Page 57 of Dragon Mine (Dragon Kings 2)
“Too late.”
She cupped his face and gave him a lingering kiss. “All right. If this is going to work, you need to leave.”
“If she comes here.”
“She will,” Eilish stated.
Ulrik squeezed her hand before walking away. There was much he wanted to say to Eurwen but now wasn’t the time. Ulrik had faith that Eilish would be able to connect with Eurwen, even if it were only to keep her at Dreagan for a little longer. He didn’t want to think about what would happen if she left.
Vaughn had been chasing a ghost for many lifetimes. He’d finally found Eurwen, confirming what he’d believed all along. The minute Ulrik had seen the couple together, he’d known that Vaughn had found his mate. It was also obvious that Eurwen wasn’t aware of that yet. It made sense that Vaughn would tell her while they were at Dreagan.
When Ulrik had seen Vaughn sitting forlornly on his mountain, he’d recognized that his friend had bared his soul—and not gotten the response he’d hoped for. Ulrik had then left his position on patrol to seek out Eurwen. When he hadn’t found her, he’d decided to wait in the Dragonwood. Now, all he could do was hope that things worked out for Vaughn. Ulrik couldn’t remember the last time a King had died from not having his mate. They’d come close to losing Con. Too close.
Ulrik wouldn’t lose Vaughn.
* * *
Eilish looked around, feeling uneasy. She didn’t want to be here. She didn’t think talking to Eurwen would do any good, but she would do it for Ulrik. It was evident by her mate’s attitude and words that this was important to him.
She also wanted Vaughn to be happy, but she didn’t know how she could change things for him and Eurwen. Especially when Eurwen seemed intent on refusing him. At least, that’s what they thought. No one had actually spoken to either of them. Vaughn because he refused to talk to anyone, and Eurwen because no one could find her.
Eilish wasn’t even sure this was where the Fae doorway was. She was sure it was in the area, but she hated not being able to see it.
She’d debated asking another of the women at Dreagan to come and help her. Too much rested on her shoulders when it came to keeping Eurwen on Earth. She had no idea what to say, and if she said something wrong, she could ruin everything. How could she face the Kings if Vaughn died because of her?
Eilish turned around to pace and drew up short at the sight of Eurwen. She stood as still as stone between two trees, her blush-colored clothes almost glowing. There was no moon that night, but it was as if a light shone directly upon Eurwen anyway.
“Hi,” Eilish said.
“You think to stop me?”
Eilish inwardly winced. “We both know that while I’m a powerful Druid, I don’t stand a chance against your dragon and Fae magic. I came to talk. Nothing more.”
“I don’t have anything to say.”
“Maybe listen, then?” Eilish offered.
Eurwen’s silver eyes regarded her silently for almost a full minute before she relented. “Fine. Talk.”
Yeah, this is going great, Eilish thought to herself. “I remember the first time I came to Dreagan. I was overwhelmed by everything and everyone. They meant well, but they had no idea how disconcerting it was. Unfortunately, I was just like them for your arrival. We’ve been waiting a long time to meet you and Brandr. We might have ganged up on you.”
“It wasn’t too bad.”
Eilish saw Eurwen relax a little and gave herself a small pat on the back. It was a tiny victory. “The mates hoped we’d get some shopping, eating, chatting, and all of that in. It might seem so mundane, but—”
“I’d like that. I really would,” Eurwen replied over her.
Eilish blinked in astonishment. “Really?”
“I don’t get to do any of that on Zora.”
“But you’ve come to Earth. Surely, you’ve done it while here.”
Eurwen shrugged and glanced away. “It isn’t nearly as fun by myself.”
“No, that it isn’t.” Eilish looked at Eurwen with new eyes. Here was a powerful being who ruled the dragons on another realm, but she didn’t have any female companionship. “We could go now. Just you and me.”
“Now?”
Eilish shrugged, smiling. “Why not? I can take us anywhere,” she said and wiggled her fingers with the finger rings that allowed her to teleport. “Your choice.”
“I wouldn’t know what to choose.”
“Oh, I have so much to show you,” Eilish said with a grin. “The one thing a girl needs is friends. All of us here lean on each other a great deal. There have been times I wouldn’t have gotten through a day without the other mates. I’m not saying we always get along. Quite a few of us have different personalities, but we’re a family. We always have each other’s backs.”
Eurwen’s lips softened in a sad smile. “That sounds amazing.”
“You’re part of that family, as well. You and Brandr.”
“My brother would never come here.”
“Things change. Give it time.”
Eurwen looked at the sky. “I can see the Kings on patrol. It’s heartbreaking that they have to remain quiet.”
“They’ve gotten used to it.”
“The longer I’m here, and the more I learn, the more I realize why they so desperately want to visit Zora.”
Eilish nodded. “To see the dragons.”
“How do they do it?”
