Dragonbound: Birthrights (Book 2)

Kiaran lied on her side, staring through the dark room as it thundered softly. Of all the fears she could have, it had to be storms. It was something fully out of her control. Everything else--including the impending war--she could always do something about.

She clutched her chest which resonated with the beating of her uneasy heart. It wasn’t just the storm, but Davin’s voice and his words which weighed heavily on her.

“...Kiaran,” Davin’s voice was soft as to not wake her if she had fallen asleep.

“Hm?”

“I should...apologize,” he said lowly. The rain began to softly fall on the roof over them. “It was...sudden and uncalled for.”

“What are you talking about?” she asked, keeping her back to him.

He sighed, trying to find a way to explain. “When I gave you the feather.” She flushed, thinking on the significance of that red feather. The proposal item of choice of the Zeil. “I meant every word I said to you. But...I suppose with Alana’s death and everything else...I was desperate to keep something--to keep you.”

It was far out of Davin’s character to act so impulsively. He always planned every detail out beforehand. “Basically, it was not right for me to ask something like that of you. Especially not with everything we were going through at the time. It was something I should have kept to myself.”

Her heart stung a little. In the past, she would have agreed. But if it weren’t for him, she’d likely still be shelled up to herself. She tried to convince herself that love was never an option. But anytime she thought about him, she knew otherwise.

Her stomach twisted further when she realized she had a similar feeling toward Torin...So whether it be love or trust, it was powerful, and something worth her attention.

She continued to stare at the window, her brows creased. Did he still feel the same about her? She began to question whether or not he ever actually loved her. Perhaps he was only desperate for something to distract him, something to hold onto.

Nurra crawled up the blankets and curled up against her chest, her arm wrapping around him. No one spoke for the rest of the night.

Finally, Kiaran had fallen asleep, Davin still awake. His thoughts haunted him and all the wishing in the world couldn’t get them to hush. Though he was always taunted by his own conscience, there was always one thing that could calm him.

He thought of times before his rule. When he and his brother journeyed together. When he and Kiaran spent quiet times with one another. He would focus on small things, like the sound of the campfire as he lied to sleep so many times in the forest floor.

At times, he would think only of her. Her scars, her eyes, her incredibly rare smile were all enough to distract him. However, it was her past that inspired him. The horrid nightmares she had endured and yet she was strong enough to run a larger country than his own. It inspired him to do better.

After he had received her invitation to her ceremony, however, those thoughts had twisted to something more. He knew that if he agreed to visit her, it would end sadly.

The skin of his back burned red hot at his embarrassing lusts and imagination. While sitting on his throne, his thoughts would drift to her painted nails dragging along his skin or his lips touching the bow of her shoulder. It had alarmed him to the point that he didn’t feel himself anymore.

Huffing, he ran a hand down his face. They were stupid imaginings to ease the stress of being King. He tried to convince himself that it all was due to the curse. But it could only amplify his own desires, not make them up. And of the few weeks away from Rishana, he could still feel a tug at his heart anytime she came to mind.

It was going to be a long night...

Kiaran shot up with a heavy gasp for air, her muscles trembling and her skin crawling. Her hair fell over her like a veil of black silk. Her heart beat heavily in her chest as her eyes held back tears.

Thankfully, it was only a dream...She was taunted by a ghost, his fingers lingering on her thighs, his skin cracking and burning on hers.

Her breathing nearly stopped as she stood. Nurra toppled aside as she moved from the bed to the window, throwing it open. The cold, damp air hit her when a gust of wind shot by. Shakily running a hand down her face, she found a few tears staining her cheeks.

Nurra chirped as he sat at her feet, watching her with anxious eyes. As her heart disappeared into shadows, Kiaran slowly lowered to the ground, sitting against the wall beneath the window. Stretching out one leg ahead of her, folding the other beneath it, she closed her eyes.

Nurra climbed into her lap, trilling with great sorrows, trying to get her attention. She ran a hand over his head, feeling hollow and broken. It had been so long since she had such a powerful memory hit her.

