Then, it was over, and they were all exiting the ceremony and flooding the banquet space where Avoca had given up her life to Cyrene so long ago. They took their places of honor as congratulations were heaped up to the bride and groom. Young love was a buoyant thing after such a gruesome war.
“We have one announcement before dinner begins,” Avoca said at the head of the table with Ahlvie standing at her side.
Everyone quieted to hear her.
“As you are all well aware, our fair Prince Ceis’f was killed by the dark goddess. It was an honorable death in combat. But he was the last Leif of Aonia. To honor his memory, Ahlvie and I have decided to open a new Leif colony on the ruined grounds of Aonia. Leifs are out in the open again, and the portals make the transition very easy. It is about time that we spread across this world once more and have our voices heard. I want us to stop hiding and play a role in all that is to come.”
Cyrene put her hand to her mouth. It was such an honor to Ceis’f’s memory to rebuild Aonia. He would have been beyond pleased to know what Avoca was doing.
There was a rumble of approval down the banquet hall. And out of the crowd came Leifs young and old, volunteering to help build the colony.
Avoca graciously thanked them all. But Cyrene could see how this affected her. That her people were behind her new vision. That they wanted this as much as she did.
The rest of the reception went off without a hitch. They ate and laughed and danced. Avoca was twirled through paces of the traditional Leif wedding song more times than Cyrene could count. She cheered and danced as much as she could. Even as the night waned and day drew near and her eyelids began to close of their own volition. She had no desire to return to Byern.
Dean took her hand. “Let’s go home.”
“Is it time already?” she whispered.
“Avoca and Ahlvie have already retired for their wedding night. I think it is our time to retire as well. We can come back after their holiday to congratulate them further.”
Cyrene nodded sleepily and allowed him to direct her back through the portal. She smiled lazily at the sight of Byern. Her Byern. They were still working on building a new castle to house the Doma court and the academy. The builders were taking old stones from the Nit Decus castle to build a newer castle on the other side of the city. It was quite an endeavor. She knew it would be worth it, but it would be years before it was ready.
In the meantime, Cyrene and Dean had built a small house just outside of the city, near the portal but not far from where the new castle was being built. Reeve, Aubron, and Cal, who they had all but adopted as their own, had moved into their parent’s home. It hadn’t felt right for Cyrene to be there. And Cyrene liked having her own space with Dean.
Plus, she liked being near the portal. Never too far from her next jump.
“I’m so…sleepy,” she said around a yawn as they moved through their home. So similar to one that she had dreamed about with him in her first Bound ceremony. It’d felt like déjà vu when they first began to live there, but there was no letter from Edric calling her home. This was where she belonged.
“How sleepy?” Dean asked, kissing her shoulder. “I do like this gold dress.”
She laughed. “Never too sleepy.”
He turned her around and stared down into her bright blue eyes. “I want to tell you.”
“Tell me what?” she asked.
“Everything, Cyrene.” He threaded their hands together, drawing her closer. “I want to tell you about Domara.”
Suddenly, she was very awake. “Are you sure?”
He nodded. “It’s time.”
She put her hand to his cheek. “We have our whole lives for that.”
“Yes, we do,” he told her. “Our whole lives to move past it. Let’s start today.”
“Okay,” she agreed easily. She let him draw her down the hallway to their bedroom where he began to tell her all that he had endured and all the pain that he had withstood. She listened intently but didn’t interfere.
They had both experienced more than their fair share of suffering. Still, somehow, they had come out on the other side of it. Together.
When he finished, she knew more than ever that this man, this strong man, was the one for her.
And this world had been made for them to guide into a new future.
The End
Love Cyrene’s story?
Get ready for Kerrigan Argon of the…
* * *
HOUSE OF
DRAGONS
(Royal Houses Series, #1)
* * *
Kerrigan Argon is half-human, half-fae and belongs with neither. Which is why her pure blood Fae father drops her off discreetly into the care of the House of Dragons.
* * *
With her coming of age quickly approaching, she must start to make her own choices about her future…and who she’ll fall in love with.
* * *
Coming October 13, 2020!
Preorder now!
* * *
Turn the page to get a sneak peek of chapter one!
House of Dragons
Chapter One - The Tournament
“You are going to be in so much trouble.”
“I know. I know. Don’t remind me, Clover,” Kerrigan said to her friend as they dashed through the crowded city streets.
“It’s nice to see a Dragon Blessed acting out. You’re all made out to be saints.”
Kerrigan shot her a green-eyed glare. “We’re not saints. We’re students.”
“You’re going to be a dead student if you don’t get around this crowd,” Clover joked.
“You are the worst friend.”
Clover snorted. “Why thank you.”
“Just stop talking.”
Kerrigan finally pushed out of the crowded alleyway and to the entrance of the arena. She caught her breath for a second at the sight of the giant construction and the swarm of people pushing into the facility. It was a marvel and though it had been damaged in the midst of the rebellion five years ago, it had been repaired bigger and better at the heart of city of Kinkadia for the revered Dragon Tournament.
The Draco Mountain stood stark and mysterious behind the arena, rising up high above the bowl of the valley. Even from this distance, she could pick out the dragons circling overhead. She could almost distinguish them from one another well enough to put names with the incredible beasts she had dedicated much of her life helping to raise.
“Get moving,” Clover spat behind her.
Kerrigan grunted and then shoved herself toward the side entrance that all Dragon Blessed were supposed to have entered through an hour ago. Kerrigan should have already been there. In fact, she should have been in Draco Mountain all morning helping with preparations.
She cursed under her breath. Someone would hold her accountable for her actions. She just hoped they didn’t realize the extent of her absence and neglect. It wasn’t like she had planned to pass out in the gambling hall in the wee hours of the morning. Clover should have woken her up and shoved her out the doors long ago. As she had done on many such occasions. Though never one so fraught with importance.