Magic crackled, flaring sharp and raw. My eyes clamped shut, bracing against the surge of pain.
My brother stepped forward, willing to speak for me. “King Kallias Sunspear of Radaan, Lord of the Plentiful Plains, Warrior of Sun and Flame, I present my sister, Nienna Draconis—the Heart of all Dragonkind.”
At the top of the dais, my nails dug into Ronan’s arm.
“Where is Prince Tallon, her betrothed?” My brother’s question cut through the silence, an intense demand that made me wince.
“The prince is… away. Regrettably.”
My gaze shot to the king, fury igniting alongside the inferno within. His steady, unblinking eyes held mine, an eerie calm that challenged my rage.
“I will see to the princess’ welcome,” he continued. His tone was secure and unshaken, as if nothing could unsettle him.
It became glaringly obvious that this man did not react. Every movement deliberate, every word measured. Broad shoulders held the yoke with effortless grace. He’d worn it so long, the weight no longer seemed to register. His posture remained rigid, commanding, and the intensity of his gaze sent a chill down my spine.
“There are traditions,” Ronan bit out.
A muscle twitched in Kallias’ jaw, the only sign of his irritation. I wanted to silence my brother—if I stepped into the palace without releasing the magic, I’d ignite the stone beneath our feet.
There were some things more mortifying than saying a few phrases out of turn.
“Yes, and they will be addressed,” the king said.
“She must surrender her pact.”
“Princess Nienna may deliver her seal when Tallon returns.”
“It cannot wait,” I gasped, each word scraping from my throat, barely above a whisper. I held the king’s stare, the world falling away until only the two of us remained. His presence was distant, implacable, while the fire inside me raged. He, as a Radaanian, was devoid of magical abilities. And much like his people, he couldn’t fathom what was happening, what I endured. Even as poor a Vessel as I was, I still had more ability than his entire court.
He had a choice—let me release the magic, or turn us away. Ronan would gladly allow me to unleash it in any way that suited me. Perhaps I’d set fire to the nobles while we skipped off into the sunset. He never wanted this marriage forme to begin with. The thought of his sister being traded like property gnawed at him, regardless that I embraced my fate.
Kallias’ shoulders rose with a deep breath as he stepped forward. I recoiled, horrified by his curt approach.
“Deliver your seal,” he said.
Not a request, nor a demand. His voice held only the weight of inevitability as he pressed into my space. I craned my head back, and his harsh blue eyes flared with irritation at my sharp intake of breath.
“It’s the Dragon’s Kiss,” I whispered, words trembling with a silent plea—make someone else take it.
It was one thing for my betrothed to claim the seal. We would marry—become equals. If I faltered, Tallon would accept it.
But to bestow my Dragon’s Kiss to King Kallias? Unthinkable.
If something went wrong, he would be far less receptive. He’d never forgive me. He wasn’t my equal, but the father of my betrothed—the one who bartered for my hand.
“Yes. And your presence, your duty, is to seal this kingdom with Draconia. I sired the blood that flows through Prince Tallon’s veins. To bequeath your pact on me is the same as delivering it to my son.”
Except it wasn’t.
His gaze flicked over my face, then softened, as if he could read my hesitation. His tone lowered, a quiet command. “Let’s not keep the masses in suspense.”
Ronan growled, squeezing my hand once before stepping back. He threw out his arms, warning the guards to maintain their distance.
This couldn’t be happening. I was supposed to kiss Prince Tallon. My lips had touched no one but family. I would have kissed any noble or servant present—anyone—not the king of Radaan.
But here he stood, waiting, his face open, resigned to whatever came next. He wouldn’t force me. I caught something in the depths of his eyes—uncertainty? Was he wondering if I’d walk away? Abandon the blood oath?
No. Draconia was starving. We needed this.
