(The Kings of Avalier, Book 1)The Last Dragon King The TikTok fantasy romance sensation for 2023

THELASTDRAGONKING
KINGSOFAVALIERBOOKONELEIASTONECopyright?2022byLeiaStone
Allrightsreserved.
Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwrittenpermissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview.
CreatedwithVellumCONTENTS
TriggerWarning
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
AcknowledgmentsTRIGGERWARNING
Infantloss/stillbirthisspokenofbutnotshownordescribedindetail.Thedragonkinghaslostchildreninthepastanditaffectshischaracterdeeply.ONE
Ihauledmykillovermyshoulderandgruntedundertheweightofit.Thecougarinhadbeenafull-grownadultmaleandwasmylargestkilltodate.Hewouldbringenoughmeattofeedmymotherandlittlesisterforatleasttwomoons,aswellasgiveussomethingtotradeatthemarket.Winterwasn’tforawhilebutIwantedtogetnewfursforbothmymotherandAdaline.
StalkingthebeastoverthelastweekhadprovedfruitfulandIcouldn’thelpthelopsidedgrinthatdrewthecornersofmymouthupasIwalkedintomyhometownofCinderVillage.
BeingatthebaseofCinderMountain,andthecoalminesinsideofit,meantthatthefinedustfromthemountaincoatedeverythinginthevillage,andtodaywasnoexception.Therocksthatdottedthevillageroadheldathicklayerofash,asdidthetipsofmyhuntingboots.Ibarelynoticedanymore;youjustgotusedtoitwhenyoulivedhere.Itwasinourears,nose,teeth,andotherplacesnotspokenof.
InJadeCity,thecapitalofEmbergate,youcouldspotaCinderVillageresidentfromamileaway.Wepuffeddustwitheachstepandweweredamnwellproudofit.ThepeopleofCinderwereahardworkingpeople.Wedidn’tsitonourbuttsallday.
“Nicekill,Arwen,”NathanialcalledfromhispostatthetopoftheguardgateentrancetoCinderVillage.NathanialwasoneofthemosthandsomeguysinCinderVillage.Sandy-blondhair,hazeleyes,andasharpjaw…justlookingupathimnowmademystomachwarm.
Igavehimagoofygrin.“Comefordinnerlater?Bringyourparents.”
Henodded,pursinghislips.“Wouldlovethat.”
WeweretwentywintersoutfromtheGreatFaminebutmyparentsrememberedsuchatimeandtrainedusyoungeronesonhowtohuntandgrowfood,andtoskinandprepareakill.Usuallyitwasthemendoingthehuntingandthewomendoingthegrowing,butwithmyfatherdead,Ididn’thavethatluxury.Theyalsotaughtustoshowkindnessandgiveamealwhenyouhadplenty.Timeswereaboonnow,andthiscougarinwasmuchmorethanweneeded.
Theweightoftheanimalwasstartingtocauseasharppainbetweenmyshoulders,itsblooddrippingdownthefrontofmyshirtfromthearrowwoundinitsneck.Icouldn’twaittodropthisofftomymotherandthenwashup.
Ipassedthemarketstalls,givingnodstothemenandwomenworkingthem,andmarveledattheprettygarlandsofflowersthathadbeenhunguparoundthevillageforMayDay.I’dworriedthatIwasn’tgoingtomakeitbackforthebelovedfestivaloflove.I’dmademykilljustintime,andifIwashedupquicklyImightevenbeabletojointhekissingtent.
Pushingmylegsfaster,Iturnedthecornertotherowmymother’shutwason.Wewereasimplepeoplewholivedasimplelife.Thatchedhuts,freshriverwater,potatofields,andcoalmining—thatwasCinderVillage.Theashfromthecoalminemadethesoilfertileandsowewereknownforourlargepotatoesandsweettubers.
Ioncevisitedourcapital,JadeCity,whenIwasfifteenwintersoldandmyjawhadunhingedtheentirethree-daytrip.ItwasthemostbeautifulcityinallofEmbergate,whichiswhyourkinglivedthereandallofthekingsbeforehim.JadeCitywasfullofsuchopulenceandsplendorthathadInotseenitwithmyowneyes,Iwouldnothavebelievedit.Morejade,gold,andrubythanI’deverseeninallmylife.Theroadswereallbrick,thebuildingswhitestone,thecitylitupatnightlikeajewel.Themeadwasflowing,thefoodstallswerestocked,andthestreetswerefullofdragon-folk.
Ihadneverbeenaroundsomanypowerfuldragon-folkinmyentirelife,butJadeCityhadbeencrawlingwiththem.Thedragon-folkwerelinkedtotheirking,DraeValdren.Hegavethempowerthroughhimself,andsoitmadesensetheywantedtolivenearhim.Dragon-folkwithenoughmagichadthepowertoheal,tobreathefire;theyhadextremestrength.Butfullyshiftingintoadragon’sform,thatwasforthekingalone—themostpowerfuldragon-folktoeverlive.
HereinCinderVillagewewereabitofananomaly.Technically,wewereinEmbergateterritoryandruledbythedragonking,butweweremostlyamixedbunch.Humans,dragon-folk,elves,fae—evenafewstraywolvenendeduphere.Anyonewhowasofmixedraceorofdilutedmagicwasusuallyoutcastedfromtheirterritoryandwounduphere,makingacolonyofsorts.Amixedbreedsociety.Mymomwasfullyhuman.HerparentsdefectedfromNightfallCitywhenshewaslittle,andmydadwasamixofhumanandone-tenthdragon-folk.Itwasn’tenoughtohaveanycoolfirepowers,buthewasabletoliftlargerocksintheminesandprovideagoodlifeformymomandI.UntilhediedwhenIwasnine…
“BlesstheMaker,lookatthatkill!”mymomshriekedfromthedoorwayofourhut,anditpulledmefrommythoughtsaboutmyfather.Everymuscleinmybodyhurt.Iwastired,Istunk,andIwascoveredinblood,butseeingmymomsohappycausedmetogringoofilyather.
“We’llneedtotakeoutthewaistbandofmytrousersbynextweek,”Ijoked.MylittlesisterAdalinepoppedherheadoutfromthedoorwayashereyesgrewaswideassaucers.
“Cougarinstewfordinner!”sheshriekedinjoy.
Thatgotachuckleoutofme.Thebakedpotatoesandgreenswerefilling,butnothinglikeMama’scougarinstew.
Isteppedinsideourhome,shuffledacrossthefreshlysweptfloor,andpassedthekitchenwhichledtothebackporch.Motheralreadyhadthebutchertableandknivesout.SheknewIwouldn’tcomehomeempty-handed,andherfaithinmemademeproud.
Afterslammingthebeastdownonthetable,Igroaned,rollingoutmyneck.
“Youdidgood,Arwen.”Mymomsmoothedmyhairandthenwrinkledhernose.“Butyousmelllikedeath.”
Adalinebrokeoutintoafull-onbellylaughandIsprangfromwhereIstoodandranafterherwithmyarmsoutlikeabloodsuckerfromNecromere.
Shegaveagenuineshriekofterror.Nowitwasmyturntoburstintolaughter.
“Alright,don’tscareyoursister.Goandwashup,it’sMayDay!”mymotherscoldedme.
MayDay
Isighed.Allthesinglegirlsandsingleboysofagewouldstandinthevillagesquareblindfoldedandthenstartwalkingtowardseachother.Whoeveryoureachedfirst,youkissed.
Itwasalong-heldtraditionofCinderVillage,andasterrifyingasitsoundeditwaskindofthrillingaswell.LegendsaidwhoeveryoukissedonMayDaywouldbecomeyourspouse.Ateighteenwintersold,thiswouldbemyfirstMayDay.Iwaseligiblelastyearbuthadbeensickerthanadogfromeatingsomebadberries,soIwasunabletoattend
Ireachedupandtouchedmylips,wonderingifNathanialwouldkissme—youweren’tsupposedtopeek,butsomeoftheboyslettheirblindfoldsslipsothattheycouldgravitatetowardsthegirltheywanted.
IwantedNathanial.
IslippedintothebedroomIsharedwithAdalineandgrabbedacleantunicandtrousers.Mymotherhadlongsincegivenuptryingtogetmetowearskirtsanddresses.Eversincemyfatherdiedninewintersago,I’dhadtobecomethehunterofthefamily,andhuntinginadresswasjustdownrightstupid.
Adalinewashidingunderherbedfurs,probablyafraidI’drubcougarinbloodonher.Iwalkedtowardsherandhoveredoverher.Afteramoment,thinkingIwasgone,sheslowlypulleddownthecovers,butwhenshesawmeshescreamedagain,yankingthefursbackup.Iburstoutindelightedlaughter.
“Arwen!”mymothersnapped.
“Fine,”Igroaned,thelaughterdyinginmythroat.
SometimesIjustwantedtomessaroundwithmylittlesister,butmypositioninthisfamilyrequiredmetogrowupfasterthanIwouldhavelikedhadIbeengivenachoice.Wehadaroofoverourheadsandfoodinourbellies,soIknewbetterthantocomplain.
“Oh,”IcalledbacktomymomasIwaswalkingouttothecommunitybathhouse.“IinvitedNathanialfordinner,”Isaidcasually.
AdinnerinviteonMayDaywasnosmallthing.
Thecornersofmymother’slipsquirkedupintoaconspiratorialgrin.
“Tobenice!Tosharethebounty,”Itoldher,heatcreepinguptomycheeks.Itwascustomaryafteragoodhunttoinviteaguesttothefeast.Goodluckeven.Sheknewthat.ButitwasalsoencouragedtoinvitepotentialsuitorsoverfordinneronMayDaysothatthefamiliescouldmeetandstartgettingusedtotheideaofapotentialmarriage.
“Ofcourse,dear,”shesaidinasugarysweettone,andIscowledather.Iwaseighteenwintersold.I’dbeexpectedtotakeahusbandsoon.Nathanialwouldbeagoodchoice.Hehadaprominentjobinthevillage,andhewasoneoftheonlyboysintownwhodidn’tseemthreatenedbymyhuntingtripswiththeothermeninthevillage.EvenwhenImarriedoff,I’dstillhavetoprovideforAdalineandmymother.Heunderstoodthat.
Brushingmymother’sweirdsmileoutofmymind,IheadeddownthealleybetweenMr.Korban’sapothecaryshopandMrs.Holina’sbakery,andsteppedintoNaomie’sbathhouse.
“Oh,child!”NaomiepluggedhernosewhenIstrodeinside.“Yousmelllikeadeadratin!You’llneedyourownsoakertubwithextrasandalwoodoil.”
Igrinned.
Naomiewaslikethevillagegrandmother—withasharptongue.Shetookcareofusallandhituswiththetruthnomatterhowmuchitwouldhurt.FordailywashingsIwouldjustusetheheatedbucketofwaterinourhut,butforwashingafteraweekofhuntingIneededNaomie’ssoakertubandsoapstone.
Ifollowedherintothewomen’swashroomandpastthegroupsoakers,noddingtothewomenIrecognized.Mrs.BeezleandMrs.Haneywerecurrentlyenthralledinthetowngossip.IcaughtasnippetofBardicneedingtocutdownonhisdrinking,andMrs.Namalneedingtotendtoherhusbandsohiseyedidn’twander.Thetoplayeroftheirbathwaterwasblackfromcindersoot.
WhenNaomiesteppedintooneoftheprivatesoakerrooms,cordonedoffbyathatchwall,Isetmycleanclothesdownonthestoolbesidethesmallone-personsoakertub.Cindersootanddirtwasokayforagroupsoaker,butbloodandhuntinggutswerenotpermitted.
Naomiewasatleastsixtywintersold,herfingersgnarledfromthewinterbonedisease.Hersilverhairwasalwaystiedintoatightbunontopofherhead.Shespunthetapandthewatergushedfromthefaucet,fillingthetubassteamroseuptotheceiling.Naomiewasoneofthefewpeoplewithrunningwaterinthevillage.Hershopwasdirectlysituatedoveranaturalhotspring.Hergreat-greatgrandfatherhadbeenametalworker,sohe’dweldedthepipesandbuilteverythingsothatthewaterwouldbepulledupfromtheground.Herfamilyhadownedthisbathhouseforaslongasanyonecouldremember.
“I’vehadtoraisemyprices,”Naomiesaid,lookingatmewithabitofpity.“ThiswartheNightfallqueenhasstartedattheborderisaffectingmyabilitytogetthesoapstonesandperfumeoilsfromtheelvesinArchmere.”
Inodded.“Howmuch?”
“Twojadecoinsoranacceptablebarter,”shesaid.
Twojadecoins?Itusedtobeone.I’dheardalittleabouttheNightfallqueencausingtroublewithshipmentscomingintoEmbergatebuthadn’tthoughtmuchaboutit.Thatevilwomanwasalwaysstartingwars.
Inodded.“Icangiveyouthejadecoins,orIjustbroughtdownafull-grownmalecougarin.Youcanseemymomafterclosingtopickthebestcut.”
Hereyeslitup.“I’lltakethemeatinstead,thankskindly,”shesaid,andInoddedassheslippedoutoftheroom.
Cougarinwasgameybutdelicious,withverylittlefatorgristleonit.Elkinwastheonlymoredesirablemeataround,soIknewIcouldbartersomegoodstuffwiththiskill.MaybeI’dgetmotheranicenewdressforthechangingoftheseasonsfestivalinfall.
Strippingoffmyclothes,Iletthemdropintoadustyblood-crustedpileatmyfeetandthenIsteppedintothewater.
Agroanofpurejoyandreliefleftme,andsomeoftheladiesoutsidethethinthatchwallsnickered.Ididn’tcare.Itwastoogood.AsIsliddeeperintothewater,Ifeltafewpartsofmybacksting.AtonepointinthehuntI’dtumbledandhitmybackonarock.Theremustbeascratchortwothere.
ThewatercontinuedtorushoutofthetapasIdaydreamedabouthavingrunninghotwaterinourhut.Iwouldtakeasoakeverysinglenight.I’dwashtheclothesinhotwater,andthedishes,andjustforfunI’dstickmyfaceinhotwaterinthemorningstorevivemyself.
Isighedincontentment.
“Comingin,”Naomieannouncedbeforeshesteppedintothesmallenclosure.
Ididn’tbothertocovermyself.Naomiehadseenmenakedhundredsoftimes.I’dbeencomingheresinceIwasababewithmymother.Besides,shedidn’tlook;shewasaprofessional.Shepouredastreamofoilintotherushingwaterandthestrongscentofsandalwoodhitmynose.
Anothersigh.
CinderMountainwasknownforitssandalwoodgrovetrees,sotheoilwasplentifulhereandthescentalwaysremindedmeofhome.
AsoapstoneploppedintothewaterandslidundermybackbutIignoredit.I’dsoaplater,Ijustwantedtosoak.Everymuscleinmybodywasscreamingoutforjoyrightnow.
“Gotanycuts?”sheasked.
Naomietendedtothemenaftertheycameinfromahunt,sosheknewwhatthebodysustainedaftersuchatrip.
Inoddedandsatup,showinghermyback.
Shewhistledlow.“Thebiggeronelooksinfected.I’llgettheneemoilandaddittothebath.Thecougarinmeatisstillagoodtrade.”
Neemwasexpensive,soitwaskindofhernottochargeextraoraskformoremeat.
Shedisappearedandshuffledbackinwiththeneem,pouringitintothebathwateraswell.ShethenreachedinandgrabbedthesoapstoneasIsatupandhunchedforward.SheranitalongmybackinthepartsIcouldn’treachandIhissedwhenshelightlygrazeditoverthecut.MusthavebeenbiggerthanIthought.I’dbeensoexcitedtokillmyfirstcougarinthatI’dlostallsenseofpainandjustwantedtomakeitbackhome.
Aftergettingmybacktorturedbytheoldwoman,shedroppedthesoapstoneintothetubagainandleft.
Finally,Icanrelax.
IleanedbackagainsttheangledtubandslidasfardownasIcouldgobeforedrowning.MyhairsnakedoutaroundmeandIwasshockedandslightlyashamedtoseeitlookedbrownandnotblondbecauseitwassodirty.Thebathwaterhadaslightreddishtingetoitfromalltheblood,soIclosedmyeyesandjustbreathedinandoutslowly,lettingthescentofneemandsandalwoodfillmynostrils.
Sevendaysofstalkingthebeastandsleepingonrocksandleaveswasallworthitnow.Gonewerethedaysofhuntingsmallgamelikerabbitsandpossumsandbeingridiculedbythemales.Iwasarespectedhunternow—Hades,themenmightevenletmejointhehunters’guild—
“Theking’smencomethisway!”afemalevoiceshoutedintothebathhouseandmyeyelidssnappedopen,jarringmefrommydaydreaming.
Theking’smen?Weretheydraftingforthewarorsomething?WhyelsewouldtheycomehereallthewayfromJadeCity?Normally,webroughtcoalorsandalwoodtothemtotrade;theynevercametous.WewerethedirtyforgottenvillageofEmbergatethatthekingtoleratedbutnevervisitedorpaidanymindto.Therewerenopowerfuldragon-folkhereforhimtodraftintohisarmyorbeofanyuse.Wewereabunchofmixedbreedmutts.
“Listenhere!”thesameyoungwomansaidthroughoutthebathhouseandIsatup,reachingouttopeelthethatchdooropenandlookather.
Kendal.Ishouldhaveknown.Shewasthetowngossipandlivedforanybitofnews,especiallynewsfromJadeCityandanythingconcerningthedragonking.Shelikedtothinkofherselfasthetowncrier.Wewerefriends,butIdidn’tenjoyhercompanyfortoolong.
Reachingintohercoat,shepulledoutsomeofficiallookingscrollandopenedit.
“KingValdrenseeksanewwifetogivehimanheir.”Shepausedforthecollectivegaspthatrippedthroughthebathhouse,mineincluded.
He’donlybeenmarriedtoQueenAmeliaforthreewintersandlostfourchildrenwithherbeforeshefinallysuccumbedtodeathinchildbirth.Hehadbeenayoungking,marriedatmyage,andwasnowonlytwenty-onewintersold.TheirmarriagewasthereasonI’dtraveledtoJadeCitywhenIwasfifteen.Aroyalweddingwasanexcitingaffairthroughouttherealm.QueenAmeliahadbeengoneonlyasinglewinter,andwithoutanheirhewasvulnerabletotheNightfallqueen,whosoughttotakeoverthisrealmandpurgeitofdragon-folkmagic.Itwasinevitablethathe’dseekanewwife,buthearingitofficiallikethiswasshocking.
Kendalclearedherthroat,tryingtohideagrin.“HeisnowopeningafullsearchthroughoutallofEmbergateforanewqueen—”
ThegaspsandshrieksofexcitementtorethroughoutthebathhouseandIcouldn’thelpbutsnickerattheirdesperation.ThekingwouldnevermarryaCindergirl.ItwasjustformalitythatheannounceithereasweweretechnicallyaterritoryofEmbergate.
“Tobearhimanheir,”Kendalwenton,“hewillsendsnifferstoeachtownandvillageandcitywithinEmbergate’sborderstofindalleligiblewomenwithpowerfulenoughmagictocarryhischildtoterm.Theymustbepresentedtohimbynextfullmoon.”
Thecollectivegroansofdisappointmentfilledthespace.“He’snotgoingtofindanyonewithpowerfulmagicinCinderVillage!”oneoftheyoungerwomensaid,defeated.
“Notonepowerfulenoughtobearadragonkingheir,”Naomieagreed.
Theywereright.Sadly,QueenAmeliadiedbecausehismagicwastoopowerfulforhertocarryhischild,andIheardshehadbeennearlyhalfdragon-folk.
Kendaltossedherhairoverhershoulder.“Ipersonallyamone-quarterdragon-folkandso—”
ThebathhouseeruptedintolaughterandIcouldn’thelpmyownsnort.
“Honey,one-quarter?”Naomieshookherhead.“Tocarryachildtotermforthedragonkinghimself,you’dhavetobehalfdragon-folkandblessedbytheMaker.”
Kendalrolleduptheparchmenthastilyandshoveditinherpocket.“Weshallletthesniffersdecide!”Shetoreoutofthebathhouse,thenthegossipstartedupfull-bore.
“Pooryoungman,losinghiswifeandfourchildren,”someonesaid.
“Whycouldn’tshecarryanheir?Hades,withmyhipsIcouldgivehimtenchildren,”BerthaBeezlecrooned.
Isuddenlyfeltprotectiveoverthelatequeen.
“Shedidn’tdoanything!Theking’smagicistoostrongformortalwomen,”Isnapped.
Anyounceofhumanitythequeencarriedwastorninhalfbythepure-bloodeddragonking’smagicasshewentintolabor.
ThegossipingdieddownthenandIdecidednowwasagoodtimetowashmyhairanddrownoutthetalking.I’dmetheronce,QueenAmelia—well,metwasalie,butI’dseenherfromadistanceduringmytriptoJadeCity.ThekinghadalreadygoneinsidebythetimeI’dclimbedontopoftheflowershoproofandlaideyesonournewqueen.ShewasthemostbeautifulwomanI’deverseen.Herlonghairwasinkyblackandfellinthickcurlstoherwaist.Sheworeadresswithsomuchjadeonit,itmusthaveweighedasmuchasacougarin.ItwassaidthatKingValdrenandQueenAmeliawerechosenastheperfectcoupletousherinanewdynastyofmagicalheirs.Howcruellifecouldbesometimes.
Firstthekingloseshisfatherjustaftergettingmarried,thenhischildrendon’tmakeittoterm,andthenheloseshiswifeandstillbornchild?Itwasalmosttoomuchlosstobear.SoIdidn’tdwellonit.Igenuinelyhopedhefoundanewwifeandhadahealthychild.
Grabbingthesoapstone,IrubbedmybodyandhairvigorouslyuntilmyskinwasrawandIsmelledlikeanapothecaryshop.Myhairwasnowthecolorofpalecornsilk,andotherthansomebruisesanddirtundermynailsthatwouldnevercomeclean,Ilookeddecent.Standing,Ipouredafinalcleanbucketofwaterovermyselfandthenheavedoutofthebathtub.AfterbrushingmyteethatthesmallsinkNaomiehadagainstthefarwallofmyprivateroom,Iwrappedmyselfinsomelinenandpulledthedrainplug.Watchingthebrownandblood-tingedwaterswirldownthedrain,Iquicklytowel-driedmyhairandbraideditoveroneshoulderbeforeslippingintomycleanbluecottontunicandwhitetrousers.
Fromthecommotionoutside,Iknewthatnewshadtraveledfastandtheentirevillagewouldbebuzzingwiththisgossipforweeks,longafterthesnifferscameandleft.
Fortheking’smentocometoourvillageonMayDaywasabigdeal.
“Arwen!”Mymother’svoicecamefrombehindthethatchedpartition.
Ipulleditbackandwavedherover,butmyhandfrozemidairwhenIsawthecolordrainedfromherface.Sherushedforward,graspingmebytheupperarms,andleanedintowhisperinmyear.
“Youneedtoleavenow.Run,”shewhispered.
Ichuckled,wonderingwhatshewasplayingat,butwhenshepulledbackherfacewasasseriousasI’deverseenit.
“What’swrong?”Isaid.
Shelookedoverhershoulderasifsayingwecouldn’tspeakhere,andInodded.Mybodywasstillwithshock;mymomneveractedlikethis.Shewascalmandveryrarelyshowedfear.Somethingwasup.
Followingheroutofthebathingtent,IgaveNaomieasmileandwaveandscurriedinthedirectionofourhut.Aswewereroundingthecornertoourstreet,IsawthewhiteMayDaykissingtentwasnowsetupinthemiddleofthevillage.Strandsofpinkandpurplegarlandhungfromtheopening.Itwaspicturesque,romantic.Theyoungwomenofthevillagewerealreadygoinginside.
Istopped.“Mother,canthiswait?Imissedlastyearand…Iwaskindoflookingforwardto…”Tomyfirstkiss.Ididn’twanttosaythat,butmymothercaughton.
Sheglancedatthekissingtentandsurpriseflickeredoverherface.“Right.MayDayandyoumissedlastyearbecauseofthesickness…”
Inodded,lookingeagerlyatthetentopeningasIsawNathanialslipinside.
“Mom,please.”
MymotherwalkedovertosomewildflowersgrowinginfrontofMrs.Patties’houseandpluckedapurpleposey,tuckingitintomybraid.“GoandhaveyourMayDaykissandthenrushrightbackhome.I’llpackyourthings.”Shenodded.
Ifrownedatthat.Packmythings?I’djustgottenbackfromaweek-longhunt.TherewasnowayI’dbegoingoutagainwithoutsomeproperrest.Butshe’dconsentedtothekissingtentsoIwasn’tgoingtoargue.Scurryingoffacrosstheyard,IranfirsttoMissGraseen’sherbalgardenandsnatchedasprigofmint.Shepokedherheadoutofherkitchenwindowandgrinned.
“Kissingtent?”sheasked.
Iblushedandshovedthetwomintleavesintomymouth,chewingonthemvigorouslytofreshenmybreath.EventhoughIhadjustbrushedmyteeth,Iwasn’ttakinganychanceswithmyfirstkiss.MissGraseenletustakeasprighereandthere,andinturnweallpulledherweedsandmendedherfencewhenpredatorsbrokein.
Idoubledback,readytoenterthewhitesilktent,whenIcranedmynecktothemaingate,hearingacommotion.
Alargeprocessionoftheking’sRoyalGuardwerecomingthroughandheadedrightthisway.Ifroze,inaweofthehorsesandtheirarmor.Thesunlightglintedacrossthegoldendragoncrestsontheirchests,andImomentarilyforgotaboutthekissingtent.I’dwantedtobeintheRoyalGuardsinceIcouldholdasword.Thatofcoursewasnotveryladylikeandsomymotherhaddiscouragedit,butI’dneverlostthatdream.Tomyknowledge,therewasonlyonewomanintheguard.
ReginaWayfeather.
ShewasrumoredtobetheleaderoftheentireRoyalGuard.Iwantedtorunoverandseeifshewashereandshamefullyaskforhertotouchmyhuntingbowforgoodluck,butIcouldn’tignorethatmywindowtogetmyfirstkisswasclosing.NottomentionthatmymotherseemedoutofsortssoI’dhavetorunhomerightafter.
Astheking’sRoyalGuarddismountedandstartedtowalktowardsthetent,Islippedinside.Thebustleofexcitedchattingreachedmyearsandmygazeflickedtotheothersideofthetent,wheretheyoungeligiblemenstood.IlockedeyeswithNathanialandhegrinned,whichcausedmetoreturnthesmile.
“Arwen!”Kendalcalled,andIveeredtotheright,wherealloftheyoungwomenstoodinalongrow.Theywereallintheirbestdressesandhadevenappliedcharcoaleyelinerandbeetrootlipcolor,whileIstoodinlinentrousersandawetbraidthatMotherhadtriedtofancyupwithaflower.
NowIfeltfoolish.WhocametotheMayDaykissingtentintrousers?
Ahunter.
Whenmyfatherdied,itwasthemiddleofwinter.I’dneverforgetthepangsofhungerthatfollowingyearforaslongasIlived.Thevillagegaveushandoutshereandthere,butwithoutahunterinthefamilytodoamonthlytriporworkinthemines,wewouldhavesurelydied.Thatyear,Imademyfirsttrapandstartedbringingbacksmallgame.
Ratinwasthelowestanimalonthetotempole,butitallowedmymothertogrieveandnothavetorushintoanewmarriagetotrytoputfoodonthetable.
Ishookmyheadtoclearmythoughts.
Mrs.Brenna,whowashostingtheMayDaytradition,walkedtowardsthecenteroftheroomandclearedherthroat.Brennawashuman,andoneofthevillageseamstresses.Shesewedallofourweddinggowns,somakingsomelifelongmatchestodaywasinherbestinterest.Shealwaysworebeautifuldressesthatpushedhergiantbreastshalfwayintoherthroatanddistractedallthemen.
“Todaymayverywellbethedayyoumeetyourfuturewife,”shetoldthemen,andwasmetwithwhoopsandcheers.Shethenturnedtothewomen:“Don’tworry,theygetbetteratkissingastimegoeson.”
Weallburstintonervouslaughter,andafewofthemengroanedatherinsult.
IlinedmyselfupdirectlywithNathanial,thentheblindfoldcamedownovermyeyes.
“Nocheating,”Kendalsaidasshetiedittightlybehindmyhead.Imadeaslowanddeliberatemovetoraisemyblindfoldatinybitbutahandcamedownhard,smackingmine.
“ThisisintheMaker’shandsnow,”Mrs.Brennascoldedme,andmystomachtiedintoknots.
“Younglovers,”Brennaannounced,“walkforwardandkissthefirstpersonyoutouch.”
Thesoundofscramblingfeetfilledmyearsasweallstumbledforward,armsout.IwantedtocallNathanial’sname,butthatwouldseemdesperate.ItriedtolookdownandseeifmaybeIcouldrecognizehisboots,butKendalhadtiedthisblastedblindfoldtootight.BeforeIknewit,I’dbumpedintosomeone,andhisarmscamearoundmywaisttosteadyme.
Myhearthammeredinmythroat.Thiswasit.Thiswouldbemyfirstkiss.
Pleasedon’tbebooger-pickingVernon,IprayedtotheMaker,andthenreachedup,trailingmyfingersuphischesttofindhisface.HisbodyfrozeundermytouchandIalmostlostmynerve.Washescared?MyfingersslidoverthesoftfabricuntilIreachedhisneckandthenpaused,afraidtograspthesidesofhisface.
Hishandswerestatue-stillatmylowerback,andIlickedmylipstowetthem.IntheMayDaykissingtent,thegirlsweretheoneswhomadethefirstmove,andyouwereallowedtobackoutifyoudidn’tfeelready.
IsthisNathanial?
Didhewanttokissmeorrun?
RumorhaditthatalltheguyspeekedandMrs.Brennaletthemtietheirblindfoldsloosely.Thatifaguygotagirlhedidn’twanttokiss,thenitwasachastepeck,similartooneyouwouldgiveyourmotherwhenyoung.Butifhelikedyou…rumoralsohaditthatitwouldmakeyourwholeworldspin.
Iwantedmyworldtospin.
Becausemyfatherdiedsoyoung,I’dbeenthrustintothelifeofhuntingandwearingtrousersandsharpeningmyblade.Don’tgetmewrong:Ilikedthatlife,butitmadeithardfortheotherboystoseemeasakissablegirl.
Iwanttobekissed,dammit
Alumpformedinmythroatasnervousnessbuiltinmystomach.IswalloweditdownandleanedforwardbeforeIfullylostmynerve.Trailinguphischinwithmythumbs,IfeltthestubbleandsharpjawlineofamanthatwasdefinitelynotNathanial.
Ifroze,panicked.
Nathanialstillhadababyface,nostubble,andhisjawwaschiseledbutnotthatmuch.Uponfeelingthismanlywidejawandstubble,IwonderedifIshouldgoforhischeek.IwassosetonkissingNathanialthatconfrontedwithproofthiswasn’thim,Iwantedtobackout.
Butthenhislipswereonmineashemadethefirstmove,breakingthecardinalruleoftheMayDaytent.AsmallelectricsparkshockedmyskinandIgasped.Hedidthesame—bothofusinhalingtheother’ssurprise.HeattraveleddowntomycoreandIleanedforward,deepeningthekiss.
Hislipsweresoftandunsureatfirst,butthentheyopenedandIslidmytongueinsidejustlikeKendaltoldmetoanditcollidedwithhis.Asmallmoanescapedhimandmyworldspunasagrinpulledatthecornersofmymouth.Hishandsatmywaiststrokedasmoothcircleonmyhipswhilehistonguedidthesameinmymouth.
HolyMaker
Thiswasthebestfirstkissagirlcouldhopefor.Mystomachburnedwithheatandmyheartgrewflutteringwingsinmychest.Thewarmpillowylipsonminemadeeverythinginmescreamformore.
“Alright,it’sgettinghotinhere!”Brennaannouncedwithalaugh.“Takeoffthoseblindfoldsandmeetyourmatch,myyounglovebirds!”
Allatoncehefellawayfromme,thelips,thehands,thewarmth,thebutterflies.ItwasasifI’dbeenplungedintoafrigidicebath.Ireachedup,franticallyyankingtheblindfolddown,andcamefacetofacewiththebackofthewhitetent.
Hewasgone.
Anacheformedinmychest.MythroattightenedasIclearedit,tryingnottoshowemotionbutfeelingasifI’djustbeenleftatthealtar.Youdidn’trunawayfromaMayDaymatchunlessyouthoughtthekisswasawfulandyouneverwantedtoseethemagain.
Ipeeredtomyleftandtheholeinmychestgrewwider.NathanialwasbeamingdownataflushedRubyRonaldson.Herinkyblackhairfellinsoftwavestoherwaist,whereNathanialheldherhipstightlyoverhergreensilkdress.Rubywasabaker.Shewasfeminineandworedressesandknewhowtocook—perfectwifematerial,andeverythingIwasnot.
TearsblurredmyvisionbutIblinkedthemback.Ididn’twanttobehereanymore,thiswasstupid.Turningaround,Isnuckoutofthesideopeningofthetentandwentinsearchofmymother.
She’dlookedsoscaredearlier,andnowIwelcomedwhateverdistractionshewasabouttothrowatme.Anythingtoforgetthatworld-changingkissandachinggoodbye.TWO
Isteppedintoourhomeandthescentoftheboilingcougarinstewmademymouthwater.Mygazeflickedtomytravelingpackleanedupagainstthewall.Ithadbeencleanedandlookedfullystockedandreadytogo.
“Mom,you’rescaringme.Whydidyoupackmybag?Ijustgotback.”
Shesetmypileofdirtyclothesinthewashinghamperandthenturnedtofacemewithtearsinhereyes.“IsentyoursistertoplaywithVioletsowehavesometimetosaygoodbyeprivately.”
Myeyesnearlyfelloutofmyskull.“Goodbye?Mom,I’mnotgoinganywhere.Ijustgothomefromaweekontheroad.”NottomentionIjustgotleftinthekissingtentandwasnowmortified.Whoevermyworld-tiltingkisserwas,Iwantedtoavoidhimnowatallcosts.Iwantedtogointomyroom,crymyselftosleep,andthenstayinbedforthenexttwodays.
Mymomwrungherhandstogether,shakingherhead,whichmadeherdarkbrowncurlsfallawayfromherface.“I’vekeptadarksecretfromyouyourentirelife,”shesaidandIfroze.
Ireachedoutandgraspedtheedgeofthechair,notpreparedforthosewordstoeverleavemymother’slips.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
Mymothersteppedcloser,pickingupmytravelbagandhandingittome.“Youhavetoleavebeforethesniffersfindyou.”
Itookthebagbutthenletitfalltomyfeet.Reachingout,Igraspedmymother’sshouldersandlookedherrightintheeyes.“Whatdarksecret?”
Itwassomethingyouneverwantedtohearanyoneclosetoyousay.NowIwasfull-onfreakingout.WhydidIneedtokeepthesniffersfromfindingme?TheysmelledmagiconpeopleandIbarelyhadany.Iwouldbeofzerointeresttothem.
Shesighed,andherbreathsmelledofsageandrosemary,remindingmeofmychildhood.Shelovedchewingontheherbswhilecooking.
“YourfatherandItriedforachildforfivewintersbutthehealersaidtherewassomethingwrongwithhisseed.”
Herwordscutrightthroughme,causingchillstobreakoutonmyarms.Whatwasshesaying?
“Youaremychild.Mydaughter,”shegrowled,reachingouttograspmyforearmsasiftryingtoconvinceme.
Thatdeclarationmademesick.OfcourseIwasherdaughter.WhyisshetellingmeIamherdaughter?
“Butanotherwomanbirthedyou,”shesaid,andIdroppedmyarms,breakingoutofhergrasp,andcollapsedintothechairbeneathme.Mychestheaved,mybreathcomingoutinraggedgasps.
Shefelltoherkneesinfrontofme,tearsstreamingdownherface.“Ishouldhavetoldyousooner,butitwasneveragoodtime,andIdidn’twantyoutothinkthatyouweren’tmine.”
Isatthereinstunnedsilenceforafullminuteuntilshestoodagainandpulledupthechairbeforeme.
“Whowasshe?Thewoman?”Iasked,finallyabletosuckinafullbreathandkeepmypanicatbay.
Mymomchewedtheinsideofherlip.“Atravelerpassingthrough.Dressedlikeahighbornwearingbrightcoloredsilk,embroideredwithjade.ThiswaswhenIwasstillworkingatthetavern.”
Iwasahighborn?Wasthatwhatshewastellingme?Highbornswereatleasthalfdragon-folk,maybemore.
“Whathappened?”Ididn’trecognizemyownvoice.Ineededinformation,andquickly.TheholeinmychestwastoobignowandIneededtofillitwithsomethingorIwasafraidIwoulddisappear.
Mymotherswallowedhard.“Shecametothetavernalone,heavilypregnant,paleasaghostandspeckledinblood.Shelookedshaken,likeshe’dseenabattle.Duetoherobviousstatus,Ididn’taskquestions.Ijustshowedhertoherroom.”
Iwaitedforhertogoon.Sheglancedatmytravelingpackandthenatthedoorandleanedforward.“Shewentintoearlylaborinthemiddleofthenight.Theentiretavernwasawokenwithherscreams.BardicsentmetotendtoherandIdid.”
HolyHades!
AwomanfleeingabattlewasthrustintoearlylaborinCinderVillage?Iwonderedwhereshehadbeentravelingto.CinderVillagewasattheverytipofEmbergateterritory,youdidn’tcomehereunlessyoumeantto.Buthighbornsdidn’tcomehere.Somepeoplehadbeenknowntohidehere.Theashcoveredlifewasn’tdesirable,andsonotmanypeoplecamelooking.Hadshemeanttohaveherbabyhere?TohavemeandleavemebehindwhereIwouldn’tbefound?
Mymom’shandsshook.“IsentforElodie.Shewasthemostadvancedinlaboringatthetime,butwordcamebackthatshewassickwiththeblacklungandcouldn’thelp.”
ElodiediedoftheblacklungtheyearIwasborn,thenmymotherbecamethevillagemidwife.Thismusthavebeentheeventthatstartedhercareer!Fromtavernbarmaidtovillagemidwife.I’dalwayswonderedhowshemadetheleap.
“Goon,”Iurgedher.
Mymompickedupmypackandwalkeditovertome,tearsstreamingfreelydownherface.“Wedon’thavemuchtime.”
Istood,takingthepackandplacingitonmyback.“Iwon’tleaveuntilIknowthewholestory.WhydoIhavetogo?Didthehighborndieinlabor?”
InallmylifeI’dmaybeseenmymothercrytwice.OncewhenmyfatherdiedandoncewhenshedeliveredMrs.Hartley’sstillborn.ThesewerefarmoretearsthanI’dseeninmyeighteenwinters.
“Itwasafullsundowntosun-uplabor.Inthattimewebonded.ItoldherstoriesofyourfatherandItopassthetimeordistracther.Itoldherofallthetimeswetriedtogetpregnant,whereIgrewup,anythingtokeepherfromcryingoutinpain.Shetoldmethingstoo.Scarythings.”
“Whatkindofthings?”Igrippedthestrapsofthepacktightly.
Mymothersteppedcloser,loweringhervoice.“Ididn’tfullyunderstandwhatshesaid.Alotofitsoundedlikeapain-inducedramble,butonethingIgotveryclear.”Shebrushedthecurlsawayfromherhead.“Herentirefamilywasmurderedforsometypeofongoingfeudshehadwiththedragonking.Hermagicwasathreattohimshesaid.She…shesaidshewasafull-bloodeddragon-folk.”
Myeyebrowsdrewtogetherinconfusion.Afull-bloodeddragon-folkwouldmakeheraroyalandthatwasn’tpossible.Thekingdidn’thaveasister.
Mymotherwenton:“Sheescaped,butshewarnedmethatifanyoneeverdetectedthismagicinherchild,thatchildwouldbekilled.”
