Chapter 1
Note: This is a darker fantasy, not following the "typical" dragon plots.
Be aware of described violence, k*dnapping, and death.
-Laelia-
“F*ck…” I was hunched over a vase I had barely managed to reach, releasing the contents of my stomach. The violent churning in my gut, threatening to spill everything, had only worsened as the day went on. It had been like this for a week now, but I knew exactly what was happening.
Still, I had no desire to tell anyone about it. I didn’t want to become the fragile Laelia again—the one who needed protection from everything around her, the one who wouldn’t be allowed on any missions. That wasn’t happening.
We were leaving today, heading west to negotiate with the nymphs. From there, we would go north, where I would sneak in and free Pymyrth. Ashes was tasked with convincing Mefan and The Lef King to join our fight as well.
“Laelia!” I heard Liam calling for me. He and Samuel was coming on this mission with me. “Laelia?”
I quickly straightened up, wiped my mouth with the back of my sleeve, and hid the vase behind a statue, acting as if nothing was wrong, even though I was ready to throw up again. Why now? Why, at this exact moment, had God decided to bless me with a pregnancy?
“There you are.” Liam finally appeared around the corner, smiling, but the smile quickly faded as he looked at me. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, too weak to speak and too afraid I might puke on him if I tried.
“I called you three times. You didn’t answer. Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked.
I cleared my throat and cautiously tested my voice. “Of course,” I said.
It sounded hoarse and off, and he watched me carefully, but eventually, he accepted my answer and stopped eyeing me suspiciously.
“Are you ready? We’re leaving now,” he told me.
“I’m ready…”
But I wasn’t ready. I felt sick and exhausted, and all I wanted was a long bath and some water, since I couldn’t keep any food down.
“Good, but I need to tell you—Tylon is coming too,” he said.
Tylon… I thought. While Tylon had improved significantly, he still had a long way to go. Rathilion had used the same needles on him that he had used to treat Ashes, but Tylon had been under their influence far longer.
“Are we sure that’s a good idea?” I inquired.
I didn’t mind Tylon coming along—he was family to me—but I had enough to worry about. I didn’t want him accidentally turning on us because his mind still wasn’t cleared of all the dark magic and torture.
“He insisted, and so did Ashes, since he couldn’t come,” Liam said.
“Ashes thought it was a good idea?”
Liam nodded. “Apparently so,” he replied. “Samuel just told me.”
I stared at the ground for a moment, thinking it over. It seemed a bit strange, but if Ashes trusted him, then so did I. We hadn’t had much time together lately. We were always planning, barely sleeping, and had little time alone.
When we finally did, we were so exhausted that we just fell asleep immediately. Therefore, it was a bit of a surprise that I had even gotten pregnant. But of course, when we woke up, we made sure to spend some time together before heading to any meetings.
“Well, if Ashes thinks it’s a good idea, then we just have to trust him,” I said.
“Of course, but what do you think? I’m sure they would understand if you didn’t feel okay with this. It’s going to be a dangerous journey, after all. I don’t think the nymphs will be much help, and even if we free Pymyrth, there’s no guarantee he’ll assist us. We can’t even be certain the elves or Mefan will,” Liam said.
“Mefan said we had a common enemy and that if I ever wanted to work with him, I should just come find him,” I pointed out.
“I’ve talked to Ashes about Mefan and Tylon. They both say he never does anything unless he stands to gain from it.”
“And he will gain a lot. My uncle won’t just leave Mefan alone, so trust me, he’ll help us,” I said.
“If you say so,” Liam murmured, raising his hands in surrender.
“And Tylon can come… if he wants to. He needs a chance to prove himself to us,” I said.
Liam nodded. “Very well, we trust you, my Queen,” he teased.
I rolled my eyes at him. “Libelle and Kayda are already driving me crazy with that queen thing—you better not start!” I warned.
He just laughed as we walked toward the entrance, where our horses were waiting, along with Samuel and the rest.
I stopped at the top of the stairs, seeing everyone gathered, waiting for us. I glanced at Liam, who just smiled at me, and then walked down the stairs. I followed him, and Ashes came over, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close, kissing me as if it might be the last time.
“Be careful,” he whispered when he finally pulled back.
“I always am,” I said with a wink.
We all knew I was reckless, so it made him laugh, but things had changed for me now. I wasn’t just risking my own life anymore. I looked at Ashes for a moment, wondering if I should tell him. But I decided not to. I would tell him once this war was over… or if I could no longer hide it.
“So, is this some sort of goodbye party?” I inquired, looking around at everyone.
They just smiled.
“Something like that,” Henry said with a wink.
“You sure about this?” Carter asked.
“Why do you all keep asking me that? Remind me again how many times I’ve saved all of you?”
“We’re just looking out for you,” he admitted.
I nodded. They always were, and I appreciated it, but I could take care of myself.
“Let’s get you up on the horse,” Ashes said. “Before I can’t let go of you.”
I gave him a quick kiss. “I’ll be fine,” I assured him.
I walked over to my horse, and Ashes helped me mount it. I swung my leg over to the other side and looked at my brothers and Tylon as they mounted their own horses. Then I turned to Ashes, who still stood beside me.
He smiled a sad smile, and I understood. This wasn’t easy for either of us, but I was well protected, not just by my brothers. Around my waist, I carried the sword Rathilion had given me, and on my back, James’s sword was securely strapped—a sword made of dragon glass. I would really be okay.
“I’ll be back soon,” I said.
“Or I’ll come find you,” he promised.
I smiled at him, then gave a final nod to everyone. This wouldn’t be the last time we saw each other—I promised myself that as we turned our horses and started to ride away.
