The Dragonscale Throne Read online

  “A fox appeared to you on the full moon when we were in the woods outside Marli’s cottage. That’s your animal. You must see yourself as a fox,” she muttered to me before she glanced at Trenton. “You need to stay with Daniel and the horses. Larnika and I are going to have to guide the wraith away from Layanna. If he finds us, he finds her.”

  Moving off my shoulder, Trenton swirled around my head once before settling on the ground and turning back to his full size. “I've sprinkled her with fairy dust. It should help cover her scent.”

  As he moved away, Larnika came closer and placed both his hands on my shoulders. “It won't be long until he's here. Sarsia is going to cloak us with a spell now, but she won't be able to completely cover you. Before Jordeek took away my powers, I was able to transform into a wolf.”

  “There's not a chance I can shift into a fox!” I declared loudly, cringing when another long loud screech filled the air.

  “He's almost here. Imagine yourself as a fox. See their eyes, the shape of their head, their nose. Close your eyes and be the fox.”

  Squeezing my shoulders, he nodded fiercely, indicating that I should close my eyes. Doing that, I pictured the fox who had nudged me with his nose all those nights ago.

  “When you transform,” Larnika said, his voice sounding like it was far away. “Run as fast as you can. Don't stop until you hear my voice in your head. If you reach the boundary of the wood, turn and go the other way. Do not leave without us.”

  Taking a deep breath, I did as he told me, concentrating hard on the fox in my mind. Pinpricks of fear ran down my spine, causing me to move from side to side. Pressure built in my head before the rush of air brushed against my skin. The feeling of falling slipped through me, causing me to open my eyes. I was low to the ground, my eyes in line with Larnika's boots. Looking up, I blinked as he shook his head.

  “That was the quickest change I've ever seen. Well done, Princess.”

  Opening my mouth, I slammed it shut again when an eerie noise erupted from me. I was a fox. How was I a fox? It was impossible for humans to change shape. I wasn't human, that was the answer.

  “We're going to try and distract the wraith with-”

  The screech vibrated through me, much nearer than it had been before.

  Larnika's gaze shot up before he looked at Sarsia who waved her hand. They suddenly disappeared from sight, every one of them.

  Run, they had told me to run.

  Doing exactly that, I breathed through an unfamiliar nose, my four paws padding on the ground. When the sound came again, I ducked down, my belly sliding on the leaves under me. What had I done? I was in the shape of an animal. The others had left me on my own.

  To the right of me, leaves started thrashing around. Backtracking, I moved my little head around, trying to see the others.

  Run...! Larnika's voice echoed in my mind.

  The small heart in my chest beat fast, the sound loud in my ears as I ran blindly. A loud swoosh sounded overhead as I tucked myself around a tree. More noise came from behind, making me turn to see a dark black cloud shoot in the direction of where Sarsia and Larnika were causing a distraction.

  My pads slipped on the leaves as I ran, my fox breath puffing in and out. The loud screech reached my ears, nearer to me than I liked. I had to get away from the wraith, whatever that was. Liliya was working for Jordeek, using black magic, but did she have a choice? Marni didn't believe she would.

  Tree trunks were huge as I galloped through the forest, my eyes seeing things that I could never have seen when in my normal size. Insects crawling on the dirt, their tiny feet bigger than ever. The smells of the earth filtered up my nose, the sensation making me want to sneeze.

  In the distance, the wraith called again, warning everyone that it was there. If Sarsia and Larnika were caught, it would be over. I couldn't continue the campaign to defeat Jordeek without those who had stayed by my side.

  “Over here!” came a small voice as I grew closer to the edge of the wood.

  The light grew brighter through the trees, but my little paws slowed as someone called me again. Looking to my left, I stopped altogether. There, sitting on a mushroom, were three fairies. They waved to me, the colour of their fairy dust leaving a trail in the air above them.

  “You can hide down here!” Pointing at a hole in the side of the tree, they quickly disappeared inside.

