Raven and the Dragon

Prologue

The vast kingdom spreads below him as his giant black wings hold him aloft on the thermals. Yellow reptile-like eyes looked at the ground, looking for his quarry. Within the trees, his prey cowered under cover of the trees. He was patient and watched as a deer sprinted out into the meadow, and he flapped his wings and dove straight to the ground. His large talons grabbed the animal that screeched in fear as he landed. A triumphant roar rose from his belly as another beast landed beside him.

           The two royal dragons celebrated the kill and ate silently together before returning to the air again. ‘That was impressive, son,’ The elder dragon said.

           ‘Thank you, Father,’ The younger replied.

           ‘Let’s go on home before your mother worries,’ The elder states, and the two fly away together towards a castle hanging off a cliff overlooking a tenacious sea below. 

           One dragon is covered in dark blue scales and lighter ones on his wings and face, while the other is solid black. They land on a large balcony and shift into two well-muscled but naked men. 

           “Welcome back, your majesty, “ A man in fine robes steps toward the elder man with a bow.       

           A beautiful blonde-haired woman in a luxurious velvet dress steps onto the balcony, “My two strong men have returned from their hunt. How was it?”

           “It was glorious, Yvonne,” The elder man responds. “Nicodemus will be a strong king.”

           “Oh, Malachi,” Yvonne chuckles and turns her attention to the younger man, who is now wearing a pair of trousers. “My dear son, I am so proud of you.”

           “Thank you, Mother,” Nicodemus nods to her. 

           Yvonne hugs her son, “Come. I have prepared a feast for your return.”

           They all walk into the castle and are greeted by their servants and guards. King Malachi Blackstone is the kind and beloved king of Draconias. Dragons have lived in the vicinity for centuries, and the Blackstone family has peacefully ruled them all. 

           “Hello, Father,” Thelonius Blackstone, the younger son of King Malachi, approaches them, “How was the hunt?” Thelonius eyes his elder brother, Nicodemus. He strongly disdains the crown prince because he wants the crown and the power that goes with it.

           Malachi touches his younger son’s shoulder, “It was a success, Thelonius. I cannot wait until you accompany us one day.”

           “I look forward to that day, Father,” Thelonius nods and glares at his brother.

           The family walks down the hall to a grand sitting room where others are there to greet the returning king and crown prince. King Malachi and Crown Prince Nicodemus had been gone for a month hunting as was tradition. Before the king was to step down and pass the crown to his eldest son, they went hunting together. There they would bond while the king passed on wisdom to his son. 

           Nicodemus walks over to his best friend, Lorenzo. “Nico!” Lorenzo shouts. “I missed you, dude.”

           Nicodemus claps his friend on the back, “And I, you, Enzo.”

           The two had grown up together as Lorenzo’s father, Duke Alistair, is the second in command to King Malachi. Lorenzo is to become the second in command when his father steps down. 

           “Drink tonight?” Enzo grins.

           “You know it, brother,” Nico laughs.

           A beautiful black-haired woman wanders up to Enzo. She is dressed in a deep purple gown and bows to Nico. “Nico, I was so excited to have you meet my mate, Everly Donato.”

           Nico smiles at the beautiful woman and holds out one of his massive hands, “It’s a pleasure to meet my best friend’s, fated mate.”

           Everly curtsies with a smile, “I have heard so much about you, Prince Nicodemus.”

           “You can call me Nico.” Nico laughs. “How did you two meet?” He asks Enzo.

           “Everly comes from the Red Fang Clan, and I was sent there to quell a conflict between them and the Grey Wing Clan,” Enzo explains. “Viper went nuts the moment I stepped out of the limo and saw her. Everly is the daughter of the leader of the Red Fang Clan.”

           Nico laughs, “That is glorious, my friend. She is a beautiful woman,” He smiles at Everly. “Welcome to the kingdom, Everly. May you and my friend make lots of children.”

           “Nico!” Enzo laughs and slaps his friend’s shoulder.

           “Nicodemus!” King Malachi calls to his son.

           “Excuse me, Enzo,” Nico turns to the king. “Yes, Father?”

           “We have other guests for you to converse with. You cannot spend all night bullshitting with Lorenzo,” Malachi eyes his son’s friend.

           “Father, Enzo was introducing me to his mate,” Nico gestures to Everly.

           Malachi smiles briefly at the young woman before turning away, “Come, Nicodemus.”

           “I’ll see you later, Enzo,” Nico smirks at his friend.

           “See ya,” Enzo claps Nico’s back again.

           Nicodemus follows behind his father to meet with the Parliament members and generals. He does his best to remember everyone’s names. 

           ‘You have met them all before,’ Morax, Nicodemus’s dragon speaks up. 

           ‘I know that Morax,” Nico snorts.

           Malachi turns to his son, “What amuses you about Lord Chauncey’s dead mother?”

           Nico’s eyes go wide, and he looks at the man his father was speaking with, “Nothing Father. I apologize, Lord Chauncey. My dragon commented,” Nico explains.

