Dragonfyre Read online

  “I’m surprised you aren’t angry with me because of it.”

  “Oh, I am perturbed about it.”

  A faint smile pulled at his lips. “You still have the Blue’s trust, Kyndra. Never doubt that.

  Anger and grief can make anything lose focus.”

  He motioned for her to follow Theron. Aimery fell into step beside her, and she found that she didn’t mind him being near. She had seen his appreciative glance over her body, but he hadn’t attempted to gain her interest. Not that he needed to do anything. No one could be in a room and not notice Aimery. He exuded sexuality greater than any Fae she had ever encountered. Add that to his magnetism and it was near impossible to stay away from him.

  Which was going to make being alone with him her greatest test.

  Chapter Five

  Kyndra stopped beside Aimery in the throne room to see Theron and Lugus in a conversation. “Do you know Lugus?”

  “Aye. The three of us grew up together,” Aimery answered. “He’s a good man who had a terrible wrong done to him.”

  “Everything worked out in the end, didn’t it?”

  “It did. Yet for all that happened, I know Lugus will always carry the weight upon his shoulders. He would have made a good king.”

  His answer intrigued her. “Would you have honored him as your king had he wanted the throne?”

  Aimery’s gaze swung to her. “It’s his by right of birth. Even if he wanted to claim it now, he has every right, and Theron knows it.”

  “Will Lugus ever claim it?”

  “I doubt it. He doesn’t feel as though he’s worthy of the crown. He also has a good life with Ahryn, his wife. He’s found happiness and peace. What more could a man want?”

  “What indeed,” she murmured.

  Aimery faced her and crossed his arms over his chest. “What about you, priestess? What do you want?”

  “What I have now. Being a priestess to the Dragon Order is all I’ve ever wanted.”

  “How would you know? How would any of the virgins who make their way to the temple know? You’ve not known the caress of a man. How could you deny what comes naturally to us?”

  “We all have our calling, Commander. For me it was to pledge myself to the Order and the dragons. It is a worthy cause, one I’m extremely proud of. Just as, I’m sure, you are proud to lead the army.”

  “Nicely done.”

  She smiled. “Is what Theron said of Thav true?”

  “I’m not going to lie to you, Kyndra. It’s very dangerous. I wouldn’t take you with me, but Theron has commanded it.”

  “A priestess I might be, but I can also hold my own with a sword.”

  “I’d like to say we won’t find out, but we probably will.” Excitement coursed through Kyndra. This was her time to prove she was the next high priestess. This was her time to right the wrong done to the Blues. And she wouldn’t fail.

  “Aimery, Kyndra,” Theron called.

  They walked to the king and his brother. Lugus’ hair was darker than Aimery’s, and he was several inches taller than Theron. Also, his build was more like Aimery’s instead of the lithe body of the king.

  “Kyndra of the Blue Order,” Lugus said as he bowed his head to her. “Theron has told me he sends you with Aimery after Isran and the egg.”

  “He does, your highness.”

  Lugus held up a hand. “None of that. I’m simply Lugus.” She smiled, liking him instantly. It was then she noticed the many tattoos on his hands, forearms, and neck.

  “Aye,” Lugus said.

  She blinked. “I’m sorry?”

  “You wondered if the tattoos are on other parts of my body. They are. My chest and arms are covered in them.”

  Theron shook his head with a smile. “Those tattoos are what will get us to Thav.”

  “I don’t understand,” Kyndra said. “How can a tattoo help?” Lugus glanced at the ground. “At one point I had a vast amount of power. With these tattoos I’m able to command magic to transport me wherever I need to go. Each tattoo is a realm.”

  “Amazing.”

  He shrugged and faced Aimery. “Hello, old friend.”

  They clasped forearms before they hugged. “You should come to the palace more often,” Aimery said.

  “And you should come to the house more often. Ahryn is beginning to think you don’t like her cooking.”

  Theron laughed. “Don’t let him lie to you, Aimery. Ahryn doesn’t cook. They might live in the mountains, but they have nearly as many servants as I do.”

  “Now who’s lying,” Lugus said.

