The Cursed Queen (Dragon’s Curse #1)

Andriel

"You're sure of this, Virgil?" Lord Igneel asked.

I accompanied our druid knight companion to see Lord Igneel, just as we were ordered to. Virgil was apprehensive, but I assured him he wasn't in any danger. Lord Igneel had already decreed that he would not be harmed while under our care and knew that going against it would cause harm to Sera. When I asked the druid about his relationship with the princess last night, he was firm in his response that he and Sera were only friends. I suspected his feelings ran far deeper than friendship, but I didn't push on it.

Sera already had enough to worry about, which included her having more than me as a fated mate.

One of the dragon guards showed up the next morning, ordering Virgil and me to see the lord at once. When we did, Lord Igneel asked Virgil to explain what was needed to be a dragon rider and why dragons were used in their reins. Virgil shared his rigorous training regimen without holding back. Everything from sword fighting to aerial maneuvering and learning how to control a dragon's fire at will. They could even use enchantments to fuel a dragon's fire to increase its destructive power.

They were using dragons as mindless weapons of destruction, and nothing more.

"I'm positive," Virgil said. On the day of the Dragon Crowning Ceremony, I was to choose a dragon and enchant it to obey me and use its magic like it was my own.

"And rather than selecting a dragon, you helped Sera in her quest to free the unclaimed dragons, such as . Now I understand her feelings on the matter, but you trained for this. You knew what went into becoming a dragon rider, but saw nothing wrong with it. Why the change of heart?" Lord Igneel asked.

Virgil's posture sank in shame. "I did not know that the dragons were shifters. I found out the same night that Sera had."

"He speaks the truth," I added. "Virgil believed we were nothing more than destructive beasts that needed to be locked away. He saw through the deception when I shifted into my human form."

Lord Igneel raised a hand in my direction. "Regardless of whether they were shifters or pure dragons, you still saw nothing wrong with how poorly you mistreated living creatures?"

Virgil hung his head. "No, I'm afraid not."

"But you see it now?"

"To be honest, I always felt something was off about how the dragon rider battalion treated their dragons, at least before selecting their own. Sera dreamed of becoming a dragon rider but couldn't, so I knew from an early age that I would achieve the title in her place. I'd seen some dragon riders treat their dragons fairly well once tamed, but upon learning the truth, I began questioning everything I was taught to believe. Those dragons weren't tamed, they were merely controlled to behave using enchantments. I was foolish not to have seen it sooner."

I heard the sincerity in his voice as he spoke. He started seeing the error of his ways. It was hard to question what you were instructed to believe at such a young age. Why would he, when he was never taught to think differently? At least he was wise enough to see the truth now that his vision was cleared, and the reality of what was happening finally revealed itself to him. Like Sera, he risked his life to save us. He didn't have to, but he chose to. That alone told me everything I needed to know.

"I'm pleased that you seemed to grasp the wanton acts of your fellow knights and your kingdom," Lord Igneel began. "Though you originally adhered to the requirements of becoming a dragon rider, your actions after learning the truth have shown me what kind of man you are. You're young and na?ve, but you have a pure heart. And I thank you for what you have done to assist in the freedom of my clan, as well as the information you've shared with me."

Virgil stood taller, feeling pride from Lord Igneel's praise. "Thank you, my lord. Like Sera, I want nothing more than to help set the rest of your clan free."

"Your dedication is appreciated, my young druid friend. From what you've told me, Queen Verania has conducted a solid regiment to form a feared battalion of warriors. My only concern is the reason for the birth of dragon riders. What is her end goal?"

Virgil shrugged. "We've only ever been told that our primary function is the protection of the Zeffari Kingdom. To become strong enough to defend our home from any invaders that may threaten our home."

"That can't be the only reason," I said.

Lord Igneel nodded. "I agree. With the fae disappearing centuries ago, dragons have been the most powerful magic wielders in all Iferia. Despite what you were raised to believe, Virgil, we are not mindless creatures of destruction. We cause chaos when we feel threatened, and defend ourselves and our homes like in any other region. We'd never go to war unless provoked."

