Chapter 11

DIMITRI

Today’s the day of the campfire. It’s a tradition we have every month by the lake, especially when the moon is full. I used to be a regular, never missed one. But that changed four years ago.

I never shared why.

Today, I heard whispers about the gathering. Most of the humans and dragons won’t be attending. Last year, we had a total of forty. Now, I’m waiting for Leo to bring me the list of those who will.

For safety, I need to know who’s leaving the horde. It’s more of a precaution than anything.

We’ve never had an attack, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

“Dimitri?” Leo calls, knocking on the door.

“Come in,” I respond, my voice lazy.

Leo enters, bows, and takes a seat.

“Here’s the list. We have about seventy people going,” he informs me.

“More?” I ask, surprised.

“Yes, thanks to the queen,” Leo says, glancing at a book in his hand.

“Valkyrie?” I question. “She’s going?”

“Yes, she heard about the event and we invited her. She’s the queen, so she can go, right?” Leo says, frowning at me. “Why don’t you go? You could accompany her.”

I just stare at him. Then, looking at the book in his hands, I change the subject.

“How’s everything with the humans helping us?” I ask.

“That’s being handled,” Leo sighs. “We should get what you requested in three days.”

“Good, thank you,” I say, ending the conversation.

Leo sighs again and stands to leave. Once the doors close, I lean back and sigh. Rubbing my face, I look at the list. Valkyrie’s name is at the top.

For the past few days, I’ve been avoiding Valkyrie. More like ignoring her. It angers me to know she left me. This is Damian’s fault. Did he have to show Valkyrie the queen’s chambers?

She has every right to be there, but she hasn’t sought me out since she moved in. We don’t meet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The few times I’ve seen her were from a distance. She always seemed happy. So carefree around everyone but me.

I can admit it’s my fault. From the start, I acted like a jerk. Now I realize that, but I can’t admit it. I’m not planning on seeking Valkyrie out; she’ll have to come to me.

I’m not one to beg, especially for a woman. But now, looking at the list and knowing she’s going, I wonder if I should go.

I need to keep an eye on her, especially now that she’s venturing out. She is my mate, the one I would crown as queen. But knowing it’s a full moon means it might not be a good idea.

Rubbing my forehead, I stand and take a walk around the palace. I see the sun; it’s almost night. Most of the dragons will be leaving soon.

As I wander, I stop near the dungeons. I know Lilly is still locked up down there. I greet the guards and descend the stairs.

The dungeons are cages, specifically for dragons. Michael and other sorcerers created them. They’ve covered the whole place with unique spells to prevent escapes.

Spotting blonde hair, I whistle.

“Well, look who’s here!” Lilly snarls, approaching the bars. Michael has bandaged her neck and body.

“Lilly,” I say, indifferent.

“So what brings the mighty king here?” Lilly smirks. “Is he here for a good time?”

I raise an eyebrow and scoff.

“When will you change?” I ask her. “Haven’t you learned your lesson?”

“Me? No, but now that you ask, I could change, you know. But only if you make me your queen.”

Lilly laughs. Her silver eyes swirl with black.

Lilly is one of the dragons I’ve slept with several times. At first, I found her enticing, someone I wanted to fuck. But now I wonder what I was thinking.

She uses seduction to get her way. I have to admit she has queenly qualities. If she wasn’t so rude and annoying to the point of wanting to kill her.

Her behavior towards others is her downfall. We’ve had several arguments. And sometimes, I’ve wanted to kill her.

But I couldn’t do it unless she did something deserving of death. After all, Lilly is an elder’s daughter.

My grandfather thinks highly of her. He even favors her above everyone else. He was the one who introduced us.

“So tell me something, Dimitri. How’s your human doing?” Lilly asks, her voice filled with hate.

“Good,” I say. “So don’t worry.”

Lilly glares at me, anger in her eyes. It’s clear she doesn’t like Valkyrie. Just like some of the elders.

“I see. So are you going to tell me why you came?” Lilly asks, sitting on the dirty ground.

“Just checking up on things,” I explain, crossing my arms. “You have one more week, right?”

“Yes. At least give me a proper bed,” Lilly retorts. “This is awful.”

“Just because you’re an elder’s daughter and we’ve had our moments doesn’t mean I should give you special treatment.

“You’re locked up here; you live like everyone else. There’s no favoritism here, Lilly, not even from the king!” I growl.

She annoys me. I turn my back, deciding it’s best to leave. I can feel that if I stay longer, I’ll snap at her again.

“One day, you’ll wish you’d made me your queen,” Lilly grumbles.

