Page 48 of The Cursed Queen

"Perhaps," Lord Igneel grunted his agreement to my question. "But if we do so now, without a way to break the magic controlling our brethren, we may risk harming, or even killing them. A fight to the death would dwindle our already small numbers further. Not to mention risk having more of us captured and under the druid's enchantment."

"Then what do you suggest?" I asked.

"If we could take out the druids riding the dragons, the enchantments would be broken. I'd seen it with that one dragon shifter we rescued," Virgil said.

"You mean Ladon," I recalled our fight with Ladon and the rider controlling him back in the Kingdom. As he said, the moment Virgil killed the druid knight, the magic controlling Ladon was broken. The problem was being able to kill the knights without potentially harming or killing the shifters under their spell. It wasn't as if Virgil could go from one dragon rider to the next by himself.

"That seemed to work, but doing so, the other dragon riders may prove difficult. Is there a way to counteract the enchantment used to control the dragons?" Lord Igneel questioned thoughtfully.

Virgil winced at the thought. "I'm not sure. It may be possible, but I'm afraid my magic alone wouldn't be enough to overpower an entire battalion's influence over their dragons. Especially since most are far more powerful and experienced than I am."

"Maybe if we can force the queen to submit and order the dragon riders to set them free?" I suggested, but even to my ears, the idea sounded unlikely.

Lord Igneel snorted. "The queen would rather die than allow anyone to overpower her."

"Maybe if she can be dethroned," Virgil pointed out. "Whether she's pure or half-blood, Sera is still considered an heir to the Zeffari Kingdom. She can challenge Queen Verania for the crown, win, and order the dragon riders to release their hold over the shifters."

It sounded like it was our only option, one that wouldn't end in a complete massacre.

"Do you think she'd be willing to kill the woman who practically raised her?" I asked, concerned for Sera's mentalstate if she was asked to do this. She may be disgusted with the queen right now, but she still sees Queen Verania as her mother. Logic mattered little for what matters of the heart.

"All we can do is ask her," Lord Igneel responded. "Daenerys may have already expected to face Queen Verania. We can't force her if she feels she can't do it. If she chooses to, she needs to grow strong enough to fight. That's why I asked you, Ryu, Drayce, and Ladon to work with her, Andriel. We can plan our attack as soon as she gains control of her dragon, and is in good enough condition to fight. It may be the only way to save our people and restore balance to the Druid Kingdom."

"Do you think it's possible?" Virgil asked as we walked out of Lord Igneel's cave.

"Do I think what's possible?"

"That we could set the others free?" His eyes remained forward, but I could tell his thoughts were well off in the distance. "I want to believe we have a chance, but is it obtainable?"

"We can only hope. Sometimes, it's best to hope and prepare as best as possible."

Virgil only half-listened as we walked down the path leading to the courtyard. He seemed so small at that moment. His entire world changed almost as much as the princess. I never thought I'd be worried about a druid, but Virgil was alone here. Sera found a father figure and mates who would protect her. Virgil had nobody other than Sera.

"Hey." I clapped him on the back, causing him to let out anoomphand stumble on his feet slightly. "We're not giving up without a fight, you understand? If we stand a chance to save the other shifters, you best believe we'll give it our all to do it."

That seemed to offer the young druid a tiny flicker of determination inside him. The light in his eyes wasrestored with firm determination. He was young, but had a warrior's spirit and a sense of justice that I admired. It may take time, but I felt the den would eventually warm up to him. Hopefully retrieving our captive brethren would help strengthen that resolve.

We walked the rest of the way in relative silence until we reached the dark corridor and outside the courtyard. Several dragon shifters were in the middle of sparring, while others flew about to their designated areas. One shifter stood in the center, arms crossed and scowling as his head lifted and roamed the skies as if searching for something. It was Drayce.

Drayce sensed our approach and looked our way, seeing me with Virgil in toe. His scowl deepened as his eyes fell on the druid knight.

"Drayce, is something troubling you?" I asked as soon as we reached him.

"The princess, she stole my love," Drayce muttered.

"Ryu? Well, where are they?"

"Ryu took the girl for flying lessons. They'll be back soon."

"And you don't enjoy being away from Ryu," I guessed, knowing how close he and Ryu were.

Drayce grumbled a yes.

"Wait a second." Virgil held up a hand. "You called Ryu your love. Does that mean you and he are together?"

Drayce's body went still, his eyes darkening and filling with dragonfire. "That's correct. Is that a problem?"

"Not at all," Virgil replied quickly. "I'm just concerned since... you know, you and Ryu are fated to Sera, right?"

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