Loving Two Dragons (Awakening Cycle Part 4) (BBW Dragon Shifter Paranormal Romance) (6 page)

Chapter eleven

Jennifer

Fear grips my heart as I watch the three of them step through the portal. So many times I've watched them go off to battle while I remain behind. Despite the return of my memories, it doesn't make it easier watching them leave. Will this be the time they don't come home?

The empty ache of losing my daughter Elise follows the fear. I desperately wish she was here with me now, that I had a chance to know her better. Marathe will pay for her crimes. She will be brought to justice.

One shaky, deep breath and I push personal concerns aside. While they're off on their adventure I have my own duties.

I return to my sitting room and double check that everything is in place. The papers and their translations sit on a table while another holds a full tea service. It's the evidence that Queen Dao of the Silver requested and will be further reinforced by what my men find. It'll be enough, it has to be.

There's a soft knock on the door then it opens and Queen Dao walks in regal as always. We sit, tea is prepared and we observe all formalities. It's easier now that I remember my previous lives. It doesn't go unnoticed by her.

"Ah," she says. "I see the gift of memory has returned."

"Yes."

"This is good. I assume there is more than this though that led you to request a meeting?"

"There is," I say.

I show her the documentation. She reads it all in silence, her face giving away nothing. I wait. The hardest part of being a Queen is the waiting. Duty is often fulfilling some degree of show, some formality which is largely a matter of patience and waiting without betraying your emotions.

"This is most interesting," she says at last leaning back in her chair.

"It is," I say playing my own cards close to my chest a while longer.

"I believe it is sufficient to sway our vote," she says at last. "I will speak with my husband."

Relief rushes through me washing away tension I didn't realize was there.

"Thank you," I say. "Might I request a personal favor?"

This is the tricky part. If she agrees the rest of our plan has a much higher chance of success. If she refuses it'll be damn near impossible.

"Hmm," she says sipping her tea. "Have we become so close as to trade favors?"

"Long have Silver and Gold worked as friends. Long have our goals been aligned towards the maintaining of peace and of fortune for all including the lowest among us. How could we not be so close as to give and receive favors?"

Deep water here. Very deep. I'm drawing off of past deeds but I don't honestly know how things have been for the past forty or fifty years. Not a long time in the life of a dragon but long enough that there could be hidden tensions I'm not aware of. It's not like Archer and I have had a lot of time to catch up on the past fifty years of politics.

Her dark eyes stare into mine as she purses her lips then at last she nods.

"Before a favor a question."

"Of course, I have nothing to hide from my friend."

"Whose is it?"

I frown uncertain of what she's asking. "I'm sorry?"

She looks down at my belly then back up at my eyes. "Whose?"

I follow her gaze but it does nothing to alleviate my confusion. "I'm sorry Dao, I don't follow."

She frowns. "You are not aware of what you carry inside you?"

Carry inside? Me? Am I...
I shake my head, my hands cover my womb instinctively then I feel it. Small, subtle but definitely there. A heart beat, strong and solid. Noticing it my awareness shifts and I'm fully aware of the tiny embryo growing within me.

"I ... No, I wasn't. Thank you, I am now ... but your question. It is my husband's of course."

Dao nods slowly but I can see the calculations behind her mask. "Well and well. Your favor?"

"Will you attend with me as I meet the other Queens?"

I wait with bated breath. Her presence lends legitimacy to my claims. Her support makes it so much harder for them to ignore or refuse me. She smiles seeing my play and, I think, appreciating it.

"I will," she says. "And congratulations to you and your King on the heir you grow within you."

***

The Queens of Red and Blue accept Nephetitia's invitation. Whether they know that I will be there too isn't discussed. It isn't unusual for the Queens to gather at times to discuss matters of their Clans. Often times it has been the one thing that has stopped open warfare. The Queens tend to have cooler heads but there's a deep rooted system of favors traded and tracked, never to be forgotten no matter how many years may pass before a collection call is issued.

