Epilogue
Two days later…
It was happening. Vaughn couldn’t stop smiling. Even with the threat hanging over Zora, and the dragons’ deaths, he was too happy for Eurwen to become his mate to let any of that dampen his spirits.
Rhi created another doorway to Earth so those at Dreagan could come for the mating ceremony.
But before that, the Silvers were to be moved to Zora and woken so they could live out their lives as they should.
It was the right decision, but everyone at Dreagan would miss the Silvers.
Fortunately, it looked as if Brandr had come around somewhat since he had not only agreed that they needed the Kings to fight this new foe but also that the Kings needed to see the dragons.
Vaughn had opted not to be at Dreagan when they removed the bars from around the Silvers. None of them had liked the idea of imprisoning them, but it had been necessary in case they somehow managed to wake from the magic.
Now, he stood with Brandr, Con, and the other Kings as Ulrik carried the Silvers one by one from Earth to Zora. When all four were on their new world, the Kings used their combined magic to wake them. As the dragons woke, Ulrik was there before them. Then, he shifted to his human form.
“A verra long time has passed since we last spoke,” Ulrik told the four Silvers.
“The Kings captured you and banished me from Dreagan. I carried hatred and anger with me for too many lifetimes. My story is long, and if any of you wish to hear it, I will tell it. Suffice it to say, I caused most of my suffering before I found my way back to Dreagan and my brethren.”
The Silvers slid their gazes from Ulrik to the Kings. Vaughn saw the confusion in their eyes, and he understood it.
Ulrik took a deep breath and released it.
“I found my mate. And the dragons were located. I’ve brought you to their realm, Zora, where they live free.
It’s time all of you do the same. There are humans here, but they remain on their side of the barrier, which you willna cross.
I’ll return, and you will see other Kings.
However, Brandr and Eurwen, Constantine’s children, rule Zora.
I wish I could say that things will be easy, but they willna.
Everyone you knew is gone. There are no longer clans as you once knew them, but you are the best of my Silvers. You will find your footing.”
Ulrik then motioned to Eilish. The Druid walked to his side and held his hand.
She smiled up at the Silvers before moving to each and speaking softly, continuing from one to the next.
When she finished, Ulrik nodded. The four Silvers bowed their heads to Ulrik and Eilish and turned to look at their new home.
Vaughn wondered what was going through the Silvers’ minds. A war had raged in the time they’d been contained at Dreagan. Now, eons later, they woke in another realm with everything they knew and loved gone. It would be hard for anyone to adjust to.
Minutes ticked by without the Silvers moving.
They were clearly uncertain and wary. Ulrik was the first to shift and take to the sky.
Then, one by one, the Kings joined him. Con was the last. They circled Cairnkeep, the mates, and the Silvers.
Ulrik and Con flew side by side. Vaughn didn’t know what gave the Silvers the courage to embrace their new home, but something did.
It took one of them spreading its wings and taking to the skies for the others to follow.
The Kings flew with the Silvers for several minutes before leaving Ulrik with the last of his clan.
The Kings watched the five of them, all wishing they had been able to have one last flight with their clan, as well.
It was a heartbreaking and poignant moment.
One that would be burned into their memories.
Vaughn returned to Cairnkeep as Ulrik and the Silvers disappeared into the distance.
Back in human form, Vaughn looked over his shoulder for one more glimpse of the Silvers and the last connection the Kings had to their former lives.
The other dragons on Zora were curious about the new arrivals.
It wouldn’t take long for the Silvers to find their place among the other dragons.
“It’s for the best,” Con said.
Vaughn nodded. “It is.”
“That doesna mean we doona feel the loss.”
Vaughn met Con’s eyes and smiled sadly. “Dreagan will be different.”
“A lot of changes are coming, but I doona think that’s something we should mind.”
“All the Kings have been mated at Dreagan. It’s a big change.”
Con made a sound as he smiled. “Scores of Kings were mated on Dreagan, aye, but no’ in the cavern. Are you worried it willna mean the same if you do the ceremony here?”
Vaughn thought about that for a moment and then shook his head.
“Zora was a new start for the dragons. It’s different from Earth, aye, but still verra much a part of us.
The two realms will forever be connected.
As for the ceremony, it doesna matter where it’s performed.
What matters is who performs it and the mate by my side. ”
“I couldna agree more.”
Vaughn looked toward Eurwen’s cottage. It wouldn’t be long before they stood together and pledged their love. He couldn’t wait to see the dragon eye tat on her arm. Suddenly, he frowned. Would she have one?
