“Are you warm enough?” Warin inquired.
North’s shoulders shook with silent laughter. “If I get any warmer, I’ll be convinced you’re attempting to slow cook me. I’m fine.”
“You’re not prepared for the harshness of our winters. We don’t want you catching a chill or becoming sick. You need time to adjust.”
“Does the cold bother dragons?”
Warin chuckled, his arm tightening around North. “No, fire dragons love the cold and the snow. In the mountains, the snow gets deep enough for us to roll around and disappear in.”
North laughed as well. “I can’t imagine dragons playing in the snow. And I thought the ice dragons would prefer the snow.”
“Those beach bums?” Gunter said from the front seat. “Heavens no. If they can find a secluded enough spot, they will lay out, sunning on the rocks like a giant lizard. They move only enough to flip over.”
“The ice dragons all live in Brazil and have taken up surfing, from what I understand. They refer to the Burkhard Clan as snow bunnies because we prefer the cooler climate,” Warin added.
“I had—” Whatever North had been about to say was forever lost. His brain was wiped clean as Gunter turned the car around a final curve, bringing the massive castle into view past the tall pine trees. It was…it was a fairytale. He was in a freaking fairytale.
Shining white spires stretched up against a sunset sky topped with conical roofs. Windows winked in the fading light, and he caught hints of stained glass here and there. He pulled away from Warin to stare out the window as the castle rose into view, unveiling more of her elegant details. Evergreen wreaths and red ribbons dotted the castle, as if she’d donned her holiday wear just for him.
“It’s so beautiful,” North whispered.
“Thank you. We are quite proud of our home.”
“And it looks like we have some people preparing to welcome us,” Gunter tossed out as they passed through the gates and into the open courtyard. North could see several people standing around talking. One man in particular wore a puffy blue coat and was motioning toward the empty space with broad gestures. Another smaller man stood beside him and nodded vigorously while another darker figure looked…skeptical.
“It appears Cameron is once again attempting to persuade Hoheit to put up a Christmas tree in the courtyard,” Warin said.
North looked over his shoulder to see the man smiling broadly. “What’s wrong with that?”
“It’s a wonderful idea,” Warin replied quickly. “The only problem is that dragons fly in and out of the courtyard quite regularly.”
“Twenty-four hours wouldn’t even pass before Ravi was crashing into it. The Christmas decorations are safer from Ravi if they remain inside the castle,” Gunter added.
As they entered the courtyard, the people standing outside turned to watch the approach of the car. North found himself sliding back into his seat and maybe even snuggling close to Warin again. He’d gotten used to being around Warin, and even Gunter’s grumpiness was endearing, but now he was going to be facing a castle full of dragons. A king of dragons, even.
And then there were the mages. While there might not be many of them, Warin had made it clear they were all well-trained, experts in their craft. How would they react to his puny skills and slap-dash style of casting? Would they even want him in their castle?
Warin leaned his head down and whispered in North’s ear, “You are going to like them, I promise.”
North nearly laughed. It hadn’t even crossed his mind whether he would like them. He was more concerned with them liking him. His own family didn’t seem to care much for him. Why would a bunch of strangers?
Too soon, Gunter placed the car into park and turned off the engine. Warin climbed out of the car, and North forced himself to slide out behind him. Even if he’d not seen the man on FaceTime, North was sure he’d recognize the king without being told. Alric was not an incredibly tall man, but there was something dignified and regal about him. His dark hair was lightly threaded with grey, and his bright blue eyes seemed to take in everything happening without even trying. His lips were arranged in a benign smile, as if he was happy to see North and his missing dragons, but was too dignified to give a broad smile like any commoner might.
Of course, the wide grin did appear when his eyes moved to the slightly taller man standing beside him in the puffy blue coat and knit hat. This was Cameron, and Alric looked at him like the man cradled his heart in his hands. It was actually quite breathtaking to see such open devotion and love on the king’s face.
“Welcome home, Gunter, Warin. I see your mission was successful,” Alric said, turning his sharply-focused eyes on North.