The Dragon King's Servant: Rise of the Daemon King

Chapter Thirteen: A walk about the city

Destiny followed the four of them back out through the hall and out onto the street. They popped their head in at Lynx who was neck deep in an orgy. Not wanting to disrupt the sexual chemistry that had taken over, they left the VKC. Destiny looked along the street but found no vehicle waiting.

"Where is your ride?" She asked.

"Oh, he is inside enjoying himself." Melanie replied, "are you opposed to walking?"

"Not at all. I have been meaning to get back out there. After the baby, I just haven't had much time for walking around the city."

"I would guess not." Lucian replied. "Are you taking over the establishment?"

"Yeah. Mom has already signed the papers. It is just a matter of...well, you know." She sighed. "Sorry about that upstairs by the way." Destiny apologized.

"There is nothing to be apologetic for." Melanie said.

"Mom just gets pretty tired when things get exciting. She sleeps alot more these days."
Silence drifted over everyone as they shared a respectful moment.

"I am just sorry that I missed it all." Lucian said, breaking the silence.

Destiny looked at him with an expression of awe as though she had only just realized who he was.

"So, you really did die?" Destiny asked.

"More like a separating from the body." He squeezed Melanie's hand. "My loving queen put my body in a state of complete comatose."

"Hold on. The story of the king trapped in ice was real?" Destiny gawked.

"It is." Kelly answered. "He is that king and she-" Kelly gestured to Melanie, "-is the person who put him there."

"You make it sound like I nearly killed him." Melanie replied.

"You froze him in ice that stopped him from dying?" Destiny asked.

"More or less. I still don't know how I did it."

"That is amazing." Destiny smiled. "It's like a love story."

Lucian and Melanie shared a loving gaze as they walked hand in hand.

"Now that you are back, does that mean you'll be taking over the kingdom?" Destiny asked.

*****

The Elkwoods appeared in their forest township. Over the last thirty years they, along with several hundred other elven High born, had created a settlement nestled away in the Eastern woods. The trees were thick and lush. A vibrant array of green, silver and purple leaved trees that surrounded the town for nearly five miles on every side. The only way in or out, was a thin trail that had been created in a maze like fashion. For the two nobles of the township, the Elkwoods needed no trail.

Having the ability to appear wherever there was greenery around. Vines sprouted up from the ground in a thick cluster. Thick thorns grew from the vines, looking like elk horns. At the center of the cluster was a massive flower. Bright yellow and red petals that were as soft as pillows. As the petals unfurled, the vines fell to the ground revealing the Elkwoods who stood inside. Both looked miserable and angry.

The only reason they had gone to the assembly was to insert their needs and wants from the gathered nobles. Few had ever denied one of the oldest families in existence. However, they had been denied. Only the eastern Fae had maintained their alliances with the elves, but that too was coming to an end. Maaltaire, son of Maalceus, brother to the dead king, had forced everyone's hand. The elven township was alone now. Lord Elkwood turned to his wife who looked just as miserable.

"We can still win this." She said, putting a hand to his face. "It is only the Vervanians who attack us. We can still do this."

Lord Elkwood nodded and strode into the woodland town.

*****

Lucian had only just begun to see how much the city had changed when they had started driving from the palace. The truest changes were noticeable when they walked along the streets. The markets had been centered in the city. While before, the stores and shops were scattered all across the city, now they were spread out through six, half mile long streets. Roughly fifty shops lined each side of the street which had caused the economy to flourish in a way it never had before.

The fresh markets were centralized to the mid-part of town. Fresh fruits and produce were sold in large bins and crates. All of the merchants waved to them with unending smiles. Several rushed out to embrace Melanie and Kelly. One was a slender and much older looking elven mother of two. She had long blonde hair, bright green eyes and warm tan skin. Her daughters were almost identical copies of her, minus a slightly brighter shade of green.

"It so good to see you, my lady." The elven woman greeted, embracing Melanie.

"And you Ms. Greenleaf." Melanie replied.

When the woman looked up at Lucian, she froze in place. Bewilderment was thick in her gaze as she looked up at the once deceased king.

"Lord Lucian?" She asked, bowing in old formality.

Rather than say anything, he walked forward and took the elven mother by the shoulders and lifted her. With a slight shriek she was pulled off the ground and into his chest.

"There is no need for such formalities." He replied and hugged her.

She hugged him in return before he let her down.

"How are you here?" She asked, looking from Melanie to Lucian.

"The lady of the land gave me another chance at life." Lucian smiled and looked at Melanie. "Had my queen not saved me from death, I wouldn't have had a life to return too."

Melanie blushed, squeezing his hand.

"Truly it is a miracle." Ms. Greenleaf replied. "It is so good to have you back my lord."

"It is good to be back." Lucian smiled. "I have a great deal of things to see and learn. I hardly recognize this city."

"As do I." She chuckled. "So much has changed in the last several decades." She looked at Melanie. "Lady Drakkon has ensured that." She winked.

"It was a community. I alone couldn't have gotten any of this done without you all."