Shifter Queen Read online

  And I'd already experienced a dragon's welcome when uninvited trespassers showed up when I'd made that mistake entering Ashur's territory. I sincerely doubted entering anyone else's territory would end so well.

  Yes, Cinira was my grandmother, but she wasn't out here to oversee her sentries. I wasn't naive enough to think they would treat anyone with kid gloves.

  We drove under the watchful eyes of our escorts for about another hour or so before we got to the city itself. The path we were on began to snake through the taller rock formations, feeling almost like a maze. It would be easily defensible, at least against attacks coming in from the ground. Everyone would have to funnel through this path if they were in any kind of vehicle, making them easy to pick off as they exited. It also got a little claustrophobic after a while.

  I was starting to wonder how much longer we were going to be stuck in that maze, but then we shot out onto a stretch of flat land again. The city suddenly appeared directly in front of us.

  "Oh," I gasped, leaning forward to get a better look. "It's..."

  I trailed off, my attention completely caught by the sight.

  "Beautiful," Ashur agreed, his eyes scanning the area sharply even as he acknowledged that. "The city is centuries old. It used to be phoenix territory at some point, actually."

  I could see why it would be fought over.

  The city was built on the edge of a sprawling cliff, tall and proud, silhouetted against the clear blue sky. The rock face beneath it had clear and crisp striations, another detail that only added to the effect of both age and uniqueness. The bands were primarily the same reds, oranges, and beiges I'd seen coming in, with veins of that deep blue color running through them. In the direct sunlight now, those veins glimmered, shining almost like glitter.

  Unexpected, just like the rest.

  The buildings on the cliff’s edge actually melded into the rock and I realized they must have been carved from it. How much work would that have taken? Countless hours, days, months. The rooftops on top of those buildings were flat, with low decorative walls made of lace latticework lining the edges.

  Even from this distance, I could see the narrow, winding streets weren't anything like the wide avenues Ashur's city boasted. Not friendly to dragon bodies, or phoenix bodies either. Which could be an advantage or a disadvantage. It made me wonder if the place might have belonged to humans originally, even though a cliff side city seemed suited to one of the flying races better.

  Apart from the buildings on top of the cliff, structure faces were actually carved into the side of the rock itself, elaborate columns, decorative peaked roofs, doors etched into what looked like functional caves.

  I wondered what could be found in there, if anything. Perhaps they were just places for their dragon forms to perch. I soaked in every detail I could see. The weight of age hung over the place, from the variation in the color of the buildings to something...undefinable.

  It was gorgeous.

  The sight of it alone was worth the trip.

  "Looks like they're expecting us," Ashur murmured, snapping me out of tourist mode.

  I followed his gaze to the area at the bottom of the cliffside, directly in front of us. The rock seemed to be moving to the side.

  As the road brought us closer, I saw that there was another gate behind that rock facade, one that was slowly rising. I watched as the metal grate moved, revealing the dark tunnel behind it.

  "I guess we're supposed to just drive in," I remarked quietly, not looking forward to it. At least the maze-like rock path here had been open on top. When I glanced up, the dragons were circling us lazily.

  This was the end of the road.

  Ashur stared at the entrance, jaw tense. I realized anew what it meant for him to simply drive into Cinira's territory. I reached over and put my hand on his.

  He glanced over at me with his eyebrows raised.

  "I'm sorry that I had to come here. And so you had to also." I didn't know how else to say it.

  His eyes softened. "Don't be sorry. I'm just tense trying to figure out a way to protect you if things go south."

  "It will be fine," I said confidently, even though I didn't even quite believe it myself.

  He nodded and I could tell he didn't quite believe me either. But we were here now. Nowhere to go but forward.

  "Here we go," he muttered, pushing on the gas pedal and moving the car smoothly ahead, directly into the darkened tunnel.

  As we drove inside, I realized it actually wasn't completely dark inside. That was a nice surprise. I was expecting a pitch-black space, but it was just the contrast between the brightness outside and the relative dimness in here. There were lights lining both sides of the carved path, lighting it well enough that we could easily see where we were going. Which was good, considering the path itself was only a bit larger than the car itself. The car wasn't a small one, built as it was to provide protection outside city domes, but I imagined that most of the cars would be larger for that very reason out here.

  Maybe they didn't want the drive in to be comfortable. Could be a way to intimidate anyone coming in. Or maybe they didn't want to destabilize the rock their city was built on any more by making the tunnel even wider. In any case, it made for a nail-biting drive as the road rose up in a gradual incline.

  It took some time to get to the top, more because Ashur was driving carefully so as not to nick the sides of the tunnel than because the tunnel itself was particularly long.

  I think we both breathed a sigh of relief as we finally came out into the sunlight on the other side. The end of the tunnel brought us out into what looked like the town square. Cobblestones lined the large, open square, a sinuous fountain in the middle sparkling in the sunlight. Buildings lined the edges of the open space and I could see storefronts and, what were probably, residential building entrances. I was guessing that in the normal course of events, the square was usually teeming with people going about their day, hurrying from one place to the next.

  That was not the case at the moment.

