Grounded

Chapter 1

Firnen Viserion 

15 years later

The walk down the corridor seems a little longer today. I know my father has plans for me. I've heard the whispers of the slave trade, and as a member of the royal guard, it's my job to stop widespread crime. The slave trade has become a large enterprise in the kingdom of Eden, and its ramifications trickle down to the economy of the commoners.

Kalhoun, my father's bodyguard, is watching my father's keep. He views me suspiciously as though I've come for no reason. Yet, I was summoned this morning by a personal letter from my father.

"Kalhoun..."

"Firnen. State your business."

I sigh in irritation and remove the letter from the breast pocket of my tunic. I turn the letter over to him and wait for him to finish reading the one-liner my father sent to me in his hand.

"You may enter. He's been expecting you..."

"Always thorough," I tease and wait for Kalhoun to open the door for me to step through it. I see my father dutifully sitting at his desk when the door opens. His head is deep in scrollwork, but he acknowledges my presence by a wave of his hand.

Fifteen years ago, my father pledged allegiance to the reigning king, something I'm sure he regrets daily, as I do. As the first son of the first son to the royal guard, I have to protect and serve the kingdom no matter the cost, no matter the situation. Heavy is the proverbial crown and responsibility my father wears, which I have also acquired.

"Father, you've called for me?"

"Indeed, son. How are you?"

His pleasantries are unnecessary. I know he's going to ask me to do something. Otherwise, he wouldn't have summoned me before sunrise.

"Fine. You rang?"

"Yes, I did, and it seems as though you'd rather skip the greetings and get straight to work. As you know, the slave trade is running rampant in the kingdom. What news have you on the subject?"

There's always news—whether or not it's reliable is the question.

"I've heard rumors that their base camp is being disguised as a brothel. While this isn't illegal, it's easy to hide the women and men trafficked. I've also been told that apothecaries are being used as a store to make trades. I'm just not sure which apothecaries. I'd wager it has something to do with the newer ones popping up in the villages."

"Astute observation. And, with all of this information, why haven't you made a move to see if any of your findings are valid?"

The truth isn't something I'm sure he wants to hear. My desire to protect and serve a kingdom under a false king feels wrong. His rule reaches and touches so much that I'm not sure what's what anymore. Maloch should have never been made king. He isn't doing anything about the uprising of the slave trade, yet it's our job to risk our lives and dull out justice while he sits on his throne, gaining money and riches and fortunes beyond reason.

However, I won't stand for descension in the kingdom, especially not after The Great Massacre that ripped my mate from me. As a dragon shifter, a mate is the highest honor to have bestowed upon you. Princess Katia was taken from me before I could ever know love. Dragons mate only once in life, and now, without her, I'm constantly unsure of my purpose in this life other than to serve the kingdom of Eden.

"I have been waiting for your orders--"

"Nonsense, you have a mind of your own and always have. It's time to stop being so... broody and get to work, son. I know losing Katia--"