“They’ve disrespected me, but you–”
I laughed, the sound bursting free before he could finish. Turning to him, I pressed a chilled hand to his warmer one. His scowl faltered, the lines softening as I smiled up at him. Rage was written all over his face and I tried to quell it in our stolen moment.
“I can handle myself. Takal might curse me if the crops fail next year, but don’t uproot a district for my sake.” The words were light, but warmth curled in my chest at his indignation on my behalf.
He raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking to my lips. “You threatened her?”
“I reminded Takal of her place.”
“And with my tripling of their taxes, I’m sure they’ll rest peacefully tonight,” he said, a wry note creeping into his voice.
The tension eased from his shoulders as the storm clouds in his eyes cleared. His gaze lingered on my face, his lips curving at my grin. In this moment, the titles that defined us dissolved, leaving only him and me beneath the open sky.
“You belong up here,” Kallias murmured.
“This is nothing compared to the Spire.” I stretched out my arm, letting the wind push and pull against my palm. The gusts streamed through my spread fingers like threads of silk, then surged upward as I cupped my hand. “And riding a dragon is far worse. If they dive or drop their head, you’d better be strapped in.”
“You’ve flown on the beasts, then?”
“Since I was a babe.” I gripped the railing, memories pressing down on me like an unseen weight. “My father took me up on Argos as soon as the queen released me. I wasn’t even a year old.”
“Your mother had to release you?” He chuckled, arching a brow.
“No, the queen dragon—Kalepsi.” A mischievous smile tugged at my lips. “Didn’t you know I was raised among dragons, dear Kallias?”
“Forgive my ignorance, precious Nienna,” he drawled, a flicker of humor dancing in his eyes. “I did not learn every secret of your childhood.”
I laughed, throwing my head back. The wind caught my hair, tossing it into a wild spiral. His flinch, subtle but there, only made the moment sweeter.
“I was born in the Nest at the Spire’s peak. My mother risked everything. The scent of blood can drive dragons into a frenzy, but Kalepsi claimed me as her own. It’s the highest honor in Draconia, to be chosen without being a rider.”
The words stung, though I hid it. Dragons choose their riders, it cannot be forced. And despite Kalepsi’s blessing, none chose me.
“When the bulls were drawn to the blood, Kalepsi drove them out herself,” I continued, filling the silence. “For months, she refused to let my mother take me away. It’s a dangerous thing, exposing a newborn to the elements, but the reward was worth the risk.”
“Why would Queen Nyxaria take such a chance?” His tone, low and sharp, betrayed his disapproval.
“To be blessed by dragons is to stand above all others,” I said, meeting his gaze without flinching. “Draconis aren’t religious, like Radaanians. Among us, a dragon’s blessing is sacred. For every daughter of Draconia, the risk is part of the legacy. Had I been a better Vessel, my power would rival even my father’s.”
Greaves lingered near the doorway, his attention fixed on a painting, feigning disinterest. I caught the faint curve of his lips as if he followed our words, nonetheless.
“It wasn’t just for me,” I continued. “Kalepsi’s mark is protection. No one can harm what the dragons claim.”
“They are fearsome creatures,” Kallias admitted, his voice thoughtful. “Prince Ronan’s black mount alone would strike fear in any army.”
“There’s a reason no kingdom has dared wage war on Draconia,” I replied. “Kings have tried to claim the Wild Shores, to tame the dragons, but their will is not ours to command.No force rivals their might.”
Kallias leaned a hip against the railing, crossing his arms over his chest. The faint lines on his face deepened as he stared into the sky, his expression unreadable.
I bit the inside of my cheek. How soon would my rooms be ready?
“When do you believe King Nereus might answer your request for dragons?” he asked after a moment.
“The whirlstorms are unpredictable this season,” I said, sighing. “He’ll send them when the skies clear. I’ve requested five. Once they fly, they won’t stop.”
His focus remained on the stars, his profile cast in silver by the moonlight, though a shadow of worry darkened his features.
I touched his arm, drawing his gaze to me. “Radaan will have my dragons. They’ll guard your mountain passes. Nothing shall cross without your command.”
