Esterpine

Koldis stood with his arms behind him, hands clasped, watching as Feowen introduced Sprite after Sprite to Claire; she sat on her crystal throne. These were potential candidates for her Queen's Guard. After taking oaths of secrecy from each hopeful, she made sure to inform them that she would likely be leaving the forest soon, that—hypothetically—if she chose not to rule in Esterpine, they would be gone from their homes for long periods, assuming they still wished to remain as guards. Most appeared eager by this news.

How tightly, he wondered, had Jade controlled her own people?

Reyr stood on the other side of Claire's throne, looking on. Nearly two weeks prior, they'd taken the time to update her on the reason for his visit, to inform her of King Talon's plans for attacking Fort Squall. She'd listened in silence, her only disagreement showing in the form of a frown that deepened until it was heavy-set.

"I can see that you dislike this as much as Koldis does," Reyr had said when he'd finished.

"It doesn't sit well, and yet, I can think of no better way to reclaim the fort and city while sparing the lives of thousands." She had sighed in defeat. "It feels...like cheating. But, we are at war. And after what Kane did to me..."

Reyr and Koldis had shared a glance when she brought up Kane. Neither had been easy about what Claire went through. And Koldis was certain she'd sugarcoated things to subdue their worry, their guilt that they hadn't been there to protect her. But at last, she had agreed that it might be the easiest way to defeat the dragons.

And when Reyr told her he planned to meet up with King Talon's forces by taking a western path through the forest, she'd squared her shoulders and declared that she would be joining him. At this, both Reyr and Koldis were caught sharing glances. It was almost comical that Reyr had believed he could say anything and expect a different reaction. Of course she'd insist on to Squall's End, to reunite with the king. It should have been no surprise. It was likely King Talon would be furious to see her there. But...she wasn't as vulnerable as she'd been before. Things had changed. She was confident in her magical abilities. They could keep her safe, and so could her Queen's Guard, which was why it was important to select worthy members.

And so, here they were, looking for six additional warriors who might protect her during her remaining time here and beyond. They could not simply be warriors, though. She needed ambassadors. Individuals who would venture beside her into Dragonwall and act as examples to the Sprite race. People who might bridge the gap between the two races during her time on Dragonwall's throne. Sprites who were willing to say goodbye to their home for the duration of her life. It would be a blink compared to theirs, but it was still a prolonged sacrifice.

What was more, her future mating to King Talon would be an alliance. They'd discussed the implication of this over the past several days. As a Sprite queen, she would tie their two races together once more, but instead of doing it as a disgraced exiled queen like Isabella had, she'd be doing it as an honorable monarch. She'd battled the idea the moment Feowen had suggested they present things that way because it meant she could not yet abdicate the throne.

With Taylynn's helpful tricks, Claire's Queen's Guard could be away for long periods, so long as they carried some of the forest's essence with them. They would be given necklaces just like Claire's forest tear. Something to sustain them whilst away. Speaking of Taylynn...

Koldis frowned at the mere thought of her.

She hadn't been seen since the day she'd come looking for Claire and Jade before racing off. Claire had assured him that Taylynn was fine, that she'd been the reason Claire had survived Kane's clutches. That they'd gone on a secret mission—one Claire refused to tell him of—and would return when the princess felt the need. He hoped Claire wouldn't drag them away to Fort Squall before Taylynn returned. The thought of leaving before saying goodbye left him feeling rebellious. And in turn, ridiculous. What was he going to do, tell Claire and Reyr to go on ahead while he waited for the possibility of seeing his mate perhaps one last time?

"I believe that's the last of them," he found Feowen saying, which had him blinking and returning to the matter at hand. The last of them—thank the gods. It had been a long morning. The past two weeks had been filled with meeting after meeting. Working with prominent families, holding court—to which neither Shield was a stranger—and interviewing potential Queen's Guards. "We should talk through your options, Cousin," said Feowen. "I think many of them would be good choices. But let us discuss it over a meal?"

On cue, Koldis felt his stomach rumble. With each passing day since Claire announced she'd join King Talon at Fort Squall, he couldn't help but think of all the grazers he hoped to catch and enjoy on the journey there. Even if winter was drawing to a close and spring was fast approaching, there would be plenty of livestock.

Claire had been adamant about one thing, she intended to stay through Spring Solstice, which was two days away. She wouldn't dare miss the ball that was thrown each year in the throne room. Their delay would still allow them time to travel at a leisure pace through the forest and arrive at the war camp to meet King Talon's forces, to meet the Dwargs who planned to rendezvoused with them too.

