he leveled on her.

“My life has already been threatened once this morning if anything should befall him, which it won’t. Relax Seth, let’s have a little fun, Master of my Guards.” She placed a hand on his arm in supplication and leaned forward on the tips of her toes to kiss his cheek.

He stood there for a moment not moving when she pulled away and grabbed the boy before they took the stairs at a run. He turned around and made to follow them at a slower pace his hand coming to touch his cheek where she had kissed him. The spot still burning him like a brand. Catrione appeared beside him and gave him a knowing look. He growled at her in a distinctive warning to keep her mouth shut. When they reached the cave entrance, Lianna had already shifted into her dragon and he watched as his sister stopped and stared in open awe. Her brown eyes were wide and a tad fearful as she watched her only son scramble up on Lianna’s scaly back. Her hand came to her throat and she took a step forward as if she would forbid this craziness.

“How will he hold on?” She asked nearly shrieking. Lianna turned to them and rolled her golden eyes. The boy had made it to her shoulders, where he lay down on her back and was holding on to her wings where they met her neck. Lianna shook her head out and Aerin let out a squeal of excitement.

“Let’s go!” He shouted and before they could say another word, she stretched out her wings and leaped into the air. Catrione screamed in fear and raced to the edge to watch in horror as they careened towards the ground. Seth could hear Aerin screaming, whether in joy or fear it was hard to tell. Then she leveled out and they saw the boy still perched safely between her wings. His sister let out a feral growl that he knew would mean trouble for the two soaring through the air far below. She shifted into her feline form and bounded down the steep trail in a dead run. He could feel the rage and fear throbbing through the air in her wake. He followed behind her silently.

Lianna could feel the boy’s small hands gripping her wings tightly. He shrieked in excited fear and she knew he loved it. She kept her neck arched at an odd angle to keep him from sliding forward when she had dove off the cliff and knew she would regret it later. She soared close to the ground and looked for a good picnic spot. Rounding a steep cliff to the south, a small waterfall cascaded down the rocks, roaring it’s excitement to the world. It pooled at the bottom creating a small pond. The grassy banks were still green and tall pines grew near the rocks. She banked and swooped down toward the small clearing near the swiftly-flowing water. She landed softly and squatted low to the ground so Aerin could slide down. When his feet hit the ground she shifted and watched as he ran to her and wrapped his short arms around her waist.

“That was sooo amazing!” he shouted. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” He trilled happily just as his mother came bounding into view, Seth on her heels.

“Mama, mama, did you see? We were so high up and I wasn’t scared at all!” He ran to her and wrapped his arms around her feline neck. Catrione gave Lianna a narrow-eyed look before she shifted into her fae body once again. She stayed on her knees, holding her son tight and Lianna smiled at the devotion that emanated from her, and the love the boy clearly held for his mother in return. She suddenly wished she could have known such love and devotion with her mother and turned away from the heartwarming sight.

Lianna ambled over to the pond and stared into the clear depths. No yellow stain marred its beauty, and she could see all the way to the bottom several feet below. She felt Seth come to stand beside her and wanted nothing more than to lean into him and soak up his silent strength for a moment. His swift intake of breath made her turn to him in question. The look on his face was warm and tired.

“That would be highly inappropriate, Majesty.” He said, his voice barely a whisper. “I am your guard, sworn to protect you.” His nervous hands came up to smooth back his shaggy hair and Lianna smiled at the gesture.

“I know. I just wonder what it would feel like to be loved by someone.” She admitted to him, unashamed of her curiosity. It was like a yearning deep inside that made her want to understand that depth of emotion. She watched his face as his nostrils flared and he looked away quickly.

“Such thoughts will only get you hurt. One day you will meet your mate and know the way of it.” Lianna wondered if he was trying to convince her or himself. A groan escaped him and he turned back to her, a hard gleam in his eye.

“Please keep your thoughts to yourself, Majesty.” His tone was sharp and unyielding. Her shoulders sagged and she turned away.

