Page 100 of A Court of Darkness and Dragons

The roar of cheers broke out, riders raising fists, dragons trumpeting from the fields beyond.

Zander raised his hand, quieting them. “The incursion has devastated the other kingdoms. It will take years for them to recover. Riders will aid in supply runs, and in any capacity needed, to help the people of this continent heal. Siergen has informed me that even the dragons without riders are willing to help ferry supplies until trade routes are reestablished.”

More cheers rang out—this time desperate, relieved. I caught tears in the eyes of a rider near the front; no doubt she had family in those broken regions.

Zander took a deep breath, his Dark Fire gaze sweeping the crowd. “Many of you have already heard that we were able to save the dragons enslaved by the fae. Yes, we freed them. But remember—dragons saved us first. Our bond with them was never forged through conquest. It was born of trust. Of sacrifice. Human and dragon alike have given their lives to secure this peace.”

Heads bowed, nods rippled through the mass of riders, the air heavy with solemn agreement.

And then Zander’s voice shifted, softer but somehow louder than all the rest. “Ashlyn Rebec has agreed to be my wife. We will plan our ceremony in due time.”

The grounds erupted again, the cheers deafening, dragons trumpeting their approval into the sky. My face burned, my chest too full to breathe, as Zander’s gaze found mine and held it.

My gaze swept over the crowd, the sea of riders echoing with cheers. Every face was alight with relief, with joy—every face except one.

Remy.

He stood with his arms folded, lips pressed thin, eyes shadowed. Yet when my gaze lingered on him, he gave me the smallest nod. It wasn’t celebration—it wasn’t even warmth—but it was something. Consent. A silent acknowledgment that he wouldn’t stand in my way.

At the podium, Zander’s hand held the carved edge, his knuckles pale with the weight of command. His voice rang out over the crowd, cutting through the din.

“The royalty in the kingdoms of Amdar and Caston have either been eliminated or are on the run. I will not allow the royals of this continent to treat their people like slaves.” His eyes blazed, his Dark Fire voice as sharp as a blade. “Remand Saulter has agreed to take over Amdar. He will ensure it becomes a kingdom we can be proud to ally ourselves with.”

A ripple of whispers moved through the crowd, then Riven’s voice carried as clear as a bell. “That’s got to be the shittiest posting I have ever heard of. Well, with the exception of Caston.”

A few riders snorted, quickly smothering their laughter. My eyes flicked toward Remy, expecting a retort, but his expression didn’t change. He stood unmoving, a statue of stone, betraying nothing.

Zander didn’t so much as flinch. He lifted a hand and motioned to the nearest guard. “Bring Theron to me.”

The cheers faded into tense silence, the entire Ascension Grounds waiting to see what justice the new King Rayne would deliver.

The crowd shifted as guards emerged from the inner gates, escorting Theron onto the Ascension Grounds. He looked nothing like the proud prince who had once strutted through these very stones. His hair hung limp and uncombed, his royal robes creased and stained, as though he’d slept in them for days. Still, he held his chin high, his arrogance clinging to him like a second skin.

“You called for me,” Theron said, his voice hoarse but haughty as his eyes locked on Zander.

Zander’s gaze was unflinching. He gave a single, deliberate nod. “You have lost the respect of the nobility in Warriath. Would you like the chance to run a kingdom again?”

For a heartbeat, Theron faltered, then his expression lit with hunger, his spine straightening. “Yes, of course.”

Zander didn’t smile. His voice was iron. “Remy has agreed to bring Amdar in line. If you agree to report to him and do the same for Caston, you will be given the chance to prove your loyalty.”

Theron froze, the blood draining from his face. “But Caston is…” His voice cracked, dread leaking through the cracks of his pride.

Zander stepped forward, his words cutting like a blade. “This is your last chance, Theron. You could be hanged for your involvement in the war. Remy will be your superior, but you have the opportunity to rebuild Caston. To use your intelligence to aid the less fortunate in Caston. It has all but been destroyed. It is not an easy task.”

Theron’s mask slipped entirely. His jaw clenched, and he jerked his head in a quick, desperate nod. “Yes. I’ll do it.”

Zander turned then, his gaze sweeping over the gathered riders. “New assignments will be distributed soon. As will new living arrangements. Riders will have no more than two to a room, and I will be inviting a few members of Thrall Squad to move into the castle. I prefer riders to guards.”

His voice carried to every corner of the grounds, the command absolute. “You are dismissed.”

The crowd bowed as one, a ripple of obedience and respect rolling across the field before breaking apart into motion, riders scattering with murmurs of relief and speculation.

I wove through the dispersing crowd until I found Remy lingering at the edge of the grounds. Zander had paused to speak with Major Kaler, leaving me a moment.

“Amdar?” I asked, my voice low.

Remy shrugged, his expression unreadable, though there was a heaviness in his shoulders I hadn’t seen before. “I need a change. And Cyran is still displeased with me. The leader of the Order in Amdar died, but his daughter has taken over. I think I can work with her to restore order and bring about change.”