Curse of the Undead Dragon King (Skeleton Key) Read online

  “It’s all right Father. What is it? What’s the secret?” I nod, trying to tell myself it’s all going to work out in the end, that somehow he’ll survive and it won’t matter. But I know it isn’t true.

  “There’s a curse, Aurelio, one that I am forbidden to say more about, but if history repeats itself, it will take hold of you when you become king.”

  “Ignacio!” Castel runs into the room, sliding across the smooth floor as he tries to stop before Father. “Sire, the council is ready. My apologies for taking so long to return. Elder Waylon could not be found. We learned he was riding in the west fields, but he is here now, and we’re waiting in the council room.” He huffs, taking in deep breaths. Clearly he ran all the way here.

  “Thank you. I believe the timing could not be better. Let us go.” Father stands and follows Castel out of the room, leaving the crown on the bed.

  I follow both of them, worried that Father won’t tell me any more about the curse. I need to know what he was going to say, but my fears are unfounded.

  He lets Castel go ahead and walks beside me. “Remember my grandfather? The dragon king that went missing?” he asks.

  “I remember mention of him, no one knows what happened to him.” I try to recall more but nothing comes to mind.

  Father nods. “Go to Humestia, stay on the ground as much as you can, find the wizard who has the key, break the curse, and come home.”

  We march through the castle corridors and down the stairs, past many doors until we reach the one we need—a wooden door placed so tightly between two brick walls, not a sliver of light from the lone candle on the table can be seen between the cracks once it’s closed. Six faces illuminated, looking to King Ignacio—my father.

  Each council member watches curiously. Lady Estella looks sad, as if she has an idea as to why we’re all here. Lady Kiamora shivers, pushing her gray hair from her face and pulling her shawl higher on her frail shoulders. Lord Waylon looks angry, as usual, slumped over lazily in his seat as if he has somewhere better to be, his balding head reflecting the candlelight. Lord Oran is attentive, the youngest council member present, completely clueless. Castel tries to keep his features in check, showing no emotion, but I have no doubt that Father has told him the truth.

  “Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice.” Father clears his throat, avoiding looking anyone in the eye.

  Goose bumps raise up on my cold human skin.

  “I am dying.” Father proceeds to tell them what he’s already told me, matter-of-factly, with no emotion. Not like when he told me at all. No mention of Mother.

  I already know this, and yet I cannot help the wave of pain that washes over me once again. A gasp to my right—most likely Estella—silences my father for a moment as he lets the news settle. The rest of the room just watches, waiting for more to be said, perhaps a little unbelieving.

  He places his hands on either side of his crown and gently lifts it from his head. “I give my crown to Aurelio, my lasting son, that he may be king of Dracameveo.” He sets the cold ring of metal and jewels in my hands. The weight is more than I could have ever imagined.

  I kneel before my father for the last time—something I didn’t expect to do at only seventeen years old. “Thank you, Your Majesty. Know that I will do all within my power to make you proud.”

  He extends his arm, offering me his hand. I take it, and he pulls me to my feet. “Son, you have already made me proud.”

  “Thank you.” The words come out barely above a whisper.

  “Know that I give you and Zanta my blessing. I could not be happier for either one of you. May she be forever your one true love, your other half, your dragon mate, and your queen. Listen to your council.” Father looks to the members all watching him, both horrified and saddened. “But more importantly, listen to your heart. And be a dragon as often as you can be.” He smiles warmly, his eyes glossed over with tears.

  “Thank you. Let your heart lead and your wings soar.” Words I’d hoped I would not have to speak for such a long time—our parting wishes.

  Father bows his head to me. “I bid thee farewell as I take my final flight and spend my last moments in a place of peace.” Without another word, he opens the door and disappears down the dark corridor.