Claire wanted to enjoy the celebration of life, to enjoy the Sprites biggest holiday of the year. The rest of Dragonwall celebrated Spring Solstice too. They rejoiced in the new growth beginning to show throughout Dragonwall, at the melting of the snows, at the promise of warmth to come.

Families would pull out their wire frame replicas of Kiaya, the goddess of seasons, of growing things, of harvest. They would venture outdoors into the springtime and take clippings of growing things, of branches with blossoms, of leaves, flowers, and weave them into the wire frames. Some families had replicas of Kiaya that reached their ceilings, while others were modest and small. But one thing was common to all: When the replicas were complete, each was uniquely covered head to toe with flora in the most beautiful ways. Gifts were then placed at Kiaya's feet for their friends and loved ones to be opened the following day.

He had fond memories of his past Spring Solstices. This would be Claire's first here in Dragonwall. The Sprites would celebrate theirs differently, with replicas of the King Tree. But there were enough similarities; he was confident Claire would get a good idea of how the holiday was celebrated. Their king had sent along a handful of gifts for her, which Reyr had managed to keep secret. They'd hidden them while they'd waited for her to return from the forest. He couldn't wait to see her surprise.

***

The following morning, Claire's six additional Queen's Guards joined them for breakfast. It had been a discussion that lasted nearly all afternoon, but at last, they'd decided. Feowen had played the largest role in advising Claire about which Sprites would be best suited. Reyr gave a few opinions here and there, as had he. But mostly, he wanted to leave this decision to Claire and Feowen.

He was certain King Talon would have something to say on the matter, and perhaps feel that he should have been included in selecting the guards that would be at his mate's side henceforth. But she was the interim Sprite Queen. As such, this was her decision and hers alone. He was proud of her for making it.

Eight Queen's Guards in total. They sat at the large dining table in the palace's dining room. Like everything else, the table was made of crystal and groaning beneath the lavish spread set before them. Fruit cobblers, steaming diced potatoes sprinkled with herbs, warm breads, and porridge were just a few of the popular items before him. Claire hadn't wanted to move out of their suite, but she had taken to eating her breakfast and midday meals in the palace rather than hiding away. She'd also insisted on inviting different families to join her for each meal.

She sat at the head of the table, making small talk about how they planned to build their King Tree replica this afternoon. She'd been in good spirits all morning over the festivities to come. To her right was Feowen, followed by Jeanine. Then there was Rahlif Dorvyre, Elyon Marquin—Aolis Marquin's daughter—and Filvro Holowyn. Reyr and Koldis sat at Claire's left followed by Gorded Cawyn, Aithlin Naeris, and Jassin Orythra. Of the existing noble families, only Rahlif, Elyon, and Gorded had been selected as guards. And of those three, only Rahlif had served previously as a Queen's Guard. Feowen assured them that he could be trusted. She'd done well to strike a healthy balance: Four females and four males to guard her back. She'd been adamant about that.

"My mother had a large wire replica made for Spring Solstice several thousand years back," Feowen was saying. "Unless you object, given our time constraints—"

"We will use it, of course. But...will it fit in our suite?"

Feowen snorted. "Not at all. That wasn't what I was going to say. It's for the throne room." Claire opened her mouth, about to protest before Feowen continued. "I've got a smaller one, it should fit nicely."

"Oh. I don't want to take yours, unless..." She hesitated, biting the inside of her cheek. "Would you and Jeanine like to spend the Solstice with us tomorrow morning?"

Feowen smiled. He and Jeanine shared a glance and Jeanine gave Feowen a tiny nod. "We would be delighted."

"And the rest of you?" Claire asked, lifting her voice. "You are welcome to join us for tomorrow morning if you would like, but I assume you wish to spend the Solstice with your families?" There were a few nods and a few uncertain looks. "Well, whatever you decide, I support. Feel free to do both, but you are most welcome if you stop by." This was followed by more nods and verbal thanks.

Plans were made to venture out for the rest of the day gathering all the greenery they would need to decorate their King Trees. Feowen informed Claire that the royal gardener often set aside clippings for the tree that would go in the throne room. And unlike everyone's personal trees, this one would stay on display a full week.

When the meal finished, Feowen, who had been declared head of the Queen's Guard, stayed behind with Claire's guards, briefing them and preparing them for their duties. She wouldn't need them much while she was out and about in Esterpine, especially since she had her own Drengr-Rider pairs as guards. There were plenty of people who wanted to keep her safe.

