Page 96 of Dragon Mine (Dragon Kings 2)
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.