  I set the crown on the table and follow after him, wishing to watch his final flight, but someone grabs my arm, pulling me back. I turn to find Castel, Father’s brother, my uncle, looking at me with sorrow in his eyes. He shakes his head before stepping back in line with the other council members, who now all stand in the corridor as well. Five people looking at me with tears in their eyes, their hands over their hearts. And in a single movement, they fall to their knees, bowing to their soon-to-be new king.

  “He was a good king, Aurelio. I have no doubts you will be a great one.”

  “Thank you, Uncle.” I take a deep breath and look at my empty hands, not sure what to do from this point forward. I shift, to better face them. “You are all dismissed. We will meet for council tomorrow. But tonight, we mourn.” I nod and rush through the corridor until I reach the sconce at the end of the tunnel.

  I open the door and run, finding the nearest door leading outside, and am grateful the moon is shining brightly.

  I take a step toward it. A single raindrop falls on my cheek, rolling down it as if I’ve let my tears loose. I look to the sky, searching for my father’s dragon form, just to catch a glimpse of him one last time. But I have no such luck. He is gone.

  I fall to my knees, landing in the blue grass, and let my pain free, crying openly. It matters not if I am seen or heard. As my tears fall and land on the ground, clouds roll in, covering the moonlight. Rain falls as hard as my cries, and I know Father is gone. I am king. And it only rains when I cry now.

  “Your Highness?” A light voice calls out, but I do not answer. Unable to form words in my grief, I let her call.

  A hand touches my shoulder. I look up to see a soft light glow upon the cheekbones and kind eyes of Zanta. She looks at me with sadness, understanding what has happened. We all knew this day was near. “I am so sorry, Aurelio.” She kneels beside me, wrapping her arms around me, giving me comfort only she could.

  I cannot find words to speak, so I allow her to embrace me as I cry, the rain pouring down on us. But she does not shiver or complain, only allows me to lean into her.

  “Your father has found peace, and that is better than having to suffer,” she says after a moment has passed.

  “I know,” I whisper. “But that does not mean I was ready to lose him. Or to take his position as king.”

  “But a fine king you will make.” She leans away, cupping my cheek in her palm.

  “Thank you.” I stand, the rain less torrential now. “Come, let’s go inside where it is warm.” I reach out my hand to her.

  She takes it, lifting her skirts as she gets up. She wraps her arm around mine. “Indeed. You need rest, as tomorrow there will be much to do.”

  “I do not want to sleep. I would prefer not to be alone right now,” I say, trembling.

  Zanta looks up at me, meeting my eyes. “Of course. Let’s go to the kitchens and have a cup of cider.” She gently pats my hand.

  “Thank you.” My voice shakes, and I feel more tears begin to form. I hold back, not allowing myself to cry out more until we’ve reached the castle. There has been enough rain upon us for this night.

  “Of course.” She leads me along, never letting me go.

  Zanta was wise to suggest the kitchens. It’s warm with the fires burning strong, and it smells like a feast. Uncle or perhaps one of the other council members must have informed the cook that tomorrow, a new reign will begin. Many will be coming to pay their respects and a feast is what will be needed.

  Thinking of the cook, I jump back a bit, seeing her come around the corner. “Good evening, Your Majesty.” Belen curtsies.

  “Thank you, Belen, but I am not king yet. Tonight, I am still just Aurelio. Does everyone know?” I fe
ar the responses, the heartbreak. But most of all, I fear how everyone will look to me for answers. To fix their problems. I fear what becoming king means.

  Belen nods. “Of course, Aurelio. What can I get for you?” she asks kindly, looking between me and Zanta.

  “Cider, please,” Zanta says and pushes me toward the table in the corner.

  “Of course.” Belen rushes to the opposite end of the room.

  Zanta sits across from me, our hands overlapped on the table. She looks at me with pure adoration, and even through the pain of losing my father tonight, she brings such joy to my heart.

  “Your cider.” Belen places two mugs on the table and disappears before I have a chance to thank her.

  “Zanta, how did you arrive so quickly?”

