Curse of the Undead Dragon King (Skeleton Key) Read Free Page A

the first feast in celebration of our engagement.
    “It seems fair reasoning to me.” I nod, grateful to understand why I am sitting in the small—though ornate—wooden box, rocking back and forth as we go over the unsmoothed road. All while trying to breathe wearing this unbearably tight corseted magenta dress with silver embroidered into the bodice, almost matching my dragon scales. At least there is only one underskirt giving it some volume, keeping it more comfortable than some of the ball gowns I’ve seen others wear.
    Aurelio opens his mouth to say more just as the carriage comes to a stop and the door opens. “Your Majesty, we have arrived,” the footman says.
    “Thank you.” Aurelio climbs out before turning and reaching his hand to me.
    I take it and allow him to help me. Once my feet are on the pink grass, I smooth out my dress. Aurelio runs a hand over his gold-and-lavender tunic and side-laced leather trousers.
    “My lady?” Aurelio holds out his arm. I wrap mine around his and walk beside him as we approach the fairies’ kingdom. No castle towers over us, no bustling workers rush by. All seems calm and happy as we meander through the forest past fairies singing and dancing, merry as they prepare for tonight’s feast. Every single one smiles as we go by, some stopping to say hello while others continue on.
    And then I look up and notice it. There is a castle, though it is not made of stones of any kind, but rather, the trees themselves. Wooden steps, almost as if they grew that way, lead upward toward what appears to be a throne room through the rails above.
    I lift my skirts and watch every step as we ascend. When we reach what is in fact the throne, I am speechless at the beauty surrounding me. Flowers of every color, though mostly pink and every shade of it, bloom everywhere. Small lights, as if the stars themselves are here, illuminating the paths beneath the deep foliage.
    “Welcome, Prince Aurellio and Lady Zanta. It is our greatest pleasure to welcome you here as we celebrate your engagement,” the queen—as evidenced by her crown of jewels and flowers—says, pulling me into her embrace.
    Her dress is silky and shimmering pink, with flowers cascading over her right shoulder and flowing around the skirt.
    “Thank you kindly, Your Majesty.” I curtsy.
    “Oh, dear child, no need for that. Call me Calassida. I may wear a crown, but only because it’s pretty. Though I am queen, I do not want my people or anyone else to feel that I am above them.” She giggles, a charming sound.
    “Thank you.” I smile, loving her perspective.
    “You are most welcome.” She claps her hands together. “Now, let us dance! A celebration is in order!” Calassida leads the way back down the tree steps and out in the forest, where the other fairies have created a large fire in the open meadow. Already, there is dancing around it, along with laughing and eating.
    “My lady?” King Leven stands before me, smiling. His crown of flowers and stones suits him, despite the vibrant colors. His tunic is bronze, embellished with a leaf pattern around the edges. It’s quite stunning. He clears his throat and holds out his arm.
    “I’d be honored.” I take it and let him lead me to the opening where others are gathering around rapidly. Already, music is playing, though I couldn’t begin to guess with what instruments.
    We hook elbows and spin, winding through the trees, more fairies and pixies and sprites joining in. A few times, I feel my hair being pulled, which makes me wonder which creature came here simply to be a troublemaker, but I don’t let it spoil my mood. Especially when Aurelio steals me away from Leven, hooking my arm in his and spinning me around.
    All around the fire, fairies are clapping in time with the music until it’s only Aurelio and I dancing, laughing, barely able to breathe as we continue going until finally, the music crescendos, and we end our dance on the last note of the