The Lost King of Dragons

Chapter 21

Ember –

I forgot how to breath and nearly fainted.

“Me?” I asked him for clarification.

“Yes. I spoke with Hestia. She agrees you should become Queen.”

“How the hell? I mean.. they aren’t….what?” I was a stuttering mess.

“The ritual they just did on me, they would have to do on you.”

“Son of a b***h. Do you know much work it took for me to get things ready the first go around?”

Dante laughed. “Yes. I saw. We don’t have to do it today, but we need to have a conversation with the dragons. This is what Hestia wants. And this is what I want. I guess now the question is… do you want to do this?

I had to think. This was a lot. I needed time.

“I need some time to think about this.”

“You take all the time you need sweet heart.” Vatra placed her hand on my shoulder.

I turned and walked out. Now things were getting to me. One minute it’s Dante and I can just be a good dragon warrior. Now it’s he wants me to be QUEEN! In charge of everybody?

My head hit the pillow and I was out. Exhaustion consumed me.

I woke the next morning and just sat in my room. It wasn’t so much if I wanted it, but if I could do it. Dante has taken care of me his whole life. If wants to step down live out a normal life with Vatra and their children, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I just wasn’t sure if I could do it.

I needed to talk to someone and I knew just the lady.

The phone only rang a few times when the Queen picked up the phone. On the other end I could hear the babies cooing and laughing.

“Hey Ember. How are you sweetie?”

“I’m okay, but I called for a purpose.”

“Down to business, are we? I’d be happy to help.”

I explained to her everything that had happened in the last 24 hours. Once I was done, we sat in silence as we both contemplated everything I had just said.

“Ember, you know I’m going to give you an honest answer, right?”

“Yes, that’s why I called you.”

“I think you will be an amazing Queen. Your heart is in the right place. You are the perfect level of kick ass and empathetic. I think you are going to be just what the dragons need. There is so much healing that needs to happen. You are the perfect person to make it happen.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate your advice. It means the world to me. I think it's time I have a conversation with Dante.”

“Let me know how it goes hun.”

We hung up. I went literally skipping down the stairs to Dante. He seemed a little shocked at my demeanor.

“Dante, I would like to accept your offer.”

His face lit up. His arms swung wide and grabbed me in for the biggest hug I had ever gotten from anyone.

Ekkon walked over and gave me a smile. “King Dante has explained the situation. Should you pass the ritual, we would be honored to call you, our Queen.”

“When should we do this thingy?”

Ekkon looked a little perplexed. “This thingy? You mean the ritual? Vatra has already been hard at work. We are nearly ready.”

I was shocked. My eyes turned to Dante. “How did you know I would accept?”

“My heart.” He smiled and brought me in for another hug.

Vatra speed walking into the room and began to squeeze the air out of my lungs as she too hugged me. I wasn’t used to this much affection, but I loved it. It was nice.

“We are ready!” She screeched.

Since I am upright and awake, I walked out to the white sheet they had laying on the ground for me.

I laid quietly and closed my eyes. Allowing myself to go under. My ears could hear every breath. My fingers could feel every heartbeat.

I opened my eyes when I felt the feeling of flames licking my legs. They weren’t hot. Just dancing around, me. Looking around, I saw a woman standing off in the distance. My feet carried me towards her.

Once I was close enough, I could see her beauty was incomprehensible. Her eyes changed different colors and her hair was a beautiful red.

“Are you Goddess Hestia?” I didn’t want to see like an i***t, but I didn’t know what else to say.

“Yes, little one.” She gives me a big smile. “I am so happy to see you here. I know this brings so much joy to Dante. He has never wanted to hold the throne, but I know you will be perfect.”

“Are you sure?” I asked her. Again, with the stupid questions!

“I am positive. Your heart is pure. And your future is grand. The things that are to come will be nothing less than wonderful. Now you will still have your trials and your battles, but you must push through. You reward is going to be amazing.” Her eyes stared off into the distance as if she was looking right at my future. I could see the fire in her eyes take shape. It was two people dancing about one another. Holding hands and skipping along.

“I hope you are right.”

“Should I allow you to become Queen, what is going to be your first action as ruler?”

Her question caught me off guard. I had to think a while before I could make the final decision. I felt like this was a test, but I had to answer it honestly.

“I am going to take out the human hunters. There needs to be a place for Dragons that is safe and allows us to be us.”

Her smile grew. “I will make you a deal little one. You defeat the human hunters and I will give you a place for your kingdom.”

I put my hand out and we shoot.

“I’m betting on you little one. Make me proud. Make your parents proud.” At that she motioned towards two people standing off to the side and behind her.

I looked at them questioningly. Some of the same features I hold, I could see in them. They are my parents.

I ran to them and embraced them both. Tears ran down my face. Joy filled my heart.

“Our sweet little Ember. We are so proud of you!” Cried my mother.

“Dante raised you well. He is a good man.” I looked up at him. And had to ask.

“You could see us?”

“Honey, we have been here the whole time, watching you grow. Seeing Dante teach you how to be the strong woman you are. I know you wish you had your mate, but trust me. You are going to love him when you find him. He will be everything and more. Just be patient. Goddess Hestia is working on something grand for you.”

“Ember, it is time to go. Lead your people to an era of peace.” They both kissed my forehead. Tears coated my cheeks and warmed my heart. My eyes closed and I could feel myself slipping back into my body.

I sat up slowly, slightly dizzy. Dante came over and helped me up.

“LONG LIVE QUEEN OF DRAGONS EMBER!” They chanted.

Dante lifted me up onto his shoulders and we walked through the crowed and they continued to chant. As we made our way through the Dragons, we came across the werewolves of the pack. They too were chanting. I couldn’t help, but smile. My heart was whole. Well, almost. I want my mate, but I have to be patient. In the meantime, I have some humans to deal with.

The party went late into the night. There was joy and happiness and finally. We belonged.