  “I took flight the moment we reached the carriage, leaving it to Graff to bring home. I did not want you to have to face this alone.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome,” she whispers, standing and walking around the table. She sits beside me, pulling me into her embrace.

  “How is it that you are so wise?” I ask, grateful she is with me.

  “Because I learned from your father. Besides, someone has to be in order to keep you in check.” She sits up and looks at me, her lips crooking up in a grin.

  I find myself beginning to smile too, happy that Zanta came when she did. I run my fingers through her hair until my palm rests against the back of her head. I pull her closer, leaning in as I do, and kiss her forehead. “I appreciate it.”

  “I’m glad.” She looks up at me through her lashes.

  I reach around her and take my cup of cider, sipping it down, beginning to feel almost normal as the heated liquid warms me.

  “Now, I know you do not wish to be alone, and it is understandable. But you must get some rest. Not only do we have a wedding to prepare for, but your coronation.” She drinks some of her own cider before standing and taking my hand, pulling me toward her until I finally relent and allow her to lead me from the kitchen, through the corridor, up the stairs, and into the main hall.

  The room is empty, our every step echoing off the walls. Only a sliver of moonlight shines through the window, casting an eerie shadow across our path. I can’t help but stop and look around, seeing the room differently now. Tomorrow I will enter this hall, not as a prince, not as the king’s son, but as the king. The ruler of this land. Tomorrow I must break the people’s hearts with the news of their former king’s passing.

  “Do not dwell on it tonight, Aurelio. When the sun rises, you may worry—you may concern yourself with the things to come. But for now, you must get rest.” Zanta takes my hand once more and I follow her, still looking at the room, at the throne, and finally, at Zanta.

  It has been a long time since Dracameveo has known a queen. Zanta will sit on the throne beside me, and we will rule together. With her knowledge and abilities, I’ll hardly have any need for other council members.

  Uncle could retire, travel as he always says he will. The kingdom will be happier, well cared for, and no one will want for anything.

  I STAND BEFORE my throne, my father’s crown upon my head, and keep my head held high, a straight face, and remain still as I watch the people enter the room—the members of the court and council, the staff, people from the cities beyond the castle.

  The room fills until there is only standing room, and barely any of that. Uncle Castel stands beside me on my right, Zanta to my left. I reach over and take her hand. She squeezes mine, comforting me in this trying moment that I grew up knowing one day would come.

  “People and dragons of Dracameveo, welcome. This day, we mourn the loss of our previous yet very dear King Ignacio. He left this land in the night and has flown home, wherever that may be.”

  A chorus of “Let his heart lead and his wings soar” fills the room.

  Uncle continues. “But while we are saddened, we shed no tears. For the king left on his own will, ready to leave, and he did so in peace. This day, we will celebrate as our new king, Aurelio, Ignacio’s son, takes the throne. Crowned by his very father, he is our ruler. I know he will be just and kind, swift and fair. Hail, King Aurelio,” he says loud enough that the whole room can hear him.

  Though in his human form, I feel he used his dragon voice. The ringing in my ears attest to that.

  A chorus of “Hail, King Aurelio” follows as everyone bows.

  The red-and-green flags of my father are taken down one by one and replaced with blue-and-gold ones. The sign of a new reign, a new king, a new dragon watching over the land.

  The room empties almost as quickly as it filled. People scurrying to get to work, to go about their chores, to return home and spread the news. Soon, the world will know that my father is gone and I have taken his place.

  “Thank you, Uncle.” I clap my hand on his shoulder as we watch the people disperse.

  “You are most welcome, Sire. You know that I am here for whatever you may need. This is a hard time, and not just because you have lost your father. Becoming king brings a weight no man can understand until it is upon him. There are many things expected of you, and while some may be easier to do than others, none of them will be without hard work.” He bows his head to me.

  “I understand, and I am prepared to do all that I can in order to keep this kingdom alive and protected.” I let my arm fall to my side.

