Curse of the Undead Dragon King (Skeleton Key) Read Online Free PDF Page A

toward it. A single raindrop falls on my cheek, rolling down it as if I’ve let my tears loose. I look to the sky, searching for my father’s dragon form, just to catch a glimpse of him one last time. But I have no such luck. He is gone.
    I fall to my knees, landing in the blue grass, and let my pain free, crying openly. It matters not if I am seen or heard. As my tears fall and land on the ground, clouds roll in, covering the moonlight. Rain falls as hard as my cries, and I know Father is gone. I am king. And it only rains when I cry now.
    “Your Highness?” A light voice calls out, but I do not answer. Unable to form words in my grief, I let her call.
    A hand touches my shoulder. I look up to see a soft light glow upon the cheekbones and kind eyes of Zanta. She looks at me with sadness, understanding what has happened. We all knew this day was near. “I am so sorry, Aurelio.” She kneels beside me, wrapping her arms around me, giving me comfort only she could.
    I cannot find words to speak, so I allow her to embrace me as I cry, the rain pouring down on us. But she does not shiver or complain, only allows me to lean into her.
    “Your father has found peace, and that is better than having to suffer,” she says after a moment has passed.
    “I know,” I whisper. “But that does not mean I was ready to lose him. Or to take his position as king.”
    “But a fine king you will make.” She leans away, cupping my cheek in her palm.
    “Thank you.” I stand, the rain less torrential now. “Come, let’s go inside where it is warm.” I reach out my hand to her.
    She takes it, lifting her skirts as she gets up. She wraps her arm around mine. “Indeed. You need rest, as tomorrow there will be much to do.”
    “I do not want to sleep. I would prefer not to be alone right now,” I say, trembling.
    Zanta looks up at me, meeting my eyes. “Of course. Let’s go to the kitchens and have a cup of cider.” She gently pats my hand.
    “Thank you.” My voice shakes, and I feel more tears begin to form. I hold back, not allowing myself to cry out more until we’ve reached the castle. There has been enough rain upon us for this night.
    “Of course.” She leads me along, never letting me go.
    Zanta was wise to suggest the kitchens. It’s warm with the fires burning strong, and it smells like a feast. Uncle or perhaps one of the other council members must have informed the cook that tomorrow, a new reign will begin. Many will be coming to pay their respects and a feast is what will be needed.
    Thinking of the cook, I jump back a bit, seeing her come around the corner. “Good evening, Your Majesty.” Belen curtsies.
    “Thank you, Belen, but I am not king yet. Tonight, I am still just Aurelio. Does everyone know?” I fear the responses, the heartbreak. But most of all, I fear how everyone will look to me for answers. To fix their problems. I fear what becoming king means.
    Belen nods. “Of course, Aurelio. What can I get for you?” she asks kindly, looking between me and Zanta.
    “Cider, please,” Zanta says and pushes me toward the table in the corner.
    “Of course.” Belen rushes to the opposite end of the room.
    Zanta sits across from me, our hands overlapped on the table. She looks at me with pure adoration, and even through the pain of losing my father tonight, she brings such joy to my heart.
    “Your cider.” Belen places two mugs on the table and disappears before I have a chance to thank her.
    “Zanta, how did you arrive so quickly?”
    “I took flight the moment we reached the carriage, leaving it to Graff to bring home. I did not want you to have to face this alone.”
    “Thank you.” 
    “You’re welcome,” she whispers, standing and walking around the table. She sits beside me, pulling me into her embrace.
    “How is it that you are so wise?” I ask, grateful she is with me. 
    “Because I learned from your father. Besides, someone has to be in order to keep you in check.” She sits up and