Two words. They struck like an arrow. My thoughts spun, head light as if steeped in wine. I wanted to lift her, return to the bed, pretend the city beyond these walls didn’t despise us. I wanted to forget Tallon, his schemes, and live small and quiet.
But that path wasn’t mine.
Not this time. And now—I did not walk it alone.
My fingers threaded through the hair at her nape as I pressed a kiss to her brow. “I love you.”
Relief softened her features, pride roaring through me at the sight. She knew this road would bruise and break us, yet she chose me still. She chose this fight.
“Ready?” I asked, mindful of her, refusing to charge ahead without her at my side.
Her arm slid through mine, chin lifting, smile sharpening into fierce resolve. “Let’s see our dragons.”
Chapter Thirteen
Nienna
The dragons were grounded; the fleet lined up in a neat row. They held their heads high, brilliant eyes ablaze with defiance despite wings hanging low and heavy. Tsunami chirped overhead, circling them, taunting the weary beasts from above.
Gyrak faced them, smaller than Artorious. The massive bull’s scales shimmered black, catching the morning sun in deep gray flashes. His long ivory horns speared the sky. A gentle giant. Though his coloring was a dominant gene, he bore none of Argos’ temperament. He was careful. Almost delicate.
“They’re striking,” Kallias commented as we dismounted and approached Ronan, who stood in conversation with five other men.
They were beautiful. “The black is Artorious. Erwin rides him. You remember him from our meeting with Galdoni? He’s one of our strongest riders.”
“I remember him.” Kallias’ gaze moved over the beast, measured and intent.
“The red is Guglielmo, though we call him Elmo. Mikal rides him. He’s a personal friend. The emerald is Breon, bonded to Nakos.” My words came faster as we drew closer. “The dark blue is Dyre, with Sean. And the gold is Matalino, ridden by Orren.”
Kallias nodded, absorbing every detail. It would not have surprised me if he could recite it all back perfectly, word for word.
“Nienna,” Ronan called, a broad grin cutting across his face. He stood among friends here—his equals.
“Your Majesties.” The riders saluted me, then bowed in respectful shallow dips to Kallias.
“Welcome to Radaan.” I inclined my head. “Thank you for coming.” The words carried to the dragons as well.
“’Tis our duty,” Erwin said. Tall and lean, with dark curls and green eyes, he matched Artorious in both build and bearing.
“And our pleasure,” Orren added, pushing blond, shoulder-length hair from his face.
Gyrak huffed and stepped closer, lowering his head to sniff me.
“Your dragons are tired. Let them rest and feed. I trust they will recover within a day?” I directed the question to my brother. He would lead them under my authority while they remained here. For the riders’ sake, Erwin answered to me.
“They didn’t stop when they reached the continent.” Ronan shook his head. “I want to give them two.”
My frown lifted toward the blue-and-green shape coasting overhead. “Tsunami was ready within a day.”
Sean barked a disbelieving laugh. “We were shocked when she took off. Straight into the storm! I still can’t decide if she’s mad or just… powerful.” His dragon craned its neck skyward, clicking in thoughtful agreement.
My smile came easy. “That menace is strong-willed. Always has been.”
As if summoned by the words, Tsunami slammed into the earth. Graceful landings were taught, not instinctive. Dragons tore trenches through soil without care, heedless of frightened livestock.
Cattle lowed. Pigs squealed. Donkeys brayed from nearby farmyards, chaos rippling outward with her impact. Farmers hurried to calm their animals.
I pressed my lips together. “Kallias, where would you like them to take their kills?” I asked, offering him the chance to draw the dragons away from the city.