Not long after, they set out for their clippings. Everyone else in Esterpine had the same idea, so the city was swarming. Each person that passed Claire gave her a deep bow. All their pairs had wanted to join in, so they made a large group as they meandered down the city's paths and then a little farther out beyond that. Everyone took turns selecting clippings until their arms were laden with greenery. Then they returned to the crystal palace and began weaving the clippings into the wire mesh that would serve as the King Tree replica in their private suite.

When they had passed through the throne room, a group was already hard at work on the giant that would sit off to the side of the dais. Tomorrow afternoon, the throne room would be prepared for the ball that would follow in the evening. It was no wonder that Claire was in such good spirits.

She laughed and chatted with everyone, a constant smile on her face. It was good to see her like this, and unfortunate that her mate was missing all the fun. Too soon their duties would be difficult again. A subtle thrill had taken him since coming to terms with their upcoming departure—that he would be joining his king in the west when he had believed he would miss the opportunity.

Twice, Reyr had tried to talk Claire out of going to the war camp. And twice she'd stood her ground, insisting that she should be there with King Talon. He was certain the king had no desire to put his mate in danger, and yet, her argument was sound. Why shouldn't she take risks when the entire kingdom was taking risks? There was nothing so special about her, other than the future task of defeating Kane. As to that argument, if she couldn't stand up in battle at Talon's side, how could she hope to defeat a sorcerer?

He didn't miss the subtle undercurrent of disappointment in her voice when she talked about her failure to beat Kane on her own. He almost knew what she was thinking. If she couldn't beat him now, alone, how would she manage in the future? How much more did she expect to learn beyond what she already knew?

Her doubts were his too. But he had to trust that everything would work out. Had to trust that Dragonwall wouldn't lose its queen so soon after finding her. Especially for the king's sake.

***

"There now! That looks more festive," Claire declared. It was late into the evening. They were all stuffed from a marvelous feast held in the city proper. Claire clapped her hands together, positively glowing with delight. Through the King Tree's woven branches, little glow lights glistened and twinkled. She'd used magic to create them.

"I know it isn't how these replicas are normally done," she added, biting her bottom lip, "but in my world we have Christmas trees—not replicas like this—actual pine trees, and we always string them with lights so they glow. Just like this." She turned to face Reyr first, her eyes seeking approval.

"I think it's lovely," Reyr said from his perch on the sofa's arm. He'd scarce taken his eyes off her. Reyr loved her, adored her—that was plain for everyone to see. And he fussed over her worse than any of the other Shields. Like Claire, he'd done plenty of smiling once she'd returned from Kane's clutches.

"There's nothing wrong with taking some of your traditions and mixing them with what's done here. You are away from home, after all," Reyr added.

Her face flashed with brief sadness before she shrugged. "This is my home now, or at least, all of Dragonwall is. I love the forest—don't get me wrong—but I'm ready to return to where my true home has become. To Talon—"

A knock cut her off. The door to the suite slowly opened. Their pairs had been coming and going all evening, but they had since retired. It was just him, Reyr, and Claire now. Even Feowen and Jeanine had departed not twenty minutes before.

Koldis's heart skipped at the sight of Taylynn slipping inside. He stood straighter, pulling his shoulders back and immediately began cataloguing her appearance. She looked well, certainly not like she'd spent weeks away in the forest. Her hair was freshly braided, several stems covered in blossoms woven into the strands, and she wore a deep green gown that shimmered and displayed her markings just enough. He couldn't help it as his gaze fell to the hidden areas. Areas he shouldn't have been eying.

As if sensing his gaze, hers snapped straight to him and held for several beats.

"Taylynn! You're back." Claire rushed over to her cousin, embracing her. "What about you-know-who? Don't tell me you brought him—"

"No, no. He's safely hidden, with your tutor, actually."

Claire gave a snort. "Don't tell me you expect the two of them to get along."

Taylynn laughed, throwing her head back. Koldis couldn't help but watch with longing, wishing she'd laugh at his words like that. "I hardly expect them to," she said. "But it was necessary. I could not miss Spring Solstice. And I have news." She glanced around. "Lord Reyr, how do you fair?"

"Well, Princess. Quite well." He gave a bow of his head. "And you?"

"Well, indeed." She turned back to Claire, taking both her hands.

Koldis snorted. "I'm quite well too, but thanks for asking."

Taylynn turned a wicked grin in his direction but ignored the comment, instead leading Claire over to the sofa across from the one Reyr had been perched on. Koldis went to sit beside Reyr, uncertainty growing in the pit of his stomach. He couldn't stop himself as he said, "Why do I get the feeling that whatever news you have isn't going to be good?"

