Prologue

Kieran

The giant double doors open wide. Afternoon sunlight beams into the grand hall. Household banners flap on salty summer gusts. Nobles of the Imperium turn to face the wide gates. I lounge upon my stone throne. Appearing bored with those standing before me. Tapping my rings against a dragon’s skull-shaped armrest. The other coils under my chin. A dragon’s spine is sculpted into the back of the throne. Its skull coils around as an armrest while the tail slithers to my boot. Red ruby eyes stare endlessly upon the audience.

A ripple in the air slithers towards me. A scent of roses drifts in the shifty air. The familiar scent jolts my Kardi with an electric fire. A Drakos spirit presented itself to me while a small group entered my courtroom. Within my mind, black mists shift. A dark shadow paces on the edge of my mind. My own Drakos spirit is curious about the arriving Drakos. I couldn't see the arriving spirit. Only perceiving its power. Strong. Old. Familiar.

Drakos blood ignites into my veins. I peer through my lengthy ebony hair. Violet purple eyes widen. Both Heorte and Kardi hearts thunder into a sprint. In front of me, a thin silver string waves upon the summer breeze. A strand connecting me to the Dérkomai entering. A silver ribbon vibrates, recognizing the Drakaina stepping towards me.

Her beauty catches my breath. A gentle smile curves across her delicate face. Long ebony hair braided down her backside, illustrating her significant status in Court. Elegant red gowns follow her womanly form, trailing to her heels. A burst of excitement set me to my feet.

I bound down the throne dials. Empress Gwenevere holds her thin chin high, gifting me a warm smile. Upon my approach, she bows—beads on her headdress sway. My hand reaches for her to stand.

“Gwen, you do not bow to me,” speaking evenly to the female. Gwen took my palm and raised herself.

“Oh? We should always show proper etiquette, Sacred One.” Her grin widens from my exhale.

Gwen knew I hated when she called me that and did it often to jest me. Chuckling under my breath. I plant my finger on her forehead. Slowly descending her delicate face. Tracking along her nose to her smiling mouth. Down to her small chin. Leaning forward, I gift her a loving kiss.

“Forgive me, Divine One.” She gave me a playful smile. “I have forgotten to introduce you to why I have returned. Crown Prince Kymo, Heir to the Sacred Imperium.” Gwen motions with her hand delicately to the children standing behind her. A boy and a girl stood close to her. The boy stood straighter and bows his head while the girl hugs a blue quilt tightly to her chest.

“He is young, but strong.” A deep, rumbling voice echoes in my skull. My Drakos spirit says to me.

“He is old enough now to be taken under your wing.” My mate continues.

My eyes scan the boy. “He is still a youngling?” Talking to my Drakos spirit.

“The Heir is expressing his Drakos instincts,” Gwen voices as though hearing my thoughts. Which she probably did. “The bond between him and his Drakos is getting stronger. Recently, he had a small brawl with one of the other boys. Kymo is no longer a babe, my Emperor.”

My eyes drift to my mate. Her purple with blue freckles swirls with fierce fire. “The others no longer welcome him at the Nursery. He must return home.”

“He seems too young to leave your side. I was under the assumption he would return home when he is seven.”

“Our son is old enough to leave the Nursery. And with him being so young, he won’t remember the way back. Remember, males are not allowed at the Nursery.”

I gave her a head bow. “Yes. The Drakos hunger is too dangerous to be kept with the other offsprings. Just as our ancestors before us, I will accept my responsibilities. Time for him to return to his respective House where I will continue his education.” I squeeze her hands. Allowing a smile to form my lips.

“Oh, my Drakon.” She lifts herself to kiss my jaw tenderly. “I know you will teach him well.” Gwen whispers.

I lift my head, so that all can hear. “My Heorte blossoms with joy to take my Heir under my wing. To guide him as he grows to become not only a Drakon, but the next Emperor. You, my Empress, provided me with such honor.” I pick up her hand and kiss her knuckles.

“Proper etiquette,” speaking to her through the shared bond. Soft giggles ripple down the thread.

“Papa?” A little girl voices. Tilting her head, she bit her lower lip.

Excitement shot through me. But it didn't last long. My Kardi sent hungry rage into my veins. The emotion thrashes with my excitement. My hand flew to the organ. Causing me to step back, swallowing down the urge to feast on the youngling. My Drakos stir within his black mists.