  Or at least, they didn't seem to be in a hurry to get anywhere at all. I glanced out the window to see people lining the square on all four sides, watching us as we drove in. And I wasn't exactly getting friendly vibes either. I met one man's gaze as we drove past, his eyes narrowed suspiciously as he watched us through the windshield.

  I wasn't expecting a warm welcome from my grandmother's people. I mean, I was involved with Ashur, the Dragon Lord of the skein they'd had a problem with for years. I understood not being welcomed with open arms. That wasn't even counting that I was part phoenix, the dragons' hated enemy for generations. I still hadn't expected this kind of welcome, if I could call it that. But listing all the things they would think were wrong with me, I didn't know why I would find that surprising.

  "Smart," Ashur said, as he looked around, his expression calculating. "Nobody will get in from that entrance without people knowing."

  I guessed that was true. I had been wondering in the back of my head why they would have the entrance be directly in the middle of the city. It seemed like it would be more of a security hazard because the people would be in the heart of the city. But Ashur was right. It also meant nobody was getting in that way without someone seeing. I'm sure they had guards on this side as well, just in case.

  Ashur brought the car to gradual stop. We were surrounded by people who were keeping their distance, with nowhere else to really drive to.

  Now what?

  Just as I was thinking that, a flash of dark purple caught my eye and I looked over.

  It was Cinira Park. My grandmother. She was wearing another long, flowing dress, this one in a deep, jewel-toned purple. The empire waist cinched in under her bust and flowed down in a frothy cascade of delicate fabric, setting off both her skin tone and her slender frame. She was tall, in her sixties, and in incredible shape. Her short, silky hair was mostly dark gray and still thick and shiny. She had a tasteful amount of makeup on her pretty, lightly line
d face.

  I wanted to be like Cinira Park when I grew up.

  Her eyes were warm as she regarded us through the windshield, walking across the square, the dress fluttering in her wake.

  "I think this is our cue," I said quietly.

  Ashur hummed his agreement, his eyes passing over Cinira but then scanning the area around her as well. Looking for threats.

  I didn't bother. If they wanted to do anything to us now, we were screwed.

  I opened the car door and stepped out. I was dressed in my usual jeans, t-shirt, and boots. Basically my uniform for life. I was definitely a little underdressed compared to what Cinira was wearing, but when I glanced around, I saw that the fashion choices seemed to run the gamut. Everyone was wearing something different. Including jeans.

  "Mia!" Cinira exclaimed as I got out of the car, reaching out to give me a warm hug.

  I hugged her back, keeping an eye on everyone around me.

  Two people, one woman and one man, stopped just a few feet back from Cinira, their eyes watching me and Ashur with a cool warning. They were dressed much like me, with short swords buckled at their sides and who knew what else hidden on their frames. These must be her guards. Ashur didn't have guards following him around like that. But then again, I hadn't ever seen him in a scenario quite like this one.

  Cinira pulled back after a few moments so that she could see my face, raising her hands to cup it in her soft palms.

  "Why did it take you so long to come?" she demanded. "Emails with my granddaughter are not enough!"

  I smiled. At least someone here was happy to see me.

  "I'm really sorry," I said, meaning it. "It's just...a lot has been going on," I finished lamely.

  I looked around at everyone who was watching. And probably listening. I didn't want to go into any details here. Cinira nodded, no doubt noticing my hesitation.

  "Life does have a way of kicking you in the ass sometimes," she agreed, startling a laugh out of me. I just didn't expect what came out of her mouth sometimes. She looked like she would only speak in a stately, proper tone. Just an example of how deceiving appearances could sometimes be.

  She turned to look at Ashur and held her hand out in a regal fashion. Ashur took it, bending over it slightly.

  "Welcome, Ashur," she said, much more formally than she'd greeted me.

  "Thank you for your hospitality," Ashur responded just as formally, rising up again.

  "Why don't you to follow me inside and we'll have some refreshments? I am sure you're hungry and thirsty after that long drive."

  "That would be great, thank you," I agreed. Snacks were always welcome. Even in times of extreme stress. Maybe especially then.

  So, we followed Cinira to a tower not very far away, one that I'd noticed even from the ground, its tall, graceful design catching the eye. Her guards fell into step on either side of Cinira and me, where we walked abreast, Ashur bringing up the rear.

  It wasn't a comfortable walk. Even apart from the guards who looked like they'd rather skin us than talk to us, I felt like we were in a procession with the way everyone watched us make our way across the square. But Cinira didn't make anything of it so I didn't touch it either. Yes, everything was fine, everything was normal. Nothing to see here.

  We walked into the front door, and I breathed a silent sigh of relief. In the next instant, I was struck by how beautiful the inside of the tower was. The entryway was circular, mimicking the shape of the tower itself. The flooring was a pretty pink tile with gold veins running through it, polished to a gleaming shine. Decorative, cream-colored columns with carved leaf patterns lined the entrance, punctuated with glass sculptures that looked like they were hand blown, lights situated on top of each one setting them off to sparkle prettily.

  "We'll go to my study," Cinira said leading us through the entryway and straight to a spiral staircase with wide, open steps.

