The Dragonscale Throne Read online

  As the door swung open, he went in first, illuminating the small room with the flames that licked the tip of the torch.

  The musty smell of old damp swept around us as a small breeze came from nowhere. A long stone table was in the middle of the room, the walls around it dripping with water. On the table was a young woman, dressed in a long white gown. She had no shoes on her feet, and her long golden hair was placed delicately around her shoulders. The skin on her face was pure cream, the texture perfect, even after years of sleep.

  “Wake her,” I ordered Jin as a pang of anticipation went through my chest.

  I had laid the oracle on the table years ago at my father's request. It had pained my heart to know that someone so precious would be trapped in a dungeon, and yet, since I had been king, I hadn't even thought about waking her.

  Going closer, Jin nudged her in the arm with a finger. She didn't stir, which wasn't a surprise considering that she was in a magically induced sleep.

  Pushing the guard out of the way, I leant over her and whispered in her ear. “Oracle, I need you, please awaken.”

  Nothing happened for a moment, but the breeze came back, slightly stronger now. There were no gaps or holes under the castle, so it was a tell-tale sign that the oracle's magic was present.

  Jin came closer, holding the torch higher. It spluttered out, causing us both to backtrack away from the woman on the table.

  “Sire,” a soft feminine voice whispered.

  My heart beat in my ears, almost drowning out her gentle breathing. The oracle harboured too much information, it was wise to fear her.

  “My lady,” I said back, completely unaware of her name.

  Jin's torch lit suddenly, the flames dancing wildly.

  The oracle was standing right in front of me, her light grey eyes directly in line with mine. I jumped slightly but tried to hide it. She was like a goddess, shimmering in the light of the flames.

  “You require my services?”

  Tilting her head to the side, she stared as her voice floated around us. Jin could not tear his gaze away from her, his mouth hanging slightly open. My gaze searched everywhere else, trying to avoid the depth of her eyes.

  “Please,” I beseeched, ready to turn and leave the room. With or without her. “Tell me where Layanna Fairling is?”

  Inhaling a deep loud breath, the oracle held her hands out to the side and closed her eyes. Her head fell back, the tips of her hair touching the bottom of her back. Her eyes moved rapidly under their lids, her breath slow and even.

  “Dragonscale,” she whispered. “It won't be long until she's there.”

  “That's exactly what I assumed.” Smiling to myself, I turned to leave.

  “She will reach her destination.” Her voice made me freeze.

  “She won't,” I said through clenched teeth. “I will send a storm over the Northern Sea to stop her.” Before she could reply, I turned to Jin. “Make sure she's comfortable and out of sight. From everyone.”

  Chapter Three

  “Hello, there!” a cheery pixie called as we came into the village.

  Waving, I kept quiet as I dismounted my horse. I had never seen a friendly pixie, so the sight was a shock. The small village square was full of different fae, Seelie and Unseelie, going about their day. The two rows of brick buildings reminded me of Remedia, the village I grew up in. It had been a while since I had thought about my parents. A sharp pang tightened my chest as Trenton came to me.

  “I've heard of this place but never visited. Apparently, it doesn't have a name. Seelie and Unseelie live in harmony, and they want to keep it that way, so they hide it from the world.”

  Watching a butcher hand over meat wrapped in parchment paper to a troll, I smiled to myself. It was nice to see the different creatures getting along. There weren’t any humans that I could see, which was a good thing. The Unseelie seemingly couldn't help themselves when around humans. It was as if they had an ingrained desire to harm them. Or, so I had been told.

  “This is a nice little place,” Daniel said, scratching the stubble on his chin.

  Sarsia had cast a spell over him, giving him the appearance of a High-born Fae. He didn't look any different to his human self, but his essence had changed to match closely to Larnika's. That way, those that met us wouldn't know that we were travelling with a human.

  A small woman shuffled up to us, her hands waving in the air. “Welcome, welcome!” she called, tugging each of us into a warm embrace.

  “Thank you,” Sarsia said stiffly, going still when the woman's arms wrapped around her shoulders.

