The Dragon Brothers Reign

By J. A. EDWARDS

Sequel to THE DRAGON INSIDE - Brieanika is the Southern Queen of Malta, she has two sides inside of her. A child like dragon, who is growing stronger and more dangerous everyday, and an adult human like side that my lead a nation. She struggles constantly to try to merge the two sides into one, has she must deal with her everyday life within the Draynor royal court.

With the discovery of the child that she had been hiding, waves were sent through the Navis System and a pending war was laid at her door step. She has to fight against her strongest critics who called for her to resign, but with the people within her inner circle and the strength they give her to continue. she does her best to prove that she will do everything in her power to see that her people will survive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496923868

J. A. EDWARDS

J. A. Edwards spent a little over four years in the Air Force where she got the opportunity to work in Germany and England. She attended college in Modesto California were she received a degree in behavioral science. Currently she lives in Wisconsin with her son. Throughout her life she could always be found with a pad of paper ready to write down things that filled her imagination. She would always be willing to discuss her stories with anyone who would listen. Her characters would take on characteristics from people who she had met. Specifically the main characters, a few of them act a certain way that would remind her of people from her past or of people who were long gone. It was a way she used to keep them close. She is determined to continue to push the boundaries of her imagination to bring to life the fantasy worlds and the people that live there for the real world to share.

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© 2014 J. A. EDWARDS. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 06/28/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-2385-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-2386-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014911851

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

DEDICATION

COVER

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

About the Author

DEDICATION

To Ashtyn, my little spitfire. Out of everyone I know, I think you would be sick of dragons most of all, but you don’t show it. You even encourage your mother’s obsession. You have a brilliant smile, energy that keeps going and you are always amazing me with the things you do. You are there to encourage me to keep going and to give me a hug when I need it. Your light has never shined so bright. As you have been here for me, remember I will be there for you when you spread your wings and try to fly. Follow your dreams, little one, it might not be the easiest path, but I will always be there cheering you on.

I have a very special thanks to a group of people who managed to fill my nights with humor, silliness and friendship that can never be replaced. I have never met you personally and all we have is the vision of a computer game avatar from second life to recognize each other, but almost every night the magic of the elven forest draws me in. Thank you Casse, Isa, Dark, Bow, Fire, Dax, Sub, Fausi, Black and everyone else who calls the forest home. I found you all when I was going through a very tough time in my life and your welcoming nature managed to keep me afloat. I learned chocolate cures everything, gummy bears stick everywhere, never ever go afk (away from keyboard) with Fausi around and when you have a bunch of fairies dancing in sync it is the coolest thing to watch ever. Never change my friends.

Once again, I couldn’t have completed the story without the help of Zo Harcourt. We have been friends for a long time, and I always enjoyed the little comments you make when you read over the manuscript. I am sure you got sick and tired of typing, ‘comma not period’, but thank you for sticking it out to the end. (Whispers – I promise to remember for next time. Hehe)

COVER

Second Life is a computer game that gives many real artists a place to express their talents in many different ways. Here are just a few who lent their talents to my cover. Padraic Sands, is the photographer with extraordinary eye for capturing the beauty around him. Thank you for bringing my cover to life. The designers of the clothes are: Bee Dumpling, from The White Armory, for the beautiful dress. Kira Lavendel, from Mystic Hope, for the outstanding uniforms. Alli&Ali hair designs for making the models look their best. Also, not part of the Second Life group, but always willing to lend his talents, Justin Boerst, of Gorilla Printing Press, for the digital work in preparing the cover for publishing.

1

Duncan stared at Brie. The infant she held in her arms she stated belonged to her. Impossible he thought to himself. She is a youngling; she is too young to carry a child to term. But there she stood holding a baby boy. How could this be? He then looked at the man standing behind her with his arms wrapped around her waist, smiling at the child over her shoulder. Slowly He moved away from the small group gathered around the infant.

Straider was the first one to notice Duncan and the angry look that fell across his face. Suddenly Duncan started to change form. Liquid started to move over his body and he grew in size. Everyone quickly scattered out of his way as he changed into his dragon form. He grew to the height of twenty three feet high but he was more than forty feet long. He had midnight black skin striped with blood red, his enormous wings added to his size and fire danced in his eyes. Brie feared for the safety of her child. Trace, her protector, her lover and the father of the child stood between Brie and Duncan. He was not going to let anything happen to his family.

You die! Before Trace could change into his dragon form to protect himself, Duncan attacked.

