Page 22 of Red King
I stand before the males. All fifty of them, myself included.
Although we are assembled outside, the air is filled with the scent of testosterone. It’s thick and heavy, making my nose twitch.
We’re all in full leathers…ready.
The males stand around in groups, talking and laughing. Excitement levels are high. They are looking forward to meeting the human females. For just a moment, I wish I felt the same. I don’t. I’m dreading it.
I will carry out my duty, nonetheless. I was a fool to put myself forward for this pilot program. It seemed like a good idea at the time. A way to get my people to accept this program more readily.
“Silence!” I snarl, letting my irritation push through.
They all obey instantly, turning to face me.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for us,” I begin, my voice echoing across the courtyard. “The time has come for us to fulfill our pact with the humans in our efforts to seek companionship. Even more importantly, in our efforts to grow our population. The very continuation of our species is at stake.”
I pause, letting my words sink in before continuing. “Each of us has been chosen to meet and to potentially bond with a human female. It is our duty to treat them with respect and kindness at all times. No exceptions will be made.”
I think of the human female, Paisley’s words to me. “They might be fearful of us. Keep in mind that they are here against their will. It is up to us to change their minds about our island, about us and make them feel safe and welcome.”
I take a deep breath, scanning the faces of the eager males before me. “Remember, they are not prizes to be won or conquered. They are individuals with fears and doubts, just like us. We must show them compassion and understanding. We must earn their trust.”
There is a murmur of agreement among the males, some nodding solemnly while others exchange glances filled with determination.
“Today, you will have the opportunity to meet the human females for the first time and to begin forming connections,” I declare. “But let me make this clear—any sign of disrespect, coercion, or aggression will not be tolerated. Our future relationships with the humans depend on our actions now.”
They nod and shout words of agreement.
“Any transgressions and you will be removed from the program. Cross the line, and you could face harsher penalties. I am confident that each and every one of you will work every day at being an example of how we conduct ourselves. Of what it means to be a dragon shifter, what it means to have honor.”
Shouts of affirmation go around the group.
“Keep in mind thatnotall of you will be successful in your endeavors, but know that there will be more of such opportunities in the future for those who toe the line. When it comes to the selection process, I am to be treated as one of you. I am a candidate first and a king second. In our dealings with the human females, I am to be treated no differently. You will call me by my name, not my title. Is this understood?”
The males answer in the affirmative, heads nodding, voices carrying in the light breeze.
“Right now, we will show them not only who we are butwhatwe are. We will show them our scales, our might, and our strength.”
All the males hold up a fist and shout in unison.
“We will show them our dragons. Show them that we are all fit to mate and breed. That we are worthy,” I shout.
Once again, a shout rings out among the males.
With those words hanging in the air, I step back, allowing the males to leave. I trail behind as we all make our way to the great field.
It doesn’t take long for us to arrive.
This is it.
There’s no going back now.
The humans stand together in a huddle, their faces a mix of fear and curiosity as they watch us approach. Most of them clutch onto one another tightly, while others stand tall with defiant expressions on their faces. I get their trepidation. It is understandable.
As we draw closer, the women start to murmur among themselves. They’re afraid. I can see it in their drawn features, in the whites of their eyes. We need to prove to them that it is unwarranted. That they are quite safe. We might be half-dragons, but we will never hurt them. The only way to do that is to shift. To show them through action. Only then will we be able to move forward as men.
“Welcome, human females,” Thorn says in his booming voice. “We are elated to have you here as our guests on the island. I only hope that your every need thus far has been met. The males who stand before you have been carefully selected for you. They are very excited to meet with you and to get to know you all. We hope that over the next few months, you will become well acquainted with our kind. So much so that at the end of your term, you might choose to stay here and live on the island with us.”
The females are talking among themselves. They have stopped listening to Thorn. They don’t seem happy at all.
