Page 114 of The Dragon Queen

“I look forward to it, Talon,” he said. “So, what’s next for the Southern Isles?”

“A lot of damage was done, and not just in the battle. I’m working to repair all the destruction Barron caused these decent people. It’ll take a long time to mend what was broken, but one day, this place will be whole again.”

“You’re already a better king than your predecessors.”

My eyes flicked away at the compliment. “The coronation is a week from today—as well as the wedding.”

He smirked again, the playfulness reaching his eyes. “She’ll be a fine bride.”

“But a better queen,” I said. “It would mean a lot to have you at my side.”

He gave a slight shake of his head. “Like I would miss it, Dragon King.”

My eyes narrowed slightly at his words.

“That’s what they call you,” he said. “And I like it a lot more than King Rothschild…far less pretentious.”

I smirked at the taunt.

He came closer and gripped me by the shoulder. “To them, you’re the Dragon King, Ruler of the Southern Isles. But to me, you’ll always be the best sailor I’ve ever had—and an even greater friend.”

I stood at the edge of the cliff, all the citizens of the Southern Isles gathered below, present to watch their king be crowned. My heart was full with the people there, with Khazmuda as he stood in the back of the courtyard, with all the dragons that watched from their positions in the air. I expected to feel the twinge of despair, standing in the place where my family had died, but I felt nothing but peace.

I’d changed my uniform, shedding the one I’d worn as the Death King because that identity had been replaced long ago. Now I wore the crest of my family’s name on my chest—but it’d been changed to include dragons surrounding it, marking the union and alliance of our races.

I felt no unease or uncertainty. Taking the responsibility as king was a heavy burden because the entire kingdom and its citizens rested upon my shoulders, but I found it surprisingly light…because I’d already been carrying it all this time.

Ethan came to my side and got my attention before he nodded behind me.

My eyes remained on his for a moment before I turned to look down at the parting in the crowd.

Calista walked to me with her uncle at her side, wearing a uniform that matched mine except it had been made into a sleeved dress. Silhouettes of dragons were sewn into the material of her gown, a subtle texture that enhanced her appearance. With the confidence of a dragon, she walked to me, eyes locked on mine with a hint of a smile, like she was as touched by my appearance as I was by hers.

An eternity passed as she made her way to me, the train of her gown trailing behind her, a symbol of a new beginning, a future that looked brighter than the sun. When she came to me, she looked up into my eyes, that warmth all over her face, her love and devotion written like words in permanent ink.

Queen Eldinar stood at the edge of the cliff, in a crisp white gown with a crown of dragon scales in her hands, all donated by the dragons that had come to watch me become king. “Talon Rothschild, the fifteenth of his name, I crown you king.” She lifted the crown and gently placed it upon my head. “King Talon Rothschild, Ruler of the Southern Isles—the Dragon King.”

“Roooaaaaarrrr!”

“Rooooooaaaaarrrrrr!”

“Roooooaaaaarrr!”

“Rooooaaaaaaarrr!”

The dragons that hovered in the skies released their mighty roars that echoed off the cliffs and stretched far across the lands and open sea. It was so loud that the cheers of the crowd below could hardly be heard.

Calista’s eyes watered as she watched them continue their powerful roars, welcoming me as the rightful king to the throne, our alliance deeper than convenience, full of love and respect.

It was a sight I would never forget, a feeling I would hold in my heart as long as I lived. For the first time, I let myself accept what I’d earned—knowing I deserved it. Knowing no one else deserved it more than me.

“Roooaaaaarrrr!”

“Rooooooaaaaarrrrrr!”

“Roooooaaaaarrr!”

“Rooooaaaaaaarrr!”

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