The Cursed Queen (Dragon’s Curse #1)

Drayce

It took every ounce of willpower I could muster not to let my dragon loose. To allow him to hunt down Baxus and incinerate his body until he was nothing more than a pile of ash. That would solve all our problems. Even my human mind loved the idea of putting an end to the bastard. What stopped me was my love anchoring me to my senses, and my fated mate needing my support.

She wasn't what I was expecting at all since first laying my eyes on her. Every time my mind settled on the type of person I thought she was, she'd proven herself to be the complete opposite. I thought she was a spoiled, pampered princess who merely acted out of guilt to free us. Talking with Ryu and learning about how the princess lived in ridicule and abuse squandered that assumption.

What she was doing, what she was constantly risking, went beyond guilt. The princess—Sera—saw the injustice and vowed to do something about it. Not because she had to, but because she wanted to. She was willing to kill the woman she knew to be her mother for our freedom.

How could I hate her for that?

I also thought she might be disgusted with the news of my and Ryu's relationship, but that also had proven false. Ryu said he never brought up our relationship with Sera during their training. He figured she would learn on her own and decide if we were worth perusing. I was bolder, so I told her the truth. Instead of repulsion, she thought our relationship was beautiful. She insisted we stay together if Ryu and I were truly happy together.

There was nothing heartless or malicious about this stunning beauty the fates deemed mine. She was a druid, but unlike her people, she carried a benevolent aura. She left me speechless, which was only the second time that had happened to me. The first being when I first laid eyes on Ryu.

Same-sex relationships were common among our kind, so when it was made public that Ryu and I were together, nobody cared that we were two men. The only problem came with Ryu being tainted blood; meaning him being a hybrid. I wasn't sure if the same could be said for druids, so I waited with bated breath for Sera's response when I told her.

I wasn't Ladon. Hatred over the druids didn't consume me. I may not like them, but after interacting with Sera and Virgil, I concluded that maybe some druids in Iferia weren't lusting for power and hatred. My dragon knew what he wanted the moment we discovered she was ours. My only apprehension was what that would mean for Ryu and I.

I still didn't know what to do.

"Your pacing, my love," Ryu's voice broke through my clutter of thoughts.

I stopped pacing, as he correctly mentioned.

"Tell me what's troubling you." Ryu stood from where he sat at the foot of his cot, walked over to me, and relaxed the tension throughout my body with a single kiss. His lips were as magical as his flames.

"The princess," I said.

"What about her?"

"She's not what I expected. She deserves more credit than I gave her. Seraphina's a remarkable individual."

"That she is," Ryu agreed, a featherlight smile forming on his lips. "I didn't realize how much she and I would have in common. I knew we were hybrids, but to think she was crafted to feel weak and useless, from her people and the queen, her mother."

"Queen Verania's a witch," I growled. "A soulless succubus who would sell the souls of her people for the promise of power."

"I agree. I remember my former master from Quolong speaking ill of the druid queen. She's visited our region frequently to have tea with the Mage King. Not much was known about their altercations, but whatever the topics were about, it wasn't good."

"The sooner we stop her, the better. We must rescue our captured brothers, and Sera will end the queen's life for good."

"Oh?" Ryu quirked a brow in amusement. "Feeling confident of the princess, huh?"

I could only scoff to hide my embarrassment. "Don't be ridiculous. Of course, I have confidence in her strength. We've been training her, have we not? With our help, she can take on anybody who stands in her way. That includes Baxus."

Baxus; just hearing his name had my love scrunching his nose like he smelled something bitter. "I'd do away with him myself if Lord Igneel allowed. Now he wants to lead our den? You realize we'd all be at his mercy if he gets his way."

"He won't," I barked with finality.

Like hell, Baxus would become our new dragon lord. He was a decent warrior, but was more stubborn and hardheaded than I was. I stayed clear-headed in battle, but Baxus' attitude hindered him. That may be the best way for Sera to win whatever challenge Baxus had in mind for the right of leadership.

Speaking of my mate, her floral aroma alerted me of her presence before the drape to Ryu's cave opened, and she walked in. Ryu and I were instantly on alert.

"Sera, is everything okay?" Ryu asked, his protective instincts kicking in.

"Y-Yes. My apologies for bothering you guys, but I, uh—" Sera's gaze fell to the floor, chewing on her bottom lip while her fingers twiddled together in front of her. She was nervous about something.

I cupped her chin and lifted her head. "Speak up, Princess. What's the meaning of this visit?"

My voice came out slightly sterner than I meant to, which had Sera shrinking back rather than opening up. I wanted to kick myself for frightening her.

"You truly don't have a gentle soul in your body, do you, my love?" Ryu asked with a narrow gaze, then softened as he stepped to the princess and enveloped her in his arms.

