Page 47 of The Cursed Queen

Ryu's dragon head dipped. "Excellent. Now take a moment to rest, then we'll try again."

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 Andriel. 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 waswise 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 naïve, 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?

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