Too soon! Shouting in my mind.

The serpent-beast rolls his tongue along his scaly lips. My tongue longs for the taste of Drakos blood. Hunger grips the edge of my mind. Talons step from the mists of the Void of Souls, entering my mind. I grit my teeth in resistance. Gwen steps in front of me, placing a hand over mine.

“It’s okay, my love. Take it slow.” She speaks tenderly to me, squeezing my hand.

My Heir reaches for a small dagger at his hip. A soft growl rumbles from him. The blade wouldn't stop me, but it gave him the confidence to protect his sister. A sense of pride plunges into the rage. Applying that to distract me from the need to rip my daughter apart.

“You have steel now?” I ask the boy. He stood straighter and squared his meager shoulders.

“Yes. Um, your Holiness. Mama suggested it.” He says while looking towards his mother for guidance. I nod my approval.

“My Amare, you have trained him well.” Speaking down the mating bond. Gwen replies through her emotions. Pride and joy ascends the silver thread that coils around us.

“Papa!” The youngling shouts with bright, earthy eyes.

My daughter ran to me. Startling me. Gasps of the surrounding nobles inhale the air in the room. Gwen presses my hand against my thundering Kardi. Nervousness spilling into her eyes. The youngling wraps her little arms around my leg, embracing me tightly.

“Little one,” Gwen’s motherly nature came out. Chuckling, I pat the youngling’s brown hair.

“Little female,” my Drakos purrs from the depths of my mind. His hunger settles in my blood. Easing my human heart.

“Yes,” I said to the winged serpent-beast, “she is a little female, not prey.”

“Another for our clan?” Nigisida asks.

“She is our daughter. Our Female Heir. We must protect her, our future.”

Nigisida licks his lips. “She is small, which makes her vulnerable. Makes her prey.” Heated hunger radiates from his mists. Driving a frenzy at the back of my throat. His instinct to kill bubbles to the surface.

“No!” I ordered the beast, patting her brown hair for a distraction. Attempting to ease the hunger. Worry slid into my chest.

He snaps his jaws, irritated. “Fine.” Nigisida steps back into the mists of the Void. Rumbling his displeasure. His hunger ease in my veins.

“Papa!” She squeaks, squeezes my leg.

I force a smile. Curiosity and concern blossomed. My daughter is still human. She hadn’t Bonded to her Drakos spirit.

I face my mate, clearing my throat. “She has not bonded, my Empress?”

“No.” She sighs—disappointment in her tone.

I nod my head while brushing my fingers along her chin. My Empress would carry this failure as though it was her doing. She knew the gravity of this issue. The importance of my progeny bonding to a Drakos spirit.

“It is alright, my Amare. Sometimes Dérkomai children bond with their Drakos. She may be a late-blooming flower.” Comforting both her and me. As High Princess, she is required to be connected to a Drakos. However, she is still young and has time.

“She is a curious youngling. Reminds me of someone.” Gwen peers up at me under long eyelashes. Perfectly beautiful.

“Is she now?” I ask with a wink. “And what is the name of this naughty youngling?”

My Heir steps closer to me. I reach out, signaling him to approach. His princely demeanor vanishes. The boy rushes at me. He wraps his arms around my waist, burying his head into my hips. Gwen noted the action. She squeezes my hand, ensuring my hunger does not evoke me to harm them.

Once assured, she continues to speak. “Her name is Lilura.” Naming her in front of the Imperium Court.

“Lilura.” I roll her name on my tongue. “After the Moonflowers?”

“Yes,” she says steadily. Warmth spread across her cheeks, followed by a gentle smile.

I sent her my love through the mating bond. Expressing my gratitude and excitement to her. Her smile widens when the emotions hit her. Deepening the rosy red on her high cheeks.

“It’s been a long four summers,” I said down the mating bond. “I remember how small Kymo was. Wasn’t he two then? Gods, it’s been too long, my perfect love.”

“Agreed. I missed you so much, Ki.” Gwen’s purring voice echoing in my head. “I remember the long nights we shared.”

“I missed those the most.” A smile widens my face. I lean forward to rest my forehead against hers.