  Treading closer, I kept my distance, just in case it was a trap. How did they know who I was? Surely, a normal fox wouldn't have contact with the fae?

  I was about to turn and bolt when the hiss of the wraith echoed around me, much closer than only moments ago. Was it tracking me?

  A fairy appeared in the hole of the trunk, waving me inside urgently. Deciding to trust my instinct, I slipped inside and sunk to my belly on the earth.

  “You're safe,” the tree whispered.

  It felt like an age since the last time I had hidden in the trunk of a tree. Warmth enveloped me as the fairies stood in front of me, each coming close to my face and staring into my eyes.

  “Trenton called out to the woods, requesting help from any Seelie fairy.” The female one curtsied, her bright eyes blinking in delight.

  “We knew you were important, but we weren't expecting the Lost Queen.” The male green fairy pushed his companion, laughing when she tripped.

  The last was a young fairy, only half the size of the others. He stepped forward and placed his incredibly small hand on my nose. Trying my hardest not to pull away, I allowed him to lean against me as he looked into my eyes.

  “She's pretty.” The boy.

  “She's a fox.” The man.

  “She's our Queen, show some respect!” The female.

  Blinking, I waited, unsure whether I should try and change back into my full self. Glancing up at the tree, I decided against it.

  The tree's bark was glistening with sap, the inside somehow brighter than outside. My whole body shook as I waited, my eyes flicking between the gap in the tree, to the fairies, to the small enclosure that was my hiding place.

  “Trenton hasn't visited these parts for a long time,” the male fairy said. “It will be a pleasant surprise for the clan.”

  Nodding my head, I jumped when the little boy fairy came closer and flew onto my nose. My eyes blurred when I tried to focus on him. Pulling back, I shook my head. He laughed as he hovered above me, his little wings sending bright blue dust around me.

  “The wraith has gone,” the female said, coming closer to me. “It's safe for you to go outside.”

  Looking at where she pointed towards the cracked bark, I cringed back. How did I know they were telling the truth? They could have been in league with the creature that had been screaming.

  Layanna? Larnika's voice rang through my mind. It's safe to come out. We're on our way.

  My nose sniffed the ground as the fairies left. Slowly following them, I squeezed back through the hole and came out into the woods. The smell of earth, dead leaves, and moisture in the air, made me look around. The small details that were often ignored were beautiful.

  “I've called Trenton to our hiding place. He should be here soon.”

  Closing my eyes, I envisioned myself fully grown. A breeze lifted my hair as I instantly transformed. My eyes fluttered open, and I saw the woods as if for the first time. The colours were vibrant, the smells intense. It was as if my fox-self had allowed me to keep its instincts of sight and smell.

  The boy fairy came to hover in front of my face, a grin on his. “You are so pretty!”

  “Thank you,” I replied, my cheeks heating as I held out my hand.

  He flew down and landed on it, his tiny feet tickling the skin on my palm. I laughed when he did a little dance before he bowed. “Anything to help the princess achieve her goal of defeating the King.”

  A crashing through the woods made me press myself against the trunk of the tree. The fairies came close, flying in front of me. Holding my breath, I tucked my cloak around me at the same tim
e as grasping my sword. It had been a momentous morning.

  “That's Trenton,” the female said.

  Releasing my breath, I came out from behind the tree as the others rode up beside me.

  Larnika led my horse, the others close behind him. “Get on,” he said quietly. “Sarsia cast a spell on the wraith when he spotted us. He's incapacitated, but we must leave. Now.”

  Chapter Two

  Jordeek

  My sweat riddled body slowed as Jin joined me, his running pace not as fast as mine. He had never been quite as active as me. I had to train for combat for two hours a day. My father had drilled the habit into me from a young age.

  “Sire.” Jin puffed as we passed the rose garden. “Liliya's wraith saw them.”

  My boots skidded to a halt as I turned to him. Even though my chest was heaving, I clapped him on the back. His armour clanked as he almost tumbled over.

