Heart of a Kingdom Page 20

  She looked up at Hoss who had come galloping her way. He was smiling at her as she leaned against him for support, releasing her heirs to celebrate with the rest of the group. They’d done it. She’d done it. She’d defeated the dragon and saved the Kingdom. While Jasper hadn’t killed Dale, in a weird way, by saving the Kingdom, they’d won a victory for the man they both loved.

  Fintan finally made it to her and looked her over closely. She still had that rose glow around her, although he could tell she was exhausted. “You know, I’ve never performed as a duo before. If you ever get tired of queening, I could probably tolerate you for a few performances before firing you.”

  She smiled at him. “Fuck off, Finn.” After a brief pause, she said, “And thanks. I love you too.”

  He smiled at her. “We’ll have to continue this conversation another time.”

  Kendra finally caught up with Kurtis. She grabbed her son and held him tight. She was openly crying and kissing him to the point where he let out a, “Mom, seriously, all the guys can see.”

  “I don’t care!” she told him. “I’m so proud of you!”

  Cristina and Harley, who had overheard this exchange, looked at each other laughing and joined Kendra in the kissing until he was so red in the face he had to run away.

  “I need a shower,” interrupted Libby. “This stuff is disgusting. Oh, and Awen will you please take care of Jasper’s tail? We need to stop the bleeding.”

  Scarlett laughed at her and agreed, “Yes, you smell awful. I wasn’t going to say anything, but this dragon’s blood is horrid. Let’s get you cleaned up.”

  Chapter

  Taking Flight

  After getting cleaned up, Libby sat alone in her tent meditating. She wanted to talk to the Spirit Council one last time. Now that the crisis was over, she knew communication would have to change and would require more effort on her part.

  She opened her eyes and found herself in her grandma’s kitchen. It looked just like she remembered from her childhood visits. The Council was seated around the old chrome-edged dining table. She smiled at them as they stood up to greet her.

  “You did well, child,” Teruyo said while giving her a big hug.

  “Thank you, Grandma. Thank you, all of you, for your help. I know you will be leaving me soon.”

  “Actually,” Maggie interrupted, “the Council will officially dissolve, but we are always here for you. You now know how to contact us. You should have faith in your abilities and never be afraid to seek us out.”

  “Thanks for teaching me.”

  “Teaching you? Girl, you do things I never imagined possible. You’ll be the one teaching in the future. I’m so proud of you.” She grabbed Libby’s face in her hands and planted a big kiss on her forehead.

  She looked at her dad, who just wrapped his arms around her. “Aisling Elisabeth, I’m so proud of you. I knew you could do it. Know you’re not alone. I will always be here for you if you need me. Trust yourself. Trust the decisions you make. You were born to be Queen.”

  “Thanks, Daddy. I miss you so much.”

  Libby felt a tug on her hand and looked down to see Michael holding it, swinging his arm as he spoke. “I’m proud of you, Mom. You found your love for yourself, and because of that you were able to share it. Always remember that forgiveness and love go hand in hand.”

  She knelt down and took the little boy in her arms. “I love you so much. I wish we’d had a lifetime together but am grateful for what we have now.”

  Michael laughed and reached out to put his hand on her cheek before shimmering away.

  When Libby stood back up Michie was the only one left.

  “Mago-chan. You’ve done a lot more than save the kingdom. You have given me hope.”

  “Hope?” Libby was confused.

  “Yes. It’s time you know the rest of our story. Are you ready?”

  “Of course, Grandmother.”

  Michie reached out and gently touched the center of Libby’s forehead.

  Libby was instantly transported back to Michie’s memories. She could see the sun glinting off the river below. She could make out the arches under the stone bridge. She felt the breeze in Michie’s hair as she stood on the white castle walls. She heard the oni’s final curse, as Michie’s knights executed him next to the bridge below. Michie– struggling to survive and keep the force field intact–watched from her hillside castle in silence. “You will never be together, Michie. Not in this life or the next. You won’t be reunited with your King until a queen can tame the black dragon.” Libby felt Michie’s anger and her pain as she watched the oni die, pennants flapping in the wind, white dragon emblazoned on a black field.