“Had to distract you. Recall how your Drakos nearly went into a frenzy when you first saw our son? I had to distract you somehow. Countering your beastly hunger was top priority for our son’s safety.”

“Was it for distraction or something else? I recall you eager to be with child again.” I ran my nose along hers. Watching her pink lips stretch further.

“My Drakos’s heat craves only for you. Can’t help it with your seed blooms in me.” She giggles. Gwen kisses my chin lightly.

Memories of her warmth wrap around me. Her gentle cooing and purrs brought me to my knees. My body craved for her. Hot shivers race though me. Footsteps shuffle around us. Noticing the witnesses, I squeeze my lips together. Annoyed, the nobles didn't clear the chamber.

Noisy bastards. Anyway, they are here. Better finish this. Bending down, I gather my daughter into my arms. She wraps one arm around my neck while hugging her quilt blanket.

“Come.” I guide my family to my throne.

There was one last issue needing to be addressed before dismissing the Court. Everything else could wait. Stepping up the polished throne dials, I order the Vanguard to bring out my new prisoner. They escorted a male Dérkomai before me in chains. His light purple eyes glow with fury. I felt my Heir’s stare. Observing my every move.

“I have made my decision, Roland,” I announce with dominating authority and not addressing the male by his title. He didn't deserve such respect. “Your acts against my Imperium Crown are marked for treason. Punishable by death.” A heavy air of anticipation settles in. Dérkomai and humans are waiting to witness my power.

“However, since I am in a decent mood today, I have decided not to kill you. Instead, you are hereby banished from the Imperium. You will not engage with any Dérkomai Household nor receive any aid or services from them. You are to live out your remaining life outside Imperium protection.” The male hisses up at me. I arch a brow at him. Thought it was a merciful punishment?

“Get this filth out of my sight,” commanding the guards.

They bow and drag the male back to the prison. The male fumed curses on his way out. My scribe fiercely writes on parchment. First, recording the male’s sanction and later a letter to all Households of his disgrace. Then, nodding to my herald to speak.

“Court dismissed!” The man taps his staff on the polished floor thrice.

With the afternoon’s affairs complete, I accompany my family out of the Courtroom. Nobles drop to their knees and place their heads on the marble floor. Lilura took in the chamber while biting her lower lip. It would be her first time at Court. It will not be her last, either. I held her closer while escorting my house into the castle towards my private quarters. We have much to catch up on. Servants bow and scurry away. Allowing us our space.

“I have completed the barrier around Kymo’s quarters. However, this little one is not complete. I was not expecting you for another couple of years. Forgive me, my Amare,” I tickle the babe in my arms. She wiggles behind her blanket.

“It’s alright, my love. As I mentioned previously, I wished to surprise you,” Gwen appears at my side with the boy’s hand in hers. “Figured you would prefer to see your daughter when she is big enough. At the same time, bring Kymo home. He is too old to be in the Nursery. And at the age to be groomed for Crown Prince.” She responds gracefully. A gentle smile dances upon my lips. Perfectly beautiful.

“You think he is ready?” I inquire. “He is what? Merely six?”

“I do. Kymo is old enough.” She responds.

“I am right here, mama.” Kymo pipes at her side. Chuckling, I peer at the boy.

“Yes, you are. Do you believe you are ready to leave your mother?” I challenge the youngling. “She will have to return to the Nursery to raise your sister with the other females. That is a long time to be away from her.”

“I am! I am no longer a babe!” He confidently responds while eyeing his sibling. I snicker under my breath.

We descend the steps leading to a lengthy corridor. Tapestries of preceding Emperors line the sides. We walk through the stone archway. Three gargoyles perch above the doorway. Guardians of the passageway. A barricade of darkness stood at the end of the hall. No light penetrates the eternal void. All an array of different traps and guardians defending my secluded dorms. No one enters without my permission. As we advanced closer, the babe clung to me. Kymo fell silent at his mother’s side. He swallows down his fear. Still timid of the dark.

Still too young. I reflected.

My ancestor, Enki~Ea, placed the barricade of dark magick ages ago. A barrier to keep everyone out. Only favoring the blood of the Divine Drakos. Everyone else couldn't enter. I recently discovered I could manipulate the boundary. Authorizing specific individuals to enter. Trustworthy attendants and, of course, my primary demons.

