Crown Of Hearts
Chapter 59: An illusion

Chapter 59: An illusion

"Dragons can be grouped into four clans. They have really ancient names that you may have trouble remembering or pronouncing so I will break it down based on what each of them is well known for. There are the royals, those like the king, Valerion and I. We are descendants of the very first dragon king and we have the purest and strongest bloodline. We also tend to live longer and age slower when compared to other dragons. The second group are the merchants, these descend from the first protectors of the riches of the realm. These protected the riches of the dragons from falling into enemy hands. So, they are the dragons that tend to like gold and comfort perhaps more than any other dragon and that’s the clan our bride comes from. The third clan are the healers. These descend from a line of dragons that could easily harness their inner magic in ways that were both good and bad. They are the kind that can manipulate the elements of nature and a few can cast spells as well but due to strict regulations on magic welding in the kingdom, most of these dragons use their unique gifts for healing the sick. The last clan are the enforcers. Usually very strong and hot headed, these descended from the dragons that fought battles to defend our kind. They are the largest clan." Eros concluded and Eamon was in awe. There was probably much more he didn’t know about dragons but he was open to learning.

Eamon picked out a pair of golden bracelets for the bride and a practical cloak for the groom and once they were done wrapping their gifts, the trio headed further into the market.

Eros and Tia introduced Eamon to a few friendly dragons and generally did some window shopping until they found themselves in a tavern.

The place was quite popular and they took a break from all the walking they had done that morning and Eamon was quite impressed with the cinnamon cakes that were served with the tea.

"Where are we going afterwards?" Eamon asked as he took a sip of the tea that was strongly brewed and tasted a little more spicy than what he had been used when he was still living in a human community.

"To the crystal lake." Tia replied as her eyes gleamed with excitement.

"That place looks magical. I bet you’ve never seen anything like it before." Eros agreed with Tia and Eamon’s curiosity was piqued.

He had to see this lake that had his friends so impressed.

"Does it contain gems or crystals of any kind?" Eamon asked and Tia smiled mysteriously.

"You will see." She gave him an answer that had Eamon imagining what the place could look like. He couldn’t wait to be dazzled.

He was indeed quite surprised when the lake looked like nothing he had imagined.

The water gleamed with a clear blue hue and there were no crystals or precious stones in sight.

Despite the green trees that surrounded the moderately sized water body, it looked pretty ordinary to Eamon and he assumed it had been given the name because it had very clear blue waters.

"It looks like a normal lake." He frankly told his friends who then looked at him like he was missing something.

"But it’s not. Look clearly." Tia suggested as she gestured for him to stand closer to the edge.

Eamon’s eyes widened as he saw the floor of the lake that was filled with numerous jewels. There were rubies, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires and numerous other crystals that he couldn’t identify.

If such a lake had existed in the human kingdom, he was certain that there could be no more crystals within it.

"They are all fake. An illusion." Eros burst his bubble and Eamon blinked to make sure that he was seeing things clearly. The crystals still appeared very much real.

"What do you mean?" He asked and Tia pointed far out into the lake where Eamon’s jaw dropped in shock as he saw something swimming in the water. It looked like a tiny human being and its skin was covered with shiny scales.

"Water fae." Eros explained before he asked the question.

"They are pretty harmless magical beings that live in lakes and rivers. The stones at the river bed appear like gems because of a spell. Crystals can trap the sun’s light and keep the lake glowing even at night. The fae don’t really like darkness." Tia explained and Eamon was stunned.

It was indeed magical. Not in the way he had expected but still, he was impressed.

"We better get you back to your mate before he gets moody." Eros spoke as he glanced at his pocket watch.

It was twenty minutes to noon and if they walked fast enough, they could be back to the royal court just in time.

Valerion’s tense shoulders dropped once he saw Eamon approaching him.

His first instinct was to search his mate for any injuries and once his eyes saw that Eamon was okay, Valerion let out a breath he had not realized he was holding.

"Hey." Eamon smiled at him as he stepped away from Tia and Eros.

"Hey." Valerion replied as he reached out and held Eamon’s hand, his body fully relaxing as he pulled him to his side, protectively wrapping an arm around his waist.

"How was your tour?" He asked and his chest warmed up once he saw Eamon’s eyes light up.

"It was good. I saw lots of interesting things and learned a lot." Eamon answered as he snuggled closer to the dragon that was gazing at him warmly.

"Thanks for showing Eamon around." Valerion’s smile was small yet sincere as he looked at Eros and Tia, glad that his mate had made friends.

"He is always welcome to join us for more walks." Eros offered Eamon a playful wink as Tia nodded in approval.

Valerion offered them a quick farewell before he took his mate away, quite eager to monopolize all his attention.