Trace shot up in bed, gasping for breath, he was drenched in sweat. He looked around the darkened room and found only a sleeping woman beside him. He reached up and touched his left shoulder. He ran his finger across a seven inch scar Duncan gave him two weeks ago in the throne room when he found out Brie was a mother. He slowly lie back down as he wrapped his arm around the sleeping woman. She snuggled close, but did not awaken. He tried his best to fall back asleep, but found that it was going to difficult, so he just closed his eyes and waited for her to finish her slumber.

It took his father, Trent, and his friend Straider to get Duncan off of him. Duncan knew Trace was the one who got Brie pregnant and since Duncan was her mother’s mate, he took it upon himself to pass judgment and sentence on Trace’s fate. For an adult Draynor to have a relationship with a youngling it is against the law, unless the youngling is only half Draynor, then the couple is watched very closely to make sure the line between Draynor and dragon is not crossed. A relationship that produced a child crossed that line.

After Trent managed to calm down Duncan, the decision was made not to disclose the truth about who the real parents are for the child. At this moment in time, the discovery of a royal heir, not only to the Draynor throne, but to the Marithian throne, would be devastating to the already unstable political situation on Marithia. Since the child is full Draynor, he will age so slow, it would take at least two thousand years before he reached adulthood, dragon or Draynor, there was no need to announce his existence to anyone. Brie was still trying to settle in her role as Southern Queen of Malta and heir to the Draynor Throne, the child would only complicate the matter.

Duncan agreed to keep things quiet, but he did not like the idea that Trace was going to go unpunished for getting her pregnant in the first place. Brie, swore to him, that when she does announce the child is hers, Trace would be investigated as per their laws. Then she smiled and promised him that no line was crossed and that Trace would be found not guilty. Duncan hoped so for everyone’s sake.

Only a handful of people were to know who the child belonged to. He was not going to be placed in hiding. He was going to grow up in the palace. He would be assigned a governess and a sentinel. Both of them will be members of the Wing Corps, Trace was to personally choose them, without Captain Garrik’s knowledge and quietly assign them to their duties. The usual markings of position within the Royal Guards would not be displayed. If anyone wondered about the parents of the child, they were to dismiss the question and only give hints that lead to the Countess Myra. Everyone agreed, then turned their attentions back to the child and took turns holding him.

***

Brie was enjoying her sleep. It had been a long time since she was able to sleep through the night without being woken up by the nightmares as she relived over and over in her dreams, the destruction and death she caused on one of the planet Naronna’s moons,C-4, while she was in her Dragon form. She always woke up screaming. She felt someone holding onto her around her waist and her legs were entwined with another. She snuggled closer to the one lying behind her. He started to stroke her hair. A smile crossed her lips.

Good Morning, Trace whispered in her ear. He was happy that she had sleep through the night for the first time since she was rescued. He didn’t mention his nightmare that disrupted his sleep. He decided to tell her about the morning training session instead. I have a surprise for you. She rolled over and stared into his deep blue eyes. Daxen is going to join us in your training today. She pulled away from him. Now, now, don’t be like that. He needs to complete the training he has been doing with you so we can work on releasing your restraint. She didn’t say anything. What’s wrong?

I am afraid of what might happen. He hides his thoughts from me deliberately. I have heard the stories about what he does when he hunts down rogues. But I am sure people are exaggerating the extent of his brutality. I am just concern that I will attack him. She tried to voice her fear.

I hate to tell you, but the stories you hear are more underestimated of what he does on a hunt and you probably will attack him. But if we can get you to accept him, then we will be one huge step closer to completing your training. If you can accept him then you will accept anyone. Plus, he will be finished with your telepathy training as well. She still refused to say anything. She didn’t share his enthusiasm on how well the training session was going to go. Daxen and Mikan are waiting in the front room.

Oh, great, I will have to deal with both of them in the same session? She started whine. Why are you torturing me?

Mikan has not been a problem for you since the incident on C-4 and you know it. So stop complaining and get dressed. Everything is going to be fine. He kissed her on the cheek and left the room.

Twenty minutes after Trace left the bed chamber Brie opened the door and walked into the front room. She found Trace, her lover and faithful sentinel, Straider, her ex-sentinel and friend, plus her two cousins, Mikan and Daxen, all in the sitting area laughing and telling jokes. Though they were all smiles, they noticed the concern look on her face.

Daxen was the first one to comment. Is that sad face for me? You are not going to hurt me, Lotta Lu.

How can you be so sure? She didn’t believe him.