"From the sounds of it, it seems this Queen Verania has a thirst for power," I said.

"Oh, she does," Virgil said dryly. "The queen is a tyrant who shows no respect for Sera or anyone under her. It wouldn't surprise me if she's only doing this for the glory of having such a powerful army in her control."

"I don't think Queen Verania is only doing this for the glory of her army," Lord Igneel pondered. "I know her well, and she's always striving for control. My concern is the safety of not only our Den, but the other kingdoms of magic."

"You think she may want to assert her dominance over the other kingdoms?" Virgil asked.

"It's possible, but it's too soon to tell."

"If that's the case, shouldn't we charge back to the Zeffari Kingdom and rescue the other dragons now?" I suggested.

Grabbing his staff from where it leaned against the wall behind him, Lord Igneel stood and shifted his weight against it. It reminded me of how old our dragon lord was getting. This would've been the time for him to retire and pass on the crown to a new dragon to rule. Under normal circumstances, the crown would be given to his heir, but his only heir was Sera. My mate wasn't ready to rule over the Dragon's Peak Den, nor was I sure she even wanted to. She certainly wouldn't be accepted so easily, given her half-druid bloodline.

Would Lord Igneel be given no choice but to select someone else for the title of Dragon Lord?

"Perhaps," Lord Igneel grunted his agreement to my question. "But if we do so now, without a way to break the magic controlling our brethren, we may risk harming, or even killing them. A fight to the death would dwindle our already small numbers further. Not to mention risk having more of us captured and under the druid's enchantment."

"Then what do you suggest?" I asked.

"If we could take out the druids riding the dragons, the enchantments would be broken. I'd seen it with that one dragon shifter we rescued," Virgil said.

"You mean Ladon," I recalled our fight with Ladon and the rider controlling him back in the Kingdom. As he said, the moment Virgil killed the druid knight, the magic controlling Ladon was broken. The problem was being able to kill the knights without potentially harming or killing the shifters under their spell. It wasn't as if Virgil could go from one dragon rider to the next by himself.

"That seemed to work, but doing so, the other dragon riders may prove difficult. Is there a way to counteract the enchantment used to control the dragons?" Lord Igneel questioned thoughtfully.

Virgil winced at the thought. "I'm not sure. It may be possible, but I'm afraid my magic alone wouldn't be enough to overpower an entire battalion's influence over their dragons. Especially since most are far more powerful and experienced than I am."

"Maybe if we can force the queen to submit and order the dragon riders to set them free?" I suggested, but even to my ears, the idea sounded unlikely.

Lord Igneel snorted. "The queen would rather die than allow anyone to overpower her."

"Maybe if she can be dethroned," Virgil pointed out. "Whether she's pure or half-blood, Sera is still considered an heir to the Zeffari Kingdom. She can challenge Queen Verania for the crown, win, and order the dragon riders to release their hold over the shifters."

It sounded like it was our only option, one that wouldn't end in a complete massacre.

"Do you think she'd be willing to kill the woman who practically raised her?" I asked, concerned for Sera's mental state if she was asked to do this. She may be disgusted with the queen right now, but she still sees Queen Verania as her mother. Logic mattered little for what matters of the heart.

"All we can do is ask her," Lord Igneel responded. "Daenerys may have already expected to face Queen Verania. We can't force her if she feels she can't do it. If she chooses to, she needs to grow strong enough to fight. That's why I asked you, Ryu, Drayce, and Ladon to work with her, . We can plan our attack as soon as she gains control of her dragon, and is in good enough condition to fight. It may be the only way to save our people and restore balance to the Druid Kingdom."

"Do you think it's possible?" Virgil asked as we walked out of Lord Igneel's cave.

"Do I think what's possible?"

