Chapter 36
Elpis
Corona’s gaze wandered through the onlookers before It spoke again. “WE DRAGONS CARRY PRIDE IN BEING THE FIRST BEINGS TO TITLE A KING.” The crowd cheered briefly, as though this was something Corona said at every coronation. “WE DRAGONS CLAIM RECOGNITION FOR BEING THE FIRST TO CREATE A KINGDOM.” Once again, the crowd roared. “AND YOU DRAGONS SHOW YOUR FEALTY TO ME IN CONTINUING THIS TRADITION.” More cheering came, and many blew flames into the sky to show their support. “IN A CEREMONY OF MY OWN NAMESAKE, WE ONCE AGAIN RENEW YOUR VOWS TO CORONA, THE DRAGON GOD, GODLING OF THE SUN GOD.” The audience became a wall of fire as nearly every dragon blew their flames in piety.
“WILL THE NEXT IN LINE FOR THE THRONE APPROACH THE CORONATION PLATFORM,” Corona commanded, and Princess Gisila stood to walk down a long golden carpet. She ascended several stairs leading to an unrailed balcony that hung over Corona’s void, ending just before the godling’s snout .
The princess bowed deeply, glanced back to give me a nasty smirk, and stood tall to face the epic deity. “Greetings Corona, Dragon God, Godling of the Sun God. We give thanks for your presence during this most cherished day.”
She glared at my Elpis. Destroy her, Keyon. At your earliest opportunity, Toast seethed. I fucking hate that little shit.
I think she will eventually destroy herself, but I’ll give it my best shot, Keyon said. Even though his tone was wry, I couldn’t tell if he was joking or not.
The Dragon God leaned farther toward Princess Gisila. It was so close that I could see Its hot breath billow the princess’s hair and gown. “PRINCESS GISILA ROMUALD, SECOND DAUGHTER OF THE LATE KING UHTRIC ROMUALD, DID YOU OR DID YOU NOT TRY TO MARK AN ABSOLUTE DOMINANT CHILD AGAINST HIS WILL?”
The gathered audience of citizens fell deathly quiet. Keyon stiffened beside me, and I went wide-eyed with shock. Gisila froze at the accusation, and I could only wonder what her face looked like.
Keyon? Are you ok? I asked, brushing my pinky against his tense fingers.
I… don’t know. I feel rather exposed right now. Let’s just keep watching, he said, disturbed. I felt fear from Toast as well, knowing that this would drudge up some ugly memories.
“ANSWER YOUR GOD, PRINCESS GISILA,” Corona said in a tone that invited zero debate.
“W-we were but children, great Corona,” Gisila answered in a quieter, tremulous voice.
“SPEAK UP FOR YOUR PEOPLE TO HEAR.”
“We were but children!” Gisila defended again, and low murmurs rippled through the audience.
“IT IS A QUESTION TO BE ANSWERED WITH A YES OR NO.”
“Then my answer is y-yes!” she answered, and she clenched her fists several times, as though she was trying to gather courage. Corona nodded slowly, appeased by her honest answer .
“THEN WE MOVE ON TO THE SECOND ITEM. PRINCESS GISILA ROMUALD, DID YOU OR DID YOU NOT CONSPIRE WITH YOUR SISTERS AND brOTHER TO BURY SAID ABSOLUTE DOMINANT CHILD ALIVE?”
“Great C-Corona, we thought he was d-dead!” Gisila pleaded, shaking. More murmurs broke out amongst the people, and I spied many appalled and disgusted faces.
“ARE YOU SO DIM-WITTED THAT YOU’VE FORGOTTEN WHAT I’VE SAID A MERE MINUTE AGO?” Corona seethed, and a rolling glow flared in the back of Its throat, like a furnace was being fed.
“I-I have not forgotten, Dragon God. I simply wished to exp-p-plain. I… my answer is… yes,” she said loudly but much more meekly.
This is starting to seem very much like a trial, Rein said as another gasp rippled through the crowd. I wonder if she’ll still be crowned.
She will be. She’s a relative dominant. It is how it is, Keyon replied. Perhaps Corona wants to rattle her into shaping up. I truly have no idea. Rein was disgusted by the answer and turned grumpy while watching the ceremony unfold.
