Curse of the Undead Dragon King (Skeleton Key) (3 page)

“Indeed. You were just a boy. And now look at you!” she exclaims, now standing. Her tail transforms into legs, a bit discerning to watch as I wasn’t expecting it. “Soon to be king, and now engaged to this lovely woman.” Queen Rayne reaches out a hand to me.

I hurry forward and take it. “A pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty.” I curtsy.

“Oh, the pleasure is ours.” King Drayton approaches, almost losing his balance as he walks in the sand. Understandable, considering how much time he spends not having legs at all.

“Come. Let’s feast, and of course you’ll have to tell us the wedding plans, considering that we won’t be able to attend the ceremony.” Drayton leads us to a small area farther down the beach that he’s set up for us to have a meal, a table and benches carved from the sand itself.

“Which we regret,” Rayne adds.

“It is all well,” Aurelio assures them as he finds a nice place to sit before the driftwood bonfire. “Though if you truly want, I am sure we could somehow arrange it.”

“Oh, we would not ask you to go through the trouble just for us. Your wedding day is about you and Zanta. Do not be saddened that we are not there, for we would hardly make a difference at all. I fear we wouldn’t be noticed simply because you two are so enamored with one another.” She laughs and gives our entwined hands a pointed look.

Aurelio laughs with her. “Very well.”

“Besides, how could we expect you to make accommodations for us in your kingdom when we cannot welcome you into ours?” King Drayton says.

“’Tis true, as far as I am aware. It isn’t something I would enjoy putting to the test.” Aurelio waves his hand at the water as he speaks.

“Ah, yes. That would be tragic. But enough about our homes. We wish to know more about this lovely woman at your side.” Drayton turns to me.

“Thank you.” I feel my cheeks warm. “There is not much to tell, I fear. Aurelio’s mother saved me, his father took me in, and Aurelio himself has showered me with friendship and love I thought I’d never live to find.”

“How darling,” Queen Rayne says, her head slightly tilted. Her voice, though kind, seems a bit as though she finds me more a child than anything.

The beating of wings and a shadow overhead halt the conversation as we all look up. A light gray dragon flies toward us, landing in the sand nearby and shifting to human, running down the beach until he is beside Aurelio.

“My sincerest apologies, Your Highness, but you must return to Dracameveo immediately,” he says so fast, the words almost crash together.

“What is it, Graff?” Aurelio stands and turns to him, panic and worry all over his face.

“The king needs you.”

AFTER GIVING GRAFF
careful instructions on where to find the carriage and to watch over Zanta on their journey home, I change into my dragon form and take flight, pushing myself to go as fast as I can, putting every bit of power I have into making it home before Father leaves.

I land in the courtyard, shifting as my feet touch the ground, and run, shoving the door open, down the corridor, first looking in the grand hall. It remains empty. From there, I go to Father’s chambers, but they too are barren.

I begin walking toward the only other room where I can think to find Father. It’s a short walk down the hall, and the door to Mother’s room is already open. I step inside and see Father sitting on the edge of her empty bed, her crown in his hands.

“Father?” I take a step closer to him, moving slowly, trying to get a sense of what he’s thinking, why he called me home if it isn’t truly urgent.

“Part of me can’t wait to leave, Aurelio. I know that doesn’t sound fair, but it’s true. I’ll get to see her again.” Father holds the crown a little higher as he looks up at me.

“I may not be ready, but I can understand the sentiment. I wish I could see her as well.” I sit down on the bed beside him.

“I have faith in you, son. I believe you are ready in every aspect but one.” Father sniffles, and turns so he’s looking at me. “There is a secret that only a few know,” he struggles to say. “One I’d hoped to better prepare you for, but I fear there isn’t much time now. I can feel myself slipping farther away with every second that passes.”

“It’s all right Father. What is it? What’s the secret?” I nod, trying to tell myself it’s all going to work out in the end, that somehow he’ll survive and it won’t matter. But I know it isn’t true.

“There’s a curse, Aurelio, one that I am forbidden to say more about, but if history repeats itself, it will take hold of you when you become king.”

“Ignacio!” Castel runs into the room, sliding across the smooth floor as he tries to stop before Father.  “Sire, the council is ready. My apologies for taking so long to return. Elder Waylon could not be found. We learned he was riding in the west fields, but he is here now, and we’re waiting in the council room.” He huffs, taking in deep breaths. Clearly he ran all the way here.

