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

  “It’s gorgeous,” she mutters, reaching into the cubby and pulling out the crown. “I couldn’t possibly wear this.”

  “My mother would love seeing you wear it—she wouldn’t want it sitting in there, hidden away from the world. Will you please?” I gently take it from her hands and place it on her head.

  She turns and looks in the full-length mirror. “For you, yes.” She smiles.

  “Thank you.”

  THE SUN BEAMS brightly through the sliver of window not blocked by the drapes. I stretch my arms over my head, arching my back, before sliding back under the covers, rubbing at my eyes and turning so the light isn’t in my face.

  “Good morning, my lady,” three voices say in unison.

  I jump back, turning while still sitting in bed, to find three maids standing at the end of it. “Good morning,” I reply, not sure what to do. I wasn’t expecting my new maids to be waiting for me when I woke up this morning despite their titles.

  “Good morning, my lady. We are here to help you prepare for the wedding, if you would like.” Georgianna steps aside, and I see my wedding dress draped over one of the chairs in the sitting room behind her. Made of blue fabric that shimmers, the whole gown is stunning, with embroidered flowers and lace from the bodice all the way down the skirt.

  I step out of bed and approach it slowly, as if fearing it will disappear if I move too quickly. I run my fingers across the chiffon over the silk skirt. I use my thumbs and forefingers to grab the shoulders of the dress and pick it up, holding it against me as I look in the mirror. “Is it really my wedding day?” I can’t help but bounce up and down at the thought.

  “It is, and we’d best be getting you ready for it. First, a light breakfast. Then you must bathe. After that, Shyla will put powders and blush on your face while Imani does your hair. Does that sound acceptable to you, my lady?” Georgianna asks.

  “That all sounds lovely,” I say, still looking in the mirror. “But first, I would like to see Aurelio. Do any of you know where I might find him?” I look up, searching each of their faces.

  They all seem a bit confused. “No, ma’am. I am afraid we do not. But he instructed us to help you in any way we can, so if it is your wish, I can fetch him for you.”

  “Thank you, Georgianna. I would appreciate that. I presume Shyla and Imani can help me prepare a bath in the meantime.” I look to each of them, and they both nod in agreement.

  “Yes, of course,” all three say before dispersing, the tallest going to find my soon-to-be husband, and the others going to get a bath started for me. I wander the room, amazed it’s all mine.

  Shyla and Imani return in no time, a bath drawn and ready. I begin to undress just as Georgianna returns, a bit panicked. “Lady Zanta,” she blurts out before pausing to catch her breath. “You should come with me right away.” She’s still breathing heavily, which concerns me. How far did she have to run?

  “What is it?” I hurriedly do my nightgown up again, slide my arms into the robe Shyla holds up for me and step into a pair of slippers.

  “The king appears to be in a bit of trouble. He asked me to get you immediately. He wishes for you to meet him in the meadow just past the gardens.” The girl’s face is pale, her voice filled with worry.

  I don’t wait for more explanation, but instead, run through the corridors, racing to get to Aurelio as fast as possible. What could happen that he would need me out there today of all days, and in such a panicked hurry? My heart does a funny flip, beating, but feeling like it’s not doing so correctly. I fear I may not make it to Aurelio before my heart stops working from worry.

  I race past servants and guards going in and out of the castle, just doing their daily chores. I run through the courtyard and into the gardens.

  When I reach the meadow, Aurelio stands there as a dragon, not moving, not saying anything. He looks at me, watches me approach. Something shines in the corner of his eye, and I realize he’s trying to hold back tears.

  I look up to the sky, searching for the rain clouds that are no doubt on their way. “Aurelio, what’s going on?” I run my hand across one of his scales, looking up at him and wondering what stops him from shifting, wrapping his arms around me, and telling me everything is going to be all right.

  “I love you so much, but I fear today will not bring all that we hoped it would.” His voice breaks, and the sunlight disappears as clouds roll in.