"That we could set the others free?" His eyes remained forward, but I could tell his thoughts were well off in the distance. "I want to believe we have a chance, but is it obtainable?"

"We can only hope. Sometimes, it's best to hope and prepare as best as possible."

Virgil only half-listened as we walked down the path leading to the courtyard. He seemed so small at that moment. His entire world changed almost as much as the princess. I never thought I'd be worried about a druid, but Virgil was alone here. Sera found a father figure and mates who would protect her. Virgil had nobody other than Sera.

"Hey." I clapped him on the back, causing him to let out an oomph and stumble on his feet slightly. "We're not giving up without a fight, you understand? If we stand a chance to save the other shifters, you best believe we'll give it our all to do it."

That seemed to offer the young druid a tiny flicker of determination inside him. The light in his eyes wasrestored with firm determination. He was young, but had a warrior's spirit and a sense of justice that I admired. It may take time, but I felt the den would eventually warm up to him. Hopefully retrieving our captive brethren would help strengthen that resolve.

We walked the rest of the way in relative silence until we reached the dark corridor and outside the courtyard. Several dragon shifters were in the middle of sparring, while others flew about to their designated areas. One shifter stood in the center, arms crossed and scowling as his head lifted and roamed the skies as if searching for something. It was Drayce.

Drayce sensed our approach and looked our way, seeing me with Virgil in toe. His scowl deepened as his eyes fell on the druid knight.

"Drayce, is something troubling you?" I asked as soon as we reached him.

"The princess, she stole my love," Drayce muttered.

"Ryu? Well, where are they?"

"Ryu took the girl for flying lessons. They'll be back soon."

"And you don't enjoy being away from Ryu," I guessed, knowing how close he and Ryu were.

Drayce grumbled a yes.

"Wait a second." Virgil held up a hand. "You called Ryu your love. Does that mean you and he are together?"

Drayce's body went still, his eyes darkening and filling with dragonfire. "That's correct. Is that a problem?"

"Not at all," Virgil replied quickly. "I'm just concerned since... you know, you and Ryu are fated to Sera, right?"

I was also worried and wondered if the two of them talked about it while Sera was recovering. Ladon has already made it clear he wanted nothing to do with the princess, but what of them? Would they reject their fated bonds as well? If they were ordered to help train Sera, then trying to deny the pull they now have toward her would be impossible to ignore.

"I know," Drayce said, his scowl faltering.

"Have you and Ryu talked about it?" I asked cautiously.

"We did, and Ryu still wants to see what his connection to the princess is like. I won't stop him, seeing as I know how important it is for him to have someone in his life who bears the same burden he does."

I knew what that burden was, and he was right. Ryu was a shifter who didn't have the easiest time being accepted into the den. Drayce was the first to openly show Ryu a sliver of compassion through their never-ending rivalry. How they made their relationship work was beyond me, though I had to admit that Ryu's patience and devotion to the normally hot-tempered shifter was a good influence. But now Ryu would have someone who had something in common with him. Something important. I wondered if Sera knew about it yet.

"What about you?" I asked him. "What will you do about your connection to the princess?"

Drayce scoffed. "I don't know. I'm happy with Ryu, and most of me isn't thrilled to be sharing Ryu with her. But there's that other part of me, the part that's curious about what it is about the princess that makes her fit to be my mate."

"I say take it day by day," Virgil suggested. "Nobody said you have to rush into a decision, right? Take the time to get to know her and go from there."

"Virgil's right. Ryu is likely using his training time with Sera to get to know her. Maybe you could do the same thing," I said.

A flicker in his eyes showed he wanted to reject the idea, but was smart enough to understand our logic.

"Perhaps you're right," he relented.

"Good." I began rolling my shoulders and cracking my neck. "Now how about I distract you with a sparring match. We'll need to build back our strength after being trapped in a cage for days."

I caught Virgil wincing from the corner of my eye at the memory of us being locked in cages, but otherwise said nothing.

