Relief twisted in my gut, knotted tight with too many memories just below the surface. I shoved them down. Buried them deep where they belonged.
He gestured to the mess. “Forget it. It Happens.”
I reached for the mead, tipped it into my mouth, and sloshed it around before I spat it back into the cup with a grimace.
Then I lifted it toward him as if to toast a tentative peace. “To mild discomfort.”
Chapter Sixteen
Nienna
“How did you know it would work?”
Mother’s question jabbed hard, the one topic I both avoided and craved.
I stared at my clasped hands as we walked. “I didn’t.”
To admit it out loud felt like a betrayal. How could I ask Kalepsi to set him ablaze if I hadn’t been certain he’d survive?
Mother pressed her lips tight. The creases at the corners of her eyes deepened.
She guided me to my floor. I fought the pull to turn back, to head straight for the dining hall. I needed to see him. Touch him. Make sure he was whole. But he had to face Draconia’s king first. Nothing I said could soften his image. That was Kallias’ burden—to stand tall, speak for himself, likely clash with Father again.
Inside my rooms, she gave a quick glance for Freya or Edith before settling on the chaise. Reclining, she shut her eyes and shook her head. “It’s strange. Your father told me about last night. That’s the second time Kalepsi has left the Nest near an Awakening.”
Queens never abandoned their eggs so close to hatching—not even for their riders. And yet twice now, she came to me.
“They feel different since I arrived.” I sank into a padded chair with a sigh. “It’s like they understand me.”
“They always have.” She studied me, a crease forming between her brows. “But this is different. You haven’t bonded—we’d know. Still, there’s something about you being the Dragon’s Heart. I’ve never heard of anyone immune to dragonfire.”
“He’s safe. That’s what matters.”
“Hardly.” She straightened, tucking a stray strand into her braid. “This is only the beginning. You’re back to page one. Worse, because now he must prove himself to your father. Show this was a misstep, not a pattern. If he can persuade Nereus to let him stay, we renegotiate. If we give you to Kallias, it won’t be as a princess—it’ll be as a queen.”
My stomach clenched, and my eyes snapped to hers.
“To ask for your hand, he’ll have to surrender more. I hope he’s ready.”
I scoffed, still stunned. “He faced adragonand you wonder if he’d give up more for me?”
“That duel—and standing in Kalepsi’s fire—was his decision as a man. Brave, yes. But personal. Sacrificing his body is one thing. Giving up his kingdom is another.”
He would. I knew it in my bones. Father wouldn’t demand the impossible—he’d be firm, but fair. Kallias could negotiate. That was part of being a king. It might take days, maybe longer, but it would happen. Faster than the contract with Tallon. This time, we didn’t have to worry about doves and missives crossing the sea. He was here and would see it through himself.
I would be a queen.
My mouth drew down. I’d have to step into Eldeiade’s place. Would Radaan welcome me? After everything? What would our reception look like? Where would the wedding even happen? Here in Draconia? There?
So many questions. But I just wanted to see him.
“Tomorrow will be long,” Mother said, rising with a breath. “We can’t hide in the Spire. The Awakening is near, and we must stand united.”
She studied me a moment longer, her gaze quiet, sharp. “He’ll stay here. That may help, after what happened with Tsunami and Adoni. But a word of warning, Nienna.”
My smile turned smooth—demure, obedient. Perfect.
“Until you’re joined, abyss—be careful.” Her eyes narrowed, tone dry. “Your father knows you won’t keep your distance, but he’ll try to make it so. Whatever happens, remember your people. They’re watching. Waiting. Their world has shifted—your return, the Innaki, the duel. Be patient. I spent years drilling sense into your skull. Don’t let that man’s charm pluck it out.”
