Caelen, Veron and I sit across from King Kyvern, Nurala, and Ruvaen, in the dining hall. Silver moonlight spills in through the large floor to ceiling windows that look out on the palace gardens and the river below.
The dining table is so long it appears as though it were meant for over a dozen people instead of just a few. Crystal plates and goblets and golden silverware are placed before us. A roaring fire near the head of the table heats the entire space.
Several glowing blue and green orbs are suspended throughout the room for lighting. Dozens of tapestries hang along the walls, depicting Elves in battle armor, facing down foes. I grimace when I notice the one showing a High Elf slaying a dragon.
Veron’s eyes lock onto the tapestry with an angry glare. I notice he forgoes the silverware and uses his lethal claws to spear his food.
Large platters of food are arranged down the center of the long table, but I’m too nervous to eat. So much has happened and so much depends upon this meeting.
Veron will definitely tip the balance in the battle to regain my throne, but I worry he will not be enough now that I know Rina is a goblin witch. I need the help of Rivenyl’s armies as well.
“I do not understand.” Caelen’s father looks to me. “What happened exactly? We were worried that you died.” He turns to Ruvaen. “Ruvaen said he saw you take an arrow meant for my son when you were escaping.”
“On the night of our wedding, Fredrik’s men stormed the castle with the help of my stepmother—the queen. They murdered my father,” I tell him, somehow managing to keep my voice even. “Fredrik would have killed me if not for your son. They intended to blame the death of myself and my father on Caelen and all those with him.”
Caelen rests his hand over mine on the table. “Ruvaen’s words are true,” he adds. “When we were escaping, Lyana took an arrow meant for my back. She nearly died because of it.”
His sister’s eyes shine with tears. “You saved my brother.”
“How can we ever repay you?” King Kyvern asks.
I regard him steadily. “I have come to ask for Rivenyl’s aid in retaking my throne.”
Kyvern sits back in his chair. “I have no desire to conquer Eryadon. I never have. I simply wanted to keep Rivenyl’s borders intact. You are bound to my son. Rivenyl can be your home and no more High Elf blood need be spilled for you to remain here.”
“And what if Fredrik and Rina do not stop with Eryadon?” I ask. “What if they decide to invade Rivenyl?”
“Then, we will defend our borders, as we always have.” His gaze darts to Veron. “You brought a dragon to my home. Was it to force my hand?”
Caelen growls beside me. He opens his mouth, but I begin.
“No,” I state firmly. “My brother, Prince Arthur, came before you once and set in motion a treaty between our two kingdoms. Your son and I married to enforce it. I come before you now, as the rightful queen of Eryadon, asking that you honor it.”
He studies me a moment before inclining his head. “Rivenyl will honor the alliance with Eryadon.”
I dip my chin in a subtle nod of acknowledgment.
Kyvern turns to Veron. “Your kind are not known for your altruism, Dragon. Why would you do this?”
Veron tips up his chin, staring down at the king imperiously. “My mate is human and is carrying our fledgling. I will not have my son raised in a kingdom under the rule of a Goblin queen and a Wolf shifter king. The only two creatures I despise more than Elves and Fae.”
Kyvern huffs. “And yet you want peace between us?”
Veron leans forward. “I will do anything to guarantee the safety of my mate and child.”
Kyvern studies him as if he cannot believe it. “You have truly bound yourself to a human?”
“She is my T’kara,” Veron grinds out. “My greatest treasure.”
“If you truly wish for peace between us, it is yours,” he says. “I’d rather have a dragon as an ally, than an enemy. I will draw up the agreement and we can seal it in blood.”
“Good,” Veron replies. “Now, let us discuss how to rid Eryadon of goblin and wolf filth.”
