Page 95 of The Dragon Queen
Her eyes had that depth that pulled me in, a path that led straight to her heart. “You are home—both of you.”
I didn’t deserve Vivian’s love. And I certainly didn’t deserve Calista’s. Had no idea how I’d gotten so lucky to love two exceptional women—and they both loved me back.
“The dragons have made the Southern Isles their home, so that’s where Khazmuda belongs. His commitment to you is stronger than to them, but he deserves to have both. While I’ll miss my uncle and this forest will always hold a special place in my heart, it’s not where I’m supposed to be. My place is with both of you.”
“Are you certain?” I asked quietly.
“Absolutely certain,” she said. “My time in the Southern Isles was brief and fraught with war, but it was beautiful. Imagine how beautiful it will be when it’s restored to its full glory. When the olive trees bloom and the vineyards produce the richest wine. When the red geraniums grow in the planters on the balconies of the windows and the salt of the sea cleanses our lungs while we sleep at night. I’ve never swum in warm water like I did in that waterfall. Imagine how the sea must feel against the skin on a warm day. There are worse places to call home.”
Her words brought back memories, but this time, visiting the past didn’t hurt. Silas, Rosella, and I used to spend the day at the beach and swim in the warm waters until sunset. Rosella eventually stopped coming because she didn’t want to get her hair wet, but Silas and I continued even when we were men, even when I was married with other obligations. “Alright.”
“So that means you’ll be king?” She asked the question with a smile, like she already knew my answer.
Her smile was infectious, the way she thought so highly of me when I thought so poorly. “I suppose.”
Her beautiful smile widened even further, a twinkle in her eyes that reminded me of my mother, the way she looked at me like I was her whole world and more. “King Rothschild of the Southern Isles. Does that mean I need to start bowing to you?” Playfulness burned in her eyes as she teased me.
My hand gripped her ass and pulled her on top of me, hard at the thought of her being my queen, wearing a crown upon her beautiful head so everyone would know that she belonged to me. “You will bow to me every night.”
The four of us sat together at the grand table in the royal chambers. Queen Eldinar took the head of the table as the monarch of these lands, and her husband sat upon her right. I took the other spot next to her, Calista beside me.
“We’ve decided to reside in the Southern Isles,” I said. “All three of us.” Khazmuda had always wanted a family of his own, and perhaps we could raise our hatchlings together. “I’ve caught up on my rest, so we’ll be leaving shortly. I’ve never properly thanked you for your alliance, so I hope you accept my gratitude now.”
Queen Eldinar watched me with slight affection. “Then I should thank you for your alliance as well, Death King. Or should I call you King Rothschild, Ruler of the Southern Isles?” The affection in her gaze increased. “I’m glad that you’ve decided to take the crown. It’s been waiting for you these last decades.”
“Thank you, Queen Eldinar.”
“Make no mistake, we’re both sad about your departure. I know Ezra and I have grown fond of his niece, as much as we’ve grown fond of you. And Khazmuda, of course. But all good things come to an end, because all things come to an end eventually.”
“I will miss you both,” Calista said. “This forest became my home when I needed it most. I will always remember her music.”
Ezra dropped his eyes to the table, like this conversation was more challenging than the battles he’d fought. “Will you wed?” When he lifted his gaze, it was on me, suddenly becoming a father figure to a grown woman.
“When I’m crowned king, I will make her my queen,” I said. “Queen Calista Rothschild of the Southern Isles. With a dragon in my heart, a crown upon my head, and an army at my disposal, I will protect her as long as I live.”
After all this time and the way his wife’s opinion of me had changed, I assumed he would come to accept me, to pardon me for what I’d done to his brother and his homeland, but those roots seemed to run too deep to be cut.
A long stretch of silence passed. We all looked at each other like this was the final time we would ever speak.
“You’re always welcome in my lands,” I said. “Should you choose to visit, we would love to have you.”
“Thank you for the offer,” Queen Eldinar said politely. “Perhaps one day…”
Queen Eldinar and I walked through the forest together, the light coming through the trees almost gone because the sun was setting with swiftness. The fireflies were already out, but the illumination in their bellies was too faint to notice.
“I’m sad to lose such a good friend.” She walked barefoot down the earthen path, her gown dragging behind her but remaining unstained.
“We will still be friends—just at a greater distance.”
She smiled. “You will remain fused with Khazmuda.”
“It’s what he wishes.”
“Then what of Calista?”
“How do you mean?”
“You’ll remain in the full bloom of spring forevermore, while time pulls at her heart every day. Surely you’ve must have considered this.” She looked at me as she walked.