Page 50 of Empire of Death
“And you think Dad would do anything differently?”
He didn’t have to consider it for long before he gave a nod. “You’re right. He wouldn’t.”
“Break an alliance in our time of need and threaten us when we’re most vulnerable…that makes you an enemy. And the Rothschilds bury their enemies, only to raise them from the dead once again—to fight for us.”
We left at first light for the Southern Isles, and after nearly a full day of flying, the cliffs came into view, the magnificent castle at the very top with the village below. A few dragons were visible, flying in the far distance, a normal sight of the kingdom, as typical as a cloud on a sunny day.
We flew to the open courtyard at the top of the cliff, and our dragons landed far more gently since we didn’t have an audience. I climbed down from Zehemoth then felt the cobblestone for the first time in what felt like an eternity.
Hawk climbed down and came to my side. “It’s nice to be home…and it’s not a war.”
I turned to Zehemoth. “Thank you for everything these last few weeks. Catch up on some rest.”
He dipped his head and rubbed the soft part of his scales along his cheek against me.I don’t believe any of us will rest until this is over. You’re a queen as mighty as you are beautiful.He pulled away so our eyes could meet.I know your father will be proud when he’s learned all you’ve done.
Or disappointed. “Thank you, Zehemoth.”
I know you want to see your father. We’ll speak again soon. He walked farther toward the edge of the cliffs then opened his wings before he tipped forward and took to the skies. Movack took off afterward, both of the glorious dragons brilliant in the sunlight.
“Let’s go see Dad.” Hawk took the lead and headed to the castle.
I watched him go, needing a moment before I could get my feet to respond. The last time I saw my father, I watched him slip out of consciousness, watched Aunt Eldinar pull the enormous blade out of his shoulder. He was dead for a moment before the dragons brought him back to life and stabilized him. He was the strongest man I knew, and it had nearly killed me to see him like that. So weak and vulnerable.
And now he depended on me to save both him and his kingdom. I wasn’t sure if I was doing a good job, so I didn’t feel worthy enough to sit at his bedside. I didn’t want to face my mother either because there was no doubt Khazmuda had shared everything with her by now. She was just as sharp as Dad, and she would figure out my secret quicker than my aunt did.
“It’ll be alright,Xivin.” He suddenly appeared by my side, dressed in his dark blue uniform, his armor, and his cape, the king of the dead, while I wore everything that represented my family and the kingdom. We looked like enemies who should strike each other down on the battlefield, but we were more than allies or friends.
“I’m scared to see him.”
“Talon Rothschild will return mightier than he ever was before.”
“I don’t want Talon Rothschild,” I said with a heavy breath. “I just want my dad.” There were so many things I wanted to share with him. Throughout that entire journey, I’d wanted to turn to him for advice, and I was constantly reminded he wasn’t there. “My whole life, I wanted to prove I didn’t need him…and now that he’s gone, I realize how much I’ll always need him. No matter how old I get.”
Callum watched me in silence, his hard eyes slowly softening in a pained expression.
“I miss him so much. It kills me.” The second I’d set foot in the Southern Isles, I’d felt a wave of emotion that swallowed me whole. Felt the water flood my lungs and drown me to the bottom of the sea. It was easy to suppress when I was busy or exhausted, but now I was forced to face it.
“I promise you will have your father back,Xivin.”
I turned to him, my eyes feeling warm from the tears that fought to break free. “How—how can you make a promise like that?”
He stared at me just as hard and deep as always. “Because I won’t stop until that promise is fulfilled.” He moved into me and cupped the back of my head before he kissed me on the forehead. Then he disappeared an instant later, a ghost who faded into the abyss.
The soldiers opened the double doors when I approached, each of them making a fist against their chest as they saluted me as their queen. Lights coming through the large windows filled the entryway and the grand staircase that led to the different levels of the castle. I assumed my father was in the bedchambers he shared with my mother, so I headed to the third floor, where the royal chambers were located.
The door was open, and voices were audible from inside.
“He looks so pale.” It was my brother.
I stepped farther inside and spotted them across the sitting room and inside the open doorway of the bedroom. My brother sat in an armchair at his bedside. My mother sat beside him, her hand on his shoulder to comfort him.
“This is a stupid question, but how is he?” Hawk spoke quietly, like he was afraid he would wake my father.
“Stable,” Mom said. “That’s what Khazmuda tells me. Their energy is maintaining his body and all his other functions. Khazmuda is tired. More tired than the other dragons because he never gives himself a break.”
“But won’t Khazmuda die if he keeps it up?”
“I think he gives less than the others so he can continue to give.” She rubbed Hawk’s shoulder absent-mindedly while she continued to look at my father.