Feeling sick to her stomach, she rested her head against the wall as it rumbled with thunder. Davin shifted where he lied, but he was still completely asleep. It seemed to draw her out of her still dazed, half-asleep state of mind.

Wiping her eyes, she inhaled deeply and remembered: Nathanial is dead. What good is it to dread on what he had done to her? Standing, she quietly made her way back to the bed and crawled beneath the blankets.

Glancing to Davin, she noticed a long, deep scar that wrapped from beneath his shoulder and up near to his jawline. His skin glowed softly in the dim light, the scar several shades off.

Curiosity swarmed her--the scar wasn’t there when they had first met, so she wondered how he had gotten it. He tugged the blanket over himself as he rolled over, only leaving his hair uncovered.

Lying against her pillow, she sighed heavily, wondering if she’d ever fall back asleep. And after several, long, grueling minutes, she did.

The next morning, Davin woke before Kiaran; the sun already climbed a few hours into the sky. He hadn’t a clue as to what Kiaran had planned next, and he didn’t know if he should pack his things or stay another night.

Standing from his pile of blankets, he ran a hand over his bare chest, inhaling deeply. As his eyes shifted to Kiaran, his chest burned a little. Though he wasn’t under the curse’s influence, he was very much still affected by her presence. Against his will, he smiled, and forced his eyes off of her. She was perfect, though he would never tell her that. She’d simply scoff at it.

Pulling on his russet tunic, he groaned and rolled his blankets up. Kiaran stirred a bit and Nurra leapt over her side, eyeing Davin curiously. He leaned in to watch the little silver beast, enveloped by curiosity. It was such a smart creature, and loyal as well. He rarely left Kiaran’s side, and took great care of her.

Suddenly, Kiaran rolled over and grunted a greeting as she sat up. Davin erected his back a bit and turned away. He didn’t want to look like he was eyeing her as she slept.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked.

She shrugged as a response and lowered her feet to the floor, rubbing her tired eyes. Davin pulled on his leather jerkin of black, buttoning it up his fit abdomen and chest. It was a simple piece of clothing, but had a few details to make it attractive. As he fastened his boots on, he asked, “What’s next, Kiaran?”

Still with a tired voice, she said, “My brother will find me, remember?”

He lowered a brow, watching her as his fingers tied his other boot on. “So, what shall we do in the mean time?”

She sighed softly, lowering her eyes. “I am not sure.”

Davin sat in the chair, hesitant to ask, “Do you trust him?”

“I do not trust anyone,” she replied. Although he knew better of it, his heart ached at the comment. Realizing the coldness of her tone, she locked eyes with him and hesitated. “Other than you and your brother...”

The mention of Torin made Davin grow a bit weak. His gut twisted and his eyes averted from her. He had treated his brother poorly and he wished things were different. He wanted to keep his brother at his side just like in the years before...But he couldn’t.

“How was Torin before he left for home?” he finally asked lowly. “I know I saw him...but I don’t know for certain if he is alright.”

“He was distraught,” she muttered, hardly heard. Standing, she rummaged through her things to find the rest of her clothes. “He was not so willing to leave when I requested it.” He nodded, believing it and she said, “I’m sorry I had to send him home.”

“I understand” he shook his head.

“When you return home, perhaps you should spend more time with him.”

He looked away uneasily and shrugged. “I do not know about that.”

She looked over her shoulder at him with an icy gaze as she lifted her belt. “Why not? He is hurting, Davin. You are his older brother; he looks up to you, you know.”

“I know,” he sighed heavily. He shouldn’t. There was nothing worthy of adoration. Groaning, he stood and stretched his back. “What shall we do today, then, while we wait for Arrimen?”

She shrugged at first, pondering. Suddenly, she half-smiled and faced him, saying, “I will show you something amazing.”

He returned the smile, his worry of Torin washed away by her expression. “Alright,” he agreed.