  I looked down as we climbed the steps. The staircase looked out into open concept living and kitchen area that were both large enough that I knew they were built to accommodate her skein, not just her. The modern style of them was definitely new. The elegantly shaped furniture, what looked like hand-woven rugs, and the small decorative touches were well thought out. Everything was in muted neutral colors set off with gold, silver, and copper metallics. It was very warm and elegant at the same time. The tower really felt like a reflection of Cinira.

  We came to a landing and she led us down a wide hall to a pair of shiny, black doors, one of them already open. We went in after her, arriving in a study that looked like the definition of what a study was supposed to be. Bookshelves lined the walls and fake leather furniture was set up around a fireplace, a heavy desk done in marble and gold inlay set to the side by the window. The books in here alone must have cost a fortune. With trees so precious, paper was hard to come by. Touches of gold, cream, and chocolate browns gave it the same feel as the rest of the place, though it was a little darker overall. But still with Cinira's touch.

  "Your place is beautiful," I said as I settled into one of the plush chairs across the desk from her, Ashur settling into the other one next to me.

  "Thank you," she said, seeming genuinely pleased. "When I first took power, I wanted to make everything my own. So I redecorated the whole place until I felt like it was mine." She looked around the room with a smile.

  "It shows," I said, meaning it.

  She smiled.

  "I like to think so," she demurred. "Now. Why didn't you bring Omari with you? You know he's welcome here."

  I nodded, trying to word my response carefully. I didn't want to offend her. Not when we were here to ask for help. And when she was one of only two family members I wanted to even acknowledge as such.

  "I know. I just didn't want to bring him into a situation before I felt it out first," I said, deciding on honesty. "And what we need to speak to you about isn't something that I want him to overhear quite yet."

  She nodded, not looking offended, but thoughtful.

  "Well, we can discuss after the refreshments are brought—"

  Ashur made an impatient noise. And was given a cool look in response.

  I placed a staying hand on his forearm before he said anything.

  "Well, it looks like your young man here is impatient to get down to whatever business brings you here," she said, her eyes flicking down to my hand on him.

  I gave her an apologetic look. "The news is kind of urgent," I admitted. "But we didn't want to send it through channels that we weren't sure were secure." I shrugged. "The safest way seemed to be to come in person."

  I looked over at the guards that had taken their positions just inside the door. They both looked completely different, but somehow still manage to look like matching bookends. The woman and the man were both tall, maybe an inch over six feet. But where the woman was dark, with a caramel complexion and her brunette hair in a ponytail, the man was a bright redhead, complete with a full beard. Both were built like they could do some serious damage. They also obviously had plenty of practice at looking like passive pieces of furniture. Acting like they didn't hear anything. Being completely unobtrusive.

  But they still had ears. And I knew they were listening intently even if they didn't seem like it.

  Cinira look over to where my gaze was and nodded.

  "Lumena, Fogor—if you could please wait outside the doors."

  The woman, who I was assuming was Lumena, looked over at Cinira sharply. She looked dismayed, frowning.

  "But, Cinira—"

  "I'm here with my granddaughter and we need privacy to talk," she interrupted her, her tone brooking no arguments. "Now, if you'll please wait outside the doors. I'm sure you'll hear me if I need help," she added wryly, gentling the order.

  But it was still an order. And the guards knew it. Realizing they wouldn't win this battle, they both turned to give us hard looks. A warning not to try anything. Then they stepped out of the study and into the hall, closing the doors behind thems
elves. That little exchange told me both that Cinira was well respected by her people and that she was well liked. Both good traits to have in a leader. Not that I was surprised.

  "Is this study private?" I asked after the doors were shut.

  Cinira raised an eyebrow and leaned back in her chair.

  "I've been at this a lot longer than you've even been alive, my dear. My private space is just that—private."

  All right then. I'd been put in my place. I took a deep breath. There was no real way to lead up to this.

  "There is a rebellion brewing in Emberich's court," I started quietly, cognizant of the fact that I didn't know how thick those doors were or how well those guards could hear. "But they need someone to add more legitimacy to their cause." I licked my lips. "They want me to be the next one on the phoenix throne."

  Cinira stared at me. If I dropped a pin in that moment, I was sure it would echo in the silence. At least I'd gotten the gist of it out.

  How was she going to react?

  Chapter Three

  Cinira stared at me.

  I stared back.

  Her mouth twitched and for a second I thought she was angry.

  But then she broke out into laughter. She threw her head back and guffawed, covering her mouth as she did so.

  This really wasn't one of the reactions that I had on my radar. Not at all.

  I glanced over at Ashur. He shrugged. No enlightenment there.

  Finally, Cinira calmed down enough that she lowered her hand and looked at me.

  "Sorry. That's just so rich," she said, wiping at her eyes. "It would serve that idiot Emberich right to have his oh-so-precious throne pulled right out from under him." She sighed, shaking her head, a smile on her face. "Of course, you aren't considering this ridiculous overture. That would be beyond foolhardy."

  Well, this was awkward.

  When I didn't reply right away, her gaze sharpened on my face.