  “It's about time that witch gave me something useful.”

  A maid suddenly appeared out of the servant quarters, a basket in her hand. Her long dark hair flowed around her shoulders, reminding me of the traitor princess Layanna. My breath hitched in my throat as the young filly turned. It wasn't her, she wasn't the one who made my heart beat just a little faster than was welcome.

  “You!” I called to her.

  She glanced at me before rushing over, curtsying smoothly. “Can I help you, Sire?”

  “Go to my quarters,” I ordered.

  There was only one way I would get Layanna Fairling out of my mind. Distraction was a good way to exercise the thoughts that had been plaguing my brain. The maid glanced at Jin, who nodded.

  “Why are you checking with him?” I said to her. “I'm the King. What I say, goes.”

  “I'm sorry, Sire,” she muttered before scurrying away.

  “Let's go and see Liliya. My little witch might deserve a reward.”

  Leaning over to the bush of red roses beside me, I plucked one. Bringing it to my nose, I paused as the pungent scent of rot surrounded me. Opening the petals, I dropped the rose on the ground.

  “The shroud...” Jin whispered when he bent to examine the flower.

  Going to the bush, I studied the roots. The black grey that was spreading up the vines confirmed my suspicion. The shroud was spreading.

  “Section off this part of the garden.” Staring over at the hundreds of different coloured roses, I clenched my hands into fists as my chest squeezed.

  The palace and its surrounding grounds had been the most beautiful part of Althea, and now, it was succumbing to the dreaded demise that was spreading throughout my kingdom.

  “I will consult the oracle,” I said, holding up a hand when Jin went to protest. “It has to be done. I cannot allow this kingdom to die.”

  “But, Sire.” He wrung his hands together in front of him. “The oracle has been asleep since your father killed the Fairlings. You don't know what will happen if you awaken her.”

  Shrugging, I took a deep breath as I looked over my land. The palace sat on a hill that was currently covered in a mostly grey stain. The oracle could advise the leaders of Althea, helping them to make choices for the good of their people. When my father had murdered the Fairlings, the oracle had been locked in the dungeon. Her powers were not used, which meant that she had fallen into a deep slumber until she was needed again. Today was that day.

  “First,” I said, turning on my heel. “I speak to Liliya. I will then awaken the oracle.”

  Without protest, Jin followed me inside the palace. The pretty maid would have to wait. I had wanted to satiate the lust that kept rocking through me every time I thought of Layanna, but there were more important things to do.

  “Liliya!” I called when I entered the library.

  She was standing by the yellow stain glassed window, staring out at the land below. When my boots alerted her to my presence, she glanced over at me. The long pale red dress she wore was fine quality with silver threading. At least the witch had comfortable clothing. I couldn't bear to see her scratch at herself. The pain must have been uncomfortable.

  “Jordeek,” Liliya greeted as she folded her arms across her chest and carried on her staring.

  “Did you just address our King by his name?” Jin took out his sword, ready to step forward.

  Waving him away, I went over to the table where she'd been working. The wooden surface still had the map scratched into it. There were several wax puddles where she had burnt her candles down while she worked.

  “Jin, clean this wax and provide Liliya with new candles.”

  The witch rushed over, snatching the old piece of candle I had just picked off the table. Her long black hair was tied in a braid that swung as she pushed me away and leant over the surface.

  Jabbing her finger at an area above Loridon, Liliya snorted. “The wraith caught sight of Sarsia here. It's about three hours ride from where the battle took place.”

  My insides heated at the mention of the battle. There had been heavy losses on both sides, but my army had defeated Herk and his Loridon men. My guards had insisted that I retreat as soon as it was determined that Layanna and the traitors had fled. Before leaving, I had sent word of my reward to anyone who captured the false princess.

  Pointing at the mountain, I snarled in my throat as the heat spread over my skin. “It's what I thought. They're heading for Dragonscale.”

  “Why would they do that?” Liliya frowned as my finger trailed up to the clouds where the floating island of dragons dwelt.