I glance at her over my shoulder as I walk away. She’s managed to put a damper on my mood.

“Dimitri? I mean, Your Majesty,” Mia stammers, biting her lip nervously.

“Mia, there’s no need for formality,” I assure her.

She looks up at me, grateful for the reassurance.

“Would you like to join me for a walk?” she asks.

I nod and follow her to the palace garden.

We walk in silence until Mia clears her throat. She turns to me with a smile.

“Can I ask how you’re feeling, King Dimitri?” she asks, her voice shaky.

“Mia, just say what you want to say,” I tell her.

“Okay, but promise you won’t get mad,” she says, sighing.

Mia, my brother, and I have always been close. She was once involved with Damian, and she was one of the first humans we saved.

“I promise, I won’t get mad,” I assure her, raising my hands in surrender.

“I wanted to ask how you’re feeling about Valkyrie,” she says, sitting down on a wooden bench. I sit next to her and turn to face her. She’s smiling.

“I don’t know,” I admit. “This is all new to me.”

“And for her too,” Mia says, her smile warm and understanding.

“You two come from different worlds. You’re a dragon; she’s a slave. You don’t know how to treat a woman, and she doesn’t know how to be comfortable with you.”

“Excuse me?” I say, pretending to be offended.

Mia rolls her eyes and smiles.

“You know I’m right, Dimitri. Why don’t you try a different approach with her?” she suggests.

“A different approach?” I ask, intrigued.

“Yes. For instance, Valkyrie is going to the campfire tonight. Why don’t you join us for a bit?” she proposes.

It’s not a bad idea. I’ve been considering it.

“Dimitri, I’m just trying to help you both. Valkyrie is shy and awkward. She’s been a slave, and you need to understand that she can’t be submissive.

“She needs to spread her wings. And you need to be the one to help her. Encourage her. And stop being so angry all the time.

“You’re starting to look more and more like your grandfather every day,” Mia says, causing my jaw to drop.

“Mia…,” I start, smirking.

“Wait! You said I could speak freely and you wouldn’t get mad!” Mia interrupts, laughing. “So don’t go back on your word now!”

I laugh and sigh. She’s right.

“But Dimitri, I’m serious. Why don’t you go? Don’t go early, maybe late when it’s almost midnight,” Mia suggests, patting my arm. “Valkyrie would be happy, trust me.”

I awkwardly smile and rest my arms on my thighs. Mia’s right; it’s not a bad idea.

“I’ll think about it,” I tell her, smiling.

“Good!” Mia exclaims, standing up. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to help Valkyrie get ready.”

I nod at her, and she turns to leave. But before she can reach the palace, I call out to her.

“Hey Mia, thank you,” I say. She smiles and waves in response.

***

Night falls, and I watch as everyone starts to retire. Most of the dragons are leaving early to prepare for the lake.

Some dragons ask if I’m joining. I say no, but I plan to surprise everyone later. After my conversation with Mia, I feel better and decide to go.

It will be nice to spend some time with everyone, especially Valkyrie.

I retreat to my chambers and take a long, relaxing bath. The night is beautiful, and I can feel a restlessness in my heart.

I lean against the edge of the rocky bath and look up at the sky. Closing my eyes, I try to relax.

By the time I get out, it’s almost midnight. The bath helped a bit. It’s time to get ready. I choose a black, long-sleeved shirt and black trousers. I grab my cloak and short boots.

Ready, I head down. One guard is stationed at the cave entrance.

“Your Majesty?” he asks, surprised. “Going out?”

“Yes, please gather my clothes,” I tell him as I undress. He nods, collects my clothes, and steps back. I feel the scales emerge and my body change. I growl and shake my body.

The guard hands me a bag. I take it and take flight. As expected, it’s a beautiful night. But it’s also quite cold, and I wonder if Valkyrie is okay. Did she bring a coat or cloak?

As I approach the campfire, I see everyone starting to retire. They’re dancing. My golden eyes search for Valkyrie. Where is she?

I spot Leo and Michael laughing. They look drunk. It would take more than two barrels of wine to get a dragon drunk.

I see Mia chatting and eating with some other humans. I frown when I don’t see my brother among the groups of people. Then I spot him by the bonfire.

My eyes widen in surprise. What is he doing with Valkyrie? And why is he holding her like that?

Anger surges through me, and I speed up, growling loudly. Everyone looks my way.

Is Damian serious right now?

I land and stride over to them. Valkyrie sees me and starts to panic.

~“What the fuck do you think you’re doing, Damian?”~ I demand, mind-linking everyone.

