Drakhana’s Secret by Tara Starr

Our nation faces extinction. Only a true mating will save it.
There was a love once between me and Sapphire.
It was pure. Innocent.
She dreamed of me as I worshipped her.
We believed we were heart-bonded.
But it was a love that was budding.
And untested by the strains of leadership.
I had to assume my duties in the city.
I had to leave her.
She bloomed and grew into the woman that she is.
Alone.
But then the war came to our people.
It decimates our villages.
It kills our elders.
And it leaves us without leaders.
Into this chaos, steps Sapphire.
She’s glorious. Beautiful. And magnificent.
Our people, shell shocked and brutalized, follow her.
But she is inexperienced. Still unsure of the burdens of leadership.
There is only one person who can temper her optimism with reality.
Who can create a love and a leader strong enough to lead a nation.
Me.