  “Wait, is that true? Do you mean to tell me that all this time you and Ryunosuke have been apart?”

  “Yes, Mago-chan. Do you remember when I told you that I didn’t know why you experienced my dream memories as your own? That somehow we were linked?”

  “Of course.”

  “Well, I think this is it. I believe you are the one who will break the curse.”

  “How do I do that?”

  “You must tame the dragon.”

  “What? How? What do I need to do? I’ll do anything.”

  “I’m afraid I don’t know. But, based upon how you use your magic intuitively, how you have defeated Jasper in battle, how you’ve saved the Kingdom, I have faith you will figure it out. I am proud of you, my young queen. In many ways you remind me of me, only so much more. No matter what, I will know you have done your best and will love you for eternity. Thank you for giving me hope again. Thank you for honoring our family with your courage. Thank you for trusting me.”

  Tears were running down Libby’s face. “I will do this for you, Grandmother. I will figure it out so that you and Grandfather can be reunited in the spirit realm. I promise.”

  Michie smiled, gave a deep bow, and faded out with the rest of the Spirit Council.

  Jasper woke up and immediately knew something was wrong. He wasn’t in pain, but he couldn’t feel the end of his tail. The memory of Libby’s sword making contact came flooding back and he started wailing. When he realized he’d not only lost but had to live with that loss, he shrank even further. He was now about the same size as a Labrador retriever nestled in a cage in Libby’s tent.

  “Why didn’t you just kill me?” he demanded. “I’d rather die than live with this humiliation.”

  “I didn’t kill you because those weren’t the terms of our duel,” Libby replied. “The terms were lifelong imprisonment.”

  “No!” he cried, mortified at how high-pitched his voice was now that he was so small.

  “Jasper,” Libby continued, “I have no intention of harming you or humiliating you. This can be as easy or as difficult as you make it.”

  He snorted, turning his back to her. He’d continued to shrink and was now the size of a large lizard. His bite and scratches would be painful but wouldn’t be life-threatening unless he managed to sever an artery.

  Libby sighed and stood up to leave. “Jasper, you have my word. No one will harm you. My team knows you’re under my protection and will leave you be. You’ve been through a lot so perhaps you should rest.”

  He turned back to face her again. “Under your protection? How dare you! I will kill you.”

  “So be it,” Libby said as she walked out, letting the tent flap drop behind her. She paused at the entry and looked at Fynnigan. “Fynn, he isn’t to be harmed. See to it that he is kept safe.”

  Fynnigan shook his head. “I don’t like it, Libby. He will kill you the first chance he gets. We need to take care of him now. Keeping him alive is a mistake.”

  “I don’t need you to like it Fynn, just do it. I’ll take care of Jasper. Don’t worry about me.” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek as she walked away from camp.

  Libby thought while she walked. What do I do now? She realized that she liked life on the road and wasn’t sure she wanted to return to palace life, which was
still heavy with memories of Dale. She decided she wanted to take some time off and go exploring while she figured out how to tame the dragon.

  “What the hell am I going to do about Jasper? How will I tame the dragon who wants to kill me? If I’m going out in the Normal world, I can’t just take a dragon with me. What to do? Michie said to trust my intuition. Maggie says my magic is unique and has no guidance for me other than to trust myself. Okay. So, I always need to keep Jasper with me, but invisible.”

  She laughed when she thought about how small he was, and how easy it would be for him to just ride on her shoulder like a parrot on a pirate. Wouldn’t that be hilarious, she thought to herself. Although he’s small enough now he could wrap himself around my arm like one of those Egyptian snake bracelets. She stood up straight as she had a vision of a dragon tattoo around her wrist. “That’s it. He’ll always be with me, but hidden so I can protect him. Trust myself, huh? Hope this works.”

