Page 35 of A Court of Darkness and Dragons

I crossed the courtyard at a run, falling into step beside him. Ferrula called after me, but I only waved for her to hold position.

Zander didn’t waste time with explanations as we moved, our strides in perfect sync. We slipped through the castle’s arched entry, the cool shadow of the great hall swallowing us whole.

We passed several guards along the way, each one snapping to attention and nodding to Zander as we went. The curiosity in their gazes followed us, but no one dared to stop us.

The air seemed heavier the closer we got, anticipation curling tight in my chest.

At last, we reached the double doors of the king’s royal bedchamber. Two of the King’s Guard stood there, halberds crossed until they recognized Zander. Without a word, they stepped aside.

The doors opened, and I stepped through at his side, bracing myself for whatever waited within.

The heavy doors shut behind us, muffling the sounds of the castle.

King Emlem lay propped against a mound of pillows, the golden light from the tall windows pooling over him. He looked… peaceful, but far too frail, his once-broad frame diminished, skin pale against the rich crimson blankets.

His eyes fluttered, eyelids trembling, and then they opened. For a heartbeat, confusion clouded his gaze as he looked between us. Then, with a slight grimace, he closed them again as though the light was too much, or the pain too intense.

“Father,” Zander said quietly, stepping forward. “Are you alright?”

King Emlem was silent for a long moment, his breath shallow. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and rough. “My bond with my dragon… is severed. I do not possess enough magic to reconnect with him.”

I felt the weight of that truth like a stone in my chest.

Zander took his father’s hand gently but firmly. “You were poisoned and spelled. It’s a miracle you survived at all.”

The king’s gaze sharpened. “Who was behind this? You must have killed the caster.”

Zander’s jaw tightened before he answered with a sigh. “It was Inderia. She pledged herself to the Blood Fae. She’s been working with them to bring an army against us.”

“The Varnari?” Emlem asked, his tone cautious.

“No,” Zander said, shaking his head. “The Varnari were just a ruse to sway those with magic to their side. The true threat is called the Crimson Sigil, and they’re working with the Blood Fae.”

Emlem coughed, the sound dry and labored. “Does Theron know?”

Zander’s mouth thinned. “He helped the Crimson Sigil as well.”

The king’s eyes closed briefly, his jaw working as if he were tasting the bitterness of betrayal. When he opened them again, there was no hesitation in his voice. “Dorian must take the crown.”

“I agree,” Zander replied without pause, his hand still wrapped around his father’s.

Zander’s thumb brushed over his father’s hand, his voice softening. “Rest, Father. We’ll handle the rest.”

But Emlem Rayne had already gone to sleep, his breathing slow and even, the lines of pain in his face smoothing out under the weight of exhaustion. Zander lingered a moment longer, then gently placed his father’s hand back onto the blanket.

We left the royal bedchamber in silence, the heavy doors closing behind us with a muted thud.

Kaelith’s voice filled my mind before we’d even reached the stairwell. Dorian and Foran are landing.

I glanced at Zander, already feeling his stride lengthen beside me. “Let’s go,” he said, and we broke into a quick pace, heading for the Ascension Grounds.

When we arrived, the air was alive with movement. Stormforge was gathered in a loose semicircle, their dragons restless but alert as Dorian dismounted Foran. The prince looked wind-worn but steady, his dark hair tousled from flight.

He was already moving toward Lirane. The moment he reached her, she launched herself into his arms, clinging to him like she never meant to let go.

“Being without you,” Dorian murmured, his voice carrying just enough for us to hear, “was the worst punishment I could have endured.”

Lirane’s eyes shone, and she cupped his face in both hands. “You’re back now. That’s all that matters.”