Curse of the Undead Dragon King (Skeleton Key) by Skeleton Key, Konstanz Silverbow Page A

going to be.
    “I feared that may not work,” Castel speaks again. “As I was trying to explain, I have seen a curse quite like this before. I did not experience it myself.” He clears his throat.
    “Go on,” Aurelio says.
    Castel looks back and forth between us, his brows furrowed, before continuing. “Right after Ignacio became king, he disappeared for a few days—maybe a week. When he returned, he seemed a bit haunted, but he would never tell me what happened. All I know is that I was left to rule the kingdom with no warning until he returned. I don’t think he quite got over whatever it was that happened. Much later, Dargiana told me a bit of what Ignacio said to her. He couldn’t change from his dragon form—he was a prisoner in his own body. And when he couldn’t find answers here in Dracameveo, he traveled east in search of a wizard who was rumored to be able to cure anything. Beyond that, I know nothing of what happened when he left.”  Castel finishes his story and looks down as if hiding his face.
    “Father mentioned a wizard,” Aurelio says, again seeming embarrassed. 
    I’m wondering why, and worried about what’s going to happen now. Today is supposed to be my wedding day, and instead, not only am I not getting married, but the love of my life may be leaving on a journey that could take him weeks.
    “Did he say anything else?” Castel asks.
    “He told me to go to Humestia. To stay on the ground as much as I could, find the wizard with the key, break the curse, and come home. Do you know what any of that means?”
    “I do not know, Sire, but I fear that following those instructions is the only way out of this. We do not know any other solution to your problem. The only difference from what your father went through is that the love of your life is trapped in this curse too. But at least she can remain here and help me watch over the kingdom while you’re gone.” Castel looks sad, but I fear his intent.
    If he wanted to take over the kingdom, why didn’t he do it while Ignacio was away? But that doesn’t mean he’s innocent in all this. What if something prevented that from happening those years ago? There could be any number of reasons.
    “I’ll go.” I step forward, reminding them that I am present. “I’ll go in search of the answers. Aurelio is king, and he is needed here.”
    “Zanta, my father warned me about this before he died. He made it clear that it was my curse.  It would be best if I go. Castel is right—by law, he is to watch over the kingdom if the king cannot. You’re going to be queen, and there is still much for you to learn. This is the best option. Stay here, learn from my uncle, and keep the kingdom running in my absence. I will go in search of the wizard and freedom from our newfound prisons.”
    “What if it’s a trap?” I ask.
    “We’re already trapped, Zanta,” Aurelio replies.
    “What if whoever did this chose this curse because they knew it would get you out of the kingdom?” I argue, not wanting him to leave. My wariness of Castel increases tenfold.
    Aurelio leans down again, close to me, looking right into my eyes. “I trust you with all my heart. Protect my kingdom while I am gone. Castel will be there every step of the way, and he will help however he can. Please, Zanta, trust me as I trust you. I want to be with you more than anything. I will be careful, make wise decisions, and I promise I will come back to you.”
    Tears form in my eyes. I blink, causing them to roll down my cheeks. Goose bumps cover my arms and I feel a coldness like nothing before, almost as if I’m empty inside.
    “You’d better, Aurelio. Make it home. I love you. Let your heart lead and your wings soar.” I rest my hand on his jaw, not wanting to let him go, but knowing the sooner I do, the sooner he can return.
    “I love you too.” In one swoop, he turns and flaps his wings, stirring up a fierce wind.
    Castel holds up a hand, protecting his face. I let the wind