           “That is perfectly fine, your highness,” Lord Chauncey laughs.

           Malachi says nothing and moves on to the next person. Several hours of greeting and speaking with parliament members have Nico tired. They move on to a grand dinner, and by the end of the feast, Nico is more than stuffed and ready to retire to his bedroom.

           “Father, may I be excused?” Nico asks.

           “I would prefer you to stay longer, Nicodemus,” Malachi responds.

           “I’m staying the whole night, Father,” Thelonius speaks up.

           Nico rolls his eyes at his brother. “I am full and tired. I wish to relax before going to bed. I have to get up early for training.”

           “Oh, Malachi, let him go to bed,” Yvonne speaks up and smiles at her eldest son.

           “Thank Ma,” Nico smirks at her.

           Malachi huffs, “Fine, go to bed, Nicodemus. Do not be late tomorrow.”

           Nicodemus rises to his feet, “I will not be late, Father.” He nods to his mother and brother before leaving the dining room. Nico whistles happily and echoes upon the castle walls. The only thing Nico is missing is his fated mates. Like other shifters, dragons have fated mates, and Nico has yet to meet his. It weighs on his heart as he longs for the woman who will rule beside him.

           “Nicodemus,” A soft, pleasant voice calls from the shadows. A beautiful brown-haired woman steps toward Nico, wearing a rose-colored evening gown. 

           “Genevieve,” Nico greets her. “I didn’t expect you to be here,” Nico touches her cheek. Genevieve has been his girlfriend ever since middle school. When she turned eighteen, they were disappointed to learn they were not mates. 

           “I came home just to see you, Nico,” She smiles.

           Nico wraps his arms around Genevieve, “I missed you,” He kisses her soft red lips. “How has school been? Met you mate yet?”

           “School is great,” Genevieve grins. “And no, no mate yet.”

           “Perhaps, if neither of us finds our mate, I will make you my Queen. You are strong and intelligent. This kingdom would be lucky to have you as their Queen,” Nico says, leading her down the hall towards the stairs.

           “Oh, you know my father would be thrilled if you chose me to be your queen,” Genevieve giggles.

           They walk up to the castle's top floor, and Nico leads Genevieve down the hall to his bedroom. “Shall we, my dear?” He smirks.

           “We shall,” she replies, follows him into the room, and shuts the door.

           Down the hallway, Thelonius Blackstone watches his brother with the woman he loves. All his life Thelonius has been jealous of Nicodemus. Thelonius felt that he was the better choice to be the next king. He was faster and, in his mind, smarter and stronger. His dragon Igor is a red dragon and much fiercer than his brother’s black dragon, Morax. 

           It was bad enough that Nicodemus was going to get the crown, but he was also going to get Thelonius’s woman. He grins darkly as he moves down the hall to his parents' bedroom. The plan in his head was the most heinous, but Thelonius craved the crown. He looks at the vial of green liquid in his hand. He had paid a witch a lot of money to concoct a poison strong enough to assassinate his father. He sneaks into the room and over to his father’s beloved scotch collection. He picks up the bottle his father has recently drunk and empties the vial's contents. “Goodnight, Father,” Thelonious whispers. He pockets the vial and sneaks down the hall to his brother’s room. Screams of ecstasy are heard as he opens the door to see his beloved Genevieve bouncing on his brother’s d**k. Quietly, he sneaks in, sets the vial on a bedside table, and runs out without being seen by Genevieve or his brother.

           Thelonius runs down the hall to his room and waits until morning for the results of his heinous plan.

           The silence of the following day is broken by the Queen’s bloodcurdling screaming. Nicodemus runs out of his room to see his mother collapsed in the hallway. “Mother,” Nico runs up to her.

           “DEAD!” Yvonne cries out. “He’s dead. Your father is dead,” She sobs into her son’s chest.

           “What is happening?” Thelonius demands. 

           “Father is dead!” Nicodemus rises from the ground with his mother in his arms. “Watch, Mother,” Nico tells his brother.

           Yvonne wraps her arms around her younger son as Nico rushes into his parents' room. There he sees his strong father lying still on the bed. His eyes are open as his face is contorted in terror. “Father?” Nico touches his father’s face. “Father? What has happened?” Nico falls to his knees and roars loud enough to shake the room.

           Hours later, the family is gathered in the study awaiting the results from the coroner. Yvonne is leaning on Nico, sobbing. “He was sleeping and then woke up screaming in terror, and then he was gone.”

           “I’m so sorry, Mother,” Nico pats her.

           Thelonius sits quietly, trying not to smirk at his triumph. 

           The coroner and Duke Alistair march into the room, “Your majesty,” Alistair addresses Yvonne. “I must speak to you in private.”

           “You can speak freely in front of my sons, Alistair,” Yvonne sniffles.

           “I’m afraid I can’t,” Alistair responds grimly.