Full-bodychillsrusheddowneveryinchofmyskinandIfroze.“I’mthatchild?”
Mymothernodded,reachingouttostrokemycheekashertearsintensified.“Shediedinlabor—toomuchbloodloss.ButIsavedyouandtookcareofyouandlovedyouandmadeyoumine.”
AwhimperleftmythroatasIfoundithardtocontainmyowntears.
“I’msosorryIdidn’ttellyousooner.ItwasselfishbutIdidn’twantyoutoeverthinkthatyouweren’twantedorloved.”Mymomcouldbarelyspeak
Itwasanawfulthingnottotellme,butinthatmomentIforgavehercompletely.Iunderstood.Whenwasitagoodtimetotellyourchildthattheyweretheoffspringofawomanwhosefamilywasmurderedandontherun?
Never.
“Iforgiveyou.”Irushedforwardandourarmswenttightlyaroundeachotheratthesametime.
InoticednowthatwhereIwasfairshewasdark,andwereallylookednothingalike.Notliketheothergirlsandtheirmothers.NotlikeherandAdaline.
Wait
Ipulledbackandfacedher.“HowdidyouhaveAdalineiftherewassomethingwrongwithFather’sseed?Isawyoupregnant,Iwasthereatherbirth.”
IwasfivewhenAdalinewasbornbutIrememberedit.Itwasoneofmyfirstmemories.Mymother’sscreamshadscaredme.
Shameburnedmymother’scheeksandshestaredatthefloor.“Afteryoucametolivewithus,yourfatherwantedasecondchildsobadly.Hepermittedmeto…lie…withanothermantoseeifitreallywashisseedthatwasbroken.”
Iwasn’tpreparedforthatansweranditmusthaveshownonmyface.
“Pleasedonotjudge.Itisaverymuchcommonthingtodo,andtherewasnoloveorpassionbetweenus,”sherushedtosay.
Iwasn’tjudging,Iwasjust…inshock.MyfatherhadbeenajealousmanwhooncethreatenedtoripBardic’sballsoffifhelookedatmymom’scleavageinthetavern.Ijustdidn’tseehimallowinghertoliewithanotherman.
“Hefeltguiltyhecouldn’tgivemethechildrenwewanted,”shesaidfinally.“Tellmeyouunderstand?”
Ineededadrink.Iwasn’tnormallykeenonwineormeadbutrightnowIcoulddrinkanentirebottle.Inodded.“Iunderstand.”IalsowantedtoknowwhatmaninthevillagewasAdaline’sbirthfatherbutIdidn’tdareask.Itwasn’timportant.
Itmadememissmyfatherevenmorenow.Helovedmymothersomuchandwantedanotherchildwithhersobadlythathelethercrawlintoanotherman’sbedtohaveone.Itwasjustanothertestamenttohiskindness.
“Youmustgo,”mymotherurged.“Justsayyouaregoingonanotherhuntingtripandreturninaweek’stime.Ipackedyourbagfortwoweeksjustincase.”
Anotherweekontheroad.Thedust,theconstantvigilanceforlootersorstalkinganimals.Sleepingonabedroll,bathingintheriver,thecoldnights…Ijustgotbackfromdoingthat.Ididn’twanttogoagain,butIknewthatImustafterwhatmymotherhadjusttoldme.
“I’llgo,”Imurmured.
Shesighedinrelief.“Thiswholethingwillblowoverinaweek’stime.Thekingdoesn’tdoacensusofCinderVillage,sothesnifferswon’tevenknowtheymissedyou.”
Itightenedthestrapsonmypackandgaveheronelasthug.“TellAdaI’llmissher.”
Mymothernoddedandsmoothedmyhair.
Itookonelastlookatthestewsimmeringonthestove,astewthatIwouldnevertaste,andtheskinnedcougarindryingoutonthebackporch,andsteppeduptothefrontdoor.
“Ohwait!”mymothercalled.“Ialmostforgot.Thehighbornwomanalsosaidthatshe’dputaprotectivespellonyourmagicbutthatitwouldwearoffwithtimeasyoucomeofage.Ifthesniffersdocatchyou,playdumb.Sayyouaremostlyhumanwithdiluteddragonblood.”
“Well,Ithoughtthat’swhatIwasmyentirelife,”Imumbled.Ididhaveanuncannysenseofbalance,Iwasthefastestrunnerinmyclass,andIcouldtrackanyanimalwithinamile.Ithoughtitmightbethesmallamountofdragonmagicinmefrommyfather.
“Goodbye,Arwen,”mymothersaid,likeshewouldneverseemeagain,andthatwasunsettling.
“Goodbye,Mother,”MyvoicecrackedasIswallowedmyemotions.
AsIslippedoutintothebustlingvillage,IwonderedjustwhatintheHadeshadbecomeofmylife.THREE
TherewassuchanexcitementintownfromMayDayandthearrivaloftheRoyalGuardthatitwaseasytosneakthroughthevillageunnoticed.Alloftheladiesintown,whetheryoungorold,dragon-folkorhuman,itdidn’tmatter,theyallcrowdedthemeetinghalltocheckinwiththesniffersandoglethemalesintheRoyalGuard.I’dneverseenasnifferbeforebutIknewthattheywereamagicalmixofdragon-folkandfae,withanuncannyknackforsmellingmagic.TheRoyalGuardwaslikelypresenttomakesurethingsremainedorderly.AsmuchasIwantedtowalkoverandinspecttheirarmorandlookatthecrestupclose,Ihadtoleave.
CinderVillagewasn’tinanywayfortified.Wehadafrontgate,butitwasmoreofaformalentrancethansomethingthatwouldkeepanarmyout.Soinsteadofriskingseeingsomeoneatthefront,especiallyNathanial,andhavethemaskwhereIwasgoing,IdecidedtoslipoutthesideandheadfortheGreatRiver.ThegiantbodyofwaterdividedEmbergatefromourmortalenemy,Nightfall,andthefesteringqueenwhoruledthere.ShewasanelitistthatbelievedhumanswereblessedbytheMaker,andanyonewithmagicwaspossessedbydarkness.Ifshehaditherway,theentiretyoftheAvalierrealmwouldbepurgedofeverymagicalcreatureandher“pureones”wouldruleandmultiply.
Shakingoffmythoughtsofthequeen,Imademywaytothesidegatethatwasnevermonitored.Ourvillagewallswerethatch;Icouldcutmywaythroughifneedbe.Thesewallsweremostlyfordecorationortokeepmuskratsout,notreallytodeteranyonefromcomingorgoing.AsIapproachedthegate,duckingbehindarowofhutsIwashappytoseethatitwasnotonlyunmonitored,itwasopen
ThanktheMaker.
Takingonelastlookovermyshoulder,Isteppedthroughthegateandmentallypreparedfortheweek-longjourney.
“Wheredoyouthinkyou’regoing?”adeepmalevoicecalledbesideme.
Iyelped,stumblingbackwards,andnearlytrippedoverabushasIturnedtofacethespeaker.Heworeadeep,black-hoodedcloakthatcoveredhisface,butIcouldtellfromthebriefglimpseatthegoldendragoninsigniaonhischest,andthefinemetalworkofhisarmguards,thathewasamemberoftheDrayken,theelitespecialoperationsteamwithintheking’sRoyalGuard.Theyweresopowerful,Iheardthattheycouldlightyouonfirewithasneeze.WhyweretheDraykenhere?SurelythiswasatasktheregularRoyalGuardcouldhandle?
“H-h-hunting,”Istuttered.
“WomeninCinderhunt?”heasked,surpriseinhistone.
“Thiswomandoes,”Ishotback,andputahandonmyhip.HowdareheassumeIwouldberelegatedtothekitchenormidwiferybecauseofwhatwasbetweenmylegs.
“Youmustnotofheard—allwomenofchild-bearingagearetobeexaminedbytheking’ssniffers,”hesaid.“Andyoulooktobeofchild-bearingagetome.”
Thatlastcommentmademycheeksburn.Icouldn’tseehisgazeandyetIcouldfeelhiseyesonme.DidIlieandjusttellhimIwashuman?IwasafraidthattherumorstheDraykenguardscouldsmellaliemightbetrue,butIalsoneededtogetfarawayfromherebeforethesniffersfoundme.
“OhIheard.ButI’mahuman,sothereisnoneedto—”
Theschlingofhisblademadethewordsdieinmythroat.
“Ismellalie,”hegrowled.
Hades.Itwastrue!
“Basicallyhuman,”Iamended.Buteventhatdidn’tfeeltrueanymore,notafterwhatmymotherhadjusttoldme.“Besides,Idon’twanttogetmarriedandhavechildrenforaking,”Iadded.Ididwantmarriageandchildren,butnotwiththeking.IwantedNathanial.ButevenasIthoughtit,myheartpinchedtorememberthewayhegazedatRubywithhishandstightlysecuredaroundherwaist.
TheDraykenguardbarkedoutinlaughterthen,andasannoyingasitwastobemocked,itwasdeepandthroaty,andalmostsoundedlikeithadcobwebsinsideofit,likehehadn’tlaughedinalongtime.Itmademystomachwarm.
“Youwouldturndownthehandoftheking?”Hesoundedshockedandintriguedatthesametime.
Ishrugged.“Ilikemylifehere.WhatwouldIdowithathousandjadestones?IcanhuntandhaveallthatIneedhere,”Isaid.
HesteppedclosertomeandIcouldfeelhisgazeonmeeventhoughIstillhadyettoseethecolorofhiseyesortheshapeofhisnose.Theheatofhisbodywaslikearadiatingfurnace,andIswallowedhardashedrewcloser.
Hisheadcockedtothesideinhishood.“You’retellingmethatifyouwerechosenasthenextqueenofEmbergate,andgivenallthegoldandjadeandrubiesintherealm,youwouldrefuse?”
Iwasshakenfromhisquestion.Iwouldn’tbechosenasthenextqueen,butifIwere,wouldIwantit?Itwasagoodquestiontoconsider.I’dhaveanythingIcouldeveraskfor.Icouldtakehotsandalwoodbathsdaily,Iwouldhaveanentirestaffatmydisposal,andmymotherandsisterwouldwantfornothing.ButalsoafterwhatmymotherhadjusttoldmeandwhatIknewabouttheleadersinthevillageandallthestresstheywentthrough,IknewthatbeingqueenwouldbefartoogreatofaresponsibilityforthesimplelifeIloved.
Ishookmyhead.
“Withgreatdutycomesgreatresponsibility,”Itoldhim,andhisheadtippedtowardsthegroundasmywordsseeminglyhadaneffectonhim.“Iwouldnotwanttotrademysimplefreedomforoneofcrushingobligation,”Isaidwithfinality.
“Crushing.”Hisvoicewashollow,voidofemotion.“Itcanbecrushingattimes.”
Ifrowned,abouttoaskhimexactlyhowhighofapositionheheldintheking’seliteRoyalGuard,whenheputhisfingerstohislipsandwhistledloudly.
Iflinched,andwithinsecondsadark-hairedwomanranthroughthegatewithhersworddrawn,onalert.
ReginaWayfeather.
ShewasevenmorebeautifulthanIimagined.Wearingblackskintightleatherbattlegearwithblackchainmailandblackshoulderspaulders,herskinwasthedarkbronzecommonwiththepeoplewhohailedfromGrimHollow,ourbiggesttradingportintherealm,andonhercheeksweresmallpatchesofblackdragonscalesdenotingherpoweroverthemagic.Herlongbraidshunghalfwaydownherbackandwereinterwovenwithgoldenthread.Shewasalethalhunterwitharecordofleadingtheking’sarmyinbattlemanytimes.Shelookedabouttwenty-fivewintersold,andtwolong,thinscarsrandowntheleftsideofhercheek.Butthatwasn’twhatarrestedmetothespot.Itwasherglowingyelloweyes.Herdragonpowerwasengaged;smallpuffsofsmokeleakedfromherflaringnostrils.
“Shewastryingtoescape,”thehoodedmaleguardsaid.“Bringhertothesniffers.Icansmellhermagicfromhere.”
Mystomachtightened.What?Hecould?I’dneverdisplayedmagicinmyentirelife.Howwasheabletotellsuchathing?Mymothersaidthatmymagichadbeencappedatbirth,butnowIwonderedifithadslowlybeenopeningup.
“Yes,myking,”ReginarespondedwithaheadbowandIfroze,goingstockstill.
Myking?
Withhisidentityousted,hepulledbackthehoodandIgazeduponhisface.
KingDraeValdren.
I’dseenapaintingofhimthatonetimeinJadeCitybutnotupclose.Notlikethis
Hisjawwasstrongerandnosesharperupclose.Hisgreeneyespiercedthroughmewithaquizzicalgaze.Hislongblackhairwasbraidedandtiedup,aswellasshavedonthesides—thetypicalhairstyleofalltheDraykenwarriors.
“YourHighness.”Ibowedmyheadanddidanawkwardcurtsyatthesametime,unsurewhattheprotocolwas.I’djusttoldhimthingsIwouldnothavementionedhadIknownwhohewas.
Killmenowandfeedmetothecougarins.
Iwastornbetweenmymother’swarningnottoallowthesnifferstoaccessme,andReginaandthekingstaringatmeliketheywouldbreathefireovermeifIran.
“Iwasn’trunningoff,Iwasgoingonahuntingtrip,”ItoldhimasIraisedmyhead.
Aslightgringracedhislipsforahalfasecondbutthenitwasgone.“Sureyouwere.”
Reginasheathedherswordbuthereyesdidnotceasetheirglowing.Openingherarmwide,sheindicatedIwalkbackintothevillage.
Inodded,steppingpastthebothofthem,prayingtotheMakerthatIwasn’tabouttomeetmyend.
Maybemymotherhadbeenmisinformed,maybethekingsmelledmagiconmebecausehewasthekingandhecouldsmelleventhesmallestamountsbutitwouldn’tbeenoughtoactuallyattractthesniffers.Andiftheydidsmellsomemagiconme,sowhat?Ninetypercentofthisvillagehadmagic—weweremagicalmutts.Noneofuswerepurebredlikethekingwouldbelookingfor.
Right?
NowIwasn’tsure.Wasthehighbornwomanwho’dbirthedmereallyfull-blooded?
Ihopednot.Formysake,Ihopedshe’dsnuckintoNightfallCityandbeddedahumanman.Iwalkedbackintomyvillageclutchingthestrapsofmypackwithwhiteknuckles.
Ifanyoneeverdetectedthismagicinherchild,thatchildwouldbekilled.
Mymother’sstoryofthehighbornwasloopinginmymind.Maybemymotherwaswrong.Maybethewomanwasaraiderandhadstolenhighbornclothingtoappearasanoble.Thenshe’dtakendrugsandmadethewholestoryup.
“Whywereyousneakingout?”Reginaaskedme,andIstartledalittlebecauseI’dforgottenshewasbehindme.
“Iwasgoinghunting,”Ipressed.
“Sure.TheothergirlsinGrimHollowranoffhuntingtoo,”shesaidwithasmile.“Youpregnant?Gotaboyfriend?”
Mycheeksreddenedatherinsinuation.
“No,Ijust…Idon’twantmarriageandIlikemylifehere.”Therewastruthinthat,andsoifshehadthesameabilitiesasherking,shewouldsmellit.Ididwantmarriage.Kidstoo.Butnotwithastrangerandnotforduty.Iwantedtomarryforlove.
Ipeeredbacktoseehersmiling.“Idon’tfancymarriageeither,”shewhispered.“Hardtofindamanwhowillfallforawomanstrongerthanhim.”
ThatcausedagrintogracemylipsandIinstantlylikedher,lettingmyguarddown.IknewIwouldlikeherbasedonthestoriesandgossipthatcamethroughtownabouther,butespeciallynowthatI’dmether.
“Arwen!”Mymother’sshocked,slightlyhigh-pitchedshriekcamefromthealley.
Ispun,myeyeswidening.“Itturnsoutthathuntingtripwillhavetowait.Ineedtobeinspectedbythesniffersfirst,”Itoldher.
ThealarmonherfacewasapparenttomebutIhopednotRegina.“Oh.Well,letmeaccompanyyou,then.”ShereachedoutherhandtotakemypackandIunloadedit,gratefulnottohavetheweightofitanylonger.
Mymindspunwithwhatshemustbethinking.She’dtrulyactedinfearformylifejustamomentago.Iknewshemustbefreakingoutaboutthis.Butmaybeitwouldbeokay.Thesnifferswoulddotheirthing,leaveallofthemagiclesswomeninCinderVillagebehind,andbebackontheirway.
Iwonderedwhatanyonefromthevillagewouldthinkaboutthekinghidingjustoutsidethesegates.Whydidn’thecomein?We’dneverhadavisitfromtheroyalfamilybefore.NotaslongasIhadbeenalive.ThepeopleofCinderwouldbehonoredtomeethimandthefactthathehidoutsidecausedangertounfurlinmygut.
DidhehidebecausehewastoogoodfortheashesofCinderVillagetogracehisroyalboots?Hewasn’ttoogoodtotakethemonthlytruckloadsofcoalwedugoutforJadeCity.Nottoogoodtotakeourwomen.
BeforeIknewit,wehadreachedthegreathall.Allofthebarrenandelderwomenwereoutsideofit,andReginahadtostepinfrontofmeandaskthemtomoveinordertomakeapath.
“TheychoseKendal,”NaomietoldmeasIpassed.
Thatsurprisedme.I’dthoughtshewastooweakinpower.Shecouldlightcandleswithhermagicbutthatwasaboutit.
MymotherlookedtoRegina.“Oh,wonderful.Wedon’tevenneedtocontinue,then?He’schosen?”
Reginaturnedandfrownedatmymother.“He’schosenmanypotentialcandidatesacrosstherealm,ma’am.”TherewassuspicioninRegina’sgaze.Iwantedtotellmymothertocoolit.ShewasgoingtomakethingsharderformeifReginathoughtIwashidingsomething.
“She’snervousformetomeetthesniffer,”IexplainedtoRegina.“We’venevermetonebeforeandIheardithurts?”
Thatwasn’talie.Ihadheardthatthesniffingofmagicwasuncomfortable,evenpainfulinsomecases.Ihadnoideaifitwastrueornot.
Regina’sposturerelaxed.“Oh,ma’am,don’tworry,yourdaughterwillnotbeharmed.”
“Ohthankgoodness,”mymothersaidinaconvincingtone,butIsawthepinchedexpressionshewore.Withthat,weheadedintotheopendoubledoorsofthegreathall.
WhenReginaturnedherbacktous,Imetmymother’sgazeandgaveheralookthatindicatedsheneededtorelax.
Shenoddedherhead,bitingatherlip.
“We’vegotonemore!”Reginacalledoverthemurmuringvoices.
I’dneverseenthegreathallsopackedfullofpeople.Thechild-bearingwomenofourvillagewereherewiththeirfamilies,someofthemevenwiththeirhusbands.Ididn’tthinktheking’snoticeincludedmarriedwomen.Thatwasawful.Whatwasthechosenqueensupposedtodo,leaveherhusbandandfamilytohaveasecondlifeinJadeCity?
Didthismanhavenomorals?Hemustneedanheirbadlytobeassessingthemagicofmarriedwomen.
ThepeopleintheroompartedandImademywayupthecrowdedaisle,feelinglikeeverypairofeyeswereonme.
Whydidthisneedtobeapublicaffair?Iwasnervousenoughasitwaswithouttheentiretownlookingatme.
Whenthethrongofpeoplehadfinallythinnedenoughtogivemeagoodviewofthecommotion,Igaspedatthesightofthesniffers.
Thereweretwoofthem,femaleswithbrightredhair,andskinsofairIcouldseethenetworkofblueveinsintheircheeksandneck.Twins,Irealized,asIscannedtheirfaces.Identical.Theyeachworeathickblackleathereyemaskthattiedbehindtheirheadsandcoveredtheirblindness.Thetipsoftheirfaeearspokedoutoftheirhair,andtheycockedtheirheadstothesideinunisonasIapproached.
Kendalstoodproudlybehindthemastherestofthegirls,rejectsIsuspected,huggedthewallsandwatched.
“Bringhertome,”oneofthetwinssaid,andIgulped.Many,many,rumorssurroundedthesniffers.Onewasthattheywerebornblind,whichenhancedtheirsenseofsmell.Anotherwasthattheyweren’tblindatallbutthattheirmothersboundtheirsightwithmaskstoforceamagicalsmellenhancement.
NowthatIsawtheblackleathermasks,Iwonderedifthelatterwastrueandwhatitwouldbelikenotsoseeanythingyourentirelifebychoice.
ReginanudgedmybackslightlyandIsteeledmyself,lookingbackatmymotherforonelastglance.
Iexpectedtoseeterror,butinsteadtherewasdeterminationandtheglintofsteelinherhand.
OhHades.FOUR
Mygazenarrowedinontheglintofsteelinmymother’shand.Shehadpulledmyhuntingknifefrommypack!Myeyeswidened,mymouthgoingslack,butthenIquicklyfixedmyfacesothatReginawouldn’tsee.
WhattheMakerwasMotherintendingtodowiththat?Stabthesniffers?Mymomhadn’tkilledathingadayinherlife,neverevenswattedafly.Thiswholesituationhadturnedhermad.
Istumbledforward,andwithoutseeingmethesnifferreachedoutandlaidahandonmyshoulder.
MyheartpoundedsohardinmychestIcouldfeelitinmyears.
Anotherhandlandedonmyothershoulder,andIlookeduptoseethesecondsniffer.
Asiftheywereonebeing,theybothinhaledatthesametime,tippingtheirheadsbackasiftodevourmyscent.
Iflinched,feelinglikemyentiresoullaybareinthatmoment.Something,somemagiccaressedmethen,slitheringovermyskinandwormingintomychest.Mybreathingbecameraggedandtheybothsmiledatthesametime.
“Sandalwood,”theoneontheleftsaid.
“Neem,”saidtheoneontheright.
“Blood,”theybothsaidtogether.
“Andawholelotofmagic,”theoneontheleftsaidwithnostrilsflared.
Hades.
“Enoughtobearthekingachild?”Regina’shopefulvoicecamefrombehindme,andIsteeledmyself.
Theybothshruggedatthesametime.“Morethanthisgirl.”TheyflickedtheirheadtoKendalandspokeinunisonasifsharingonemind.“ButnotasmuchasthegirlfromGrimHollow.”
Isaggedinrelief.TherewasagirlinGrimHollowwithmoremagicthanbothKendalandI.ThanktheMaker
“Well,bringthembothanyway,”ReginatoldthemandIwentrigidundertheirgrip.“They’llneedtobeproperlytested,andintheendit’stheking’sdecisionwhohechooses.”
Bringthembothwhere?
KendalandI?ToJadeCity?
TheirhandsfellawayfrommeandIslunkovertostandwithKendal,wantingtogetawayfromthesniffers’flarednostrils.
Mygazewenttomymother,whowaswatchingthesnifferscoldly,andIobservedherputthehuntingknifebackintomypack.
Reliefrushedthroughme.
“Wouldthefamiliesofthetwochosengirlspleasecomeuptothefronttospeaktome?”Reginacalledoutloudly.“Everyoneelsemayleave.”
Noonemoved.Itseemedtheydidn’twanttheshowtoend.“Out!”Reginabellowed,andthatgoteveryonetoshakeoutoftheirtrance.FunnelsofpeopleheadedforthedoorsasKendal’smotherandfatherwarilysteppedclosertoRegina.IwatchedasmymothershoulderedmyheavypackandfollowedthemtostandbeforetheleaderoftheRoyalGuard.
Thesniffersstartedtoshuffleoutoftheroom,buthalfwaythroughthespacetheystoppedandbothturnedovertheirshouldertolookatme.Inhalingagain,oneofthemactuallymoaned,andthentheyleft.
“Creepy,”Kendalwhispered,butIfoundthatIwasn’tfullyinagreement.Itwascreepy,buttheyalsofascinatedme.Thewaytheywalked,withnocanes,itwasalmostasiftheycouldsensethechairsandpeopleintheirwayandmovedtoavoidthem.Ifanythingcreepedmeout,itwastheirsheerpower,whichIsimultaneouslyrespected.
ReginapulledoutapieceofparchmentandfacedKendalandI.“Haveyoubothstartedyourmonthlybleedingcycles?”sheaskedflatly.
Myeyeswidenedatthedirectionofherquestioning.ShegavemeanapologeticlookandInodded.Kendal’scheeksburnedasshelookedatherfather,whoclearedhisthroat,butshenoddedaswell.Talkingaboutthemonthlybleedinginfrontofmenwasn’tdoneinCinderVillage.Wekeptthatprivateamongwomenonly.
ReginaseemedtopickuponthatandmutteredanapologytoKendal.
“Haveeitherofyoueverbeenpregnantbefore?”sheaskedus,andwebothshookourheadsinunison.
Ididn’tknowhowtheydidthingsinJadeCity,butheretheyoungwomenkepttheirpurityuntilmarriage.Sure,someofthegirlsbeddedthemeninsecretbutitwasn’tspokenaboutoraspiredto.Ifarumorspreadaboutyourpuritybeingtakenbeforemarriage,norespectablemanwouldhaveyou.
Shecheckedsomethingoffontheparchmentandthenaskedourfullnames.Afterwritingthemdown,shefacedourparents.
“KendalandArwenwillbetakenbytheprotectionoftheDraykenEliteRoyalGuardintoJadeCitytoliveuntilthekingmakeshischoicefornextwife—”KendalsquealedinexcitementandReginapaused.“Foreachmoonthattheyareaway,youwillbepaidfivehundredjadecoins.”
Kendal’smotherandfathergaspedinshock,butmymotherstayedquiet,hereyesnarrowingatRegina.
“AndwhatifIdon’twanttosellmydaughtertotheking?”mymotheraskedboldly.
Iwentrigid.AlookofshockcrossedRegina’sface.“Ma’am,noonesaidanythingaboutsellingthem.Youwillbefairlycompensatedfortheirtemporaryabsence—”
“Ican’teatjadecoins.Mydaughterisahunter,andwithoutherwedon’thavefoodandneitherdoesasmallpercentageofthistown,”mymothersaidwithvenominhervoice.
Whatshesaidwaspartlytrue.Ihadbecomeaprominenthunterinthevillage,andwhatmeatwedidn’teat,wesoldorbarteredtoothers,butafterthecougarinIcaughttodaywewouldhavefoodforatleasttwomoons.Thejadecoinswouldbegoodforotherthings,andshecouldbarterthemforfoodwiththeneighboringtownspeopleofGypsyRockifneedbe.
Reginanoddedtomymother.“IfyouwouldletmefinishwhatIhavetosay,youwillfindthatthecompensationpackagealsoincludesmeat,driedfruits,yeastedbread,andchocolates,deliveredeveryfortnight.”
“Chocolate?”Kendal’smotherperkedup.
Mymotherfellsilent.Therewasnothingelselefttoargueaboutwithoutlookingsuspicious.
“Yourdaughterswillbetreatedashighborns,withamaidstaffandprivatequartersinJadeCastle,”Reginawenton,andIcouldseethedefeatfallovermymother’sface.
“Becausewedonotwishtobringthemawayfromtheircultureandthecomfortsofhome,theymayeachbringonemaidservantfromtheirhomecityifdesired,”Reginasaid,andIperkedup.Imetmymother’sgazeandwonderedifAdalinewastooyoungtobring.Probably.Shestillneededtobesungtosleepatnightbyourmother.Mymomshookherheadslightlyasifreadingmymind,andInodded.
I’dgoalone,then.Itwasbetterthatway.Maidservantsweren’tathinginCinderVillage,soIdoubtedKendalwouldbringanyoneeither.
“Intheeventofamarriageproposal,anewcompensationpackagewillbepresentedtoyouatthattime.Ifyouagree,pleasesignhere,andknowthatyouaredoingtheentirekingdomagreatservice.”Shepulledtwosmallerparchmentsfromhersatchel.
Iexpectedhertohandthemtoourparents,butshehandedthemtous,eachwithapen.
KendalwentbeetredassheheldthepenandIknewwhy.Shehadneverlearnedtoread.Asaseamstress,shereallyhadnoneedforit.IonlylearnedbecauseI’dstartedoutwithanapprenticeshipwiththetownscribeuntilmyfather’sdeath,whenayearofcropblightonMother’spotatoesforcedmeintohuntingsothatwecouldsurvive.
IpointedtothepartthatsaidSignHereandKendaltookherpenanddrewalargeX.
IlookedatReginaforasplitsecondandfoundthatshewatchedmecuriously
WhathappenedifIdidn’tsign?WoulditbringshametoCinderVillage?Tomyfamily?Wouldthekingmarchinherehimselfandthrowmeoverhissaddleandtakemebyforce?Itdidn’tfeellikeIhadmuchofachoice.IfIfoughtthis,theymighttakemeanywaybutthenrefusetheofferofjadecoinsandfood,andthenwherewouldIbe?
Ipurposelydidn’tlookatmymother.Ididn’twanttoseeherurgencyformetorefuse.
IscannedthedocumenttofindthatitsaideverythingReginahadpromisedanditwassignedbythekinghimself.
Fivehundredjadecoins.
Iquicklydidthemath.Weneededaboutfifteenjadecoinspermoontogetby.FivehundredmeantthatmymotherandAdalinewouldhaveafullbellyinawarmhouseforthenextthreewinters.Itmeantsomanythingsforourlife.Andthecontractsaidfivehundredjadecoinspermooncycle.Itdidn’tsayonlyonemooncycle.SoI’dgothereandI’dwatchthekingwoothisGrimHollowgirl,allthewhilecollectingmyjadecoinsandyeastedbreads.ThenI’dcomebackfatandrich.
IgraspedthepenandscribbledmynamebeforeIcouldconvincemyselftobackout.Myscriptwasawful.I’dneverpracticedasmuchastheothersinmyscribeclass,butmynamewasstilllegibleontheline.
ArwenNovakson.
“Great.Weshouldgetgoing.We’dliketohitGypsyRockbynightfall.”Reginatookthecontractsfromusandslippedthemintoherpouch.“Packwhateveryoulike.I’llhavetheporterloadthewagons.”
“It’sMayDay!Can’twehavethedinnerfeastwiththem?”mymotherasked,thedisappointmentapparentinhervoice.
Reginasighedandfacedmymother.“I’mreallysorry,ma’am.We’vebeenontheroadforanentiremoon.TraveledfromGrimHollowallthewayuphere.Thisisamatterofthecrown,andcannotwait.”
Withthat,sheclappedherhandsasiftohurryus,andIstrodeacrosstheroomtomymother.WhenIreachedher,sheturnedaroundandwalkedout,givingmeherback.Apangofsadnessandrejectionrushedthroughme,andItrailedbehindher.
“Followthem,Nox,”ReginatoldafellowDraykenwhowasstandingbythefrontdoor.
Shedidn’ttrustmeandIdidn’tblameher.I’dtriedtoavoidthiswholethingwithafakehuntingtrip,andmymotherwasbeingcageyandstrange.
Wedidn’tspeaktheentirewalktoourhut,andwhenwereachedthedoormymotheraskedNoxtowaitoutside,whichheobliged.
Whenshefinallywalkedbackintomyroomandfacedme,myguttightenedatthetearsthatrandownherface.
“Ifailedtoprotectyou,”shesaid.
“What?No.”Irushedforwardtoconsoleher.“Mother,I’mfine.ThereissomemorepowerfulgirlinGrimHollow.He’llmarryherandforgetaboutmeandwe’llhavefivehundredjadecoins!”
Mymothershookherhead.“Whatifyourpowergrowseachday?WhatifbythetimeyourmagicistestedyouaremorepowerfulthantheGrimHollowgirl?”
“ThenI’llrunaway,”Imurmured.
Mymotherlookedatmedisapprovingly.“He’sthedragonkingofEmbergate.Thereisnowhereyoucouldgothathecouldnotfollow.”
Chillsranthelengthofmyspineatherdeclaration.
Mymothersteppedforward,placingherhandsonmyshoulders.“Ifitlookslikeyourpowerisdiscovered,andit’sclearthatyoumighthaveamagicthatisgreaterthanevenhecontains—”
“Mother,that’snotpossible!”She’dgonemadandwasparanoid.NowIwasreallyscared.
Sheleanedclosertome,hergriponmyshoulderstightening.“Listentome,Arwen.Ifitappearstogothatway,thatyourmagicmightbeathreattohimsomehow,thenyoumakehimfallinlovewithyousohewon’tkillyou.Understand?”
Killme?Killmebecausemypowerwouldbegreaterthanhis?Wasn’tthatwhathewanted?Maybenot.Maybehewantedawomanwithjustenoughpowertogivehimanheirbutnottoomuch?LikeReginasaid,amandoesn’twantawomanstrongerthanhim.Maybethat’swhathadhappenedtothewomanwho’dbirthedme.
Forthefirsttimesincethiswholethingstarted,Iwasgenuinelyterrified.
“How?HowdoImakehimloveme?”
Redcoloredmymother’scheeks.“Yourbodycandocertainthingsthatamancraves.Makehimthinkofthateverytimeyouareintheroom,butdon’tgiveittohimuntilyou’remarried.”
Nowitwasmyturnformycheekstogored.Shemeantbedhim.
Kendalhadtoldmeallaboutthat.She’dlearnedeverythingfromherauntwhoworkedinGypsyRock,wasonlytwowintersolderthanusand…uninhibited.
“Oh.Okay,”Imutteredwithembarrassment.
Marryhim?Wassheserious?
“Ifitcomesdowntoit,youbethestrongqueenhewantsandgivehimmanyheirs,butmakesureheadoresyousothatwhenyou’redonehavingchildrenforhimhedoesn’tkillyou.”
Mymother’scounselwasharsh.Hewouldn’tdothat,wouldhe?Whatdecentmanwould?
AllI’dheardofKingValdrenwasofhowkindhewastohispeople,howmuchhecaredforhislatewife,QueenAmelia.Hesawherthrougheverylossofchild—everyonelovedhim.Hewaskind…right?
KindenoughtowaitoutsidethegatesofCinderVillage?Kindenoughtocallhisguardonmeandpullhisblade?Kindenoughtoremarryquicklysimplyforanheir?
Thesethoughtsscaredme,soIshookmyheadtodislodgethem.
Tearswelledinmyeyes.“Adaline…shouldIgoandsaygoodbye?”
Butmymothershookherhead.“She’llbetoodistraughtandmakeascene.Leaveheranoteandsendheragiftwiththefirstfoodshipment.”
Inodded,walkingtooursharednightstand,andpulledoutatornscrapofpaperandapen.I’dtaughtAdalineandmymothertoreadandwriteduringmytwo-yearapprenticeshipwiththescribe.
DearestAdaline,
IloveyoumorethanallofthejadestoneinJadeMountain.TakecareofMother.I’llsendagiftfromJadeCity.
P.S.Don’tbeabrat.
Love,Arwen
Ihatedleavingherlikethis,especiallyafterourtiffthismorning,butMotherwasright.ShewouldthrowahugefitandIdidn’twanttoleavethevillagecrying.
“Ma’am…”Theguard’svoicecarriedintothehouseandmymothergroaned.
“Youcomeinandtakeourdaughtersandgiveusfiveminutestopackthemupandseethemoff!”sheyelledbackathim.Hesaidnothinginresponse.
“Mother,bekind,”Itoldher.
Iknewshewasflustered,butnowIworriedifshe’dmadetroubleformeinJadeCity.IfReginaandnowNoxthoughtmymotherunkind,theymightmakelifehardforme.
MymotherandIgrabbedthetrunkattheendofmybedwhichheldthewinterfursandstartedtopullthemoutandputinmorepracticalitems.JadeCitywasneartheocean;itdidn’tsnowthere.Istartedtopackmythingsandmymotherslippedoutoftheroom.“Berightback.”
Whenshereturned,shewasholdingthemostmagnificentleatherarmorI’deverseen.
“Mother!”
Shegrinned.“KendalandIhavebeenworkingonitallyear.Itwassupposedtobeforyourbirthday.Theseareallofthepeltsyou’vekilled.Eachoneputfoodonourtable.”
ShelaiditonthebedandIsatthere,stunned.Itwasshiny,well-oiledbronzeleatherthathadbeenstitchedtogetherpiecebypiece.Eachpiecefromadifferentanimal.Irecognizedthedarkermuskrathide.MotherandKendalhadplaceditinthecenterofthecorsetedchest,andthenKendalhadcarvedswirlsandflowersintoit,whichshewasknownfor.TheshoulderspauldersweresuchadelicatefiligreethatIcouldn’thelpbutreachoutandtouchit.
“I…can’tacceptthis.ItwillgetstolenorI’llruinit.It’stoonice.”ItwasnicerthantheRoyalGuarduniforms.Moredetailedinartworkandembellishments.
“Hogwash,you’reintherunningtobequeen.You’llwearitwell,”mymothersaid.
Igrinned.“You’reright.ShouldIwearitnow?”
MymothernoddedandIslippedoutofmytunicandtrousersandshehelpedmeintotheskintighthuntingsuit.Therewereleathercuffsthatbuttonedon,andamatchingwaistbeltwithapurseforjadecoins.TheleftarmpitpinchedalittlebutIsaidnothingbecauseMotherwasstaringatmewithtearsofhappinessinhereyes.KendalcouldhelpmeloosenthatleftseamalittleinJadeCity.
“It’sperfect,”Itoldheranddidaspin.
Shenodded,holdingherthroatassheshowedmoreemotioninthelastfewhoursthantheentiretyofmylife.
“I…IknowtodayhasbeenalotandIhopeyoustillfeel…likemydaughter,”shewhimpered.
Thefactthatshewouldthinkanythingdifferenttoremyheartintwo.Itwasnotuncommonwhenamotherdiedinlaborthatanauntorfemalefriendtookthebabyinastheirown.Thechildwaslovedandhappyandwasnonethewiser.That’sthesameaswhathadhappenedhere,exceptthiswomanhadbeenastrangerandmymotherdidakindthing.“I’llalwaysfeellikeyourdaughter.”Icouldbarelyspeakthroughmyemotions.
“Arwen?”Regina’svoicecalledfromthedoorwayandmymotherflinched.
“Youcan’tevenstaythenight?”sheaskedme.“YouhavetorunbacktoJadeCityrightaway?”
Ireachedoutandgraspedherhands.“Itsoundslikethey’dbeenallovertherealmandthisistheirlaststop.Theymustalsobeeagertogetbacktotheirfamilies.”
Mymothernoddedandpulledmeinforonelasthug.Icherishedthemoment.Thiswasagenuinehugbetweenmeandmymother,whoInowknewdidn’tbirthmeandyetIlovedhernoless.Afterwepulledaway,sheclaspedmytrunkandthensteppedoutsidetheroom.
“Porter!”shecalledthroughthehouseinasnottyJadeCityaccentthathadmesnickering.
Secondslater,amanappearedwearingalongtravelingcloakandtookmytrunkonhisbacklikeitwasmadeofair.
Magic?
Hewasshortandskinnysoithadtobe.Thisdisplayofmagicwastypicalofdragon-folkwholivedinJadeCityandwereverypowerful.
Ifollowedmymomtothedoorway,whereReginastoodbesideNox,theothermemberoftheRoyalGuard.Aquickglanceattheirchestplatesconfirmedmysuspicion.NearlyalloftheguardsherewerenotjustRoyalGuardsmen,theywereDrayken.Thekinghadbroughthismosteliteteamwithhimtosearchforawife.
Thequestionwaswhy?Hisownpeoplewouldn’thurthim.WastheskirmishwiththeNightfallqueenattheborderbiggerthanIrealized?
“I’llseeyouoffhere.Idon’tfancycryinginfrontofthewholetown,”mymothersaidwithbarelyrestrainedemotion.
Inodded,givingheralasthug,andthenwithtrepidationsteppedoutthedoorofmychildhoodhome.Lookingovermyshoulder,Ifrownedattheboilingpotofstew.