  “I can't believe you're here. We've heard stories of the princess, but she's actually in our village. We're so honoured!” Grabbing my hand, she squeezed it gently as she smiled up at me fondly.

  A couple of other fae ran over, their different shapes and sizes in stark contrast with each other. All creatures from both courts, all bowing to me as I stood in the centre of their little square. My cheeks warmed as they praised me, their eyes full of hope.

  "Will you overthrow King Jordeek?" The woman's voice cut through the noise, forcing everyone to quieten.

  A tall female fae approached, her long white hair loose around her shoulders. The dark blue skirts of her dress moved with her legs as she walked through the gap that was created by the fae falling away from me. My friends were beside me, their hands resting on their weapons, just in case there was a threat from the High-born Fae who stood in front of us.

  "We want to try, but we need help."

  Staring at me, the woman angled her head to the sky, her small pointy nose raising slightly. The bright blue of her eyes were crystal clear as she extended her arm. A long thick leather glove encased her hand. Reaching for her, I was about to clasp her fingers in mine. Instead, she bypassed my hand and took my wrist, wrapping each long slender finger around the sleeve of my dress. Returning the pressure around her wrist, I stayed still as she stepped closer, her nose only a breath away from mine.

  Larnika stepped towards us, his body heat brushing against mine, even through my cloak. "Would you kindly step away from the princess?"

  "Geryline," the older woman said. "Please respect our newest arrivals."

  Geryline's eyes blinked slowly as she took her gaze away from me. When she opened her eyes, they landed on Larnika. Her cheeks grew red as she looked at him. I glanced between them as she slowly backed up, not looking away from the former fae guard.

  "We don't appreciate attention being brought to our village. Why are you here?" Finally, she looked at me again.

  A low noise erupted from Sarsia's throat as she stepped in front of me. "Who do you think you're talking to? This is the Lost Queen of Althea. You are a lowly High-born. Show some respect!"

  The atmosphere thickened when Larnika stepped between the pair, glaring at Sarsia as he faced the beautiful woman who was only protecting her home.

  Chewing on my lips, I reached for Sarsia, my hand grasping her wrist as it reached for her sword. Her head whipped around to look at me, a scowl on her lips.

  "Stand down," I whispered, moving them out of the way.

  They had no choice but to follow my order. I hated using my power on them, but the pain that had flashed through the witch's eyes showed me that I needed to distract her instantly. Love was difficult enough, but when someone didn't show that they felt the same, it must have been heart-breaking.

  "Geryline, my name is Layanna." Taking my sword out slowly, I threw it on the ground in front of her. "I am no threat to you or your village. We are on our way to Dragonscale."

  "Are you really going to ask the dragons for help?" A male pixie asked as he scratched his chin.

  Nodding, I looked around at them. All eyes were on me as I stood my ground, my head held high.

  Geryline beheld my sword, her stoic face not flinching when her gaze traced the swirls etched in the steel. Heat travelled through me as I faced them, completely vulnerable, my arms hanging gently at me sides.

 
"Tomorrow, we plan to cross the Northern Sea at the bottom of the mountain. Our quest is to gain favour with the King of Dragonscale. We will request that he send dragons back to Althea with us to overthrow Jordeek. I'm trusting you with this information because you've inspired me. Seelie and Unseelie living side by side is a rare sight, indeed."

  "Well," Geryline muttered. "Seems that we have common interests. You may stay for the night. Please, follow me to your lodgings."

  Swinging, she moved the crowd as her black cloak flew out around her, forcing the other fae to jump away.

  Larnika retrieved my sword, dusting it down before he handed it to me. Putting my weapon away, I vowed to request that Larnika give me another combat lesson that evening. I was about to turn and ask him when the small woman who had first greeted us grabbed my hand. "We shall hold a party in your honour!"

  Smiling, I glanced at Trenton who was talking with another woman. He was throwing his arms around, telling her about the battle at Loridon.