“I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” Seth almost reached for her to try and better explain why it was impossible for him to open up to her. She had no idea how badly he wanted to. It scared the hell out of him how much he had wanted her to lean into him as well. But she was a queen. The image of her naked body stretched out on the massive bed in her chamber filled his mind and his body reacted instantly. He swallowed his groan of pain and knelt beside the water to splash the icy droplets on his face. The near-freezing liquid-cooled his ardor enough that he could think coherently once again and he turned to watch a packhorse canter into the clearing. A large basket was strapped to its back and Catrione began unpacking it. Lianna spread a red and gold plaid blanket on the ground then sat, patting the place beside her for Aerin to come sit. She cast a questioning look his way and he slowly walked forward, throwing a brick wall up in his mind, least she read his thoughts again.

The afternoon was lovely and they spent it laughing and exploring the small glen she had found. The air had turned cold and the sun was waning when Catrione announced that it was time to return to the keep. Aerin grumbled and Lianna helped pack everything back into the basket. It was decided that Aerin should ride the horse as well and he did not protest too much when Seth lifted him up. His eyes were tired, the excitement of the day had worn him out. When they were ready, she shifted back into her dragon and left them to make their own way. She was tired herself, and somewhat embarrassed by her earlier conversation with Seth. She just wanted to be alone and she flew through the sky with no real destination in mind. She was not ready to be trapped in that mountain again yet and so soared around the mountains reveling in the icy air as it pierced her lungs and ice collected on her scales. The cold did not bother her, however, and she soon found a place to land farther West than the castle. From here she could almost see the ocean where it stained the horizon with a dark blue line where it met the sky. The view was breathtaking and she gloried in the peace it offered. Lianna tried not to feel sorry for herself as she thought of the lack of love in her life. She was the only dragon left. Would she be forced to live out her long life alone?

A pair of mesmerizing black eyes popped into her mind, and she thought about the male she had encountered in the abandoned village. Warmth washed over her and her gut twisted in reaction. Had he felt the same odd pull when they met? She was almost certain she had not imagined the shocked recognition in his face, and the heat, sharp as lightning that had pierced her when he had touched her arm. Lianna shuddered at the memory, then scoffed at herself for letting her emotions get the best of her. Shaking her head she roared her frustration into the twilight and jumped into the air. When she reached the castle, she went straight to her bed, thankful that she had not encountered anyone in the ballroom for once. She was beginning to miss the quiet solitude of her cabin.

Three weeks after her arrival, she was helping to clean the curtains in the ballroom. She perched atop a high ladder reaching over as far as she dared, trying to grab the corner of the blasted thing that had snagged on a splinter in the wooden rod. She had managed to get most of it down without much effort and thirty feet of cloth was now hanging by just one hook when Seth walked in and caught her.

“What the hell do you think you are doing?” He bellowed from below her. He startled her so badly that when her head snapped around to berate him, she lost her balance and fell. Servants screamed their warning, but it was too late. Her dragon tore through her, wings ballooning to catch her as she twisted through the air.

A roar escaped her as she shifted just in time to soften the blow. Her beast glared at Seth’s stricken face. Her wings tried to lift from the ground but became tangled in the long cloth and she fell on her face. The hall had gone silent and everyone seemed to be holding their breath. Trying to get her feet underneath her once again, she slipped, rolling sideways into a tall stone column that supported the balcony above her.

I puff of smoke exhaling from her partially covered snout had everyone backing away, some even went running for cover as a horrible hacking sound escaped her mouth. She shifted back into her fae form; and became barely visible wrapped in all the cloth. The laughter that bubbled out of her was one of the most beautiful sounds they had ever heard. It was raw and unfiltered, infectiously causing some of the servants to join in.

Seth marched over to her, yanking on folds of cloth trying to untangle her. He ended up grabbing her arms and yanking her out of the thick curtains, laughing so hard his sides hurt and tears trickled down his face.

She sat up and punched him in the arm. “You made me fall.” She managed to get out through bouts of giggles that refused to subside.

“The queen should not be up there putting her royal neck in danger, to begin with.” He flung back at her, casting an angry glance at the servants who were suddenly busy straightening up the mess they had made.