Taylynn afforded him another glance, giving nothing away in her expression. He wanted to shoo everyone from the room, to grab her by the face and plant his lips on hers. To kiss her more fiercely than any female he'd ever kissed, so she would know she belonged to him. Only him.

Mine. Almost as soon as the possessive thought was there, he scowled and pushed it away. Gods. He really was in deep shit.

"King Talon departs for battle soon," Taylynn said. That wasn't exactly news. They knew he'd begin moving his troops after Solstice. "But his plan will not work," Taylynn added. "Not entirely. Claire, you will be needed to protect the people."

"I..." Claire's throat bobbed. "I was already planning on going."

"Yes, I had a feeling. But you must listen. You will be needed in the city, to protect it from dragon fire. It will take merely a single dragon. One single beast who fails to succumb to the king's plans, to light the entire city on fire."

Koldis didn't ask how Taylynn knew exactly what the king's plans were. He knew he wouldn't get an answer even if he tried. Taylynn knew this information the same way she knew everything. And damned if it didn't frustrate him to no end.

"Yes, but surely—"

"There can be no risks, Claire."

Something in the set of Taylynn's jaw had Koldis saying, "You've seen the battle, haven't you? You've seen something go wrong?"

Taylynn glanced at him, held his gaze, then closed her eyes and winced. "Yes. And without Claire, without her guards, many will still die."

"Without my—so we have to do something then, me and my guards?"

"You must protect the city, protect it from the fire. You can do that, yes? With the help of your guards. The magic held by the nine of you should be enough." She sighed, her eyes falling to the King Tree in the corner of the room, as if seeing it for the first time. The corners of her lips pulled up. "I like what you've done with it," she said. Her smile broke free at last, transforming her face. "I think that's enough dark talk for tonight. It's Solstice, after all. Let us enjoy the change of season, the promise of what is to come. I would like..." She hesitated, glancing at Koldis. "I would like to spend Solstice with you tomorrow, if you would have me, Your Majesty."

Claire balked. "Uhm. Of course. And, as for the Your Majesty—"

"No, no." Taylynn put her hand on Claire's knee, squeezing. "Let us talk of those things after Solstice. We will discuss it in due time."

"Right." Claire swallowed. "What of the forest? Is it healed? I...you know what happened in your absence?"

"Indeed." Taylynn squared her shoulders. "You will be pleased to know I saw no signs of sickness on my journey here. None whatsoever."

Claire heaved a deep sigh. Everyone in the room did.

"Well. that's a relief," Koldis found himself saying. A knot deep in his chest unraveled. Taylynn merely nodded.

A beat of silence and then—"It's been a long day." Claire came to her feet. "I think I'll retire. Reyr?"

"Yes, I'm rather tired too. Goodnight, Princess." Reyr bowed to Taylynn.

Koldis cursed under his breath, but it was too late to say anything.

"Goodnight, all," Claire said, sweeping away to her room before any of them could respond. Reyr disappeared through the common room door leading out to the hallway.

Koldis cleared his throat, at a complete loss for words. Alone. He finally had her alone.

He expected her to bolt, expected her to flee from his clutches. He held her gaze like a challenge, daring her to run. When the silence stretched on, he broke it at last. "Can I get you some wine?"

She rubbed a finger along the spine of the cushion beside her, glancing up at him. "I...yes, that would be nice."

He stood and went to pour them both crystal goblets before intentionally sitting down beside her, handing hers over. She didn't move. Instead, she sighed, as if resigned, and took his offering, leaning back against the cushions. "Where have you been for the past few weeks?" he asked.

"You know I cannot answer that." She took a sip.

His chest tightened. This wasn't what he wanted for them, this secrecy. He wanted...what did he want?

She glanced sidelong at him, then turned to face him, pulling her legs up and tucking her feet beneath her. He blinked, disguising his surprise, his pleasure, when she allowed her knees to rest against his thighs. He was afraid to say anything that might have her withdrawing.

"This will not be easy, Koldis. For either of us."

"I don't care," he whispered. But he did care. He cared about what would become of them, about what would happen if he broke his oath to King Talon, and most of all, he cared that by bonding with Taylynn, he was cutting her lifespan short.

"I've lived many thousands of years," she said, reading the expression plainly on his face. "My entire life has been in service to this world. To make it better, not just for my people, but for everyone. My whole life has been spent doing things my mother should have been doing, but was too blind to do. I had to act the queen when it was her responsibility. I should have already lived, ruled, and retired at this point. I am old, Koldis."

"By retire, I'm guessing you mean..."

