“I will admit that trouble seems to be drawn to me, but I certainly don’t seek it out.” He paused, thinking about how he’d decided to go after the First alone. “Much.”
Not only that, but he had a feeling that after this journey, his incessant itch for adventure would be sated. At least for a while.
“Mhmm, keep telling yourself that, Prince.” Vivienne rolled her shoulders and held out her hand for her sword.
Now that she didn’t seem like she wanted to kill him, he handed it over.
“I’ll just be here, waiting for trouble to show up, calling your name.” She sheathed the sword behind her back. “Until then?—”
A thunderousthump, thump, thumpfilled the air, cutting her off.
Marius’s gaze rose to the sky as a dark shadow flitting through the clouds drew his attention.
It was beautiful.
Enormous wings were spread, blotting out the stars, and a boomingroarshook the heavens. Moments later, red flames swept across the sky.
It was a stunning sight.
“Is that a dragon?” Vivienne asked, stepping towards him even as she looked up.
“It is,” he breathed.
It didn’t matter how many times he saw one of these majestic creatures. Each experience filled him with awe.
The first time he’d met a dragon was after the Battle of Balance. Luna and Sebastian had invited the High Ladies and their mates to Castle Sanguis to celebrate the restoration of the Balance. Three dragons had arrived with them, each a marvelous creature of death.
The adventure bug had already bitten Marius. Meeting the Carinoc dragons and seeing them up close had solidified his desire to explore the land.
Noteveryone felt the same way he did about dragons, though. There was a reason the Crimson King had sought to eradicate them a century ago. Many people in the Four Kingdoms feared the fire-breathing creatures, and based on the look flickering across Vivienne’s face, she might have been one of them.
She drew her sword in a smooth movement, spun on her heels, and cast a look over her shoulder that distinctly said,See? You attract trouble.
“Stay behind me,” she commanded. “Dragons are?—”
Marius was already shouldering past her, a joyful grin stretching across his face as he approached the descending dragon.
Vivienne released a string of curses, running towards him in a blur. Her hand landed on his arm, and she yanked him back. “Are you so eager to call in your debt, Your Highness? Stay back.”
He stumbled but shook her off. “It’s fine.”
“It most certainly isn’t.” She pointed her sword towards the sky, her wings flaring. “Did you miss the fire-breathing beast flying straight towards us? That’s the opposite of ‘fine.’ Vampires aren’t fireproof, Marius.”
“I’m well aware.” That was the reason Castle Sanguis was illuminated by Light Elf orbs. “But I recognize this dragon.”
He realized who it was the moment they broke through the cloud cover. After all, there weren’t many dragons in the Four Kingdoms, and only one had scales that mimicked a flourishing forest in the middle of the summer. Spikes lined the green dragon’s back, from its head to its long tail. Curved talons extended from its legs. Large wings were spread, facilitating its descent. Golden, slitted eyes were wide and trained on them.
“You do? How?” Vivienne asked.
Marius raised his hand in greeting as the dragon approached. Heat radiated off the beast, melting what little snow remained onthe ground.
His grin widened. “He’s a family friend of sorts.”
He hadn’t expected the dragon to pick them up from Marshwater Keep, but in hindsight, it made sense. Dragons could travel quickly over large expanses of land, and this particular one was Sebastian and Luna’s good friend.
The dragon landed. The ground quaked, trees shook behind them, and then, a brilliant white light flashed.
Focus on Me