Because, I am like you, I know what your little dragon is doing and I know how to stop her. He got up from his chair and walked over to her. One session and everything will change dramatically. He reached down and placed his hand on her arm and pulled up her wrist to show her the restraint. You will be taking this off very soon after I get done with you. She gave him a half smile. He gave her a big hug. Besides, I am the strongest dragon. No little youngling is going to hurt me. Now let’s get this over with.

The training area was locked down tight, all precautions were taken. Security let no one in the observation deck to watch the training. Though no one was saying it out loud, everyone had their concerns on how Brie was going to react. She had a difficult time with Mikan being present in her training sessions because of his job of being a Slayer. She hated the fact that he killed dragons. The problem with Daxen as a slayer was his methods of killing were far worse than his brother’s. No one could even guess how Brie’s dragon was going to react to his presence in the training area.

Trace and Straider stood by Brie, while Mikan and Daxen stood on the other side of arena. Everyone changed to their dragon form, except Brie. She had a feeling that this was not going to end well. She stared at the four dragons. All of them stood over twenty four feet high. Mikan was all white stood next to Daxen who was a very light grey in color. Both had wild manes that crept down their backs and crazed looks on their faces, a shiver passed through her body as she looked at each one of them. Straider on her right was a dark grey long serpentine dragon. He wrapped his tail around her, to let her know she was safe with him. On her left stood Trace, midnight black in color with a dark blue color on his chest. She didn’t have to look at him. She could feel the sense of security with him. He was her protector, her sentinel.

Brie took a deep breath and signaled to Kyle, her other sentinel, who was waiting patiently in the observation control room. He didn’t hesitate in pressing the button to release the restraint on her wrist. Everyone watched it fall to the ground. It had been too long since her last training session so she started to change immediately. Suddenly she started to receive images streaming from Daxen’s mind. These were the thoughts that he was hiding from her. She stared at him in horror before she fully changed to her dragon form. What have you done? She asked moments before all went black.

***

Brie woke up in the medical center. Her vision was blurry. She tried to move but she couldn’t. As her vision became clearer she noticed Kyle sitting across the room reading a book. His left arm was in a sling and his right eye was swollen shut, it was black and blue in color. He glanced at her over the top of the book, but said nothing to her.

She is awake, he said into a communicator. Moments later Trace walked into the room. Kyle placed his book down on the table next to his chair and then left the room without a saying a word.

Brie noticed that Trace had a bandage on his arm and he had two bruises on his face. He didn’t look happy. He grabbed a chair and placed it next to the bed, then sat down. Again she tried to move in the bed, but this time she noticed that her hands were restrained to the bed.

What happened? She cautiously asked. He said nothing. Please answer me. She started to pull on the restraints.

He placed his hand on hers to stop her from struggling against the restraints. What do you remember? He spoke quietly and calmly.

She sighed, she didn’t want to play this game, and she wanted answers now. Everyone changed form. Kyle released my restraint and then I started to change. She stopped.

Anything else?

She thought as hard as she could. I saw Daxen’s thoughts. Trace closed his eyes. He had always hid his thoughts from me, but he couldn’t hide them when my dragon side took over. I can’t describe what I saw, it was horrifying. I don’t remember anything after that. Trace looked toward the floor. What did I do? She pleaded for an answer.

He finally managed to look at her. You attacked Daxen. You punctured three vital points.

Did I… kill him? She was afraid to ask.

If he was anyone else, you would have. For now he is still clinging to life. She started to hyperventilate. She struggled again against the restraints and tried to move her legs. She let out a scream when she felt the pain in her legs. Settle down Brie, your hip is broken in three places. Mikan was the one who pulled you off of Daxen, he didn’t hold anything back.

Did I hurt you and Kyle as well? She asked.

He half smiled. No, our wounds were from Mikan. We had a hard time pulling him off of you. I think Straider was the only one who didn’t get hurt. He tended to Daxen’s wounds.

Why am I in restraints? She finally asked.

Trace was quiet again. This attack was bad Brie. Daxen is the strongest of all dragons and we don’t know if he is going to survive. You have been placed in custody of the slayers until we can figure out what to do with your dragon. Tears started to stream down his cheeks, he was having a hard time trying to speak. He took a deep breath to stop his emotions from showing. Get some rest, we will talk later. He kissed her on the forehead then left the room. Kyle walked back in and sat down in his chair. He picked up his book and started to read again. Brie said nothing to him and fell asleep.

