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T he dragon landed with a thud, shaking the ground.

Everyone dropped to one knee, bowing their heads.

Everyone except Elle. She couldn’t take her eyes off the light fae climbing down the leg of the massive beast. Once the male was on his feet, the dragon shifted.

Elle didn’t care that she was breaking the rules or committing social suicide.

She ran as fast as she could and yelled, “Father!”

Ballymar opened his arms, catching Elle when she jumped. He twirled her around like he’d done when she was a little girl.

“Oh, my Elledan. Look at you!” he gushed after setting her on her feet.

A large shadow fell across Elle, and that was when she remembered her manners. She turned and knelt at the elder King’s feet. “Please forgive me, Your Highness.”

Mórdrake chuckled. “There is nothing to forgive, dear Elledan.” He reached out a hand to her, and she took the kind gesture, standing.

None of the others had moved, so he called out, “Rise, and let us celebrate our sister properly.” Those words were directed at his grandson, King Titus, who looked like he was about to blow a gasket, as Anthony would say.

Mórdrake gestured to Tony and Nekoma. “Please join Elledan.” Tony and Nekoma walked sedately toward them.

Tony stood on Elle’s side opposite her father, and Nekoma took the spot on the other side of Tony.

Mórdrake gestured at Elle. “Elledan of Summerland risked her life during the battle with the Und?nthú four sun cycles back. Her sire, a dark fae, insisted Elledan fight on the side of evil, but she refused those demands. She sent a raven to her sister, Yaricelan, Royal Guardian to Princess Cassiopa, warning of the treachery of the Und?nthú. She stood on that hill” — he pointed to the spot to the left where she’d stood with the other archers — “and fired arrows at the darks, risking her life to save yours. Without her bravery and quick thinking, the outcome would have been a different tale to tell and song to sing, and most of you wouldn’t be standing here today.

You owe your gratitude, your very existence, to this amazing female. ”

Mórdrake turned from the crowd and faced Elle. “Elledan of Summerland, for your courage, it would be my honor to bestow upon you the royal mark of Evyndral. Will you accept?”

The royal mark? Holy goddess! Only the guardians received the mark of the dragon they protected.

“Y-yes, Your Highness.” Mórdrake gently took Elle’s left arm, and where the sigil had once been, he placed his palm against the spot.

Instead of being warm, cool energy settled into her skin along with a different kind of bond she shared with Tony.

When the elder King removed his hand, a mark similar to the one Yari had remained.

Where Yari’s was a myriad of colors, Elle’s was silver.

“Thank you, Your Highness. I am honored to bear the royal mark and will live a life worthy of it.”

“You already have.” He inclined his head, then turned to address the dragons. “I believe a feast has been prepared. Please make your way inside to the great hall while I speak with my grandson.”

Uh oh. King Titus was in trouble. If the situation weren’t serious, Elle would have giggled. Tony took her hand and examined the mark. “Wow. That’s...”

“Impressive,” Ballymar said, hugging Elle from the side. “I believe introductions are in order?”

“Father, this is Anthony Stone, my mate, and Nekoma of Autumnvale, my brother, who you’ll remember as Novus,” Elle said softly.

Ballymar bowed his head. “I have heard of you both from Yari. My gratitude for keeping Elledan safe as of late. Elíana sends her regards, but she was afraid to ride on a dragon in her condition.”

“Condition? Is something the matter? Nekoma and I could possibly—”

“She’s expecting your sibling soon. You’re going to be a big sister.”

“How wonderful, Father. Congratulations.”

Leaning in close, Nekoma said, “Send word with Yaricelan, and when the babe arrives, I will portal Elledan to your home.”

Ballymar’s eyes widened. “You can do that?” Nekoma nodded, and Ballymar grinned. “Most excellent.” Returning his attention to Elle, he asked, “You mentioned Anthony is your mate. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to attend your handfasting.”

“Oh, we haven’t had one. It’s been a little crazy, and Anthony’s kind mate in a different way. We do plan on having a ceremony, so maybe once Elíana has the babe, the three of you could visit and you could perform the ceremony while meeting his family?”

Ballymar’s eyes got misty. “It would be an honor, my Elledan.” Someone cleared their throat, and he smiled. “I believe they are waiting on the guest of honor. Let us enjoy this feast they have prepared.”

Clasping Tony’s hand on one side and her father’s on the other, Elle made her way to the castle.

If anyone had told her she would be able to visit, let alone be an honored guest, she’d have laughed herself silly.

Elle thought back to when she was young, dreaming of being a dragon consort if she wasn’t chosen as a guardian.

Those had been wonderful aspirations for a fae girl, but now?

She couldn’t imagine a life at the castle without her Gargoyle or her brother by her side.

Or Gregor and Tessa. Working with the twins and Lilly.

Her friendship with Tabitha, Carleigh, Harlow, Cailín, and Trinity.

No, Elle’s life turned out so much better than she could have dreamed. In a word, it was perfect.

Once inside the great hall, Cassi directed them to the head of the table.

She expected King Titus and Queen Penelope to be seated at the end, but Rhoan was there.

Cassi took the chair next to him, with Elle and her three males across from her.

Yari and Thran stood sentry against the wall with the other guardians.

Prince Rhoan stared at Elle. “We haven’t been introduced. I am Prince Rhoan. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Although I do feel as I already know you. Thrandyr has always spoken about his little sister who could best even him with a bow and arrow.”

“The pleasure is mine, Prince Rhoan.” Thinking of her siblings, she asked Cassi, “Do they get to eat?”

