The Dragon King’s Baby

Chapter 2

King Seathan, the king of dragons, watched out the window of his personal jet as it flew over the kingdom of humans. He’d always thought the place too modern for his tastes, with the skyscrapers and busy streets packed onto an island so crowded no one had room to themselves. He much preferred Wyvern, with its rolling hills and farmlands. King George appreciated his lands as well; without them, his kingdom would have no fresh produce or meat.

This alliance through marriage was as much about keeping both kingdoms safe should a war break out as it was about keeping the humans in food. As he looked down, he wondered what Princess Adelaide looked like. He was going into this marriage blind, just like she was, but unlike her, he’d made the choice to accept the alliance. He was close to her age at thirty-five and had never been married. The heir they would make together would bind the two kingdoms together for generations, creating a safe haven for dragon shifters and humans alike.

His thoughts were interrupted by his best friend and top advisor, Conall, who plopped down in the seat next to him with a grunt. He held out a bottle of ale with a grin.

“Your thoughts are too heavy this fine morning, Seathan,” Conall claimed in his rich brogue. The pair of men had been friends since grade school and knew each other better than anyone else.

“Yes,” Seathan agreed heavily, his deep voice vibrating in his throat as he took the ale from his friend. He took a long drink and said, “I do believe I am nervous about meeting the princess.”

“Nervous?” Conall guffawed, shaking his head at the words. “I can’t believe it! You, who have charmed and bedded more women than I have fingers and toes!”

“None of those women were set to be my wife, you know,” Seathan pointed out, gesturing with his bottle. “They were just . . .” He searched for the right words but all of them made him sound like an ass, so he left the sentence alone.

Conall nodded sagely. “Yes, this is different, I suppose. You’ll actually have to live with this one after the fun is over.” He chuckled at Seathan’s look. “Don’t worry, I’ve heard rumors that she is full-bodied and beautiful, just the way you like your women.”

“What she looks like hardly matters. It would be nice if she’s attractive, but I have to live with her for the rest of my life. I just hope she’s not flaky or dumb or annoying.”

Conall chuckled again. “I did my research, Seathan, before you made the agreement. You read the file. And besides, I would have told you if she was any of those things, but everything I’ve heard is the exact opposite.” He paused to take a sip from his bottle. “I have heard she’s a little spoiled, but what can you expect from a princess, and an only child at that. She has a degree in foreign diplomacy with a minor in literature. She has brains.”

“Yes, yes, I remember all of that. I just hope she has a personality as well as brains,” Seathan commented. “But the alliance must take place regardless.”

Conall nodded. “King Eckhart has already made his displeasure with this alliance clear.”

“I see. Well, the king of the wizards will just have to be displeased. His alliance with the weres was a political move as much as this one is.”

“He’s hinting that it’s an act that might mean you’re preparing for war and need the human king’s help.”

“I’m hoping by doing this, we can prevent war,” Seathan sighed. “That man is such an idiot.”

“Agreed, but at least the were queen has brains enough to see this for what it is: the exact same thing they did a year ago.”

“Queen Helene will hopefully keep Eckhart calm. We may be able to keep this long reign of peace. I do not want to put our people through a war.”

“How long has it been since there was a war that involved all the kingdoms?” Conall mused, his hand on his chin. He looked at Seathan. “What, a hundred and fifty years, at least?”

“Closer to two hundred, I think,” he replied, returning his attention to the window. “Regardless, the alliance between Wyvern and Lomena will be solidified as soon as possible, which should hopefully prevent that idiot Eckhart from getting war happy.”

Seathan heard Conall reply but did not hear his actual words. The plane had begun its descent; in less than an hour he would meet the woman who was to become his wife. His stomach jittered a little, but he mentally rolled his eyes at himself. He was the king of Wyvern, confident in his choices as he was in his looks. He’d made the best choice for his kingdom, and he would stand by it.

But his stomach still clenched when the landing gear hit the tarmac.

*****

The people of Lomena lined the streets, waving and calling out their welcome to the dragon king and his entourage as they drove through the kingdom in three black SUV’s sent by King George. Seathan’s nerves were calmed by the constant chatter of Queen Claire, who had met them at the airport to welcome them. If Princess Adelaide was as charming as her mother, he would be very pleased with this marriage.

“I’m so pleased to finally meet you, Seathan,” Claire was saying. “I remember your parents well. When George first took the throne, they flew here to wish us well as the new royal family. Your mother was my lifesaver,” she chuckled with a shake of her head.

“How’s that?” Seathan asked, truly interested in his mother’s influence over this elegant woman.

“I was very young and inexperienced. I had grown up around the royal family, but as a councilman’s daughter. I had no idea how to be a queen,” she laughed. “But your mother stayed in constant contact with me, answered all my questions. She even flew back for my first major event as queen. I would not have survived without her.”

Seathan smiled at the nostalgic look on Claire’s face. “Tell me about the princess. How did she take the news of our upcoming nuptials?”

Claire sighed. “Seathan, my daughter is stubborn, quick-tempered, and outspoken. You’ll know it immediately if you anger her.” She raised her finger to illustrate her next point. “But, she’s also thoughtful, loving, and loyal. If she cares for you, she will have your back no matter the circumstances.”

Seathan nodded, liking the fact that her mother told him both the negative and positive traits of her daughter. “Thank you for your honesty.”

Claire sat forward and put her hand on his. “Seathan, Addie is going to be hard to win. I have to tell you, she is not happy about this arrangement. She feels her freedom and choice have been robbed from her.”

“I understand how she feels. I would have preferred to marry a woman I met and courted and fell in love with the normal way,” Seathan sighed. “But at least I had a choice in this marriage. I had the ability to say no.”

Claire nodded. “You did have that option, but I think it would be wise to keep that to yourself. She probably knows that. She’s not stupid by any means, but there is no reason to wave it in her face.”

Seathan laughed. “I definitely will keep that to myself, unless she asks. Have to be truthful with the little missus.” They shared a laugh as they pulled into the parking garage of the royal skyscraper.

“We’ve planned dinner for eight. That should give you time to relax. One of our courtiers will take you and your group to your rooms.”