Page 18 of Courting the Dragon King

The grand monk walked around behind the podium and placed his hands on it. Three small wooden boxes sat on the podium. A damp, earthy scent lingered in the air. The crowd fell silent, except for the dead, who often rarely paid attention to the actions of the living.

Grand Monk Ferdinand smiled at them both. “Today, we are gathered to see King Konrad and Shadow Prince Wraith set off on their couple’s quest. Their quest has been planned by their noble families.”

The monk held out his arms, palms up. “Today on the Island of the Way of the Dove, there is a festival taking place, a fishing festival. In many of the villages, there will be a celebration and they will attempt to catch as many fish as they can. A good haul today heralds a prosperous year of fishing ahead.”

The grand monk looked between them. “I ask you both to fly to three of these villages, locate the festivities, and present bait to our half-brethren and give them our blessings. Our half-brethren may not be monks, but they, too, have taken vows to uphold peace. We take our responsibility to protect and assist them seriously.”

He lifted one of the boxes on the table and opened the lid. Inside, worms, the longest and fattest Wraith had ever seen, writhed.

“This bait is specially bred for the occasion.” The grand monk closed the box. “Now are you ready to start your quest?”

Chapter

Ten

The wind whipped passed Wraith’s face as he rode on the back of Konrad in his dragon form. The large green dragon beat his wings as they soared above the Island of the Way of the Dove.

Everything appears so different from on high.

Wraith sat up straight, scanning the mountains, valleys, and forests. He saw a human leading a horse and wagon loaded with produce down a dirt road. Further on, a man and woman walked arm-in-arm together.

But not everything was different from this high up. He could still see the dead, meandering around.

And in certain places, the landscape radiated with power where death had leaked into the ground and remained. These spots spoke of bloody battles or deadly plagues or any event that had resulted in the death of many. They would be strong places for necromancers to practice their arts.

And if Wraith were down there, he could assist those stuck on this side to pass on. In his experience, these were spots where spirits often remained and needed help.

They flew on, passing over people, ghosts, and landscapes. It all looked so beautiful from this high up. Wraith lifted his hands up and out, feeling the cold breeze rushing between his fingers. His lungs expanded, muscles relaxing. He tilted his head to the sky.

I am flying! I am flying in the air like a bird!

It was exhilarating. And freeing. He’d never guessed how glorious it would feel.

Then Konrad’s head swung back around. He looked at Wraith. Immediately, Wraith dropped his arms and gripped the pommel. He schooled his features. Konrad turned back.

The flight was less enjoyable knowing the dragon you rode didn’t like you. He stared down at the green scales, which shone in the sunlight. He wished to touch them and feel the texture.

But Konrad would not wish for Wraith’s touch. So Wraith remained still.

I just need to be competent today. Prove my worth and usefulness. Then maybe he’ll like me. Or maybe he’ll at least hate me less.

They approached a small fishing village. Wraith leaned forward.

A large crowd congregated by the harbour. People walked around carrying baskets loaded with fish. And there were even more fish filling trays and laid out on tables. The scent of grilled fish rose into the air. A group of musicians played whilst villagers danced in a square.

This must be the festivities.

Konrad landed in a clear space by the harbour. Children sprinted towards them. The adults came at a more respectable, although still rushed, pace, no doubt wanting to see a real dragon up close.

Wraith unstrapped himself and climbed off Konrad’s back. He removed the harness and took off the pack that Konrad wore. He stepped back.

The air shimmered and grew thick around Konrad. The scent of smoke filled Wraith’s nostrils. Konrad’s neck retracted. Limbs shifted, becoming smaller and thinner. Wings disappeared. Scales turned to skin. He went from all fours to standing on two human legs.

Gasps escaped the crowd. Finally, Konrad stood in his full naked glory.

Wraith sucked in a breath. Konrad’s muscles bulged. He stood tall. His brown skin shone in the sunlight. He pushed a hand through his short hair, and Wraith’s mouth dried.

His future spouse was so handsome. Wraith could have rejoiced to go to bed with him and enjoy their living bodies. And Konrad’s arms looked so strong too. If they wrapped around Wraith, he’d feel so safe and cared for, in a way he never had before.