Page 101 of A Court of Darkness and Dragons

I studied him, my chest tight. “I hope you find… whatever it is you’re looking for.”

His eyes softened, shadows and regret flickering there. “You were what I was looking for,” he admitted quietly. “But I fucked it up. I accept my mistakes.” His gaze dipped briefly to the ground before meeting mine again. “You were always meant to be a queen.”

“I agree,” Zander’s voice cut in, smooth and certain.

I turned, startled, to find him standing just behind me. His Dark Fire gaze was locked on Remy, the air between them as taut as a bowstring.

Remy didn’t flinch. He met Zander’s eyes squarely. “I still think she’s too good for you.”

“I know,” Zander said simply.

Remy’s mouth tightened, but he gave a single nod and turned, striding away across the grounds.

I exhaled, my thoughts churning. “How will Katama do with Remy gone?”

“Katama is going with him,” Zander answered, his gaze following Remy’s retreating form. “Dragons are not meant to be cooped up in one place. It was my father who had reined them in these last few years. Those who have mated with young will need to remain near the isle, but those without mates are content to travel in small flights.”

“Who is going with Remy?” I asked.

“A few members from Warborn,” Zander replied, his hand brushing mine briefly.

Before I could answer, a familiar voice carried across the grounds, calling my name. I turned quickly, my heart leaping into my throat.

Solei’s voice rang clear, and before I even thought, I was moving toward her. She was dressed in a guard’s uniform, her sandy hair tied back, and for once she looked like she belonged among the soldiers of Warriath.

I threw my arms around her. The hug startled her—I felt the stiffness in her frame, the hesitation, but then she returned it, awkward but real.

“You killed the Blood King and saved the dragons,” she said, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze. “Not bad for a future queen.”

“You were spying again,” I accused, my lips twitching.

Her smirk was wicked. “I am always spying. But not on your wedding night. I’ll take that night off.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “I appreciate that.”

“How quickly was the war over?” I asked, sobering.

“As soon as the fae abandoned the army, the dragons decimated what was left.” Her tone was casual, almost amused. “The dragons from the lost continent assisted them. There were so many, the army all but scattered in under an hour. It was pathetic.”

My eyebrows shot up. “That fast?”

Solei’s grin widened, cruel in its delight. “I did enjoy watching the gray dragons eat the slower members of the retreating army though.”

“They ate them?” My stomach twisted.

“Apparently, that’s how it is on the lost continent. Betray your own, and you end up as dragon kibble.” She said it with a shrug, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“I’m sorry I missed it,” I admitted.

Solei’s eyes glittered. “Me too. I have to report back to Cyran. He is going to lose his mind when he finds out you’re his future queen. I don’t want to miss that tantrum.”

I laughed outright at that, as she ducked away, her shoulders shaking in silent mirth. I could almost hear the swear words he would invent, and the thought only made me laugh harder.

Cordelle’s voice carried over the thinning crowd. “Your Highness, may I have a quick word?”

Zander inclined his head, glancing at me once before stepping aside with him. I watched them retreat toward the edge of the grounds, their voices lost in the wind, and then I reached inward for Kaelith.

Hey, I murmured through our bond. How is Loretha?