I was disappointed myself. She wasn’t worthy. I didn’t know her, but she truly didn’t seem to care about anything, not even matters of law. That was dangerous and deeply disturbing. I could only hope that Corona did succeed in scaring her onto the right path.
“NOW WE HAVE THE THIRD ITEM. PRINCESS GISILA ROMUALD, DID YOU OR DID YOU NOT MURDER YOUR OWN SISTER BY PUSHING HER INTO THE JAWS OF YOUR brOTHER’S OUT-OF-CONTROL DRAGON?”
Gisila’s posture severely cracked at Corona’s question. She hunched a little, as though thinking it’d hide her from the onlookers, and gazed about fearfully.
Murdering a sibling for the crown isn’t unheard of, remember that, Toast informed tiredly, knowing this wasn’t an item that would stand out in history. I hated that.
“I was trying to escape, and sh-sh-she was i—” she began but faltered. “Y-y-yes, Corona. I did.”
Even though it wasn’t unheard of, I did see scowls deepen. Many spoke to their neighbors, and others simply looked on in continued shock.
“AND FINALLY, WE HAVE THE FOURTH ITEM,” Corona said, staring levelly at the crumbling princess on the platform. “PRINCESS GISILA ROMUALD, DID YOU OR DID YOU NOT ORDER THE EXECUTION OF THE SUN GOD’S MOST PRECIOUS AND TREASURED CHILD—A CHILD HE WAITED HUNDREDS OF YEARS FOR—SO YOU COULD CLAIM HER MATE, THE AFOREMENTIONED ABSOLUTE DOMINANT?”
As soon as Corona mentioned my importance, Gisila fell to her feet and prostrated, sobbing uncontrollably. “I did! I did! F-f-f-forgive m-m-me, g-g-g-great C-Corona! P-p-p-please! H-h-have m-mercy!”
The crowd was muttering in complete contempt at this point. It was clear that Gisila had lost whatever respect she’d previously enjoyed. How she’d lead these people now was beyond me.
She may never gain their trust again, Keyon said. He was extremely upset having his assault exposed for all the kingdom to know. There was no doubt who the mentioned absolute dominant was, and his privacy on the matter had vanished.
It’ll be ok, Keyon, I said, pouring all my love to him over the bond. Remember what I said? I’ll protect you, sunflower.
I really wish you’d pick a different nickname, he replied dryly, but I felt his hidden mirth relax him, and the bond swelled with his deep love and gratitude. He reached for and held my hand, squeezing it in his adoration.
Corona drew Itself up a little to look down at the shattered princess. “I HEREBY FIND YOU, PRINCESS GISILA ROMUALD, SECOND DAUGHTER OF THE LATE KING UHTRIC ROMUALD, GUILTY OF ASSAULT, ATTEMPTED MURDER, MURDER, AND CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE SUN GOD’S FAVORITE CHILDREN. ”
What did that mean? I hazarded a quick glance at Keyon, who paled in shock. When I turned back to the scene, a long, thin tail emerged from Corona’s door to hover before the princess.
“YOU ARE SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT IN MY DOMAIN AS MY FIRST AND ONLY SLAVE. NOW GO AND DEAL WITH THE SPIDERS IN MY WINE CELLAR,” Corona decreed in a steely tone, grabbing the screaming princess with Its tail and ripping her down into the black void. The complete silence that settled around the scene was oppressive; I could hear the smallest shift of someone in their seat.
I don’t believe it, Keyon whispered through our mind-link. I couldn’t think of a response. I knew she wasn’t worthy, but Keyon had been so dismissive. Had everyone truly thought that she’d be crowned?
How did Corona know about our inside joke with Leof? Toast whispered vacantly, as though he couldn’t comprehend and address the more important part of what Corona had said. Like sun, like son.
What? Rein asked.
“WILL THE UNICORN, LADY ELPIS EUDOKIA, THE GREAT PURIFIER AND THE SUN GOD’S FAVORITE CHILD, APPROACH THE CORONATION PLATFORM?” Corona asked imperiously.
What?
I glanced up at Keyon, who licked his lips nervously and gestured for me to go as directed. I love you, he said, sounding strained. Be brave, moonflower. All will be ok. I’m right here.