  While everyone was celebrating Jasper’s defeat, Libby snuck out of camp. Announcements had already been made that Libby was safe and uninjured, so the entire kingdom was breathing a sigh of relief. They’d make their way back to the Caisleáin Óir tomorrow, and then back to the palace.

  She’d made her way to the shore and sat on the stone wall watching the waves come and go from shore in an endless dance. The heels of her boots bounced off the rocks as she kept time to the music softly emanating from her headphones. It was one of the songs Rohan had picked out for her playlist. He’d never know how much he’d taught her. He’d never know that he’d helped her save the world. She smiled as she thought about him and listened as John Spillane crooned out “All the Ways You Wander.” Tonight, it spoke to her. She felt like a wanderer in her own life, like she didn’t belong, and Libby felt the need to roam free from royal responsibilities.

  She did her best thinking on the water’s edge. Any water, really, but the sound of water lapping or crashing was her favorite, and John knew that’s where he’d find her.

  “What’s up, Libby?” he asked as he eased his long frame down beside her.

  She looked up at him. Even seated he towered over her. He was one of the few who’d dare to interrupt her solitude.

  “Just thinking,” she replied.

  He let her sit in silence.

  “Do you think I can do it?” she finally asked.

  “Do what?” he responded, although he knew what she was asking.

  “Do you think I can start over? Find happiness without Dale?”

  “Libby, I don’t just think you can, I know you can. You’re an incredible girl. And you truly deserve good times. I’m rooting for you, Libs.”

  “I’m scared. I don’t know who I am anymore.”

  “I know you don’t. But I know who you are. You’re Libby McGregor, the badass Queen who defeated a dragon. I know you because we’re friends! Kindred spirits. As a bona fide descendant of Captain Morgan, I’m very capable of steering through choppy waters. Just like you, Libby. You’re not a passenger on this crazy ride anymore. You’re the fucking pilot.”

  She looked up at him and gave him a small grateful smile. He was right. She wasn’t going home, at least not to stay. If she was going to be both King and Queen of the Kingdom, she needed to figure out who she was supposed to be as a person. She had no idea what that looked like, but a little adventure was always good for the soul, so it seemed like the right place to start. Then there was also her task to tame the dragon.

  “You’re jealous,”’ she retorted.

  “Fuck yes, I’m jealous. You know I can’t stand it when people have more fun than I do. And despite my extreme FOMO, I’d offer to go with you but I know you well enough to know you need to do this on your own.”

  “You’re right, I need to do this on my own. However, I expect you to meet up with me sometimes for updates and shenanigans.”

  “I’d be hurt if you didn’t invite me.” He put a long arm around her shoulders. They sat there until the sun set and then began a slow walk back to camp. She’d let them celebrate tonight. She wouldn’t tell them she was leaving until they got back to the palace. They all deserved this victory, a chance to celebrate instead of grieve. For her, it was bittersweet. She was thrilled at her victory, and so sad and lonely over Dale at the same time. He’d have carried her around on his shoulders, bragging to anyone who would listen what a badass his Queen was. The pain of missing him was a dull constant ache, like the scar tissue on her heart.

  After walking back to camp, Libby returned to her tent, sending everyone away to enjoy the party. She said she was tired and didn’t want to be disturbed. Since there was no threat, she didn’t get any push back. She’d just defeated a dragon; who wouldn’t be tired?

  She sat down on her bed and stared at Jasper. “How do we make this work?” she asked him.

  He just stared at her with hatred in his eyes, refusing to speak. He coiled up even tighter. If it weren’t for his wings, he’d look like a small snake. He was snake-like enough that the idea of touching him made her skin crawl. Her revulsion was mildly funny, considering she’d just faced off against him as a house-sized dragon.