“What is it?” Con asked.
Vaughn’s gaze swung to him. “Is Eurwen a Dragon Queen? She has a tattoo like ours.”
“I thought she was able to shift because she’s half-Fae, but perhaps she is a Queen.”
“She’s no’ a solid color like us or even Melisse in dragon form.”
Con grinned. “There are many differences on Zora. Perhaps this is another one.”
Vaughn spotted Brandr. “Your son seems fine with what’s happening. At least, that’s what he told Eurwen.”
“My children have a bond that goes deeper than ours as Kings. I have no doubt Eurwen will make sure Brandr finds his way if he stumbles.”
Vaughn nodded slowly. “The last thing I want to think about on my mating day is the battle, but Kings will be coming and going from Zora to fight this unknown foe.”
“I’ve been thinking about that. I know you and Eurwen plan to split your time between the two realms. And Jeyra is from here, so she’ll have an easier time. However, I’m reluctant to send mated Kings.”
“Because their mates would travel with them, splitting their attention,” Vaughn said with a nod. “I thought about that earlier.”
Con’s lips twisted as he glanced toward a group of Kings. “That’s no’ to say that a mated King willna come, but there’s a lot of upheaval, and I’d like to minimize things.”
Vaughn followed Con’s gaze to a group of unmated Kings. He looked between Cullen, Merrill, Kendrick, Evander, Hector, Ranulf, and Shaw. “I agree.”
“Enough of such talk,” Con said as he slapped Vaughn on the back of the shoulder. “You need to prepare. And I have things I must take care of.”
Vaughn smiled as Con walked away. However, his eyes slid back to Brandr. Vaughn made his way to his mate’s twin brother, who stood off by himself, looking over the valley from the edge of the mountain.
“This must be a lot for you,” Vaughn said as he walked up.
Brandr released a sigh without looking at Vaughn. “I willna lie and say it isna.”
“I know how much this realm means to you and Eurwen. I vowed to her, and I’ll do the same to you, that I willna allow anyone or anything to take it from either of you. That includes my brethren.”
Brandr turned his head and met his gaze. “You would fight the Kings?”
“If they attempted to take over this realm solely because they wished to, aye.”
“You’d go against Con?”
Vaughn nodded. “I would.”
“That’s…unexpected.”
“It shouldna be. I love Eurwen. This realm is important to every King. None would dare take it from you or your sister. For one, Con wouldna allow it. And neither would I.”
Brandr glanced at the ground. “Things were so peaceful that they became almost mundane.”
“We’ve done nothing but battle one foe after another. We long for peace and a mundane life. Though, anything kept constant becomes constrictive at times.”
“Aye,” Brandr replied with a chuckle. “It can get constrictive.”
“None of us expects your trust immediately. We’re going to earn it.”
Brandr’s lips curved into a smile. “The last thing I wanted was for Eurwen’s mate to be a King, but I’ll admit, you’re a good man.”
“Thanks,” Vaughn replied with a grin.
Brandr moved closer and lowered his voice. “I doona have to tell you to treat her right. If you doona, it willna be me who kicks your arse. It’ll be her. But I’ll be laughing.”
“I can no’ promise we willna argue, but I vow I’ll never do her wrong.”
“That’s all I can ask for.”
They clasped forearms, smiling.
Eurwen looked at herself in the mirror of her vanity before her gaze lifted to meet Rhi’s. Her mother’s silver eyes crinkled at the corners as she stood over her.
“You are breathtaking,” Rhi said.
Eurwen laughed softly. “I would’ve never found this gown without you.”
“We have many, many more shopping trips coming. I promise.”
“I’m going to hold you to it.”
Rhi squeezed Eurwen’s shoulders with her hands. “The few hours we had went by entirely too quickly. We’ve got centuries to make up for. Which means, you might need to get a bigger place with a bigger closet.”
Eurwen laughed louder, nodding. “I was thinking of that yesterday while we were shopping.”
“Don’t rub it in,” Lily replied.
Eilish rolled her eyes. “I agree. We all wanted to be there, but I think it was good that it was just the two of you. Unfortunately, Eurwen, we’ll all be asking you to come shopping with us.”
“No, a girls’ weekend,” Bernadette said wistfully in her Scots brogue.
Jane nodded her auburn head and replied, “Absolutely.”
Rhi winked at Eurwen in the mirror. They shared a smile. Eurwen had never thought she would find a mate, much less have Rhi there to share the day with.
“Thank you,” Eurwen said.
Rhi shot her a watery smile. “Thank you for allowing us to be here.”