Soon, they were dressed and tied on their swords, heading out of the inn. Kiaran glanced to Davin’s weapon, noticing it was on his right hip rather than his left. Thinking on that and the scar along his right shoulder, she grew curious.

Walking through the large city, the streets were slightly less crowded, so she asked, “Your sword...why do you have it on the opposite side?”

He glanced down at it and smiled, as if he had forgotten. “I wounded my right arm...it is permanent,” he answered. He noticed her gaze drift to his scar and he said, “A bear caught me before I could fend it off.”

“Did you kill it?”

“No,” he laughed, “That’s near impossible. I wounded him enough to get him away, though not before he damaged my shoulder.”

They moved through the streets, heading toward the gates. Davin asked if they should be leaving since they were waiting for Arrimen. Shrugging, she said, “We can take a few hours outside the wall. We’ll be fine.”

They walked nearly two miles outside of Urlanai before she broke off the road. She led him into the woods where the trees were close together, the ground smothered in old leaves and acorns. Her boots crushed the twigs beneath her, her gloved hands touching the bark of the tree beside her. She could feel Davin’s eyes on her, but she ignored it.

Their travel was quiet, a soft intensity setting in between them. Though she had never traveled these woods, she knew exactly where she was going. Her mind was able to locate Lirra’s presence as a soft flicker of existence and the dragon flashed her pictures of the trees. Kiaran smiled, finding that she was coming to the right place. Everything looked familiar, as if she had seen them herself.

Finally coming to an area where the trees were stretched out, she came to a stop. The few trees were massive, the tops of the branches seeming to touch the clouds. They stood on a small, four foot drop off where the largest tree that either of them had ever seen stood.

Davin followed the trunk all the way to the top with his eyes in awe. Kiaran grinned at his admiration. She dropped off the ledge into the enclosure with the ancient tree. Davin followed her, never taking his attention from the beautiful nature around them.

“This is serene,” he said softly, as if trying to keep his voice from taking away the beauty.

The sun poured through the green leaves, casting broken shadows all around. The cool air brushed through the branches and across them. Kiaran pulled her cloak across her body, thankful that Arrimen had given it to her.

Her eyes lit up as she walked to the massive tree. “Come,” she waved toward him. He tore his eyes to her and made his way across the grassy ground. Placing a hand on the massive trunk, nearly twenty feet around, she held the other out to him. “See this,” she nearly whispered.

He placed the palm of his hand to hers and weaved his fingers between hers. She paused for a moment, focusing on his hand, the way he held it--it was more intimate than she thought it’d be.

Finally, her gaze moved back to him and she said, “Close your eyes.” She closed hers, but peaked at him. His eyes were still completely soaking in everything about her, glued to her face, her hair. Her heart raced in her chest and she swallowed it down. “Davin,” she jerked his hand slightly. He grinned and closed his eyes.

Taking in a deep breath, she blended in with the trees, her mind running through the bark and the branches, Davin along with her. They weaved through each crevice and every twig that pointed toward the everlasting sky. Once reaching the tips of the branches, they weaved into the surrounding trees that touched it.

To add to the scene, they were able to follow down into the roots and feel the coolness of the soil beneath them. Soon, they could see all of the surrounding forest as a whole picture, including all the creatures living in the dirt and branches. They could feel the cool wind and the calm stillness of the earth. They could feel it all, as if they were the tree, itself.

She pulled her hand off the tree, growing tired from exerting herself. Moving her eyes to him, she laughed. He was in shock and completely in awe. “That was indescribable,” he breathed, “How were you able to do that?”

“Kriettor taught me,” she answered, her smile unable to fade. “I am the only one able to do so because I’m bonded with him.”

Their hands were still locked together, the wind pushing past them. As amazing as it was to be in the trees, his mind was still on Kiaran. Her bright eyes looked up to him. They were so open, as if allowing him to see into her mind. Her smile was gone.