“Thank you. I believe the timing could not be better. Let us go.” Father stands and follows Castel out of the room, leaving the crown on the bed.

I follow both of them, worried that Father won’t tell me any more about the curse. I need to know what he was going to say, but my fears are unfounded.

He lets Castel go ahead and walks beside me. “Remember my grandfather? The dragon king that went missing?” he asks.

“I remember mention of him, no one knows what happened to him.” I try to recall more but nothing comes to mind.

Father nods. “Go to Humestia, stay on the ground as much as you can, find the wizard who has the key, break the curse, and come home.”

We march through the castle corridors and down the stairs, past many doors until we reach the one we need—a wooden door placed so tightly between two brick walls, not a sliver of light from the lone candle on the table can be seen between the cracks once it’s closed. Six faces illuminated, looking to King Ignacio—my father.

Each council member watches curiously. Lady Estella looks sad, as if she has an idea as to why we’re all here. Lady Kiamora shivers, pushing her gray hair from her face and pulling her shawl higher on her frail shoulders. Lord Waylon looks angry, as usual, slumped over lazily in his seat as if he has somewhere better to be, his balding head reflecting the candlelight. Lord Oran is attentive, the youngest council member present, completely clueless. Castel tries to keep his features in check, showing no emotion, but I have no doubt that Father has told him the truth.

“Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice.” Father clears his throat, avoiding looking anyone in the eye.

Goose bumps raise up on my cold human skin.

“I am dying.” Father proceeds to tell them what he’s already told me, matter-of-factly, with no emotion. Not like when he told me at all. No mention of Mother. 

I already know this, and yet I cannot help the wave of pain that washes over me once again. A gasp to my right—most likely Estella—silences my father for a moment as he lets the news settle. The rest of the room just watches, waiting for more to be said, perhaps a little unbelieving.

He places his hands on either side of his crown and gently lifts it from his head. “I give my crown to Aurelio, my lasting son, that he may be king of Dracameveo.” He sets the cold ring of metal and jewels in my hands. The weight is more than I could have ever imagined.

I kneel before my father for the last time—something I didn’t expect to do at only seventeen years old. “Thank you, Your Majesty. Know that I will do all within my power to make you proud.”

He extends his arm, offering me his hand. I take it, and he pulls me to my feet. “Son, you have already made me proud.”

“Thank you.” The words come out barely above a whisper.

“Know that I give you and Zanta my blessing. I could not be happier for either one of you. May she be forever your one true love, your other half, your dragon mate, and your queen. Listen to your council.” Father looks to the members all watching him, both horrified and saddened. “But more importantly, listen to your heart. And be a dragon as often as you can be.” He smiles warmly, his eyes glossed over with tears.

“Thank you. Let your heart lead and your wings soar.” Words I’d hoped I would not have to speak for such a long time—our parting wishes.

Father bows his head to me. “I bid thee farewell as I take my final flight and spend my last moments in a place of peace.” Without another word, he opens the door and disappears down the dark corridor.

I set the crown on the table and follow after him, wishing to watch his final flight, but someone grabs my arm, pulling me back. I turn to find Castel, Father’s brother, my uncle, looking at me with sorrow in his eyes. He shakes his head before stepping back in line with the other council members, who now all stand in the corridor as well. Five people looking at me with tears in their eyes, their hands over their hearts. And in a single movement, they fall to their knees, bowing to their soon-to-be new king.

“He was a good king, Aurelio. I have no doubts you will be a great one.”

“Thank you, Uncle.” I take a deep breath and look at my empty hands, not sure what to do from this point forward. I shift, to better face them. “You are all dismissed. We will meet for council tomorrow. But tonight, we mourn.” I nod and rush through the corridor until I reach the sconce at the end of the tunnel.

I open the door and run, finding the nearest door leading outside, and am grateful the moon is shining brightly.

I take a step toward it. A single raindrop falls on my cheek, rolling down it as if I’ve let my tears loose. I look to the sky, searching for my father’s dragon form, just to catch a glimpse of him one last time. But I have no such luck. He is gone.

I fall to my knees, landing in the blue grass, and let my pain free, crying openly. It matters not if I am seen or heard. As my tears fall and land on the ground, clouds roll in, covering the moonlight. Rain falls as hard as my cries, and I know Father is gone. I am king. And it only rains when I cry now.

“Your Highness?” A light voice calls out, but I do not answer. Unable to form words in my grief, I let her call.