Lilura clutches me tightly as the obscurity draws close. Timid of the dark. She will learn the darkness will be her ally. Lilura whimpers while embedding her face into my shoulder. I held her tight, soothing her. Darkness consumes us as we cross through to our private dorms.

Later that night, I lounge on a long, soft recliner. Watching my younglings. Gwen had left to speak with her Grande Maitresse. Kneeling in front of the low table, my son is deep in a book, by his mother’s guidance. I did protest for the poor boy. However, Gwen always gets what she wants. Kymo scribbles on parchment while he reads from the book.

The little girl was playing by the fire with her dolls. She peeked at me repeatedly. Every time I met her glances, she quickly shied away. Constantly biting her lower lip.

Now, I had no clue where she crawled off too. Knowing she was still in the common chamber, I continued to relax. My demons outside would inform me if she had taken off. However, concern is still heavy in my hearts.

“You are worried about her?” The Drakos spirit says from his shadows in my mind.

“She has not bonded. Gwen said there have been no signs, either.” Replying to the beast while listening to the crackling of the fire.

“She is a late flower.” He repeats.

The dark barrier shifts. Drawing both our attention. Magick floods from my Kardi and into my veins. Talons appear at my fingertips. Gwen strolls into the chamber. A smile on her delicate face. Returning her grin with one of my own, releasing the ether.

“Alright, it’s time for bed!” She declares. Kymo peers up from his text.

“Mama, please. I wish to stay up longer. I am not a babe anymore.” He protests.

Gwen arches a brow at him. “You are not much older than your sister.”

“My Amare, it’s alright,” Speaking while coming to my feet. “Let the child remain up a little bit longer. Spoil them for a couple of days.”

Gwen threw a side look at me. “Spoiled eggs turn into rotten children.” She rounds the recliner. In another chair behind me, Lilura curled up under her blanket. Sleeping quietly.

“Please, mama. I promise I will be a good egg,” Kymo continues to protest.

“Maybe for another hour, my Amare. It’s not like he gets to be home much.” I insisted with him.

My mate exhales heavily, gathering our offspring into her arms. A meager moan left the babe. Gwen adjusts the blanket over the babe’s shoulders.

“I can have his nursemaid watch him. Ensuring he goes to bed within the hour.” Stepping to my mate’s side.

“Fine.” She sighs in defeat.

On cue, a Ceviliyar demon enters the apartment. Her name is Ona, short for Clíona. Disguised as a mortal, she is Kymo’s personal nursemaid.

The demon bows to me. Her lengthy silver hair bound back. She wore the light red dress of servitude to the Sacred Family. One of the highest honors in the Imperium. One not given lightly. The Ceviliyar looks upon the heir with an expressionless face. The lad smiles at her. She bows her head in response.

“One hour. Then sleep. We will return to ensure you didn’t give Ona any trouble.” Gwen said. Kymo bends his head in silence. Ona did the same.

“Alright.” I took my daughter into my arms. Gwen glances at me, but gives me the offspring. The babe groans in protest. Her blanket slips off. “There you go.” I pull the quilt over her teeny shoulders. Heading to the dark boundary when my Drakos tugs at me.

“You don’t have to carry her,” Gwen speaks, interrupting my thoughts. With a loving smile, I met Gwen’s eyes.

“Show the youngling.” He hisses in a murmur.

“I got her. You have carried enough. It’s my turn, and I am pleased to take the burden. Time for you to rest, my Empress.” I caress her cheek, noticing the boy’s eyes on me. We bid our farewell and wander through the black barricade. We stroll down the dim hallway.

“Lilura can sleep in our chamber. Until I finish the barrier,” speaking down the mating bond. I didn’t want to wake the youngling.

“No. Lilura can sleep in her chambers.” Gwen snaps back at me.

“Are you sure? I have not had the chance to complete the Dark Barrier. Now that you’re here, I’ll make it a priority.” I embrace my daughter close. Able to hold her for the first time. Her tiny breath brushes against my neck.

“Yes. I require my mate’s attention.” Her fingers caress my arm while glancing at me. “I would prefer not to have the baby wake to us tangled in our bed.” My mate says huskily while adjusting the blanket. My lips tug up. Understanding my Empress’s desire.

“As you wish.” I purr to my mate.

