The Dragon Queen

Chapter 29

Queen Makena Gains of Creedian

Heart of the Realm

"This is a courageous act you are doing." Jaymie is standing in the middle of the room, and Makena's adopted family is with her. Makena can't help but worry, but if their suspicions are correct, her adopted siblings are in danger. "It will hurt, but I promise to go as fast as possible."

"Are you sure you can do this, Jaymie?" Serena questions, not with anger but with motherly concern. Derrick has been quiet through the whole conversation but hasn't stopped them.

The high queen nods slowly. "I have before, and I can do it again. We already have the Phoenix, and I will be giving a tiny piece to Makena. We can handle it, but Diego and Killian are at severe risk, and I am sorry I didn't realize it before."

"Is this because Killian and I get mad sometimes..." Diego questions earning a concerned gaze from Makena. She hadn't realized it had been plaguing them. She knew they had nightmares, but she had missed much over the last year.

"It is," Jaymie answers with a swift nod. "If it stays in your blood, it will eventually kill you. I think it has only lasted this long because it is very deluded."

"What about me?" Gisla questions with a look of pure terror in her gaze.

"It won't hurt you, but I can pull it out if you wish." Jaymie offers, and Gisla eagerly nods.

"Where would you like me, Jaymie?" Ivory questions, having previously been standing in the corner of the room observing. The day before, Ivory had brought the three sisters together and explained how they were connected. Though Makena has a higher dose of the Phoenix in her blood than Jemma does at the moment, she does not have a direct piece of the Phoenix bond. This was only discovered after they discussed what happened that day, how they felt, and what others saw. All three agreed that fire doesn't burn them, and they can put it out, but Makena is the only one who can not manipulate it in the way the other two did. In theory, giving Makena a piece of the Phoenix bond directly from Jaymie might help Makena control her abilities. Ivory's suggestion was to make them equal in how much they have so that they might rely on each other to hold up their piece. Having someone to compare with might be enough to keep them from making too many mistakes. Removing it from Serena's children means it will die with Serena, and her line would no longer need to worry about it.

"Out in the hall and guard the door. While this is happening, no one comes through the door unless I say so." Jaymie orders, and Ezra lightly places his hand in his wife's. Makena can see how much he worries over Jaymie, even if she doesn't look worried. "Speaking of which, Ivory, please escort Serena, Derrick, Lucius, Henry, and Ezra from the room." Ezra sends his wife a gaze that can only be taken for hidden anger, but she only shakes her head. "I won't risk your life again."

Henry says something to Jemma and exits. Lucius looks at Makena, only listening to her. She smiles and nods, silently telling him everything will be fine. It might be a lie, but the last thing she needed was to worry him.

Lucius exits second, and Ezra lets out a deep breath. The high king exits the room without a word. Serena and Derrick follow, with Ivory trailing behind. The ghostly woman closes the doors behind them. Jemma, Jaymie, Makena, Diego, Gisla, and Killian are left inside. "I will go first." Diego bravely steps forward.

Jaymie offers him a small knife. "It need not be a big cut." Diego hesitates, so Jemma steps forward to be first. The sisters had discussed who would gain the small pieces from Makena's adopted siblings, and it was decided Jemma would be first due to her lower amount. Jemma makes a small cut on the topside of her forearm, mumbling something about wanting a reminder. If Jaymie and Jemma were correct, Makena knew Jemma's wound would heal immediately due to the Phoenix in her blood from Jaymie. Jaymie takes the blade, dips it in the warm water, and wipes the blade off before handing it back to Diego. He counts to three and makes a small inch-long cut on the meat of his thumb.