A hand touches my shoulder. I look up to see a soft light glow upon the cheekbones and kind eyes of Zanta. She looks at me with sadness, understanding what has happened. We all knew this day was near. “I am so sorry, Aurelio.” She kneels beside me, wrapping her arms around me, giving me comfort only she could.

I cannot find words to speak, so I allow her to embrace me as I cry, the rain pouring down on us. But she does not shiver or complain, only allows me to lean into her.

“Your father has found peace, and that is better than having to suffer,” she says after a moment has passed.

“I know,” I whisper. “But that does not mean I was ready to lose him. Or to take his position as king.”

“But a fine king you will make.” She leans away, cupping my cheek in her palm.

“Thank you.” I stand, the rain less torrential now. “Come, let’s go inside where it is warm.” I reach out my hand to her.

She takes it, lifting her skirts as she gets up. She wraps her arm around mine. “Indeed. You need rest, as tomorrow there will be much to do.”

“I do not want to sleep. I would prefer not to be alone right now,” I say, trembling.

Zanta looks up at me, meeting my eyes. “Of course. Let’s go to the kitchens and have a cup of cider.” She gently pats my hand.

“Thank you.” My voice shakes, and I feel more tears begin to form. I hold back, not allowing myself to cry out more until we’ve reached the castle. There has been enough rain upon us for this night.

“Of course.” She leads me along, never letting me go.

Zanta was wise to suggest the kitchens. It’s warm with the fires burning strong, and it smells like a feast. Uncle or perhaps one of the other council members must have informed the cook that tomorrow, a new reign will begin. Many will be coming to pay their respects and a feast is what will be needed.

Thinking of the cook, I jump back a bit, seeing her come around the corner. “Good evening, Your Majesty.” Belen curtsies.

“Thank you, Belen, but I am not king yet. Tonight, I am still just Aurelio. Does everyone know?” I fear the responses, the heartbreak. But most of all, I fear how everyone will look to me for answers. To fix their problems. I fear what becoming king means.

Belen nods. “Of course, Aurelio. What can I get for you?” she asks kindly, looking between me and Zanta.

“Cider, please,” Zanta says and pushes me toward the table in the corner.

“Of course.” Belen rushes to the opposite end of the room.

Zanta sits across from me, our hands overlapped on the table. She looks at me with pure adoration, and even through the pain of losing my father tonight, she brings such joy to my heart.

“Your cider.” Belen places two mugs on the table and disappears before I have a chance to thank her.

“Zanta, how did you arrive so quickly?”

“I took flight the moment we reached the carriage, leaving it to Graff to bring home. I did not want you to have to face this alone.”

“Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome,” she whispers, standing and walking around the table. She sits beside me, pulling me into her embrace.

“How is it that you are so wise?” I ask, grateful she is with me. 

“Because I learned from your father. Besides, someone has to be in order to keep you in check.” She sits up and looks at me, her lips crooking up in a grin.

I find myself beginning to smile too, happy that Zanta came when she did. I run my fingers through her hair until my palm rests against the back of her head. I pull her closer, leaning in as I do, and kiss her forehead. “I appreciate it.”

“I’m glad.” She looks up at me through her lashes.

I reach around her and take my cup of cider, sipping it down, beginning to feel almost normal as the heated liquid warms me.

“Now, I know you do not wish to be alone, and it is understandable. But you must get some rest. Not only do we have a wedding to prepare for, but your coronation.” She drinks some of her own cider before standing and taking my hand, pulling me toward her until I finally relent and allow her to lead me from the kitchen, through the corridor, up the stairs, and into the main hall.

The room is empty, our every step echoing off the walls. Only a sliver of moonlight shines through the window, casting an eerie shadow across our path.  I can’t help but stop and look around, seeing the room differently now. Tomorrow I will enter this hall, not as a prince, not as the king’s son, but as the king. The ruler of this land. Tomorrow I must break the people’s hearts with the news of their former king’s passing.

“Do not dwell on it tonight, Aurelio. When the sun rises, you may worry—you may concern yourself with the things to come. But for now, you must get rest.” Zanta takes my hand once more and I follow her, still looking at the room, at the throne, and finally, at Zanta.

It has been a long time since Dracameveo has known a queen. Zanta will sit on the throne beside me, and we will rule together. With her knowledge and abilities, I’ll hardly have any need for other council members.