Afteraweek’sworthofhunting,Ididn’tevengetabowlofMother’scougarinstew.ThisJadeCitycastlechefbetterbethebestdamnfoodartisanintherealm,becauseIwashungry.FIVE
“Nicearmor.”Reginaraisedaneyebrowinsurpriseatmyoutfitchange.We’djustleftmystreetandweresteppingovertothehorseandcarriagethatwaitedinthemiddleoftown.
“Thankyou.Kendalandmymothermadeit,”Itoldherdryly.Ilikedher,shewasmyidol,butIdidn’tlikethatshewastakingmeawayfromeverythingIknewandloved.
Shelookedsurprisedagain,andIwonderedifshethoughtonlythepalaceseamstressesatJadeCitywerecapableofsuchtalent.
“Sorryaboutmymother.She’s…protective,”ImentionedtoRegina,suddenlyabitembarrassedabouthowboldmymotherhadbeentoherandNox.
“Goodmothersare,”shereplied,andthenhadmytrunkloadedontotheblackcarriagethatwashitchedtotworoyalhorses.Therewereadozenhorseswaitingatthegate,allwithDraykenridingonthem.Thehorseswereallblackwithbraidedtails,andIdreamedofonedayridingononeliketheRoyalGuarddid.MaybeIcouldlearninJadeCity,makethemostofthistimetherewhilethekingflittedabouttryingtomakeanheir.
Speakingoftheking…Iscannedthegroupofguards,mygazelandingontheonewithhishoodup.
Thevillagepeoplehadnoideatheywereinthemidstofroyalty.
Themainvillagebaker,Mrs.Holina,andNaomie,rushedforwardtohanduseachapackage.
“Toremindyouofhome,”Naomiewhispered.
Mrs.Holinashovedtwosteamyhotloavesofrosemarybreadatusandmymouthinstantlysalivated.EventhoughIknewwe’dbebackinamoon’stime,maybetwo,Istillfeltsadtoleavethisplace…itfeltlikegoodbye.
“Thankyou.”Wehuggedthemandthensteppedintothecarriage.I’donlyriddeninoneonce,onmytriptoJadeCity,butthatwasmoreofacoveredcartthanaregalcarriage.Thiswasblacklacqueredoutsidewithinlaysofjadeandgold,andtheinsidewasjustasnice.Greencrushedvelvetlinedthewalls,andtheseatswereplushandcomfortable.Therewasasmallbasketoffreshfruitandacanteenofwateroneachseat.Foldednexttoallofthatwasanaccordionhandfanmadewithpurplesilktostaveofftheheat.
“Oh,Icouldgetusedtothis.”Kendalgrabbedapassionberryandpoppeditintohermouth.
IsmiledandcradledthepackageNaomiehadgivenme.ItwasheavyinmyhandsandIpeeledbackthepaper,lettingalittlegaspofsurpriseescapemythroat.
Anentirebottleofsandalwoodoil.Thatwasaverykindandgenerousgift.Kendalhadonetoo,andwasholdingherswithunshedtearsinhereyes.
“I’mgoingtomisshome,”Kendalshared,andInodded.
“We’llbebacksoonenough,”Isaidasthecartjerkedforwardandthehorsesbeganourjourney.
Kendalfrowned.“Hopefullynot.Hopefully,thekingchoosesmeandInevercomeback.”
Oh
Iguessedthat’swhatIshouldbefeelingtoo,butIwasn’t.IwashopinghechosethegirlfromGrimHollow,orKendal,soIcouldjustcomebackhereandgetonwithmylife.
***
WestoppedatGypsyRockforthenight.Thedayoftravelhadbeenlongandmybuttwasnumb.Itwasgoingtobeathree-dayjourney,andGypsyRockwasnicertostayatthanthesanddunes,soIwasn’tgoingtocomplain.
“Ladies,I’vebookedusasharedroomatthetavern,”Reginasaid.“Ihopeyoudon’tmind,butuntilwegettoJadeCityit’snotsafeforyoutosleepwithoutaguardintheroom.”
KendalandInodded.Wecouldsleepinabarnorinsidethecarriage,andoftendidwhentraveling,soitdidn’tmattertous.
Aswesteppeduptothetaverndoorway,IlookedovermyshouldertowatchtherestoftheDraykenstowtheirhorsesinthebarnandtalktothestablemaid.Thekingworehishoodhighupoverhishead,obscuringhisidentity.Kendalhadnocluethekingrodewithus,andIwasn’tgoingtosayanythingaboutit.Hewaskeepinghisidentitysecretforareason,andIdidn’twanttoputhimindangerbymentioningit.Hemighthavebeenajerkearlierbypullinghisbladeonme,butIdidn’twanthimdead.Ifherodewithahiddenidentity,itwasforareason.
“Comeon.Dinnerawaits,”Reginasaid,andIsnappedbacktoattention,givingheranapologeticsmile.
WesteppedinsidethenoisytavernandIwasassaultedwiththesavorysmellofstew.MymouthwateredandIprayedthatwewerestayingfordinner.I’dhauledthatcougarinfromthecreekonmyback,Ideservedameatstew.KendalandIhadgrazedonsomeofthefruitsandbreadinthecarriage,butIwasfamishedfrommyweekontheroadandIwantedmeat.
Thebarmaidsteppedovertouswithapitcherofale.“You’reback.Willyoubehavin’theprivatedininghallagainthen,love?”sheaskedRegina,andshesimplynodded.
TheymusthavestoppedinhereontheirwayintoCinderVillage.
Alleyesslowlymovedinourdirectionasmoreofourgroupfilledthespace.Peoplequietedandwhispersofking’sRoyalGuardfilledtheroom.
Westeppedaroundthetables,followingthestoutbarmaidbacktoaprivateroomwithswingingsaloondoors.Therewasalargetablethatcouldfitatleasttwenty.
“Meadforthemen,waterfortheladies,”Reginatoldher,andthebarmaidnoddedandleft.
“Ilikeagoodmeadeveryonceinawhile,”Imentionedwithasmile.Especiallyondayslikethis.
AfewoftheRoyalGuardbehindmechuckledandIbristled,notintendingforthemtohear.
Reginagavemeapointedlook.“ApotentialqueenofEmbergatedoesnotdrinkmeadfromatavern—Icanfindyousomewinethough,”shesaid.
Iwavedheroff,shakingmyhead.“It’sfine.”Thisproprietystuffwaslostonme.I’dnevergetusedtohearing“futurepotentialqueen.”Ididn’tlikedrinkingmuchanyway;Ididn’twanttoletmyguarddown.
Thebarmaidreturnedwithatrayfullofmeadandthemencheered,causinghertosmile.
Whensheleft,oneofthehuntersflickedhisgazetothehuntingbladeatmywaist.“Haveyouusedthathuntingknife,youngone?”heaskedashesatdownandgraspedthehandleofhisgiantmug.Hisknuckleswerescarred,aswastherestofhim.Hewasatleastfortywintersold,andhisskinlookedliketannedleather.He’dspentyearsoutinthesunnodoubt.
Youngone?
Adalinewasayoungone,notme.Ipulledoutmyhuntingknifeandslammeditontothetablesothatitstuckintothedentedandchippedwood.Therewasstillsomebloodcrustedonitfrommycougarinkill.“Justyesterdayinfact.”Igrinnedandhesatupalittlestraighter.
Anotheroneoftheguardsslappedhimontheback.“Neverunderestimateaprettyyoungwoman.Myex-wifetaughtmethat.”
ThewholetableburstintolaughterandIrelaxedalittle.
“Alright,youcanputyourknifeaway,youngone.Irespectyou,”thescarredmansaidwithagrin,anddownedhisentiremugofmead.
IpulledtheknifefromthewoodandsliditbackintomysheathbeforejoiningKendalattheendofthetable.
Inoticedshewassittingrightacrossfromtheking,andfromthewayshewasblabbingonshehadnoidea.Hekepthisdeephoodup,obscuringhisface,andlistenedtoherasshejabberedonabouttheraidswe’dhadthisyearandhowdreadfulitwasthekingdidnothingaboutthem.
Igrinned,enjoyingthisverymuchasIpulledouttheonlyemptychairleft.Itwasattheheadofthetable,nexttoKendalandtheking.IpeeredatDraeValdren,orattemptedto,ashisfacewasshrouded.
“It’salmostlikethekingdoesn’tevenconsiderCinderhislands.Hecertainlydoesn’tprotectusashedoestheotherterritories,”Isaid,agreeingwithKendal.
Theking’sentirebodystiffenedandIhadtofightagrin.
“Ofcoursewedon’tblameyou.Youjustdoashesays,”Kendaltoldhim,andthenturnedtotheguardnexttoherandaskedhimabouthorsebackriding.
ThekingleanedforwardonhiselbowstogetclosertomeandIstiffened,swallowinghardtowetmythroat.
“ThekingsenthismosteliteRoyalGuardtolookforawifeinCinderVillage.Ifthatdoesn’tshowaloveofthepeopleofCinder,Idon’tknowwhatdoes,”hedeclared.
Inarrowedmyeyesathimandleanedforwardaswell.“AloveofthepeopleofCinder?Howaboutvisitinguseveryonceinawhile?Thekingnevercomes,andweknowit’sbecausetheashesofCinderaretoodirtyforhisprivilegedboots.”
Thetablefellsilent.Iwantedtodrownmyselfinmead.Wherewasthishostilitycomingfrom?He’dlosthiswifeandchildonlyawinteragoandIwasbeingatotalwitch.Butitwastrue.Cinderwasthedirty,poor,leastdesirableportionofEmbergate,andhenevercame.
“DoyouknowwhatisrequiredofthepeopleofCindertohostthevisitingking?”heaskedmecoldly.
MyhearthammeredinmychestandIregrettedstartingthisconversation.Theotherguardsweresoftlytalking,butIalsoknewmanywerelisteningon.
Ishookmyhead.
“Thestreetsmustbelinedwithfreshflowers.Freshbreads,fruits,meats,andcheesesmustbeofferedtohimandhisentireRoyalGuard.Aprivatebathhousemustbeemptiedandmadeready.Aninnwithanentirefloorjustforhim.Thepeoplemustgreethimbybringinghimgiftsandlavishhimwithpraise.ForthekingtovisitapoorvillagelikeCinderwouldbeselfish.Itwouldemptytheirreservesandhardentheirheartstohim.”
Ihadn’tmoved,hadn’tbreathedwhilehespoke.
That’swhyhestayedoutsidethewalls?Hedidn’twantanyonetoknowthatitwashimsotheywouldn’tbeobligatedbycenturies-oldrulestowelcomehiminanextravagantway?
Iwantedtodie.
“I’msorry,”Imumbled,hangingmyheadlowwithshame.
Thesaloondoorsswungopenthenandthebarmaidenteredwithahugepotofstewandapileofbowls.
“Alright,loves,freshrabbitstewfortheroadweary.”Shesetthegiantpotdownandthenwavedherhandoverit.Aburstoffireeruptedfromherpalm,heatingupthestew,andIwatchedinfascination.Onlyaday’sjourneyawayfromCinderVillageandalreadyIcouldseethecommonpeopleherehadmoremagicthanwedid.
Asshestartedtoserveus,Icouldn’thelpbutmulloverwhatthekinghadsaid.HowmanypeopleinCinderthoughtthekinghatedourlittlevillage,wheninrealityhe’dsparedusaninconveniencethisentiretime?
Still,hecouldhelpwiththeraids
ThestewwaswonderfulbutIcouldn’treallyenjoyit.Notfully.NotwhiletheentiretimeIcouldfeelthemaninthehood’seyesonmewitheverybiteItook.TheDraykendrankandateandtalkedboisterously,whileKendalandIkeptquietandtoourselves.Reginahadtoshushthemseveraltimeswhentheirstoriesbecame“unappetizingforalady’scompany.”Intruth,Ididn’tmindthegoryhuntingstoriesorrecallingattacksfromtimespast,butKendaldid.Shegrabbedherstomachandwincedasifitmadeherill.
“Soyourfathercarriesdragonmagic,Kendal?”thekingaskedherfrombehindhishood.Shewasstartingtowatchhimwithaquizzicaleye,nodoubtwonderingwhyhedidn’teventakehishooddowntoeat.
“Yes.Hecancreateasmallfireballatwill,andworkswiththeCinderVillageReserveArmytofighttheraidersinthespringtime,”shesaidproudly.Hersouphadgottencoldamomentago,andshe’dusedheronetrickofbeingabletoconjureflamefromherpalmtowarmitandlookcool.
Icouldn’tevendothat.
Herfatherwasarguablythemostmagicallypowerfulpersoninourvillage,asidefromMr.Korban,whowasaquarterelfandhadsomehealingabilities.Kendal’sfathercouldcreateandthrowfireballs,whichhadsavedusfrombadraiderattacksinthepast—hewasalsoahorribledrunk.Nomanwasofanyusepassedoutonthefloorofthetavern,nomatterhowpowerfulhewas.ButIwouldn’tsaythat.ThiswasKendal’smomenttobragaboutherinfluentialfamilylineage,andIwouldallowhertohaveit.
Meanwhile,Iwasthemagicaldudwhoatecoldstew.
“That’swonderful,”thekingsaid,asifpleasedthatshewaspowerfulenoughtopossiblygivehimachild.
Hethenlookedatme.“Andwhichsideofthefamilydoesyourmagiccomefrom?”
Ipaled,everymuscleinmybodygoingstiff.Iobviouslycouldn’ttellhimthatthewomanwhobirthedmewasapure-bloodeddragonhighborn.
“Myfather,”Icroaked.“BarelyaquarterI’mafraid.”Iwantedtothrowhimoffmytrail,gethimmoreinterestedinKendalorthispowerfulgirlfromGrimHollow.Iknewhecouldsmellalie,buttobehonestIstillhadn’tfullyprocessedwhatmymotherhadtoldme,andmyfatherwasstillmyfather.Soitdidn’tfeellikealie.ThelongerIwasawayfrommymother,thelessscaryherstoryfelt,butIstillwantedtohavemyguardup.
IwishedIcouldseetheking’sface.Washescowlingatmerightnow?Ormerelyobservingmequizzically?
“ThesniffersaidshehadmorepowerthanKendal,”Reginaofferedslyly,cuttingrightthroughmyplanofstayingundertheradar.“Shemustnotknowhercompletefamilyhistory.”
Iglancedatherwithannoyance,butshewaslookingattheking.
Kendalshifteduncomfortablybesideme.“I’veneverbeentoJadeCity.Isittruethereisacollegetherewithafocusinclothes-making?”
SavedbyKendal.Iowedheroneforthat.
“Thereis,”thekingsaidcoolly,andIfeltlikehewasstillwatchingme.ItwasstartingtoannoymethatIcouldn’tseehisface.
“Aren’tyouwarmwiththathoodup?Surelyyoucantakeitdownfordinner?”Kendalsaid.
Kendalmightbesimple,butshewasn’tstupid.Thehoodallthroughdinnerwasweirdandshewasstartingtodirectallofherquestionsathim,likesheknewhewasamanofimportance.
Themenatthetablequietedandcastwaryglancesfromhertotheirking.
“Kendal,hehasahorriblefacialdisfigurement,”Isaidsuddenly,andafewmenatthetablesnickered.
“Oh,I’msosorry,”Kendalsaid,evertheproperlady.
TheeyesthatIhadsuspectedwereglaringatmetheentiredinnersuddenlyturnedyellow,andblacksmokebegantoleakfromthemouthofthehood.
Ifroze.
Reginastoodsofastherchairskiddedbackwards.“Alright.Dinnerwasgreat.I’mgoingtogettheseladiestobed.Longdayoftravelinthemorning.”
Kendalstoodaswell,alarmregisteringonherface,andshecurtsiedtothemen.“Thankyoufordinner.”
Igotuplast,glaringatthetwoyelloweyesinsideofthehood,whichstaredrightbackatme.“Goodnight,”Imanagedtosay,andthenturnedtofollowReginaandKendaloutofthedininghall.
Ididn’tknowifIwastryingtomakethekinghatemesothathewouldn’tpickmeasawife,orifItrulydislikedhim.Maybealittleofboth.SIX
Aftersettlingintoourjoinedroom,Icleanedupinthewashroom,pleasedtofindithadhotrunningwaterlikeNaomie’sbathhouse,andthenwentrightofftosleep.I’dbeensleepingonharddirtorincavesthepastweek.Thiswasmyfirstrealtimeinasoftbed,sowhenmyheadhitthepillowIwasout.
Unfortunately,Icouldn’tstopdreamingaboutthetwoyelloweyesglaringatmefromwithinthehood.
Somewhereinthemiddleofthenight,therewasaloudbangingatthedoor.Myeyelidsflewopenasmyhearthammeredagainstthewallofmychest.
“Regina!”adeepmalevoicebarked.
Myvisionwasblurrywithsleep,andwithonlythemoonlighttolightuptheroom,IcouldbarelyseeasReginaboltedacrossthespaceandtoreopenthedoor.
“Whatisit?”ReginasoundedasdazedasIfelt.
“Gettothestables.”ItwasNox.HepeeredintotheroomasIscrambledtositup.“Nightfall’sarmywasspottedcrossingtheGreatRiver.Thekingawaitsyourcommand.”Theguardspokequicklybutconfidently,anditwaslikefrigidsnowhadbeenpouredinmyveins.
TheNightfallarmycrossedintoEmbergate?
Thatwas…thatwasanactofwar.
Istood,fullyalertasallvestigesofsleepleftme,andranovertoKendal,whowasstillfastasleep.“Kendal,wakeup.”Ishookherandshemoaned,peeringupatmewithblearyeyes.
“What’sgoingon?”Kendal’ssleepyvoicepiercedtheroom.
“TheNightfallqueen’sarmyis…attacking?”Iwasn’tactuallysure,butwhyelsewouldtheybreachourlands?“Weneedtoleavewiththeking,now.”
“Theking?”sheshrieked.
Oh,right,shedidn’tknow.Oops
“Getdressed.Now,”Reginaordered.
IslippedintomyleatherhuntingsuitandKendalputononeofhercasualdaydresses.Withintwominutes,weweredownstairsandcrossingthestreet,headedforthestables.
Thekingwasthere,hoodpulledback,pacingthelargeopenbarn.Whenwereachedhim,Kendalfellintoadeepcurtsy.“YourHighness.”
HenoddedatherandgavemeapinchedexpressionbeforeturningtoRegina.“Adviseme,”hecommandedher.
Whoa,soReginareallywasinchargeofhisarmy?Thatwassoincrediblybadass,andyetIhadnotimetodwellonitbecausemyheartwasratchetinguphighereachmoment.
Reginanodded.“IsuspecttheNightfallqueenhasheardofyoursearchforanewwife.Sheknowsyoudon’thaveanheir.Shewilltrytotakeyouout.”
Assassinationattempt?
Kendalswayedonherfeetasifshewereabouttofaint.Ipositionedmyselfclosertoherjustincase.
“Ishouldbreathefireonallofthemandburnthemtoacrisp,”hegrowled
Ismelledsmoke.Itwasprobablyleakingfromhismouthandnosebutitwastoodarktosee.
“Myking,youcannot.WhattheNightfallarmylacksinmagic,theymakeupforininnovation.Theywillshootyououtoftheskywiththeirmetalprojectiles.Youknowthis.”
Chillsroseuponmyarms.I’dheardoftheNightfallqueen’sinventionsbuthadneverseenone.Metalprojectileslikearrows?Orsomethingmoresinister?Asimplearrowcouldn’tshootthedragonkingoutofthesky,soIknewithadtobemore.
KingValdrengrowled,lowandhaunting,andReginasteppedclosertohim.“Youknowwhatyouhavetodo.”
TheflickeringtorchbarelylituphisfaceandIsawdeterminationinhisgaze.“IwillnotleaveyouandtheDraykentofightmybattles.”
Reginaburstintolaughterandthekingstiffened.“Thatispreciselyourjob,”shetoldhim,andthenshepointedafingerathischest.“Mylord,”Reginagrowled,losinghertemperwithhim,“youtaskedmewithprotectingyouandthewomenonthistrip,andinturnImadeyousweartomyplan.Areyouamanofyourwordornot?”
Ilovedseeingthissideofher.Shewassostrongandfearless.Icouldonlywatchinenvy.
Agruntoffrustrationlefttheking’slips,thenhiseyesglowedyellowandsoughtme,piercingintomyverysoul.
Thenhestartedtodisrobe.
Whatthe…?
FirsthismetalshoulderspaulderscameoffandhehandedthemtoRegina,thenhisbreastplate.Istoodinshockandfascinationashetookoffhisblackdragonleathertop,exposinghisabdomen.
Ifinallyfoundmyvoice.“What…whatareyoudoing?”
Reginatookhisofferedclothesandlookedbackatme.“He’sflyingyouandKendalbacktoJadeCity,wheretheywillraisethealarmoftheinvasion.”
Fly?Shesaidfly.Hewasgoingto…
WhenIrealizedwhatwashappening,mystomachtightened.Thedragonkingwasgoingtoshiftintohisanimalformandfly!
Excitementandterrorrushedthroughmeinequalmeasure.
IfollowedhergazejustasthekingdroppedhistrousersandKendalwentcompletelylimpbesideme,fainting.Rushingforward,Icaughtherinmyarmsbeforeshehittheground.
“Mylord,you’regoingtogivethesepooryoungvillagegirlsaheartattack,”Reginawarnedashestoodinnothingbuthisundergarment.
Hisperfectlytannedbodywaschiseledperfection.Skindrapedovermusclewithoutanounceoffat.Hehadscarsalonghisarms,bothlongslicesthatlookedliketheywerefromswords,andsmallpuckersfromarrows.Myheartdidfeellikeitwasseizinginmychest,butIcouldn’tlookaway.I’dneverseenafullynakedmanbefore.
AtRegina’swords,hegaveushisbackandthentheundergarmentdropped.
BlesstheMaker.
SeeingDraeValdren’sbarebuttcheekssentawaveofheatthroughmybodyasmywholechestwarmed.
Reginaturnedtofacemeandbowedherheadlightly.“Pleaseexcusetheimpropriety.It’sanemergency.”
Inodded,feelinglikemyheartwasgoingtojumpoutofmychestandfalltothefloor.Ididn’tmindit.TherewasathrillinseeingthekingofEmbergatenaked,athrillthatIliked.
IwasabouttoaskexactlyhowwewouldbeflyingoutofherewhenthekingletoutalowgroanandIsteeledmyself.Mygazeflickedtohisnakedformashefelltothefetalpositionontheground.
Iwatchedinwonderasthetanofhisskintransformedintoshinyblackdragonscales.Agasprippedfrommythroatasnubsstartedtoprotrudefromhisback,growinglikevinesonatree.
“Faster,myking,IfeartheNightfallarmyisclose,”Reginatoldhim,pullingouthersword.
Faster?Asifhecouldcontrolsuchathing?
Iofcourseknewabouthisabilitytotransformintoadragon,theonlyoneofuswithdragonmagicwhocould,butseeingitwasanotherwonderaltogether.
Theblackvine-likeprotrusionsonhisbackgrewintoleatherywingsasdizzinesswashedovermeandIfearedItoomightfaintasKendaldid.Hisbodybulkedandhegotontoallfours,hishandsturningtoclaws.
“Ibroughtyoursaddleincaseofsuchanincident.”Reginarushedintothestallwhichheldourcarriageandretrievedagiantblackleathersaddlewithabasketontop.IwassooverwhelmedwithwitnessingthemagicaltransformationofmantodragonthatI’dtotallyforgottenKendalinmyarms.Sherousedthen,tookonelookatthedragonnowstandinginthestablewithyellowglowingeyesandsmokingnostrils,andwentlimpagain.
ReginalookedatKendal,disappointed.“Weaknerves.”
IwantedtostickupforKendalbutshewasright.Shewassqueamishandfaintedattheslightestsightofblood.
Imarveledattheking’sdragonform.ThosewholivedinJadeCitymustseehimflypastallthetime,butwayoutinCinderVillagewe’donlyheardofsuchadisplayofpower.Hisdragonstoodovertenfeettall,ahulkingmassofmuscleandscales.Histailflickedtothesideandmygazerestedontherazor-sharpspikesatthetip.
IwatchedasRegina,andnowtwootherRoyalGuards,strappedasaddleontotheking’sbackandthenurgedusforward.
Itwasabasketsaddlewithstirrups,andonceloweredinIwasabletoletKendalrestpeacefullyinsideofthebasketatmyfeetwhileIsat.
“Incasehehastospinintheair,”Reginaexplained,strappingmywaistin.
WhattheHadesdidshejustsay?Flyupsidedown?
ShebeltedKendalin,whowasstillunconscious,andthenpattedthedragonking’sshoulder.“Flyfast.Sendreinforcements.”
Helookedatherandnoddedandthenstartedtowalkoutofthebarn.IgrippedthesidesofthebasketasIwastossedleftandright.Adragon’swalkwaswaydifferentthanIexpected,andKendalwokeupwiththejostling.Shestaredupatmepanicked.
“ThekinghasshiftedintoadragonandisflyingustoJadeCity,”Itoldherquicklysoshedidn’tfreakoutandfaintagain.
Thepoorthingjustkeptstaringatmewide-eyedandnodded,herbottomlipshaking.Kendalhadalwaysbeenabitfragile,mentallyspeaking.Ibelievedsomethingswerejusttoomuchforher.
‘Holdon.I’mtakingoff.’Theking’svoiceboomedinmymindandmyeyesflewopen.
‘You…youcanmindspeak?’Imentallythoughtathim,unsureifhewouldrespond.
‘Iamthekingofalldragon-folk.WhatgoodwouldIbeinmydragonformifIcouldnotcommunicatewithmypeople?’heresponded,andthentookflight.
AyelprippedfrombothKendalandmeashekickedofftheground,flappinghisoutspreadwings.Theysnappedoutsofastthatagustofwindsurroundedmybody,throwingmyhairallovertheplace.
AshepumpedhigheraboveGypsyRock,IglanceddownatReginaandtheRoyalGuardthathadassembledonhorseback.I’dneverseenEmbergatefromthisvantagepoint.Thesunwasjustwaking,andearlyshaftsoforangeglowemanatedovertheland.Offinthedistance,ifIsquinted,IcouldseethethatchedgatesofCinderVillage.
Itwasincredible.
“Iwanttogodown!”Kendalscreamed,theterrorevidentinherhigh-pitchedtone.
Iwantedtogohigher,Iwantedtosproutwingsmyselfandflyoffintoadistantland.Iwantedmore.
“Woooo!”Icouldn’thelptheshriekofjoythatleftmylungsasthekingcuttotheleftandzoomedofftowardsJadeCityatablisteringpace.Ilaughedasthecoolmorningairpressedagainstmyskinandmademylongblondhairwhiparoundmyface.
ItwasthemostthrillingexperienceI’deverhad.IwasabouttoscreamoutinjoyagainwhenIspottedthequeen’sarmyinthedistanceandastonesankinmygut.Hundredsofspecklesofmetalglintedintherisingsun,aharrowingfateforthedaytocome.
Kendalwhimpered,herfacepresseddownintothefloorofthebasketasshecurledintoaballatmyfeetandheldonfordearlife.Ireacheddownandpattedherback,tryingtoreassureherasmymindchewedonthesightofthequeen’sarmy.
HowlongwouldittakeustogettoJadeCitybyflight?Wouldthekingbeabletorouseanarmyintime?SurelynotiftheyneededtomakeitallthewayfromJadeCitytoGypsyRockononlyhorseback.
MyeyebrowsdrewtogetherasInoticedagroupoflargebirdscomingclosertous.Theywereflyingabovethearmy,butwhatconcernedmewasthatthebirds’wingsglintedinthesunlightmuchlikethemenbelow.
Metal?
ThekingveeredlefttowardsJadeCityandIcranedmynecktofollowthebirds.
Somethingisn’tright
Astheyneared,Irealizedhowlargetheywere.
‘YourHighness…’Iturnedforwardagain,tryingtomentallycommunicatewithhim,unsurehowtoinitiatetheprocess,butmerelythoughtsomethingandthenpusheditathim.
‘Whatisit?’heasked,flyingusfasterandharderthanbefore.
Ipeeredbehindusagain,notsurethatmysuspicionwascorrect.‘Youseethosehalfdozenbirdsbehindus?’Iaskedhim.
Hecranedhislargedragonheadquicklyoveroneshoulderandthennoddedbeforefacingforwardagain.
‘Yes.’Hesoundeddistracted,asifmychatterwastakinghisconcentration.
Ipulledmyhuntingknifefromthesheathatmythigh,hopingIwouldn’tspookKendal,whosefacewasstillburiedinherhandsatmyfeet.‘Theyaren’tbirds.’Itriedtosoundcalm,buteveninmyownheadIcouldheartheterrorinmymentalvoice.
Hisheadwhippedbackagain.Hisnostrilsstartedtosmokeashesquinted,hiseyestakinginthehumanarmsandlegsdanglingfromthe“birds.”
‘AnotheroneoftheNightfallqueen’sinventions.Aflyingcontraptionforahuman?’Hesoundedbewildered.
MyhearthammeredinmychestasIpeeredbehindmeoncemore.Themenweregainingonus,andtheyindeedhadmetalwingsattachedtotheirbackswithleatherstraps,butitlefttheirarmsandlegsfreetodangle,andrightnow,ineachman’srighthandwasasleekmetalsword.
‘Theycarryswords!’Iadvisedtheking,andlookedcloseratoneoftheotherbirdmen.
‘Hades!’thekingcursed,pushingevenfasterashiswingscutthroughtheairwithease.‘Ihatetoaskthisofaladybut…canyoufight?Yousaidyouhunted,right?’
Alady?Iwasn’talady.Notreally.NotdelicateandeasilyspookedlikeKendalwas.
‘Yes,’Igrowled.‘Myknifeisalreadyout.’
‘Lookdownatyourfeet.Therearetwostirrups.Slipyourfeetintothoseandunbuckleyourwaistbeltsothatyoucanstandup.’
Standupwithoutawaistbelt?Washeinsane?Myhandsshookwithnerves,justliketheydidbeforeakill,andIwishedIhadmybow.ItwasbackinthetrunkonthecarriageatGypsyRock.
“Arwen,what’shappening?”Kendalwhimpered.Shepeeredbehindusandthenletoutashriekofterror.
“Justliedownandcoveryourhead,”IorderedherasIslippedmybootintothetightstrapssewnintotheharness,spreadingmylegswidesothatKendalwasbetweenthem.TherewasaratchettypeofstrapthatIusedtotightenituntilmyfootfeltpositivelysquished.Bettertobetootightthantooloose.Iunbuckledmywaistbeltandthentriedtostand.
Ittookmetwotries,butIfinallydidit,unpreparedforthewindtryingtoknockmebackagain.
‘I’mstanding,’Itoldtheking.
‘Good.Nowcrouchdownandgrabmyswordfromthesaddlebagtoyourright.’
Hissword?Thedragonkingwantedmetotakehissword?
‘Umm,I’mnotsure—’
‘That’sanorder.Takemyswordnow!’hebarkedintomyheadandIjumped,quicklycrouchingtoflipopentheclaspthatheldtheflapofthesaddlebagshut.WhenIreachedinandcameoutwiththesword,Icouldbarelyheftitwithonehand.Ihadtore-sheathmyownknifesoIcouldholdtheking’sbladewithtwohands.WhenIhelditmoreconfidently,Istaredinaweatitsbeauty.ItwascoveredwithmorerubiesandjadestonesthanIcouldeverimaginewouldfitinthehiltofasword.
‘Gotit.’
‘Good.Nowstabanythingthattriestodroponmyback.I’lltakecareofeverythingelse.’
Hiswordsdidn’tfeelreal.Washeserious?Prepareto…stabaman?Imean,Ihadpulledoutmybladeforself-defense,butnowthatIwasconfrontedwiththeideaofkillingamanIfeltsick.Elkin,rabbitin,cougarin,ratin,I’dkillanyanimalthatwalked,butaman?I’dneverkilledamanbefore.I’dneverkilledanythingthatwasn’tgoingtofeedmyfamily.
Thekingstartedtoturn,veeringtotheright,andIrealizedhewasgoingtoattackthemheadon.
‘YourHighness,I’veneverkilledaman.Onlyanimals.Onlyforfood.’MychestheavedasIfoughtforbreath.
‘Thenpretendthey’reanimals.Itfeelsthesame,’camehisreply.
BeforeIcoulddwellonitanylonger,thefightwasuponus.SEVEN
ThekingflewrightatthebirdmenfromNightfallandIsteeledmyself.Thereweresixofthem,allfannedoutinaVformationofvaryingheights.JustasIwasworryinghowwewouldsurvivetheseodds,astreamofdragonfireflewfromtheking’smouthinablazeofglory,drenchingtwoofthemencompletely.Theheatfromthefirewarmedmyfacebutdidnothurtme.
Iflinchedastheirscreamsofagonycausedbiletocreepupmythroat.Thetwomentumbledintheair,andstartedtospininanefforttoputouttheflames.Withinsecondstheydroppedlikestonestowardstheground,theirwingedcontraptionsnolongerabletoholdthem.
Icouldn’tdwellonthehorrorofittoolong,becauseoneoftheflyingmenwho’dbeenhigherabovewasnowdroppingrightoverus.
IrealizednowthathisswordwassolongitwouldhavegoredmebeforeI’dhavebeenabletoevenscratchhimwithmysmallhuntingblade.Iwasluckythekinghadofferedhis,butIwasalsoabouttokillaman,orseverelyinjurehim.Ordiemyself…
He’sananimal,he’sananimal…Itoldmyselfasheinchedcloser.
Themanworeamenacingsnarl,andashenearedInoticedtheNightfallcrestuponhisbreastplate.Hewashuman.Someoneweweretaughtwasapoordefenselesssoulwhenmatchedwithamagicwielder.Buthedidn’tlooksohelplesstomenow.NoonefromtheNightfallarmywas,humanornot.Foronething,hewasflying,andlookedlikehewantedtotakeoffmyhead.
Hiswingsretractedsuddenlyandthenhedroppeddownlikeastone.
Iwasusedtosuddenmovements—thecougarinsthatprowledthebacksideofCinderMountainwerefast—butIwasfaster.Withabattlecry,Ilungedupwardtomeethim,rammingtheswordrightintohisgutasIsimultaneouslyduckedoutofthewayofhissword.Itcutthroughhimlikebutter,butthentheweightofhisbodyknockedmeback.Ifellhardagainstthesaddleandthecutonmybackremindedmeitwastherewithafreshwaveofpain.Themangroanedasmybladewentdeeperintohim,thenKendalstartedscreamingbloodymurder.Shemusthavelookedup.Withaburstofadrenaline,Ipushedoffofthebasket,ignoringthefierypainonmyback.Keepingmyhandsfirmlyonthehiltofthesword,Iusedthemomentumtotosshimovertheside,clutchingtheswordsothatIdidn’tloseit.
Hisbodyslidfromthebladewitheaseanddowntowardstheearth.Itriedtocatchmybreath.
‘Areyouokay?’Theking’svoicecametomejustashereleasedanotherstreamoffireattwomoreadvancingbirdmen.
‘Fine,’Itoldhim,lookingattheblood-soakedbladeandthesplattersithadleftonmynewhuntingoutfit.
Ikilledaman.Ikilledahuman
MybeatingheartandtherushingwindweretheonlysoundsIcouldsenseforafewmoments.IfoundmyselfofferingupaprayerofforgivenesstotheMaker.Ididn’tthinkprotectingmylifewaswrong,butatthesametimeIdidn’trelishwhatI’djustdone.
TheprayersettledmynervesandIlookeduptoseethattherewasonlyonemanleft.Averysmartmanwhowasnowretreating.
Sittingbackonmybutt,Ilettheswordrestacrossmylapandstaredinshockatmyhands.
Kendalchosethismomenttoliftherhead.Shecaughtaneyefulofallthebloodandletloosewithanotherblood-curdlingshriekbeforefainting.
‘What’swrong?’thekingdemanded,hisflightmovementsjerkyasifevadingattack.
‘Nothing,Kendaljustsawalltheblood.She’seasilyfrightened,’Imuttered,andhisbodyrelaxedbeneathus.Hisflyingevenedout,andonceagainwewereheadingforJadeCity.
Istaredatthedragonking’sneck,theshinyblackscalesandthewaytheyreflectedthemorningsun.Theyalmostlookedmetallic,whichhadmetransfixed.Ireachedouttimidly,unsureifIwasallowedto,andstrokedtheskin.Hisbodyshudderedbeneathmytouch,andIsnappedmyhandback,eyeswide.
OhMaker.
Wasthat…wasthattotallyinappropriate?NowIfeltstupidandIprayedhe’dthinkitwasKendal,althoughthatwasastupidthought;shewasstillunconsciousinaballatmyfeet.AnawkwardsilencestretchedfortoomanyminutesandIwonderedifIshouldapologize.
Ididn’tstrokethekinglikehewasahorse!WhatintheHadeswasIthinking?
WhenJadeCityroseupinthedistance,inmyheadIstartedgatheringthewordsforanapology.We’dgottenheremuchfasterthanIthoughtwewould,flyingoverhundredsofsmallstonecottagesintheoutercity.Thesolidwallofjadestonegreetedusasweflewrightoverit.
Guardsinthetowerssawusapproachingandblewalongdeephorn,signalingourarrival.
KingValdrendippedlower,bringingtherooftopscloser.IheldmybreathasItookintheviewofthismagnificentcity.Itwasabsolutelybreathtaking.Childrenranthroughthecobbledstreetswithflowers,pointingupatthesky.“Theking!Theking!”
Shopkeeperspokedtheirheadsout,andItriedtoeyesomeofthecraftsatthemarket,butweflewbytoofast.JadeCityhadthemostbeautifuljewelryinalltherealm.Theywerefamousfortheirdragonfire-glazedglassbeads.Evenwiththeearlyhour,thecitywasbustlingwithactivity,andasmuchasIwantedtosightsee,therewasanurgentmatterathand.Iwascoveredinadeadman’sblood,withKendalnowcognizantandquiveringatmyfeet.
WenearedthegiantJadeCastle,appearingtoglowamintgreenfromthesun’srays.Itwastrulyasighttobehold.Solidjade,fivestorieshigh,andwiderthannearlyallofCinderVillage.Itwasfireproof,arrow-proof,andjustabouteverythingelse—thesafestplaceinthekingdom.Thekingflewaroundthecastleandtotheback,nearwhatappearedtobeatrainingground.Therewerestablesandwide-openfields,andmenrunningaroundputtingonarmorandswords.Thecallfromthegatemusthavebeenawarcall.Ormaybethekingmentallycalledthem.Ididnotknowtherangeofhisabilities.
Heloweredusontothegrass,landingsoftly.Aguardrushedforward,eyeswideashetookinmyappearance.Iwasstillclutchingtheking’sswordwithwhiteknucklesandwascoveredindry,stickyblood.
“Mylady!Areyouhurt?”
Ishookmyhead.“Helpherfirst.”IpointedtoKendal,whopoppedherheadupandlookedaroundthecourtyardatthemenpreparingforwar.Hereyesgrewlargerthanabarnowl’s,andherbottomlipshook.
“Letmehelpyoudown,miss.”Theguardreachedforherandsheacceptedhisoutstretchedhand.
Ashewashelpingherdown,ashort,sturdywomanwithasharpchinandbrownhairthatwaspulledintoatightbunrushedforward.“Oh,mydear!”shecooedoverKendal.
IleaptoutofthesaddlelikeIwasjumpingoffofatallrockandstoodbeforetheking.Heimmediatelystartedhistransitionbacktohuman.HismentookthesaddleoffofhimandIgavehimmyback,unsureIcouldwithstandseeinghimfullynakedfromthefront.ImightfaintlikeKendalifthatwerethecase.Hesteppedoutfrombehindmewearingnothingbutabaggypairoftrousersandlookeddownonmewithanunreadableexpression.
“Areyouokay?”Hisquestionwasfullofcompassionandconcern,andIwasn’tpreparedforit.Ialsowasn’tpreparedtoseethedefinitioninhisabsupclose.
