Page 55 of The Dragon King
When we woke up the next morning, the island was close.
Lush and green with a tall mountain in the center, it looked like a beautiful paradise. The shores were white, the air was warm, and the trees were different than they were on the mainland.
I didn’t wear my armor and sword because I didn’t want to provoke the dragons. It wasn’t like I had any chance against them in a battle anyway. I wore one of my dresses with my sandals, the air too hot and moist for anything else.
Talon wore his uniform and armor anyway, his cape billowing behind him as he stood on the bow, looking like a king about to conquer another land in his name. But his sword had been left behind in our quarters below.
We sailed closer to the port, the wooden dock extending far into the cove of clear blue water. Structures were visible along the shore near the water, other galleons with cannons waited along the sides. It was a battle station, but I suspected no one had ever sailed to Thalian. For a thousand years, the island had probably remained untouched.
As we approached the dock, guards appeared to take the ropes thrown overboard to secure the ship. Their armor was different from the elves, a brilliant teal that had a shine like the sun. It was a perfect mixture of the trees and the water, a color that camouflaged them into the scenery of the island.
The three galleons were secured to the dock, and then Queen Eldinar disembarked first, followed by Uncle Ezra. Everyone else followed suit while the Thalian guards secured the ships and unloaded the supplies packed inside.
Talon took his place by Queen Eldinar, and they walked together like they were equals. I trailed behind with my uncle, seeing the two monarchs leading the way, looking like king and queen of a joint territory. They were both beautiful people, so it would be easy to assume they were husband and wife as well. I’d never been the jealous type, but seeing just how breathtaking Queen Eldinar always was, day and night, made me feel a little self-conscious. Even on my best day, I never glowed the way she did.
We crossed to shore then entered the grouping of buildings erected along the coast, each one of them with a view of the water and the gentle waves that rolled to shore.
More guards were ready to receive the queen, and when the first one stepped forward, I assumed he was the one in charge. “Queen Eldinar.” He bowed deeply, and so did the others who stood behind him. When their heads were dipped, they stayed that way for a long pause, like an exaggerated form of respect.
Queen Eldinar didn’t smile, but there was a kindness in her eyes when she regarded her people. “Guards of Thalian, thank you for protecting this special place and guarding our scaled friends. We think of your sacrifice every day.”
“Thank you, Queen Eldinar.” He gave another quick bow.
Queen Eldinar turned slightly to Talon beside her. “May I introduce the Death King, an ally to Riviana Star and dear friend of mine. Please provide him suitable accommodations. He has an omnivorous diet.”
“I can exist without meat while I’m in your lands,” Talon said quickly. “Don’t make any special provisions for me.”
Queen Eldinar stared at him for a moment before she turned back to the commander of the guard. “The Death King has come to make a plea to Macabre. Once that’s finished, we’ll return to our lands. The soldiers I’ve brought will take the new rotation so you can return home to your families.”
The commander didn’t glance at Talon and accepted her words without protest. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
One of the guards approached Talon and gave a slight bow. “I’ll escort you to your accommodations, Death King. This way.” He took the lead and guided us down a dirt path past the buildings until he reached a single home at the far end, a humble abode but a private one. The door was opened for us to reveal a one-bedroom cabin with a bed, a fireplace, a small living area, and a private bathroom. “I hope this is suitable, Your Majesty.”
“It is,” Talon said. “Thank you.”
Two other guards walked inside and placed our belongings on the couch. They didn’t question who I was.
“We’ll bring water and your meals throughout the day.” He gave another bow before he left with the guards who had helped him carry our belongings.
Now we were alone together in a cabin, the ocean visible in the window, the air far warmer here than it was back at home. I looked at the artwork on the wall, images of seashells and exotic birds. We’d finally arrived in the place we desired most, but the moment didn’t feel real. It wouldn’t feel real until I looked Inferno in the eye.
Then I heard his voice in my head.CALISTA, I FEEL YOUR MIND… BUT IT CAN’T BE YOU.
I smiled.It is.
HOW CAN THIS BE?
It’s a long story. A very long one…
I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR IT. BUT FIRST, I WANT TO SEE YOU.
I want to see you too.“Inferno knows we’re here.”
A thud sounded outside.
I looked out the window and saw Khazmuda’s dark scales against the white shore.
Talon headed toward the door. “There’s our ride.”