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

looks at me, her lips crooking up in a grin.
    I find myself beginning to smile too, happy that Zanta came when she did. I run my fingers through her hair until my palm rests against the back of her head. I pull her closer, leaning in as I do, and kiss her forehead. “I appreciate it.”
    “I’m glad.” She looks up at me through her lashes.
    I reach around her and take my cup of cider, sipping it down, beginning to feel almost normal as the heated liquid warms me.
    “Now, I know you do not wish to be alone, and it is understandable. But you must get some rest. Not only do we have a wedding to prepare for, but your coronation.” She drinks some of her own cider before standing and taking my hand, pulling me toward her until I finally relent and allow her to lead me from the kitchen, through the corridor, up the stairs, and into the main hall.
    The room is empty, our every step echoing off the walls. Only a sliver of moonlight shines through the window, casting an eerie shadow across our path.  I can’t help but stop and look around, seeing the room differently now. Tomorrow I will enter this hall, not as a prince, not as the king’s son, but as the king. The ruler of this land. Tomorrow I must break the people’s hearts with the news of their former king’s passing.
    “Do not dwell on it tonight, Aurelio. When the sun rises, you may worry—you may concern yourself with the things to come. But for now, you must get rest.” Zanta takes my hand once more and I follow her, still looking at the room, at the throne, and finally, at Zanta.
    It has been a long time since Dracameveo has known a queen. Zanta will sit on the throne beside me, and we will rule together. With her knowledge and abilities, I’ll hardly have any need for other council members.
    Uncle could retire, travel as he always says he will. The kingdom will be happier, well cared for, and no one will want for anything.
     

     
    I STAND BEFORE my throne, my father’s crown upon my head, and keep my head held high, a straight face, and remain still as I watch the people enter the room—the members of the court and council, the staff, people from the cities beyond the castle.
    The room fills until there is only standing room, and barely any of that. Uncle Castel stands beside me on my right, Zanta to my left. I reach over and take her hand. She squeezes mine, comforting me in this trying moment that I grew up knowing one day would come.
    “People and dragons of Dracameveo, welcome. This day, we mourn the loss of our previous yet very dear King Ignacio. He left this land in the night and has flown home, wherever that may be.”
    A chorus of “Let his heart lead and his wings soar” fills the room.
    Uncle continues. “But while we are saddened, we shed no tears. For the king left on his own will, ready to leave, and he did so in peace. This day, we will celebrate as our new king, Aurelio, Ignacio’s son, takes the throne. Crowned by his very father, he is our ruler. I know he will be just and kind, swift and fair. Hail, King Aurelio,” he says loud enough that the whole room can hear him.
    Though in his human form, I feel he used his dragon voice. The ringing in my ears attest to that. 
    A chorus of “Hail, King Aurelio” follows as everyone bows.
    The red-and-green flags of my father are taken down one by one and replaced with blue-and-gold ones. The sign of a new reign, a new king, a new dragon watching over the land.
    The room empties almost as quickly as it filled. People scurrying to get to work, to go about their chores, to return home and spread the news. Soon, the world will know that my father is gone and I have taken his place.
    “Thank you, Uncle.” I clap my hand on his shoulder as we watch the people disperse.
    “You are most welcome, Sire. You know that I am here for whatever you may need. This is a hard time, and not just because you have lost your father. Becoming king brings a weight no man can understand until it is upon him.