MyhearthammeredagainstmychestasIrememberedstickingthehumanNightfallwarriorinthegut.Inodded,andthenreacheddownintothegrass,wipinghisbladeclean.
“Thanksforlettingmeborrowthat,”Itoldhim,decidingthatanapologyforstrokinghisskinnowwouldbewaytooweird.Bestwebothforgetithappened
Hecockedhisheadtotheside,hisgreeneyesflashingyellowasheappraisedme.Hisgazeroamedovermyleatherhuntingsuitandthebloodthatcoveredit.“IfIdon’tmakeyoumywife,Imighthavetoputyouinmyarmy.”Histonewasjoking,butIcouldn’thelpthelopsidedgrinthatgracedmyface.
CouldIjointheRoyalArmy?BecomeaDrayken?ThethoughtopenedupsomethinginsideofmethatIneverhadbefore.
Adream.Apossibility.Afuturewithimportance
BeforeIcouldrespond,thewomanwiththetightbunpulledgentlyonmyarm.
“Comeon,dears.Thebattlefieldisnoplaceforalady.”ThestoutwomanshooedmeforwardandIreluctantlyfollowedafterher,unabletogettheking’swordsoutofmymind.
Washeseriousaboutmejoininghisarmy?BecauseIwouldbesodownforthat.
“I’mAnnabeth,theheadhousemaidhereatJadeCastle.YoumustbetheprospectivewivesfromCinderVillage?”sheaskedKendalandIaswewalkedawayfromthemenrunningaroundwithweaponsandmountinghorses.Iwantedtoturnback,togooutintobattlewiththematGypsyRock,butIknewitwouldn’tbeallowed.
Iwasn’tsureIwouldevergetusedtotheterm“prospectivewife.”
“I’mKendal.”
“I’mArwen,”IsaidasAnnabethopenedadoorthatledusintoanextravaganthallway.Thewalls,thefloors,allofitwassolidjade.I’dneverseenthismuchwealthinmyentirelifeandittookmebackabit.SomuchsothatIhadn’trealizedI’dstoppedwalking.
“Yougetusedtoit,dear.Thelavatoriesaresolidgoldtoo,”Annabethcommented.
Ilaughed.Shewasfunny.
Shegavemeaseriouslook.“I’mnotkidding.”
Oh.Ishifteduncomfortablyandhereyesroamedovermecloselyforthefirsttime.“Youneedabathbeforeyoumeettheothers.”
“Theothers?”
Shenodded.“Theotherprospectivewives.”
Oh,howmanywerethere?TheGrimHollowgirlandprobablyoneortwofromrighthereinJadeCity…weretheremorefromthevillagesneartheGreatRiver?
“Abathwouldbelovely,”Imurmured,andshemotionedthatwefollowherdownanotherhallway.Iwasalreadylost.WhenweturneddownyetanothercorridorIsawthattherewereoveradozendoors,eachonewithamaidstandinginfrontofit.
HolyHades.
Theyhadmaidsjustwaitingfortheirguests?Hemustentertainalot.
Annabethwalkedmerightuptothelastdoorandsmiledatayounggirlwithblackcurlyhairwhotriedandfailednottolookshockedatmybloodyappearance.Sheseemedafewwintersolderthanme,maybetwentywintersold.
“Therewasamishap,andArwenwillneedabathbeforelunch,”Annabethadvisedher.
Theyoungcurly-hairedgirlclearedherthroatandcurtsied.“Yes,ma’am.”
SheopenedthedoorandIsteppedinsideasAnnabethwalkedKendaltotheroomnextdoor,introducinghertohermaid.
Kendalgavemeasmallwave,lettingmeknowshewasokay,andIclosedthedoortomynewroomandspunaround.
“HolyHadesfire,”Igasped,andmynewmaidstiffened.“Oh,thatwasn’tveryladylike,huh?IneedtoworkonthatstuffIguess,”Itoldher.UnlessIwasgoingtojointheking’sarmy.Inthatcase,IcouldcurseallIwanted.
Sheboweddeeplytome.“I’mNarine.Iamheretohelpyouinanywaypossible.”
Igaveheranervouswave.“I’mArwen.”Ibowedbackandshewentrigid,eyeswide.Iwinced.“I’mnotsupposedtobowtoyou,amI?”
Herfa?adedroppedandsheburstintolaughter,whichIappreciated.Icouldn’tlivewithanemotionallydeadpersonhangingaroundallthetime.
“No,”shesaid,andthencutoffherlaughterquickly.“I’msorryforlaughing,mylady,I—”
“Oh,pleasebenormalwithme,ateaseorwhatever.I’mnotalady,I’mahunterfromCinderVillage.”Ishowedhermybloodanddirtcrustednailsandshewinced.
“Ahunter?Let’sgetyoucleanedup.You’llhavetobecomealadyifyouwanttomarrytheking.”
Ishrugged.“WhatifIdon’twanttomarrytheking?”
Hereyebrowraisedbutshesaidnothing,slippingoutoftheroom,givingmetimetofullytakeintheluxuriousspace.
Thecarpetwasaplushhighpileinadeeppurple.Thecouchwasashinygoldenfabricthatprobablyhadactualgoldinit,andthelittlekitchenareawassocleanIwasafraidtocookanythinginit.Therewasasittingroom,abedroom,aguestroom,andtwowashrooms!
Itwasofficial.TheselivingquarterswerebiggerthanmyhutbackatCinderVillage,andmuchnicertoo.
“LadyArwen,yourbathisready.”Narine’svoicespookedmeasIwasstaringoutthewindowatthelushgreenrollinghills,wherethearmywascurrentlydrawingtogetheronhorseback.Therewerehundredsofthem.
“IwonderifwewillgotowarwithNightfallnow,”Imusedaloud.
Narineclickedhertongue.“That’sforthementofigureout.Youneedtowashandfocusonthecompetition.”
Isnorted.“Competition?Isthatwhattheyarecallingthis?Halfadozenwomencompetingfortheking’shandinmarriagewhenallhereallywantsisourmagicalwomb?”
ShelookedstrickenandIinstantlyfeltbadforspeakingsobrashly.Sheclearlywasn’tusedtoit.
“I’msorry.Iliketospeakmymind,”Iadmitted.
SheglaredatmeandIwasalittletakenabackbytheangeronherface.Withoutanotherword,sheturnedonherheelandIfollowedherdownthehallandintothewashroom.
Okay,speaklessandstoppissingoffthemaid,Itoldmyself.ItalkedalotwhenIgotnervous.Itwasabadtrait.
“OhmyMaker!”Isquealedwhenwesteppedintothelargespace.Floor-to-ceilingwhitejadestoneencompassedtheroom,withagiantcoppersoakertubinthemiddle.Hotcurlsofsteamrosetotheceiling,andalemon-freshscentreachedmynose.Thewallpaperwasagoldandpurplefloralpatternwithjadestoneborder.ItwasthemostbeautifulbathhouseI’deverseen.
“Icouldgetusedtothis,”ItoldNarine,andstartedtoundress.
“Well,don’t,ifyoudon’ttakethiscompetitionseriously,”shesnappedunderherbreath.
I’dclearlyupsetherwithmyharshwordsbefore.ItriedtopatchupwhatdamageI’dalreadydone.“Thekingisafinemanthatmostwomenwouldbeblessedtomarry.”
Againthatglare,onethatmademenolongerwantherinmypresence.Thiswasnotgoingwell.“Icanbathealone,”Imurmured,andwithacurtnodshelefttheroom,shuttingthedooralittlemoreforcefullythanwasappropriate.
HolyHades,thiswomanwasanightmare!WoulditbemeanofmetorequestanewmaidfromAnnabeth?Ishouldbeluckythey’dgivenmeamaidatall,butwhowantedtobearoundsomeonewhoglaredandslammeddoorsallday?Imean,IhadsaidthatIdidn’twanttomarrytheking,butwasthatsobad?Wouldshemarryhimifherippedherfromhervillageandthrewherwithabunchofotherwomeninacompetition?Itwasbarbaricandwrong.Iwouldmarryforlove.Endofstory.
Afterstrippingnaked,Idunkedintothebath,lettingasighescapemeatthecomfortofthewarmcleanwater.IwasstillangryatNarine,butIwasn’tgoingtoletitruinthebath.Thatwasthreehotbathsinarow.IshouldprobablyaskforawarmbucketofwaternexttimesoIdidn’tgetusedtosuchluxuries.
Iscrubbedquickly,makingsuretogetthehealingwoundatmyback,whichIcouldnowbarelyfeel.Iwantedtohurry,notwantingtosoakintheman’sbloodthatI’dkilled.WhenIwasfinished,Igotoutanddonnedthecleanbluecottondressthatwasfoldedonthechairandthegoldentintedleathersandalsthatwereahalfsizetoobig.IlookedlikeIwasgoingforastrollinagarden.Howaproperladyshoulddress,Isupposed.
Therewasahairbrush,scentedperfume,andmakeuponthecounterthatIwantednothingtodowith.Iwouldn’tknowhowtoputonmakeup.Mymotherneverboughtitorworeit,butIdidbrushmylonghair;otherwiseitwouldknotup.I’dhadamomenttothinknowabouthowungratefulImusthaveseemedtoNarineaboutnotwantingtomarrytheking.Inhermind,evenbeingconsideredwouldbeagreathonor,andIneededtobemoregrateful.Hewasinfactpayingfivehundredjadecoinsjusttohavemehereforamoon’stime.IdecidedtogoinsearchofNarinetoapologizeandpossiblyexplainmysideofthings.
Itwasnoteasytoberippedfromyourhomeintoanewlandwithanexpectationthatyoumightmarryastrangerandcarryhischildren—evenifthatstrangerwasyourking.Nottomentionthatmymotherhadwarnedmehemightkillmeifhedetectedmymagicwhichhadyettopresentitself.IhadgoodreasonforsayingwhatIsaid,butshedidn’tknowthat.
IsteppedoutofthewashroomandthroughahallwaybeforeIcameoutintothelivingroom.IwasabouttoopenmymouthandcalloutNarine’snamewhenIheardhervoicecomingfromthefrontentryway.
“Mygirlwon’tstopcrying,Idon’tknowwhattodo,”anunfamiliarvoicesaid.
“Mygirldoesn’tevenwanttobehereorgetmarried.SoIcankissmyprizemoneygoodbye,”Narinecalledbacktoher.
Prizemoney?
“Oh,Narine,I’msosorry.Iknowhowmuchyouneededthatmoneytopayforyourlittlesister’swedding.”
Narinegrowled,“Doesn’tmatteranyway.Nomatterhowwellwedotheirhairandmakeup,andteachthemtobeproper,thekingwillpickthemostpowerfuloneanyway.”
“AnnabethgaveusbothCindergirls.Shemusthateus.”
Narinesnickered.I’dheardenough.
IclearedmythroatloudlyandNarinejumpedthreefeetintotheair,slammingthefrontdoorshutandfacingmewithherheadhunglowinshame.
“Mylady!There’snoexcuseforwhatyouheard.I’msosorryand—”
Iwavedheroff.“Whatprizemoney?Isthatwhyyouweresoupsetwithme?Yougetsomeprizemoneyifthekingpicksme?”
Sheswallowedhard,herbrowneyesmeetingmine,andnodded.“Asanencouragementforthemaidstodoourbestinpreparingyoutomeetthekingandgetthroughthecompetition,Annabethhaspromisedthewinningmaidonehundredjadecoinsprizemoney.”
Inodded.Thatmadesensewhyshe’dsuddenlygottensopissywhenI’dsaidIdidn’tevenwanttogetmarried.
“Andyouneedthemoneytomarryoffyoursister?”Iasked.
IknewweddingsweredifferenthereinJadeCity.Amuchbigger,moreelaborateaffair.
Shenodded,chewingherlip.“Mymompassedinchildbirth.Daddiedtwowintersbackservingintheking’sarmy.Iraisemysisteralone,soitfallstometopayforherwedding.”
Well,Hades,ifthatwasn’tgoingtomakemefeelbad,nothingwould.Icouldrelate.Itookcareofmyfamilytoo.Mymom’spaymentsasamidwifeweresporadic.Therejustweren’tbabies’bornroutinelyenoughinCinderVillage.
Ifrowned.“I’msorry.Icanseenowhowitwouldhaveupsetyoutomeetme,andthefirstthingoutofmymouthisthatIhopeIdonotwintheking’sheart.”
Sheshookherhead.“Still,thereisnoexcuseforwhatyouoverheardmesay.IfAnnabethknew—”
Iscoffed.“I’mnosnitch!Yoursecretissafewithme.Weallneedtoventtosomeone.I’mgladyouhaveafriend.”
Herheadsnappedupasshockranacrossherfeatures.“You’renotmad?Youwon’ttell?”
Ishrugged.“Imean,Idon’tlovethatyoumadegirlsfromCindersoundlikebottomfeeders,butnah,I’mnotmad.”Icollapsedontothecouchandkickedmyfeetupontothelittletableinfrontofit.
Shesighedinrelief.“Thankyou,mylady.I’llbemorerespectfulfromnowon,Ipromise.AndnothingagainstCinderVillage.Ijustassumedtheywouldn’thavethemostmagicallypowerfulwomentheresinceit’smostlyfullofhumansandhalf-breeds.”
Cinderwasknownforthat,soIcouldn’tbemadatthatassumption.
Irubbedmychin.“I’massumingtherewillbefancyballsanddinnersI’llgoto?”
Hereyeslitup.“Oh,yes,miss.Annabethhascoordinatedmultipleeventstohelpthekinggettoknowalloftheladiespresent.”
“AndIassumeIwillbegivenafancydressforsuchoccasions?”ImotionedtothedaydressIworenow.Eventhoughitwasonlycotton,itwasdyedanexpensiveshadeofblue;rufflesatthenecklineandhemwerefancydetailingwedidn’tdoineverydaydressesinCinderVillage.
Shebobbedherheadeagerly.“Ohyes,I’msupposedtotakeyoutothedressmakernowsothatshecangetyourmeasurements.”
Igrinnedandstood.“ThenI’lltellyouwhat.EachandeverydressIgetoranyothergift,Iwillwearonceandthengivetoyousothatyoucansellittohelppayforyoursister’swedding.”
Hermouthpoppedopenandthenshutandthenopenedagain.“That’ssurelynotallowed.”
“Whynot?AretheynotgiftstometodoasIplease?”Iasked.
Excitementlituphereyes.“Youwoulddothat?AfterwhatIsaidaboutyou?”
“Iwould.BecauseItoohavealittlesister,andIknowwhatit’sliketowantthingsIcan’tafford,”Itoldher.
Alopsidedgringracedhermouth.“IguessI’mluckyIgotaCindergirl,then.”
“Iguessyouare.”Ichuckled.EIGHT
Ispentoveranhourwiththeseamstressbeggingthataswellasdressesshealsomakemethreepairsoftrousersandsomeshorttunics.Shesaidnothefirstthreetimes,sayingthattrousersandtunicswerenotforwomen.IthenaskedherifReginawasawoman,andwhohadmadehertrousersandtunics.She’dsimplysighedandsaidshewouldmakethem.ThenIfurtherpleadedthatshetrytogetthebloodstainsoutofmyleatherhuntingsuitthatmymomgaveme.Oncesheagreedtoeverything,IthankedherprofuselyandthenfollowedNarinetotheluncheon.
“Thekingisoffdealingwithmattersoftherealm,sohewon’tbejoiningyouforlunch,”Narinetoldme.
Mattersoftherealm.AKAtheNightfallqueenattackonGypsyRockIwasdyingtoknowabout.Icouldcarelessabouthavinglunchwiththeking,Iwantedtoknowhowtheattackwasgoing.
“DowehavewordfromGypsyRock?Howisthefightinggoing?”Iaskedher.
Sheraisedoneeyebrowatme.“Howdoyouknowaboutthat?”
Iwavedheroff.“Iwasthere.Irodehereonthedragonking’sback!WheredoyouthinkIgotallthatbloodfrom?”
Shenodded.“Iheard.Icannotsaytoomuch,butIdohaveasourcethatsaidamessengerjustarrivedafewminutesago.”
Istoppedinthehallway.“And…?”
Shelookedatmewithabewilderedexpression.“Idon’tknow,Iwasn’tthere,andtheyareprivatemessagesmeantonlyforthekingandhisadvisors.”
Ifoldedmyarmsovermychestandscowled.
Narinegesturedtoalargesetofdoubledoors.“Thislunchwillbeagoodtimeformetoassessyourtablemanners.”
Icouldn’thelpthepealoflaughterthatescapedme.“Narine,pleasedon’tbother.MymotherfedusmeatontheboneinfrontofthefireplacesinceIwasaweebabe.I’mnotgoingtobeimpressinganyonewithmytablemanners.”
Shesighed,andIsawthemomentshegaveuponme.ThelightdiedinhereyesasshegaveuphopethatIwouldbesomerefinedJadeCityqueen.
Istoppedinthehallwayandleanedclosertoher,loweringmyvoice.“Listen,ifyoureallywanttotrytowinthisthing,Icouldaskforanothermaid.There’sagirlfromGrimHollowthatIoverheardtheking’sleadguardsayingwasverypowerful.Maybeyoucouldbewithher?”
Shegavemeapolitesmile.“Wecan’tswitch.”
Ifiguredasmuch.“Well,thenwe’lljustdothedressresellthing?”
Anotherpolitesmile.“Yes,lady.Thankyou.It’sakindnessIwon’tforget.”
Ifeltbetteraboutpatchingthingsupwithherandhavinganally,butstillfeltalittleguiltyIwasn’ttryingtomarrythekingandwinherthoseonehundredjadecoins.
SheopenedthedoorsandIsteppedinsidetheroom.Iwasinstantlyassaultedwiththesightofoverahundredwomenincoloreddressesandgoldleathersandals.
HolyHades.
IlookedatNarine.“Areweintherightplace?”Iasked,althoughinmygutIknewthatwewere.Iknewinthatmomentthatthekinghadsummonedeveryfemaleofchild-bearingagewithanounceofmagicinthem.
“Weare.”Shenodded.
Ifeltsimultaneouslydirtyandrelieved.Dirtythatwewerealldressedthesame,giventhesamedressandsandalslikebrandsoncattle,butrelievedthatthereweresomanywomentherewasnowaythekingwouldeverpickmeashiswifeinaseafullofotherwomen.Ijustwasn’tthatspecial,andmymagicstillhadn’tevenshownitself.Withluck,I’dbehomebythenextfullmoonandKingValdrenwouldhavehiswifewithhermagicalbaby-makingwomb.
“Food!”IranovertothetableKendalwassittingatandtookaseatnexttoher.Shewaschattingwithsomeoftheothergirls,andinthemiddleofthetablewasasmorgasbordofvariouscuisine.Meats,cheeses,smallfancybreads,andtinylittlepieslitteredthetable.Igrabbedtwoofeverythingandpiledmyplatehigh,diggingin.
Narinepulledupachairnexttomeandwatchedme.
Imoaned,dippingoneofthelittlemeatpiesintosomekindofspicycheesesaucethatI’dneverhadbefore.“HolyHades,”Imoanedagain.
Narinesmackedmyshoulderlightly.“Nomoaning,andnocursingatthedinnertable,”shechided.
Kendalsnickered,aswellastwooftheothergirls.“Oh,youwon’tbeteachingthisonemanners,”Kendaljibed,butsmiledsothatIknewitwasplayful.Afterseeingherfaintsomanytimesandhearingfromhermaidthatshe’dbeencrying,myheartfeltforher.BackinCinderIdidn’thangoutwithheroften.Iwasn’tafanofgossipandthelatestfashion,sowejustdidn’thavealotincommon,buthere…herewewereCindergirlsandweneededtosticktogether.
Inodded,lookingtoNarine.“Youmightaswellspendmymealtimesdoingsomethingyoulove.There’snosavingme.”IshovedagiganticbreadrollintomymouthtomakeapointandNarinevisiblyshrunk,wincinginslightdisgust.
“Alright,well,ifyou’resure.”
“I’mshlure.”Myvoicewasmuffledthroughthebreadroll.Narinereacheduptorubhertemples.
Oncesheleft,Iswallowedtherollandsmiledatmytriumph.Iwasn’ttechnicallythatbadatthedinnertable,butIwasn’tabouttogetsomeproprietylessonslikeaJadeCitygirl.IwantedtoeatinpeaceandtalkwithKendal,notlearnwhatthethreedifferentsizedforkswerefor.
Iloweredmyvoicetoher:“Howyoudoing?”
Shegavemeasmallsmile.Hereyeswereredlikeshe’dbeencrying,butshelookedbetterthanwhenweflewhereontheking’sback.
“BetternowthatI’mnotridingadragon,”shesaidsternly.
Inodded.“Hopefully,youdon’thavetodothatagain,”Itoldher.
Shegrinned.“Atleastnotinthatway.”
Ittookmeasecondtogethermeaningandmymouthpoppedopenatthedirtyjoke.Kendalwasawildcard.Propermostdays,encouragedotherstostaypure,butshealsoknewthemostaboutbeddingamanthananyoneelseIknew.SheclaimeditwasfromvisitingherauntinGypsyRock,butnowIwondered.
Ibumpedhershoulderwithasmile.“Goodone.”
SheburstintolaughterandIfoundmyselflaughingtoo.IfeltlightandcarefreeforthefirsttimesinceI’dgottenhere.
Maybethiswouldn’tbesobad.
***
ThenextfewdayspassedslowlyandIwasreadytodieofboredom.Alltheothergirlswantedtotalkaboutwassewingandflowersandhowmanychildrentheywanted.Everyoneseemedreallyexcitedtobehere,andwereanxioustomeetthekingandwinhishandinmarriage.
Iontheotherhandwasanxioustohearaboutthewar.We’dhadlittleskirmishesnowandagainbutnotafull-onwarforaslongasIcouldremember.LastI’dheardfromNarinewasthatthekingandhisarmywereholdingtheNightfallqueenandhermenbackattheGreatRiver,butithadbeenanexhaustingfeatwithmoretroopsgoingouteachday.Meanwhile,theprospectivewivesjustkeptgettingupandwearingdressesandcurlingtheirhair,waitingforthekingtoarriveandchooseoneofthem.
Itwasnauseating.
Speakingofnauseating:“Idon’tfeelwell.PleasetelltheothergirlshowmuchIwillmisstheircompanyforlunch,butIthinkI’llstayintoday,”ItoldNarine.
Iwashalfserious.Ididn’tfeelwell,butassweetastheyallwere,Iwouldn’tmisstheothergirls’boringcompany.OnemoretalkofthebeautifulliliesinthegardenandIwasgoingtoscream.WheneverItriedtotellahuntingstory,theyshushedme!
Itjustwasn’tmypreferredcompany.
Narinefrowned,steppingforwardtopressahandtomyforehead,andthencameawaywithahiss.“I’llfetchahealer.”ShestartedtorunfromtheroomandIlaughed.
“No,I’mfine.Ijusthaveaheadacheandneedanap,”Imumbled,butthelookofterroronherfacemademewonderifIhadspotsonmyskinorredcheeks.ThepoxtookoutatenthofthevillagewhenIwaslittleandI’dneverhaditbefore.
“You’reburningup,”wasallshesaid,andthensheslippedoutthedoor.
Istumbledovertomybed,suddenlyfeelingshaky,andreacheduptotouchmyownforehead.Ifeltfine,butwouldapersonwithafeverfeelhottothemselves?
Iwasjusttired.Sotiredthatmybrainfeltlikeitwasonfire.Ilaydown,unsurehowlongitwouldtaketofetchahealer,andscaredbythesuddenturnofevents.
Idriftedofftosleep,onlytobeshakenawakesometimelater.
“MissNovakson?I’mDr.Elsie,”awomanwithbrightgreenhairsaidassheleanedovermeandtouchedmyheadwithametalspoon-likeobject.
HereyeswidenedwithalarmandshelookedtoNarine,whowasstandingnearby
“Runacoolbath,addice,”thedoctorsaid.
“Ice?”Ihissed.
Thedoctorstareddownatmewithconcernandmyeyeswenttothetipsofherearstoseethatsureenough,theywerepointed.
Elf?
Elveswerefamousfortheirhealing,unliketheirfaebrethrenanddragonshadabitofhealingmagicaswell.“MissNov—”
“CallmeArwen,”Imoaned,feelingabeadofsweattrickledownmyneck.TheslightickyfeelingI’dhadafewmomentsagohadgivenwaytofull-onillness.Mystomachburnedwithheatandmyheadfeltlikesomeonewassqueezingit.
“Arwen,Iamanelf-dragonwithaspecialistdegreeinhybridillnesses.Ihavebothanadvanceddoctordegreeindragon-folkandhumanmaladies,aswellasschoolinginelvenhealing.”
Blah,blah,Iwasdyingandshewasrattlingonaboutherqualifications.Anelf-dragonhybrid?Thatwasprettyrare—nexttoimpossible,really.I’dnevermetone,butmybrainwasonfireandsointhismomentIdidn’treallycare.
“I’msotired,itburns.Water,”Imumbled,startingtofeeldelirious.
Thewomanleanedforwardthenandstuckhernoserightupagainstmyneckandinhaled.Sheremindedmeofadamnsniffer,anditwasbeyondrudetoinvadesomeone’spersonalspacelikethis.
“Hey!”Ishovedheraway,startingtoseewavylinesriseupoffofmybodylikeyouwouldseeheatwhenithithotstoneatmid-day.
Whatthe…?
Thedoctor’seyeswidenedandsheblinkedatmerepeatedly.“Youdon’tsmelllikeahybrid,”shebreathed.
OhHades.Mymother’swordsofwarningrushedbacktome.
“What?”Ilaugheditoff,onehundredpercentsureIwasgoingtoburstintoflamesanysecond.Theheatwasall-consuming.
“Andyousmelllikeyou’recoveredinspellmagicthat’swearingoff.”Shesaiditalmostaccusatorily.
“What!?”Ishrieked.
Icouldseesomethingwrestlingbehindhereyes—compassionandcondemnationbothinequalmeasure,asifitweresomehowmyfaultthatsomeonehadputaspellonmeatbirth.
“Icebathisready!”Narinecalledout.Thedoctorshookherself,slidingonehandundermylegsandanotherbehindmyneck.
Shescoopedmeup,gruntingundermyweight,andrushedmeacrosstheroom.
ThesmellofburningskinwaftedthroughtheairandIgagged,lookingupatthedoctor.Shewincedinpainassmokesingeduptotheceiling.Followingthesmoke,Ipeereddowninhorrortoseethatitwasherskinthatwasburning.AndIwastheoneburningher.
WhattheHades?Howwasthispossible?
“I’llwalk,”Isaid,butmywordscameoutwarbled,andblackdotsdancedattheedgesofmyvision.Whenshereachedthetub,shedroppedmeintoitlikeahotcoal.Mybodycrashedintothesharpicycoldnessandahissofsteamexplodedoutwardanddarknesspulledmeintoitssweetembrace.NINE
Myconsciousnessreturnedtothesoundofmurmuringvoices.
“Whydoesthewashroomlooklikeabombwentoff?”Theking’sgrowlyvoiceinvadedmymindbutIwastooweaktoopenmyeyes.
“Mylord,Icannotexplainit.She…explodedwithpower,”Dr.Elsiesaid.“I’veneverseensomuchdragonfireinmylife.Luckily,NarineandIarepartialdragon-folkorwewouldhaveburnedalive.Iwasabletousemyelfmagictoshieldusfrommostoftheblast.”
MyheartracedwithwhatIwashearing.Weretheytalkingaboutme?
Ifinallymanagedtoopenmyeyelidsandpeereddownattheendofmybed.KingValdrenstoodwithhisarmscrossedoverhismuscularchest.Driedcutsandscarslitteredhisarms,andtherewasblackcharcoalalonghisneck.Hewasfreshfrombattle.
“Whatdoesitmean?”heaskedthedoctor.Iclosedmyeyesincasetheyweregoingtolookoveratme.Itoowantedtoknowwhatitmeant.LastIremembered,I’dbeenburningup,literally,andthenDr.ElsiehaddunkedmeintosomewaterandIpassedout.
Whenthedoctorspoke,hervoicewassosoftIbarelyheardher.“Mylord,shereekedofspellwork.Asifsomeonehaddoneaspelltoconcealherpowersandthespellsuddenlyfellaway,unabletocontainitanymore.”
Hades.Thiswasnotgood.Everythingmymotherhadsaidwasturningouttobetrue.
“Whywouldsomeoneconcealherpower?”heasked,dumbfounded.
“Idonotknow,butifyou’relookingforsomeonetocarryachildforyou…sheshouldbeatopcontender.”Iheardhershuffleclosertohim.“Shesmelledpure-blooded.”
Istiffened,feelinghiseyesonme.MyheartbeatsoloudandsofranticallythatIwassuretheentireroomcouldhearit.
Topcontenderforroyalwomb?
No.That’snotwhatIwassupposedtobedoing.Mymothersaidtolaylowandhurryhome.ThenIexplodedwithdragonfireinfrontoftheking’spersonalphysicianandhadjustmovedmyselfuptotoprank.
“Pure-bloodedisn’tpossible,”hesaiddismissively.
“Ahealerelf’snosedoesn’tlie,”sheretorted.
“You’rehalfelf.”Hisvoiceheldadangerousnessthatscaredme.
“Well,she’sclosetopure-blooded,”thedoctoramended.“I’msureofthat.Havethesnifferscheckhernowtoconfirmitifyoulike.”
Asilencefelloverthebothofthem,andthenthekingspokebarelyaboveawhisper.“Doyoureallythinkshe’spowerfulenoughtocarryanddeliverababytoterm?Ican’tburyanotherchild.”Theking’svoicebroke,andtheicywallI’dbuiltaroundmyheartmeltedinaninstant.
Thesorrowinhistoneconsumedme.Ihadtoswallowawhimper.
“Let’sletherrest,”thedoctorsaidsuddenly,andIfearedthatIactuallyhadwhimpered.Myeyessnappedopenjustintimetoseeherpullinghimoutoftheroom.
OnceIheardthedoorshut,Irolledontomysideandstaredatthegold-stampeddragonemblemwallpaper.
Hewasjustamanwhowantedachild,andhismagicwassopowerfulthatmostwomen’sbodiescouldnotcarryoneforhim.WoulditbesobadifIwereto?Iwantedchildreneventually—butIwantedtofallinlovefirstandthenhaveababybornoutofthatlove.Whatthiswholespectaclesoundedlikewasthatthekingwantedtheheirandnotthewoman.Iwasn’tsigningupforthat.
Ijustneededtopraythatmymagicstayedinmybodyfortherestofmytimehereandthathechosesomeoneelsetobehisnextqueen.Iwantedhimtohavehisheir,justnotwithme,notinacompetition.Iwouldn’tbeaprize.
IfellbackasleepwiththoughtsofNathanialandthekissingtent.ThewayhelookedatRubyRonaldsonmeantthatevenifIdidgohome,they’dalreadybeengaged.
***
Ittookmetwodaystorecoverfrommyfeverandaccidentaldragonexplosionincident.Iplayeddumbtothedoctor,sayingthatIhadnoideaaboutanymagic,andthatasfarasIknewIwasawatered-downdragon-folk.DoctorElsieandNarinehadsustainedsomeslightburnsthathadalreadyhealed,butallinallwereokay.Thewashroomrepairswouldtakeaweek,butinthemeantimeIcouldusethesecondguestwashroom.Somethingrichpeoplehad.
ThenextmorningIawoketohearNarinewhistling.MyeyelidssprangopenandIpeeredather.Shewasboppingonherheels,handsbehindherback.
“What?”Imumbled.Narinedidn’tdisplaythissortofhappinessfornoreason.
“Youhavealunchdatewiththekinginafewhours!”shesquealed.
Iboltedupright,rubbingthesleepfrommyeyes.“What?”
Narinenodded.“Andadresshascomefortheoccasion.”
Oh,that’swhyshewasexcited.
Idippedmyhead.“Good.TakethedressandsellitbeforeI’veevenwornit.Idon’twanttogetanythingonit.”
Shefrowned.“But…mylady,youhaveonlysimpledaydressesnotsuitableforlunchwithhisroyalhighness.”
Iswungmylegsoverthesideofthebedandstood,reachingmyarmsovermyheadtostretch.“HisroyalhighnesssawmekillamanwhileIrodeonhisback.Hedoesn’texpectalady.Fetchmytrousersandtunic.”
Ifitwaslunchalonewithhimandnotabigeventwiththeotherwomen,Iwantedtobemyself.IwasworrieditwouldbeaninterrogationaboutmyheritagenowthatDr.Elsiehadtoldhimshe’dsmelledaspellonme.
Narineswayedonherfeet,graspingthewindowledgeasifsheweregoingtofaint.“Mylady…youcan’t…weartrouserstohavelunchwiththeking.”
“IcanandIwill,”Iinformedher.Iwasn’tgoingtobesomeoneIwasnotforamanwhomightendupkillingmeifhefoundoutaboutmymagic.
Nothanks.
Narinetookafewsteadyingbreaths.“ThiscouldlookbadonmewithAnnabeth,”shesaid.
Iwavedheroffandwalkedoutoftheroomintothewashroom.“I’lltellheryouareamazingandIforcedyoutoallowmetowearmypreferredclothes.”
Sheletasmallsmileslip.“DoyouevenwanttoseethedressbeforeIsellit?”
Istartedtobrushmyteethandnodded.Shelefttheroomandreturnedholdingasilkypinkandpurplegownwithhand-stitchedflowersandfrillysleeves.
Ispitintothewashbasinandthenlookedather.“It’sbeautiful.”
Itwas.ItwouldlookamazingonKendal.
Sheseemedhopeful,gesturingformetotakeit.
“Sellit.I’llletyoudomyhair.”
Withagroanshenodded.“Atleastwearacorsetoveryourtunictoaccentuateyourwaist.Hidingthatfigureunderbaggyclothingwon’tlandyouahusband.”
Thinkingofmymother’sadvicetoseducethekingifthingslookedliketheymightnotbegoinginmyfavormademerealizeNarinewasright.
Inodded.
Itwasagoodcompromise.
Afewhourslater,Ipeeredintothemirrorwithasmile.
Iworetightblacksuedehuntingtrousers,aroyalbluesilktunicthatwasshortandtight—nothinglikeI’deverseenbefore—andasmallblackleatherwaistcincherthatendedjustundermybust.ImadesureNarinedidn’ttieittightly,andevendidasquattomakesureIcouldmoveabouteasily.
She’dcurledmyhairandbraideditoveroneshoulder.Ievenletherfussovermewithmakeup.
“Ithinkyoumayhavejustinventedanewstyle.”Narinestaredatme,rubbingherchin.“Ilikeit.”
Iputmyhandsonmysmallwaist.“Iloveit.”Reachingout,IslippedmyhuntingbladeintoathighholsteronmywaistandNarineshookherhead.
“Forlunchwiththeking!Areyoumad?”Sheyankedthebladeoutandstasheditinadrawernearby.
Ispitoutmytongueather.Shealreadyhadabuyerforthedress.Tenjadecoins,sightunseen.
Therewasaknockatthedoor.
Narineansweredit,andthenlookedatme,stricken.“It’sAnnabeth,heretotakeyoutoyourlunchdate.”
Inodded,knowingshewasworriedhowmenotwearingthedressmightlook.
IwalkedintoviewofAnnabethandwatchedashergazeranovermyoutfit.“Don’tyoulovemystylishtrousersuit?Iinsistedonwearingit.IthinkitwillbealltherageatcourtonceIamqueen,”IsaidwithaJadeCityaccent.
AnnabethsharedaworriedlookwithNarine.
“Itriedtopersuadehertowearthedress,”Narinesaidnervously.
AnnabethstaredatNarinewithpity,andthenatme.“Itlooks…likesomethingReginamightwear.”
Igrinned.Thatwastrulyacompliment.“Thanks.”
AfterwishingNarineagoodday,Annabethledmedownanetworkofhallwaystoasmallersetofdoubledoors.“Theking’sprivatedininghall,”Annabethsaid,andopenedthedoor.Shetookonelastlookatmyoutfitandshookherhead.“Goodluck.”
Itriednottoletmynervesgetthebetterofme.Hadthekingrequestedthislunchwithmetoprobeaboutmymagic?Orwashemeetingallofthewomenprivatelytoassesstheirwifeliness?
Isteppedintothehallassheclosedthedoorsbehindme.Spinningaround,Isurveyedtheroom.Itwascoveredinblackplushcarpet;thewallswereblackaswell,withagolddragonemblemprint.Itwouldhavebeentoodarkifnotforthemagnificentchandelierandgiantopenwindowfacingthegarden.Itwasmasculine,andfittingforthedragonking.
Inthecenteroftheroomwasasmallfour-persondiningtable.Isuddenlyfeltweirdbeinghere.HadheeatenherewithQueenAmelia?
AthwackdrewmyattentiontothewindowandIwanderedovertopeeroutside.Thekingwasshootingabowandarrowinthegarden.
NowthatwaswhatIcalledadate.Ilookedforthedoorthatledoutsidetojoinhim,buthestowedthebowandbeganwalkingtowardsme.Thebackdoorstotheroomopenedandamansteppedinrollingafoodcart.
“Oh,hey.”Iwalkedovertothetablebutdidn’tyetsitdown.Ididn’twanttositintheking’sfavoritechairoranything.
Asecondlater,themanofthehoursteppedinside.Heworeaniceblacksilkdresstunicthatfellpasthisknees,andsuedetrousersmuchlikemine.Hisgazelandedonmeanddidaslowinventoryofmybody,beforeahalfcockedsmiledraggedacrosshislips.
“DidAnnabethseeyoudressedlikethat?”heasked.
Inodded.“Shelovedit,”Ilied,knowinghecouldsmellit.
“Liar.”
Igrinned.Okay,hewasinajokingmood.Thiswasgood.
“Thankyou,Ferlin,”thekingtoldthemanwhohadsettwoplatesfullofwarmfoodatthetable.
“Ladiesfirst,”thekingsaid,gesturingtothetable-sittingclosesttome.Inodded,takingmyseat,andpulledmynapkinontomylap.
FerlinwheeledhiscartoutandIlookedatthedeliciousplatebeforeme.Crab,potatoes,andsomekindofgreensalad.
“I’mstarved.Iskippedbreakfast,”Iinformedhimandgrabbedmyfork,diggingintothedeliciousness.Imadesuretotakesmallbitesandchewslowlysothathedidn’tthinkmeatotalpigin,butstillheseemedtowatchmewithcarefuleyes.
Hereachedoverandgraspedhisfork,pretendingtowriteonthetable.“Refusestoweardresses,eatslikeastarvedchild…anythingelseIshouldknow?”heasked,halfsmiling.
Ihadtoholdinmyshockedlaughter.Thekingisfunny.Ilikedseeingthissideofhim.Igrabbedmyforkandmimickedhimbypretendingtowriteonthetable.
“Iscurrentlydatingahundredwomenatonce,onlywantsmeformywomb.”Igavehimachallengingsmirk.
Hiseyesabsolutelyglitteredwithmirthatmyjab.
Hepretendedtoscribbleonthetableagain.“Cantakeajokeandhitbackwithone.”
Ilaughed.“Ididn’ttakeyouforafunnyguy.”
Heshrugged.“You’redifferentthantheothers.Ilikethat.IfeelIcanberelaxedaroundyou.”
Itwasaverysweetthingtosay.Itmademewonderifhehadpeopleinhislifethathefelthecouldn’tbehimselfaround.
“Idonotcovetthedressesandflowersandmakeupasmuchastheotherwomen,that’strue.”Inodded.
Hetookabiteofhisfood.“Areyouenjoyingthecrab?Haveyoueverhaditbefore?”
“It’swonderful.I’veonlyhadcraboneothertime,onavisittoJadeCityafewyearsago.”
Helookedsurprisedatthat.“You’vebeentoJadeCitybefore?”