  Sarsia marched to our horses, instructing Daniel to follow her. The human watched me, a question in his raised eyebrow. Inclining my head, I indicated that he should help my friend to bring the horses to the stable.

  "You’d better follow her." Larnika tucked his sword away as he watched the retreating form of the beautiful High-born Fae. "She's a feisty one."

  Murmuring thanks to those around us, I walked through them, my gaze flitting between Larnika and Geryline. Surely, he wasn't attracted to the fae? She was as cold as ice.

  "Quite something, isn't she?" Daniel asked my male companion as he caught up with us, our horses trailing from the reins he clasped in his hands.

  Larnika glanced at Sarsia, who was walking a few steps behind. Smiling briefly to the human, Larnika dropped back to talk to the witch, who stared stony-faced ahead.

  Moving closer to Daniel, I licked my lips before I spoke. "Are you not surprised by the difference in people here? You're taking it well considering you're a..." I let my sentence trail off, aware that many fae were still around.

  Shaking his head, Daniel looked down at me, his gaze intense as he grew serious. "I always knew in my gut that something was different about those living in Loridon." Keeping his voice low, he gently took my hand. "When you arrived, my best friend, one of the guards, let slip that an important person had come. I had to know more, so I persuaded him to tell me about you. As soon as I saw you, I knew that something was different."

  Taking my hand away from him, I cleared my throat as Geryline came to a halt outside a grey stone brick house. Her cloak flung around her again as she faced us. The tip of her nose was slightly red, the cold blemishing her almost white skin. Her eyes sought mine, ignoring the others.

  "The village folk want to throw you a party, it's something they do for newcomers who are welcomed."

  "You say that you have common interests," Larnika said to her, his eyes serious as they met her gaze. "What are those exactly?"

  Keeping my gaze on the fae woman, I tucked my hands under my cloak to warm them. She saw the movement, her gaze narrowing. How was she so sharp? Who was she?

  "Jordeek Glyneria killed my family, slaughtering them all because they wouldn't bow to his rule. I plan to cut out his eyes and feed them to the crows."

  Opening the door, she gestured for us to go inside.

  Trenton approached first, his small frame coming up to Geryline's shoulders as he stopped beside her. "Well, I for one, would love to see that."

  For the first time since we had arrived, the female fae smiled. It only lasted a moment, but it brightened her face, transforming her cold nature immediately.

  Larnika stared, his throat bobbing as Sarsia thrust past and entered the house without looking at Geryline. The fae woman was gaining a lot of attention from our male companions.

  "Thank you," I said to her as Daniel indicated that I go before the men.

  Nodding once, Geryline turned on her heel and left us as we made our way inside.

  Sarsia ignored me as I came up beside her. She was studying a painting on the wall; the bright orange wings of a dragon reflected the flickering flames from the fireplace. A table with a dark red cloth lay in the middle of the room.

  "This is nice," Larnika said as he unhooked his scabbard and laid his sword on the table.

  Trenton went over to the bed in the corner, pushing the mattress with his fingers. "I claim the bed!"

  "Are you well?" I asked Sarsia as the three men gathered to discuss the impending party.

  She clenched her jaw, her eyes glued to the painting, but seeing right through it. I touched her wrist gently, trying to soften her. I knew exactly what was troubling her, but I couldn't mention it, especially with Larnika in the room. The warmth from the fire drew the men closer to it, leaving us with a bit of room to breathe.

  "Please, talk to me."

  Glancing at me, she indicated that I follow her out of the small room. A curtain covered a bedroom with a plush bed big enough for two people. Trenton would be sorry that he hadn't looked further into the small home.

  "I can't watch him with her," Sarsia hissed as she took off her cloak and hung it on a hook.

  Copying her, I removed my cloak and stretched up to do the same. The room was surprisingly warm considering it was only heated from the fire in the other room. Sitting on the bed, I patted the soft cover, encouraging her to join me. At first she hesitated, but my patting got even harder.

  "I'm not a dog to be encouraged to jump up," she said, smiling quickly when I laughed.

  "Sorry," I apologised. "I didn't want to order you to do something with words."

