Page 126 of The Sea of Zemira (The Zemiran Chronicles 1)

“Can we fight for each other, then?” she said, placing her hand on his cheek.

The captain’s nod was brief before pulling away. He then stood and held out her hand, helping her to her feet.

Placing both his hands on each side of her jaw, he planted a kiss upon her lips. The taste of her tongue and the sound of her moan against his lips made his heart race. He wanted every part of her body and mind; she was everything to him.

Lincoln released the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. The handsome pirate reflected on her words. If they did succeed in defeating his father and his brother, then the heir to the throne would be his—Tristan of Zemira. It was his birthright.

There was a moment when young Lincoln wished for his father’s death. However, if Elijah took his place, nothing would truly change.

Becoming the king had never crossed Lincoln’s mind. He hated the mere idea of being trapped behind palace walls. There was no freedom from that.

Nola looked up, watching the gloom in his eyes.

If I could just read his thoughts, she told herself.

Suddenly, the wind picked up and the leaves rumbled; they both looked up as Anaru soared above them. The sound of her wings flapping got louder as she circled the courtyard and landed next to one of the stone fountains.

Lincoln staggered back, releasing Nola, and stared deep into the dragon’s eyes, who watched them through the pillars.

Up until that moment, the pirate had not realized there was an implicit connection between the two of them.

“Have you reconsidered what the queen said? About riding a dragon?” The siren gestured to the magnificent creature before them. “It is clear to me that Anaru has chosen you,” she said, looking back to the dragon.

Great! That’s all I needed,Lincoln thought as he rolled his eyes. A dragon choosin’ me!

They walked towards her with caution, but the gorgeous creature seemed calm and welcoming. Nola slowly placed her hand on her scale-like neck, gliding her fingers along her body and feeling her rough skin against her palm.

“Ride, Lincoln.”

The captain glanced at Anaru before turning back to Nola. “Not so much of a cold-blooded pirate, am I?”

She giggled. “Well, she did try to kill you once.”

With tense shoulders, Lincoln finally moved towards the dragon. He joined the siren, placing his hand on the animal’s scales, allowing a bond to cross between them. “Try not to kill me, eh?”

Anaru lowered her head and closed her eyes, a sign of submission and respect.

Nola leaned forward, whispering into Anaru’s ear. A bright yellow glow swirled within her eyes; a dragon’s voice called into her ears with one loud, roaring cry.

Nola smiled. “I can understand her, too. I can sense her trust. You are safe.”

Lincoln hesitantly gripped the creature’s shoulder and pulled himself up onto her back. Wrapping his strong arms around her neck, he said, “Alright, you beautiful beast. Let us soar high above the clouds until it is the only place to exist—”

Anaru roared and jumped high, extending her wings, and taking off towards the sky. Nola thought she had heard a muffled yelp from Lincoln, and she giggled to herself. She watched her handsome pirate disappear behind the pink-hued clouds on the dragon’s back. Her whole face lit up.

A burst of distant laughter from the crew caught Nola’s attention.

I better go see what they are getting themselves into, she thought.

As she walked back to the Fae palace, she saw Hill and Ardley mingling among the fairies by the shore. She started moving towards them, but her eyes caught Queen Cassia walking her way.

“Nola?” the queen said. Her Majesty’s hand gestured towards the Whispering Woodlands. “Your crew will be held up for a while as my warriors teach them how to use our weapons. So, for now, how about you and I go for a stroll?”

The siren had heard the stories of the Woodlands. It was not a place safe for her or anyone for that matter.

“Are you sure about walking through there?” she asked the queen.

She replied with a nod and said, “We will be fine as long as you stay close to me.”

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