Page 19 of Taken By the Naga King

“So, you really weren’t going to use me for breeding?”

He chuckled. “No, I was not. I’m pretty sure humans and Niri can’t even procreate. If they could, my kind would have taken advantage of that fact a long time ago.”

A look of horror took over Azha’s face. “Gravon… this means that if we stay together, you’ll never have children. Your line will cease to exist. Who will take over the throne?”

Gravon nodded grimly. “Yes, you are correct that my offspring will not sit on the throne. But I do not care about any of that. Nothing matters but you. Besides, I have clutchmates that may yet reproduce. The Vinezar line will retain power.” A tear trickled down Azha’s face, and Gravon quickly swiped it away with a finger. “Now, I would like to show you something if you will let me.”

Azha looked confused, but she nodded. He took her hand and began leading her toward the gardens.

“See, my plan was to take you to the gardens and confess to you about being mates. You forced me to confess early, but I would still like to show you, as this is one of my favorite places on Nirum.”

A few minutes later, they reached a tall emerald gate, with a matching emerald fence that kept whatever was inside from view.

The scent of Azha’s excitement filled the air, which in turn filled Gravon with great satisfaction knowing he was giving her this.

He winded up to the gate and placed his palm flat on it. The gate began to open slowly. They entered, and it closed behind them.

He watched Azha’s face as she took everything in. Bioluminescent plants were everywhere with flowers, trees, and vines all glowing in different colors. Trees made entirely of crystals that, when hit by the wind, gave off a satisfying chiming sound. The flowers turned and greeted her as she walked by them.

“This is…”

“I know,” he said.

“Is it all natural?”

“Some are Niri-made inventions, like the crystal trees. We like to get creative in our labs.”

“I don’t think I ever want to leave this place,” she said. The look on her face was that of absolute happiness. Like she didn’t have a care in the world.

“I have not even shown you the best part.”

Her head whipped toward him. “There’s more?”

“Oh, yes. Follow me.” He led her to what looked like a booth. It was tall and white with a curtain for privacy. “Go inside.”

She didn’t hesitate, which made him even happier than he was already. She trusted him.

“What do I do?” she asked from inside.

“Just follow the instructions on the screen.”

It was silent for a couple of minutes before Azha stepped out of the booth. As soon as she did, her face lit up with wonder.

“How?” she asked.

“It’s a system we created. When you go inside the booth, it reads all kinds of things about you. Any allergies you might have, what scents you’re more likely to enjoy. The perfect temperature for you. Anything that could assist in your enjoyment of the garden.”

“It smells amazing now. Even the colors are softer.”

“That’s because everything has been adjusted for your human senses. Before, the colors may have been too bright, as they were created for Niri eyes.”

“And do you see and smell what I do?”

“No, it’s personalized to me at the same time. And once you go in the booth, you never have to go in again.”

“Is this place real?” she asked.

“As real as you and me standing here.”

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