Bonus Short – Hector and Emilia

I’m so happy you’re here!

Thank you so much for reading DRAGON FORGED. As a token of my appreciation for loving the Dragon Kings as much as I do, here is an EXCLUSIVE bonus short!

“You’re quiet,” Hector said as they walked hand-in-hand through the field.

Emilia smiled as she glanced at him. “It’s a lot to take in. For years, all I knew was the island and those on it. I’ve since explored an underground city, walked in the rubble of what was left of a mountain-side city, and watched and heard hundreds of dragons.”

“Doona forget meeting a Banshee.”

Her eyes widened as she half turned to him for two steps. “Not just Tamlyn, but there’s Jeyra, Sien. Jenefer! Silver sands she was so tall,” Emilia murmured in wonder. Her excitement continued as she said, “There are elves. I had to keep myself from touching Esha’s pointed ears.”

Hector threw back his head and laughed. “I’m pretty sure she would’ve let you.”

“Of course, I can’t forget Nia. I don’t think I tasted a single tea combination she gave me that I didn’t like. I also couldn’t get enough of watching Katla and Henry with their Druid magic. I still don’t understand what makes them different from everyone else, but it has been educating. I always knew there was a big world out there, but now I’ve gotten a taste of it, and it’s much grander than I ever expected.”

He stopped them and turned to face her. “Did I overwhelm you?”

“In the best possible way,” she replied before bringing his head down for a kiss.

Hector wrapped his arms around her waist and gazed into her cobalt eyes. “Good. I got a bit concerned there at the end.”

“I can handle it.”

“Believe me, I know. That doensa mean I willna still worry.”

She looked around them. “Where exactly are we again?”

“Do you recall tossing me from Highvale the first time we met?”

Her nose wrinkled as she grimaced. “I do.”

“I came out around here. This is Argares. It’s a peninsula that extends far into the sea that is the closest body of land to Highvale. It’s also where I met Jushur. He’s a tomte.”

“A what?” she asked, her brow wrinkling in confusion.

“They’re magical beings who are drawn to crops to tend them. They are invisible to those without magic.”

Her eyes lit up. “Is he around? I’d love to meet him.”

“That’s why we’re here. I promised to return to taste his tea.”

“Will he mind if I’m with you?”

Hector shook his head. “Ask him yourself.”

They turned as Jushur made his way over. His white hair was still wild beneath his cap. He had his thumbs hooked in suspends as he halted before them and leaned his head back to look up at Hector with gray eyes sparkling with delight. “You came back.”

“I told you I would. I also brought Emilia,” Hector said as he turned to introduce her.

Jushur whipped off his hand and tucked it as he bowed low before straightening and flashing a wide smile. “Are you the one who tossed him out of Highvale?”

Emilia laughed as she nodded. “I am.”

“Not many would’ve been brave enough to do that to a Dragon King,” Jushur said.

She turned those stunning blue eyes to Hector. “The heart of a Dragon King’s mate needs to be as wild and strong as his.”

“You’re certainly that,” Hector said as he dragged her against his side.

His head was lowering for a kiss when Emilia was dragged away from him by Jushur.

“There will be enough of that later. I have tea waiting,” Jushur said. “Though, do you think I can get more of that espresso?”

Hector fell in step with them. “I think I can handle that.”

“Good, good.” Jushur nodded and altered their course toward a tree. “I want to hear every detail about how you two got together.”

“Every detail?” Emilia asked worriedly.

Hector discreetly shook his head. “No’ every detail.”

When they reached the tree and Jushur ducked into the trunk, Emilia hesitated only a heartbeat before following. Hector glanced around to find two other tomtes watching them. He lifted a hand in a wave before bending at the waist and stepping into their friend’s home for tea, conversation, and laughter.

This might not be dragon land, but this is exactly where Hector was supposed to be.

If you’ve enjoyed DRAGON FORGED, be sure to find out what’s happening on Zora with more of the Dragon King series and the Elven Kingdoms series!