Rein… Toast whimpered, not sounding as secure as Keyon.
I swallowed heavily, straightened my spine, and walked toward the largest being I’d ever seen in my life. Rein poured all her energy into my body, making sure my walk was steady despite our terror. We climbed the steps and stood before the godling, bowing deeply in respect as we’d seen Gisila do.
“LADY ELPIS EUDOKIA, DID YOU OR DID YOU NOT GIVE A SMALL FORTUNE TO A HUNGRY FATHER AND HIS DAUGHTER?” the Dragon God asked. I… what? Had I committed a crime? Was that a crime? Oh gods! I didn’t understand the free world at all!
“I did,” I said simply and loudly, knowing the godling was not a fan of mumbling or explanations. Why would that be a crime, though? Certainly, I could do what I wished with my money, right? No, I did nothing wrong. I wouldn’t accept that.
Please don’t mention the bar fight, please don’t mention the bar fight, please don’t mention the bar fight, Rein prayed in a pious chant.
Corona seemed pleased with my straight-forward response and asked another question. “LADY ELPIS EUDOKIA, DID YOU OR DID YOU NOT FIND ONE THOUSAND AND THIRTY-SIX SLAVES FOR THE KNIGHT GENERAL, SIR KEYON KENELM, AND HIS ARMY TO FREE WITHIN A MATTER OF DAYS?”
We’d freed that many? I had no idea it’d been over a thousand…
“I did,” I said with more confidence. I did, and I was proud of it! I wasn’t even done yet. I still itched to go out and search until they were all free!
“ONE FINAL QUESTION,” the godling said, and I made a desperate effort to not wipe my sweaty palms on my dress. I couldn’t be seen as weak. I was a free person now! “LADY ELPIS EUDOKIA, DID YOU OR DID YOU NOT SAVE OVER SIXTY-TWO CRITICALLY INJURED WARRIORS ON THE BATTLEFIELD AT FRANCO’S ESTATE, PUTTING THEIR HEALTH ABOVE YOUR OWN?”
“I did,” I asserted with finality. I definitely was proud of that one. I only wished I had been able to keep going. Those poor souls, dying for something that should have never occurred. May Franco rot in a cell forever!
“LADY ELPIS EUDOKIA, I HEREBY FIND YOU WORTHY OF THE TITLE QUEEN. PLEASE COME FORWARD TO RECEIVE YOUR BLESSED CROWN,” Corona said, and I was certain I hadn’t heard correctly .
What? Rein asked.
What did It say? I asked her.
Get your crown?
That can’t be right.
I… don’t know?
Corona closed Its maw, but I could see blue fire flaring behind Its rows of teeth. I smelled smoke, flesh, and metal all rolled into one scent. It was nauseating, but it soon cleared up, and black smoke curled out between the cracks, rising, dancing, and dissipating in the mountain breeze. Corona opened Its mouth, displaying a crown that was wedged onto one of Its massive front teeth.
I couldn’t think, but the one thing I did know was that I didn’t want to risk making this godling impatient. It gave me specific instructions, and I’d… follow them. The prey in me was terrified of going closer to those teeth, but Rein helped steel me, and I strode forward to lift the crown off Its tooth. I backed up and held it in front of me, not certain what the godling wanted me to do with it now.
It was an extremely pretty thing—gold with filigree depicting subtle, hidden images of unicorns. Small white horns jutted from the top of the crown, protruding all the way around in little spires. There was even a loop for my horn to go through, and I wondered if that’d make it a challenge to don.
“WILL THE KNIGHT GENERAL, SIR KEYON KENELM, THE GREAT DEFENDER, ONE OF THE SUN GOD’S FAVORITES, APPROACH THE CORONATION PLATFORM?” Corona asked, and I breathed a sigh of relief that I wouldn’t be alone up here anymore. I was not risking walking away without dismissal.
Keyon stopped next to me, seeming less tense now. He didn’t look my way, but he sent me comfort, which I returned to him. I was still in shock. Was Keyon about to go through the same interrogation? I would have prayed for it to go well, but there was no person more noble than my mate.
