4: Darken War

2: Alexandria

The first golden rays of morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting long stripes of warmth across the stone floor. I blinked against the sun as it crept across the bed, warming my skin. Slowly, I sat up, stretching out the stiffness from a short night's sleep. Beside me, James still lay soundly asleep, one hand tucked beneath the pillow, the other resting lightly across his chest.

I smiled faintly and leaned down to kiss his cheek.

"Mmm," he murmured without opening his eyes, "I know you can kiss better than that, Princess." He cracked one eye open, then reached up and pulled me into a deeper kiss.

I let it linger for a moment before gently pulling back. "You know I have to get ready for my trip."

"I know." He leaned in for another kiss. "But it's been so long since I've held you like this. Just give me a few more moments of peace."

"James..." I sighed, kissing him back once more. "I need to stay on schedule. You know how important punctuality is to the dwarves."

He groaned dramatically and tightened his arms around me. "Screw the dwarves. Just stay home. If they declare war, you can end it in a single breath."

"It's not about whether I can beat them," I murmured as I slid out of bed. "It's about preventing unnecessary bloodshed. If I can avoid a war with words rather than fire, I will. We don't know how long I'll live... I need to make sure this peace lasts, for our children and their children after them."

"Don't remind me of that," James mumbled, pulling a pillow over his face.

"It's reality." I slipped on my housecoat and began gathering my things. "You're a fairy now. You'll live forever, as long as you're not killed. But me? I'm something else entirely. No one has ever survived holding the full power and memories of the Great Dragon. She slept because no one could carry it—until me."

James sat up, the pillow falling to his lap. "It could go the other way, though. You might live as long as she did."

"I might," I agreed as I slid into my slippers. "But we don't know. And the last time I went looking for answers... I died."

"You came back," James said, rising to dress. "You came back to me."

"I did," I said softly, walking over to sit beside him. "But do we really know if I could come back again? They say a dragon's soul lives on, but what does that actually mean? Would I remain in this body until it's destroyed? Or would my soul pass into one of my descendants?" I swallowed. "I can't bear the thought of that one returning."

He didn't need to ask who I meant.

James cupped my cheek. "You've changed. You're more balanced now, more thoughtful. The old you would've stormed off, burned bridges, and made declarations before thinking twice."

"Now that is just plain rude," I said, crossing my arms.

"Yeah, but it got that reaction out of you," he said with a grin before kissing me again.

A sudden knock interrupted us—followed immediately by the door swinging open.

Carlisle swept in, followed by two maids. "Rise and shine, you two lovebirds. It's time for her Great Dragoness to prepare for her next grand adventure."

He was dressed flamboyantly, as always, today in a deep red feathered gown with sleeves that fluttered like wings when he moved.

"Talk about rude," James muttered, standing to kiss my hand. "I'll see you in the courtyard."

Carlisle tsked as the door closed behind James. "Why you made that man king of his own nation is beyond me."

"That one wasn't exactly my choice, Carlisle," I said as the maids gently slipped off my robe. "And he's doing a good job."

"For now," he replied under his breath.

"Be nice," I warned, stepping into the steaming bath he'd prepared—fragrant with roses and calming herbs. The water embraced me instantly, washing away some of my tension.

"Your carriage will be ready shortly," Carlisle said. "Everyone else is already up and waiting."

"Of course they are," I muttered as the maids began to wash my hair and carefully clean around my horns. "Do I really have to travel in a carriage?"

"It's a three-day trip. A civilized one. Not one of your months-long escapades," Carlisle replied. "Yes, this time, you'll travel like the queen you are. With a guard escort."

I dunked my head beneath the surface and resurfaced with a sigh.

Carlisle raised an eyebrow and waved the maids off. "I have the rest from here, dears. Thank you."

They bowed and quietly exited.

I blinked at him. "Wouldn't it be inappropriate for you to be alone with me like this?"

Carlisle gave me an unimpressed look. "Sweetheart, the entire kingdom knows I prefer men. I'm the one man in this palace you're perfectly safe with alone."

I giggled, relaxing slightly. "Still. That doesn't answer why you sent them out."

He sat on a nearby stool and began gently washing my wings. "Because I wanted to talk to you without them gossiping."

"You always know when something's on my mind."

"It's my job," he said simply. "Not just as your designer, but as your friend."

"Thanks, Carlisle." I looked down at the water. "But I've already burdened you with so much—"

"Stop that right now," he said firmly, wrapping a warm towel around me as I stepped out. "You've always had trouble opening up. But with me? You can."

I sat at the vanity, watching the steam curl in the morning light. "It's this whole thing about dragons always being reborn."

"You're afraid he will come back," Carlisle said quietly. He always knew.

I nodded. "And what if I live long enough to see it happen again? What if Draus returns? What if he grows up and repeats the cycle?"

Carlisle began brushing my damp hair around my horns. "Last time, you had just awakened your powers. You weren't ready. But now? You are. You're stronger than he ever was. If he dares return, you'll crush him."

"Thanks," I whispered.

He smiled and opened a drawer filled with jewelry, all custom-made to suit my horns. No more crowns for me—not in the traditional sense. But Carlisle had made delicate circlets, thin chains of gold and gemstones that wrapped elegantly around the base of each horn.

"What shall we pack today, your fire-born majesty?"

I pointed to a golden circlet inlaid with amethyst drops, the center gem designed to fall onto my forehead. "This one. And just a few matching pieces—necklace, earrings, bracelets."

"Done," he said, collecting them with care.

He led me to the changing room and handed me my travel attire: a light blue skirt and matching bodice, simple but elegant, paired—thankfully—with knee-high boots.

"Must I travel in a dress?" I slipped it on with practiced ease. "Breeches and a shirt would be so much easier."

"Possibly," Carlisle said, arms crossed, "but you are a queen. Not just any queen—the queen above kings and queens. People will see you on the road. Be grateful I didn't dress you in full court regalia."

"Fine," I grumbled, rolling my eyes. "Did you pack everything?"

He handed me a small jewelry box. "Of course. Already loaded into the carriage. Speaking of which... it's time."

I walked to the door, then paused, turning back to him. "Take care of my family while I'm gone. I know you're not James's biggest fan, but he's my husband."

Carlisle softened. "Don't worry, Lexie. Your family is safe with me."