Page 53 of Dragon Mine (Dragon Kings 2)
“Why did you choose this mountain?”
He seemed to think about that for a moment and then shrugged. “I can no’ answer that. After the dragons were gone, Con brought us here. He urged us to find a mountain and sleep. I remember flying this way, but I doona have any memories of choosing a particular mountain. I was weary and outraged. I knew I had to sleep. I think I took the first mountain I came across.”
Eurwen watched how he gently touched the rock as he walked. She didn’t believe anything had been done carelessly. He might not have chosen this mountain, but it had chosen him.
“Con came to us every ten years and updated us on things as we slept,” Vaughn continued. “Then, one day, I woke. I wasna yet ready to leave the mountain, but I was done sleeping. I walked every inch of this place. When I couldna go farther, I made tunnels. It wasna long after that I started the art. I had no concept of time. I didna leave, didna even look outside. I would get restless and sleep, only to wake sometime later and begin the process all over again.”
Eurwen studied Vaughn, the way he smiled when he talked about the mountain, how he stroked the rock. “Do you return here?”
“Aye.” He met her gaze and smiled. “We each have chambers at the manor, and they’re somewhat private. However, it’s hard to get real privacy in such a place with so many people. When I need to center myself, I come here. I can block out the world and feel the magic.”
“Sounds perfect.”
“Do you have such a place?”
She glanced around the cavern. “Nothing like this. When Brandr and I first arrived on Zora, we were intent on calming the dragons. It wasn’t long after that we created Cairnkeep. While it might not be as grand as Dreagan, it’s our home.”
His brows shot up in his forehead. “That place is spectacular. The views alone are sublime. You sit atop a mountain. I would say it is grand.”
“We don’t have a manor.”
He gave her a dry look. “We both know if that’s what you wanted, you would have it. Dreagan and Cairnkeep might be different, but each is beautiful in its own right.”
His words warmed her heart. “I like it here. There’s something very calming about your mountain.”
“I always thought so. I feel it each time I come here.”
“I felt it,” she told him in amazement.
His lips turned up in a smile. “Somehow, that doesna surprise.”
“It does me. I’ve never been drawn to mountains. Not like you and the other Kings.”
Vaughn shrugged nonchalantly. “That doesna make you any less of a dragon. It only means you need something different.”
“Why did I feel something when I walked in here?”
“I wish I knew.”
“Does every King feel something when they enter their mountains?” she asked.
Vaughn’s smile widened. “I’ve never asked any of the others.”
“Really? I would’ve thought you would.”
“We might be as close as brothers, but we must have our privacy. You know that. Otherwise, you and Brandr would share a house.”
Eurwen nodded in agreement. She walked to the middle of the cavern and spun with her arms outstretched. She lifted her head and saw the scorch marks above her. Halting, she stared at them, trying to imagine the pain Vaughn suffered.
“Trying times,” he said from behind her.
She whirled around and met his gaze. “You had a realm all to yourself. Then you welcomed new beings that changed everything.”
“We expected them to treat us with the same respect we did them.”
“Instead, you lost everything. Locked on a magical land but unwilling to take back your world. You remained here, furious and hurting, with no way to do anything about it.”
His shoulders dropped. “I can forget what the humans have done. It’s just a wee moment. Then I remember everything once more. We’re living in Hell. One we created, but Hell nonetheless.”
Eurwen placed her hand on his cheek. “How do you survive?”
“I searched for you.”
Her heart skipped a beat at his words.
Then he yanked her against him, his mouth ravaging hers.