  Kyndra watched the exchange with a smile. For all his faults, Lugus had righted a great wrong. Surely she could do the same.

  “I’ll be sure to visit once this is all over,” Aimery promised.

  The smile on Lugus’ face dropped. “I’ll tell you all right now, I don’t advise going to Thav. I’ve visited it four times, and it was four times too many. It is an unholy place, a place drenched in black magic.”

  Kyndra waited for the others to ask why and, when they didn’t, she did. “Why?”

  “The ruler of Thav, a beastly man named Eldar, doesn’t like anyone to have more magic than he does. He limits the use of black magic, and our magic…he cuts off all together.” Aimery let out a string of curses.

  “I can’t let them go someplace they can’t use magic,” Theron said.

  Kyndra was shaken to her core at the news. “We have to go. Our realm is at stake.” Lugus narrowed his gaze on her. “Have you ever been without magic, priestess?”

  “You know I haven’t.”

  “Well, I have. Five years that felt more like five millennia. My wife went several months without the use of her magic. For a Fae who has known nothing but magic, it will be impossible for you to live with.”

  “I have no other choice. I have to get the egg back.” She looked at the three men. “There was always a measure of danger in this mission; knowing that it’s taking us to a realm we’d rather not go changes nothing. We have to go.”

  Aimery’s blood heated just watching Kyndra. With one look from her, he would have done anything she asked. “She’s right, Theron. We have to go. Lugus doesn’t. Open the doorway long enough for us to get through before you close it again.”

  “How will you return?” Theron asked. “Especially if you cannot use magic.”

  “We’ll have to plan on enticing Eldar. All leaders have a weakness, and Thav is no different.”

  “Nay,” Theron said. “I cannot risk it.”

  “You cannot risk them not going after Isran. You know as well as I they have to go.” Lugus faced Aimery. “However, I will be going with you.”

  “Nay. You need to be here for the birth of your child.”

  “I agree. Which means we need to come up with a plan that will ensure I’m here.” Aimery sighed and paced the round chamber.

  “What does a man such as Eldar want?” Kyndra asked.

  Aimery answered without thought. “Power. He hungers for power.”

  “Much like Isran does.”

  “Correct,” Lugus said.

  Kyndra shrugged. “Then why is Isran going to the very man who will limit his use of black magic.”

  Aimery dropped his head back as realization ran through him.

  “What is it?” Theron asked.

  Aimery met his king’s gaze. “Isran isn’t going to Thav to seek Eldar’s help. He’s going to Thav to usurp the throne. With the dragon’s egg at his side, he will be able to prove that he’s more powerful than Eldar.”

  “And with Eldar’s death, Isran will claim his power,” Lugus finished.

  “Shite.” Theron moved to his throne and sank onto the seat. “Are you sure?” Aimery nodded. “I’d stake my life on it.”

  “You might very well have to,” Lugus said.

  Aimery looked to Kyndra to find her mouth pinched and her brow furrowed. Her parlor was paling with each moment.

  “Isran has the egg, which means he pl
ans to use it. For leverage to get followers?” Theron asked.

  “That’s a possibility.” Aimery took a step toward Kyndra as her chest began to rise and fall rapidly.

  Lugus shrugged. “Or he’ll crack open the egg and bathe in the undeveloped dragon embryo which will enable him to rule the Blues.”

  Aimery caught Kyndra as she swayed. Her fingers clutched at his arm, her eyes wide with fear. “How do you know that?”

  Aimery threw Lugus a disgusted look as Kyndra’s nails sunk into his flesh.

  “The dragons are an important part of our lives,” Lugus said. “It is imperative that the king and his advisors know all there is to know of the dragons.” Kyndra’s gaze met Aimery’s.

  Theron nodded. “The Order does know everything involving the dragons, except when it comes to black magic.”

  “We aren’t taught anything with black magic,” Kyndra said.

  “It’s one of the reasons we’re so careful to capture any Fae who delves into the black arts.”

  “We can’t let him succeed.”

  “No, we can’t,” Aimery said.