Inodded.“BackwhenQueenAmeliawas—fortheroyalwedding.”Istoppedmyself,realizingwhatI’ddone.“Ihadawonderfultime.”Ileftitatthat,regrettingsayinghername,unsurehowpainfulitwasforhimtohear.
Hegavemeawansmile,takingabiteofhisownfood,butadarknesshadcastitselfoverourmeal.ItwassilentforamomentandIfeltawful.
“I’msorryforbringingherup.Iwasn’tthinking,”Ifinallysaid.
Hewavedmeoff.“It’sfine.Ijustmissher.Shewasmybestfriend.”
“Howlonghadyouknownherbeforeyougotmarried?”Iasked,wonderingifaskingthesequestionswasokay.
Heswallowedhard.“It’snotawell-knownthing,sopleasekeepthisprivate,butAmeliaandIwerebetrothedatbirthbyourparents.”
Igasped.“Betrothedatbirth?Youalwaysknewyouweregoingtomarryher?”
Henodded.“Always.”
Anarrangedmarriage.Theyweremorecommonwiththefaethanherebuttheydidhappen.Still,Iwasn’tsurehowIwouldfeelknowingmywholelifehadbeenmappedoutforme.He’dcalledherhisbestfriend,butdidthatmeanthat’salltheywere?Orwastherearomanticlovetoo?MytongueburnedwithunaskedquestionsthatIforcedmyselftoswallowdown.
“Sowhendidyoustarthunting?”HechangedthesubjectandIwasgrateful.
Iswallowedhard,thelumpofcrabfallingintomystomachlikeastone.“Aftermyfatherdied.Iwasnine.”
Hishandstilled.“Themeninyourvillagedidn’thelpoutyourfamily?IthoughttheCindercommunitywasclose?”
Inodded.“Weare.Theyhelpedaslongastheycould,butwithmylittlesistertherearethreemouthstofeed,andmymomdidn’twanttoremarryjustforfood.SoItookontheresponsibility.Keptusfed.”
Hishandreachedout,drapingovermine,andheatpooledinmybellyasIlookedupintohissinceregreeneyes.“That’sincrediblyadmirableofyou,Arwen.”
Itwasasifalltheoxygenhadbeensuckedfromtheroom.Hishandonminecausedmychesttoheave.Hemusthaverealizedtheeffecthistouchhadonme,becauseheyankeditbackasecondlater.
“Sohaveyoubeenfeelingwell?Nomorefevers?”Hechangedthesubjectagain.Heseemedtobeanexpertatthat.
Ipickedatmydinnerroll,nolongertrustingmybodytostickwiththeplan
Whatwastheplan?Ohyeah,don’tfallfortheking!Hedidn’twantlove,hewantedmymagicalwomb,andmightkillmeifhefoundoutwhomybirthmotherwas.YetIcouldn’thelpbutadmitI’djudgedhimwrong.HewasnotwhatIthought.“Nope.Allgood.”
“Didyouknowyouhadaspellonyoutokeepyourpowershidden?”heaskednonchalantly,butIsawhisbodystiffen.Hedidn’tfullytrustme,andhecouldsmellalie,soIhadtobecareful.
Ishookmyhead.“Ihadnothingtodowithanyspellputonme.”Itwasthetruth,butdidn’tfullyanswerhisquestion.
Heseemedpleasedwiththatanswer.“I’llneedtoteachyoutocontrolyourpowersastheyfullycomeforward.Youdon’twanttogetangryandbreathefirealloversomeone.”
Myeyeswidened.“YouthinkIcanbreathefire?”Iwasgenuinelyshockedtothinkofbeingcapableofsuchathing.
Heshrugged.“It’spossible.OverthenextfewdaysI’llhaveyouworkwithmyselforReginatosee.”
Ishrankintomyself,suddenlyuncomfortablewithhimtryingtogetmetodisplaymypower.“I…don’tknowhowIfeelaboutthat.I’veneverdisplayeddragonmagicbefore.”
Hewavedmeoff.“Wheneveryou’reready.”
Reliefrushedthroughmeandwesettledintoaneasyconversation.Whatmybiggestanimalkillwas,whathiswas,ourfavoriteweapon.
“I’mafanofthebow.”Itippedmyheadoutsidetowherehehadbeenpracticing.
“Ipreferaspear,”hesaid,finishinghislastbiteofcrab.
Hefollowedmygazetothearcheryset-upoutside.“Doyouwanttohaveago?”
Istoodeagerly.“Ithoughtyou’dneverask.”
Heshookhisheadwithasmile,andthenindicatedIfollowhimoutside.Oncewewereonthelawn,hehandedmeamediumsizedbow.Irecognizedtheelvengoldimmediately.
“GiftfromtheelfkingwhenIwasateenager,”hetoldme.“Itshouldbeaboutyoursize.”
Iloweredthebowandreachedouttohanditbacktohim.“Ishouldn’tusesuchaspecialgift.”
Hewavedmeoff.“Itfitsyou,”wasallhesaidbeforehetookalargerbowofhisown.
Iletmyfingerstrailthesmoothalderwood,runningmyfingertipsoverthefiligreeengravingonthegold.Pluckinganarrowfromthebasket,Isetthenotchintothestringandpulleditafewtimestotestthetightnessandgetafeelfortheweapon.
IcouldfeelthekingwatchingmeasIraisedthebowupandlockedmyelbow,drawingthestringback.Ilineditupwiththecenterdotonthewoodentargetandtookinadeepbreath.Ireadjustedmyaimandthenheldmybreath,releasingthearrow.
Itsailedthroughtheairandslicedintothewoodwithathwack
Rightonthedot.
Iglancedoveratthekingandhenodded.“Impressive.”
Isteppedtothesideandthenhestrodeuptotheshooter’sposition.
Hepulledonearrow,barelytookahalfsecondtolineitup,andthenreleasedit.Itlandedaninchabovemine.BeforeIcouldcomment,hegrabbedanotherarrow,releasedit,anotherandanother.Withinthirtysecondshe’dloosedhalfadozenarrowsanddrawnacirclearoundmineinthecenter.
Whenhelookedbackatmewithasmirk,Irolledmyeyes.
“Showoff.”
Deepthroatylaughtereruptedfromhimanditwarmedmybelly.“Wouldthisbeadatewithoutalittleshowingoff?”heasked.
Adate.Hecalleditadate.Mywholebodycoiledinresponsetotheword.Isuddenlywasn’tsomadaboutbeingintherunningtobehiswife.Woulditbesobad?Heseemedlikeaniceguy,hewashandsome,funny,andagoodshotwithabow.IdidfindmyselfwonderingifhehadaskedmetolunchbecauseDr.ElsiehadtoldhimIwasoneofhisbestshotstogettinganheir.Ididn’twanttobechosenformychild-bearingabilities.
“It’snotaproperdateunlessIgetdessert,”Iaddedplayfully.
Hetippedhisheadinagreement.“Tothekitchens.”
***
“Ifeelabitsick…butIcan’tstop!”Iexclaimedanhourlater.
ThekingwatchedmelickmeltedchocolateoffmyforkandhiseyeshoodedasIswipedmytongueoutagaintogetthelastcrumbofcakefromtheutensil.
Weweresittingatasmalltableinthekitchen,andtheJadeCastlechefhadjustgivenusanentirechocolateraspberrycaketosharewithtwoforks.
Ilookedatthekingquizzically,enjoyingthisdaythatwe’dhadtogether.Itwasn’twhatIhadexpected—andtobehonestIwantedmoreofit.“What’sthegrossestthingyou’veevereaten?”
Hescruncheduphisfaceatmyquestion.“Ratin.”
“Nowayyou’veeatenratin!”Ipointedtohim.“Liar.”
Hesmiledeasily,somethingheseemedtodoalotofinmypresence.Histeethwerebrightwhiteandstraight.Whenhesmiledhugelytherewasaslightdimpleinhisrightcheek.“Ihave.TheDraykenandIwerestuckinacaveforthreedaysfightingofftheNightfallqueentwosummersback.Theytriedtostarveusout.”
Wow,Ihadn’tthoughthisroyalhighnesswouldeatratin,buthewasawarriortoo,soitmadesense.
“RatinwasthefirstkillIbroughthomeaftermyfatherdied,”Itoldhim.
Hisfacetookonasombermoodandhenodded.“Thepangsofhungerarenotpicky,Ihavelearned.”
Idippedmychin.“Theyarenot.”
Helookedintomyeyesthenandaconflictedfeelingcameoverme.I’dbelyingifIsaidIdidn’tenjoyhiscompany.Ididn’tlikethesenseofdutyprovidinganheirentailedbutIcouldn’tlietomyselfanymore…Ilikedhim.
Hereachedoutandgraspedastraylockofmyblondhair,tuckingitbehindmyear,andchillsranthelengthofmyback.Hishandstilledandhestrokedtwofingersacrossmycheek.Myeyelidsflutteredclosedandthedoorburstopen,causingbothofustojump.Thekingyankedhishandbackandmyeyelidssnappedopen.
“Mylord,wehaveanemergencyinGrimHollow,”aguardsaid.
Thekingtookonemorelookatme.“Thankyouformeetingme,Arwen.”
Inodded,stillfeelinghimtracingmycheekeventhoughhewasnolongertouchingme.IwantedtothankhimtooandtoaskhimwhatwasgoingoninGrimHollow,butbythetimemywitsreturnedtome,hewasgoneandIwasleftfeelingallkindsofconfused.TEN
TonightwasthefirstnightIwoulddressupforawelcomeballandmeettheking“officially.”Ihadn’theardfromhimsinceourdateafewnightsago.Iwashopingtherewouldn’tbesomanywomentheretonightthatitwouldleavehimnotimetotalkwithme.AllI’dthoughtaboutthepasttwodayswereofthesensationonmycheekwhenhisfingershadtrailedacrossit.
“Yourdresshasarrived!”Narinetrilledfromtheentrywayasanassistanttotheseamstresswalkedincarryingthemostbeautifulemerald-greendressI’deverseen.Itglitteredinthelight,withatightcorsetbustandawaistthatlookedlikeabell.
Itwasfitforaqueen
IhadmadeacompromisewithNarine.Duringthebigballswithalltheothergirls,Iwouldweardresses,butifitwereadateorjustmewalkingaroundthepalace,Iwasintrousers.
“HolyHades!”Igawkedatthegownastheseamstresslaiditonthecouchandthenbowedtomebeforeleaving.
IturnedtoNarine.“You’llgetgoodmoneyforthis,right?”
Shegrinned.“Ialreadyhaveabuyerfortwentyjadecoins.”
EachdayIwassuppliedwithnewclothingasifwearingthesamethingtwicewasacrime.AfewofthecottondaydressesIkeptformymotherandAdaline.Ilikedmytrousersandsilktunics.Theseamstresshadsewnmefourpairs,andIworethemwheneverappropriatetonotbeinadress.
“I’llbesurenottospillanythingonit,”Ipromisedher.
Shelookedatmethenwithaseriousnessinhergaze.“Iwillneverforgetthiskindness.Atthisrate,I’llhavemysister’sweddingpaidoffbynextmoon!”
Igaveheragenuinesmile.“Let’stryiton!”
I’dneverbeenoverlyintofashionbutIdidn’tmindlookinglikeaqueenforafewhours.IwasgoingtoenjoythistimehereatJadeCitysothatwhenIwentbackhomeIwouldhavealotoffunmemoriestogobackwith.
Thethoughtofgoinghomenow,aftermydatewiththeking,madeapangofsadnesscreepintomyheart.
“I’vebeenpracticingmybraidingonMida,anothermaid.IhavethisideaIwanttotrywithyourhairandsomejadestonesIwasabletogetfromtheroyaljeweler.”Shedugintoherpocketandpulledoutapouch.
“Soundsfun!Dowhatever,”Itoldherassheunzippedthebackofthedress
Islippedoutofmyclothes,nowcomfortablewithNarineseeingmenaked,asshehadbathedmemanytimesnow.Narinehadmeraisemyarmsovermyhead,andthenslippedthedressovermysmallframe.Theinsidewaslinedwithsilk,sotheglitteryfabricdidn’titch.
“Deepbreathin,”Narinesaid.
Ifrowned.“Why?”
Shepulledthestringtothecorsetandsuddenlymyribcagewassqueezed.“Ahh.”Isuckedinadeepbreathtowidenmychestandshelooseneditabit,laughing.
“Youenjoyedthat,”Isnipedatherplayfully.
“Justalittle.”
Afterdressingme,shemademepromisenottolookinthemirror,andthenbroughtmeanoldbooktoreadwhileshewenttoworkonmyhair.
Iwasaslowreader,neverhadmuchopportunitytoreadfullnovels,butbythetimeshewasdonewithmyhairI’dreadsixchaptersofagrippingfantasyaboutawolfshifterandashadowdemonwhofellinlove.
“Whowrotethis?”Iasked,lookingattheleathercover.
ThelettersJ.E.wereembossedingold.
“Shelivesintown,ahighborn,”Narinesaid,andthentappedmyshoulders.“Readytolook?”
Isetthebookface-downsothatIcouldpickbackupwhereIleftoff,andnodded.
Steppingovertothemirror,IhadtowalkslowlysothatIdidn’ttrip.WhenIfacedmyself,Istartledforasecond,notrecognizingthewomanbeforeme.
“I’msoclean,”Iexclaimed,neverhavingseenmyskinandfingernailsandhairsospotlessinallmylife.
Shelaughed.“You’remorethanthat.You’rebeautiful.”
Ireallytookmyselfin,thengaspedwhenIsawthelattice-likepatternshe’dsomehowmanagedwithmyhair.Itwaslikeanethadbeenbraidedovermyponytailandthensmalljewelsglitteredthroughout.
“You’reanartist!”Iexclaimed.
Narineblushed.“Hardly.Ijustliketobecreative.”
Irolledmyeyes.“That’swhatartistsdo.”
Afterapplyingsomelightmakeup,wesetoffforthemainballroom,whereourdinnerwastobeserved.
EachandeverygirlIwalkedbycomplimentedmyhair,andeverytimeNarinebeamedwithpride.Kendalworeatrulystunningredgownthatcomplementedherhair,andwesattogetherandtalkedimmediately.ThegirlshadheardI’dhadsomesortofillnessafewdaysagobutnotwhatitwas.
“Isyourfeverbetter?”askedJoslyn,thegirlfromGrimHollow.
SheandKendalseemedtohaveformedafriendship.Tonightsheworeabrightgoldgownwithblackbeading,whichcomplementedherbronzeskintoneanddarkhair.
Ismiled.“Yes,thankyou.”
Murmursroseup,andIpeeredatthefrontoftheroomtoseethatthekinghadentered.HelookeddevastatinglyhandsomeinhisblackleatherRoyalGuarduniform.Hiseyesscannedthecrowdeagerly,andthenstoppedonme.
Mybackwentrigidashispupilsglowedyellowforasplitsecond.Leaningover,hewhisperedsomethingtoRegina,whostoodnexttohim,andshenoddedandthenleft.
Iswallowedhard,unsureifhe’dsaidsomethingaboutmeornot.Itcertainlylookedlikehehad.
“I’msorryI’vebeenabsentthepastfewdays.”Hisvoiceboomedthroughouttheroomandeveryonefellsilent.“Wehadaskirmishatourborder,whichhasnowbeentakencareofandsecured.”
Theroommadeacollectivesighatthatnewsandthenhewenton.
“AsmuchasIwouldliketogettoknoweachoneofyoupersonallyandmakemydecisionforanewwifebasedoncompatibility…”Hepaused.“ThatwillnotachievetheoutcomeIdesire,whichisahealthyheir.”
Everyonewentdeadsilent.Hisopennesswasnotexpected,atleastnotfromme.
“Iwouldlikeyoualltoenjoyyourmeal.Wewillbepullingyououtingroupsoffivetotestyourmagic.Ifyoucannotproduceenoughdragon-folkmagictomyphysicians’liking,youwillbesenthomeearlywithpaymentaspromisedforthefullmonth.”
Theroomeruptedintoshockedgaspsandwhispers.Kendal,Joslyn,andItradedawaryglance.Thekingwasclearlyinahurry,andalotofthegirlswerehavingfunplayingdress-up,butitseemedthatfunwasover.IwastornaboutwhetherornotIwantedtomanifestenoughmagicduringmytesttokeepmehere.He’djustsaidthatI’dbegettingthefivehundredjadecoinswhetherIstayedthefullmonthornot.I’dgivesometoNarinetohelpwithhersister’sweddingandI’dtaketheresttomymother.But…didIwanttobesenthome?Toneverseehimagain?Orworse,watchhimmarryanother?Itmightbebetterthanthealternative.TomanifestsomuchmagicthathefoundoutwhoIreallywas.Apure-bloodthatapparentlyhadmagicthatcouldharmhim.Wasn’tthatwhatmymotherhadsaid?
Afterspendingtimewiththeking,Iwascertainnowthathewouldn’thurtmeifhefoundoutwhoIwas.
Right?ELEVEN
Itwasabeautifulnight.OneIwouldcherishforever.ItwashowIimaginedabighighbornweddingwouldbelike.Therewasafourstringmusicalensemble,anendlessbuffetoffood,dancing…itwasmagical.AllexceptforReginapullinggroupsoffivegirlsout,andonlyone,orinsomecasesnone,comingback.Theroomwasstartingtothin,andKendalandIcouldnolongerstomachdancing.Thenervousanticipationofwhatwastocomehadusallonedge.
“Whatdoyouthinkthetestis?”Iasked,butJoslynshushedme.
“Enjoyingyourselves,ladies?”theking’svoiceboomedbehindmeandIwentrigid.
“Ohyes,”Joslyncooedupathim.
“Suchalovelyevening,”Kendaltoldhim.
“Andyou,Arwen?”heaskedme.
Ispuninmyseatandpointedtomyemptyplate.“Thefoodisdivine.”
“Wouldyoudancewithme?”heasked,holdinghishandouttome.
Ifroze,immediatelystartingtosweat.Dancewithhim?Why?Hehadn’tdancedwithanyoneelse.
IlookedatKendal,whowidenedhereyesasifsayingyoudidnotrejectadancewiththeking.
Istood.“Uh,sure,butIwarnyouItendtostepontoes.”Itookhisoutstretchedhandandallowedhimtobringmetothedancefloor,mymindrunningwild.
Hewatchedmecuriously,thenhisgazefelltomylips.Iswallowedhardtowetmythroat.WildandfreedancingwithKendalwasonething,butslowdancingwiththekingofEmbergatewasanotherstory.
Heplacedahandonmylowerbackandtookmypalmintohisasweslowlyrockedbackandforthtothemusic.Istruggledtobreathethisclosetohim,hisbodylightlypressedagainstmine.Icouldfeeltheentireroom’seyesonme,andyetitfeltsoright.ItfeltlikeIwasmadetobeinhisarmsandIdidn’twanttolethimgo.
Leaningintomyear,hesaid,“Youlookbreathtaking.”
Mystomachheatedatthecompliment.
“Thankyou.HowdidtheissueatGrimHollowgo?”Iasked.
Hepeereddownatme.“ItwastheNightfallqueen.Ilostsomemen,buttheylostmore.”
Thatwasarelief.
“Tellmeaboutyourparents,”heaskedsuddenly.
Istiffenedalittle,butthensmiledtocovermynervousness.“MyfatherworkedintheCindermine.Hewouldgodrinkatthetaverneveryweekend,andthat’swherehemetmymom.Shewasthebarmaid.”
Helookedatmecoolly,asiftestingmyresponseforliesmorethanactuallyhavinganinterestinwhatIwassaying.“Andyourfatherwasaquarterdragon-folkyousaid?”
IdroppedhishandandsteppedbackasifI’dbeenburned.“Areyouinterrogatingmeorgettingtoknowme?”Isnapped,causingafewnearbygirlstoturninourdirection.
Rednesscreptuphischeeksandhesteppedclosertome,takingmebackintohisarms,thistimemoreforcefullythanbefore.
Hepressedhishandintomylowerback,mystomachgoingflushupagainsthis.Heleanedintomyneck,whisperingintomyear:“I’mtryingtofindouthowagirlwhoclaimstobeaquarterdragon-folkexplodeslikeamagicbombinoneofmywashrooms.AgirlIverymuchlikeandaminterestedin.”
Chillsrandownmyspineattheaccusationinhistone,butalsoatthehotbreaththatrusheddownmyneckandthedeclarationthathelikedme.
Still,Icouldn’thelptheangerthatroseupinsideofmeathismistrust,andIpeeredbacktolookathim.“Whydon’tyouanswerafewquestionsforme?”
Hiseyesflashedfromgreentoyellow.
“Whatwouldmakeyouseekanheirsobadlythatyouwouldcourtahundredladiesatonce,whenyourwifehasbarelybeengoneawinter?”
HisfacefellintoamaskofhorrorandIinstantlyregrettedmywords.Hishandsdroppedfrommybackandhetookagiantstepawayfromme.
“Mylord,I’msorry—”
Hewavedmeoffandturned,leavingtheroom,andIprayedtotheMakertobeswallowedupintoagiantholeratherthantoeverhavetoseehimagainaftersayingsuchahurtfulthing.WhydidIdothat?
Fear.Ifearedthatifhelikedme,itmeantImightactuallybeintherunningtobehiswife,andifmymother’swarningwasreal…Ineededtoavoidthatatallcosts.
Isulkedallthewaybacktomyseat,whereJoslynandKendalpeeredoveratmeintently.
“Well,whatwassaid?”Kendalasked.“Helookedhurtwhenhewalkedoff.”
Ishookmyhead,indicatingIdidn’twanttotalkaboutit,andgrabbedmyplate.Iwasgoingtoeattwomoreslicesofcake.Thatway,whenthekingsentmehome,mybellywouldbefull.
***
Thenightbegantodragon.Ijustwantedtogobacktomyroomandsleep.ButitseemedReginawasHades-bentonpickingmelast.WhenshefinallyenteredtheroomandwavedKendal,Joslyn,andIover,Isighedinrelief.Ijustwantedtogetthisoverwithandfallintoachocolate-cakefood-coma.Iwasregrettingthatthirdslice.
Standingupwiththeothergirls,IwalkedonshakylegsovertothesidedoorthatReginawaswaitingforusat.
ShelookedastiredasIfelt.Itmustbenearmidnight,butitwascleartherewasanurgencytofindtheking’snextwife,sotheywererushingthisprocessalong.Itdidn’tmattertome.AfterwhatI’dsaidtohim,Iwouldbeluckyifhedidn’thangmeinthevillagesquare.
Reginagaveusthreeatightsmile,andtheninclinedherheadforustofollowher.
DidthekingtellherwhatI’dsaidtohim?Ifso,Iwasmortified.Whospoketoroyaltylikethat?Whatwaswrongwithme?TheworstpartwasthatIlikedhim.IsaidsomethinghorribletosomeoneIlikedandnowIfeltlikecrap.
WefollowedReginadownalonghallwaytoanothersetofdoubledoors.
I’dbuiltupsuchaballofnervesthatwhenshepulledthemopentorevealthekingstandingatthebackoftheroom,Iyelpedalittle.
AllthreepairsofeyesfelluponmeandIswallowedhard.
“ThoughtIsawaspider,”Iexplained.
Calmdown,Arwen.Thisisgoingtobetotallyfine.
WeenteredtheroomandIbalkedatthesizeofthecrowd.Therewerehalfadozensniffers,ahandfulofRoyalGuards,Dr.Elsie,andsomeolddudeholdingaleather-boundtome.Theyallstoodattheouteredgesofthewalls.Inthecenteroftheroomwasasingleicybluecrystalthatsatonasmallwhitestonepedestal.Iinhaled,thesmellofsmokehittingmynostrils,andthenInoticedthescorchmarks.
Blackstreaksfannedoutacrossthewhitejadestonetileleadingoutfromthecrystal.
“Kendal,pleasestepforwardandtouchtheRevealingStone,”Reginasaid,andKendallookedatmewithfear.
Goingfirstsucked.
Igaveherasupportivenod,whilemymindchewedonthewords.Revealingstone.Diditrevealtheextentofourpower?IsureasHadeshopednot.Especiallynotaftermyspellhadfallenoff,orwhateverthatwashroomexplosionandfeverwas.
TheoldergentlemanwiththeleatherbookopenedittoaparticularpageandthenwatchedKendalwithakeeneye.Meanwhile,thesnifferstippedtheirchinsupandflaredtheirnostrils,asifwaitingtogetawhiffofmagic.
TheentirethingwascreepyasallHades.Iwantedtorun.Ithoughtthesnifferscomingtomyvillagewastheextentofthemagicaltesting.Thisfeltsomuchmoreintrusive.
Everycautionmymothergavemewasgoingofflikeawarningtrumpetinmyhead.
Run.Run.Run.
Asifsensingmypanic,ReginasteppedupbehindmeandIstoodtherefrozen,nowheretogo.
Kendal’sheelsclackedacrossthefloorasshewalkedovertothestoneandstoppedbeforeit.Lookingtotheking,sheheldoutherhands.“Ijusttouchit?”
KingValdrenlookedtired.“Yes.Thestonewillbringforthamorepotentexampleofyourpowersothatwecanassessyourabilitytocarryadragon-shiftingchild.”
Hisvoicewassomonotone.Itwasclearhewasn’tenjoyingthisatall.
Kendalchewedonherbottomlipandthengraspedthestone.Orangeflamesburstfromherhandsinatwo-footcircumferenceandIgasped.Kendalhadnevershownthatmuchmagicbefore.Thisstonereallymustpushyourpowertoitslimits.
Thatscaredthelifeoutofme.IfI’dexplodedinthewashroom,whatwouldthisstonemakemedo?
KendallookedbackatmewithprideandIgaveherathumbs-up,butIalsocaughtthekinglookingatDr.Elsie,andtheelf-dragonshookherhead.
Reginasteppedforwardwithafrown.“Thankyou,Kendal.Followme.”
Wait…whydidthedoctorshakeherhead?DidthatmeanKendalwasgoinghome?Iwantedtoask,butI’dpushedmylucktonightwhenI’dtoldthekinghewasmarryingtoosoonafterhisbelovedwife’sdeath.
Reginareappeared,andIwonderedwhereshe’dtakenKendal.
“Joslyn.”Shemotionedherforward,andIpushedallworriesaboutKendalbehindme.
Theyweresavingmeforlast!Thatwasjustmean.Iwantedtogetthisstupidthingoverwith.Joslynwalkedforwardwithaconfidentsmileandwithouthesitationgraspedthebluestonebeforeher.
Aninfernoofsix-foot-tallorangeflamesshotuptowardstheceilingandeveryonesteppedbackapaceastheyoohedandahhed
Mygazeflickedtotheking,whowasappraisingJoslyn,hiseyesroamingoverherbodymorecloselythaneverbefore.
HeglancedatDr.Elsie,whonoddedenthusiastically.
ReginalookedrelievedasshesteppedforwardandusheredJoslynoutoftheroom.Whenshereturned,alleyeswenttome.
Hades.Idon’twanttodothis
Dr.Elsieleanedintotheking’searandwhisperedsomething.Hestaredatherwithsurprisebeforeclearinghisthroat.
“Wouldeveryonetakefivebigstepsbackplease,”hecommanded,andtheylookedathimwithdisbelief,includingme.
DidDr.ElsiethinkIwasgoingtoexplodeagain?Likeinthewashroom?Becausethatwasjustaone-timethingasthespelltohidemypowerfellaway…right?
Theywerealreadytowardsthebackoftheroom.Nowtheypushedfartherawayfromme,untiltheirheelshitthefarwall.Itwaslaughablethatmymagicmighttravelthatfar.
“We’reallverytired,MissNovakson.Pleasegetonwithit.”Theking’svoicewasclipped,andshameburnedmycheeks.IwantedtoapologizeforwhatIsaidonthedancefloorbutnowwasn’tthetime.Takingsmall,tentativestepstowardsthestone,Itriedtodelaytheinevitable.Allthewhile,mymother’sadviceranginmymind.
Ifitlookslikeheisgoingtofindoutaboutyourpowers,makehimfallinlovewithyou
Mygazeflickedtotheking,whowasglaringatmelikehecouldn’twaittosendmehome,andIsighed.
Lovemightnolongerbeinthecards;I’dscrewedthatupalready.Maybehe’dstillletmeinhisRoyalGuard?
Nochance.
AsInearedthestone,thehairsonmyarmsstoodupandmybreathingslowed.ItwasalmostlikeIwaswalkingthroughwaterorsand.Theairwasthickwithpower;itgotharderandhardertobreathethecloserIgot.Didtheothergirlsfeelthistoo?Ifso,theydidn’tshowit.
Ireachedmyfingersout.Inchesfromthestone,aforebodingfeelingcameoverme.Everycellinmybodywastellingmetorun.TheonlyothertimeI’dgottenthisfeelingwasrightbeforeI’dbeenchasedthreemilesdownriverbyagiantblackbearin.
Ihesitated,lookingupatthekingtoseehimwatchingmewithsuspicion.MygazethendancedtoRegina,whoseeyesnarrowed.IfIrefused,wouldtheyattackme?Wouldtheyforceme?ForthefirsttimesinceIagreedtothiswholething,Ibecamescared.
Ihavetodothis.NowIwishedI’ddonewhatmymothertoldmeandmadethekingwantmybody,becausenothingwouldsavemenowifthisthingshowedwheremytruelineagecamefrom.
Makerprotectme,Iprayed,andgrabbedthestone.
IknewthesecondittouchedmyskinthatI’dmadeahorriblemistake.
PureunearthlypowerrippedthroughmyentirebodyandIwasconsumedwithblueflames.Heatengulfedmyskinasthebluefireburstoutwardandtheroomfilledwithscreams.Paintoreacrossmyshouldersassomethinghadyankedmefrombehind.
Istaggeredbackwards,theflamesreceding,andIpeeredovermyshouldertoseewhowasdraggingmebackwards.WhenIsawtwobluedragonwings,Igasped.Lookingaroundtheroom,IsoughtKingValdren’sgaze.
Thekingstaredatmewithabsoluteshock.Theoldmanholdingtheleather-boundtomeranovertohimandwhisperedfranticallyintohisear.Istartedtoweep,scaredofwhatwashappening,whatthisallmeant,andDr.Elsierushedtowardsme.
“No!”Thekingreachedout,blockingDr.Elsie,andthenlookedathisguards.“Seizeher,”hesaid.
What?
“Mylord?”Reginasoundedconfused,andherguardshesitated.
“SEIZEHER!”KingValdrenbellowed,andsmokecurledfromhisnostrils.
Thebetrayalandshockofwhathesaidslicedthroughmyheart.
Twoguardsrushedforward,hookingarmsundermyarmpitsasIcontinuedtosobandshakeinfear.
Whatwashappening?Howweretherewingsonmyback?Whywasmyfireblueandnotorangelikealloftheotherdragon-folk?
“Mylord,she’sscared.Shedoesn’tknowwhatthismeans,”Dr.Elsiepleadedwithhim.
Ipeeredupathim,beggingformercywithmygaze,buthejustglaredatme.“Thefirstthingsheevertoldmewasalie.Ican’ttrusthernow.”
I’dbeenkiddingmyselfuntilnowthatmylunchdatewithhimmighthavemadehimgoeasyonme.Helookedlikehewantedtoburnmealive.
TheguardsdraggedmeawayandIdidn’tbothercorrectinghim.Hewasright.TWELVE
Ilayonthesmallbedrollinsidethecellbeneaththecastle.Goneweretheprettyjadepalacewallswithgoldinlay.NowIwassurroundedbygray,flat,damp,rock.Nomorechocolatecakeandfancyballs,I’dspentthatlasttwenty-fourhoursrelievingmyselfintoabedpanwhilewearingthisridiculousdress,whichwasnowruined.Thebluedragonwingsthathadsprungfrommybackhadsuckedbackinbythetimetheguardsbroughtmedownstairs.Reginahadvisitedmebrieflytotellmethatthekingwasinvestigatingmefortreason.
She’dlookedregretfulabouthavingtoevensaythosewords,andthenshe’dleft.Thefirsttwelvehours,I’dcried,fulloffear.Thenmytearsdriedandmadewayforanger.NowIwasreadytokillsomeone.
How.Dare.He?
Isimplymakeanoffhandedcommentabouthimmarryingtoosoon,thenIsproutwingsandsuddenlyI’mtreasonous?
Ifwhatmymothersaidwastrue,thatmymagicwasathreattohim,thenitwasn’tmyfaultandtherewasnothingIcoulddo.Iwouldnolongercowerandsnivelbeforehim.Whenhemarchedmeintothecitysquareforsentencing,Iwouldnotshedatearnorbowmyhead.
Iwouldnotapologizeforbeingborn.
Thesoundoffootstepsdownthehalldrewmyattention.Anotherfoodtraydelivery?OrmaybeReginaheretotellmemyfate?
Istood,brushingoffmydustygown,andtippedmychinupwithpride.
Whenthekinghimselfcameintoviewinfrontofmybars,Icouldn’thelpthesmallgrowlthatrippedfrommythroat.
Heswallowedhard,assessingme,hiseyesrakingovermyhairandthenfallingtomydisheveleddressandbarefeet.
“I’dliketoquestionyou.Ifyoutellmethetruthanddonotlie,notevenonce,Iwillletyoulive.”
“Letmelive?”Ishoutedlikeaferalcatin.“WhatcouldIpossiblyhavedonetodeservedeath?”
Hiseyesnarrowedandheassessedmemoreclosely.Lookingtohisright,atsomeoneIcouldnotsee,henodded.“Openthedoors.”
MyhearthammeredinmychestasReginasteppedintoviewandunlockedthedoor.
“Cleanupandthenmeetmeinmyoffice.Remember,Irequirethetruthfromyou,Arwen,”hedeclared,andthenleft,hisbootsclackingdownthehallwayashewent.
Reginawasthenfollowedbytwoguards,andbehindthemmypersonalmaid,Narine.
Icouldn’thelpthetearsthatlinedmyeyeswhenIsawher.Sherushedforwardtohugme.
“I’msosorryIgotthedressdirty,”Iwhisperedinherear.
Shepulledbackandlookedatmeinshock.“Idon’tcareaboutthedress.Areyouokay?”
“Comeon,youcanchatwhileshebathes,”Reginasaid,urgingusalongandcastingaglanceinthedirectionoftheguards.
Inodded,andfollowedNarinethroughanetworkofstairsandcorridorsuntilwewerebackinmyroom,withthetwoguardspostedoutside.Reginastayedinthelivingroom,andNarineandIslippedintothewashroom.
Themomentwewerealone,Ifeltacascadeofemotionsoverwhelmme.“IsKendalokay?”
Narinenodded.“Theysentherandmostoftheothergirlsbackhometodaywithabagofcoinandextrafood.She’sonacarriagetoCinderVillage.”
Thatwasarelief.“Doessheknowaboutwhathappenedtome?”
Narineshookherhead.“Iwastoldtotelleveryoneyouwereundertheweather.Anotherfever.”
Thatwasgood.Ididn’twanthertellingmymother.WhileNarineranmybathwater,webothworkedtoundothebeautifullatticehairdesignshe’ddone,settingthejewelsonthecountertobereturnedtothepalacejeweler.
Shewassilentanentireminutebeforefinallyasking,“Mylady…whathappened?Treason?”
Right.Theyhadn’ttoldher.Ofcoursenot.
Ishruggedmyshoulders.“Imadeacommentaboutmarryingtoosoonafterhiswife’sdeathandthenItooksomemagicaltestwherebluedragonwingspoppedfrommybackandheimprisonedme.”
Herentireformwentstockstill.“Youtransformed?”
“Iguess.Notreally—justwingsandnotonpurpose!”Ipromised.
Shehadn’tmoved.Herhandswerefrozenovermyhairandshejustlookedatmewithanexpressionofcompletewonderment.“Onlyfull-bloodedroyalstransform.”
Full-bloodedroyals.
Mymotherhadsaidthatthewomanwhogavebirthtomewasahighborn,butshewasn’troyal,right?Thatwouldmakeheraqueen,andatthetimeofmybirththeonlyqueenalivewasKingValdren’smother,whosurelydidnotrunoffandhaveasecretchildanddieinchildbirth.
OhHades,ifIwasKingValdren’slong-lostsister,Iwouldvomitrightnow.
Narineseemedtoreadmythoughtsbytheconfusedlookonmyface.Shecoaxedmeovertothebathandthenhelpedmeundress.
“You’veheardoftheLostRoyal,right?”sheasked,hervoicebarelyawhisper.
LostRoyal?
Ishookmyhead,unsureifthesuddengoosebumpsonmyarmswerefromherstoryormynakedness.Isteppedintothewarmbath,unabletotrulyenjoyitwithmylifeontheline.
Narinestartedtowashmyhair.
“Afewcenturiesago,thereweretworoyaldragonfamilies.Embergatewasalsobrokenupintotwoterritories,witheachroyalfamilyencompassingonepartofit.GrimHollowandJadeCityusedtobehomeoftheDarkNightDragonclan,whichiswhatKingValdrenis.AndGypsyRockandCinderMountainweretheEclipseDragonclan.”
EclipseDragonclan?
WhyhadIneverheardthisstory?Probablybecauseitwassomethingfromsomefancyhistorybookthatwedidn’tgetinCinderVillage.Butstill,youwouldthinkitwouldbetoldverbally.“I’veneverheardthis,”Iinformedher.
Shenodded.“It’sforbiddentospeakabout.MymothertoldmewhenIwasayoungchild.”
Forbiddentospeakofastory?Thatdidn’tsoundright.
“Whathappenedtotheotherroyalfamily?”Ireally,really,didn’twanttoknowtheanswertothatquestion,butIaskeditanyway.
Shelookedatthedoor,theonethatReginasatontheothersideof.“ThequeenoftheEclipseDragonswenttowarwiththeDarkNightDragonclanandslaughterednearlyallofthem.Forwhatreason,Idon’tknow.”
Icouldphysicallyfeeltheblooddrainingfrommyface.“EclipseDragonqueen?”
Shenodded.“ThequeenofCinderMountain.Shehadaspecialtypeofmagic.Theycalledherthekingkiller.Shecouldstealotherdragon-folks’magicandmergeitwithhers,makingherall-powerful.”
Myheartmusthavestopped,becauseIdidn’tfeelitanymore.Ijustfelt…numb…andinshock.SoverymuchinshockthatIforgottobreatheforamoment
No.Makeitnottrue.Makeitalie,Iprayed.
Narinewenton,speakingbarelyaboveawhisper.“WhentheEclipseDragonqueentriedtokilltheDarkNightDragonking,whoatthetimewasKingValdren’sgreat-greatgrandfather,shelost.Butit’ssaidherdaughterwentintohidinginthecliffsaboveGypsyRockwithherhusbandandthattheroyallinelivedon.”
Myhearthammeredinmychest.“Whatareyousaying?”
Narinechewedherbottomlipandfacedme.“I’msaying,mylady,thatIthinkyouarethelostqueenoftheEclipseDragonclan.”
MyheartfellintomystomachandIcouldn’tspeak.How?Itwasn’tpossible.Aqueen?Thatwasajoke.
Ishookmyheadandlaughednervously.“Agoodchildren’sstorysurely,”Imurmured.“Besides,Ionlytransformedmywings.”
Hereyescastdownwardtothefloor.“Thistime,”shemumbled.
Whatdidthatmean?ThatnexttimeIwouldfullytransform?Icouldn’thandlethisanymore.Inanefforttoescapetheconversation,Isliddownanddunkedmysoapyheadunderwater.
ThememoryofthebluewingshangingoffmybackcametomymindandIconsideredNarine’sstory.Itsortoflinedupwithmymother’s.Thatthewomanwhogavebirthtomehadfledabattle,coveredinblood,andsaidthatherentirefamilyhadbeenkilled,right?Maybeeighteenwintersago,whenIwasborn,thedragonkingatthetimehadfoundherinhidingandkilledthemall.Itriedtoremembereverywordmymotherhadsaid,butI’dbeenunderstressandtheexactwordingofthestoryfailedme.
