“And yet, he landed here. Faced your trial.”
“He wantedyou.”
I nudged him with my shoulder, a grin teasing at my lips. “He respects you. Honors you. Faced you as a man—now he treats you like a king.”
“We’ll see once negotiations begin.”
“He would give you the moon and all her stars.”
“You’re worth far more.”
My heart swelled, and I leaned in, watching a golden dragon dive toward the sea, talons skimming the surface. Somehow, this second departure felt heavier. The first time, I left with wonder. With dreams. Now, Kallias would be beside me—but I feared how Radaan would respond. Wondered if I could shoulder their scrutiny and win back their faith.
“He may accompany you tomorrow,” Father muttered. “But take your maid. Show him Draconia in all her fierce glory. Remind him what awaits should he forget to honor this contract.”
I bit the inside of my cheek, smothering my response. As if the trial had not seared that reminder deep into his bones.
Still, I would take Father’s blessing. Kallias would walk my streets, see my home—not from the Spire or royal gardens, but on the beaches and narrow roads.
As a common man.
Chapter Nineteen
Kallias
She curled against her father, eyes fixed on the sunset. Her hair sat twisted in a rough knot, a leather-wrapped arm draped around her frame.
A black dragon glided past the landing, slitted pupil trained on me. I eased back a step, not meaning to intrude. But Nereus turned, glare sharp, then rose.
Regret stirred in my chest. Their moments together were fleeting. I couldn’t say when—or if—we’d ever return to Draconia. At least their bond had endured, despite everything.
The Dragon King adjusted his jacket as Nienna leaned over the edge. My heart lurched into my throat.
She belonged to the skies.
Dragons swarmed the island. Nothing would happen to her.
But they’ve failed before, allowed her to be attacked by another man. Accidents still happened.
Nereus approached, glower set like flint. I met him straight, spine locked. I wouldn’t shirk his challenges.
He sighed, then clapped a heavy hand over my mantle. The added weight dragged at my shoulders, but I stood firm, refusing to shift.
“I didn’t mean to impose,” I offered.
When he glanced back, Nienna tugged her hair loose, wild in the wind, and his scowl eased, gaze softening. “She’s your Tsunami now.” He patted my shoulder, shook his head, and kept walking.
I squinted after him. Tsunami? A wave after an earthquake?
Steeling myself, I braved the landing, half-expecting a dragon to knock me aside like a cat toying with prey.
My stomach coiled as my boots scuffed along the black stone. I was bred for the dirt and sand, not sky. But Nienna felt safe here. That had to count for something.
She turned, eyes bright, lips curled in a coy smile. “Care to join me, King of Radaan?”
“It would be my honor, Lady of the Skies.” I grunted, glaring down. The stone dropped into air, a void beneath my feet, promising a violent end with my remains splattered against a rooftop.
Still, I sat, muscles locked, every breath wary.