“SIR KEYON KENELM, DID YOU OR DID YOU NOT FREE THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF SLAVES DURING YOUR TIME SPENT AS THE KNIGHT GENERAL?” Corona asked, and I noticed that the audience had remained silent for quite some time. Everyone seemed to be on the edge of their seats, and many were staring at me. It had been a mistake to look at the crowd. Now I was even more nervous. My hands were practically dripping with sweat.
“I did,” Keyon said in a professional voice, calm and confident.
“SIR KEYON KENELM, DID YOU OR DID YOU NOT ASSIST IN TAKING DOWN A GROUP THAT CONSPIRED TO REMOVE THE HUMANITY FROM DRAGON-SHIFTERS?”
“I did,” Keyon replied evenly.
“SIR KEYON KENELM, DID YOU OR DID YOU NOT SUCCESSFULLY LEAD AN ARMY TO TAKE DOWN A CORRUPT KING WHO VIOLATED THE SUN GOD’S DESIGN FOR HIS CHILDREN.”
“I did,” Keyon answered seriously for the third time. He was a master at the straight face! I must look like a baby deer compared to him!
“SIR KEYON KENELM, I HEREBY FIND YOU WORTHY OF THE TITLE KING. PLEASE COME FORWARD TO RECEIVE YOUR BLESSED CROWN AND ACTIVATION OF YOUR ROYAL GENE,” Corona said. “LADY ELPIS EUDOKIA DOES NOT HAVE THE GENE, BUT SHE IS PERFECT AS SHE IS, AND THE SUN GOD WISHES NO CHANGES UPON HER.”
Oh no, Rein squeaked privately to me as Keyon stepped forward to receive the crown Corona was producing. Am I going to be able to handle Toast’s royal co—
Not a good time! I interrupted her hastily, having no idea if Corona could read minds. I wasn’t taking that chance.
Hey, it’s not your lady parts on the line here! she grumbled. That was sort of true?
Keyon stood by my side now, holding a golden crown decorated with sapphires and blue inlay depicting flames. It wasn’t gaudy; it suited him quite well .
“SIR KEYON KENELM, PLEASE CROWN THE QUEEN,” Corona said and watched as Keyon placed the crown carefully on my head, sliding my horn through the loop first before settling the rest.
“LADY ELPIS EUDOKIA, PLEASE CROWN THE KING,” Corona said, and Keyon took to a knee, smiling subtly at me because I wasn’t tall enough to reach. I held back a slightly crazed giggle, amused and nursing rattled nerves. I placed the crown firmly on his head, pleased to find that it fit just right.
“RISE, NEW ROYALTY, AND ALLOW YOUR SUBJECTS TO GREET YOU FOR THE FIRST TIME,” Corona commanded, and the audience broke into a deafening roar, starting well before Corona was even done talking. Keyon grasped my hand firmly and squeezed. My eyes roved over the crowd, and the majority was smiling at me. I could hardly believe what was happening. Somehow, in the course of several weeks, I’d gone from being a slave to a queen… and the people already liked me. Loved us...
King Keyon
Queen Elpis and I were not allowed the luxury of time to nurse our shock. As soon as Corona sank back into the mountain, the members of the court surrounded us with questions and agenda items for the day. No one was prepared to seat a different queen—and they definitely weren’t prepared to seat a king—so we were shuffled inside, where there were a number of documents to sign.
There was also the matter of picking a new knight general, and they told me I had some time to make that decision, but I already knew who I wanted. I requested for them to offer the honor to Sir Stroud and to offer Sir Gerfrid command of the King’s Army. I desperately needed him to weed out the rotten dragons who’d been placed in there by Cyneric, and there was no better dragon to scare the piss out of them .
Leofwine was also reinstated in his previous role, and I made a note to call in Adelais to see what kind of career path she’d be interested in at the castle. Perhaps she’d want to join the spy ranks or work with Elpis. We’d have to see.
I thought that Elpis would be hiding in a corner during all this, but she grabbed onto what she could of her earlier adrenaline rush and dove into matters regarding the Reborn. When she asked about the rehabilitation programs, I called in Aiken to assist her. She was anxious to do something while waiting for me to finish my paperwork; she needed my help with reading and signing. I really needed to get her a tutor to learn properly...