TwothingsIdidremember…
Thewomanwhobirthedmehadsaidherfamilywaskilledbecauseofamagictheycarried.
Andshe’dsaidIwouldbekilledifthatmagicwererevealedinme.
Iwouldneedairsoon,butIdidn’twanttoleavethewaterandthesafetyofitsembrace.Ilingeredanothermoment,thenIbrokethetopofthewaterandgasped,relievedtoseethatNarinehadleftmetomyself.Cleanclotheslayfoldedonthechairinfrontofthewindow.
ThismightbethelastbathIevertook.KingValdrendidmeasmallkindnessinlettingmecleanupbeforemyinterrogation,butIknewwhatIwasabouttowalkinto.Thekingcouldsmellalie,andsothisinterrogationwasgoingtobeatruthbombofepicproportionsthatwouldnodoubtgetmekilled.
Ionlyhadonethinghedesired,andthatwasmywomb,soIneededtohopelikeHadesthathereallywantedanheirthatbadly,andpromotemychild-rearingpowerslestmylifeendtoday.
Itwastimetotakemymother’sadviceandmakehimfallinlovewithme.Whetheritwaspossibleornot.
***
WhenIsteppedoutofthewashroom,Narinelookedrightatmyunbuttonedtunicandaslightsmirkgracedherlips.I’dleftitopenjustenoughtogiveahintofmycleavage.Ialsokeptmyhairdowninloosewaves,asIhadheardmenatthetavernsaytheylikedthatonce.Iwasn’tproudofwhatIwasdoing,butIwasdesperateenoughtodoit.Ineededthekingtoseemeasmorethanathreat,whichwasallIwastohimnow.
Akingkiller.
EspeciallyafterhearingNarine’sstory.Ifthatwastrue,andmygreat-greatgrandmothernearlykilledoffallofhisclan,thenIwasingravedanger.
IwavedgoodbyetoNarineandshegavemeananxioussmileofencouragement.Reginastood,herfacedevoidofallemotionasshegesturedformetowalkwithher.IneededalliesifIwasgoingtosavemylife,andReginahadbeenkindtomebefore.
“Treasonforhavingwings?Howisthatpossible?Ididn’tevenknowIcoulddothatuntilheputmethroughthattest,”Itoldherasweleftmyrooms.
Shekeptherheadforwardandsaidnothing.
“DidhetellyouwhatIdidatGypsyRock?ThatIrodeonhisbackandkilledawarriorfromNightfall?Iprotectedhim!”Iyelled.
Shestopped,turningtofaceme,andmyhearthammeredinmythroat.
“I’vefoughtbesidethekinginmanybattles.Heisajustmanwhodoesnotmakeirrationaldecisions.Itrustthathehashisreasonsforyour…treatment.”Shethenresumedwalking.
Okay,thatwasn’texactlyadeclarationofbecomingmyally,butIwouldtakeit.
Itwasalongwalktothetortureroomorwhateverplacetheyweretakingme.Wepassedalibrary,kitchens,twotrainingrooms,andfinallymadeittoasetofdoubledoors.
IreleasedashakybreathasReginareachedoutandknocked.
Iturnedtoher,suddenlydesperate.“Ifhekillsme,tellmymotherandAdalinethatIlovethem.”
Shelookedstricken,asiftheideathatthekingwouldkillmewaspreposterous.ButIwasjustimprisonedforthelasttwenty-fourhoursandnowIwasbeingquestionedfortreason,soshenodded,andthenthedooropened.
Thekingstoodthereinfullbattlearmor,hisjawclenched.“Thankyou,Regina.Youmaywaitouthere.”
Shenodded.“Yes,mylord.”
Heopenedthedoorwide.Behindhim,Isawasinglechairsittinginthemiddleoftheroom.AsmallwhimperescapedmeandIswalloweditdown,steppinginside.ThedoorclosedbehindmeandIpeeredaroundwildly.Therewerenowindows,onlyfoursconcesonthewallsthatburnedwithorangedragonfire.
“Sit,”hecommanded,andIswallowedhard,takingmyseat.
Ilookeduptofacehimandhewalkedtowardsme,hisfacebathedintheorangeglowoftheflames.Hedidn’tlookasmadasIexpected,morecurious.
Whenhiseyesfelltomyopentunic,Icouldn’thelpbutfeelasmallinternalvictory.Steppingrightuptome,hereachedoutandIstilled.Graspingmytunic,hebegantobuttonitup.
“Nicetry,butitwilltakemorethanabeautifulwomantodistractme,”hesaid,andthendroppedtheshirtbackdowntomychest.
Mycheeksburnedwithembarrassment.Heknewwhatmyplanwas?
Didhejustcallmebeautiful?
“Let’sgetthisoverwith.I’vedonenothingwrong.”Icrossedmyarmsandglaredathim.Iwouldneverforgetthathe’dmademeuseabedpanoverthelasttwenty-fourhourslikeasickpatient!
Hestoodbeforeme,toweringoverme.
“I’lldeterminethat.”Hiseyesflashedyellow.“Now,tellmeeverythingyouknowaboutyourpower,andifyoudonotlieImaybeabletorepairmybrokentrustwithyou.”
Brokentrust?Ibarelyknewhim.
Iscowledathim.“Whydon’tyoutellmeallofyourhiddensecretsaswell,sothatyoucanearnmytrust.”
Hiseyesnarrowed.“Idon’tneedyourtrust.”
Itippedmyheadbackandlaughed.“Youdoifyouwanttoputachildinmybelly.”Igrabbedmywombandhiseyesflaredlikethesun,aslightpinkgoingtohischeeks.
Heclearedhisthroatandasmallpartofmefelttriumphformakinghimblush.
“Howlonghaveyouknownyoucantransformintoadragon?”heasked,ignoringeverythingI’dsaid.
Irolledmyeyes.“Lastnightwasthefirsttime.”
Hiseyesnarrowedasiftryingtosensealie.
“Truth,”Isaidsmugly.
Thatmadehisnostrilsflare.
“Areyouanassassinheretokillme?”heasked,andIcouldn’thelpbutlaugh.Thelookonhisfacewipedthesmilefrommine.
“No,”Itoldhimhonestly.
Hefrowned,asiffrustratedIwastellingthetruth.
“Isthewomanwhoraisedyouyourrealmother?”hesuddenlysaid,andmyheartstoppedbeatingforamoment.
He’dgonerightforthekillandmylipsturnedintoafrown.Myrealmother.WhattheHadesdidthatmean?Iknewwhathemeant,buttomeshewasmyrealmother.IknewIcouldn’tlietohimanymoreorhewouldkillme,butoutofrespectformymotherIwouldspeakmytruth.
“Yes,shewillalwaysbemyrealmother,but…shedidnotgivebirthtome.”Itippedmychinhigh,cursingthestupidtearthatrolleddownmycheek.
Helookedconflicted,nodoubtweighingmyanswer.“Howlonghaveyouknown?”
“ShejusttoldmethedayyoucametotakeKendalandIaway,”Isaidflatly.
HisfacesoftenedwitheachtruthIdivulgedandIrealizedthenthatIdidneedtoearnhistrust.WhatlifewouldIhaveifmyownkingdidn’ttrustme?
“Didshetellyouwhatyouare?”heasked,andtherewasahintofcompassioninhisvoice.
Whatdidthatmean?
“WhatamI?”Iasked,suddenlyscaredofwhatthatanswerwouldbe.
Hissternlookwasback.“WhatdidyourmothertellyouonthedaythatIcametogetyou?”
Ichewedtheinsideofmylip.Mymothersaidnottotrusthim,butmycoverwasblownsonowitwasPlanB:makehimfallinlovewithme,whichwasgoingamazingly
Not.
IwasontoPlanC,whichwas:Don’tgetkilled
IreleasedtheairIwasholding.“First,tellmesomethingtohelpmetrustyou.Ican’tsmellalie,butIdowonderwhyyouaresodesperateforanheirwhenyoujustbarelylostyourbelovedwife.”
Hisfacetookonapainedexpressionandherubbedthesideofhisjaw,assessingme.“Mymagicislinkedtothedragon-folkpeople,”hesaid,andInodded.Thiswaswellknown.“WitheachpassingdaythatIdonotproduceanheirtostrengthenanddoublethemagic,ourpeoplegetweaker,andIgetweaker.”
Igasped.
“Prettysoon,Iwon’tbeabletotransformatall,andthepeopleconnectedtomewilllosetheirmagic.”
Histruthhitmelikeatonofbricks.Dragon-folkwithouttheirmagicdied.Therewasawell-knownstoryaboutonedragon-folkwomanwhohadhermagicsuckedawaybythefaeking,andinsteadofjustbecominghuman,sheshriveledintoahuskofdeath.Wewerenothingwithoutourmagic…itkeptourentirehumanformalive.Evenasahybridonecouldnotjustlivewiththeirhumanhalf.
“I…”Ididn’tknowwhattosay.
“Yourturn.”HeassessedmewiththosecoolgreeneyesandInodded.He’dsharedsomethingwithme,somethingverypersonal,nowitwasmyturn.
“Thewomanwhogavebirthtomewaspassingthroughtown.Mymothersaidshearrivedheavilypregnant,ahighborn,coveredinblood,andspokeofabattlewhereherentirefamilywasslaughteredforamagictheyheld.”
Hefrowned.“Eighteenwintersago?TherewerenoEclipseDragonsleftthen,unless…”Somethingdawnedonhisfaceandhefellagainstthewall,hisbackhittingithard.“Mygrandfatherdiedeighteenwintersago.Fightingathreattothecrown,myfathersaid.”
Asilencedescendedoverthebothofus.Washesayingthathisgrandfatherkilledmybirthmother’sentirefamilyandmadehergointoearlylaborwithme?
SoNarine’sstorywastrue?TheEclipseDragons?TheLostRoyal?
Iclearedmythroat.“Thewomantoldmymotherthatherfamilywasmurderedforthemagictheyheld,andthatifanyoneeverdetectedthismagicinherchild…inme,thatIwouldbekilled.Thenshediedofbloodloss.”
Heinhaledmytruth,thenletoutalongsufferingsigh,watchingmeclosely.
“Shewasright.Ishouldkillyou.”
Iwasn’tpreparedforhiswords,forhistruth,anditcausedarippleofshocktorunupmybody.
Igasped.“Why?I’vedonenothingwrongtoyou!”MygazeflickedtotheexitasIdreamedofescaping,buttherewasnowayIcouldgetpasthim,andifIdid,Reginawouldbewaitingformejustoutsidethedoor.
Heshookhishead.“Youtrulydon’tknowwhatyouare?Whatyourmagiccandotome?Toanydragon-folk?”
“Obviouslynot!IjustfoundoutIhadwingsyesterday.AndthenIwasthrowninjail!I’vehadnotimetoruntothelibraryandresearch!”
Heshotmeaglarethatwarnedmethatmyattitudewasnotwelcome.
Thismanisinfuriating!
Hesteppedcloserandthenleanedforward,placinghishandsoneithersideofmychairsothathisfacewasinchesfrommine.BeingthisclosetohimrobbedmeofoxygenandfilledmybodywithapulsingheatIwasn’tpreparedfor.Mymindwentfuzzy,andasIstaredintohisembergazeIwonderedifhewasgoingtokissme.
“ArwenNovakson,youarethelostqueenoftheEclipseDragonclan,andyourmagicissopowerfulthatitcandevourmine,killingmeandallofthedragon-folkpeoplethatareconnectedtome.You,Arwen,arethekingkiller.”
Iwentstockstill,notevendaringtobreathe.Pain,shameandfearrushedthroughmysysteminequalmeasure.Unshedtearsfilledmyeyes,blurringmyvision.Narinewasright
“No,”Ifinallymanaged,andhepushedoffthechairandstartedtopacetheroom.
“Yes.YourkinmadeanagreementwiththeNightfallqueencenturiesagotokillmyfatheranddrainourpeopleofmagic,fulfillingtheNightfallqueen’sdreamofahumanutopiadevoidofmagic.”
“No,”Iargued,thoughIdidn’tevenknowanythingaboutmykintoknowifitwastrueornot.
“Yes,”hegrowled,blackcurlsofsmokecomingouthisnose.“Wehavedetailedrecords.Spiesthatmygreat-greatgrandfathersentwhowitnessedmeetingsbetweentheNightfallqueenandtheEclipseDragonqueen.”
Myhearthammeredinmychestathiswords.“Soyourgreat-greatgrandfatherkilledtheEclipseclanqueen?”
“Killorbekilled.”Hecrossedhisarmsandstaredmedown.
“Butthepeopletiedtoher…”
“EclipseDragonmagicisnottiedtoapeoplelikemineis.Theirqueensdonotneedheirsforpower.Theyareuniqueinthatway.”Hesoundedabsolutelypissedoffaboutthat.
Ifrowned.“ThenwherearetheEclipseDragonfolktoday,theoneswithbluemagiclikeme?Ifnottiedtoher,theywouldn’thavediedwithher.”
Hesighed.“TheEclipseclanqueenkillednearlyallofthem.Shewantedherfamilytobethelastdragonsleftintherealm.Sheabsorbedtheirpower,makingherselfvirtuallyimmortal.”
Immortal.
Apersonwithatleastaquarterdragon-folkmagiclivedaboutahundredyears,afull-bloodedroyalaboutahundredandfifty.Ifsheconsumedmagicfromhundredsofdragon-folk…Ishookmyhead,tryingtoprocessitall.
“ButtheEclipseclanpeople…shekilledthem?Wouldn’titbeinourhistorybooks?”
Arealizationhitme.
“ThePlague…itwasn’taplague,wasit?”Ithoughtofthestoriesofpeopleshrivelingupanddying,beingfoundintheirtentsdryasahusk.Itwasabouttwocenturiesago…probablyrightwhenallofthishappened.
Heshookhishead.“Itwasn’taplague.Thatwasacoverstorytokeepthepeoplefrompanicking.Thekingkillercantakemagicfromanydragon-folk,absorbingitandleavingthemtoashes,makingherselfmorepowerful.”
Ijumpedtomyfeet,startlinghim.
“Allofthosechildren,”Isobbed,suddenlyfeelingsick,rememberingthestoriesofthelittlechildrenwhodiedinthe“plague.”
“ThequeenoftheEclipseDragonskilledthem.Theyalldied.”Histonewasresolute.
Animmensesadnesssmackedintome,takingmybreathawayandcausingmykneestogoweak.Ifelltothegroundasasobrippedfrommythroat.
Icouldn’tstopthinkingofthelittlechildrenthattheplaguetook…butitwasn’taplague.Itwasmygreat-greatgrandmother.Ididn’thaveanythingtodowiththatgenocide,andyetitstainedmysoul,seepedintotheverycoreofmybeing,andIacceptedthatIhadaroleinitevenifjustbybirthright.
Angerrushedthroughmyveins.Ihadmorequestionsthananswers,andeveryoneinmylinewasdead,soIwouldnevergetthoseanswers.Iwassomadmyskinfelthot.
“Yournoseissmoking,”hetoldme.
Ilookeddown.Asmalltendrilofwhitesmokedriftedtotheceiling.AshriekescapedmythroatandIstumbledbackwards,hopingtogetawayfromit.
“Calmdown.”Thekingheldouthishands.“Yourdragonfiremightcomeout.”
Ipinnedhimwithaglare.“Ican’thelpit.”
Heignoredme.“Takeadeepbreathandcalmdown.”
Stupidmale!IhatednothingmorethanbeingtoldtocalmdownwhenIwasmad.ThesmokewasthickernowandIwasfullyfreakingout.
WouldIreallybreathefire?IfIdid,itmightburntheking,andthenhewouldreallyhavereasontokillme.
Iclosedmyeyesandinhaledslowly;thecharofsmokesplashedacrossmytongueforasecondandthenIbreathedout.
Myeyesopenedandhewasinchesfrommyface.
“I’mcalm.Noneedtokillme,”IsaidwithasmuchsarcasmasIcouldmanage.
“I’lldecidethat.”HistoneheldmoreseriousnessthanIwouldhaveliked
Icouldfeelthebloodfleefrommyface.“Myking,Iwouldneverdrainyourpowerandkillyourpeople.”
Therewassurpriseinhiseyes.MaybeitwasbecauseI’dcalledhimmyking,ormaybeitwasbecausehe’dheardthetruthinmystatement.
“IfIkillyou,Ikillmyveryownsister.Useyourhead,youidiot!”Isnapped,irritatedwithhim.
“Iamanidiot.I’manidiotforlikingyou!”heyelledbackatme,andthenlookedupatmewithavulnerabilityIwasn’tpreparedfor.
Hisjawclampeddown,butIdidn’tregretcallinghimanidiot.I’dbeentruthfulwithhimthiswholetimeandheknewit.Hesteppedclosertome,notbackingaway,andmybodywantedtoinchclosertohis.Evennow,knowingthathedecidedmyfate,Iwantedtofeelhisarmsaroundme.
“Ilikedyouback,dammit!”Iscreamed,andthenbeforeIknewwhatwashappeningIrushedforwardandpressedmylipstohismouth.
Hisinhaleofsurprisesuckedmybreathintohismouthandmademesecond-guesswhattheHadesIwasdoing.BeforeIcouldretreatandchidemyselfformakingamoveonhim,hishandscamearoundmywaistandcrushedmeflatagainsthisbody.Iswipedmytongueacrosshisandanangrymoanrippedfromhisthroatasheconsumedme.Beingthisclosetohim,pressedagainsthim,actuallymadesomethingdeepinsideofmeache.Iachedtobeevencloser,Iachedtobeonewithhim.Histongueswipedacrossmineagainandashockofenergypassedbetweenus.Muchlikethatdayinthekissingtent.
Itwashim.
Ipulledbackwardsinsurprise,myhandsflungtomymouth.
Theking’schestheavedashestaredatmewithglowingyelloweyesashenodoubtwrestledwithmyfate.DidIimaginethesmallshockjustnow?DidIimaginethatthiskisswassosimilartotheoneinthekissingtent?Itcouldn’thavebeenhim?He’dbeenoutsidethewallswaiting,right?Mymindspunwiththisnewrevelation.
Afterwhatseemedlikeforeverhesighed,lookingtired.“I’vefoundyouinnocentoftreasonandwillallowyoutoroamthecastlefreely,butdonotleaveJadeCityuntilIcanfindoutwhatI’mgoingtodowithyou.Okay?”
Isaggedinreliefattheannouncementthatmyimpendingdeathhadbeencanceled.Ihopedhedidn’tthinkthatmykissinghimwastotrytochangethat,butafterIhadwalkedinherewithanunbuttonedtunic,Ifearedthatwasexactlywhathedidthink.Iguessedwewerejustgoingtoignorethefactthatthekisshadeverhappened.
Finebyme.Iwaswaytoofreakedoutaboutitbeingjustlikethekissingtentkisstoevenfathomit.
“Wait,whatdoyoumean‘Whatyou’regoingtodowithme?’”Hewasn’tstillthinkingofkillingme,washe?
Hesqueezedthebridgeofhisnose.“Goodday,Arwen.”Hedismissedme.
Ihuffed,butbeforeIcouldretort,Reginaopenedthedoor.“Letmeescortyoutoyourroom,mylady.”
Didhecallherin?
AsIpassedhim,Ilookedoverathim,hopingtoconveyhowIwasfeelingwithalook.ButIwasn’tsurehowIwasfeeling.Iwantedtokisshimagain.Butthenalsosmackhimforbeinganidiotandjailingmeandinterrogatingme.Whateverhesawonmyfacecouldn’thavebeengood,becausehisjawclenched.
Oops
ReginaandIwalkedinsilencebacktotheroom,andwhenIreachedthedoorshefacedme.“Itoldyouhewasajustking.”
She’dbeenright.Ihadexpectedhimtohalftortureandthenkillme,andallwe’ddonewasyellateachotherforhalfanhourandthenkiss.
“Thankyou,”Imurmured.Icouldn’tbelieveI’dspentthelastfewdayswithmyidolandshe’dseenalloftheseembarrassingthings.
“Goodday,mylady.”Shecurtsiedandthenleftmeatthedoortomyquarters.
WhenIsteppedintotheroom,Narinewaswaiting,wringingherfingerstogetheranxiously.
“You’realive!”sheexclaimed.
Inodded.“I’mfreetoroambutnotleavethecity,”Itoldher.
Mygazefelltothedampemerald-greendressonthefloorbyherfeet,andthebowlofdirtywaterwithascrubbrushthatlaybesideit.Itwashorriblystainedwithdirtandsplotchesthatweren’tcomingout.
“I’msosorry.”
Shewavedmeoff.“I’llfigureitout.I’mjustgladyou’reokay.”
Thatwasanicethingtosaybutitwastotalcrap.“How?Howwillyoufigureitout?”
Thisdresswouldn’tsell,andnomoredresseswouldbecomingin.Shewouldn’tbeabletopayforhersister’swedding.
Shechewedtheinsideofherlip,almostbroughttotears.“I’llmanage,alright?DoyoumindifIleaveyouearlytodaysothatIcantalktothebuyerandfigurethisout?”
Shegesturedtothedress.
Inodded,guiltwashingoverme.“Ofcourse.”
Withashysmile,shescoopedthebeautifulemerald-greendressupintoherarmsandlefttheapartment.
Leavingmealonetomytumultuousthoughtswasabadidea.Mymindchewedonahundreddifferentthings.Narine’ssister’sweddingwouldn’thappenbecauseIruinedthedress.Thekingwaspossiblystillthinkingaboutkillingme.Kendalwassenthome.Joslynandsomeoftheothergirlswerestillherecompetingfortheking’shand,ahandinmarriagethatIwouldbelyingifIsaidIdidn’tnowwant.Thatkiss—ohMakerthatkiss—hadconfusedtheHadesoutofme!AndIwassomelostqueen?Itwastoomuch.
Ineededtogoforawalk.
Leavingmyroom,Iexitedthedormitorywingandheadedinsearchofthelibrary.MaybeIcouldfindsomethingabouttheLostRoyalorEclipseDragonsthere.Iwassureitwasthisway,justbeyondthekitchen,butwhenIreacheditIrealizeditwasadeadend.Iturned,rememberingthatthelibrarywasinfactintheoppositedirection.
Ipassedaroomwiththedoorcrackedopen.KingValdren’svoicefilteredoutintothehallway.
“Whichoneofthemhasthebestchanceofgivingmeahealthychild?”heaskedsomeone.
“Technically,Arwenhasthemostmagic.”ItwasDr.Elsiewhoanswered,anduponhearingmyownname,Ifroze.“ButwehavenoideawhatanEclipseroyalandaDarkNightroyalwouldbreed.Themagiccreatedcouldbe…incrediblypowerfulorcatastrophic.”
Noonesaidanythingforafullminute,andIshouldhavewalkedaway…butIcouldn’t.Iwantedtohearhisresponse.Thisinvolvedmeafterall.
“Joslynisyoursafestchoice,mylord,”Dr.Elsiesaid.
“ButArwenisachoiceIcouldalsomake?”Thehopeintheking’stonemadebutterfliesflutterinmystomach.
“I’mafraidIhavetoadviseagainstthat,mylord,”amalevoicesaid.Irecognizeditastheoldmanwiththeleather-boundtomefromthetestingroom.Hemustbeatopadvisor.
“Sheisakingkiller.AqueenoftheEclipseDragons.Shecarriesthepowertocompletelyannihilateyouandyourentireclan.Youmustneverforgetthat.”
“Ihaven’t,”thekinggrowled.“ButIhaveinterrogatedherandsheisblameless.Shehadnoideaofherheritage.”
Hestuckupforme!Mybodywasgluedtothewallinanticipationofhowtheconversationwouldend.
“Andyetnowthatsheknowsthepowershewields,thelandsshecouldlayclaimto,whatwillshedowiththatinformation?”
Landstolayclaimto?DidtheythinkIwantedapalaceandthroneatCinderMountain?Thatwasridiculous.
“Itismyadvicethatyoutakeheroutbeforeshedoesthesametoyou,”themansaid,andIfrozeinfear.
“MasterAugustson!”Dr.Elsiescolded.
KingValdren’svoicewassogrittyitcouldcutglass:“Isthatwhatyouadvisedmygrandfathereighteenwintersago?Advicethatgothimkilledandthrustmyfatherintopower?”
Iwishedtopeerintotheroomandseethelookoneveryone’sfaces.Iwantedtoknowforcertainifthatwashowmybirthmother’sfamilydied?IfDrae’sgrandfatherkilledthem,causingmymothertofleetoCinderVillageandgavebirthtome.
“Joslynisafinechoice,mylord,”themanconcluded,notansweringthequestion.
“Iagree.ShehasmoremagicthanQueenAmeliadid.Notmuch,butslightlymore,”Dr.Elsiesaid.
Silence.ThelongeststretchofsilenceI’deverhadtoendure.
“Alright,ifthatisyourassessment,Iagree.TellJoslynI’vechosenherandstarttrackinghermonthlycycles.Wecanbemarriedinamoon’stime.I’lldealwithArwen.”Hiswordssimultaneouslybrokemyheartandsentachilldownmyspine.
Imovedquicklyoutofthehallwayandbacktowardmyrooms.
He’sgoingtomarryJoslyn.
Thesafebet.
Ishouldbehappyforher,forhim,formysisterandallofthedragon-folkwhowouldbesavedbytheheirtheywouldcreate,butIwasalsoangry.Hedidn’tloveJoslyn.Hewantedachildandwasjustmarryingheroutofdutyinordertoprotectherpurityandimage.Iguesssheshouldbegratefulhewasn’tjusttakingherassomemistresswhore.Forsomereason,hearingthemspeakofJoslynandIintermsofmagicalrankreallyrubbedmewrong.
ButcouldIblamehim?Hispeople,allofthedragon-folk,dependedonhimtohaveanheir.WouldIdothesameinhisposition?Probably.Butforamomentithadsoundedlikehe’dwantedtopickme,andthathadmademeexcited.Surewescreamedateachother,andhe’dimprisonedme,but…therewassomethingtherewithhim.AdeepconnectionIcouldn’texplain,somethingIneverexperiencedbefore.
Forgettingmyearlierdesiretogotothelibrary,Iwentintomyroomandcurledunderthecoversofmybedinstead.AnyminutenowsomeonewasgoingtocometellmeIwasgoinghomeorgoingtobehung,Iwassureofit.
NowIknewwhatthekinghadmeantwhenhe’dsaidhe’ddealwithme.HewasthinkingonwhetherheshouldmarrymeformymagicaldragonwomborkillmebecauseIhadthepowertokillhim.
I’lldealwithArwen.Hiswordshauntedme.Whatdidthatmean?Hewouldn’treallytaketheadviceofthatman,wouldhe?
Ithrewthecoversoffofmyheadandbursttomyfeet.
Hewasgoingtokillme.Hewastotallygoingtokillme.Justonemoredragontotakeoutlikehisgrandfatherhad,andthenhe’dhavenomoreproblems.
Iracedacrosstheroom,searchingthedrawersformyhunter’soutfitthatmymotherandKendalhadmademe.Ifounditinthebottomdrawerofthedresserscrubbedmostlyclean,withmyhuntingbladeontop.
Thankyou,Narine.
Igrabbedit,shovingitintoanemptyshoulderbag,andthentuckedtheknifeintomywaistband.Runningtothesmallkitchenoffmylivingroom,Ithrewsomedriedfruitsandcheesesintothebagaswell,andfilledmycanteen.MaybeifIcouldstealahorseIcouldmakeitoutofthemaingatesbeforetheyrealizedIwasgoneandsoundedthealarm.
Slippingoutofthedoortomylivingquarters,Ihurrieddownthehall,tryingnottolooklikeafugitivefleeing.
WhenIpassedAnnabeth,theleadhousemaid,Igaveherawave.“Gooddayforastroll,”Isaid.
Shesmiledandnodded.“Thegardensarebeautifulthistimeofyear.”
Yep,goingtothegardens,nothingsuspiciousaboutme.WhenIreachedtheendofthehallwaythatledtotheoutside,Ipushedthedoorswideandbrokeintoarun.
Iwasabitdiscombobulatedatfirst.I’donlybeenouthereafewtimesandittookmeamomenttogetmybearings.Thestablesandhorsebarnsweretotheright,soIaimedthatwayjustbeforeIheardashoutbehindme.
“Arwen,stop!”thekingcommanded.
PureterrorrippedthroughmeasIranpastastablemaidandthenveeredtotheleft,spottingalabyrinthofhighhedgesIcouldgetlostin.Isprintedacrosstheyardandburstintotheprotectionofthetallhedge,butthesoundofthefootstepsbehindmewastooclose.
Reachingbehindme,Igraspedformyhuntingknifejustasabodyslammedintome.Itrippedovermyownfeet,spinninginmidairasKingValdren’sarmscamearoundmyshoulders.Mybutthitthegroundfirst,andthenmyback,andfinallythethudofmyskull.Luckily,itwassoftgrass,butthatdidnotsavemefromthegiantmanwholandedontopofme,makingawhooshofairleavemeinarush.
Histhighspinnedmyhipstothespot,andIhatedtheheatthatcreptupmybodyathistouch.
“Wereyouabouttopullaknifeonme?”Helookeddownatmeincredulously,hiseyeswildanddarkhairstrewnabout.
Ourbodiesweresmashedtogether,pressedfullyagainsteachother,andIcouldfeelmycheeksreddenfromtheclosecontact.I’dneverbeenlikethiswithaman…
Heseemedtopickuponmydumbfoundedlossofspeech,androlledoffofme,takingmyhuntingknifewithhim.
Withtheabsenceofhisbody,Icouldbreatheandthink.“Iwilldefendmylifeifattacked,yes,”Itoldhim,andsatup,lookingupathisgiantform,whichnowblottedoutthesun.
HereachedoutahandtomeandIraisedoneeyebrow,staringathimskeptically.
“Iwon’tbite,”hesaid,andItooktheofferedhand,allowinghimtopullmeup.
WhenIwasfinallyfacinghim,ormoreaccuratelycraningmynecktolookupathim,Isteeledmyself.
“IammarryingJoslyn.”
Ididn’texpectthepangofhurttosliceintomychest,especiallybecauseI’djustheardhimtellhisadvisorsthat.
Inodded.“Congratulations.”
WhydidIsoundbitter?
“MyadvisorssaythatIcannotallowyoutogohome,whereyoucouldplottotakeovermykingdom—”
Ibarkedoutinlaughteratsuchapreposterousthing,buthisglareshutmeup.
“Soyouhavetokillme.”Ieyedthehuntingbladeinhishand.Wouldhekillmewithmyownblade?Righthereintheprivacyofthelabyrinthhedge?Panicinvadedmyentirebody.
I’mtooyoungtodie
Helookedhurtatmyaccusation,peeringdeeplyintomyeyes.“Icouldneverkillyou,Arwen.”Hesoundedupsetatthatdeclaration,andsomehowthosewordssoundedromanticcomingfromhim.Irelaxedalittleandhesteppedcloser.
“IcametoaskyouifyouwantedtojoinmyRoyalGuard,”hesaid.“YouseemedexcitedabouttheprospectthedaythatImentionedit,andso…thereisaspotforyou,ifyouwant.”
Mymouthpoppedopeninshock.Itriedtospeakbutcouldn’tfindthewords.Washeill?HefoundoutIwasabletosiphonhispowerandkilleveryoneandnowhewantedmeasoneofhisprotectors?
Hegazedatmeexpectantly,asifwaitingforananswer.Hewasserious.Laughterbubbledupinsideofmeandalightnesspulledatmylimbs.“BeamemberoftheRoyalGuard,areyoukidding?That’smydream!”
Igottakenwiththemomentandthrewmyselfintohisarms,hugginghim.HisbodystiffenedandIpulledback,reprimandingmyselfforhowinappropriatethatwas.
“Sorry.Igotexcited.”Isteppedawayfromhim,painfullyawarethatIhadnohighbornmannersandhadprobablybrokenamillionruleswiththisman.Thisking.
Henodded.“Youhavelittlefearofdanger,whichiswhatIlookforinaRoyalGuardsman-woman.ThewayyoubehavedthatdaywiththeattackonGypsyRockwasadmirable.I’lltrainyoutocontrolyourdragonpowers,andReginawilltrainyouincombat.Ithinkyouwillbeagreatassettomykingdom.”
Ididacurtsy,bowingmyheadaswellforgoodmeasure.“Iacceptyourgraciousoffer.”
Hefrowned,lookingabitdisturbedwithmyeagerness.“YoudorealizethatyouareaqueenbybirthrightandIwillberelegatingyoutomyservicefortherestofyourlife?”
Inoddedeagerly.“I’mnoqueen.I’mjustahunterwhowantstotakecareofmyfamily.I’llfollowyouwhereveryoulead,YourHighness.”
Hisfacewentslack,hisbreathingslowing.SomethingIsaidhadstruckachordwithhim.Ididn’tsayanythingbad,soIwasn’tsureifIshouldapologizeornot.Helookeddeeplyintomyeyesanditfeltliketheairhadmagnetizedaroundus.Itwasthickwithsomethingtangible.Ihadthestrongesturgetoreachoutandtouchhim,tostrokehisnecklikeI’dstrokedhisdragonthatday.
Thatbroughtmythoughtsbacktoourkiss.HaditalsobeenhimintheMayDaytent?Thatwascrazy,right?
Hisgazefelltomylipsasifhetoowerethinkingaboutthekiss,andIswallowedhard.“CanIhavemyknifeback?”Iasked,reachingoutandhopingtobreakwhateverspellhadbeenthrownovermethatwascausingmetowanttotouchhimconstantly.
Heclearedhisthroatandhandedittome,butnotbeforehelookedmybodyupanddown.“It’safinehuntingknife,butyou’llneedaproperswordsoon.Abowandarrowtoo.”
Thejoyofgettingnewweaponsmusthavebeenevidentonmyface,becausethecornersofhislipsturnedupslightly.
“Ihopethisnewarrangementsuitsthebothofus.Goodday,Arwen.”Hetippedhishead.
“Goodday,mylord,”Isaid,feelinggiddywiththeprospectofjoiningtheRoyalGuard.
“YoumaycallmeDrae,”hesaid,andthenwalkedaway.
Firstnamebasiswiththeking?Thiscouldn’thavegonebetter.Notonlywashenotgoingtokillme,IwasgoingtobejoininghisRoyalGuard!
Narine’ssister’sweddingfloatedintomymindthenandIcalledafterhim.“Wait!”
Hestopped,lookingoverhisshoulderatme.
“Isthereasalaryforthepositioninyourarmy?”
Heappraisedme.“Ofcourse.Onehundredjadecoinspermoon.”
ThatwasexactlyhowmuchNarineneeded!
“ButI’llbeabletostayinthecastleandeatforfree?”Iquestioned.
Henodded.“Youwill.”
“CanIpossiblyhaveanadvanceonmyfirstmoon’spayment?ThereissomethingreallyimportantIneedtobuy.Itcannotdelay.”Iswallowedhard.Askingamanformoneyneverfeltgood.AskingthekingforanadvanceonajobIhadn’tstartedfeltawful.ButIwantedtosurpriseNarinewiththepaymentforhersister’sweddinginfull.
Hisbrowsdrewtogether.“DoyouhaveagamblingproblemIdon’tknowabout?”
Ilaughed.“No,andinthespiritofnomorelying…it’sformymaid’slittlesister’swedding.”
Hestaredatmeforamoment,maybereadingintomyanswers,andthenhisbrowsdrewtogethertoformaknotinhishead.“Youwouldpayanentiremonth’ssalarytoamaidyou’veknownlessthanamoon?”
Inodded,hopinghewouldn’tsaynoortellAnnabeth.
“Verywell.Seethecastlemerchanttomorrow,”hesaid.“Iwillclearit.”
Whenhefinallyleft,Icouldn’tbelievehowmuchmyluckhadchanged.I’dbeabletosendmostofthemoneyhomeeverymonthtomymotherandsister,andI’dhavethejobofmydreams.ThekingwouldgethisheirwithJoslynandeverythingwasgoingtoworkout…
Thenwhydiditfeellikesomeonehadcarvedaholeinmychestwithaknife?THIRTEEN
“What’sthis?”Narineasked,wide-eyedasItossedthepouchofonehundredjadecoinsintoheropenpalm.I’dgonefirstthingthismorningtothecastlemerchantandhe’dhadabagofcoinsallreadyforme.
“Thatisyoursister’sweddingpayment,andyouhavetherestofthedayofftogodealwithyouraffairs,”Itoldher,unabletokeepthegrinoffmyface.
“How!?”sheshrieked,laughingassheopenedthebagtopeerinside.Tearsrolleddownhercheeksandshelookedupatme.
“Igotajob.That’smyfirstmoon’sadvance,”Istated.
Sheshookherhead,tryingtohandmebackthebag.“No,Ican’t.It’stoogenerous.Youhaveyourownsister’sweddingtopayforoneday.”
Ichuckled.“WeddingsinCinderVillagecosttenjadecoins,andeveryonebringsadishoffoodtoshare.Trustme,Icanaffordthis.”
Shechewedatherlip,shakingherheadinamazement.“I…Idon’tknowwhattosay.Whatjobdidyouget?HereinJadeCity?”
“I’vebeenaskedtojointheking’sRoyalGuard.Istartmyfirstpracticeinanhour,afterIpledgeloyaltytotheking.”
Narine’sbrowneyebrowshitherhairline.“ThekingaskedyoutojoinhisRoyalGuardafterallthat?”
“Iknow.Crazy,right?”
Shenodded.“I’llsay.Didyouhearthenewsthathe’smarryingJoslyn?”
Iinclinedmyhead,tryingtokeeptheemotionoutofmyface.
“Iheardhe’sdesperateforanheirbutnooneknowswhy.HegrievedoverQueenAmeliasohard,noonethoughthewouldremarrysosoon,but…”hervoicetrailedoff.
Iknewwhy.ButitwasmysecretwithKingValdren.Drae,nowthatwewereonafirst-namebasis.Irespectedhimenoughtokeepitprivate.Ifpeopleknewthattheirmagicandverylivelihoodwastiedupinhimhavinganheir,itwouldcreateapanicacrosstherealm.
“HemusthavebeenreallytakenwithJoslyn,”Isaid.
Narinenodded,andwishedmeagooddaybeforeleavingwithhercoins.
Ileftmyquartersandmademywayoutsidetothetraininggroundswithpepinmystep.Iwaswearingmymother’sleatherarmorandIwasreadytobeaRoyalGuardbadasslikeRegina.
Imademywayquicklytothegreathall,whereReginahadaskedmetomeetherandthekingformyloyaltyswearing.WhenIgotthere,shewaswaitingoutsidethedoorwithherhandsclaspedbehindherback.
“Ready?”sheasked.
Inodded.Ihadnoideawhatthislittleadventurewouldinvolve,butIwaspreparedtopledgemyallegiancetothekingandbeknightedorwhateverintohisarmy.
SheopenedthelargedoubledoorsandIglancedup,mybreathcatchinginmythroat.Nearlytheentirearmywashere.Anditlookedlikesomehighbornfamiliestoo.TheRoyalGuardstoodinperfectrows,facingtheaislethatIwasnowwalkingupwithReginabesideme.Iwantedtoshrinkintomyselfanddie.Ihadn’texpectedthiskindofacrowd.ItseemedlikeawaybiggerdealthanIhadexpected.Whenwereachedthefront,Igavepolitesmilestothehighbornfamilies,confusedastowhyeveryonewashereforasimpleoathofloyalty.
WhenIreachedtheraiseddais,Ilookedupattheking,whosatinhishigh-backedthrone.Thethronewasmadeofblackmetaltomimicdragonscales;thedesignresembledflamesthatgrewupthebackandfannedoutbehindhim.HewatchedmewithyelloweyesasIapproachedhim.
Reginabowedherheadaswestoodbeforehim,soIdidthesame,myhearthammeringinmythroat.
Whatifhelied?Whatifhewasnevergoingtoletmebeinhisguardandhewasabouttocutmyheadoff?