I led my females down the hall to my daughter’s apartment. Setting aside the chambers when Gwen informed me she was with child. Ordering the refurbishing of the space. Ensuring all needs for my little one to be met. Another Ceviliyar awaits us at the door. She bows silently when we pass. Similar to her brother’s dorms. A central chamber with various personal dorms branching off. Luxury furniture fills the rooms.

I brought my youngling into the bedchamber. Gwen pulls the silk sheets back. I lay her down. First, tucking Lilura into her blanket. Next, arrange the sheets on top of her. Satisfied, we left the chamber. The Ceviliyar appears with another nursemaid. A lady-in-waiting task to tend to My Empress. The female kept her eyes down. Immediately, I sense the Dracone spirit within her. A lesser draconian soul. My gut knotted itself. A Drakaina. Not a human.

I inspect the Drakaina. Black hair braided back from a simple face. Light purple eyes cast down. She wore dark robes, symbolizing her inferior status in the aristocratic service. I recognized her by scent. Lady Joanna. A low noble born.

Odd. Gwen prefers humans to tend to the children. Maybe it’s different between girls and boys.

Glancing at the Ceviliyar while Gwen left the room. She tugs at me through the mating bond. Sending her eagerness and impatience. Even if my Empress chose a Drakaina servant, I still held no trust in the female. Sighing, I reach out to the demon.

“Observe the female,” I order the demon. She lowered her brows in acknowledgment. Intense silver eyes went to the female. Still unsatisfied, I return to Gwen’s side.

We made our way to my quarters. Gwen clings to my arm. She presses herself against my fingers eagerly. Placing kisses on my shoulder. Entering the chambers, I spin her into my arms. Soft giggles tango with the flowing water from the bathing chamber. I lift her into my arms with a kiss. Devouring her pink lips while sucking in her breathy moans. She slips her fingers under my tunic and pulls it over my head. The salty summer breeze did little to ease the heat on my skin. I guide us to the bed. Speaking between kisses.

“I.” Kiss. “Missed.” Kiss. “You.” Kiss. “So much,” Locking our mouths into a fierce dance.

She giggles against my lips. Moaning, I lower her onto the soft sheets. Gwen welcomes me greedily as I press against her. I caress my hands along her sides, enjoying every curve. Four long years had passed since I laid with my mate. Court nobles gifted concubines to me. But nothing compares to my companion. My Empress. My Drakaina.

Her desire for me vibrates down the bond between us. Making my eyes roll back. My fingers untied the strings of her gown. Following my movements, she assists with removing her gowns. She wiggles the dress off her shoulders. Letting the gowns and corsets fall to my feet.

Our mouths locked in a hungry dance. Clothes fell to the floor. Boots threw across the room. I squeeze against my mate. Enjoying her warmth radiating from her bare body. My fingers interlaced into her braid, pulling her head back. A fierce exhale drove my mouth around her neck, causing her to arch against me.

Greedily, my lips follow her neck. Tongue scraping against her windpipe. Feeling her heartbeat race under my touch. A rhythm I desperately wanted to dance to. Her fingers slip down my torso to the hem of my trousers. She slides her fingers through the buttons. I moan into her, welcoming every contact.

Electric heat spread across me. In my mind, a tail flickers. The motion disturbs the mists. My gut tightens with uneasiness. I ignored the alert. Desiring only my mate. A sharp alarm came from the clouds in my mind. Again. I ignored the distracting calls.

My Drakos halts my movements. Gwen slid her fingers to my length. Blazing blood burst into my veins, but not from need. Warnings charge through me. I move away from my companion. Black veins appear under my skin. A howling shriek rips into my mind. I push from the bed. Another shriek follows quickly.

“What is it?” Gwen asks, sitting up on her elbows. “Ki!” she shouts behind me.

I hurl out of the chamber. Blazing fury floods my veins. Evoking His ether. Shadows bend towards me. It waited for my command. Another Ceviliyar wail echoes in my mind.

Kymo! Fear pushes at the heat of rage. Dashing to my heir’s apartment in a matter of breaths. Victor, a vampire who commands the demons in my home, emerges from the dark.

“He is safe, your Holiness.” The vampire says with a bow. “He is sleeping. I advise silence.”