Drayce held a challenging smirk on his face as he cracked his knuckles in preparation. "Sounds good to me. I've been looking forward to pummeling you to the ground."

"You've never been able to best me, or have you forgotten?" I laughed.

"Oh, I plan to change that today."

Looking at Virgil, I motioned for him to step back. He nodded and did so, his eyes swerving from Drayce to mine. Per traditions of the den, Drayce and I met in the middle and clasped the other's wrist in a show of fair play. Once the initial greeting was met, we turned our backs to each other and took ten steps in the opposite direction. Once we were in our proper position, we turned and got into our fighting stance. Our eyes never left each other as we waited to decide who would make the first move. Usually, Drayce was too impatient to wait, and would always make the first move. Today was no different, as he let out a battle cry and charged for me.

Drayce lunged a fist, aiming for the center of my chest, but I blocked it with my right arm and counter-struck with my left fist, connecting it to his shoulder. Drayce let out a grunt and recoiled back two steps. Not wanting to lose momentum, I swung with my right fist, this time hitting his right side. I went in for a third strike, but Drayce finally blocked my attack. The fingers on his right hand curled as they shifted to his dragon claws and took a swipe at me, the sharpened tips slicing through the tender flesh of my chest as easily as cutting a leaf.

I jumped back a second too late to avoid the slice and winced at the pain. Blood was already gushing from the open wounds and running down my stomach. My heightened healing kicked in, quickly stitching my skin back together, the pain receding instantly. Drayce charged once again to cut me open a second time. I was ready for it. Once he brought his claw down, I grabbed his wrist with both hands, hoisted him off his feet, and flipped him. His back hit the ground so hard that the stone surface cracked beneath him.

We continued like that for twenty minutes, both Drayce and I trading blow for blow, and him kissing the floor more times than he could do to me. By the tenth time his ass met the ground, he let out a pained shout and allowed himself to fall back and lie on the ground.

"I yield," Drayce declared through pants.

I relaxed my posture and offered my hand to him. "Better luck next time, old friend."

He was reluctant to take my hand, but ultimately, he accepted the help. "I'll get you one of these days."

I pulled Drayce to his feet, then brushed the dust and debris off my body and hair. From a distance, I heard Virgil clapping.

"That was amazing," Virgil said excitedly.

I beamed at him. "Trust me, kid, that was nothing compared to what we can really do."

"I bet. Do you mind if I try getting my hands dirty?"

I was about to accept his request when the sudden burst of laughter coming from Drayce halted my answer.

"You? A scrawny druid boy wanting to fight a full-grown shifter in hand-to-hand combat? Ridiculous," Drayce commented like it was the stupidest thing he'd ever heard.

Virgil narrowed his eyes in annoyance. "Are you saying I'm not tough enough to handle it?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying," Drayce replied, without hesitation. "Shifters are born with enhanced strength, speed, and durability. Unlike you druids, who are nothing without your magic, we dragons don't need to shift to pose a threat. You'll be crushed like an insect in seconds."

"Come on, Drayce, that's not fair," I said, knowing there was truth to his words, but I didn't think Virgil was inherently weak.

"It's okay, ," Virgil regarded me before continuing. "While it's true, I may not be as formidable as a dragon. That doesn't mean I don't have my uses. If I'm going to help rescue the rest of your kind, shouldn't I improve my fighting capabilities, too?"

"That is true." I nodded in satisfaction at his words. "Well then, let's see what you can do, Virgil."

Virgil seemed delighted at the chance to prove himself. He wasted no time pulling off his tunic and running off to the opposite side of where I stood. Seeming to remember the beginning, Virgil walked towards the center courtyard, waiting for me to do the same. I did, and the two of us interlocked our hands to each other's wrists before walking back. At that moment, I knew my responsibility wouldn't be on Sera alone. No, Virgil's progression was just as important to me as Sera's. I'd help him find his place in our den, at least until the matter with the Zeffari Kingdom was resolved.

"All right, Virgil. You make the first move."