  At his words, she took in a shaky breath and released his arm. “I’ve failed my order once already. I refuse to do it twice.”

  “Then you’re going to need my help,” Lugus said. “Let’s get a plan together. We’ve wasted enough time already, and I want to return to my wife.” Aimery set Kyndra on her feet. It was only after he released her that he realized how much he enjoyed holding her soft body. His balls tightened just thinking of touching her again.

  But you can’t have her.

  That was what ate at him the most. She wasn’t for him. She had chosen the dragons over the pleasures of the flesh. There was nothing he could do or say to dissuade her from her vows, and he didn’t want to. He respected her choice, but it was going to be damn hard remembering that he couldn’t touch her.

  “We need to get in to see Eldar,” he said. “If we can convince him why we’re there, we might be able to get him on our side.”

  “And possibly the use of our magic?” Kyndra asked.

  Aimery shrugged. “It’s a possibility, but I wouldn’t count on it.”

  “That’s a good idea,” Theron said. “Do you think you can get in to see Eldar before Isran?”

  “Knowing Isran, he went to Thav as soon as he had the egg. Once on Thav, he set about hatching his plan. He likes to work alone, but he will gain help if needed. He showed that at the dragon’s lair.”

  Lugus smiled then. “I know how to get us in to see Eldar.”

  “How?”

  “Am I not an emissary to Theron? Is it not a custom of all realms to allow emissaries entrance before others?”

  Aimery threw back his head and laughed. “Lugus, you’re brilliant.” Theron clapped his brother on the back. “I’ll write up a missive for you to take to Eldar.” Chapter Six

  Kyndra tried to shake off the warmth of Aimery’s hold. No man had touched her since she left her home and said farewell to her father. Not even King Theron dared to touch her.

  But Aimery hadn’t thought twice about it.

  It made her wonder if going alone with him to Thav was such a good idea. Yet, she had no choice. Regardless of how his touch made her blood heat and her heart accelerate. She had taken vows. Those vows meant everything to her, the dragons meant everything to her. There was nothing that would make her turn her back on the Order or the dragons.

  She turned to find Lugus leaning over Theron who sat behind a massive desk, ornately decorated with the knot work of the Fae. She watched the brothers for a moment, still unable to believe Lugus would allow Theron to keep the throne when it was rightfully his.

  The smell of orangewood filled her senses. She inhaled the scent, immediately recognizing it was Aimery a moment before he stepped into her line of vision. Her gaze was drawn to him. Stories of his feats had circulated the realm for millennia. He was feared among the Fae, as well as trusted. Theron had indeed chosen the right warrior to send after Isran.

  Aimery’s swirling blue gaze met hers. He had retrieved more weapons and a jerkin of deep blue. His flaxen hair still had the small plaits at his temples, but they had been pulled back, along with the rest of his hair, to a queue at the base of his neck.

  He hid his emotions well, but Kyndra had seen the fury and anguish by Isran’s betrayal.

  In a way she felt sorry for Isran, because once Aimery found him, and she had no doubt the commander would find him, the retribution would be terrible.

  Kyndra wanted her chance at Isran herself. There was nothing either she or Aimery could do that could match what the dragons would do to him, but the need to punish him, to inflict harm upon a Fae who would dare to harm a dragon was too much to ignore.

  She shifted the cloak over her shoulders. Aimery’s gaze lowered to the dragon band about her left arm. It let all know that she wasn’t just a priestess, but a warrior for the dragons. It had been one of her most glorious days when she had earned the right to wear the dragon.

  “Are you ready?”

  Kyndra jerked her gaze to the king. Theron was staring at her. He rose and leaned his hands on the desk, his gaze intense.

  She gave a small nod. “I’m ready.”

  “Kyndra, I know I chose you to go with Aimery,” Theron said. “However, that was before I knew who had taken the egg and where he had gone.” Kyndra opened her mouth to argue with Theron when Aimery stepped forward. “We’re ready.”

  The king and Lugus swung their gazes to Aimery. Theron ran a hand down his face and straightened. “I want all three of you to return. The thought of losing any one of you…”

  “We’ll return.” Lugus walked around the desk to stand on her left, putting her between him and Aimery.