“Don’t you dare be mad at them.” She snapped, no longer amused.

“I am queen, and I do as I please.” She stood swiftly and turned to leave, not noticing the grateful looks thrown her way.

“You need something to keep you occupied.” He argued, following behind her swift pace, trying not to notice the angry sway of her hips.

“I am staying occupied. And thanks to you, the first time my people see my dragon, I happened to be falling through the air in disgrace.” Her beautiful pink mouth pursed in defiant outrage. She was finally beginning to feel comfortable in her own skin again, her power becoming second nature to her thoughts and actions.

“What would you have me do? I cannot sit idle while everyone around me has chores to complete and things to occupy their time. I would go crazy. Have you forgotten already that this is all very new to me, and just weeks ago, I was chopping my firewood and sleeping on a pallet?”

Her soft dove gray morning dress made her green eyes look brighter. Her hair pulled back in a simple braid, bouncing against her back as she stopped and turned back to face him. He almost ran into her and had to take a step back. She closed the space between them, a golden finger jabbing him in the chest.

“You disappear and leave me alone for days on end, and expect me to just sit around waiting on you?” Her green eyes snapped fire, and he tried to hang on to his anger as he watched her. She was magnificent and did not even know it. He was thinking about telling her when she snapped a finger in his face. He jumped back with a hiss.

“You did not even hear a word I said.” She turned around to walk away again but he was quicker. Hard fingers grasped her arm gently but firmly spinning her back to face him.

“I came to find you and ask if you wanted to go to meet your father.” He let her go and watched in satisfaction as her whole demeanor changed. He held his hand up to silence her so he could finish what he had to tell her before he lost his nerve.

“Dorius has returned. He brings news from your father’s kingdom. The people have abandoned their villages and went to seek his aid. Mostly women and children, as the males seem to be disappearing.” He watched as her red brows narrowed in suspicion, a single wrinkle marring her beautiful forehead.

“We need to get inside, to find out what he is doing and why. There have been rumors that he uses his powers just like Lucien, to control those closest to him and bend them to his will.” He watched the emotions play across her face and waited for her answer.

“What is it that you would have me do exactly?” She whispered, sinking onto a thickly cushioned stone bench nestled against the wall.

“Just meet him. You are the only one who can even attempt to get close enough to figure out his plans. You have power like he does. All you have to do is find out what he is doing with the sulfur and lead. Once we know what he plans to do with it, maybe we can stop him.”

She snorted, a sound he was truly beginning to hate. “And you think he is just going to accept that I am who I claim to be and welcome me with open arms? Reveal to me his grand plans just like that?

“I suppose you think it will be that easy for me to just walk in and take control of the situation? I am glad you have such a high opinion of my abilities but forgive me if I don’t share your confidence. A month ago, I was a nobody, living alone with very little experience of people and their filth. And now that I know how they act and the atrocities they commit against each other, I would rather stay here and let them all rot.” She finished passionately.

“It is for precisely that reason why you must go try. Those people are as innocent as you, with no one to defend them against Errewyn’s greed and corruption!” He nearly shouted. Her green eyes widened at the ferocity in his voice. Whatever she saw in his face must have gotten through to her because when she spoke again, her voice had lost its hard, mocking edge, and became thoughtful, considerate even.

“You were there for me when I needed a friend the most, and so I will do as you ask. But I will not use his mind against him.” Her eyes pleaded with him to understand.

“I would not ask you to do anything you were not comfortable doing.” He promised.

She snorted again, rolling her eyes.

“Has anyone told you that that is the most un-lady-like sound to have ever graced these halls?” He demanded dubiously; the edge in his tone softened by the twitch of his lips.

“You are the one who keeps reminding me I am the queen. I shall make any sound I like.” She winked at him and turned away before he could reply. He was glad that she did, for at that moment he could not think of a single thing to say. Every bit of common sense had vanished with that one small gesture. He had been purposefully staying away from her, not wanting to cross any lines that they might regret later, especially after the conversation they had had in the glen.

“We leave in the morning, Majesty.” He called after her, knowing the title would irk her nerves.