Touch of Flame

Nazneen sat at the head of her court, a grand and open space crafted with the finest marble that gleamed under the sunlight. Her courtiers, nobles, and advisors surrounded her, their faces a blend of skepticism and curiosity. They were discussing matters of state, their voices a symphony of opinions and suggestions that filled the air.

Nazneen didn’t know any better than them, and her opinions kept shifting depending on who she believed made the better suggestion. Thankfully, she had Noah, who took note of everything and listened beside her. She has also appointed Emere, a young and intelligent female dragon who also listened intently. 

Suddenly, the sky darkened, casting long, ominous shadows over the courtyard. The sun was obscured by a swarm of dragons, their scales glinting menacingly as they swooped down toward them. The courtiers 

were already on their feet to defend themselves while others froze. 

Her two chosen guards, the deadly Mirana, who had won the fighting tournaments, and the steely Braco, were ready to fight together with Tenzin, who remained by her side. 

She could see Noah, quickly pulling his weapons, but before any fight could start, Sylas stepped forward, his long dark hair and coat blown back by the wind. 

He raised his hands and, with words that sounded menacing, brought them down, shifting back to their human form, they dropped to the ground. 

“Arrest them!” Mirana ordered, rushing forward with the other guards she ordered. 

Sylas met her eyes, and gave her a faint “you are welcome” smile reminding her of why her father kept a witch by his side. The courtiers were once again reminded of why almost every creature feared the powerful witches. Why many had tried to kill them before they could develop. 

Nazneen dismissed the court and had a smaller meeting with her closest advisers and guards. 

“We need better protection strategies. There will be many more attacks from now on.” Braco said. 

“We are training some of you on how to use some of our most effective weapons. The terrorizer and the immortalizer, or normal firearms, are a perfect combination. If there were always people ready with those weapons, we could minimize the harm done by attacks. A castle usually has towers where guards are always ready with their firearms. Something similar could be useful.” Noah explained. “Our firearms are also getting better. We will hopefully soon have ones effective to use on dragons no matter in what shape or form.”

Nazneen felt the tension in the air as the other dragon guards listened to the ways humans were developing their defenses. She hoped this would be more reason for them to be willing to create an alliance and not a reason to want to fight back. 

“Are you saying, that weapon will kill us?” Mirana asked. 

“Not necessarily. Creating something that can penetrate thick dragon skin is one thing. Making it so effective that it can kill a fast-healing dragon is another. But our aim is not to kill, is it? An injury would be enough to stabilize the situation.” Noah said. 

Mirana narrowed her eyes at him, but Noah didn’t allow her to intimidate him. “Alright. Then I need to learn how to use those weapons.” 

“I will be more than happy to teach you.” He told her. 

Sylas sat casually listening to everything without commenting, so Nazneen turned to him. “Do you have any suggestions?” 

He tilted his head. “No.”

She nodded slowly, then turned to the rest. “Alright then. Let’s proceed with the measures Noah suggested.”

Nazneen watched some of the practices, remembering when Ares taught her how to shoot in the mountains. She smiled at the memory, watching Noah instruct Mirana. When he helped her into position he went to help Emere, and Mirana forgot about shooting and watched the man with annoyance. 

Mirana was tall and statuesque, her figure lean and firm from years of training and combat. Her jet-black hair fell in wild waves, framing a face etched with determination and ferocity. Her eyes, a piercing black, reflected her unbending will and fierce spirit. 

On the other hand, Emere was a contrast to Mirana’s fiery spirit. She was smaller, her stature more delicate, but her presence was no less commanding. She possessed an understated beauty, her features were soft and refined. Her hair, a gentle brown, was neatly tied in a practical bun, and her brown eyes sparkled with intelligence and curiosity. 

As Noah approached Emere to guide her, Mirana’s gaze followed his every move. There was a tightness to her expression, a grim line to her mouth. Ignoring them, she returned to focus on her target and shoot. 

Nazneen smiled to herself. Mirana was a competitive one.

Jonathan was enjoying his time in the kingdom. Between duties, her maid Anora took good care of him and she didn’t want to know what happened at night while she was gone. 

Eric was the joy in the group, always making them laugh. She needed joy in these times, and her mind was occupied with the questions she wanted to ask Ares. 

The day went by fast. Setting up a new order in a kingdom required a lot of work, and when she was done, she felt exhausted. Bidding everyone goodnight, she returned to Ares’s mansion. 

Although she enjoyed food, Nazneen could skip dinner tonight. After spending a lot of time around people, she just wanted some alone time with Ares, but she didn’t know how to get out of the situation. Before she knew it, she sat at the table with everyone else, and they started with light conversations at first before discussing more important topics, like the health of Ravina’s father and royal affairs. 

Nazneen zoned out for a moment as they spoke of ways to handle the situation. The war and the royal affairs were just too much, and outside of work, she just wanted to leave that part behind. 

“Nazneen,” Ravina’s voice drew her back. “Are you alright?” 

“Yes.” She forced a cheerful smile. 

Ares gaze met hers, and she could see the questions in his eyes. She gave him a reassuring smile. 

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He pulled out her chair as she stood up and took her head, only sneaking his arm around her waist once they were out of sight. “Not in the mood tonight?” He asked. 

“I am sorry,” she said. 

“What happened?” He asked as they walked down the hall. 

“Just a long day and… many plans.” She sighed. 

Suddenly he stopped, and before she could comprehend what he was doing, he carried her up. “Not so tired,” she told him. 

“I will let it slide tonight after you made me wait with excitement.” 

“I doubt you waited so eagerly.” 

“I did. It was the longest day in my life.” 

She chuckled. 

A few servants passing by looked away, and then they arrived at his room, and he kicked the door open. Carrying her inside, he kicked it shut. 

Once near the bed, he tossed her on it playfully, causing her to bounce lightly on the mattress before joining her. Nazneen rolled onto her stomach. 

“So, what can I do to…ease your fatigue?” He asked with a teasing smirk, his gaze glinting with light-hearted mischief. He propped himself up on one elbow and traced her spine with a finger. 

She rested her head on her arms as he massaged her back with his hand. “I have to ask you…” she began. “You spoke to Sylas about your illness.” 

His hand on her back slowed. “Yes.” 

“He said he offered you certain suggestions.” 

“I would barely call them suggestions.” 

“What did he suggest?” Nazneen asked. 

Ares hesitated before he sighed. “A life for a life,” he said. 

A life for a life? Did it mean what she thought it meant? 

Ares’ eyes hardened. “That is not a choice, and it will never be.” He told her. “I don’t have a problem with death. When I was a pirate, death was just… part of the deal. We lived on the edge, none of us really planning for a long life. But now, I see the future differently. I found a reason to live, to exist beyond the moment. I see myself as part of your life, your future. And that future is what I want to live for.”

His words hung in the air, a declaration of intent that was as much a vow as it was a confession. His gaze bore into hers, the hard resolve in his eyes softening into something gentler, yet equally as powerful. “You make me greedy,” he smiled. 

She smiled through the tears that welled in her eyes. “It can’t be greed, if your life, your future isn’t only yours anymore. It is ours.” 

“If you say so, my Queen.” 

She leaned into him with a smile, and he met her lips in a kiss that she couldn’t focus on as disruptive sounds in the distance distracted her. 

It sounded almost like a cry, mixed with a growl, and then other sounds followed. 

“What is happening?” she could hear Ravina asking with concern in her voice. 

“What is wrong?” Ares asked who couldn’t hear all of it. 

“I think it is Richard.”