Ring of the Dragon: Heart of the Immortal King

Ring of the Dragon

For millennia, they fight side by side. Now one king faces a lonely quest.

As Light and Shadow, King Pietas and General Cyken share every battle, as well as a fierce and passionate love.

But, torn apart by the king's rage, Cyken ends their stormy relationship.

When General Cyken falls in love with another man, Pietas undertakes a perilous quest on the dangerous world of Felidae, where the immortal king has no power or significance, to prove he is the better choice for Cyken.

If he succeeds, it will either bring Cyken back, or drive him even closer to his new love.

Pietas must try, for without his Shadow, Light faces the bleakness of eternity—alone...

Pietas is on his own fretting over whether Cyken will like what he sees, and depending on his android bodyguard/servant to fill him in. In the recording below, voice actor Zachary Johnson captured the angst and arrogance of Pietas beautifully. Note: Zach is reading a slightly different pre-edited version.

Excerpt

Pietas should have left his hair down instead of having it tied back. He reached up, but stopped short. He couldn't lift his arms far enough to remove the elastic tie without aggravating his old injury. Pushing beyond the normal ache left him in pain for days.

He could ask for assistance, but what kind of king was so indecisive he couldn't decide how to wear his hair?

As Cyken was so fond of saying, "Not happening, Pietas." Up it stayed.

Besides, to Cyken, outward appearances meant nothing.

Then why change clothes three times? This was ridiculous. Pietas lived in uniform. He ought to have worn that.

Made this meeting more formal. King and subject.

But no, Pietas had opted for casual. Relaxed and inviting.

"Stand there and don't move. Be patient for once in your life. Stop fussing. You look fine. You will not look in the mirror. You will stop worrying. Hold your head up, keep your shoulders back and ignore the pain. You can do this. You will do this."

The silence dragged on his nerves.

Oh, what was the use? Cyken would still find him lacking.

Where was the man? Why wasn't he here yet?

The entrance opened, but it was only Uurah.

"Where is he?"

The android bowed. "His ship is docking."

Pietas did a slow pivot. "Presentable?"

"On the viewscreen, he appeared to be wearing a suit, my lord. Quite presentable."

Tightening his jaws, Pietas showed him a toothless smile. "Thank you ever so much. Now, how do I look?"

Tropes include: Antihero, Bad Breakup, Badass Hero, Bisexual Romance, Cultural Differences, Famous/Royalty in Disguise, Forced Proximity, Interracial Relationship, Unrequited Love

Any of my characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

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Ring of the Dragon: Heart of the Immortal King

Ring of the Dragon

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Excerpt

Excerpt read by voice actor Zachary Johnson