  “I love you too, but I don’t understand. What’s going on? Why are we not both getting ready for our wedding?” I look around, wondering if this is a ruse. A game. But he would not cry if it were.

  “I cannot shift back into my human form. I have tried. I’ve been out here trying all night long. Since midnight last night, I’ve been a dragon, and I don’t know what to do.”

  A small gasp escapes me. “What do you mean, you can’t shift back? How is that possible?” I look him up and down, not understanding. I’ve never heard of a shifter not being able to shift. “Why don’t we have the ceremony out here, then? We’ll get married as dragons rather than humans. It’s what we are, after all. Why does it matter which form we’re in?” I offer, trying to stay positive, hoping the wedding isn’t called off.

  “That is a lot to change at a moment’s notice for an event so big. I do not want you to have to give up the dress and the crown for your wedding. Perhaps if I sleep, I’ll be able to shift back, and all will be well.”

  “Love, this is our wedding, and I don’t care if I have to wear a dirty old rag. I just want to marry you. Dragon, human—it doesn’t matter to me.” I step back and will myself to shift to prove to him that I mean it.

  But as I take calming breaths and attempt the change, nothing happens. I remain human, standing in the meadow, a dragon towering over me.

  I look at my hands, willing them to change into talons. But nothing shifts. Nothing moves at all. And another gasp comes out of my mouth. I look up at Aurelio.

  “What is going on? Why can’t I shift?” I try again.

  “I fear, though I am still uncertain, that you have both been cursed,” Castel says with a cringe.

  “Oh,” Aurelio says at the same time I ask, “What?”

  Castel wanders slowly toward us, looking forlorn and saddened.

  “By whom? And why?” I ask, trying to remain as calm as he is.

  “I do not know, Zanta, but I have seen this before. Is it not true that Aurelio is stuck in his dragon body, while you remain human?” Castel asks me.

  “That is true.” I nod.

  “Father tried to warn me of this.” Aurelio hangs his head. Before I can question him, Castel speaks.

  “Sire, one of Zanta’s maids came to me after sending her out here, and told me what she thought might be going on. Tell me how I may assist you.” He bows.

  “Is there nothing we can do to fix this immediately?” Aurelio asks.

  “I do not know—”

  “What of true love’s kiss? It is said to be a way to break any curse or spell.” The words escape me the moment the idea comes to me.

  “It’s worth a try. Right now, I’d do just about anything to be able to wrap my arms around you and kiss you. To see you all dressed up, to vow my love to you forever.” Aurelio’s voice shakes, and seeing him so scared and distressed worries me more than anything. He is my rock, my stronghold.

  He bends down as I lean forward and kiss him quickly on the mouth, hoping it works the first time considering how awkward it is in our current forms. But nothing happens—there is no change. A deep, ugly feeling settles in the pit of my stomach as I realize we have no way out of this. It isn’t something we can just fix. We’re trapped until we figure out who cursed us, and why.

  And what do we do when that’s figured out? What if whoever did this wants us to be separated forever? Our engagement parties ended last night. The entire world is aware of what today is for us. Well, what it was going to be.

  “I feared that may not work,” Castel speaks again. “As I was trying to e
xplain, I have seen a curse quite like this before. I did not experience it myself.” He clears his throat.

  “Go on,” Aurelio says.

  Castel looks back and forth between us, his brows furrowed, before continuing. “Right after Ignacio became king, he disappeared for a few days—maybe a week. When he returned, he seemed a bit haunted, but he would never tell me what happened. All I know is that I was left to rule the kingdom with no warning until he returned. I don’t think he quite got over whatever it was that happened. Much later, Dargiana told me a bit of what Ignacio said to her. He couldn’t change from his dragon form—he was a prisoner in his own body. And when he couldn’t find answers here in Dracameveo, he traveled east in search of a wizard who was rumored to be able to cure anything. Beyond that, I know nothing of what happened when he left.” Castel finishes his story and looks down as if hiding his face.

