The Dragon Sea

Chapter 8. Eastern Parties

I leaned against the cool marble railing of the balcony, staring down at the dazzling party below. Golden lanterns illuminated the entire Eastern palace, their light casting shimmering reflections on the intricate tile mosaics. The grandeur of it all astounded me. Where did King Devoss find so much gold and luxury in the middle of this desert?

The Eastern Kingdom's reputation for throwing lavish parties had not been exaggerated. The kingdom's economy had seen an upswing lately, tourism bringing in wealth that seemed to be on full display tonight. However, it was funny that although they had such a good time here, the capital was still closed to tourists, which always made me wonder what was happening there.

Music floated up to me, a symphony of strings, drums and an alluring female voice weaving a melody that made it impossible for anyone below to remain still. People danced with wild abandon, their laughter blending with the music. Tables were overflowing with an array of food—roasted meats, fresh fruit, expensive cheeses and pastries dripping with honey—and pitchers of local wine that never seemed to empty.

Yet I was not here for the party or the extravagance. I scanned the crowd below with a singular purpose, searching for one man.

I can feel the air heating up, Lisa whispered. For the past two years she was often my only companion and that changed things between us slightly. Somehow being a fox and not a wolf became the least of my problems.

"It's an advantage that you are a fox," Luomei told me the last time we met on the outskirts of her coven. She moved into a house her grandmother used to own, and only Murong stayed loyally by her side. She learned to read with her fingers using an ancient tactile method and adapted her magic to be able to read regular text as well. This was her biggest achievement in a while, meaning she could be practising again, and I brought her more books to celebrate, sneaking in a few smutty ones into the pile just for the fun of it.

"How so?" I had been told the benefits of being a fox so many times in the past but they never impressed me.

"Considering your plan," Luomei's lips curled slightly, "the ability to change your scent would be priceless, don't you think?"

"I guess," I shrugged, looking out of the window. I saw little lights somewhere deep in the forest. Some witches are probably having fun OR having a deadly ritual. "I can make myself smell like a dragon, although I am not sure it's wise, considering Danica never had her first shift."

"It wasn't supposed to happen for another hundred years or so," Luo agreed. "So, you don't need to copy a dragon's scent. You need to copy Danica's scent. Do you still remember it?"

"Of course, I remember." A nervous laugh escaped me. "Embers and marshmallows. Delicate, barely noticeable, but so sweet."

"Better than mine," Luomei chuckled. "I always smell of herbs or potions. That dreadful medicinal scent."

"You smell like peach blossoms and cinnamon," Murong interjected, and I noticed how he immediately looked away. "Everything else is just—temporary on you."

Looks like someone else would like to be on our Luo! Lisa giggled, and I shushed her. Not sure if it was a good idea to have Luo's daily life depend on a guy who probably had a crush on her.

"Anyway," Luomei reached for the little tea cup with a lid on her side and effortlessly brought it to her lips, enjoying the fragrance it emitted. She carefully moved the lid in a circular motion, cooling her favourite drink off before taking the first sip. "You know you will have to work with your fox."

"Just for the scent." I sighed and took the cup Murong had prepared for me, mimicking Lou's actions. I had to learn to adapt to the traditions of other cultures quickly.

"Of course, not just for the scent!" The witch scoffed, shaking her head. "You will need every single benefit a shifter body can offer. Strength, agility, beastly senses—you need it all, my dear."

"Danica wasn't—"

"Danica was the real princess!" Luomei interjected. "And you are not. Your life will depend on it. Either learn to accept who you are or give up now. I can come up with a convincing story of how you survived and lost your memory or something. All this grand revenge plan would be just a distant memory."

I looked away. She may have been blind, but she saw right through me.

"Fine," I breathed out, gulping the tea and regretting it at the same moment as it burned the inside of my throat.

Don't worry, I got you! Lisa couldn't hide her excitement, healing me instantly. "I will always have your back."

***

Finally, my patience paid off. Three young men entered the room, their golden bird masks gleaming under the lantern light. All three wore black and gold, with intricate patterns embroidered on their jackets.

Their entrance caused a stir among the guests; people paused mid-conversation to look their way, women trying to attract their attention and give them the confidence boost they clearly did not need—not with egos that big.

I straightened, my grip tightening on the railing. It was rare to catch all three of them together outside Draigmorr.

Two of them killed Danica. One of them ordered her murder. Only two more people were missing.

Remember what Luo said, Lisa reminded me to cool down my nerves. I almost broke the railing by how strong I grasped it.

