“At what cost?”
“—And once Tallon is dealt with, veer to the Craggs. Hope her interest lies there. The bulls can,” I rolled the word across my tongue, unwilling to say it aloud, “encourageher to stay.”
Ronan laughed. “She’ll do much worse than tipping ships if you try to pen her in.”
“We’ll weather that storm when it comes,” I snapped. “For now, she is nursing her wounds and should leave us be.”
“She didn’t go far.” My brother tilted his head, eyes tracking the ceiling for a long moment. “She’s loitering—waiting for his scent again, I wager.”
Kallias stiffened as the healer finished the bandage on his arm. “If she lands, we will deal with it. Remember your place, rider.”
Ronan leaned back, brows rising in mocking surprise at the lower title. “If she challenges Gyrak, that’s dragon business. I have no power there.”
“If you can’t control your beast, then I will.”
“Is that a threat, old man?”
The glare Kallias leveled at him could have sent any other running for the hills. “Nienna,” he said, gaze flicking my way, “we have a feast to attend.”
My arm pinched as the healer tied the bandage, and I leaned back to rise. My dear husband wasted no time guiding me out of the cramped room. Greaves’ amusement danced in his expression as we passed; he trailed behind in silence.
“I fear for his life,” Kallias muttered under his breath.
Ronan? What purpose would his death serve? I would still control the dragons. “Someone wishes him dead?”
“Me.” He sighed, weary, a faint scoff breaking through at my relief. “For the healer’s sake, I didn’t push him out the window.”
“If you had, his dragon would have caught him.” I chuckled. “That’s the terrible truth about riders, especially princes—too much power for such a small human.”
The slice along my forearm was a minor grievance, joining the tight scab on my neck. I stole a glance at the bandage creeping up Kallias’ arm, scarlet seeping through already.
“Did I cut you too deep?” I whispered.
He threaded his fingers through mine, pressing our wounds side by side. “No. You didn’t hurt me, Nienna. The people needed to see blood.” His breath tickled my ear as he leaned close. “It’s part of the ceremony, after all.”
I laughed, shoulders easing with relief.
We reached the western entrance, where long ago I had first arrived at the Golden Palace, a nervous but determined princess. The vast space was crowded, transformed into an outdoor feast to rival the dawn of the Awakening. Tables and attendeesstretched as far as I could see, brushing against towering buildings that blurred into the distance.
Stepping onto the dais, we entered a charred circle—a remnant of the Dragon’s Kiss I had bestowed on Kallias. Meant as a symbol of our nations joining, I had never imagined it would bind our very souls.
“Radaan, behold! Your King and Queen!” The herald’s voice boomed over the crowd.
Anticipation rippled through the throng, then exploded into a united cry. “Blessed be the King and Queen!”
A genuine smile broke across my face as I returned the crowd’s energy. Despite Tsunami’s antics, it worked. Kallias was right—the people were reclaiming joy, seeking goodness in the wake of Tallon’s reign. He had given them a celebration to grasp, a momentary reprieve.
He led me down the stairs, then through the masses. Noblemen and women offered felicitations, each eager to share the gifts they had brought. I stayed close, committing faces and names to memory. With Alea’s help, I would ensure every thanks reached its rightful recipient.
“Your Majesties, congratulations.” A fine couple bowed deeply. A small girl clung to her mother’s skirts, peering at me with a shy smile.
“You’re the Tals, I presume.” I nodded at Seraph, who giggled and ducked behind her mother.
“Oh, you must curtsy to the queen!” The woman corrected gently, prying her free, then demonstrated the motion herself. “Kaylin’tal. It’s a pleasure to meet you, my queen.”
“And Don’tal.” The man bowed deeply, head dipping toward his knees. When he straightened, he dragged a hand through his tousled silver hair, jaw tight, eyes shimmering as he saluted Kallias. “My king. You kept my girl safe—I can never repay you for that. You have my sincerest thanks.”
An understanding smile flickered across my husband’s lips as he rested a palm on the man’s shoulder. “It is the duty of the king to protect his people.” His eyes caught Seraph’s, grinning. “Radaan has a bright future with her.”