I stride into my son’s chambers. Ona sat at his side, looking him over. She turns on my approach. Confusion and worry plastered her silver eyes.

“Someone tried to infiltrate the barrier, my Emperor. And failed. I am sorry, I couldn't catch the intruder. The little Emperor is safe. As promised, he went to sleep soon after you left,” Ona reported.

I was relieved to see him safe. Kymo lay asleep. All wrapped up in his sheets. Black hair fell over his closed eyes. The Vampire materializes at my side.

“I have a team hunting for the trespasser.” He reported quietly.

“Good. What about my daughter?” I turn to the vampire. He froze. Ona looks over at the vampire with narrow silver eyes.

“Daughter?” He said in fear, twisting my gut.

No! Darkness engulfs me. I flew from my son’s room to my daughter’s. A breath later, I enter my offspring’s chamber. The Ceviliyar lay on the ground in a puddle of blood. Gold powder sparkled against her pale skin.

Dread twists my Kardi. I ran to my daughter’s bed. Empty. Sheets pull back. The bed is empty. A roar rips from my gut. Shaking the castle to its foundations. The Divine Drakos woke inside me. Endless red eyes open wide against the Void.

Rage thunders into my body. My fingers curl into tight fists. My teeth sharpen into canines. Black veins appear over my body as I summon the ether gifted to me. The night swirls around my form as shadows bend to my will. Black clouds with silver dots roll from me.

“FIND HER!” I order all the demons in the keep. “FIND MY YOUNGLING!”

Monsters race through the castle. Investigating each room without remorse. Using the shadows, I search the apartment. Something told me it was the Drakaina. Rage boiling in me.

Should have listened to my instincts! Should have thrown her out of the fucking room! Pacing along the wall, searching for an odor or displacement. Should have let Gwen feast upon the female for entering her nest! Perhaps my mate thought the same thing as I did. Thinking I fetched the female.

Victor appears at the entrance of the chamber. I turn my head towards the vampire. I made mental notes to deal with him later because of his lack of observation. Failing to realize my little flower finally came home.

“Your Holiness, we have picked up a scent trail on the castle’s western side.” He said in a low bow.

Rage pulsates in my dark veins. When I find that fucking female, I will rip her into ribbons. I flew out of the room while summoning the night to my side.

The darkness embraces me willingly. No longer in my human form. Instead, a misty shadow. I race from shadow to shadow towards the west part of the castle. Shouts from my court and servants flood the halls. I didn't care for them. My focus is on my little babe’s scent lingering on the sea wind.

I flew through the castle, following the perfume trail onto the battlements above the Tāmtu Sea. A hooded female stood against the darkened sky. I knew her by perfume alone. Joanna. I perch on a wall. My talons grip the stone and my tail flickers in irritation. Dark mists engulf the surrounding space. It spread out from my beastly form. Joanna turns to face me. In her arms, my baby girl. Lilura is still asleep in her blanket.

Lilura. I roll her name in my mind.

The thief smirks at me. A menacing growl ripples from my chest. My little one opens her sleepy eyes. Those earthy eyes snoop up at the female. The thief took a step back to the edge of the battlement. I growl another warning while leaning forward.

“Papa?” Her tiny hand reaches out to me. My hearts tighten in yearning to welcome her into my arms.

Joanna leans back. Terror plunges into my rage. The world slows. She launches herself off the wall. Falling from the battlements to the sea. Fear rushed me to the edge of the keep. The hooded Drakaina cradles my babe. Her dark hair whips against her smiling lips. Her form rapidly approaches the dark waters. Joanna could swim, but not my youngling. Lilura would drown in the icy waters.

I launch myself from the wall. Commanding the night to flock to my youngling. My Female Heir. Darkness stretches out towards my babe. Roaring, I fell closer to Joanna. She plucks an object from her breast pocket.

A bright light rays against the dark. A portal burst behind her. Joanna plunges into the portal. I reach out to the light. My fingertips skimmed the threshold. It vanishes. Coldwater smacks against me. The current sucks the air out of my lungs. I lift my head from the tumbling waves and glare up. They were gone. The thief and my youngling were gone.

“Ki!” Gwen screams above me.

Her worried face appears above the wall. We were too slow. My little flower is gone. I roar into the night. Roaring until the cliffs above cracked and my mate’s tears filled the sea.