Kiss the Sky

12

Auric moved to stand by my side, resting his hands lightly on the railing as he stared across the waves toward the city where he’d been raised. “We’ll be there soon.”

I turned toward him, examining his handsome, regal face. “Are you nervous?”

“A little. Reven assures me the plan will work, but I can’t help but worry I’ll be recognized, as it would be difficult to find anyone in Stormhaven who doesn’t know my face. If my family finds out I’ve returned, I’m not sure what will happen. I can’t imagine they’ll be happy with me after I disappeared without a word when I went to find you.”

“They must be worried about you.”

“Probably,” he said with a sigh. “It would be nice to be see them briefly and let them know I’m safe, but that isn’t a good idea.”

I hesitated, but then asked the question lingering on my tongue. “Are they loyal to the Black Dragon, like Jasin’s family?”

“I’m not sure how to answer that. My parents are good people who want what is best for their kingdom. That means serving the Dragons and bowing to their wishes, but I’ve also seen my parents stand up to them too. They’ll protect the Air Realm however they can.”

“I wish some of the other Realms had kings and queens who would think of their people’s best interests and stand up to the Dragons sometimes.”

“It’s not easy. The last ruler who truly stood against the Dragons was the Earth King, and his entire family was slaughtered for it. Except for his youngest daughter, who was only four at the time. The Black Dragon raised the girl as her own daughter to ensure her loyalty, and now the Earth Queen is basically a puppet.”

I’d heard that story about the Earth Queen as well. I shuddered. “I can see why no one wants to appear disloyal.”

“Exactly. My parents must walk a fine line. So yes, they’re loyal to the Dragons. But they’re also not.” He shrugged. “Politics.”

“I don’t think I could live that kind of life.”

“No, me neither. I was never good at the political maneuverings and courtly intrigue. That life never felt like it was meant for me. I’m much happier now as one of your mates.”

“We’re lucky to have you. Without your wealth of knowledge, we would be lost. Literally.”

“Glad I can be of use.” His head tilted as he examined the city again. “I have to admit I’m eager to return to Stormhaven, even if only for a short while. I’ve traveled to many places now, but this will always be my home.”

“I’m excited to see it. I’ve heard so much about Stormhaven. The markets. The cafes. The spires.”

“Stormhaven gets terrible lightning storms, hence its name,” Auric said, as he caught me gazing out at the city with awe. “The spires were originally built to protect the city from lightning strikes, but then it became a trend to build high into the sky to honor the Air God.”

“The city is beautiful.”

“You have to see it at sunset. There’s nothing more stunning than the sun turning the clouds pink and the spires reflecting the light back.” He turned toward me and lightly rested his hands on my waist. “I only wish the circumstances of our arrival were different and I could show you around the city and the palace. Maybe even meet my parents.”

I swallowed my longing for those very things. “I would like that very much. Someday...”

“Yes, someday.” He pressed a quick kiss to my lips before releasing me. “I should probably ease off on the wind and ask Reven to slow the currents as well so that those ships up ahead don’t notice we’re moving a bit too quickly.”

I nodded. “I’ll make sure everything is packed up and ready to go.”

I headed below deck and found Slade putting the last few things in our bags, including some of the supplies Calla and her priests had provided for us. “Can I do anything to help?”

“No, I think we’re ready.” He tied off one of the bags and set it with the others.

I moved to the area where I’d kept my things and checked that my bow and sword were ready, along with the small bag I’d brought. “I bet you’re excited to be back on land again.”

“You have no idea. I can only pray I never have to be out at sea again. I need to be able to see the land at least. If this is my last time on a boat, even better.”

I bit my lip and decided not to tell him that much of the Water Realm was made up of tiny islands and the Water Temple was only accessible by boat. By then he would be able to fly at least, although if he hated the ocean I couldn’t imagine he’d like the sky much better.

“Did you do much traveling before we met?” I asked.

“No, not at all. I’d only left my village a few times. I never would have imagined I’d get to visit each Realm.” Slade rubbed his beard, which had grown longer while we were on the boat. “Then again, I never would have imagined any of this.”

“Me neither.”

“You’ve been to the Air Realm before though, haven’t you?”

“Yes, a few years ago.” I debated revealing more, but that was a story better suited for another day. “Although this is my first visit to Stormhaven.”

Reven dropped down onto the lower deck. “Watch your coins. Stormhaven is known for its thieves. All the Air Realm is full of bandits, actually.”

I knew that all too well. With any luck, we would never come across the Thunder Chasers, the bandit group I’d once been a part of. At some point I would have to tell my mates about that part of my past, though I worried what they would think of me. Reven probably wouldn’t care, but the others? A soldier, a prince, and a blacksmith would not look fondly on the things I’d once done.