  “The King of Dragonscale hated my father. Larnika and Sarsia will know that and seek to gain favour with him. We could be in real danger if they manage to cross the sea to the mountain.”

  Moving her finger to the sea, Liliya sighed. Something about her demeanour caused me to turn to face her. “Is everything well?”

  Raising her eyebrows as she scoffed, she shook her head. “A new gown isn't going to placate me. I want to see my sister.”

  Gripping the edge of the table, I briefly closed my eyes. The witch's breath was loud as a sigh escaped her.

  “I have a proposition for you,” I blurted as I opened my eyes.

  Her dark irises were almost bottomless as she stared at me. The shake of her head alerted me to her distrust. I didn't blame her, my intentions weren't exactly honourable, they were strategic.

  “Become my wife.”

  Her eyes narrowed, her arms coming up to cross over her waist.

  Jin stood stoic, not looking in our direction. He hadn't known of my plan to make Liliya my wife, but it was none of his business.

  Liliya stared at me for a while, her mouth moving as she chewed the inside of her cheek. What was she thinking? The fact that she hadn't uttered a vehement denial was a good sign.

  “I can see the rewards you would get out of a match with me, but what would I gain?”

  The tip of her foot started to tap against the stone floor. I turned on my heel as I tugged my tunic and went to the other side of the table. Leaning over it, I tapped Althea on the map.

  “You'll rule alongside me. We'll work together to stop the shroud and bring peace to our kingdom. Your power is vast. I know you're holding back, not wanting to aid me.”

  The smile that crossed her lips confirmed my suspicion. I couldn't blame the witch for hiding her true power. She thought I was evil, like my father, and yet, all I wanted was a peaceful kingdom, bringing the Seelie and Unseelie back together again. Why was that considered such a ruthless thing?

  “I've been here for seven days now, and I've seen right through the facade you play, Jordeek.”

  Jin braced himself again. I shook my head at him, letting him know that the witch would be allowed to call me by my name. No one else could, but the least I could do was let her be familiar. If it was the only way to gain her trust so she would work with me, it was a small price to pay.

  “I'm not sure what you mean,” I started, pulling on my tunic again. “I have nothing to hide.”

  “We sha
ll live as husband and wife in name only. I will not perform any-”

  Quick to raise my hand, I shook my head. I was in complete agreement with her in that regard. I had no desire to bed her. Although, my mind instantly shot to Layanna and the dreams I had been having of her. They were not always as innocent as they should be, which meant I had to slay that particular dragon somehow.

  “It is an arrangement between two people who will benefit from each other’s power, that is all.”

  Inclining her head, Liliya looked up at me from under her lashes. “I can't believe I'm accepting this, but I acknowledge your formal offer of marriage. However, only on the condition you bring my sister here to see me.”

  “You may have an hour with her, but you must not disclose anything about me and what we've been doing to seek Layanna.” My muscles clenched as I came back around the table and took hold of her arm.

  Shaking me off, Liliya scowled up at me. “You will not treat me like that any longer!”

  Holding my hands up in surrender, I backed towards the door. “Do you agree to my terms of seeing your sister?”

  “Yes, I will not discuss anything with her.”

  “Good,” I said, spinning to leave the room. “Then, we shall wed in fourteen days.”

  *

  Running my hand through my hair, I clicked my tongue against the roof of my mouth. The dungeons were damp and dark, the shadows dancing as Jin held a torch aloft. We skipped down the winding stone steps and entered the corridor. It was silent down here, safe from the shroud outside. I had rarely allowed anyone to enter this part of the palace. If someone had betrayed me, I sentenced them to death, unable to bring myself to make them suffer.

  “It's this one, Sire,” Jin said as we approached a wooden door with metal bars.

  Looking inside, I squinted, not able to see in the darkness. The oracle was magical, meaning that she couldn't die until it was time for her reign as oracle to end.

  “Open it!” My order was instantly carried out as Jin inserted the key into the lock.