  Lowering herself onto the mattress as I scurried back, she leant against the cold stone wall at the head of the bed. The walls were complete with no windows in them. The room was dark, lit only by a torch in its sconce on the far wall. It was a cosy home, plush compared to many people in the world.

  "What is your feeling on Geryline?" Sarsia asked, her voice small.

  The men in the front room laughed heartily at something Daniel said. Ignoring them, I crossed my legs and faced my friend. "A part of me wants her to teach me how to become more self-reliant."

  Sarsia's glare was quickly hidden as she looked down at her hands, which were clasped in her lap. Her forest green dress was pristinely clean from a spell she had cast as soon as we had entered the house. She had also spelled away the mud on the bottom of my leather dress.

  "I sense the truth in her desire to cut out Jordeek's eyes. I can't say that it didn't make me a little queer, but I don't blame her."

  Sucking her bottom lip into her mouth, Sarsia looked at me, her eyes filling with tears. Her jealousy had engulfed her, that much I could see. "What did Larnika say when he dropped back to talk to you?"

  Stretching her neck, Sarsia avoided my gaze. "Nothing of interest, he was checking that the horses were well."

  "That was his way of showing you that he-"

  A shout from the front chamber forced us up from the bed. Rushing under the curtain, we re-joined the others, who were holding their swords towards the door.

  "Ah," Geryline said from the entrance way, her smirk evident as her gaze landed on me. "Don't mind them." Pointing at the men who were holding long sticks, she shook her head. "They're here to collect the guest of honour."

  Stepping forward, the four fae men tapped the stone floor with their sticks, smiling when an opulent gold chair appeared on the ground in the middle of the room.

  "Your Highness," one of them said as they bowed. "Please let us escort you!"

  The chair had long carry sticks either end of it. Crouching, they took them and lifted the golden chair. On their bended knees, they waited. I glanced at the others, smiling to myself as they frowned, their weapons still drawn. If a princess had to be carried to the party, I had better sit. As I lowered onto the seat, I clenched the arms, uncomfortable as they hoisted me up.

  "Enjoy your ride," Trenton said, leaning up to pat my arm. "You'll never catch us treating you l
ike... royalty."

  Shaking my head, I looked over my shoulder at Sarsia. She stared after me, her arms crossed over her chest and a false smile plastered on her face. Larnika asked her something, but she barely looked at him when she answered.

  Approaching the door, the men stepped out of sync. The chair wobbled, and my stomach plummeted. There was little room for us all to leave the dwelling. Why were they insisting on such an extravagance when I could walk out myself?

  "Please," I pleaded, looking at Geryline. "Let me walk to the party."

  Before the fae replied, the men walked through the walls of the house. It was as if the stone was not there. The cold air rushed around me, making me shiver.

  Outside, the village people stood in a line on either side of a walkway, gesturing with their hands. A red canopy had been erected over the centre of the square. Tables full of ample food and drink lined the outer edges of the area, the aroma filtering over to me as I sat high in the air.

  "Let me down!" I ordered the fae men.

  Sarsia joined me as the chair was lowered, handing me my cloak. Getting to my feet, I clipped the cloak on. It was colder near the mountain, the air almost freezing. And they sought to have a party outside?

  Trenton came closer, his dark skin almost blue as he shivered. "Why don't you go and enjoy the party? I'm inclined to stay warm by the fire inside... wait, is that...?"

  His gaze was drawn to the fairies from the forest, who were hovering around the contained fire pit. I smiled to myself when he spun, changed into his small self and fluttered away. It was fascinating to see the small man transform into a tiny being.

  Coming closer, Geryline threaded her arm through mine, and drew me away from the others, towards the centre of the party. Music filled our ears as we walked, our steps in sync with one another.

  "Are you a warrior?" Geryline asked.

  Glancing at her sideways, I raised my eyebrows. "You've heard my story?"

  Sighing, she nodded. "I thought as much. One of my powers as a High-born Fae is to infuse my abilities into others. I can instruct your mind to know how to fight."