“Calm down, Dimitri!” Damian growls back.

Valkyrie is staring at me in shock. Damian still has his hands on her.

~“Take your fucking hands off my mate,”~ I growl.

“Take it easy, Dimitri. Don’t mess this up,” Leo interjects. I shoot him a glare.

Baring my teeth, I snarl at him. Valkyrie jumps at the sound.

~“Back off, Leo. That’s an order,”~ I hiss. Leo dips his head in acknowledgment.

~“Valkyrie, come here,”~ I command. She looks at me, fear in her eyes.

I snap at her, repeating my command. But Damian steps in, positioning himself protectively in front of her.

Valkyrie takes cover behind him.

“You’re challenging me?” I spit out, anger seeping into my words. My mind starts to cloud over.

The air around us crackles with tension. Damian’s crimson eyes meet mine in a defiant stare. I can feel a fight brewing.

After a tense silence, Damian finally speaks. “Yes, I am!”

Feeling my control slip, I lunge at him. Valkyrie retreats, and Leo quickly ushers her away.

I’m so furious with my brother that I don’t care about anything else. We’re at each other’s throats.

I bite Damian and he retaliates. We roll and growl, a ball of snarling fury.

No one dares to intervene, knowing they’ll get a piece of the action. Damian growls, and mind-links me alone.

~“Who the hell do you think you are?”~ Damian snaps in my mind.

~“I’m your damn king!”~ I retort.

Damian whacks me with his tail, sending me sprawling. My anger flares. The campfire is obliterated.

I need to remind Damian of my position. Just because we’re brothers doesn’t mean he can do whatever he wants.

We’re so focused on each other that we don’t notice anyone else. It’s just Damian and me. But suddenly, a towering wall of fire appears, forcing us both to retreat.

I’m caught off guard but it doesn’t stop me from attacking again. Seeing Damian’s confusion, I seize the opportunity and sink my teeth into his throat.

My mind is numb. I don’t care if I have to kill Damian to prove that no one defies me, family or not.

But as I bite down and feel Damian struggle, I feel a sharp pain near my eye. Damian has managed to scratch me. I whip around, my tail sweeping out.

I didn’t anticipate what happened next. I hear someone shout Valkyrie’s name. My tail connects with something. A scream pierces the air, followed by the sound of water splashing.

Damian freezes and I spin around. Stunned, I stop moving. Everyone else springs into action, Leo and Michael rushing to the lake. I don’t understand what’s happening until Damian shouts Valkyrie’s name.

Transforming back into his human form, Damian sprints to the lake and dives in.

“AREN’T YOU GOING TO DO SOMETHING?” Leo snaps at me.

I shift back into my human form and slowly approach the lake’s edge. Damian hasn’t resurfaced. I try to speak, but my mouth won’t cooperate.

After what feels like an eternity, Damian breaks the surface, gasping for air and swimming toward us with Valkyrie in his arms. Michael and Leo help him pull Valkyrie out of the water.

“She’s not breathing!” Damian gasps, panting. His neck is bleeding heavily, but he doesn’t let it stop him.

Michael pushes Damian aside and starts working on Valkyrie.

The area falls eerily silent. I stand there, frozen, my hands twitching slightly. Am I scared?

“Damn it!” Michael curses, his hands glowing. “I need some of you to head back. Mia, go with them and get the queen’s chambers ready.

“Bring up all the herbal medicine you can find,” Michael orders.

Michael continues to use his powers, sweat beading on his forehead.

“YOU BASTARD!” Damian roars.

“ENOUGH!” Michael shouts, his hands ceasing their glow. “We don’t need this right now. We need to get her back. She has four broken ribs and internal bleeding.”

My heart feels like it stops. I look at Michael. My fear is becoming a reality. Michael looks at me and shakes his head.

“What have you done!” Damian yells, punching me in the face. I stumble back. “You fucking bastard. Valkyrie won’t forgive you this time.”

With that, Damian walks away. I stay on the ground, my head bowed. I’m not angry at him. I feel nothing but shame.

Everyone starts to leave, no one coming near me. I get up and turn my back to them. As I start to head back to the palace, I hear their whispers.

“How could he do that?” one dragon murmurs.

“He shouldn’t be king,” another says.

“Yes, he can’t even take care of his queen,” someone else whispers. I hang my head.

I transform and start the journey back. My heart is in turmoil.

I growl softly, looking ahead. Michael is cradling Valkyrie in his arms as they ride on Damian’s back.

“What have I done?” I whisper, closing my eyes.