The Nymph King

The pictures went on to show the creatures adapting to their new land. Yet the very next image showed an army stomping through one of the portals and slaying everything in its path.

Humans? They carried swords and guns, an odd combination of past and present. Perhaps two different armies had marched through the land. Several of the monstrous races rose up in retaliation and destroyed the enemy army.

'Scary,' Brenna said.

'Yes.' What a violent place Atlantis was. Did she really want to stay, even for a little while? Valerian's face swam into her mind, reminding her exactly how he'd looked poised over her, about to enter her. His hair had fallen in disarray over his strong shoulders. His eyes had gleamed with desire.

Yes, she thought, she wanted to stay. Despite the violence, despite the circumstances, she wanted to stay with Valerian.

For a little while, she reminded herself. Only for a little while. Besides, she kind of liked the Outer City.

The corner of her eye snagged on a particular grouping of rocks on the far wall. 'What's that?' she asked, pointing.

Brenna's brow crinkled, and she moved forward.

Shaye kept pace beside her. The closer they came to it, the chillier the air became. A tremor racked her spine. Once they reached it, she realized it was an opening, a doorway. She looked to Brenna. 'Should we?'

'Not sure.'

Heart racing, Shaye stepped forward and found herself standing on the precipice of another prison. She heard the shuffle of feet and her ears perked. Who did Valerian have inside?

The first day she'd entered this cave, she recalled how he'd discussed 'prisoners' with one of his men. Curiosity propelled her farther, and she slowly inched around the corner. Her eyes widened. Several hulking warriors paced inside a cell. They didn't look like nymphs, for they lacked that air of raw sexuality. These warriors were dark and strong, obviously young, and all had golden, glowing eyes.

One of them spotted her, and she jerked backward with a gasp.

'You,' the man said. 'Let us out of here. Please.'

CHAPTER 22

VALERIAN PACED THE PARAPET. The rhythmic pounding of army footsteps reverberated in his ears. He could see the dragon army at last, hundreds of them, cresting the violet horizon. That they'd chosen to walk to the palace instead of flying in dragon form meant they were not overcome by rage—yet—and did not mean to attack— yet.

Waiting for their arrival was maddening. He was a man of action. More than that, he was a man eager to finish the fight and return to his woman.

He stumbled forward, one boot snagging on a branch. He caught himself with his hands, bracing them on the wall. He drew in a shaky breath. The wait had drained more of his strength. What he needed was sex. With Shaye. His might wasn't at an optimum level, and he was now feeling its absence.

'My king,' Broderick said, concerned, suddenly at his side. 'Are you well?'

'I'm fine.' He straightened. He was not fine, and he knew it. He'd gone two days without sex, without self- pleasuring, and weakness was unfurling insidious fingers through him. He was well enough to fight, he hoped; well enough to lead, he knew; but for how long?

His arm injury had increased the speed and intensity of his weakness. Had he managed to get inside Shaye earlier, he would be completely healed. 'If the dragons come within a hundred yards of the palace, shoot them down,' he said.

Broderick nodded. 'Archers,' he called. 'Prepare.'

The men knelt and pulled their bows tight. Waiting. Waiting. Time ticked by slowly. Surprisingly, Joachim stepped onto the parapet and approached Valerian. The man limped and his features were tight with pain, but he managed to stay upright.

'What are you doing?' Valerian demanded.

'Fighting,' was the harsh reply. 'There is to be a war, is there not?'

'You have yet to recover.'

'That does not mean I should remain in bed while my brothers fight.'

Valerian searched his cousin's face, seeing determination, the need to make things right. He nodded in approval. 'Very well. Take your place in the lines below.'

Joachim turned, ready to do as he'd been commanded. Then he paused. 'I will not apologize for challenging you,' he said stiffly, 'but I will tell you that I respect your skill and your leadership.'

The words were unexpected and surprising. But more than that, his cousin's tone was unexpected and surprising. He'd spoken with affection, as if they were the inseparable boys they'd once been. 'Thank you,' Valerian said and clapped him lightly on the shoulder. He assumed a battle stance at the wall, overlooking the clear field that led to the palace. Ever closer the dragons came. Their armor glinted in the day's light. Trees rattled behind them, the ground visibly shaken. Colorful petals floated from flowers.

His hand curled around the hilt of The Skull as Darius, king of the dragons, claimed the lead position. He, too, clutched a sword, a long, menacing blade stained crimson from his many kills. Yes, Darius was a lethal killer, an unfeeling warrior with no conscience that Valerian knew of. A worthy adversary, to be sure.

The dragon soldiers came to an abrupt halt.

'Hold,' Valerian told his men. 'Hold until I give the signal.' To the dragons, he called, 'Welcome to my home, fire-breathers. You will understand if I do not invite you inside.'

Darius scowled. 'You know very well the palace belongs to me.'

He tsked under his tongue. 'If you wanted to keep it, you should have sent a stronger battalion to guard it.'

'What did you do with the dragons inside?'

'I locked them away, of course. They will make powerful bargaining tools.'

'I have your word of honor that you did not kill them, then?'

'You have my word of honor that I did not kill all of them.'

Darius nodded, the action clipped. 'My wife has asked that I not slaughter your entire race for daring to steal what is mine. I will heed her wishes—for now—if you do the two things I require of you.'

'And what are those?'

'Release my men and leave the palace.'

Valerian laughed. 'I'm rather fond of it. I think I'll stay.'

'You are inviting war, nymph.'

His eyes narrowed, and he gave up all pretense of humor. 'As are you, dragon.'

'Yes, but you invite the wrath of the gods, for you know not what to do with the surface travelers. Already you have allowed one human male to slip into Atlantis, a human who captured our Jewel of Dunamis.'

Valerian shrugged, unconcerned. The jewel was better off in human hands. When an Atlantean owned it, they became all-powerful, undefeatable.

'Do you know what happens when humans learn of Atlantis, Valerian? They tell others of their kind, and soon armies of humans are marching through our land, trying to kill us all.'

'I must disagree. None of my humans have been allowed back to the surface, so they are unable to lead anyone here. They are too busy occupying our beds.' Several of his men chuckled.

'So other humans have come through?' Darius growled.

'Did I not just say so?'

The dragon king's eyes glinted sharply. 'Tell me you slayed them. Or tell me you at least wiped their memory.'