“Yes.” The princess leaned in and whispered.

“They are supposed to eat in our chambers, but I always forced Yari to join me at the table once my parents had returned to their rooms. Imagine our surprise when one day, Yari had just sat down to eat, when this giant black bird flew into the dining hall, creating the most exciting chaos.” Cassi winked at Nekoma.

Rhoan remained stoic while Cassi was as charming as ever.

Servers placed their food in front of them while others assured their goblets were always full.

Elle couldn’t eat for glancing at her father whose eyes were filled with the same love he’d always shown her.

Elle’s life was almost perfect. It would only be absolute if Ballymar lived on Earth.

But as Nekoma said, he could open a portal, and she could visit her childhood home.

Every dragon came by and gave Elle their regards. Everyone except King Titus and the Queen. At one point, Cassi jumped up and rushed from the room. When she returned, she said, “Elle, King Mórdrake asked that I tell you goodbye. It seems he was summoned by the goddess.”

“Is he in trouble?”

Cassi smirked. “Only the good kind.”

“How is my father supposed to get home?”

“I will handle that task, Elledan,” Queen Zarina said from behind Elle.

“My Queen.” Elle went to stand, but Zarina’s hand on her shoulder stopped her.

“Congratulations, Elledan. It is the highest honor to be given a royal mark. It is one you deserve. Ballymar, I must commend you on raising such an amazing daughter. Actually, all three of your children are exceptional. You must be proud.”

“I am, My Queen. I know their mother would be as well.”

Zarina patted him on the arm. “When you are ready to return home, have Yari call for me.”

“Thank you. I will.”

“Father, did Yari tell you about what happened to Mother?”

“She did.” Ballymar’s smile was sad. “I never doubted her love for me, and while it was a relief to learn she didn’t stray, I carry the guilt of not being there to protect her.”

Elle lowered her voice. “It was Grevolus’s mate who killed mother, but I returned the favor.”

Ballymar’s eyebrows rose. “Gratitude, my daughter. That couldn’t have been easy.”

“It was one of the easiest things I have ever done,” she admitted. Her father nodded.

When they were finished eating, Cassi said, “Come, come. Let me show you the castle.” That was how they spent the next couple of hours.

Cassi, with Yari at her side, led the way through the massive structure.

Rhoan and Thran joined them. It wasn’t until they were in the twins’ wing of the castle that Rhoan loosened up.

He shared stories of him and Thran getting up to no good at night when they were supposed to be asleep.

They hung out there chatting until Ballymar said he should get back to Elíana.

Their group walked through long corridors and down several flights of stairs which led to the side of the castle next to the stables.

Zarina was waiting. After many hugs, a few tears, and promises of visits, Ballymar walked through a portal, waving at Elle.

Cassi looped her arm through Elle’s. “Have you been fawned over enough, or would you like to go back upstairs?”

Elle rolled her eyes. “I think you and Yari should show us how to party like you used to when you were supposed to be asleep.”

“I have a better idea. How about we go to my house and party like the Gargoyles do? They’re so much more fun than stodgy dragons.” Rhoan cleared his throat and arched a brow at his sister. She smacked him on the chest. “You can come too. Maybe you’ll learn to loosen up.”

“As fun as that sounds, I have a feeling I’ll be called to the royal office to hear father rant about King Mórdrake overstepping.” Rhoan looked around. When he turned back, his smile was evil. “Did you see how red he turned? It was glorious.” That got laughter from everyone.

When Elle made sure it was okay with Tony if they went to Norway, Nekoma portalled them home to grab clothes for the next couple of days.

When they arrived at Cassi and Brent’s house, most of Brent’s family was there, including his mother, Brynna, who reminded Elle of Tessa.

The female had a colorful past, and Elle was in awe of her.

Nekoma remained a few hours, long enough for Brent’s family to get to know him as Elle’s protective brother and not the strange creature who changed from a male to a raven and back, then disappeared on them.

Elle and Trinity spent most of their time together, while Anthony visited with his Clan.

In an uncharacteristic move, Thran snuck away from the castle, since Rhoan had indeed been called to his father’s office.

Elle felt bad the prince was subjected to his father’s tirade, all because Mórdrake felt Elle should be honored with more than a meal.

She often rubbed the royal mark, thanking the elder King in her mind.

After two days, Elle was ready to go home because Cassi was right – nobody partied like the Goyles.

When it was time to leave, Tony called Nekoma to do the honors.

When the vortex opened, Carleigh and Cailín came with him.

That resulted in another hour while the females chatted with their friends.

Elle didn’t mind, and after speaking with her brother, neither did he.

“They make sure I’m not lonely. They cook for me and keep me entertained. It’s like having more siblings, so the least I can do is allow them to visit friends easily. It really is no bother,” he explained.

“What is that smell?” Cailín whispered. She walked around until she got to Thran, leaning in and sniffing him.

“Can I help you?” Thran looked to Elle for help.

“Not again.” Elle pushed her friend away from her brother.

“Seriously. I want to bathe—” Cailín grabbed her stomach. “On second thought.”

Elle remembered what Tony said about feeling nauseous. Was it possible Thran was Cailín’s mate? Before she could think more on it, Tony grabbed her from behind. “Ready?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Sir? I like that.” Tony nuzzled her neck before taking her hand. They finally said goodbye to the Norse crew and walked through the portal to their backyard.

“It’s not Evyndral...” Tony gestured to their surroundings.

“No, it’s not. It’s something so much better. It’s home.”

The End