           Yvonne rises from the sofa and follows the Duke out of the room. 

           Nicodemus and Thelonius sit in silence, awaiting their mother’s return. Enzo arrives to offer support to his best friend. Nearly an hour passes before Yvonne returns to the study. Her ice blue eyes look upon her son.

           “Mother?” Nico stands up.

           “Do not address me as such,” She hisses and snaps her fingers. Dozens of armed guards rush in, “Arrest Nicodemus,” Yvonne orders coldly.

           “What? Mother?” Nico asks desperately.

           “Do not address me as Mother, you murderer,” Yvonna hisses as Thelonius walks up beside her.

           “What are you talking about?” Thelonius garners fake sympathy for his brother. “Nico is no murderer.”

           “Nicodemus poisoned your father. They found the vial in his room,” The Queen responds.

           “What? No!” Nico roars. “I didn’t kill Father! Mother!”

           “Take him away,” Yvonne says while glaring at Nico. “You are not my son!” She declares and walks out of the room with Thelonius on her heels.

           “Mother!” Nico cries and is punched by Alistair. “Mother!” He yells again and feels a prick in his neck. He goes limp and is dragged to the dungeon far beneath the castle.

           Nicodemus awakes chained to a stone wall in a cold, barren cell. His head hurts like a ton of bricks. Tears run down his cheeks as he listens to the accusations whispered by the guards and other prisoners. “I didn’t kill him,” Nico pleads.

           Nico is left alone for hours, trying to plead to the gods. A low cackle echoes down the hall as heavy boots march slowly towards him. Nico opens his eyes to see his brother standing outside of the cell. “Theo,” He whispers. “I didn’t kill Father.”

           Thelonius gives his brother a toothy grin, “You always got everything, Nicodemus. I got nothing.”

           “What?” Nico hisses. “You act as if you were neglected.”

           “I am the spare, not the heir, even though I am the better choice. My dragon is far stronger and more fierce.  Father wouldn’t listen to me. So I took matters into my own hands,” Thelonius paces in front of the cell.

           “What did you do, Thelonius?” Nico asks.

           “Something that you aren’t man enough to do,” Thelonius cackles and walks away.

           “Thelonius!” Nico bellows, “Thelonius!”

           A week later, Nicodemus is standing trial under the eyes of Parliament and his brother, who has been crowned king. Nico’s mother stands by the throne with a veil covering her eyes.

           “Nicodemus Blackstone, my dear brother, you have been accused of a heinous crime. You assassinated King Malachi Blackstone, our father. What say you?” Thelonious’s voice booms.

           “I didn’t do it,” Nico whispers hoarsely. His throat is dry and sore after enduring a week without food or water.

           “What was that?” Thelonius huffs.

           “I didn’t do it!” Nico tries to shout. “I didn’t kill our father.”

           “The evidence doesn’t lie, your majesty,” Lorenzo says from Thelonius’s side. He had been promoted to Duke. Nico’s best friend glares down at him. “The evidence shows that Nicodemus Blackstone murdered Malachi Blackstone!”

           “Enzo,” Nico pleads.

           Lorenzo says nothing as the crowd starts to talk among themselves. Thelonius rises from the throne. “Silence!” He barks. Thelonius looks hard at his brother, “The sentence for the assassination of our father should be execution, but I am feeling merciful.”

           Nico narrows his eyes as the crowd whispers among themselves.

           “Nicodemus Blackstone, you shall be forever banished from the Kingdom of Draconias. You shall never return; from this day on, your name will be stricken from all records. It will be as if you never existed,” Thelonious announces.

           Nicodemus looks up at Thelonious as Genevieve walks up. Thelonius wraps an arm around her and kisses her lips. “Genevieve!” Nicodemus shouts.

           “I would like to announce my engagement to Genevieve Roseclear,” Thelonius announces as Nico is dragged away.

           Nico weakened from hemlock, cannot fight back when the guards take turns beating him. Nico endures the pain until he blacks out. His eyes open to a featureless desert as he looks around and remembers he is now alone. Morax makes a low growl in his head.

           ‘You aren’t completely alone,’ Morax says.

           ‘Do you hate me too?’ Nico asks sadly.

           ‘Of course not,’ Morax whispers. ‘I know you are innocent. I know in your heart that you would have never killed your father.’

           ‘What now?’ Nico asks.

           ‘First, we get off the hot ground,’ Morax replies. 

           ‘Can we shift?’ Nico asks.

           Without words, he shifts into a giant black dragon with onyx-like scales. The wings unfurl, and he takes off into the air. They hover to get their bearings before flying towards what looks like an oasis. There is fresh water with numerous fish and other sources of food. They spend a week recovering before taking off to find a new home. They fly for days before finding themselves high in the Rocky Mountains. Tired Morax lands on a ledge that leads into a vast cave that is impossible to get to without wings. Satisfied, Nico and Morax decide to make the cave their new home. And there they remain for years, far away from anyone to betray them ever again.