The Azure Kingdom (Skeleton Key) Read online

  Her dress is a crisp white with silver vines of leaves across the bodice down to her waist. The silver embroidery continues at the bottom of the dress with more vines. At the top of her breasts is a wide, azure sash which wraps around her chest to her back and falls to a wide panel of azure with more silver embroidery all the way down. The tie in the back crisscrosses then narrows into small buttons down to the end of the train.

  She’s a vision with eyes only for me. The sun is high in the sky without a cloud in sight. It’s beaming down, illuminating her in a stream of light. Ali truly is an angel walking amongst us. Ever since she stepped into my world, nothing has been the same. She’s made everything better, including me.

  Before her my life was ruled by violence, hatred, and the duty of protecting my land. Ali showed me love and compassion; that fighting isn’t the only way to resolve things. She showed me kindness by helping my family out when she hardly knew us. My princess risked it all and none of us will ever forget it.

  With every step her smile grows. When she and my father stop before me, I have to try my hardest not to allow everyone to see how badly my hand shakes when I take hers in it. We turn, stand before the priest, and listen as he speaks of love and marriage. Then it’s our turn to say our vows. I’m asked to go first.

  I take a deep breath, face my beloved, and clasp both of her hands in mine. “Alison, my princess. Our journey began when you entered my dreams. Even from afar, I knew there was something special about you. With every dream I woke to the hope that one day you’d appear before me. Then you did. I couldn’t believe you were real. Every day since then has been nothing short of magical. I’m the luckiest man alive to get to spend the rest of my life with such an amazing woman. I promise to protect you with my life, to love you like no other, and to give you everything your heart desires. I love you, Ali. Always.”

  She lets go of my hand for a brief moment to brush tears from her face. Then I watch as her chest rises and falls with her own deep breath. “Lucas, my prince. My world was dull before I met you. The first day I saw you in this very field, it was as if I had seen in color for the first time. You’re strong, where I’m weak. You’re brave, where I’m afraid. You know what I need without ever having to voice it. And you accepted me as part of your family long before you asked me to be your wife. I vow to spend my life cherishing you as you cherish me. You’re my forever, Luke. I love you.”

  Tears begin to sting my own eyes and I blink quickly to keep them at bay. Not that I would mind if everyone sees me cry, but I don’t want to release Ali’s hands. I need her touch; to feel her warmth as a reminder that this is real.

  We face the priest again and listen as he finishes the ceremony. At his words, I wrap an arm around my bride’s waist and kiss her with everything I have. I pour all of my love and lust into the kiss. This is our first kiss as husband and wife. I dip her back and don’t let up until I hear Elliott hooting and hollering beside me. We break apart and I smile like a fool. Ali’s face has a blush creeping over it and it’s adorable.

  As we begin to walk down the aisle, I look to each person in attendance. My family, Ali’s brother, my Elite, royals from other kingdoms. Everyone came to wish us well. To see different kings and queens sitting together is a sight to behold. The peace treaties are holding strong. I can only hope we maintain these alliances for many years to come.

  Storm and Tali are waiting for us when we reach the end of our guests. I sweep Ali up into my arms, lifting her to Tali’s back. I step up and settle myself behind her. Tali turns to us and I mentally ask her to take us home. She gracefully takes flight with Storm on our tail. Together we fly off toward the castle and our future.

  Thank you so much for taking the time to read my Skeleton Key novella!

  All reviews are appreciated.

  If you would like to read more from the Skeleton Key series, please click on the link below:

  Skeleton Key Website

  About the Author

  Michelle Dare is a romance author. Her stories range from sweet to sinful and from new adult to fantasy. There aren’t enough hours in the day for her to write all of the story ideas in her head. When not writing or reading, she’s a wife and mom living in eastern Pennsylvania. One day she hopes to be writing from a beach where she will never have to see snow or be cold again.

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  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1 – Discovery

  Chapter 2 – Decisions

  Chapter 3 – Revelations

  Chapter 4 – Neighbor

  Chapter 5 – Promises

  Chapter 6 – Tali

  Chapter 7 – Question

  Chapter 8 – Ultimatum

  Chapter 9 – Choices

  Chapter 10 – Family

  Chapter 11 – Speech

  Chapter 12 – Warning

  Chapter 13 – King Pine

  Chapter 14 – Aftermath

  Chapter 15 – Together

  Chapter 16 – Treaty

  Chapter 17 – Surprise

  Chapter 18 – Reunion

  Epilogue

  About the Author