That did not help to find me a gentle soul at all. My dragon and I both growled, but for different reasons. Or rather, for the same reason, but directed at opposite people. We both felt left out in the hug. My dragon was pissed at how quickly Sera melted in Ryu's embrace, while I was pissed at Ryu for practically throwing himself at the princess.

At the sound of my disapproval, Ryu's face contorted in anger. He pointed a finger at me as he chastised me.

"Settle down. Now!" he admonished.

I forced myself to settle down.

Ryu relaxed. "Don't mind him, Princess. has always been a grouch, but on the inside, he's a ray of sunshine."

Sera snorted. "Really? And here I thought he was born with a permanent scowl on his face."

The two of them laughed at my so-called permanent scowl, which only deepened at their mockery. Ryu rushed to my side, trying to quell his amusement.

"Come on, . Don't be such a sourpuss," he said, pouting his lips and resting his head against my shoulder.

I decided I'd punish him later, but we needed to get back to why Sera was here. "Tell us what's on your mind, Princess."

That had her smile faltering. "W-Well, it's about our fated bond."

"What about it?" Ryu stood up straighter to give Sera his undivided attention.

"Well, I'm fated to you both—plus Andriel and Ladon—and I'd been struggling to decide what to do about it. The logical solution would've been for me to pick Andriel since Ladon doesn't want me, and Andriel and I have already... y-you know. That would leave you two to be together.The problem is the time I spent with you both has made me feel things I never expected to. It's made me want to discover if something meaningful can be forged with you."

Ryu and I exchanged glances at one another in surprise.

"Are you saying you want us both?" Ryu asked.

"That depends.Ryu, our interactions together have shown me what your feelings are." Sera's gaze moved to meet mine, and those globes of liquid mercury had me frozen.

"But I don't know where you and I stand. I can tell your heart is with Ryu, and I've expressed to you before that I wish not to tear the two of you apart. So, if there's no room for me in your life, I'd rather you tell me now before it's too late."

So, she was waiting to hear where I stood on the matter. It was something I'd been pondering for a few days now. I couldn't deny the growing spark that flashed between us, or how my dragon loved being near her, though he wasn't happy to hear that Andriel already got to have her first. What was she like beneath him? What sounds did she make when he brought out her pleasure? When she came undone. Those were things I secretly wished to know.

I looked at Ryu for some encouragement. He motioned for me to go on. To speak truthfully.

"I'll admit that, at first, I didn't know what to think about our bond," I began. "You were the druid princess; princess of the kingdom who sought to use our power for gods only knows what. I also didn't want anything to come between Ryu and I."

"I don't want to stand in the way of your relationship with Ryu, . You know that," Sera said.

"I know." I reached out and cupped her cheek. "Which surprised me more than anything else. You accepted our relationship without a second thought, even though you're fated to the both of us."

"Yeah, well, let's just say I understand what it feels like to separate because you're destined to be with someone else. It's heartbreaking for everyone involved, and I wouldn't wish that on you two."

"And that means more to us than you will ever know, sweet princess," Ryu moved to her back, so Sera was now sandwiched between us. I had to admit that our current position had thoughts roaming in my mind. The kind that had heat flooding my system, and my cock stirring. Ryu seemed to have sensed my growing arousal as he smirked at me over Sera's shoulder, right before he nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck.

Our mate let out a shivering gasp. Her body arched against mine, causing her plump breasts and hardening nipples to rub against my chest. Now my cock was rock hard, and itching to bury itself into her. It was so tempting to take her now. To show her what sex between Ryu and me felt like. I didn't want to stop, but I had to finish my thoughts before we continued. Sera needed to know my feelings. Then she could decide if we're worth it.

Clearing my throat to get their attention, I said, "Before we do... more, you must understand something, Sera."

Ryu took a step back to allow Sera to focus back on me and my words.

"I do feel a connection with you, as I'm sure Ryu does. I don't know what a relationship will look like between the three of us, plus you also have Andriel to think about. Being fated to more than one dragon is a new thing for all of us. I'm unsure if my feelings for you will ever be as strong as it is for Ryu, but if you're waiting for me to make the first move, I'm willing to work through this with you both."

"I agree with ," Ryu piped in, his hands running up and down Sera's arms. "This is new for all of us. was the first person to love me for who I am. My love for him will always be there, but I too felt something with you, Sera,"

Sera reached up to rest her hands over Ryu's. "Thank you both for your honesty. Upon learning that I was fated to more than one shifter, I felt intimidated, especially after getting used to the idea of Andriel and I being together. I don't know how, why, or what I should do. Maybe I must choose only one, maybe not, but the more time I spend with you two and Andriel, the more I realize that choosing would be harder than I thought. In fact, it's almost impossible. My biggest fear is potentially ruining your relationship."

"You won't," Ryu cut in firmly. "Sera, understand one thing. Love is more powerful than any magic. It's infinite. You have the power to love us all as much as you wish to, just as we can. And even if we choose to surrender our heart to you, it won't take away the love and I share with each other."

