Page 3 of The Final Battle

“Cass...“

“Little bird, there will be none of that fucking nonsense coming out of your mouth ever again,“ Jade snapped, cutting off whatever Vasin was about to say as he marched up to me.

His seafoam green eyes were alight with rage. In contradiction to his visible anger, he swept me up in his arms and kissed me soundly, his fingers sliding through my hair before gripping it tight enough to make me moan. I wrapped an arm around his neck, while the other went around his back holding him close to me, allowing myself to let him hold me up. As if my magic sensed I was now completely out of danger, it subsided, leaving me drained. If Jade hadn’t been holding me so tightly my legs would have crumpled under me.

“Whoa there, I got you, little bird,“ Jade assured me as he scooped me up into a bridal hold.“ Trust me, I’m never letting you go, not after watching you get dragged out that window. If I hadn’t had to worry about keeping King Thomas alive, I would’ve leapt out that window right after Izel.“

That bit of information caught my attention. “Izel what?“

“The crazy bastard charged right after you out that window as if he was diving into a pond. Good thing we all got dragons now or his ass would have been strewn across the valley,“ he muttered as he nuzzled his head against my neck before lifting it to meet my gaze. “Thank God they got to you in time.“

“He didn’t... my Birthright saved me,“ I said, and before I could explain further the dragon healer came running across the sands with his kit.

The boy who’d run to get him was carrying even more items, struggling under the weight. We’d given the healer a heads up that there might be a dragon fight tonight and to have whatever he needed ready and on hand. Thankfully, Zan had suggested that, so we didn’t run the risk of the healer not being here. Jade set me down, but didn’t let me go farther than his arms could extend from where they rested on my hips. I gave him a scolding look over my shoulder but he just cocked a brow at me.

“Is there anything I should know before I start treatment?“ Peder, the healer asked me.

“Vasin said that the dragon’s blood was poison, a type that’s thinning his blood. It also looked like that vile creature was leaking an acid of some sort out of his mouth,“ I informed.

Peder nodded and mumbled to himself as he grabbed supplies and started to mix things together.

“Will you be able to save him?“ I pressed, needing that hope to cling to.

Peder looked at Vasin then back to me. “Your dragon is young, healthy, and strong. If we can get the poison neutralized then I don’t see why he won’t make a full recovery. He’ll have some scars and his wings will take some time to repair themselves, but things are looking good. I only wish that we had some of the toxin to test on, but I’m going to start with my general antitoxin and work my way from there.“

“Thank you, Peder, please do whatever it takes to ensure he’ll be okay, I won’t stand in your way,“ I said as I sank down next to Vasin’s head, running a hand over his cheek.

“Your other men have arrived, go to them, they are worried. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here for some time, resting as the healer works. Remember, you have a kingdom to run and an enemy who is only growing stronger. Now we know what we are dealing with when it comes to his dragon, even though this battle didn’t go as we planned, we still learned things.“

“I’m not going to leave you! How can I walk away when you’re hurt? I did that once and it didn’t turn out well for either of us, now did it?“

“Cass, they need you just as much as I do. Go to them and at least let them see you are well, the last thing they saw was you falling. Set them at ease, then you can come back to me.“

I could tell by his tone that he wasn’t going to let me brush this off, and as he chided me I could understand his point. When it came to Vasin I got tunnel vision and this was one of those moments. I was still learning how to be as good a partner to my men. Vasin was right to tell me to go to them, he was in good hands and I couldn’t just abandon everything to sit here with him, even though I wanted to.

“You’re right, as always. I will be back later to check on you, after I’ve assured my men and checked in on things at the castle.“

“The life of being a queen is one of complete selflessness. Thankfully, you have a large heart and will be able to manage with the grace befitting your role.“

Placing a kiss on Vasin’s nose, I reached up and let Jade pull me to my feet. “Vasin said the others are here.“

“About time they caught up,“ Jade commented as he tucked my arm through his and we walked to the entrance.

When my other men spotted me, relief seemed to hit them at the same time, their pace quickening until Jade was yanked away from me. I was passed from one lover to another, each smothering me. I couldn’t help but laugh as I was covered in kisses and sweet words as they checked me over.

“Don’t ever do something like that to me ever again, Mouse,“ Cole scolded me as he peppered kisses all over my face. “I thought I was going to have a heart attack where I stood.“

Dayson stole me away and caught me up spinning in a circle as he growled with joy before setting me on my feet. Cupping my face in his hands, I got a sound kiss on the lips. “How the hell did you survive that?“

“My Birthright-- seems it can manifest itself into more things than just a bow,“ I shared.

Izel let out a sharp bark of laughter, drawing everyone’s attention. “Yeah, like dragon wings that she could manipulate as if she’d had them all her life.“

“What! You got wings? How cool is that!“ Pax exclaimed, pulling me from Dayson and grabbing onto my shoulders. “Let’s see them.“

Cole started to approach like he was going to smack Paxton, but I shook my head at him. “Using that much magic has left me drained, I’m surprised I’m still standing to be honest.“

Pax’s face morphed into a worried expression. “Why didn’t you say something sooner? We need to get you back to the castle so you can eat and rest. I know you hardly managed to get anything down at dinner.“