He couldn't help himself. Leaning in slightly, he stopped. Although he wanted to kiss her, he knew it was not in their best interest...and yet, she did not push him away nor say anything to prevent it. He hesitated, wondering if he should pursue.

Everything in her told her to back away, to at least drop his hand. But she did nothing. Rather, she leaned toward him slightly, being drawn in by his brown eyes. Her lips parted, as if to say something that was never meant to be said.

A few, small braids fell down the one side of her face, the rest of it pulled into a ponytail on the back of her head. One corner of his lips curled into a half-smile and he lowered his gaze. Running a hand through his hair, he turned away. It was going to be very difficult to keep himself focused.

Kiaran took in a heavy breath, though silent. She was embarrassed, her face flushing brightly. She turned around to where Lirra slinked her way from the trees.

She was slender and elegant, and yet incredibly large and powerful. Her wings were massive, though they looked small as they folded against her back. She was covered in pebble-like scales, shimmering beautifully beneath the canopy of green leaves.

Davin faced Kiaran once more, only to see the dragon and he stared in awe. Lirra was extremely elegant and luring, and to see Kiaran stand near it was just proof of her importance.

Lirra’s presence seemed to fill the air around them with stillness, the air feeling warmer. As if to show respect, she kept her head low as she slinked to Kiaran. She placed a hand on Lirra’s narrow face, though it was easily as long as Kiaran was tall. Long, thin horns formed from her head, pointing down her neck. Her golden eyes looked to Davin and his heart stopped.

“Lirra has never bonded with people,” Kiaran explained, “I was the first. She is rather...reluctant to trust. You are the only other human to come this close to her.”

He stepped toward them, the dragon’s full attention on her. Kiaran kept her hand on her head and reached the other out for Davin. He reached for them and Kiaran guided his hand to touch Lirra’s snout. The shock rushed through his muscles as he felt the cool skin on his palm. He had seen dragons, touched Nurra and Ruthianna, but this dragon was different.

“What does her name mean?” he finally asked softly.

She dropped her hands to her sides as she watched them connect. The smile on her lips peaked his curiosity. There was a reason she decided against telling him. The curiosity was twisting him and she could see it. All she could do was grin.

“If she wishes to tell you the meaning, she will do so herself,” she finally answered.

Lirra seemed to chuckle at his curiosity. Sniffing at his body, she began to circle him. Her eyes flickered to Kiaran, her mind radiating so both could hear, saying in Draken, “He is a handsome one...A king?” Her eyes were locked onto Davin and he watched her in both awe and admiration. “And he does not stink.”

“His name is Davin,” Kiaran replied, also in Draken. She purred in response, still infatuated with the other human. He stood still, allowing her to inspect him. Nurra watched in the distance, huddled in the grass, his orange eyes like little embers glowing in the shade.

“Davin,” her voice vibrated in their heads, their ears not hearing a sound. “Your name...” Her eyes flickered to Kiaran and she chuckled, walking away with fluent, elegant strides. In Draken, she said, “His name means beloved. How odd.” Looking to Kiaran again, she said, “It is a coincidence, no?”

“It is,” she shrugged a shoulder, slowly turning her gaze to Davin. He smiled widely, excitement washing over him like warm water. Running a hand through his hair, he inhaled deeply and returned the gaze. “It is suiting,” she agreed, facing Lirra once more, only to find that she had left.

“What was she saying?” Davin asked.

She shrugged with a slight flush. “She likes you,” she answered. She could tell that Lirra found Davin to possibly be her favorite little human.

“Where is she going?”

“Wherever she pleases,” she answered.

“That was amazing,” he shook his head. “The only other dragon I’ve met that had that strong of an affect was Kriettor...and he was not so welcoming of my presence.”

“Nor anyone else’s,” she shook her head. They walked to the massive tree and Kiaran sat on one of the large roots. Davin sat beside her and they remained quiet, listening to the bugs and birds. Nurra climbed up the root to them, sitting between them.

The silence was welcoming, the cool afternoon taunting Kiaran to nap. “What language were you speaking in?” he asked.