At that last statement, Ryu's gaze moved over to me, as if needing me and Sera to hear his message. I understood what he was saying. He didn't want me to worry about losing him because his love for me was strong enough to last forever. What about me? Could I love him and find love in Sera? Could Sera find love for all her mates? That was a question that couldn't be solved in a day, but it was one we could discover the answer together if we let ourselves.

"I'm willing to see where this goes," I said, feeling more confident in myself to answer.

"As am I," Ryu added.

Sera's eyes widened in surprise at our support. They began glistening with unshed tears. "Are you two certain? Do you believe this could work?"

"I believe so, my sweet flower. And with all of us at your side, we'll look after the Dragon's Peak Den, and help you take back the Zeffari Kingdom." Ryu grabbed Sera's face, then leaned down to envelop her lips with his. At first, she was taken aback, but once the kiss deepened, she willingly opened up and gave back as much as he gave her.

A growl rumbled in my throat, surprising myself by how turned on I was getting from watching them make out with each other. My body moved on pure instinct, getting closer. My head bent low to leave kisses down her neck. She let out a whimper that Ryu drank down, not stopping from claiming her lips. My lips trailed over, then around her collarbone, the need to explore further overwhelming my senses.

Reaching up with my hands, my fingers wrapped around her breasts, kneading them like dough. She instinctively arched her back forward, pushing more of her body to me. This close, I could smell her arousal suffocating me in the best way possible. My cock was completely rock-hard and pressing against the leg of my pants. More. I needed more.

Her bulbous nipples peeked through the thin material of the black dress she was wearing, causing my mouth to water. I closed my lips around one nub and gently tugged on it, using my teeth.

Unable to hold it, Sera's head fell back as she gasped out a moan.

"That feel good, my sweet flower?" Ryu asked in a low, sensual tone.

Rendered speechless, Sera shook her head while I continued tugging and licking, the fabric wet with my saliva.

"I bet it would feel even better with two mouths on you instead of one. Wouldn't it?"

"Y-Yes," Sera panted.

"Is that what you want, Princess? Do you want both our mouths on you?"

"Yes," she said louder. "Please."

Before Ryu came to join me, he undid the ties of her dress, causing it to fall into a puddle at her feet. She had nothing on underneath, which left her completely naked and vulnerable to us. I groaned with the incessant need to fuck her as I drank in her body from head to toe, finding her mouthwatering. My cock was ready to bust out and bury itself inside her. Oh, I desperately wanted to, but first, I wanted to devour her. To show her what it was like to have Ryu and me ravishing her until she was undone and barely hanging on.

"You're so damn beautiful," Ryu whispered, rubbing his cheek against her left breast before taking her hardened nipple into his mouth and sucking on it. Sera let out a moan, trying her best to stay still. Ryu worked on the other with his hand while I motioned for her to spread her legs. She did so, giving me a full view of her sweet pussy, the juices of her arousal already dripping down her thighs.

I licked my lips. "My sentiments exactly. You're a stunning young woman."

Sera couldn't find the words to respond. Not after I lapped up her juices, then shoved my tongue through her folds and began drinking her sweet nectar. Her whole body quivered in pleasure, muttering incoherent words when she wasn't whimpering and moaning.

I moved my tongue around inside her, licking everywhere I connected. When I licked in a certain spot, she let out a high-pitched shutter.

"F-Fuck, right there! Please!" she pleaded with me.

I'd do anything to get her to make those sounds again. As she requested, I continued hitting that spot she loved so much. I flattened my tongue, lapping her from the bottom up. I licked up and over her clit, which sparked another cry from her. Sera's eyes were squeezed closed, her breath coming in languid pants. Ryu's mouth moved from one nipple to the next, leaving bite marks and bruises to show she was thoroughly loved.

I continued working her pussy and swirling my tongue around her clit. Needing more, she pressed her front against me, her pussy grinding against my tongue. I pushed it back into her, licking and sucking everything she was giving me. I could feel her reaching the point of climax. Reaching for her clit, I pinched and rubbed it between my fingers to give her the extra sensation. Within a few seconds, Sera sucked in a breath before letting out a strangled cry. Her release exploded in my mouth, and I drank it down like a man dying of thirst.

"That's our good girl," Ryu cooed with his arms around her and his fingers running through her sweat-dampened hair.

Lifting my head, I gripped the back of Ryu's neck and pulled him down for a kiss. Shoving my tongue in his mouth, I gave my love a taste of our mate, which he greedily ran his tongue over mine for more. When we separated, our mouths hung open, panting, with a thin trail of saliva dripping from his bottom lip.

"That was amazing," he whispered.

Oh, I couldn't agree more, and it was only the beginning of what I had planned for him and Sera.