  “Father mentioned a wizard,” Aurelio says, again seeming embarrassed.

  I’m wondering why, and worried about what’s going to happen now. Today is supposed to be my wedding day, and instead, not only am I not getting married, but the love of my life may be leaving on a journey that could take him weeks.

  “Did he say anything else?” Castel asks.

  “He told me to go to Humestia. To stay on the ground as much as I could, find the wizard with the key, break the curse, and come home. Do you know what any of that means?”

  “I do not know, Sire, but I fear that following those instructions is the only way out of this. We do not know any other solution to your problem. The only difference from what your father went through is that the love of your life is trapped in this curse too. But at least she can remain here and help me watch over the kingdom while you’re gone.” Castel looks sad, but I fear his intent.

  If he wanted to take over the kingdom, why didn’t he do it while Ignacio was away? But that doesn’t mean he’s innocent in all this. What if something prevented that from happening those years ago? There could be any number of reasons.

  “I’ll go.” I step forward, reminding them that I am present. “I’ll go in search of the answers. Aurelio is king, and he is needed here.”

  “Zanta, my father warned me about this before he died. He made it clear that it was my curse. It would be best if I go. Castel is right—by law, he is to watch over the kingdom if the king cannot. You’re going to be queen, and there is still much for you to learn. This is the best option. Stay here, learn from my uncle, and keep the kingdom running in my absence. I will go in search of the wizard and freedom from our newfound prisons.”

  “What if it’s a trap?” I ask.

  “We’re already trapped, Zanta,” Aurelio replies.

  “What if whoever did this chose this curse because they knew it would get you out of the kingdom?” I argue, not wanting him to leave. My wariness of Castel increases tenfold.

  Aurelio leans down again, close to me, looking right into my eyes. “I trust you with all my heart. Protect my kingdom while I am gone. Castel will be there every step of the way, and he will help however he can. Please, Zanta, trust me as I trust you. I want to be with you more than anything. I will be careful, make wise decisions, and I promise I will come back to you.”

  Tears form in my eyes. I blink, causing them to roll down my cheeks. Goose bumps cover my arms and I feel a coldness like nothing before, almost as if I’m empty inside.

  “You’d better, Aurelio. Make it home. I love you. Let your heart lead and your wings soar.” I rest my hand on his jaw, not wanting to let him go, but knowing the sooner I do, the sooner he can return.

  “I love you too.” In one swoop, he turns and flaps his wings, stirring up a fierce wind.

  Castel holds up a hand, protecting his face. I let the wind toy with my hair and surround me, envelop me. I watch as Aurelio takes flight and disappears slowly, becoming smaller and smaller the farther away he gets.

  “My lady,” Castel says. From his tone of voice, it seems he has been talking to me and I’ve heard nothing.

  “Yes?” I look at him.

  “I am sorry to add to your burden, but we must announce to the people that the wedding will not be taking place today.” He holds his hands in front of him, slightly leaning over, looking more and more apologetic.

  “Of course.” I nod and begin walking back toward the castle—what else can we do to make this day even worse?

  I FLY EAST UNTIL my wings demand a break just as I reach the forests of Fabulum and slowly descend until I see the road. Once on the ground, I turn and find the path leading deeper and deeper into the land.

  Going on foot as a dragon is the most difficult way to travel, but my wings ache so I force myself to walk. There is a constant feeling of being surrounded, too many things close by, and I begin to feel like there isn’t enough air. I won’t be able to breathe.

  It makes me wonder if all dragons feel this way when walking when they could be flying. But I go on, ignoring the pressure and the senseless headache trying to spread. I walk and walk, knowing this may be the only chance I have at escaping this torture. And if I’m feeling like this after only a few hours, how will it be in a week?

  What will I do if I can’t find the wizard? Worse yet, what will Zanta do? I’ve left her in charge of Dracameveo before we even had a chance to get married. I dropped the task on her, knowing I could never let her go on this journey.

