The Last Dragon King (Kings of Avalier, #1)

by Leia Stone

I once visited our capital, Jade City, when I was fifteen winters old and my jaw had unhinged the entire three-day trip.

Oh I’m in for a doozy

“Her entire family was murdered for some type of ongoing feud she had with the dragon king. Her magic was a threat to him she said. She… she said she was a full-blooded dragon-folk.”

“She escaped, but she warned me that if anyone ever detected this magic in her child, that child would be killed.”

At Regina’s words, he gave us his back and then the undergarment dropped. Bless the Maker. Seeing Drae Valdren’s bare butt cheeks sent a wave of heat through my body as my whole chest warmed.

“If I don’t make you my wife, I might have to put you in my army.” His tone was joking, but I couldn’t help the lopsided grin that graced my face.

“My lady… you can’t… wear trousers to have lunch with the king.”

I was a slow reader, never had much opportunity to read full novels, but by the time she was done with my hair I’d read six chapters of a gripping fantasy about a wolf shifter and a shadow demon who fell in love. “Who wrote this?” I asked, looking at the leather cover. The letters J.E. were embossed in gold.

“The queen of Cinder Mountain. She had a special type of magic. They called her the king killer. She could steal other dragon-folks’ magic and merge it with hers, making her all-powerful.”

“Arwen Novakson, you are the lost queen of the Eclipse Dragon clan, and your magic is so powerful that it can devour mine, killing me and all of the dragon-folk people that are connected to me. You, Arwen, are the king killer.”

“I’m no queen. I’m just a hunter who wants to take care of my family. I’ll follow you wherever you lead, Your Highness.”

stilled, his fingers in mine as I stared up at him. “You’re not allowed to kiss me?” His cheeks pinked and he looked left and right as if making sure no one was close enough to hear us. “The king has told the entire Royal Guard that none of us may have you.” That. Bastard.

He froze, his breaths coming in and out in ragged gasps. “I told Joslyn I wouldn’t love her… because I’ve fallen for another,” he said. I went very still, my heart beating so fast I thought it might jump out onto the ground and show him how nervous I was. “Who?” I asked timidly, praying I knew the answer. “You. I want you,” he pressed.

“You’ve never been my backup, Arwen. You were always my first choice, ever since I saw you walking into town with that giant cougarin draped over your shoulders. I was fascinated with the beautiful and strong female hunter.”

“I peeked into the kissing tent and saw you walking towards some other guy, your lips pursed and ready. Without thinking, I jumped in front of him and took what I wanted.”

“Marry me, Arwen. Not because I need an heir but because somehow I’ve fallen in love with you and now I’m not sure that I can live without you.”