Dao waits with me in my rooms. We make small talk and she gives advice on raising a baby. The time passes pleasantly for which I'm grateful. She's very knowledgeable and wise. I'm sure her advice will come in very handy. She has raised more than fifteen children so her experience is extensive.

A quiet knock and one of the servants lets us know that the Queens are gathered and it's time for us to enter. Dao takes the lead and I follow. By rights, I don't have a place or voice at this gathering, no matter how informal. I'll only be allowed to speak if they all agree. Since I'm not the ruling Queen they don't have to listen to me.

The quiet hum of conversation drifts through the door as it opens then stops when I'm noticed entering the hall. Dao leads the way ahead of me and Nephetitia stands in the center of a small group of women.

"Queen Tikachi, Queen Anastasia, I ask that you welcome to our gathering Queen Jennifer of the Gold," Nephetitia says. "What say you?"

"Yes," Dao says immediately as planned, her support giving cover to anyone else that is willing.

Tikachi, the Blue Queen, is short with brown skin and wiry hair. She has a heavy gold plate hanging from a chain around her neck. It's heavily inscribed and clanks as she looks at me frowning.

"She is not the Gold Queen," she says.

"Is she not?" Anastasia, Queen of the Reds, asks.

An Eastern European woman she is tall, pale, and very thin with features that seem harsh when at rest. Hard like the land she hails from but I know under those harsh features beats a fierce heart.

"If so, then whom is Marathe the Queen of?" Tikachi asks.

"Ah, but what makes a Queen?" Nephetitia counters.

"Her Heart," all of them intone at once.

I stand quietly waiting as the moment drags on and Tikachi stares at me.

Finally she speaks. "My fellow Queens are correct. Marathe is a Queen made by men, not by divine right of birth and quality. A Queen is the heart of her people. She has no heart to beat for her Clan."

My smile feels like it'll split my face in half as I'm welcomed back among the Queens of these Clans. An alliance may not be easy but the biggest barrier of all has been removed. They accept me as my true self and role. All I need now is Archer and Logan to return safely.

Chapter twelve

Logan

After our return Archer called for a Council meeting. He had to pull some strings I'm sure but now we're here.

I hate the Council chambers. Stuffy, pompous, every aspect of it is people too full of themselves. Archer stands in front of me but I don't want to play into their games so I lounge back on a wooden chair against the wall having moved another in front of me to prop my feet up on.

I admire him. I admire my brother Dracul too. They have the patience and ability to play these games. Personally I'd just as soon take the other Council members out to the courtyard and give them a good thrashing until they see good sense. Problem being that they wouldn't know good sense if they saw it.

A door at the rear of the chamber opens up and the Council files in. Green, King Manco and his Queen, lead the way followed by Mance and Narissa, King and Queen of White. Those two settle into their seats then Marathe enters. Every muscle in my body thrums with the urge to leap across the room and kill her. I force myself to stay still and exude an aura of calm control. The best way for me to disturb her is to not react.

King Taharqa of the Black, King Cyrus of Silver, and King Neville of Blue walk in without their Queens at their side settling themselves. My brother King Dracul of Crimson enters last, his dark eyes sweeping the room. Once he's seated he looks to either side then leans forward lifting his gavel.

"I call this meeting of the Council to order," he says slamming the small hammer down. "We are convened to hear new evidence from Archer of the Gold. Thank you all for your attendance. Archer, the floor is yours."

It rankles me to hear him referred to without his honorifics. He handles it well though.

"Thank you King Dracul," Archer says. "This Council informed me if I was to present new evidence of a plot that it would be heard and evaluated. I have brought such with me."

Now for the boring part. I'm really not sure why I'm here as I don't think Archer or my brother will allow me to apply my particular set of skills and kill any of those assembled. As it is, I watch and wait. I make a game out of smiling at Marathe every chance I get. A small thing but I enjoy it. As the talks go on, evidence is presented and discussed. I can see I'm starting to get under her skin. Her answers become short and sharp. Her gaze drifts back to me constantly and I'm always ready, smiling and happy.

