Page 14 of The Final Battle

“Come, let us get some cake, I had a sample of it earlier and it’s rather wonderful,“ I suggested, hooking my arm through his and heading back towards the tables covered with food for people to enjoy.

The second Jade spotted me, he made a bee-line right to my side. “There you are, your Majesty, need a break from all the dancing?“

“I was just telling the King he needed to try some cake, but I would like a refreshment,“ Turning to the king I smiled. “Would you mind greatly if I left you on your own while you enjoy your dessert?“

“No my dear, enjoy the night, I’ve stolen enough of your time. I’m sure your men are getting anxious. You have quite the devoted group of consorts. I hope one day my children will find such loyal partners.“

With a quick bob of a curtsy, out of respect, I left with Jade. Soon, I had a glass in my hand that Cole brought over, before I was whisked out of the ballroom into the back servants hall. There were the rest of my consorts, along with May and Becka.

“What did the king want?“ Jade demanded the moment it was safe to ask.

I held up a hand for them to give me a moment as I took a few gulps from the glass of water. “That’s better,“ I said with a sigh, not realizing how thirsty dancing had made me. “The king and I had a rather interesting conversation. It seems that Queen Catharine and I will be having a chat tomorrow about a trip she took to Utros three years ago.“

Even though we were out of the way, staff still hurried back and forth, maintaining things in the ballroom. I knew my people well enough that I figured they could read between the lines.

“I’m sorry, did you say that happened three years ago?“ Pax questioned.

I nodded, taking another sip. “Yes, she apparently is good friends with the royalty there. Such good friends, that when they requested some help in the way of supplies, she sent them over.“

The guys swore under their breaths, while the girls did better at keeping their feelings under control.

“I was also informed about a tragic story about how the Crown Princess of Errit died shortly after being married to a nobleman’s son from Utros. Since she was their only child, her husband was named Crown Prince. With how tragic their story is I’m amazed none of us ever heard anything about it,“ I mused knowing full well why the story was kept secret.

Henry wouldn’t want people knowing how much influence he had or that he’d left his supposed prison in Utros. Paxton’s father had owned up to the fact he didn’t kill the boy and now we are all paying for that man’s choice.

“Might I suggest this is a conversation that should be continued in our rooms?“ Gavin interjected, giving us all a warning look. “The night is still young and we have many guests that would like to spend time greeting their new queen.“

“Quite right,“ Izel agreed, nodding and slipped his arm around my waist. “But not before I get my chance for a dance.“

The rest of the night was spent chatting with my subjects and dancing with all my consorts. I managed to put the fears of the future to rest and focus on the here and now. When the clock struck midnight, I made my excuses and curled up into bed with Paxton and Gavin, where we promptly passed out.

Chapter nine

Cassarah

My dreams were filled with flashes of memories from Miranda on her coronation day, finally claiming her consorts and the beginning of their happiness together. In all the nights I’d dreamed of her, this was a moment I hadn’t experienced. It was interesting to see the difference from what I went through yesterday. It was far more simple, and reminiscent of a traditional marriage, when it came to her men. Magic hadn’t really been involved at all. When I felt myself starting to wake up, everything shifted and I was pulled into the void of Vasin’s mind.

Panic filled me as I remembered what happened the last time I was here alone, but I’d come a long way since then and understood my powers better. A figure glowed and I assumed it was Miranda that was coming to talk with me, as we’d done on occasion. Only this time, it was someone else dressed in armor, with her curly brown hair wild around her face.

“Hello, Cassarah, my mother has told me so much about you. I’m Emery, Miranda’s daughter,“ Emery greeted, giving me a soft smile.

Confusion whirled in my mind at this change. “How are you here? I thought it was just Miranda that could communicate with me like this?“

“Oh no, any of the past kings and queens of the mercenaries that shared a bond with a black dragon can reveal themselves to you. Each of us knows when we are needed, and my mother was who you needed most. Now you’re on the verge of war, the biggest since the battle of the kingdoms, so I’ve come to offer what guidance I can,“ Emery explained, reaching out a hand to me.

I took the offered hand and was immediately swept up in her memory of swords clashing, arrows flying through the air, and people screaming out in pain. The smell of smoke burned in my nose as sweat dripped down my back and into my eyes, which I brushed away hurriedly. Chaos ruled, and it was nearly impossible to see beyond what was right in front of me. A sword descended upon me, and I rose mine to meet it, feeling the hit echo down my arm. Then as fast as the memory started it ended, and I was back holding Emery’s hand in the white void of my dragon’s brain.

“War is chaos, it is bloody, and it changes you forever, in ways you never see coming. I know the Lost King has left you no choice but to meet him head on, but I didn’t want you to go unprepared,“ she murmured using her other hand to brush the tears from my cheek. “Your heart is so strong, and yet in that strength it’s weak when it comes to moments where you have to choose your life over theirs.“

“How do I make it through this without turning into him?“ I asked, feeling that fear wrapping itself around my heart.

Emery smiled and tucked a finger under my chin, lifting it so I would meet her gaze. “The fact that you are worried tells me that it won’t happen. War is a test of wills and it’s all about who can outsmart the other, but those who don’t have value in the lives that fight for them, won’t get their best. When people fight for their freedom, for their home, and their loved ones, they become far more powerful than those who’ve been ordered to fight.“ Emery paused, searching my face for understanding. “Last night, your people wanted nothing more than to spend time with you, trust me when I say they will fight alongside you without a second thought.“

“I don’t want to have to ask them. There must be some way that I can stop this war before it truly begins,“ I argued.

Emery shook her head. “The time for that has passed, now you have to stand and fight. There is more to the Lost King than meets the eye. When he lost his dragon and brought him back, it twisted something inside him too. Think of him like a rabid dog. It’s better to put him out of his misery than to let him live. Sadly, you’re the only one who can defeat him with the magic you hold. The dragons have blessed you with what you need to do the deed.“

“Is that why you’ve really come, to tell me that it’s my duty as the Dragon Queen to slay the monster?“ I asked bitterly.