“Draken,” she answered. “The ancient word of the dragons.”

“How did you learn? Did Kriettor teach you?” he asked.

She smiled at his flabbergasted questions and she finally said, “He has taught me plenty of things. Draken, though, seems to be something I just...acquired the more I spoke with Kriettor. He has taught me much...It is a part of me now.”

“Is there anyway you could teach me?” he continued.

“Why?” she laughed. That laugh, it was something Davin had missed more than nearly anything. “You do not need to speak with any dragons. Besides, they can understand your words...Well, unless they are completely feral and undomesticated.”

“Then why do you speak to Lirra in Draken?”

“Respect. Would you want someone to speak to you in their foreign language if they already knew yours?” she replied.

He thought for a moment and nodded. “I suppose that makes sense,” he nodded.

“Amali. Dontonae pat ah langau Drake vin du,” she responded with a smug grin. Exactly. Unimportant is the language of Dragons to you. His brows lowered, and she said, “Fine, I may teach you a few things as we go.”

“Good,” he smiled.

They spoke about a few, small things for several minutes, but neither of them touched on important subjects. Finally, Kiaran sighed and asked, “How badly is your arm wounded?”

He lifted his right arm, holding it out straight. “That is about the highest I can lift it without any pain,” he answered. Dropping his arm once again he shrugged, saying, “I was lucky to survive, and even more so to keep my arm.”

She nodded, lowering her eyes to her hands as they rested in her lap. Her feet dangled off the edge of the root, her ankles crossed and swaying gently back and forth. “So were you and your brother trained together?” she asked.

“In the beginning we were,” he answered. “They thought he’d be the same level of skill as me, but he proved everybody wrong. Just because we were brothers did not mean we were alike.”

“You certainly are not alike,” she chuckled.

He smiled slightly as he ran a hand over his chin. “I can remember our father when Torin told us he was joining as well. He was not pleased.”

“I am sure that was upsetting for Torin...that he was so willing to support you but not him.”

“No,” he shook his head. His eyes lowered to his hands and he continued, “He knew that Torin was soft at heart...If he were placed in battle it would not be good for him. My father was trying to protect him, even if he was harsh about it.”

“He was a stern man?”

He nodded his head. “Our mother is as sweet as ever, though,” he smiled. “They compliment each other well, somehow.” As he continued, his eyes burrowed into her, “I see the same in us...” The moment the words left his mouth he looked dumbstruck. “I mean that we are very different...but we compliment one another.”

She tore her eyes away from him, flushing heavily. She was completely unaccustomed to such flirtatious behavior and she had no way of replying. A few men would flirt, but she would always cast it aside. However, as Davin did so, it was much more to her. He was much more important to her than the others, and for him to flirt, it was more meaningful.

“...Well, your father was wrong about Torin,” she finally said, getting back on subject. “He was in battle and is just fine.”

“So you are led to believe,” he replied. She shot a glare at him and he said, “You cannot assume that he is fine simply because that’s what he wants you to believe. He is tender.” He, then, said, “My father was not wrong about Torin...But that monster, Nathanial--He was wrong about you.”

Nothing in that sentence was soothing to her. Her insides twisted and she frowned. “How so?” she finally asked lowly.

“You were never one to be so cruelly used to fight or as a sex object.” Her blood grew hot. “That was such a waste of a beautiful mind. If you never got away from him, Avestitia would still be waiting for you...I’d still be waiting...”

Her breathing came short and her brows drew low. If she never left that awful house, she’d still be working for Nathanial and sitting aside while Grace was abused in the room beside her.

Heat built up behind her eyes as tears formed. Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she inhaled deeply. It would not have been so difficult to talk about had she not dreamed of his hands last night.

Davin felt the tension and instantly said a quick apology, allowing silence to fill in around them.

“It was uncalled for, and had nothing to do with the matter,” she finally said lowly.

“I don’t know why I said it,” he said lowly. “I am sorry, Kiaran.”