  A fission of fear raced along her spine, but she refused to let any of them see it. She gripped the hilt of her sword to give her strength. It wasn’t that she feared facing Isran or even going into a realm such as Thav. What she feared most was not be able to call upon her magic.

  Magic had been a part of every Fae’s training from the moment of his birth. It was no wonder so many went insane when not able to use it. Her gaze fell on Lugus. He had survived for five years without it. Five years to a Fae were gone in a blink but, to a Fae who had been mortal on Earth, it must have felt like eternity.

  Lugus had survived. She would survive. All she had to do was remember the look in the blue dragon’s eyes as she gazed at her dead mate to give her the courage and strength Kyndra needed to finish her mission.

  Theron walked around his desk to stand in front of them. “Let the magic of the realm and the well wishes of every Fae follow you on your quest.”

  “We’re going to need it,” Lugus said. He pushed the sleeve on his left arm up to reveal the tattoos. “Ready?”

  She nodded, her gaze on the tattoos.

  “We’ve wasted enough time,” Aimery said.

  Lugus’ fingers hovered over a tattoo near his elbow. It was the size of a small coin and looked like an eye with some strange writing around it. “Keep watch on Ahryn for me.”

  “You have my word,” Theron said.

  And with that, Lugus placed his finger on the eye.

  Kyndra blinked, the darkness around her causing fear to well up inside her.

  “Kyndra?”

  She sighed. Aimery was with her. “I’m here. Why can’t I see?” Lugus let out a long sigh. “Its Eldar’s spell. Our magic is gone.”

  “You weren’t jesting that it would be gone as soon as we entered the realm. “ Kyndra flexed her shoulders. She didn’t like not being able to see. She hadn’t realized until then that her sight had been enhanced by magic. She began to wonder just what else was enhanced by magic, and she had a suspicion it was much more than she realized.

  “Are you all right?”

  Aimery’s breath fanned her skin as he whispered in her ear. The heat from his body surrounded her, and she knew all she had to do was lean back and she’d find him against
her. It should irritate her, but it didn’t. She was glad he was there, because she was going to be tested.

  And she feared how she would react.

  “We’re in some kind of structure,” Lugus said. He grunted as he moved forward and collided with something. “Stay here until I find the door.” To her amazement, he navigated the room without running into anything else. “How are you doing that?”

  “I remembered what it’s like not to be able to see,” Lugus answered. “It didn’t take long for my eyes to become adjusted to the darkness. Yours will as well.” Aimery grunted. “I don’t plan to be here that long.”

  “Let’s hope you’re right.” No sooner had Lugus spoke than moonlight poured into the room.

  Kyndra had the urge to shout for joy. With Aimery at her back she walked to Lugus and out of the building. “Now what?”

  Aimery shut the door and pulled her into the shadows. His gazed raked over their surroundings. “Where are we, Lugus?”

  “The capital city. Eldar’s castle is there,” he said and pointed high above them.

  Kyndra followed Lugus’ finger, craning her neck to look at the top of the mountain and the fortress that rested at the top. “Of course.”

  Lugus chuckled then drew in a quick breath, his hand to his head.

  “Lugus?” Aimery stepped to him, grabbing his friend by the shoulders. “What is it?”

  “Ahryn,” he answered in a strangled whisper.

  Kyndra looked from Lugus to Aimery. “What is going on? How can Lugus know about his wife if our magic is stopped?”

  Aimery held Lugus steady as he swayed on his feet. Whatever Ahryn was telling him wasn’t good. “Ahryn is able to communicate with Lugus through her mind, regardless of where he is.”

  “By all that’s magic,” Kyndra murmured.

  Lugus fell to his knees, his face ashen and his mouth twisted in pain. “It’s the babe. She’s in labor, Aimery, and she’s dying.”

  “Go to her.” Aimery wouldn’t let anything stop him from being with his wife in such a time. Ahryn needed Lugus much more than they did.

  Lugus’ eyes opened to stare at him. “I cannot leave you. You need me.”