I smiled as I overheard her chattering about the extra slaves we’d recently liberated and if we could handle the numbers. Aiken said it’d be a financial strain, but Elpis was insistent on learning more. My mate wasn’t going to give up on the newly freed. After a little while, she came to me and shyly asked for my opinion on something.
“So,” she said, tracing a nail along the carving of the desk I was using. “Apparently we have two treasuries.”
“Oh?” I said curiously and pulled her closer so I could stroke her hands while listening to her.
“One is where the coin is. The other is just… overflowing with treasure, almost to the ceiling. It’s like a massive hoard. Is there a reason we have that?” she asked timidly and looked around at the advisors. I regarded the advisors as well, waiting for an answer.
“It’s, ah… the royal hoard,” one answered, seeming confused, and looked to another advisor for validation.
“It’s just the kingdom’s treasures. Items of worth collected over the centuries,” the other said.
“But it’s just sitting there… in a vault,” my queen said nervously. I could see where she was going with this.
“Is there a problem with selling any of it to fund Reborn rehabilitation?” I asked plainly and leaned my head on a fist.
“Ah, er… no… technically not…” an advisor answered, fidgeting like I was taking away his own hoard. I smiled internally at the difference between dragons and literally anyone else. We liked our pretty prizes. No doubt some would be unhappy about selling items from the treasury.
Too bad. Our queen had a good idea, Toast said proudly, and I agreed.
“There’s your answer, beloved queen,” I said, grinning up at her. “Do what you will.” I trusted her, and Aiken would help. She’d get more confident with her own royal voice soon.
I finally finished my paperwork and called Elpis in to work on hers, which took quite a while. Then we were summoned for the Royal Flyover, a tradition that went back to the very beginning. Elpis and I had to shift into our dragons and fly over the castle and the surrounding city. I always thought it was a bit of a silly little parade, but Toast truly needed to come out, especially with his Royal Gene being activated.
Rein and Toast finally stood in front of a massive mirror, taking in his changes.
I almost don’t recognize myself, Toast mumbled. He was recognizable, but he was definitely larger now, and Rein was looking a little terrified of his new bulk. Toast tried to look between his legs and murmured, I don’t think that got much bigger, if at all. We may have gotten lucky, Rein.
Toast also had a kingly frill now with thick, sharp horns. The scales on the frill, down his back, and along sections of his limbs had turned a vibrant, cool green. It reminded me of oxidized copper.
You got corroded, Toast, I chuckled, though I was still in shock seeing him like this.
You’re beautiful, mate, Rein said, and Elpis hummed in agreement.
Let’s get this parade over with, Toast grumbled. Are you ready, lingerie ?
I told you to pick a different pet name for my dragon form! she hissed, embarrassed.
After how you teased me last time? I don’t think so, Toast chuckled and launched into the sky with Rein to fly over the city. Elpis and I had to hold back our laughter as they continued their very inappropriate, private conversation during the flyover.
What will you give me if I pick a different name, my queen? Toast asked in a kinglier voice.
I have a two-layer cake in need of filling and frosting… my king, Rein negotiated thoughtfully. I could feel Elpis’s massive cringe. That may have been the most graphic one yet. Still though, my dirty talking was plenty graphic, and she’d always enjoyed it.
I can’t believe how much has changed, Elpis said softly, gazing down at the cheering city folk. Feels like just yesterday I was being tortured in a cage.
Don’t think about that, mate, Toast replied. You’re free, and you’re with us now! We will treasure you and Rein more than any hoard in the kingdom.
And our heir or heirs… I said, still in wonder about that. We should have you see the royal physician tomorrow. Let them know you’re carrying. I felt warmth radiate from my mate. She was so happy, so proud to be carrying our offspring. We’d have a family in less than a year, and I was beside myself with joy.
Once the flyover was completed, we made our appearance at the evening feast and escaped as soon as possible to rest in our new chambers. Elpis, per usual, lost her mind as soon as we entered the royal suite.
“This is so much bigger than the suite we stayed at!” she screamed and ran off into different rooms to see what was there. I heard a squeal, followed by the sound of pots and pans clattering to the ground. I supposed she found the kitchen, and I started laughing again. I wiped tears from my eyes, but not all of them were from mirth. I was overwhelmed. Similar to what Elpis had been feeling, I remembered how miserable Toast and I had been weeks ago .