Trace walked over to the other side of the medical center. He wanted to check on Daxen’s recovery. When he entered the hallway he found several slayers waiting around for word on their Lieutenant’s condition. They were talking until they saw Trace then not another word was said. Trace ignored them and walked into Daxen’s room. Mikan was sitting by the bed.

She is awake, Trace said. Mikan said nothing. The only thing she remembers is seeing his thoughts. She remembers seeing what he does with the rogues he hunts. She remembers nothing else after she changed. Mikan still said nothing. I thought you should know before you make your decision on her. Mikan nodded. He refused to even look at Trace. Trace just shook his head and walked out of the room.

Four hours after Trace left Daxen’s room, Daxen opened his eyes for the first time. He didn’t say anything, but it was enough for everyone to know he was going to survive. Mikan was relieved, but he had to deal with Brie, she could no longer go unpunished for her behavior. After all the years of training, her dragon showed no signs of being tamed. He was sitting in Daxen’s room trying to decide what to do with her. His thoughts were interrupted by a quiet voice.

Place her on notice, Daxen whispered.

What? Mikan wasn’t sure he heard his brother right.

Place her on notice. Her dragon is too dangerous. We need to put her on notice and scare her into submission. Daxen coughed as he strained to speak.

What if she doesn’t fall for our bluff? Putting her on notice means we are willing to kill her. Mikan didn’t like the idea.

I have always blocked my thoughts from Brie, she didn’t need to see what I do with rogues, and I forgot to adjust my block as she started to change. I knew the risk, so this whole thing was partially my fault. But I know I can tame that dragon, I know what needs to be done. He slowly sat up in bed. I have thought about this all night and I have a plan. Mikan moved closer to listen.

***

Brie slowly finished her morning meal. The slayer, who was guarding her, restrained her hand again. She didn’t care; she hurt so much and didn’t want to move anyway. She wanted to ask if she could go to the training area to change form so she could heal, but she was too frightened to ask. Trace walked into the room, he was smiling. He whispered into Kyle’s ear. In turn Kyle smiled big and gave a sigh of relief. With a nod of his head to Brie, Kyle walked out of the room. Trace walked over and sat on the chair next to the bed.

Daxen woke up. He is going to be fine. Brie smiled. Now all we need to do is wait to find out what is the determination about your dragon.

What do you mean? What can they do? Brie was so confused by the whole situation.

I have said it before; you are very dangerous in your other form. You have gone unpunished for far too long which has made things worse. As your trainer, I take responsibility for that. She needs to be controlled. What the slayers can do would depend on how much of a danger they declare you. They can either do nothing, then hope we can work things out in training. Or on the extreme side where they could have you terminated.

Terminated?! She instantly became frightened.

If it is determined that you are never going to get control of the dragon side, they can terminate you before you go rogue and hurt people. Trace knew he was scaring her, but he didn’t want to hide anything from her. But don’t worry about that, Mikan will be the one making the decision. You are our princess, his cousin…. Suddenly the door to the room opened and in walked Mikan with two other slayers.

Trace stood up. What is going on here?

Step back Captain. Mikan had a very professional tone in his voice. Trace slowly backed away from the bed and the other slayers moved next to him, standing on either side.

Mikan…. Brie tried to speak, but he raised his hand to stop her.

I have watched you train for more than four years. Sometimes good and sometimes bad, I have been on the wrong end of more than one of your bad times. Each time you have caused more damage and have managed to injure your target. You have become too dangerous even to your friends and family to be around and there is no signs of you ever being able to take control of your dragon side. Mikan reached in to the bag he always carried with him and pulled out a blue color restraint. Princess Brieanika, as Captain of the Slayers, I hereby place you on notice.

No! Trace yelled. The two slayers by him had to forcibly restrain him. Don’t do this!

Mikan ignored his plea and placed the restraint around her right wrist. When you are ready to enter the ring to heal your wounds, the restraints holding you to the bed may be removed. You will be escorted by two slayers to the training area.

I don’t understand what is happening. She knew things were bad just by Trace’s reaction but she was not sure how bad.

You will have only one more chance to show that your dragon can be controlled or you will be terminated, Mikan answered without showing any emotions.

No, Mikan, please! She begged him to show mercy.

The blue restraint I put on you will awaken your dragon side. You will be able to interact with each other, she will be able to see what you see, feel what you feel. She will not be able to move your body; the Draynor side will have total control. You will have to convince her to comply with her training rules the next time you enter the ring with Daxen.

Daxen?