There's more than one way to disarm your enemy. The meeting goes for hours without a break. Archer argues, debates, shows more evidence, and almost I think some of them will be convinced but then White and Green hold out against any sane decision. Of course White does.

"We will NOT stand for these accusations!" Mance yells again.

Soon they'll come to blows. Maybe I do have a purpose here! I sit up starting to take an interest. Mance is screaming so hard his face is turning red. Manco has a vein throbbing in his head that looks like it could burst at any moment.

There are calls for a vote but it's too early, we're not ready yet. Then I hear the popping sound of a portal in the room behind me. I sit back and relax, the cavalry is on its way. The door next to me opens and Jennifer walks in. The Council goes silent. Marathe visibly pales and I can't stop myself from laughing out loud. Archer shoots a glare at me before returning his attention to Dracul.

"What is the meaning of this?" Dracul says rising to his feet.

Jennifer stands with her hands clasped in front of her. She walks to stand beside Archer with a small smile. Everyone is staring at her except Marathe who is looking around as if expecting an attack at any moment.

"My Lord Dracul," Jennifer says. "I believe that the Queens of the Council have words to add to these proceedings."

The door opens again and Queen Nephetitia walks in, then Dao, Tikachi, and bringing up the rear is Anastasia. Dracul's eyes widen at the sight of his Queen. I don't believe she's attended a Council meeting in four or five centuries, though only a fool believes she doesn't have influence in this chamber.

Each of the Queens walks forward and takes their seat next to their King. The chamber fills with the soft murmur of private conversations. Some of the Kings look less than pleased, especially Neville of the Blue. Marathe is absolutely livid.

"King Dracul," she says the words sputtering from her mouth. "What is the meaning of this? We were about to vote and close this matter once and for all. This is highly unusual-"

Dracul has an ability to communicate more with his eyes than any other person I've encountered. His stare at Marathe cuts her off mid-sentence. She falls silent looking to either side while Green and White stare at their compatriots then lean together seeking each others' counsel.

"Jennifer, I am led to understand that you have something to add to these proceedings?" Dracul says.

I sit up straight. This is going to be good. 

Chapter thirteen

Jennifer

I stand stiff as a board. Despite the return of my memories I'm nervous. This is the most important speech of my life. Hell, all my lives. The eyes of all the Council members are on me and though I come with an alliance pre-built, it's tentative. If I fail to sway their Kings at least some, this can all still fall apart.

"Lord Dracul, thank you for allowing me this time to speak."

"She has no voice in these chambers!" Marathe yells.

"Agreed," Queen Narissa of White adds.

I wait. I expected this. Archer rests a hand on the small of my back which calms me. He's my rock.

"We will allow her voice," Dracul says. "These are strange times and unusual circumstances."

Marathe fumes and opens her mouth to say something more but then she snaps it shut. I hear Logan chuckle behind me and the corners of my mouth tremble as I resist the urge to laugh along with him.
Yes you bitch, hear what I have to say.

"Council. Esteemed Peers. These are indeed strange times. We listen to stories from the dawn of time. Fables or fairy tales but in so doing I believe it is important that we examine and discuss history in full."

"Yes, yes," Narissa says. "Do you have a point?"

I lock eyes with her and smile. "Indeed I do. Let me make it more plainly. I have been having discussions with my fellow Queens-"

"She is NOT a Queen!" Marathe says jumping to her feet and pointing an accusing finger.

"I stand corrected, with some of the sitting Queens. Specifically we have discussed, and I believe there is a consensus that stems from the oldest of our history, so old in fact as to be almost mythical. That consensus revolves around what makes a Dragon Queen?"

"She wastes our time. We all know what makes a Queen!" Marathe interjects again but this time I ignore her.

"It's much more than the ability to give birth to shifter children. If that was the only requirement than there are many of our lines and Clans that could fill the role but they don't."

Archer's hand remains at the small of my back. He begins tracing a small circle with one finger. Calm and supporting. I draw strength from him.

