The Dragon Brothers

Lucian

POV

My first thought is to see if Viola is okay. She's a bit shaken but because of her experience with battle she'll be fine. Agenta, on the other hand, is going to need some help. So we usher her outside of the cabin as soon as possible and away from the guard's dead bodies as well. Once she's away from seeing death she seems to start doing much better. My brothers, Viola, Agenta, and myself walk back to the castle slowly. Enjoying the sun coming up in the forest. * Later at the Castle *

I find Viola sitting in our garden. She is having tea with Agenta. Her hair is in a series of braids and then pulled into a bun. She looks so beautiful in a deep blue dress with silver embroidery along the neckline and bottom of the dress.She's sitting on a white swing and slowly swinging herself back and forth. She smiles as she looks up at me. I can't believe how lucky I am to have this beautiful woman as my wife. Not only is she beautiful but she is a fighter. A fighter for our love and a warrior for this empire.

"Love, it's time to discuss some military matters with my brothers. Do you care to join?" I love having her at my side during all discussions. She is a true Warrior Queen.

"I would love to attend. Military matters are of great interest to me." She always loves military discussions even when she doesn't have an opportunity to say her opinion. She just likes to eavesdrop.

We met my brothers in a meeting room on the main floor. "Now that King Rufus was found in the cabin we know who is behind the attacks. Wolf, now that we're back in the castle, kill the prisoners that were taken into custody from the capital attacks. Since we know who hired them there is no reason to keep them alive." Wolf gets up and leaves the table to take care of my order.

"Cyprian, are you going to claim the capital of Cait and then begin claiming the other smaller villages in Rufus' kingdom? I believe Cait is the only city of any large size." I ask my brother out of curiosity. With all of my brothers still at the castle due to the new year celebrations, then Ambrose's funeral, and then the attacks I wanted to take advantage of us all together Cyprian is the general of the southern army it would only make sense that he would naturally invade Cait which is to the south of the capital.

"Yes brother. I'll take that honor with my army. We will invade Cait and then post notices in the smaller villages who their new king and empire are. I'll send a messenger today to go ahead of me to get the southern army ready for my arrival." Cyprian says proudly. "What should we do with any of his army that he left behind?"

"Hmm. If they are below the rank of lieutenant and want to join, accept them and let them train starting out as a private. If they don't want to join, are of the rank of lieutenant and above, or an advisor to the king then kill them." I suppose this is why I've been called ruthless. If ruthless is what I am, so be it. Because being ruthless has kept my family safe.

"Quentin, are you going to take over as general of the army of the north for me or are you going to take over Ambrose's position as general of the army of the east?" I ask out of curiosity. The choice is his and the option that he doesn't choose means I will have to promote from within company ranks.

"I'll take the army of the north." Quentin states proudly. Even though he has served the military for many years this will be his first chance at being general. He's been leading the imperial guard and castle guards should the capital or castle be attacked while our father was too ill to do so. But, now that I am more than capable to lead both armies I need to send him out to one of our borders.

After the meeting Viola and I join hands and leave to go to our room. I have my arm around her waist and she is kissing my shoulder.

"May I have this dance?" I ask Viola as we enter our room pretending that music is playing. She throws her head back and laughs while she takes my hand and plays along. We dance to a slow song with Viola close in my arms. She feels like butter in my arms. I want to do something really special for Viola. I get a sudden golden idea. It's not much but I think she'll really like it.

"Viola, we're going on a trip to see the Natania Tribe again. When I change into my dragon form grab my clothes and hop on." I instruct as I walk towards the balcony outside of our room.

"Oh I'm so excited! I loved our time there!" Viola grabs my clothes and then jumps on my dragon. She no longer fears riding on my dragon. She acts like an old pro at this now.

When we land near the tribe. I quickly get dressed and find Niko and one of the older women to discuss my plan. I see Viola has already gotten comfortable with the women in the circle and is working on beading a necklace. Instead of going hunting I sat down next to her and started beading a second necklace. Viola looked up at me surprised but happy that I was there. She had already taken off her top and was wearing a deerskin skirt that one of the women had given her. We both made beautiful long necklaces. When our necklaces were done the men jumped up and started chanting while passing around the peace pipe. I too started to chant but did not partake of the pipe. I wanted a clear memory of this moment. Then the women started dancing, swaying back and forth. Couples met up and would dance together. The man would chant and sway back and forth with his wife. Everyone seemed to create a large circle. This was much different than the last time we were here. An older woman grabbed Viola and I and dragged us into the center of the circle. She took each of our hands so that we were grasping the other's forearms. Then she wrapped the beaded necklace that we had made around each arm. She spoke some words that I had to translate for Viola.

This is the symbol of unity in which our two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle

Wherever we go we will return to one another

Tears flooded Viola's eyes. "I love you more and more each day." She smiled up at me.

"You are the light of my life. You are my whole world. I want nothing but you." I look deeply in her eyes hoping that she can see the love in mine. I kiss her deeply and passionately. I could think of no better way to show my love than in Natania's wedding ceremony. It's so unlike the cold arranged ceremony that we had. This is something from the heart that we can experience together.

* Back at the Castle *

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Cyprian POV

Cyprian is filling bags with food and supplies then laying them to the side. Once he changes into his dragon form a servant will tie them to his back. He can fly much quicker to the southern border to pick up his troops than to walk or even to ride horseback. Once everything is ready he takes flight and soars to his fleet. Cyprian is ready to get back and see his men again. This mission sounds interesting. He's never invaded another country before.

As he changes into his dragon form his eyes sparkle in the moonlight. He's ready for battle once again. He lets out a battle cry loud enough that the southern army is sure to hear as they can discern his dragon's cries. *Somewhere in Cait *

A young girl wakes up just before dawn to start her daily chores. She is a slave in the house of Lord Morgaine Aragon. She mostly answers to his wife Avila or to the head maid; Linnet. If she is late, fails to complete a task to their standard, or any other complaint they may have, Linnet will withhold food and will force her to sleep outside while Avila will usually have her whipped.

She believes she's 18 but she's not really sure anymore. She's been a slave all of her life. She has marble white skin with fiery red hair. Someone can see her hair a mile away. It's long and curly.

Her first chore is to start breakfast. So, that means eggs, sausages, bacon, ham, fruit and bread. Thankfully, there are no guests this morning so she only has to cook for the Lord and his wife. As she sets the dining room table she makes sure that everything is in its place. She had to go without food for two days because the head maid noticed that she put the fork on the wrong side of the plate.

A/N Please drop me a comment and let me know if you like the story or the chapter. I love all feedback both critical and complimentary. Check out my other book Prince Justus and the Rogue. You can also go to my facebook page for chapter updates and updates on new projects. https://www.facebook.com/Sammi-From-Anystories-1020524119915