  “Well, okay then. Here goes nothing.” She wove a tranquilizer spell and opened his cage. She grabbed him by the neck before he could bite her. He fought her until the tranquilizer took effect. “Jasper, you and I are going to be spending a lot of time together.” She wrapped him around her left wrist, winding what was left of his tail up and around her arm. She could feel the softness of his scaly skin, and the ripples of his muscles even though he was asleep. She had to fight the urge to fling him off. She kept a firm grip on his neck, just in case he was tricking her. She closed her eyes and opened her heart chakra, releasing the same pink glow as she had in the clearing. This time she wasn’t singing. She focused her intention on Jasper and willed their joining into reality. She had no idea what would happen but was trusting her intuition and heart magic.

  She wasn’t sure how long she’d been there but woke to Awen and Geoffrey yelling for her to wake up. She opened her eyes and knew immediately that it had worked. She could feel Jasper slithering on her wrist and could hear him in her head. It was a bit distracting. “I will kill you! What have you done?!” he screamed at her.

  “Be silent,” she commanded, muting him.

  “What did you do?” demanded Awen. “Tell me exactly what you did. I felt the magic like a beacon and everyone could see the glow coming from your tent.”

  “I did what needed to be done.”

  “Where is Jasper?” Geoffrey had noticed the empty cage and had his sword in hand, ready to take action.

  Libby lifted her left arm. They could see the glittering black dragon tattooed around her arm, bright blue eyes scowling at them. If they looked long enough they could swear the tattoo moved.

  “Oh, for fuck’s sake!” Awen screamed. “Libby, what did you do?”

  “Jasper is safe. I am safe. You are to tell no one about this. That’s the only way this will work. We will tell the world that Jasper attacked me and was killed in self-defense. His body was burned by a spell and there is nothing left to prove he existed.” Jasper stopped moving as he digested this bit of information. That was actually a good strategy to keep opportunistic trophy hunters off his back until he could figure out how to separate from Libby and kill her–and he would figure out a way.

  Awen and Geoffrey looked at each other. Both knew she was right about the need for secrecy. The world was better off thinking Jasper was dead. But with no information about how this worked, they were concerned for her safety.

  Awen nodded at Geoffrey and sent him out to have everyone stand down. “What did you do, Libby?” she asked, much calmer now. “I need to know.”

  “I have no idea. I just willed it to happen and poured my energy into that intention. And here we are.”

  He was furious and kept tightening around her arm until she had to order him to back off.

  “I was wrong about you,” Jasper sna
rled at her. “You’re not brilliant. You’re insane.”

  “Perhaps. But now we’re in this together.

  “Until I figure out how to undo this and kill you.

  “And you’ll remain silent unless I speak to you first.”

  “You can’t tell me what to do, girlie! How dare you! As if I wanted to speak to you.”

  He was growling and cursing, but she’d already hit the mute button so it was wasted effort.

  Ever since you were a little girl

  Your daddy told you, you could run the world

  And I knew it when we met that day

  When you were sitting in the corner sipping Earl Gray

  You had the sweetest dreams in your eyes

  But burn with the fire chasing sunset skies

  As much as I want to hold you I couldn’t hold you back.

  There’s no stopping you

  ‘Cause your mind’s set to

  Where your heart says go

  Go on go girl go

  I hope you find me in a stranger’s smile

  Hope you hear me in the lonely miles

  You gotta do what you were born to do

  ‘Cause there’s no stopping you.

  ~Brett Eldredge, “No Stopping You”

  After a triumphant return home, Libby called a council meeting. Corrine and Ava were there as Co-Regents. So were Dyanna and Kurtis, who were now included in all official meetings. Krystal had already returned home to her family. Satisfied that there was nothing more she could teach Libby, Maggie had finally released Krystal from her teaching assignment. Libby was now operating on intuition and working magic they didn’t know anything about. Awen and Sophia were more than capable to document it for posterity, but Libby was no longer a student.