Chapter 171

Daniel

Daniel stood at the border between Heart Stone and the realm of the Frost dragons. Technically, they were supposed to be a united kingdom but neither faction ever truly embraced the other. There was always an air of suspension around the Frost dragons because they had once declared war on the other dragons.

It seemed that there was no forgiveness for the mistake from so long ago. Daniel understood their plight, he was also being denied redemption for his mistakes with his mate. He could feel the judgement of his former friends and the condemnation from his brother. Once they were a team, now he wasn’t even considered part of the royal family.

Daniel had not only been exiled from the mate bond but he had been dropped from the line of succession. Then to add insult to injury, he had been usurped by a infant from a long dead egg. His place has been taken by the spawn of a mere servant. Daniel considered the shame to be unbearable.

He felt he really had no choice as he waited. He could no longer stay in the heart of the enemy camp. It was time to return home and claim what was his. He was the true born son of the Frost king and the throne belonged to him by right. Daniel decided it was time for him to claim it.

He had no idea where the Frozen palace was located or how to access it, but he knew his mother did. She would be able to locate the Frost dragons who were believed to be in hiding. He had a feeling that she had been planning for this moment all along.

Daniel had never actively contacted Mara before. She had always come to him in his moments of weakness or doubt. He sometimes wondered if his sadness was like a beacon to her, as those were the moments she always seemed to find him. He knew in his gut that this moment would be no different. He only needed to be still and his mother would find him.

True to his belief in her, Mara came flying through the sky towards him about an hour or so after he arrived. She landed gracefully and laid down on the ground beside him. She sat in silence like she was waiting for him to speak.

“Took you long enough.” Daniel grumbled.

Mara rolled her eyes and lazily stretched. “You act as if I have nothing better to do than sit around and babysit you. I have my own agenda to contend with.” She growled.

Daniel wanted to say something snarky but her tone cut him off. He needed her help and having her angry wouldn’t help his cause. Instead he took a deep breath and stared up at the sky.

“I’m done here.” He spat.

“Does that mean you finally accepted the truth and are ready to do what needs done.” His mother asked with a raised eyebrow and a deeply offensive smirk.

“I'm ready to be appreciated. You said I was king, so where is the throne you promised me?” Daniel knew his tone was sarcastic but he was not in the mood for games.

“Sitting on a vacant throne won’t be enough. You will need to unify them.” Mara said nonchalantly. She waved her hand in the air like it was the easiest thing in the world.

“How am I supposed to do that? Didn’t you say the throne was waiting for me?” Daniel grunted. The shine of this supposed deal of a lifetime was already wearing off.

“Don’t be such a child. You can’t expect me to do everything for you. I can give you the throne but getting the dragons to follow you into the battle is up to you.” Mara voice rang with irritation.

“What battle?” Daniel snapped. He didn’t sign up for a fight.

The Frost queen rolled her eyes. “You really don’t think your brother is just going to let you split the kingdom. If you want to really be king, you have to fight for it.”

Daniel hung his head in shame. “I don’t know how. I have no idea what I need to do to get people to follow me. I have never led anything or tried to make anyone like me.”

Mara rolled her eyes again. “Come on, I’ll take you to the palace.”

She stood up and began to flap her wings. She easily took flight and Daniel took off behind her. She flew over a huge valley that was covered in a thick layer of frost and snow. It was nestled between a ring of white cap mountains. The whole land looked like it would only be accessible by flight.

She landed high up on a large flat ledge about halfway up the largest mountain. The front of a castle identical to the one he grew up in was carved into the rocks. In some ways, Daniel felt like he was already home.

She led him into the castle and Daniel couldn’t believe his eyes. It was an exact replica of the main part of his brother’s keep. The Frost Queen led him to what would have been David’s room in the other castle. “This is the king’s chamber. It now belong to you.” Mara told him as he opened the door to a room identical to his brother’s room.

Next she took him to the throne room. It had one large throne and a smaller one just like his parents had used. His mother motioned for him to have a seat. Daniel felt a little surreal as he perched on the edge like he thought the throne was going to dump him out in the floor. After a couple of seconds he slid back onto it completely.

“This place is empty. It looks like it has been abandoned for years. Where are the servants?” Daniel asked curiously.

Mara sighed. “I will send servants and I will help you win the heart of the people but I want something in return.” Mara crossed over to the platform and leaned down over his shoulder.

Daniel turned and raised her eyebrow at her. She smiled innocently and made her offer. “When the war comes, promise you will be on my side.”

“You have my word.” Daniel said as he greedily looked over the courtroom and imagined it full of people.

“I want more than your word. I want a blood oath. I want you to swear allegiance to me, and your vow that you will do whatever you must to fulfill my purpose.” Mara said as she produced a small icy ceremonial dagger from thin air. She pricked her finger and handed the dagger to Daniel.

Daniel pricked his own until a blood drop appeared and held it up. The Frost Queen smeared their blood together. “You are now bound to help me conquer my enemies. If you try to betray me, the consequences are worse than death.” She warned.

Before he could frown, she threw her arm around his shoulder. “Tell me, Son, when would you like to hold your coronation?” Daniel smiled as they immediately began to make plans.