The crowd parted for them as they made their way further into the hall. Some girl pretended to twist her ankle and fell right in his arms. Aeron Leviathan's arms. Danica's half-brother.

He said something flattering that made her laugh and blush. She wrapped her arms around his neck as they started dancing right there. But she was quickly abandoned when he caught sight of a more attractive woman and he turned his attention entirely to her, completely disregarding the first girl. Though seemingly occupied, his friends somehow managed to use their bodies to distance the unlucky girl away from their Prince.

Typical.

Aeron had a reputation as a playboy, and it was common knowledge. Few women could withstand his allure, and it was rare for anything to catch him off guard.

This was precisely why I needed to be alone with him.

I lingered for hours, watching them from the shadows, until King Devoss finally approached Aeron and murmured something in his ear, gesturing for him to come along.

This was my time to hide behind the golden door. I couldn't help but place my ear on it and at least try to hear something while my heart was racing in my chest.

"Here, my dear friend," Devoss chuckled. "We can discuss that matter of yours in privacy and no one will disturb us. I promise."

"I have to admit," Aeron sounded like he was having the time of his life, "you know how to party. It has been a while since I had this much fun."

"This little gathering?" Devoss let out another laugh. "I assure you, it's nothing special now. You should come when we have a real occasion to celebrate. My birthday, for example. Or our Founders' Day. These will truly blow you away."

"Intriguing." The Dragon Prince whistled.

"I hope you didn't have too much wine, considering the serious matters we have to discuss?" The King of the Eastern Kingdom taunted.

"Me?" Aeron let out a hearty laugh. "I am a dragon, the alcohol just burns in my system within a couple of minutes. It's hard to make me drunk."

"Oh?" I could feel Devoss' amusement as he unfolded his favourite fan. "I take this as a challenge. Allow me to grab a drink that may knock you off your feet."

"If you find a drink like that, I may as well stay in the East forever!" Aeron approved.

"That may be a problem," the King teased. "You will take all the girls from me! And boys—"

I had to give it to the King; he was masterful at this game. Aeron was undeniably handsome with amber eyes and fiery red hair, but Devoss was something else entirely. His long black hair flowed like a river of silk, smoother and glossier than my own. His porcelain skin was so flawless it seemed almost otherworldly, completely devoid of any imperfections. Those almond-shaped eyes could pierce through your soul, leaving you exposed and vulnerable. And then there was his casual smirk—perfectly sculpted lips that could drive anyone crazy. He had to be at least my parents' age, but he barely looked older than me.

"I'll leave the guys to you," Aeron laughed as his voice became more distant. He was probably already entering the designated room right next to mine.

"Your Highness," Devoss stopped. "It'll take me some time to get that drink we will have together. Feel free to relax here while you wait. And remember that my palace is free for you to explore with just one tiny exception."

"What would that be?" The Prince sounded confused.

"This golden door," Devoss undoubtedly pointed to the door I was hiding behind. "My apologies, but it's absolutely off-limits."

"Now you are intriguing me more," the dragon hummed. "What's behind that door, if I may be so bold?"

"A treasure that is under my protection," Devoss replied, and this time, there was no hint of a joke in his voice. Promise me never to open that door."

There was a pause, and my lips curled. Aeron Leviathan could have anything he wanted in the world: any woman, any treasure, anything of value. Being forbidden to do or possess something was certainly a novel experience for him.

Luckily, there is nothing more alluring than a forbidden fruit.

I heard the door closing and mine opened enough for Devoss and me to see a glimpse of each other.

"My dear, the rest is up to you," he whispered so that no one could hear us.

"I am forever in your debt," I smirked.

"Just tell Luo that she has to visit her favourite Godfather, okay?" He winked at me. "And scream if anything goes wrong. We'll protect you and back you up."

"Thank you." I smiled again. There was no way I could have access to Aeron without the help of this man. "I know enough about him now to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible."

***

"So, we know what we do with these three," Luo sighed, stretching her neck. "But what is your plan for Aeron?"

"I want to take him through all circles of hell." I hugged myself, leaning on the stained-glass window. "A person who ordered to kill his own sister does not deserve anything less. I want to turn his world upside down and ruin his perfect future. I want to take everything from him."

"Sure," Rafael grumbled in the corner. "And your plan is?"

"We'll start by introducing him to something the mighty Prince simply cannot have." I grinned at them. "After all, the forbidden fruit is always the most desired."