  I only hope Castel will set aside his feelings of unease and help her. Guide her. Teach her how to be queen. It is no easy task, becoming ruler over any land all in one fell swoop. I should know.

  A small whisper of sound, flapping wings, like a hummingbird in comparison to my own movement, catches my attention. Of course my presence will disrupt the fairies’ lives. How could I expect it not to? When dragons visit their lands, they come in human form. These roads would not be used by someone like me.

  More and more, I’m beginning to see the disadvantages of being a dragon. Never before has it caused me so much trouble.

  “Shift into your human form or suffer, dragon! You break the treaty between your king and mine, and the consequences will be great.” A small—or perhaps regular size, and only small to me—teal-winged fairy appears in front of me, batting her wings as fast as they will move, her spear in my face as she glares, waiting for me to comply.

  “Please listen to me carefully,” I begin, hoping she will listen.

  “Do not speak. Shift into your human form or suffer,” she repeats.

  I try to keep my voice calm and low so as not to hurt her delicate ears with the harshness of my dragon voice. “I cannot shift, but I promise you, I mean no harm.”

  “I’d do as Moth says. She can be feisty.”

  “I am trying to tell you that I cannot shift into my human form. I am King Aurelio. Please, I mean no harm. I only wish to travel on foot a short distance, and then I will take flight once more.”

  “I am sorry, dragon.” The male fairy spits the words. “But if you refuse to abide by the law, we will be forced to take you to see Her Majesty, Queen Calassida, to face the consequences.”

  “Very well.” I nod, knowing there is no point in arguing. They aren’t listening, and the queen could be very helpful.

  Moth takes the lead while the other fairy flies close behind me as we walk toward the tree castle. The closer we get, the more fairies begin flying beside me, surrounding me, many watching from the safety of their hiding places among the leaves.

  Just outside the castle where Zanta and I were only days before celebrating our engagement, one of the guards speaks.

  “You are scaring the younglings. We must know why you travel through our forests as a dragon,” he says, his voice shaking.

  “I am King Aurelio of Dracameveo. I cannot fly, and I am unable to shift back into my human form at this time. I mean no harm. I simply wish to pass through your lands and beyond,” I repeat, unable to help the frustration in my tone.

  “Your Majesty, what has happened?” Queen Calassida asks, suddenl
y flying up in front of me, joining the other two. Her brows furrow and she comes a little nearer, looking as if she wishes to comfort me but not knowing how, and a little afraid to be that close to me.

  “It is a long story, one I don’t entirely know. I am in a hurry, yet I must travel on foot. Please, Queen Calassida, grant me safe passage through your lands that I may be on my way,” I ask, willing to get down on my knees and beg.

  “Of course. You are a friend and trusted ally. We will help in any way we can.”

  “Thank you.” I bow my head.

  “You are most welcome. Now, what do you need?” she asks.

  “A clear path,” I say.

  Each fairy moves to the side, disappearing behind the trees. I might not be able to find what I’m looking for if I fly, but at least I can run.

  DESPITE FATHER’S INSTRUCTIONS to stay on the ground as much as I can—though I’m not sure if he meant for the entirety of my journey, or only while in Humestia—I don’t dare stay on the ground elsewhere, but fly, forcing myself to continue pushing on.

  The purple leaves of Miraunus are almost gone, the red forests of Humestia beginning to appear down the path. Night has fallen, and only the moonlight guides my way. I don’t dare sleep in the forbidden lands, so before I reach the border, I go off the path and find a comfortable place to rest amongst the trees.

  But despite the comfort of leaves padding the ground and the soothing whisper of wind brushing through the land, I can’t find the will to close my eyes and relax. So much worry overcomes me. How has Zanta fared on her first day as acting queen?

  I can only hope she’s done better than I have today. I sigh and take a deep breath, forcing myself to be rid of all ill thoughts. I will find the wizard, I will find the answer, and I will find my way back home. This is only temporary. My father overcame this very battle, and so will I.