Therewasascrapingofmetalashestoodupfromthethroneandapproachedme.“Muchofourhistoryhasbeenhiddenbyourforefathers,butmanyofyouknowthattherewereoncetwodragonclans,”theking’svoicebellowed,echoingthroughoutthehall.“WhentestingLadyArwenformagic,wediscoveredsheisalostmemberoftheEclipseDragonclan.”
GaspsandmurmursrangoutbehindmeandIfroze,unpreparedforhisrevelation.Ihadn’tthoughthewasgoingtotellpeopleaboutme…Isuddenlyfeltnakedwithmysecretdisplayedforalltohear,butalsorealizedhehadn’tcalledmealostqueen,hewaskeepingthattohimself.
“Shewillbeagreatassettomyarmy,andIamhonoredtohaveherpublicpledgeofloyalty,”hedeclared.
Thisfeltlikeabigdeal,likeawaybiggerdealthanIhadpreparedmyselffor.Iwastotallygoingtofaint.
“Kneel,”Reginatoldmeinasoftwhisper.
Idroppedtobothknees,headstillbowed,andthekingdescendedfourstepstothebottomlevelandapproachedme.
“Faceyourking,”Reginasaid,andIlookedupintoKingValdren’sendlessgreeneyes.Icouldn’tdecidewhichcolorIlikedbest,thegreenoryellow.Hewaschangingthemsooftenwithhisemotions,Iwonderedifheevennoticed.
“LadyArwenNovaksonofCinderMountain.”Ladywasahighborndesignation.Bycallingmethat,hewastellingeveryoneIhadhighbornstatuswithasingleword.
“Yes,myking?”Igazedintohiseyesashewatchedmeclosely.Whenhelookedatme,itwasasifhewasreadingmelikeabook.
“Doyouswearloyaltytomeasyourkingandruler,foraslongasyoushalllive?Toprotectmeandmyfamilyoveryourveryownlife?”
“Ido,”Isaid,projectingmyvoiceforalltohear.
Thecrowderuptedintoapplause.Iwenttostand,thenthekingheldouthishands,indicatingeveryonetoquiet.
IstayedwhereIwas.
“Anddoyousweartoneverharmmewithyourmagic?”headded.
Hurtroseupinsideofmeasmythroattightenedwithemotion.IcouldtellfromthelookonRegina’sfacethathedidn’taskeveryonethat,andthefactthathestilldidn’tfullytrustmestunglikesaltonawound.
“Ido,myking,”Iallbutgrowled.
Hisfacerelaxed,andthecrowdagainbrokeintoapplause,butIstayedwhereIkneeled.
“MayIrisenow?Orwouldyouliketoaskmeanythingelse?”Isaidtohim.ThepeoplegatheredwereclappingsoloudlythatonlyReginaandthekingprobablyheardme.
Hegavemeasmirk.“Youmayrise,mylady.”
Istood,brushingoffmyknees.Reachingintohispocket,hepulledoutabreastplatefittedwiththeRoyalGuardinsignia.Thebackgroundwasblackwithagolddragonemblem.TheonlythingmissingwastheredthatdesignatedaDraykeneliteguard,butIplannedtomovemywayupthroughtheranksovertheyearsandgetthattoo.
“WelcometotheRoyalGuard,Arwen.”Hehandedmetheplate,andIcouldn’thelpthefoolishgrinthatgracedmyface.
“Goodluckwithpractice,”hetoldme,andthenturnedandlefttheroom.
Okay,thatwasaslightlyweirdandoverdoneeventforamerefiveminutes.Thepeoplepresentdidn’tseemtomindthatthekinghadleftthem,becausetheyallcontinuedtochatamongthemselves,andtheRoyalGuardrushedforwardtocongratulateme.
Ismiledandthankedthem.Reginaleanedintomyshouldertowhisperinmyear:“Iknowyouhaven’thadaneasytimehere,andI’mabouttobecomeyourcommandingofficer,soIcan’tshowspecialtreatment.”Inoddedandherlipspeeledbackintoahugesmile.“Butasawoman,Ihavetosay,I’mdamnedproudtohaveyouintheguard.It’sapleasure,Arwen.”
Myheartfeltlightandfluttery.I’dbeenobsessedwithstoriesofReginaWayfeathersinceIwasaweebabe.Iwouldpassthetavernandhearthementalkaboutherandalloftheamazingbattlesshefoughtin.
“Thepleasureismine,Regina.”
Herfacethenfellintoacoolmaskofcalm.“YoucancallmeCommandernow.”
“Yes,Commander.”Iguessthatthirtysecondsofbondingwasallweweregoingtoget.ShelookedlikeshewasabouttoputmethroughHades.
“Calston!”Reginacalledsomeoneawayfromagroupofotherwarriorsthathe’dbeentalkingto.
Atallmanafewwintersolderthanmewithbroadshouldersandsandy-blondhairapproachedus.Heworehishairinthesamestyleastheking,thesidesshavedandalongbraiddowntheback.Thedesignationofawarriorofhighranking
HestoodatstiffattentionbeforeRegina.“Yes,Commander?”
“CanyoushowLadyArwentothearmory,andthenbringhertothepuptrainingfield?Ineedtogetdownthere.”
Puptrainingfield?Thatwaswhattheycalledus?
Henoddedtoherandsheleft.
Hethenturnedandfacedme.“LadyArwen.”Hebowed.
Itwasweirdtobebowedtoandtobecalledalady,butIguesseditwasprotocolnowthatthekinghadoutedmeasahighborn.
“Er,Calston?”Icurtsiedandhegrinned,causingmetobetakenabackbyhishandsomeness.Therewasadeepdimpleinhisrightcheek.
“Youdon’tcurtsytome,I’mnotahighborn,”hetoldme.“Andnowthatyouareintheking’sRoyalGuard,youonlyhavetobowyourheadtohimbriefly.”
Iswallowedhard,mycheeksreddening.“Noted.I’mnotreallyahighborneither.Imean,Iguessbyblood,butIgrewupinCinderVillage.”
Hesmiledeasilyatme,flashingbrightwhitestraightteeth.“I’mfromatinyvillageoutsideGrimHollow,andmyfriendscallmeCal.”
“Cal.”Inodded.
Hereachedoutandtouchedthesmallofmyback,leadingmeawayfromthebusycrowdandtoasidedoor.AfteropeningthedoorformeandwaitinguntilIwalkedthroughitfirst,hemetmeinthesilenthallway.
“Behonest,”heaskedmeaswewalkeddownthecorridorandpastthelibrary.“Howawkwardwasthatforyoubackthereattheceremonyinfrontofeveryone?”
Ilaughed,instantlylikinghisrealness.“Soawkward.Reginadidn’twarnmethattherewouldbethatmanypeople.”
“Shelikestoseethenewpupssquirm.”
“HowlongwillIbecalledapup?”Igrumbled.
Hechuckled.“Untilyou’veseenyourfirstbattle.”
Ipuffedmychestup.“I’vekilledaNightfallwarriorwhileridingonthedragonking’sback.”
Hegavemeasidelookthatindicatedhewasimpressed.
“Iheard.Waituntilyou’vekilledadozenoftheenemyinthespanofafewminutes.Thenwewillnolongercallyouapup.”
Adozen?Thethoughtmademesick,butIwasamemberoftheRoyalGuardnowsoI’dhavetogetusedtoit.
Killorbekilled.
Inoddedandheopenedadoorattheendofthehall,steppingoutside.Wecrossedthecourtyardtoanotherbuildingandthenstoodbeforetwogiantirondoors.
“Thad!”Calpoundedonthedooranditopened,revealingashortmanwithagiantbellywhowasholdingfivewoodenswords.
“Trainingswords?”Thadasked.
Calnodded,pluckingoneofthemoffofthepileandhandingittome,thentakingtheotherstobringthemtothetrainingfield.
ItwasheavierthanIexpectedbutnotasheavyastheking’sblade.Ididn’twantalittleweaktrainingsword,especiallynotafterthekingsaidIneededaproperswordandbowandarrow,butIkeptmymouthshut.
“HavethereevenbeenanyotherwomenintheRoyalGuard?”Iaskedaswewalkedacrossthegreenrollinglawn.
Calgavemeaseriouslook.“No,lady.JustyouandRegina.”
Ihopedthatwouldn’tbeathing…Iwantedtobeacceptedlikeanyoftherestofthem.Iwasagoodhunter,andIwassureI’dmakeagreatfightergivensomepropertraining.
“YoumusthavegreatpowerforthekingtohaveaskedyouintotheRoyalGuard,”Calsaid,andIsuddenlygrewquiet,holdingtheswordawkwardlyaswecontinuedourtrek.
“Iguess,”Imumbled.
Calstoppedandfacedme,whichcausedmetostopaswellandmeethisblueeyes.“Thekingdoesn’tallowwomenintheRoyalGuardunlesstheyaresopowerfulhefearsnothavingthemclose.”
Iswallowedhard,becauseitsoundedlikeawarning.“IsReginapowerful,then?”Itriedtosteertheconversationawayfromme.
Hechuckled.“She’sgotthemostpoweroutofallofus.Shecouldburnatallbuildingwithonebreathifshedesired.”
Shecouldbreathefirethatlarge?Thatwasincredible.
“SoEclipseclan?”heasked,lookingdownatmeincredulously.“Ithought…Imean,howisthatpossible?”
Ididnotwanttotalkaboutthat.Hewassweetandhemeantwell,butIhadtobecarefulhere.“Ihavenoidea.”Ishrugged,spottingReginaoffinthedistance.Iwavedtoher,eventhoughshewasn’tlookingatme.“Coming!”Ishouted,andtookoffatabriskwalk.
ThekinghadoutedmyEclipseclanlineagebecausethemenmighteventuallyseemybluefireandwings,buttheydidn’tneedtoknowanymorethanthat.
WhenImadeittothetrainingfield,Reginawasbarkingordersatafewmenwhostoodbeforeher.
Walkinguptoher,Iwavedgiddily.“Hey,wegotthetraining—”
“You’relate,andyou’remoonsbehindthisnewrookiesquadron,”shebarkedatme.“Takeyourswordandpickapartner.You’llneedthreepracticesadaytogetinfightingshape.Weaksoldiersgetkilled,andIwon’thavethatonmywatch.”
Igulped.Allpretensesofthisbeingamorningbondingwithmynewsquadronweredashed.Shewasn’tkiddingaboutnotshowingmeanyspecialtreatment.
“Yes,Commander.”Iheftedmyswordandstoodnexttosomescrawnyguywholookedlost.
“Up,”Reginacried,andheldherswordbeforeher,straightuptothesky.“Crossright,”shebarked,andbroughtitdownandtotheright.Theothermendidasshedid,soIquicklygotintolineandmimickedthemotions.
“Crossleft.”Shebroughttheswordtotheleft.
“Anddown.”Sheslashedthesworddown.
Thenwedidthatfivethousandmoretimes.Maybenotthatmany,butitfeltlikeit.Myarmsfeltliketheboneshadmeltedandallthatwasleftwasskinandblood.AsReginacalledanendtopractice,theyquiveredasItriedtoholdtheswordup.
“Getsomefood,”Reginacalledouttothegroup,butthentippedherheadtome,indicatingIstaybehind.
IwalkedovertohersideandshelookedfrommetoCal.“ComebackafterlunchandworkwithCal.You’llneedtocatchup.”
CalhadbeenassistingReginafortheentireclassandhadnowapparentlybeenmademytutor.Hegavemeasmile,andagainIwasstruckbyhowhandsomehewas.Maybenotmarryingtheking,beingindependentwithmyownjobandsalary,wasgoingtobethebiggestblessingofall.
MaybeifItoldmyselfthatenoughtimesImightevenbelieveitwastrue.FOURTEEN
ThreeWeeksLater.
I’dheardthatHadeswasahorriblefateforanysoul,fullofconstanttormentandpainintheafterlife.Well,I’dgottenatasteofitoverthepastthreeweeksunderReginaandCal’sconstant“care.”Itwasliketheyweretryingtobringmetothebrinkofdeatheachandeveryday,andonlywhenIwasreadytomeettheMakerdidtheyallowmetogohomeandrest.Myleatherhuntingsuitnolongerfit.I’dbulkedupineveryareaduetotheconstantheftingofheavyweaponsandeatingofrichfoods.Thepalaceseamstresswasgoingtotakeitoutformeandaddasidepaneltoday.
Despitetheconstantpractices,bruises,andevenstitches,I’dneverbeenstronger,faster,ormorelethal.I’dlearnedtowieldaswordincombatandspitfireonmyenemy.IevenlearnedthatIhadself-healingpowers.Awoundthatwouldhavetakenmeweekstohealbeforewasnowgonewithinaday.
Ihadthreepracticesaday,onewithReginaandmypupsquadron,onewithCal,andtheotherwiththekinghimself.Thekingandmypracticesweresecret,wherehetaughtmetousemydragonmagic.
Joslynandthekingwereofficiallyengagedtobemarriedinaweek’stime.Sometimesshecametothepractices,whichwasalittleawkward.I’dgottenafrontseatasIwatchedherfallinlovewiththeking,butitwasclearhedidnotshareheraffections.Hewasrespectfultoher,caredforherneeds,buthedidnotholdherhand,didn’tkissher,andshe’dconfidedinmethatshefeareditwasgoingtobeamarriageofconvenience.
Ihadalsogrownclosetoher,consideredheroneofmygoodfriends.Shewaskind,strong,andthoughtful,andwespentnearlyeveryeveningtakingawalkaroundthegardensandtalkingaboutourday.Itwasgoodtohavesomeoneelsewhoknewaboutyoursituation,andbothJoslyn’sandmysituationswereunique.ShewasgoingtobethefuturequeenofEmbergate,andshe’dbeenletinonthesecretthatIwastheLostRoyal.Thekingkiller.AllthosetitlesIshunned.I’dratherbeknownasagoodhunterorevenapupintheRoyalGuard.
IstoodinthetrainingfieldwaitingonthekingasIbitintoanapple.Joslynwassunningonanearbyrockwithherdarkhairsplayedoutbehindher.
“YourmomandsisterarecomingfortheFallMoonFestival,right?”Joslynasked.
Inodded,unabletokeepthegrinoffmyface.Ihadn’tseenthemsinceIcameherenearlyamoonago,butI’dsenthomealetterwitharoyalcouriertellingthemofmynewjob,andmymotherseemedhappywithmynewpositionintheRoyalGuard.“Draesaidthatsheandmysistercouldstayinthepalace.”
ThekingandIwereonafirst-namebasis,andIhatedtoadmititbutIconsideredhimoneofmyclosestfriends.Wesaweachothereverydayforpractice,andhewassopatientinteachingmenewthingsandsoeasytotalkto.EversinceIjoinedtheRoyalGuardandtookthatpledgebeforeeveryone,itwaslikehefullytrustedme.Gonewasthestuffykingwithanunreadablegaze.Now,hewasjust…Drae.
“Whatanicekingheistohavedonethat.”Drae’svoicecamefrombehindmeandJoslynburstintolaughterasIrolledmyeyes.
“He’sokayattimes,”Iadmitted,causinghimtolightlyshovemeintheshoulder.
“Hello,Drae,”Joslynsaidawkwardly,sittingupandwavingtooeagerlyathim.
“Howareyoutoday?”heaskedherkindly.
Shegavehimasmallsmile.“Good.Igotanewdressmade.”Shespreadherhandsoverthebrightyellowsilkandlookedupathimexpectantly.
Itwasclearshewasfishingforacompliment.
Draesighed,readingintoherneedforattention.Hesidesteppedmeandfacedher,leaningdowntokisshercheek.“Youlookbeautiful,”hesaid.
Shedidlookbeautiful;itwasn’talie.
Joslynplacedherhandsoverhis,beamingupathim,probablydesperateforhistouch,andasmallacheformedinmychestasIwatchedDraehoveroverherwhileshegazedupathimwithadoration.
Iwantedthat.Iwantedsomeonetotouchandholdand…kiss.
Ihadn’tkissedanyonesincethatdayintheinterrogationroomwithDrae,andnowthatIknewhewasmarryingJoslynIwantedtomoveon.Myswordtrainer,Cal,andIhadbecomeclose,andtherehadbeenmultiplenearmisseswhereIthoughthemeanttokissme,butsomethingwasholdinghimback.IdecidedthattodayIwasgoingtoaskhimaboutit.
Aftermytrainingwiththeking.
DraepulledawayfromJoslynandfacedme.“Youcanspitfireinastreamoffortyfeet,throwfireballsfromyourhandsfiveatatime.Ithinkit’stimewemasteredflight.”
AnxietychurnedinmygutandJoslynstoodabruptly.
“Myking,lasttimeshe—”
HecutJoslynoff.“Ifsheistofightbesidemeinbattle,Imustknowsheisacapableflier.”
Sickuneasewashedoverme.I’dtransformedagrandtotalofthreetimes.
Onceatmymagictest.ThesecondtimeinpracticewithDraeandRegina,andthattimemyarmsandlegshadtransformedtoo.Thethirdtimewaslastweek,whenmyentirebodyhadtransformedintoabluedragonandDraehadconvincedmetogoflyingwithhim.Ithadbeenwindyoutside,somywingcaughttheairwrong,buckled,andIfellinadeadfifty-footdrop.Althoughmydragonmagicaffordedmeadvancedhealing,ittooktwodaysformetowalkagainwithoutpain,andIwasnotkeentorelivethat.
“I…I’mscaredto.Ican’t,”Iadmitted.
Heshookhishead.“Youcanandyouwill.Ifyouletthefeartakehold,youwillneverfly,andwhatuseisadragonwhocannotfly?”
Igroaned,lookingupattheskyforanyhintofwind.
Therewasnone.
TheNightfallqueenwasconstantlythreateningourbridgesattheGreatRiver.Theysaiditwasonlyamatteroftimebeforeshebrokethroughourdefensesthereagain.Shewantedthekingandallthedragon-folkdead,nottomentiontotakeoverourfertilelands.RumorhaditthatthemajorityoftheNightfalllandswerehotanddesolateinthesummermonths,andnothinggrewthere.
“Youcandothis,”Joslynencouragedme.Icouldheartheshakinessinhervoice.
She’dbeentheretowitnessmyfall,seeingmelyingbrokenandbleedingontheground.Atnight,whenIlaydowntosleep,Icouldsometimesstillhearherscreamsforhelpinmyhead.
Thekingsteppeduptome,forcingmetomeethisgaze.“IwillflyunderyousothatifyoufallIcancatchyou.”
Lookingintohisgreeneyes,hearinghispromise,itmademystomachwarm.Iinstantlyfeltguiltyforthesefeelings,especiallywithJoslynrighthere.Theheatbetweenourbodieswassointensethathesteppedbackwards.Thishappenedoftenbetweenusbutwesaidnothingaboutit,ignoringit.
“Fine,”Igrowled.“ButifIbreakasinglebone,youowemefivehundredjadecoins.”
Hegrinned.“Deal.”
“Iwouldhavegoneforathousand,”JoslyntoldmeasIwalkedoverandhandedhermysword,coinpurse,andbelt.
Ismiledather.“Yourbonesarefarmorevaluablethanmine,”Iinformedher,andthenwalkedtowardsthecreekwherethebrushwasthick,sothatIcouldchangeinprivacy.
Thekingsimplyfacedatreeandbegantodisrobeoutintheopen.Thatmandidn’tcarewhosawhimnaked,andIwasagaincurrentlytransfixedbyaviewofhisbuttcheeks.Withachuckle,Ipeeledoffmytrainingclothes,whichwerecoveredinmudfrommysparringsessionwithCalearlier,andwhenIstoodfullynakedIlookeddownatmybody.
Avarietyofpurple,blue,andyellowingbruisesmarredmyhipsandknees.Iwasproudofeverysingleoneofthem.ThemuscledindentationsinmystomachandthighswerethemostpronouncedandIwasproudofthattoo.
Closingmyeyes,Itookinadeepbreathandfeltformymagic.
Transforming,asthekinghadtaughtme,wasadifferentcompartmentofmagicthanthrowingorbreathingfire.Itwasdeeper,andneededtoreallybepulledoutwithconfidence.Reachingformytransformationmagic,IpulledonithardwithasmuchstrengthasIcouldmuster.PainlacedalongmyspineandIhunchedforwardasthesoundofcrackingbonesbegantoringthroughoutthebushes.
“He’salreadydone!”Joslyntrilled.
“Well,hehastowait!”Ibellowedbackinapainfulgrowl.
Thekingwasanimpatientman,I’dlearned,butthatonlymademewanttomakehimwaitlongeronme.
AfterIfinishedmytransformation,Isteppedoutofthethickbushes,breakingsomeofthebranchesonmyway.
‘Perfectdayforflying,’thekingsaidwhenhesawme.
Igavehimtheequivalentofadragonsnortandeyeroll.‘Remember,myRoyalGuardcontractstatesthatifIdie,youmustbringmybodybacktomymotherinCinderVillage.’
Hechuffed,‘Iwouldneverletthathappen,Arwen.’
Isidlednexttohim,givinghimalongsidelook.‘NowyoucarewhetherIliveordie?You’vecomealongway,myking.’
Amonthago,he’dimprisonedmeandthreatenedtokillme.Iwasdeterminedtoneverlethimlivethatdown.
‘Itoldyou,Iregrettedmyactionsfromwhenwefirstmet.Ithoughtyouwereheretokillme!’hesnapped.
Shootingmywingsopen,IpumpedthemasIfastasIcould.‘Nope,justagirlfromCinderVillagewhocan’tfly!’IkickedoffthegroundatthelastwordbeforeIcouldlosemynerve.
Terrorshotthroughmeasthewindresistancepushedagainstmywings.Ifaltered,butDrae’svoicewasinmyheadtocomfortme.
‘You’redoinggreat,justbreatheandfocusonyourwingbeats.’
IsuckedairinthroughmydragonnostrilsandthenlookeddowntoseeDraedirectlyunderme.
‘I’llcatchyouifyoufall.’
Shakingmynervesoff,Ifocusedonwhathiswingsweredoing.Up,pause,down,pause,up,pause.Imimickedwhatweweredoing,whichwasalotslower,smoother,andcontrolledthanmyfranticfastflying.
‘That’sit,’hesaid.
“Go,Arwen!”Joslyn’svoicefromdownbelowreachedmeandIgrinned.
Draeveeredtotheleft,headingforthefarmlandoutsidethepalacegates,andIswallowed.
‘Areyousure?’Iaskedhim.
OnlyselectmembersoftheRoyalGuardandhousestaffknewaboutmytransformationpowers.Toflyoverfarmswouldgetpeopletalking.Onlyafull-bloodedroyaldragoncouldtransform.
‘I’mpreparedtoaddressquestionsaboutyouandyourabilities,’wasallhesaidasweflewoverthecastlegates.
I’dneverflownthisfar,orthislong,butIpushedawaymyanxietyandfollowedhim.Weglidedoverrowsandrowsofwheat,thenthegoldenfieldsturnedtopurplelavender,andfinallyhebegantodescendoveragroupofwillowtrees
Weweremaybeahalfhourwalkfromthecastle.Ithadbeenaniceshortflight.Nottoolongforme,butjustenoughthatIfeltconfidentandwantedmore.Aswelowered,Ipeereddowntoseewherehewastakingusandmyheartleaptintomythroat.
Betweenthecircleoffourgiantweepingwillowswereahandfulofgravestones.Onewaslarge,asyouwouldhaveforanadult,andtheotherfourweresmall.
Fourchildren.
ThiswaswhereQueenAmeliaandhisunbornchildrenlay.
‘Idon’tknowwhyIbroughtyouhere,’hesaidsuddenlyinmyheadashelandedbeforethesmallgraves.Abasketofclotheswasbeneathoneofthetrees,andIwonderedifitwasbecauseheflewhereoftenandthenshiftedintohumanform.
Iswallowedhard,landingroughlynexttohim,tryingnottofalloveraslandingwasnotyetsomethingIhadmastered.
Ididn’tknowwhattosayyet,soIjuststoodbesidehim,staringatthesolidgreenjadeheadstonewithgoldengravedwriting.
HerMajesty,QueenAmelia.
Belovedwifeandmother.
BestFriend.
Asobformedinmythroat,butitsoundedlikeahackinggrowlinmydragonform.
Thekinglookedoveratme,hisblackshinyscalesinsuchcontrasttohisyellowburningeyes.‘Don’ttrytocryindragonform.Itsoundsawfulandwillscarethelocalvillagersnearby.’
Herarelyjokedwithme,soitstartledmeandIsnort-laughed,whichagainsoundedawfulindragonform.Blacksmokeleakedfrommynostrils.
Hislipspeeledback,displayingallofhisdragonteeth.Iwashopingitwasasmileandnotthathewantedtoeatmeforlaughingatatimelikethis.
‘Ameliawouldhavelikedyou.ShelikedtopracticeherswordwithReginaanychanceshegot.’
‘Really?’Iasked,Ineverknewthatabouther.I’donlyeverseenherinadresswithadelicatewaveandfemininemakeup.ImaginingherpracticingswordwithReginabroughtasmiletomylips.
‘Afterwelostourfirstchild,AmeliaranfromthecastlecryingandIfoundherhere,inthecenterofthetreesweeping.IaskedhertocomebackandthatIwouldbuildamausoleumforourlostlittleonethatwasbiggerthanahouse,butshesaidno.’
‘Why?’Isteppedclosertohim,hangingonhiseveryword.
‘Shesaidthatthetreeslookedliketheywerecryingtoo,andshewantedtosharehergriefwiththemtolessentheburden.Soweburiedourfirstonehere.’
Mychestachedassorrowovercameme.Itwasabeautifulthingtosay.Thetreesdidindeedlookliketheywerecrying,hencethename“weepingwillow.”
Whathedidn’thavetosaywasthatanotherchildpassed,andanother,andfinallyanother,alongwithhiswife.Andhe’dbroughtthemallouthere.
‘Thankyouforbringingmehere.Itisaveryspecialplace.’
HestartedtoshiftintohishumanformthenandIturned,givinghimprivacyasheputonclothes.Walkingovertoafieldofwildflowers,hepulledahandfulofthemandplacedthemonAmelia’sgrave.ThenhepulledanotherbunchandIdecidedtoshiftaswell.Shiftingbackintomyhumanformfeltlikepullingtheplugonabathtubdrain.Youwereholdingeverythinginandsuddenlyitallrushedout.Ittookmeamomenttotransform,thenIranovertothebasket,puttingonalongtunicthathungpastmykneesandsmelledofDrae.IthungwellpastmykneessoIdidn’tbotherwiththetrousers.
Draewaslayingflowersonthethirdchild’sgravewhenIpulledabunchofpurpleandwhiteblooms,bunchingthemtogether,andthenmethimatthefourth.Withoutaword,Ihandedthemtohimandheplacedthemontopofthelittlemound.
Westoodtherequietforalongtime,justlettingthelightbreezemovethelongropelikebranchesofthewillow,untilfinallyheturnedtomewithastormbrewinginhisgaze.
“Idon’tloveJoslyn,”hedeclared,andmyentirebodywentrigid.
Whywashetellingmethat?BecauseIwasnowgoodfriendswithher?
“Irespecther,Icareforherwell-being…butIdon’tloveher.”
Myheartrattledmyribslikeacage.Igenuinelyfeareditwouldleapoutofmychestandfallontotheground,exposingmynerves.
“Youmusthaveanheirorthedragon-folkpeoplewoulddie.”Itriedtoassuagehisguiltandhenodded.
“ButIcouldhavechosenyou,”hesaidboldly,steppingclosertome,anditwasliketheentireworldhadbeentippedonitsaxis.
Whyishesayingthis?MybrainwassobefuddledIdidn’tevenknowhowtorespond.Washesayinghewishedhehadpickedme?Simultaneousexcitementandsorrowrippedthroughme.Thekingtookanotherstepcloser.MybreastpressedagainsthischestwithonlyathinpieceofclothbetweenusandsuddenlyitfeltasifIhadsteppedintoaninferno.HeatlikeI’dneverfeltbeforerushedthroughmeandmyupperlipbrokeoutinasweat.Hetookinadeepbreath,hischestpressingharderagainstme,andthenexhaledashudderingbreath.Heleanedforward,lickinghislipstowetthem.
Iwantedtokisshim—Hades,Iwantedtobedhimrightnow,buttherewasonethingflashingthroughmymindinthismoment.
Joslyn.
Hemightnotloveher,butshewasfallinginlovewithhim.Theymightnotbemarriedyetanditmightonlybeamarriageofconvenience,butIcouldn’tdothattoher.Shewasmyfriend.
Iturnedmyfacequickly.“Ican’t,”Imuttered,andhefroze,takingagiantstepbackfrommeandpullingallofthatdeliciouswarmthwithhim.
Swallowinghard,henodded,aconflictedlookwashingoverhisface.“Maybethisisforthebest.IfIdon’tloveanyone,thentheycan’tdestroymewhentheydie.”Hespun,steppingoutofthecircleofweepingwillows.
EmotiontightenedmythroattothepointofcausingmepainasIworkedhardnottocry.Iwantedtoruntohim,pullhimintomyarmsandtellhimhecouldloveme.Thatitwouldbesafe,thatIwouldlovehimback.Butsurroundedbythoselovedoneshe’dwatcheddie,Ijustwasn’tsureitwasthetruth.LikeDr.Elsiehadsaid,wedidn’tknowwhatkindofchildourpairingwouldcreate—Joslynwasthesaferchoice.WhileIwascollectingmyself,hetossedoffhisclothesandgavemeanotherviewofhisroyalass.
Igroaned,hatingtheperfectdetailofhisbuttcheeks,andthenspuntogivehimmyback.Iyankedoffthetunicinangerandthenstartedmyownshift.
Whydidhedothat?Whydidhesaythat?
Idon’tloveJoslyn.
Icouldhavechosenyou.
Thosewordswouldhauntmeuntilmydyingday.
WhenIwasfullyshiftedintomydragonform,Iturnedaroundandhetookonelookatmeandkickedofftheground,headingforthesky.
Ifollowedhim,stilldumbfoundedathisconfession.Didheregretnotchoosingme?Didhewanttochangehismind?Iwantedtoknow,butIdecidedtosaynothing.ForJoslyn’ssake.Foralldragon-folks’sake.
Hemadehisbedandhewasgoingtohavetolieinit.
Theflightbackwasquietandslightlyawkward.Draeflewbelowmejustashepromised,andwitheachbeatofmywingsthefearofflyingleftme.Whenwemadeitbacktothetrainingfield,Joslynwasthere,everthegoodbetrothed,waitingonhermaninhernewyellowdress.
Guiltwormedthroughmeatthesightofherexcitedlywavingatus.
“Youdidit!”shescreamed.
Idon’tloveJoslyn
“Go,Arwen!”Shepumpedherfistintotheair.
Idon’tloveJoslyn.
Isnuckoffintothebushesandchanged,feelingtheballinmystomachgrowingheavierandheavier.WhenIsteppedout,Joslynwaspullingaleafoutoftheking’shairandsmilingupathim.
“Doyouwanttohavedinnertogethertonight?”Joslynaskedhim.
“Ihave…alotofworktocatchupon,”hesaid,lookingatmeguiltily.
MyheartsimultaneouslybrokeforJoslyn,andcheeredthatthekingdidn’tloveher.Itwashorrible,evil,andyetIrealizedinthatmomentthatIwantedhimformyself.Iwishedhe’dchosenme,butthatkindofdaydreamingwouldeatawayataperson.NottomentionJoslynwasmydearfriendandthiswasn’tright.Ineededtoremedyitimmediately.
Itwasn’tfairtoJoslyn.
Walkinginarush,ItookoffforthehorsebarninsearchofCal,tellingJoslynandthekingIhadsomewhereIneededtobe.Calhadbeenflirtingwithmeforthreeweeksstraight.IwouldkisshimandwewouldbothseethatwecouldbehappytogetherandIcouldforgetabouttheking.DraeinturnwouldseemewithanothermanandthenmoveonhappilywithJoslyn.Itwasawin-win.
Passingdrovesofsoldiers,IscreamedCal’snameandfinallyfoundhimsaddlinghishorseonthesideofthebarn.
Helookedupwithagrinwhenhesawmeapproach.“Youstillsorefromthat—?”
Icrashedintohim,pressingmylipstohis.Hisarmscamearoundme,pullingmeclosertohim.HegroanedasourlipstouchedandIimmediatelyfeltthegravityofmymistake.
Theworlddidnottiltonitsaxis.Thiskisswasnotearth-shattering.ItfeltlikeIwaskissingmymothergoodnight.
Hepulledawayabruptly,lookingatmewithwideeyes,asifhetoodidnotenjoythekiss.
Iwassuchanidiot.IprayedthattheMakerwouldstrikemedeadwithalightningboltrightthenandtheresothatIdidn’thavetoexperiencethis.
“Sorry,”Imuttered,stumblingawayfromhim.“I…havenoideawhatIwasthinking.”
Hereachedoutandtookmyhand.“No.Don’tbe…Iwanttobut…I’mnotallowed.”
Istilled,hisfingersinmineasIstaredupathim.“You’renotallowedtokissme?”
Hischeekspinkedandhelookedleftandrightasifmakingsurenoonewascloseenoughtohearus.“ThekinghastoldtheentireRoyalGuardthatnoneofusmayhaveyou.”
That.Bastard.
“Why?”Myhearthammeredinmychest.Icouldphysicallyfeelthecolordrainingfrommyface.
Calchewedonhisbottomlip.“IncasesomethinghappenstoJoslyn…you’rehisbackup.”
Actualbilecreptupmythroat.ThekingorderednoneoftheRoyalGuardtolikemesothathecouldkeepmeonthesideasabackup?
Iwasnoone’sbackup.
Thatbastard
Inodded,walkingbrisklyawayfromCalashecalledmyname.TearsstartedtowellupbutIblinkedthemback.
Don’tletthemseeyoucry.
I’dbeentrainingnearlyamonth.I’dbrokenbones,cutmyself,beenknockedout,andnotshedasingletearinfrontofthesemen.Iwouldnotcrynowoveraninvisibleheartwound.
PassingAnnabeth,Igaveheracurtsmile,mythroattighteningthefasterIwalked.WhenIfinallypulledthedoortomyquartersopen,Ithrewmyselfinsideandthenslammeditshutbehindme.
“Arwen?”Narine’ssweetvoicecamefromthekitchenandtheneverythingbrokeinsideofme.SobswrackedmybodyasIcrumpledtothefloor.Icouldn’tholdittogetheranymore.
“OhMaker.”Narinerushedforward,pickingmeupandscanningmybodyasiflookingforwounds.“Youhurt?”
“Notphysically.”Isniffled.“Ineverwantedtocomehere!Ididn’twanttomarryhim.Ididn’taskforanyofthis.”Iwept.
UnderstandingdawnedonNarine’sexpressionandshenodded,hercurlsbouncingaroundherface.“Mattersofthehearthurtmorethanbodilyinjuries.I’llmakeyousometeaandrunabath.”
“Thankyou,”Iwhimpered,allowinghertotakemetothecouchanddepositmethere.
ThelongerIsatthere,sippingmyteaasNarineranthebath,theangrierIbecame.DraeproposedtoJoslyn,hechoseher,heshouldnotbemakingpassesatme.AndthentellingtheRoyalGuardnottotouchmesoIcouldbehisbackup!Itwasn’tfair.Iwantedtopunchhimrightinhisprettylittleface!
“You’resmoking,”Narinesaid,andIfroze,lookingdownatthecurlsofsmokefloatingupfrommynose.
Takingadeepbreath,Icalmedmyself.
IfIdon’tloveanyone,thentheycan’tdestroymewhentheydie.Theking’shauntingwordscametomethenandIdeflated.Allangerathimfledfrommeandjustbecameaballofsorrowandpity.Hewasinahorribleposition,boundbydutyforhispeople.JoslynwasthesaferchoiceforhimtohaveachildwithandIrespectedthat.Ifthesituationwerereversed,Iwouldhavemadethesamechoice—denyingmyheartforthebettermentofmypeople.
Aftermybath,Ireadforawhileandthenplannedtoturninearlywhentherewasaknockatthedoor.Ihopeditwastheking,butbythelatenessofthehouritwouldbeinappropriate.
WhenNarinepulledthedoorback,Joslynsteppedinside,redblotchyeyesthehallmarksignthatshehadbeencrying.
Hades.
“Canyougoforawalk?”sheasked.
No
“Sure.”Islippedintomysandals,andtuckedmyhuntingknifeintothebackwaistbandofmytrousersoutofhabit.
Wewerequietwalkingdownthehallway.IwavedtoapassingmaidandthentotheRoyalGuardstationedatthedoorthatledouttothegardens.Onlywhenwewerealoneinthegarden,peeringatthepurplelilacs,didJoslynlookatme.
“Hewillneverloveme,”shesaidandmyheartbroke.
“What?”Itriedtoactsurprised.
Joslynwrungherhandstogether.“Ijustspoketohim.Hemadeitclearthiswillbeamarriageofconvenienceandheisn’tsurehewilleverlovemeasIdeservetobeloved,andhetoldmeIcangetoutofitifIwant.”
Shockranthroughmeatthat.“Getoutofit?Endthebetrothal?”
Shenodded.“HesaidhewouldmakesuremyfamilynamewasnottarnishedifIchosetowalkaway.Iwouldstillhavehighbornstatusandhewouldpayamonthlystipendtotakecareofmefortherestofmylife.”
Myheartpinchedattheking’skindness.Iblinkedbacktearsseveraltimesasmyvisionblurred.“Whatareyougoingtodo?”
Shechewedherlip.“I’mgoingtostay.It’smydutytoprovidearoyalheirandsavethepeopleofEmbergateandsoI’lldoit.Loveornot.”
Sohealsotoldheraboutneedinganheirtosavehispeople.Herpeople.Ourpeople.NinetypercentofthepeopleinEmbergatecarrieddragonmagicintheirveinsandwouldsuccumbtodeathastheking’smagiceventuallyfadedaway.
IwassuddenlyfloodedwithsomuchrespectforJoslyn.“You’reagoodperson.You’llmakeawonderfulqueen,”Iinformedher.
Ipulledherintoahugandsheweptonmyshoulder.I’dbelyingifIdidn’tadmitthatmyheartbrokeforthefactthatIwouldneverhaveDraetomyself.ButIvowedrightthenandtheretoneveragainseethekingasanobjectofdesire.OutofrespectforJoslyn,whoclearlylovedhim.
Whenshepulledback,shewipedhereyes.“Tellmeastory.Takemymindoffofthis.”
Inodded,startingtopacethegarden,tryingtothinkupastoryfrommychildhoodthatwouldmakeherlaugh.“WhenIwasyoung,myfatherhadjustdiedandwedidn’thavecoalforthefireplace.Ironicconsideringwherewelive,butcoalhadtobeboughtjustlikeeverythingelse.Withoutmyfather’swages,mymotherfeareditwouldbeaterribleandcoldwinter.”
Joslynlookedatmewithconcern.“Whatdidyoudo?”
“Well,”Imurmured,pacingthegrass,“IhadheardthatthepeopleofGypsyRockkeptwarmbyburningdriedcowdungpatties…exceptwedidn’thaveanycowsinCinderVillage.Onlydogs.”
Joslynsuddenlyburstintolaughter.“Youdidn’t!”
Igrinned,turningtofaceher,delightedthatI’dgottenhertolaughandliftedherspirits.“Iamhappytoreportthatdogshitburnsprettyhotwhen—”
Thewordsdiedinmythroat.AmansuddenlyappearedbehindJoslyn.Hisonehandwentaroundhermouthandhisotherheldaknifetoherthroat.HeworetheNightfallcrestonhisarmor.Theglintofsteelfromhismechanicalwingsflickeredinthemoonlight.
Istoodthereshockedforasplitsecondandthenreachedformyknifeatthebackofmyshirt.Thenleavesrustledbehindmeandsomeonegraspedmywrist,clenchingitharduntilIdroppedtheblade.
“Notsofast,”amalevoicelikescratchywoolsaid.