  “Of course. I believe the first order of business should be speaking to the council. They had much to discuss with your father that they must now tell you.”

  “Certainly. Give me a moment.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.” He bows his head and walks away, leaving me to speak with Zanta for a moment.

  I turn to her. “Thank you, love. You mean the world to me. And I am so sorry that your wedding won’t be as grand as I’d hoped, but tomorrow, we will wed, and you will be my queen.”

  “I love you too. There’s no need to apologize. I don’t care how fancy or large it is. I just am happy knowing I will be your wife, for I love you with all my heart.”

  I pull her closer. “Tonight I have something to show you. But first, I must go meet with my council members. I will find you later, my love.” I brush a hair from her face, running my palm across her cheek before having to leave her.

  Castel is waiting for me at the door. Once I’m beside him, we walk to the council chambers.

  I enter the room behind Castel and look to each face watching me as I take my father’s seat at the head of the table. A chill runs over me and I must breathe deeply, reminding myself that today is not one for rain. The world has been dark enough for a while. I blink a few times to make sure I’m stable before clearing my throat.

  “A new reign has begun,” I say, sitting tall in the chair despite the weight on my head. “My father ruled with strength, compassion, and kindness. I promise to do the same. I will be just and fair. I will not make rash decisions. I plan to ensure that this kingdom remains protected as it has been for thousands of years. But some things are going to change.” I try not to stare at any one person for too long, but there are a few members around this table that I long to remove from the council. And from the glares of hatred, I fear some may already know that.

  “I think you should leave things alone for a while. Let the people settle in with the idea of you as their king before you go disrupting their lives further,” Lord Waylon says, never easing his anger toward me.

  “While I agree that people should be given the chance to adjust, I say, make the changes you need now, for waiting will only make it more difficult,” Lady Estella says in a calm manner, side-glancing at Waylon with disdain.

  “How is that allowing anyone to become used to their new king? That doesn’t give them time at all, and that isn’t fair. We all need time. Or have you forgotten that we just lost our king?” Waylon slams his fist on the table, shaking it, a difficult feat considering it’s hard oak.

  Castel stands, his features calm, his fingertips pressed toget
her. “Lord Waylon, may I remind you that some did not just lose a king, but family. And for that matter, you bow to a new king now, crowned by his father before him. This is no matter to treat so disrespectfully. Aurelio has been forced into a position he was not ready to fill. You will do well to remember that we are his council members, not brawling buddies. And if he sees it fit that things change now, so be it.” Uncle speaks forcibly, yet calmly as he makes his point clear.

  Waylon mutters under his breath, too quiet for me to make out his words. But he leans back in his seat and strokes his overly large chin.

  “Your Majesty, if I may inquire, what are the changes you wish to make so soon?” Lady Kiamora asks calmly.

  The room falls silent as everyone looks at me, waiting for a reply. Even Waylon straightens in his seat and seems to be paying closer attention.

  “For one, the kingdom will have a queen again. Though the wedding preparation were rushed for my father’s sake, I see no reason for all that work to be for nothing. The wedding will still be taking place tomorrow.” I tap my fingers against the armrests of the chair, squirming under their intense gazes as each council member looks at me, each with a different reaction—Castel with dismay, Kiamora and Oran with contentment. Waylon continues to glare, leaving only one smiling. Lady Estella seems to be happy with this choice, which is comforting, but I suppose I shouldn’t allow any of them to sway my decision.

  I could never imagine being with anyone but Zanta. She is strong in both body and mind, wise beyond her years, having already suffered much despite her age. She is beautiful and kind. Her smile is so bright, I fear if she were ever to frown for too long, the sun itself would stop shining.

  We have been best friends for seven years, whereas these councilors have been guiding me for all of one day. I have more reason than ever to believe that disbanding them is the correct move. How can they tell me the woman I love isn’t good enough when they know nothing about her?