I sniffed and tried to wipe my eyes clear before Elpis noticed, but the bond gave away my emotions. She walked out of a hallway and went straight into my arms, squeezing me as tight as her arms could manage.
“Hard to believe, huh?” she asked quietly, and I nodded. “It will be incredibly difficult, but I can manage as long as you’re here with me. I’ll be here for you too, my love.”
My heart swelled at her words, and I picked her up, cradling her to my chest as we wandered around in search of the bedroom. “Where the fuck is the bedroom?” I complained when we ended up in a room with a bathing pool. After several more minutes of exploring with Elpis giggling in my arms, we finally found the bedroom, and I lowered her onto the sheets.
I pulled her dress off while she removed my clothes. I needed her as much as she needed me. After a day that seemed more like a fever dream by the second, I craved to embrace the one thing I knew was real; it was my love for my fated mate, Elpis. My moonflower.
I kissed her as I leaned over her, stroking her delicate cheeks with my thumbs as I propped myself up on my elbows. I leaned into her hips with mine, grinding gently against her core to see if she was ready. She moaned softly into my mouth and reached down to glide her fingers down my cock. I groaned in response, shivering at her skillful touch.
She positioned my head at her entrance, and I pushed slowly down, wanting to savor the moment of the first joining. I slid inch by inch into the depths of her channel, gliding along the shape of her walls to feed her the entirety of my love. She wrapped her arms around my back and slid her hands along my working muscles.
Once I seated myself down to the hilt, I groaned in bone-deep satisfaction. Elpis whimpered and arched slowly and sensually into my chest. She wanted to feel me as much as I needed to feel her. I then leaned down to trail soft kisses down her neck, making her tremble uncontrollably .
I rolled my hips so I could begin making love to my Elpis, my everything. I wanted to show her another way that I’d treasure her, and it was in the way I’d worship her in bed. She could have whatever she wanted from me—wild or romantic. Nothing would change with our new roles. I’d still carry her to the bed and fulfill her every desire. No doubt she’d insist on doing the same.
“Gods, I love you so much, Elpis,” I murmured, brushing my lips against hers. “Thank you for everything… I can’t even begin to express how much you mean to me.”
“I love you too, so very much, my Keyon,” she replied and slid a hand to my chest. “You don’t need words, my love. I can feel it right here.” She kissed me, sighing in pleasure as I continued to slide inside her heat. “You saved me too. Too many times to count…”
It seemed like we both were overflowing with gratitude, and it made me want to burst from the emotional pleasure alone. I felt invincible with her at my side. I kissed down her neck and nibbled on where my mark was, making her gasp in pleasure. Then I slide a palm up her side to land on her soft breast, massaging gently as I grinded my hips into her.
A smile spread across my face as I laved her mark with my tongue, pleasuring her the way she deserved to be pleasured. She was a squirming, whimpering female under my ministrations, and I pushed further to get her to blossom for me. I increased the speed of my thrusting and bit gently into the mark on her neck.
She gasped, and her cries filled the royal suite as she came under me. I pushed for my own release and growled into her neck as I reached my peak. Her pulsing walls gripped onto my cock, taking everything I had to offer as my hot seed came forth.
We writhed together in bliss, finding comfort and peace in our coupling. My mate was in euphoria, not just from finding release, but from experiencing such a sweet, gentle way of joining. I pulled her to my chest, beaming with satisfaction. I could be a beggar in this moment, and I’d still be the happiest male alive .
I lay there in silence with my mate, idly stroking her hair. No words needed to be said. We were happy. We had each other, and now we had the means to make a huge difference in people’s lives. Both of us were ready for the hard work; tasks were always easier when you were passionate about them and had someone at your side. Elpis would continue to be a force of nature, and I was so fucking proud of her.
“Are you ready to go liberate more Reborn tomorrow?” I asked sleepily, caressing her draped arm with a thumb.
“Always… so long as you’re there with me…” she replied, just as tiredly, but I felt the supreme satisfaction and elation in her heart.
“Always will be,” I mumbled, and we both drifted into sleep.
The End