"A Queen is the Heart of her people," I say.

As I speak the allied Queens again lean in and whisper to their husbands. Nephetitia catches my eye and smiles. The others nod as I continue.

"When our men go off to war, we're the ones who are home. We're the ones who make sure the needs of our people are met. Needs, not just of the body, but of the soul. When our people grieve, we grieve. When one of our Clan is lost, it's like we lose a child of our own loins," I choke up and have to stop.
Elise.

Tears fill my eyes and I can't look directly at Marathe. I take a moment to regain my composure.

"A Queen knows loss. She grieves with her people and for them. It falls to us. My King-"

"Mateas is King! Not him!" Marathe yells.

"MY King," I emphasize the first word. "Has presented to you evidence."

"He has presented accusations!" Mance yells.

"Evidence of a plot to awaken the Ancients. The Founders of our Clans. There's one piece of evidence that he hasn't presented to this Council. The Prophecy of Return says clearly that a female shifter will walk with the Ancients. Some assume this means they will awake and that a new age will dawn for our kind.

I'm not here to debate or discuss prophecy. I ask that you indulge me when I bring forth further evidence for your examination that the accusations leveled by my husband are accurate."

I turn and look back at Logan who is already standing by the door. He swings it open and the two White women walk in freely, though they both hang their heads. Most in the room gasp at the sight for they do appear to be female shifters in a half shifted form. Scales are on their exposed skin, they have draconic features and spikes for hair. They move to stand to either side of me.

"I present to this Council as evidence of our accusations Melissa and Theresa. Formerly of Clan White. Due to atrocities committed against them, I and my King have extended our protection."

The Council erupts into chaos. Yelling and screaming. Dracul sits impassive letting them argue until at last he slams down his gavel. He says nothing but strikes it again and the Council members resume their seats.

"This is startling evidence you present," Dracul says. "Ladies. How is it you come to have the appearance of the ability to shift?"

Melissa cowers, her shoulders slumping even further, but Theresa stands up straighter and meets Dracul's eyes.

"Our Queen, the one whom was our heart, did this to us through her magic. We were changed physically and mentally to believe that we were born this way."

"This is all an elaborate ploy by Archer and his compatriots-" Narissa yells.

"A joke, no one can take this-" Marathe yells.

"Enough!" Dracul says raising his voice for the first time I can recall. "Evidence has been presented. Archer state your request of this Council so a vote may be called."

Archer steps one step in front of me and I gather the two women to my side.

"Council. I ask that my throne be restored. Further I ask that White be censured for their plot to awaken an Ancient. That the marks of binding be removed from myself and my man Logan. Lastly, as part of the same motion, I ask that Marathe and my bastard child Mateas be turned over to me for punishment as I deem fit."

"The motion is made, Council a vote is in order."

"White."

"No!"

"Green."

"Ridiculous, no."

"Blue."

"Yes."

"Black."

Nephetitia watches her husband who sits silent for a long moment before nodding. "Yes."

"Silver."

"Wise are those who listen when their heart speaks. Yes."

"Gold."

"No!" Marathe screams spitting.

"A tie. Red will vote."

Dracul sits back in his chair pulling at his chin and staring at me. Anastasia sits next to him impassive. My heart pounds in my chest. Right now, on this single vote, we win or lose.

"Red votes yes. Take Marathe into custody to be delivered to Gold."

He slams the gavel down as Marathe screams and leaps over the table. Her hands are outstretched and starting to glow as she flies through the air at me.

I cringe. I know what's coming.

We are only days from my birthday. It's going to happen if the cycle isn't broken. Marathe is going to kill me now.

An ache clasps my chest as everyone around me moves in slow motion but it isn't for me that I feel sad but the fluttering heartbeat growing in my womb that will never know life.

Purple bolts shoot past my head and then everything starts to move in normal time again. Remy moves into view as his magic creates purple bindings that negate Marathe's magic.

I draw in a shuddering breath then Archer and Logan are both here and I'm wrapped between the two of them, safe.

Alive.