He knows how to help you. If you let him everything will be fine, but it you attack him again it’s over. Mikan turned and walked to the door.

Mikan! She is your cousin, don’t do this. Trace continued to struggle against the slayers who held him.

You should make your own peace, Sentinel, your life is tied to hers. Mikan pressed a button on his wristband that controlled the restraints on Brie. He activated the blue band then left the room. The other slayers released Trace and followed Mikan. Trace quickly moved to Brie’s side and held onto her as she started to sob uncontrollably.

***

Trace continued to hold her. He didn’t want to let her go. He didn’t know what to do or how this could happen. Why didn’t the council or his father stop this? Did they even know? He had to find out but he couldn’t leave her right now. She started to pull away from him, something was happening. She pulled against her hands that were still tied down and she started to shake her head.

Help me, Trace! Damn it! What did he do to me? She was tightly squeezing her eyes shut.

Brie, open your eyes. He was frightened by her reaction. He had heard about people being placed on notice, but never knew what actually took place.

She slowly opened her eyes, but instantly closed them tight again. Too bright, it hurts.

Trace got up and closed the window curtains and turn down the light in the room. He then walked back over to the bed and sat back down. He placed his hand on her chin and turned her face towards him. Open your eyes.

She slowly opened them. Trace got his first glimpse of what he saw and backed away from her. At the same moment Kyle walked back into the room and also saw her eyes, but he was not expecting to see what he did.

Oh, shit! Mikan did it, was all he said. Trace turned to him. Mikan woke the dragon.

Trace looked back at Brie, she had a strange look on her face, and it was distant as if she was not even there. Brie? She didn’t answer him. Can you hear me? Still she said nothing. He turned back to Kyle. This needs to stop. Stay with her, please. I am going to have a word with my father. Kyle nodded and sat down in the chair on the other side of the room. Trace ran out of the room.

Trace raced over to the communication room in the palace. Once there he kicked everyone out the room so he could talk with his father in private. It took ten minutes for Trent to answer, but it felt more like an hour. Trent didn’t look happy when Trace saw him.

Father, I need your help. Mikan….

Has placed Brie on notice, Trent finished his sentence. We know. The council and I have been discussing it all morning.

You have to stop this, Trace demanded.

I can’t! Trent yelled. You know how dangerous she is. If she would have attacked anyone else I probably could have done something. But she almost killed the strongest of us all and she is only a youngling. Everyone is afraid that she will kill the next one she attacks. They even found out that she has already attacked you, her trainer.

I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to help her. Trent saw his son’s agony.

You have to find a way to help her. I had no choice but to bow to the slayers in this case. I signed the order for her and you, Trace stopped. You are her Sentinel, if you can’t help her through this, especially since you are her trainer as well, the council determined that you would have failed in your duties. Trent looked away but only for a moment. Don’t make me execute that order. Please son, talk with Daxen, he will let you know what to do.

Daxen?

The slayers wanted her terminated. If he would have died, they would have killed her. He is the one who asked her to be placed on notice, he knows he can help her and he needs to go back in the ring with her to do it. He needs time to heal, putting her on notice will give him the time he needs. Trent tried to explain.

Trace was emotionally drained. Fine, I will talk with him.

Good, let me know what happens. Trent disconnected the communication.

Trace walked out the palace and headed back over to the medical center. He went straight to Daxen’s room. Again he found the hallway filled with slayers. They continued their vigil for their commanding officer and friend. One of the slayers stood in Trace’s way so he couldn’t enter the room.

Trace pulled out his weapon and placed the barrel on the slayer’s forehead. I am not in the mood for games! He yelled. The slayer raised his hands to surrender and then moved away from the door. Trace placed the weapon back into its holster and walked into the room. Mikan stood up just as the door shut.

Trace…. Before Mikan could say another word Trace slugged him in the mouth and knocked him to the floor.

Feel better? Daxen asked. Trace just stared at him. Mikan, could you leave us alone?

Mikan slowly stood up. He adjusted his jaw to make sure it wasn’t broken. Are you sure? Daxen nodded. I will be right outside. He said as he stared at Trace, then he walked out.

I was expecting you, Daxen said as he moved to sit up in bed.

Call this off. You know she is trying. You knew she attacks people based on their thoughts. You have always blocked your thoughts from her, why didn’t you do it then? Trace tried to convince him that this was not entirely all her fault and it could have been prevented.

I was blocking them, but her dragon digs deeper in one’s thoughts than I anticipated. I was caught off guard. Daxen let out a sigh. "I