The implication struck me like ice water. New life. I would have to consummate my marriage. My hand trembled as I set down my fork and dabbedat my lips, hoping the motion would disguise my disgust. How could I endure that duty while Kallias still dominated my thoughts?
Egath’s voice broke my spiral. “I’ve heard dragons will arrive before then. Though I’m sure they won’t be used until the union?” He carved another piece of beef, his tone almost careless. “After all, Radaan wouldn’t own them until afterwards.”
My spine stiffened as I turned to him, forcing my expression into a mask of polite confusion. “Radaan? Own dragons?”
With a condescending smile, he replied, “The beasts would belong to the kingdom. They’d answer to the king, would they not?”
“They will answer to me.” The steel in my voice surprised even me. “The Dragon Riders serve Draconia—a Draconis queen and no one else.”
“Ah,” he murmured, his nod slow and calculating. “That explains why you couldn’t negotiate for them.”
“There is no negotiating for dragons,” I snapped, though I tried to temper the sharpness in my tone. “They aren’t commodities, but the lifeblood ofmypeople, as sacred as the land itself. They belong to Draconia, now and forever.”
The mere thought that he believed a Dragon Rider would obey a foreign king was laughable.
Draconis were born of pride. Our island was the cradle of our existence; the Spire loomed over us, its jagged silhouette etched into the soul of every newborn. It was as intrinsic as breath itself. The roar of dragons resonated in our blood, their calls echoing in our hearts. Even my father, with all his power, could not command the riders to bend to a foreign throne. They answered only to the Dragon King or the Dragon’s Heart.
He paused, humming a low, thoughtful sound, but I noticed the subtle twitch of his cheek. Was that annoyance I glimpsed in his forest-green eyes? He was calculating something, and when he leaned back and dropped his chin, I knew he had reached his decision.
“I meant no insult, Princess,” he said. “Vellos knows little of the Draconis—rumors, legends, nothing more.”
“Likewise,” I replied, taking a sip of my wine. “Perhaps I’ll visit the library.” Memories intruded, unbidden: rough hands on my waist, strong thighs nestled between mine.
Egath’s voice yanked me back. “You’d have to imagine any books Radaan holds would be tainted by their hatred for my people.”
I steadied my breathing, suppressing the heat that rose to my cheeks. “And where would you suggest I learn of Vellos?”
His grin widened, flashing his sharpened teeth. “I’d be happy to educate you.”
Kallias’ voice rumbled like distant thunder. “Ambassador, diplomacy requires tact. If you’re suggesting youeducatea princess, you have much to learn.”
Egath nodded. “Of course, Your Majesty. Due to Prince Tallon’s state, I only meant to–”
“You know nothing of the prince’s state,” Kallias cut in, his jaw tightening. He rose from his seat, shoving his chair with his knees, his glacial gaze locking onto mine.
I leaned back on instinct, suspecting that glare was directed for Egath. I glanced his way as the rest of us pushed to stand, joining the king.
“Your Majesty?” My voice cracked, betraying my nerves. I had been raised for court, taught to control my every word, but this man—this moment—shattered all my composure. “What is Tallon’s condition?”
If it was possible, he stood a little straighter. “He is unwell,” he said.
Without saying more, he turned on his heel and strode from the dining hall, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword.
I watched him go, noting the rigid set of his shoulders, the tension coiled in every step. He didn’t pause to speak to the nobles; he moved like a storm, barely contained.
“Unwell,” Egath muttered under his breath.
I snapped toward him, catching the smirk curling his lips. “Is it a plague?”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Not quite. Though I’ll leave that for the king to elaborate.”
The untouched food on my plate mocked me. Four courses remained, each one promising more forced smiles and veiled barbs. I couldn’t endure it.
Rising from my seat, I followed Kallias down the dais, the guards trailing close behind. At the main corridor, I hesitated, my gaze drawn to the path I knew led to the roof. He would be there, taking refuge from the suffocating pretense of court.
I exhaled, letting the tension drain from my shoulders, and turned the opposite way.
“The shoulder looks lopsided.”