"Yes." She looked away from him, her eyes falling to the replica in the corner. It was covered artfully in every color of green and every shade of blossom. A beautiful rendition. "Maybe you've served long enough, Taylynn. Maybe it's time to do something for yourself, assuming..." He couldn't finish the sentence, couldn't face the reality that maybe things would be much easier if she didn't want him.

Her hand came out of nowhere, brushing back some of the hair that had fallen down across his forehead. He stopped breathing. "I know what I want," she whispered, looking at him, holding his gaze. His heart took off in a gallop, one so forceful he was sure she could hear it beating.

He hesitated. "You should do something for yourself, then. Perhaps it is time."

"My mother did many things for herself," she mused.

He tensed. "You cannot compare yourself to Jade. You cannot think that doing one single thing for yourself would mean becoming her."

"No...I suppose not, but perhaps that was how it started, once upon a time."

"And what of Claire? She's all but ready to pass her mantle over to you. To abdicate. Will you accept the crown?"

Taylynn hesitated, holding his gaze. "Should I?"

Her question caught him off guard. He opened and closed his mouth, completely baffled. "You're asking me?"

"I am."

This was a test—he knew it immediately. He leaned deeper into the sofa, defeated. "Yes. You must. Unless there is another better suited. It must be you." And then, because he couldn't help it, he grinned and turned to her. "Does that mean I get to start calling you my queen instead of princess?" Her eyes widened a fraction. "Actually," he added. "Don't answer that."

Before talking himself out of it, he reached over and cupped the side of her neck, grazing his thumb along her jawbone. Her eyes fluttered closed. He brought his head near hers, gave her time to pull away, waited a fraction as his lips hovered so close to hers, but she didn't move. Everything around him disappeared.

A single flutter in his chest and then—he crushed his mouth to hers, enveloping her, still aware of the wine goblets they held. His lips moved over hers and she responded. A small sound came from the base of her throat. It had him begging entrance as he brushed his tongue over her mouth. She allowed it, breathing into him. This time he all but growled as fire erupted through him, pooling deep in his bones.

He wanted her. He wanted her tonight and he couldn't—couldn't have her. After what felt like an eternity of longing and merely an instant of bliss, he pulled away. They were both breathless. "I would have you this moment," he all but growled. "I would carry you off to my room and rut you until you screamed my name, except for my oath. Were it not for the bond that would seal us together," he breathed, hating his honor. Hating—only in this moment—that he'd made an oath so long ago.

She hesitated before speaking, "You would not be worthy of mating me if you had any less honor."

He snorted. "There's still plenty we can do without—"

"No." She held a finger to his lips, silencing him. "I will have you entirely or not at all, Koldis." His heart dropped at those words. He was so, so utterly lost to her. "Speak to your king. Gain his permission. And if he allows us to...be, then come and find me. Until then, I suppose we are resigned to kisses only."

He stared at her long enough that his heart calmed down. "You...you mean that. You would have me if King Talon gave us his blessing?"

"I might regret it," she barked a laugh that had the corners of his mouth twisting up. When she saw his expression, her head fell back and she laughed in earnest. "You are too serious, my lord Shield. Too serious indeed."

Him? Serious? Who was she?!

A single blink later, she'd abandoned her wine goblet and straddled him, capturing his mouth with hers, dragging her fingers through his hair, grinding her hips against his. Which meant she could feel his arousal well and true through the mere fabric separating them. "Wait, wait," he gasped, briefly turning away to down his goblet so he could carelessly toss the empty crystal away. It rolled to a stop somewhere on the other side of the room, but by that point, he'd already captured her lips again. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hello Book Dragons!

Had you asked my plans three years ago for Koldis + Taylynn, they would not have been this. I ALWAYS knew the deep role Taylynn played within this world, from the very first book. But I never saw her entangled with Koldis. As the story developed, their potential to become star-crossed-lovers emerged. After that, I couldn't NOT see them together. They simply...fit. 

It's been so much fun developing their storyline. I hope you ship them as much as I do!

Next week's chapter is from Claire's POV and it's titled "Solstice Surprise". It's a whopping 5000 words too! Much longer than my average chapter length. Then again, most of my chapters have grown from the 2000 words they were in Talon the Black to nearly 4000 words on average. And yet, they never feel long enough!

In other exciting news, if you haven't seen, I started a new book project! Wielder's Prize is officially available on Wattpad as an ongoing "serial" and chapters update every Sunday and Wednesday. As previously mentioned, this story is VERY different from my usual, and it's been a blast getting into the "romantasy" genre, writing spicy scenes, etc. Make sure you read the content warning if you're considering it. It's definitely geared towards New Adult genre.

Hope you're having a greet week! Happy Weekend. See you next time!

-Mel