Chapter 20
She tried to remember that feeling. To hang onto it and use it to keep her back straight and to banish the fear from her eyes as she stood next to Nate and watched the Rian dragons flying down from their lair en masse.
Nate’s hand, warm and strong in hers, helped.
But nothing could stop the thoughts that tumbled over in her head as she watched Prince Taurian and Prince Verrian land in front of Princess Lyrian.
Up until a day ago, they had been her enemies. It was hard not to react to the adrenaline that flooded through her when she saw them.
What would they think of her? Would they see her as a traitor to her people? Could she ever find acceptance here?
She wouldn’t change her choices for anything. She was committed to this decision, but it was only natural that she feel uneasy.
The Rian princes didn’t notice her at first, they were so caught up in reuniting with their sister and meeting the new baby princess.
But eventually, their eyes turned to her, narrowing in suspicion.
“Who’s this?” Prince Taurian demanded.
Brad was the one who stepped in. “This is my brother, Nate. And his chosen mate, Kyrian.”
Prince Taurian looked at Lyrian sharply.
She gave a laugh, and explained. “She will be an asset to our clan, I’m sure. I know what you’re thinking, how can we ever trust a Trima dragon, but I believe her love for Nate is stronger than her tie to her clan. She has agreed to renounce Trima and return to Rian clan, and I have accepted her. The first of many I hope.”
Her words were confident, but Kyrian could see that her straight back was stiff and awkward.
She was uncertain of their reception of her news.
Kyrian held her breath. Would the two brothers accept her pronouncement?
The exchanged looks, and it was Prince Verrian who said, “There’s someone I think you should meet.”
He looked up at the entrance to the lair, and Kyrian followed his gaze.
Another dragon emerged from the cave. This one not Rian.
Her snow white scales were instantly recognisable.
“Latrima,” Kyrian breathed. Then she turned to the princes. “Or should that be Latrian?”
If the life dragon had switched sides, then perhaps Trima clan’s days were numbered.
But Prince Taurian shook his head. “Latrima is still Trima clan. We have brokered a truce. Hopefully a more permanent one. I hope your switch will not risk it.” He gave her a stern look, though what Kyrian could do she wasn’t sure.
The graceful life dragon swooped down and landed in front of them, transforming smoothly into her human form. She regarded Kyrian thoughtfully for a few moments.
Kyrian felt like the Trima life dragon was staring into her very soul.
She tried not to flinch, tried to present her case as best she could. She thought about her love for Nate, and how much it meant to her. Of how her love for her clan would always remain, but that it could not overcome this other love.
She tried to project her respect for Latrima, and Ultrima.
Hopefully the life dragon would see her switch for what it was—not a rejection of her clan, but her choice to live by its principles, choosing love over all else.
The life dragon’s severe face blossomed into a smile.
“I am pleased that you have found love, child,” she said quietly. “And I would no more stand in your way than I stood in the way of the Rian prince’s love.”
She glanced over at Prince Verrian as she spoke, and he took the hand of the woman next to him and smiled.
“But I’m sure that in the spirit of our newfound agreement, it would be possible for you to remain with your clan, and nurture your love, if that is what you wish.
Kyrian hesitated. Somehow, she felt that how she replied to this was important, for more than just her.
She glanced around her. At the Rian dragons watching her intently. At Brad and Princess Lyrian. At Prince Taurian and Prince Verrian and their human mates.
At Nate, who waited for her answer, prepared to accept whatever she chose.
All around her all she could see was love. Love between mates, love between brothers, love between family and clan.
This was right where she wanted to be.
“I will remain with my new clan,” she said firmly. “Maybe I can help smooth this truce between our clans.”
Latrima stared at her for a few moments, her eyes whirling. Then she inclined her head in acceptance.
“I sense a change in the wind,” she said quietly, looking around at the Rian dragons. “The princess’s arrival means that half of the Rian princes and princesses are awake. That half has committed to choosing love over war. I believe your choice represents another turning point, Kyrian. Maybe there is hope for a reunion of our clans after all.”
She nodded to the princes and princess. “I will return to my clan now, and work on our truce from there. Kyrian can be our contact point. An ambassador between our clans. May peace and love be in our future. All our futures.”
And with that, she transformed into her dragon form, and lifted into the air.
Kyrian watched her go, her heart soaring on the wind.
“Welcome to Rian clan,” Prince Taurian said solemnly, bringing Kyrian’s heart back down to the ground. “Is there anything we can do to help you feel welcome?”
Kyrian turned and smiled at Nate. “A mating ceremony would be wonderful.”
For a moment, there was silence, then suddenly, all the Rian dragons cheered.
Kyrian felt tears prick at the back of her eyes.
Nate pulled her into his arms, and hugged her fiercely.
“Perfect,” Prince Taurian said with a smile. “It shall be my pleasure.”
Kyrian transformed into her dragon form, and Nate climbed onto her back, and together they flew up the cliffs to her new home, surrounded by her new family.
The End
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