MyhearthammeredinmythroatasIlookedataterrifiedandshakingJoslyn.
“Whichoneisthewife-to-be?”themanholdingJoslynaskedwhoeverheldme
SmalltendrilsofsmokeleakedfrommynostrilsandIpulledonmydragonpower.
Themalebehindmesqueezedmyhandtighter,immobilizingme.“Yours.”
Ithappenedsofast.
OnesecondJoslynwasstandinguprightandthenextthemanwasdraggingthebladeacrossherthroatandherlifebloodwasdribblingalldownhergownbeforeherbodyhitthefloor.
“Takethatonetoo.She’sthebackup.”AmanIrecognizedsteppedoutofthewoods.
Bonner.ARoyalGuardsman.Atraitor.
I’dneverlikedhim.
Themanholdingmepulledouthisblade.ThecrushinggriefandrealizationthatJoslynwasdeadslammedintome,tearingmeintwo.
Aninhumanwailrippedfrommythroatasheat,andrage,andanguish,consumedme.Aburstofbluefireexplodedoutward,andtheneverythingwentblack.FIFTEEN
“Arwen.”Afamiliarpanickedvoicerousedme.“Arwen!”Therewasalightslaponmycheek.
MyeyelidssprangopenandIcamefacetofacewithDrae.
Hispanickedgreengazeranthelengthofmybody.“Areyouhurt?”hesaid.
IblinkedafewtimesandthenlookeddowntoseethatIwascompletelynaked.Myclotheshadburnedoff.Littlebitsofashandsootstainedmyskin.Mygazepeeredoutaroundthegarden,andthememoryofeverythingcamebacktome.
“Joslyn,”Iwhimpered,mylipquiveringasmybodystartedtoshake.
Thekingreacheddownandpulledoffhistunic,andthenhelpedmesitup,threadingmyarmsthroughthegarment.Soldiersranaroundthegardenbarkingordersandtakinguparms,butallIcouldseewasthebeautifuldarkhairsplayedoutonthegrassandthepuddleofbloodunderJoslyn’sbody.
“I…Icouldn’tsaveher,”Isobbed.
ThekinghauledmeupintohisarmsandIpeereddownattwocorpses.Theywereburnedlikeanimalmeat.Imusthave…mypower…
“Someonebetrayedme.Whowasit?”thekinggrowledashewalkedwithmeinhisarms,tuckingmetightlytohischest.
“Bonner,”Icroaked.
Theking’sjawtickedandhisarmspulledtighteraroundme.AswepassedCal,thekingstoppedtofacehim.“TakeBonner’swifeinforinterrogation.Ifsheknewhewasatraitor,banishherandtheirchildrentoNightfall.”
Calnoddedandthentookoffrunning.
Nightfallwasnoplacefordragon-folk…Iguessthatwaswhythekingwouldbantraitorsthere.Thesecondyousteppedfootontheirsoil,theykilledyouifyouhadanounceofmagicalbloodinyou.Ididn’tcareaboutthatrightnow.Icouldn’tgettheimageofJoslynbeingbledlikeagoatinoutofmymind.
Mybodyshiveredasadeathlycoldcreptoverme.
DraeslappedmycheekandIgasped,realizingI’dblackedoutagain.
“She’sgoingintoshock,”Dr.Elsiesaid.
WhendidDr.Elsiegethere?
Ipeeredaround,lookingattheblackdragonscale-patternedwallpaperanddarkgraylacqueredfour-posterbed.Draedepositedmeonthecharcoalsilksheetsandstareddownatme,wide-eyed.“Sheburneduphalfthegarden,explodedwithdragonfireatleasttwentyfeetwide.”
Dr.Elsiepulledanelvenhealingwandfromherdoctor’sbagandhelditoverme.I’dseenanelvenhealingonetime.AnelfcamethroughtownwhiletravelingtheperilousNarrowStrait,thesmallbitofneutrallandinNightfallterritorythatledfromEmbergatetoThorngate.OnetoeoutsideofthestraitandtheNightfallwarriorswouldstickanarrowinyourbackwithlegalright.
Theelfhadbeentravelingwithafriendwho’dstrayedoutsideoftheneutralportionoftheNarrowStraitandhe’dshownuptoCinderVillagewithanarrowinhisback.Whenthehealerhadbroughtherhealingwandout,I’dneverforgottentheunearthlyglowitheld.Itwasacrossbetweenblueandpurplebutalsosilver.Itwaslikethestarsintheskywerecontainedinthatwandand…
Slap
Igasped,myeyelidsflutteringopen.
“Staywithme!”Dr.Elsiebellowed.
“Stopslappingme,”Iwhimperedweakly,lookingupather.
“Ineedyouconscious,Arwen.You’regoingintoshockandIdon’tknowwhy.”
Herwordsscaredthelifeoutofme.
Sheheldthewandnow,assmallasastickyouwouldpickuptofloatdownriver.Itglowedthatmagicalblueishpurpleandthelightseemedtobathemyskin,wrappingarounditandhuggingmybody.Thelightdidn’ttouchthesheetsbeneathme,itonlyseemedtosearchoutandsticktothatwhichwasalive,thesamewayithadthefallenelfwho’dbeenbroughttomyvillage.
Mylegssuddenlystartedtoshake,andmyteethchatteredviolently.
Elsiegasped,lookingatthelightthatbathedmyskinasifithadjusttoldhersomething.“Runahotbath!She’scoldasice.Organsshuttingdown.Sheusedallofherfiretofightoffthemenandnowshe’s…freezingtodeath.”
KingValdrenloomedovermenow,eyesglowingwithorangefire.“There’snotimeforabath.Move.”
Dr.Elsieglancedupathimwithafrown.“Mylord,sheneedshea—”
“MOVE!”hebellowedandsheleapttoherfeet,stumblingbackwards.
Myentirebodyconvulsed,thecoldnesscreepingintomyveryheartandsqueezing.Iclosedmyeyes,readytomeettheMaker,thenasearingheatwashedovermyskin.Myeyelidssnappedopenjustasthekingloweredhimselfontopofme,flamesshootingfromhishandsandencompassingmyentirebody.
Itburned,butinagoodway.Hishandsreachedundermeandthenhepulledmetohim,smooshingustogetherinthiscocoonofheat.TheflamesdancedaroundusandIsmelledsmokeasthebeddingsinged,butthekingandIremainedunharmed,asifthisdragonfirewereahealingbalmandnotthescorchingheatitwouldbetosomeoneelse.Istaredupintohiseyes,feelingtheweightofhimontopofmeashelookeddown.
Therealizationhitmehard.
I’dfalleninlovewithhim.Iwantedhim.I…
EmotiontightenedmythroatasIthoughtofJoslyn.OfCalandhowhewouldn’tkissme.Iwasthebackup—hedidn’tchooseme.Ineededtorememberthat.
Theheatthawedthedeepcoldthathadtakenovermeandmybodystoppeditsshivering.Myteethnolongerchattered,andclarityreturnedtomymind.Itookinadeepbreath,nolongerfeelingonlyhalfinthisworld.
ThefirearoundusdieddownandReginaandDr.Elsierushedforward,pattingthesheetstoputoutthesmallfiresthathaderuptedaroundus.Thekingpushedoffofme,chestheaving,nakedasthedayhewasborn.
Hiseyeshoodedashegazeddownatme.IpeeredatmybodytoseethatthetunichadburnedoffandIwasagaincompletelynakedaswell.
“Keephersafe,”hetoldDr.Elsie.“Shedoesn’tleavemyroomuntilI’mback.”
Dr.ElsienoddedandDraecrossedtheroom,grabbingapairoftrousersfromthewardrobe.Reginasidledupbesidehim.“Myking,howwillyouretaliateforthisinjustice?ThequeenofNightfalljustkilledyourbetrothedandthentriedtokillyourbackup.”
Backup.
Shesaidbackup.SoReginaknewtoo?WasItheonlyonewhotrulythoughtIwasherebecausehewantedmetobeinhisarmy?Irolledontomyside,awayfromthem;thetearsfelldownmycheeksandontotheburntsheets.Dr.Elsiespreadanewblanketovermeandbegantoscanmeagainwiththeelvenwand.
“Shetookmyopportunityofanheir,sonowI’lltakeoneofhers.”Theking’svoicecouldcutglassandIstiffenedathiswords.
“Oneofhersons?”Reginasoundedpleased.
Thekingmusthavenodded,becausethenthedoorslammedandIwasleftinsilence,bathedintheelvenhealinglightandallalone.
ThekingwasgoingtokilloneoftheNightfallqueen’ssons?Iheardshehadseven,andonedaughter.
WhatifDraegotkilledtryingtoretaliateforJoslyn’sdeath?Icouldn’tletthathappen,notwhenIhadthepowertohelpthem.
Isatup,causingDr.Elsietoleanbackwardstoavoidcrackingheadswithme
“AmIhealed?Hisfirehealedme,right?Ifeelfine,”Iinformedher,andbyfineImeantphysicallyfineandemotionallyfragile.
Shefrowned.“Yourbodylooksstable,organsfunctioningasplanned,but—”
Ileaptoffthebedandrantotheking’swardrobe.
“Butyoucannotgoanywhere.King’sorders!”Elsiedemanded.
Ithrewononeofhistunics,notbotheringwithunderclothes,andburstoutthedoor.
“Ooph.”IranrightintoCal’schest.
“Ican’tletyougoanywhere,”hetoldme,frowningashetookinmyappearance.Iprobablyhadsootinmyhairandthecreasesofmyskinandlookedlikeawildanimal.Ididn’tcare.Ifeltlikeone.
“Move,”Igrowled,mynostrilssmoking.
Calrolledhiseyes,wideninghisstance.“Byorderoftheking,youwillnotleavethisroom,Arwen.”
Iraisedmyhand,callingaballoffireintoit.“Backup,orescortmetoDrae.Idon’tcarewhich,butgetoutofmyway.”
Calsighed,steppingoutoftheway.“I’llescortyoutohimandthenrightbackhere,”hesaid.
Itookoffrunning,notbotheringtowait.
IfthekingwasgoingtoseekrevengeinJoslyn’sname,thenIwasgoingtohelphim.
Iknewwherehewouldbe—inthestablespreparingtoridewithhisarmy.Iranthroughthehallway,mylegsstillshakyfromthetraumaofseeingJoslynkilledrightinfrontofme.Icouldn’tgettheimageofherbodylyinginthepuddleofcrimsonbloodoutofmyhead.Streakingacrossthegrassypathwaytothebarn,IfoundhimaddressingasmallcontingentofsixDraykenguards,Reginaincluded.
“I’llshiftformsandflytwoofyouonmybackintoNightfallterritory—”
Whenhesawmeapproach,hestoppedtalking.“Arwen,”hegrowled,andthenlookedtoCal.
“I’mgoing,”Idemanded.
Reginasighed,whiskingawaythefiveotherguards,plusCal,andthenitwasjustDraeandI.
“Youcannotgo.Thisisnotupfordiscussion,”heannounced.
Inarrowedmyeyesathimandsteppedcloseruntilourtoeswerenearlytouching.“I’mnotstayingbackheretobeyoursafelittlebackup,”Ispat.“I’mmorethanmywomb.I’mawarrior,andI’llfightforJoslyn’shonorwithorwithoutyou!”
HisheadreeledbackasifI’dslappedhim.“I…Idon’tseeyousimplyasawomb,norjustabackup,”hegrowled.
“Lies,”Isnapped.“That’sallyou’veseenofmefromdayone.Joslyntoo.Shewasgoingtostaywithyou,youknowthat?Shementionedtomeinthegardenthateventhoughyoutoldheryouwouldneverloveher,thatshewouldstayanddoherdutytogiveyouanheir.”
Hefroze,hisbreathscominginandoutinraggedgasps.“ItoldJoslynIwouldn’tloveher…becauseI’vefallenforanother,”hesaid.
Iwentverystill,myheartbeatingsofastIthoughtitmightjumpoutontothegroundandshowhimhownervousIwas.
“Who?”Iaskedtimidly,prayingIknewtheanswer.
“You.Iwantyou,”hepressed.
Igulped,everythinginsideofmewarringwiththeother.Joslyn.Backup.KissingCal.Royalwomb.Heir.Backup.Backup.Backup.
“Youdon’twantme.Youneedme—youneedmywomb,”Iclarified,unabletogetoverthetruthofthematter.IfJoslynweren’tdeadrightnow,andIweren’thisonlyoptionatachild,wouldhestillbesayingallthis?
“Youareanimpossiblewoman!”hescreamed,lungingforme.
Istumbledbackwards,thinkingforawildsecondthathemighthitme.Ishouldhaveknownbetter.Hishandcamearoundthebackofmyneckandthenheyankedmeforward,pressinghislipstomine.
Igasped,inhalinghisbreath.Mylipsopenedandourtonguescrashedtogether.Ourkissesalwaysseemedtobethisway,angry,passionate,andfeverish.Hisotherhandcamearoundmylowerbackandhepressedmystomachintohim.Imoanedatthefeelingofhisbodyflushwithmine;heatbuiltbetweenus,andIslippedmytongueacrosshis,feelingtheworldtilt.
TherewasahungrinesstohiskissthatIloved.Itwaslikehewasstarvedformytasteandcouldn’tgetenough.Iwantedtoconsumehimallthesamebutonewordkeptplayingoutinmyhead.
Backup.
WasheonlykissingmenowthatJoslynwasdeadandIwashisonlychanceatanheir?DidIblamehim?DidIstillwanthisaffectionsiftheywerefake?
Ipulledawayfromhim,nolongerdrunkonhislips,andreacheduptograbmymouth.
Hisbrowsdippedinconcernashewatchedme.
“Irespectthepositionyouareinbut…”Itookadeepbreath.“I’mtoogoodtobeanyone’sbackupplan.”Iheldmychinhigh,knowingfullwellthatthismightgetmekilled.Thiscouldhavebeentheonlyreasonhewaskeepingmealive,andnowthatIwasdenyinghim,hewoulddowhatmymotherwarnedallalong.
HegrabbedhischestasifI’dstuckabladeinit.“Arwen,you’re…youdon’tunderstand—”
“Mylord!”Regina’ssharpvoicecamefrombehindusbothandIjumped.“Morninglightapproaches.Ifwewanttodothisandgethomeunderthecoverofdarkness,wemustgonow.”
IlookedtoDrae.“I’mflying.Icancarryoneonmyback.”TheonlysanewayintoNightfallterritorywasbyair.Theirborderswerethemostsecureinalltherealms.
Hiseyesglowedorange.“You’venevercarriedanyonebefore.”
“I’msmall,”Reginasaid,“shecancarryme.Iknowhowtoremainstillandnotthrowheroffbalance.”
“It’ssettled,”Istated,andwalkedintothebarnpastthekingtotakeoffhistunicIwaswearingandshift.
TheyarguedalittleoutsidebutIdidn’tcare.Iwasgoing.IfeltevenmoreguiltynowforkissingthekingbeforeJoslyn’sbodyhadbarelybeendeadanhour.Ihadtoseekrevenge.WhenIwasfullyshifted,Isteppedoutofthebarnandintotheopenpasture,wherethekinghadalsoshiftedintohisdragonform.IgaspedasInoticedthesmallpatchesofhumanskinpeekingthroughhisblackscales,asifhecouldn’tfullyshift.
“It’sgettingworse,”Reginanoted,andIfroze,thegravityofseeinghimlikethatweighingonme.
Hismagicwasdyingwithoutanheir—somethingIcouldgivehim.SomethingIwantedtogivehim.HelookedatmeandIfeltanintangiblebondformbetweenus.Itwashardtoexplainbutitwasasifsomethingknittedtogether,tyingmyfatetohis.
Makerhelpme,Iprayed.WhereDraewasconcernedIwassureofnothing,onlythatIwantedtobetruetomyselffirstandforemost.Iwantedtobeloved,adored,wanted.
‘Let’sfly,’hesaid.‘ForJoslyn.’
‘ForJoslyn,’Iagreed.
IkickedoffthegroundandflewwestwithmymindreplayingthebestkissI’deverhadinmylife.Wouldeverykisswithhimbelikethat?Wasitjustbecauseitwasnewandexcitingand…forbidden?Ishouldn’tbekissingabetrothedking.Akingwhoisnowmourningthelossofhisfuturewife
Butwashemourning?Hedidn’tseemtobe.HerespectedJoslynbutheseemedangrieraboutherdeaththansad.Still,itwasinappropriatetimingandIfeltawful.WhywouldIkissamanwhosaidnothingwhenReginacalledmethebackup?Thatwasthebiggestreasonofallnottokisshimeveragain.Thesethoughtswarredinmymindasweflewtowardsafateunknown.SIXTEEN
WeflewlowovertheNightfallborder,hidingwithinadensebedoffog.I’dneverbeentothispartoftherealmbefore,andalthoughIwasonamissionIwasalsosightseeinginaway.Oncewereachedtheirmaingate,weflewhigherintotheskytoavoidtheirdetection.
TheNightfallrealmhadmoreglassandmetalthanIhadseeninmyentirelife.Mechanicalhorselesscarriageswithlampsinfrontofthemrolleddownthestreets.Andeventhoughitwasnighttime,everythingwaslitup.Buttherewasnoflameorfire,itwas…adifferenttypeoflight.Asoft,constantglow.Thebuildingswereexpertlymade.Glass,brick,andmetal.Allthelineswerestraight,nothinglookedjaggedorpieced-togetherhastily.Iregrettedtoadmititwasbeautiful,asighttobehold.
Soldierswerestationedeverywhere,twooneverycorner,andtheyallhelddifferentkillingcontraptions.Metalweaponswithprojectilesloadedintothem.Arrowthrowers,spearthrowers,andoneevenhadaflameburningfromthetip.Firethrower?
Whatwasthisplace?AplaceofinventionandtechnologythelikesofwhichIcouldn’timagineinmywildestdreams…ornightmares.Itwasasifthequeenwantedtoexpungetherealmofmagicandthenusehermachinesandmetaltobecomemagicalhumans
‘Thequeen’sbelovedeldestsonlivesoutsideNightfallCastleinhisownfort.’Drae’svoicepiercedmymind,pullingmefrommythoughts.
‘Howdoyouknow?’Iaskedasweveeredleft,awayfromthebrightlightsofafar-offcastleandtowardsasmallervillage.
‘Spies,’wasallhesaid.
Thekisswe’dsharedlingeredbetweenus.Ididn’tknowhowtoactinfrontofhimnow.He’dsavedmylifebyheatingmeupwhenI’dbeenfreezing,butIdidn’tfeelthankful.IfeltangrythathetoldCalandalloftheotherguardsnottodateme.HecasuallyacceptedRegina’sreferraltomeashisbackup,andthenjustsocasuallymentionedthathewantedmewithinminutesofJoslyn’sdeath.DidherefertomeasabackupwithReginaandnotamemberofhisRoyalGuard,notafriend?Becausethat’swhathurtthemost.
Iwasaninsurancepolicy.
Smokebegantoleakfrommynostrilsandtheking’sblackheadswiveledinmydirection.Isnuffedoutthefireandfacedforward,readytojustfocusonthetaskathand.
AvengeJoslyn.
Itstilldidn’tfeelreal,thatshewasgone,thathersoulhadleftherbody.
‘Ishouldhaveprotectedher.WhatalousyRoyalGuardImake,’ImutteredtoDrae.
Hepeeredoveratme.‘LousyRoyalGuard?WhataboutthedozenguardstheNightfallsoldierspassedwhentheybrokeintomypalace?Reginaisbesideherselfthatshedidn’tdoherjob.Youdidmorethananyone.Youkilledthem.’
Ihadn’tthoughtofhowReginamightbetakingthis.HowupsetshewouldbethatastheleaderoftheDraykensheallowedtwooutsiderstobreakinandkilltheking’sbetrothed.Nottomentionthefactthatshe’dhadaspywithinherranksandneverknew.
Ikeptquietafterthat,realizingthatthisaffectedmorethanjustme.ThoughIwasconfidentthatoutofeveryone,IknewJoslynthebestandcaredforherthemost.
‘Golow,intothatmist,’thekingsaidsuddenly,anddropped.Iloweredmyselfwithhimandthenwewereflyinginadampwhitehaze.
“Thatoutcropoftrees…”Reginasaid.
Ipeeredtothelefttoseethatjustinsidethefort’sgateswasasmallorchard.Westayedinthemist,passingoverthefence,andthenwhenweweredirectlyoverthetreesDraedroppedsuddenly,asifhiswingshadbroken.
‘Dropquicklysothatyouaren’tseen,andthenpumpyourwingslastminutetolessentheimpact,’thekingsaid.
Feargrippedmeatsuchafall.ItremindedmeofthetimethewindhadtumbledmetothegroundandI’dbeenseverelyinjured.
Icircledtheorchard,stillhiddeninthemist,terrorconsumingme.WhatifIdidn’tfallfastenoughandtheguardssawus?OrwhatifIfelltoofastandthenIkilledRegina,whowasattachedtoabasketonmyback?Icircledforagoodminute,tearingmyselfintwowithanxiety,whenReginareachedoutandstrokedmyhead.“Yougotthis.I’llbeokay.I’vetumbledanddovefromKingValdren’sbackmanytimes.”
Withthatassurance,Idropped,collapsingmywingssothatwewereinadeadfreefall.Instincthadmewantingtoflapmywingstostayairborne,butDrae’svoiceboomedinmymind:
‘Hold.’
ThesecondIclearedthetopofthetrees,mywingsburstfrommybackinpanic.
‘Now!’Draecried,andIflappedlikecrazytoslowmydescent.Ididslow,butitwasstillafastfall,andmyfeetandchestcrashedintotheearthasIstumbledforwardlikeadrunkenbuffoonatamidsummerfestival.IfeltReginateeterontopofme,thenIwasabletoregainmybalance.
Reginamadequickworkofunhookingmysaddle,andthenheldoutmybrownleatherhuntingsuit.Thekinghadalreadychangedandwaswaitingformewiththreemen,Calincluded.NoxandFalconweretheothertwo.FalconwasanoldtimerwithsomanyscarsIdidn’tknowhowhisskinmovedatall.He’dbeenburnedinafire,that’sallIknew.I’dlearnedthathe’dalsohadapetfalconwhichgavehimthename,butithadsincedied.Hewasagoodman,andtheking’sveryloyalfriendwhoservedunderhisfather.
“Regina,”Draewhispered,“wewillbreakupintotwoteams.”HespokewhileIchangedandthemengavemetheirbacksforprivacy.“Falcon,Nox,andIwillgoinfirst.YouandArwenandCalwillbringuptherearandbetheextractionteam.”
IknewfrommytrainingthatmeantImighthavetoprepareawaytogetthemoutaftertheycarriedouttheassassination.Itwastheeasierofthetwojobs,buthe’dletmecome,soIwasn’tgoingtocomplain.Ifinisheddressing,andwalkedupbesidehim.
“Killingthisguywillhurtthequeen?”IwhisperedtoDrae.Iwantedtomakesurethatwitchpaidforwhatshe’ddonetomyfriend.
Draenodded.“Notonlythat,he’sherleadcommander.Nomissiongoesthroughwithouthisplanningandapproval.”
Igritmyjaw,feelingmyteethcreakatthepressure.ThisguywasdirectlyresponsibleforJoslyn’sdeath?
IlookedoveratDrae.“Promisemeyou’lltakehimout.”
Hepeeredoveratmeandnodded.“Youhavemyword,Arwen.”
Arwen.Thewayhesaidmynamemademystomachtwistintoknots.
Wesnuckintoasidealleywayandletthekinglead.Hewasholdingapapermapandconsultingitoften.WhoeverhisspywashadgivenusadiagramthatledrighttothesleepingchambersoftheNightfallqueen’seldestson.
Herheir.
Thegravityofwhatwewereabouttodosettledintome.Killingamanwhileheslept,nomatterhowevilhewas,washardtostomach.IknewnowwhyDraeputmeontheextractionteam.Iwouldn’tbetheretoseeit,andafterwitnessingJoslyn’sdeathonlyhoursagoIwasgrateful.
Wereachedthesideofalargeestate,hidinginthealley,andimmediatelyshrankintotheshadowsasaguardpassedbyahead.Theguardwasbathedinlanternlight,andIwasrelievedtoseethathedidn’thavethemetalwingsattachedtohim.
Therewasasmallwindowonthesideofthehousejustahead.DraemadeasignalwithhisfingerstoReginaandshenodded.Ipeeredclosertoseethatitwascrackedopen!Hewasgoinginthatwindow,andthenIwouldn’tseehimuntilitwasover.
WhatifDraedied…?Whatifthequeen’ssonsleptwithaswordunderhispillowandaguardathisdoor?
ReachingforDrae’shandbeforehecouldwalkaway,Isqueezedit.
‘Besafe,’Isentmentally,unsureifitwouldworkinhumanform.
Henoddedtome,squeezingmyhandback,andthenleft,FalconandNoxfollowinghim.
Iwaspissedatthebastardrightnow,butIdidn’twanthimtodie.Icouldn’thandleanotherdeath.
Withoutspeaking,ReginamadeahandsignalforCalandItofollowhertotheendofthealleyway.Bythetimewepassedtheopenwindow,Draeandtheothershadalreadyslippedinside.
Whenwegottotheendofthealley,Reginapointedacrossthestreettothestables,andCalandInodded.Thatwaswhereweneededtogetto.TherewasagoodchanceDraewouldendupinjuredandthenwe’dhavetohorseandcarriageourwayhomesomehow.Eitherway,weneededtwoexitsatalltimes,onebyskyandonebyland.Justincase.
Reginapeekedherheadoutintothealleywayandlookedleftandrightquickly.Shesuckedherbodybackintotheshadowsandthengavethegosignal.
Thethreeofuswalkedbrisklyoutfromthealleywayandtowardsthestables.Notafullsprint,whichwouldbesuspicioustoanobserver,butnotslowenoughtobeunusualeither.Itwastheperfectwalkofthreefriendstryingtohurryhomeinthelatehourafteranightofdrinkingatthetavern.
Thesecondweenteredthestables,aguardwasthere.He’dbeenrelievinghimselfinside,andatthesightofusheyankedhispantsupward.Fumbling,hetriedtoreachforhissword,butReginawasfaster.Shelunged,andwiththebuttofherdaggercrackedhimonthesideofthehead.Hecrumpledintoapuddleofhisownurine.
“That’sunfortunate,”Reginasaidsoftly.Wethenmadequickworkwiththehorses.Ihadn’tyettakenproperridinglessons,butpartofmypuptrainingmeantI’dhadtomuckoutthestallsandtiethesaddles,soIknewhowtodothatnow.Withinminuteswehadtwolargemareshookeduptoamedium-sizedwagonthatshouldholdallofus.Wecouldn’tfindaclosed-topcarriage;theywereallmechanicalhere,horseless,andwedidn’tknowhowtoworkthem.Butthewagon,whichlookedlikeithadn’tbeenusedinyears,woulddo.Reginahadlaidsomeblanketsinsidethatwecouldusetotakecoverifneeded.MyheartracedasIthoughtofthekinginsidetheestaterightnow,carryingoutanassassinationattemptontheNightfallqueen’sson.Itwasbrazenanddangerous—butnecessary.
ForJoslyn.
IfthequeenthoughtshecouldjustwaltzintoEmbergateandtakeouttheking’schanceathavinganheir,shewassorelymistaken.
Wekeptthehorsesjustinsidethestable,waitingforasignalfromDraethatheneededextraction.
Insteadofasignal,thefrontdoorofthehouseblewoffitshingesandDraewastossedoutontothestreetinapuffofblacksmoke.
Whatthe…?
Reginakickedthehorsewithherheelsaschaoseruptedintotheoncesilentnight.NoxandFalconburstfromthehomenext,eachbleedingfromtheirarms.Halfadozenguardsfollowedthemwithswordsdrawn.
IbarelyhadtimetoprocessthescenewhenReginawhiskedthewagonbesidethemandwhistled.
Theking,Falcon,andNoxlaunchedthemselvesinsideandthenwetookoff.
“Missionaccomplished,”wasallDraesaidandatriumphantfeelingspreadthroughoutmylimbs.Theydidit.ThepersonresponsibleforJoslyn’sdeathwasdead.
AloudanddeephornblewthroughoutthefortandIknewthey’dbeshuttingthegatesandpreparingforanattack.AnarrowwhizzedpastmyheadandIduckedbeforepoppingupagain,wide-eyed.Thismustbewhatwarfeltlike,Ithought.Bythetimeyouprocessedwhatwasgoingon,anothersituationentirelyhadunfolded.
“Holdthereins,”Reginatoldme.
IscrambledontothehorseasReginaswitchedplaceswithmeandgrabbedherbow,shootingarrowsattheapproachingarmyofangryNightfallsoldiersrunningafterus.
“Arwen,let’sfly!”Draecriedout.
Myhearthammeredinmychestasthehorsesbarreledforthefort’sclosedgates.Shiftintoadragonandflyoutofherewhileridingonamovinghorse!Isheinsane?
Ispuntofindhimalreadyrippingoffhisshirt.
Hades,heisserious.Herewego…
Abandoningthereins,Ijumpedintothesmallwagonwithhim,yankingoffmyleatherswithoutacarefornakedness.Whocouldworryaboutexposingoneselfwhenyouwereabouttodie?
Thekingwasthefirsttostripdown,butonlyhalfway,stillwearingtrousers,andwithinsecondshesproutedwingsfromhisbackwithagrowlofpain.He’dtransformedintoapartialdragon,wingsonly,andthenusedhisarmstograbNoxandFalconbythewaist.
“CanyoutakeCalandRegina?It’seasiertotaketwoifyoupartialshiftandholdthemlikethis,”hesaid.
Umm.No.Hadesno.Icouldn’t.
SomethingterrifyingcrossedhisgazeandIfrowned.Therewassomethinghewasn’ttellingme.
‘Ican’tfullyshift.Notenoughmagic,’hesaid,andfearfloodedmyentiresystem.
Already?Witheachshifthewaslosinghispower,whichmeantthepeopleofEmbergatewereingravedanger.
Inodded,thenwithonejumpheleaptintotheair,awayfromthecart.NoxandFalconhungfromhisarmsasheflewthemoverthefort.
What.The.Hades?
“Idon’tthinkIcandothat,”ImumbledtoRegina.
Shelookedbehindme,atwhatIknewwastheapproachinggateandprobablyanarmyofmoremen.“Youhaveto,”wasallshesaid,andthensheandCalreachedoutandgraspedoneofmyarmseach.
Myleatherswerehangingsnuglyoffmywaist,mybreastscoveredbymysmallbralette,andIdecidedthatwasenoughclothingtoremoveifthegoalwasjusttoeruptwingsfrommyback.
Pullingforththefirewithinme,Ipusheditintomytransformationandfeltapopofpainasthewingsburstfrommyback.
“Now!”Reginayelledandthecartjerkedtoastop.Ijumpedintotheair,flappingmywings.Wewentairborne,andforafewsecondsIactuallythoughtthiswouldbeeasy.Thentheweightoftwopeopledraggedmedownward.
“Flapthemharder!”Reginayelledassheheldontomyleftarmwithtwohands,andCalheldontomyright.
MywingsbuckledunderthestrainasIflappedthemlikeamadwoman,gainingafewfeet.Thearmywasunderusnow,aimingupatuswitharrows.
We’realldead!
Icouldn’tgetushighenough,Iwastooslow,I—
AnarrowwhizzedrightpastmyfaceandIscreamed.
Reginaletgoofmewithoneofherhands,aimingattheapproachingmenwithbows.
“No!”sheyelled,anunholylookofferocitycomingacrossherface.Raisingherhand,astreamofbeautifuldeadlyorangefireburstfromherpalmandsaturatedthemenbelow.
Screamsfilledthenight,thenthethwipofarrowscutintothesky.PainsuddenlylacedintomyrightarmandIcriedout,losingmygriponCalforahalfsecond.Heslippeddownbutscrambledtoholdonatthelastsecond.Itwistedtolookatthesourceofmypaintofindanarrowlodgedinmyrightshoulder.BloodtrickleddownmyarmandontoCal’shands.Iflappedmywingsmadlybutwewerestillbarelyfifteenfeetofftheground.
MyshoulderburnedlikeHadesbutIkeptgoing,ignoringthenumbnessinmyfingers.Ijustneededtogetoverthewall.ItwastwiceashighasIwasflyingsoIpumpedmywingswitheverythingIhad.
Butitwastoodifficult.Welostaltitude,fallingafewfeet,andIstartedtowhimper.
‘Helpme.Ican’tgetoverthewall,’IcalledtoDraeaspanicfloodedmysystem.IwasgoingtodropCalanysecond.
“I’mtrying!”IsaidandthenlookeddownintoCal’sandRegina’spanickedexpressions.
ReginalookedoveratCalthen,watchinghimslipdownmyarm,andthenglancedupatme.“Getthekinghomeandhaveanheir.Saveourpeople,Arwen.That’sanorder!”
Haveanheir?Whywasshetalkingaboutthatatatimeliketh—?
“NO!”Theblood-curdlingscreamrippedfrommythroatassheletgoofmylefthandanddroppeddownintothefray.Calfranticallyreachedoverandgrabbedmyotherarm,shiftinghisweighttorelievemyinjuredshoulder.
IpeereddowninshockasReginapulledoutherbladeandthenspitastreamoffire,tryingtofightherwaythroughthetwentymenattackingher.
No!Notlikethis.Itcouldn’tendlikethis.
“Regina!”AstonesankinmygutasIimmediatelystartedtolowermyselfandhelpmybelovedcommander,butbeforeIcoulddoanythingshewasgoredbyhalfadozenarrowsinseconds.Asifthatweren’tenough,aNightfallsoldierwalkedupandtookherheadcleanoff.Unbridledrageandwildgrieffilledmewithequalmeasure,onenotmakingenoughroomfortheotherastheysmashedaboutwithinmybody.
Calsqueezedmyarm.“No!Itwillallbeinvain.Getusoverthatwall.Thekinghasn’tcomebacktohelp,whichmeanshe’shurt.”
Cal’surgingshookmefrommygrief.Thekingwashurt?Whyhadn’thecomebacktohelpus,orrespondedtome?
IwatchedReginafallforward,andmyentirebodyflinchedandwentnumb.ItwasallIneededtoseetoknowthatifIdidn’tgetusoutofhererightnow,wewerebothdead.Iflappedmywingswildly,holdingCalmostlywithmygoodarm,andsoaredupandoverthefencenowthatmyloadwaslighter.Imadefortheoutcropoftreesthatheldoursaddles,andhopedthekingwasthereaswell.
Regina…myidol,mymentor,theleaderoftheKing’sDrayken…
Dead.
Icouldn’tprocessit,itdidn’tfeelreal.IprayedthatIwouldwakeupanymomentandfindoutthatJoslyn’sandRegina’sdeathweresomesicknightmare.
Themomentwegottothetrees,Iknewsomethingwaswrong.Draewasonhishandsandknees,heavingupthecontentsofhisdinner.
Ilandedawkwardly,trippingovermydanglingfeetbutrelievedtofinallyletgoofCal’sweightonmyinjuredarm.
“What’swro—?”Nauseawashedovermeasacoldsweatbrokeoutovermybody.
Draestood,andInoticedthathetoohadbeenhitbyanarrow.Grazedwasmorelikeit.Hisarmhadaslightlineofbloodontheside.
“Regina’s…dead,”Isaid,blinkingrapidlyaseverythingblurred.
Whatishappening?WaslosingReginaandJoslyninthesamenighttoomuchgriefformyhearttobare?IfeltlikeIwasdying.
Thekingstompedforward,graspedthetipofthearrowinmyshoulder,andyanked.ItriedtoscreambuthecoveredmymouthsothatImerelywailedintohissaltyfingers.
“Arrowsarepoisoned,”hebreathed,eyeswideashelookedoverme.“Didwebringanotherantidote?”hecalledtoNox.
Noxsteppedforward.“No,sir,onlytheoneyoujusttook.”
Thewildpanicthatconsumedhisfacemademykneesgoweak.
“I’mgoingtodie,”Iwhimpered.
Maybethatwasbest.MaybetonightwouldbeknownastheNightofSorrows.Thenightwhentheking’sbetrothed,backup,andcommanderwerealltakenfromhim.Ididn’tcareanymore,Ijustwantedtobeoutofpain.
“No!”HeshookmyshouldersandthenglancedupatCal.“CanyouandtheothersmakeitbacktoEmbergateonfoot?”
Calnodded.
“Mylord,shewillnotsurvivetheflighthome.Dr.Elsieistoofar,”Falconsaid.
Draedippedhishead.“Iknow.Butwe’reonlyafewmilesawayfromtheArchmereborder.”
Cal’seyeswidened.“You’regoingtotheelves?”
Draesighed.“Ihavenochoice.”
AhorriblecrampingseizedmystomachthenandIfellbackwards.Draereachedouttocatchme.
“Justletmego.IwanttobewithJoslynandRegina,”Iwhimpered.
Hepulledmetohischestandmutteredinmyear,“Ican’t.Ineedyou.”
Ineedyou.ItwassomethingI’dwantedhimtosayforsolong,andyet…somehowIdidn’tthinkhemeantitinthewayIwanted.
Heneededmywomb.Notme.
Everythinggothazythenandlifebegantopassbyinsnippets.
Flying.
Draerunningintoanelvencouples’humblehomewithmeinhisarmsashescreamedinpanic.
Theelvenwomanofthehouseholdscanningmewithherhealingwand.
HershakingherheadtoDraethatIwouldnotmakeit.
Moreflying.
Itallfinallyendedwithanominous-lookingmaletoweringoverme.Hehadbrightwhitehairandathinsilvercrownonhishead.Iwaslyingonsometypeofcrystalbed.Hard,andyet…itwasnotuncomfortable.Itseemedtobecarvedoutofagiantrosequartzwithindentationsthatfitmybodylikeaglove.
“Thismatterdoesnotconcernme,”themalesaidashestareddownatme.
IrolledonmysideandmoanedasthecrampinginmymusclesbecamesopainfulIwantedtodie.Myheartbeatfeltlikeitwasinmyears.
“Raife,”Draegrowled.“Sheisimportanttome.Iknowyoucansaveher.Ifyoudo…I’llgiveyouwhateveryouwant.Coal,boats,jade.Nameyourprice!”
Raife?RaifeLightstone.Theelvenking?RumorhaditthathelosthisentirefamilyinonenightatthehandoftheNightfallqueen.Hisparentsandsevensiblings.Nowhewasabrokenmanhadesbentonrevenge.
“Myprice?”KingRaifecockedhisheadtotheside.“Brother,mypricehasalwaysbeenthesame,andyetyoudenymeateveryturn.YouknowwhatIwant,whatIrequire.”
Imoaned,aburningsensationrisingupinmythroat.Draereachedupandyankedonthesidesofhisface.“Fine,I’llhelpyoukilltheNightfallqueenifyousaveArwen,butyouhavetogetLucienandAxiltoagreetohelpus.She’stoopowerfulunlessweunite.”
LucienThornethefaekingandAxilMoonthewolfking?DidDraejustagreetotakedowntheNightfallkingdomtosavemylife?
Raifereachedupandrubbedhischinasifdeepinthought,andDraerushedforward.“Saveher,dammit!”
Theelvenkingrolledhiseyes.“Alright,wehaveadeal.Itmaytaketimeformetogettheotherkingsonboard,butyouwillholduptoyourpromise.”
Igrabbedmythroat,nolongerabletobreathe.Igaspedforair.
Draecrossedafistoverhischest.“Iswearit,Raife!Iwillhelpyouavengeyourfamily.Justsaveher!”
Raifekneeled,loomingoverme,bringingwithhimthescentoflilies.Ihatedlilies.Theyweretoofragrantandalwaysmademesneeze.Leaningforward,theelvenkingplacedhisnoseaninchfrommyinjuredshoulderandinhaled.
“Deathwoodsap,”hestated.
Draerushedtotheothersideofme.“Canyoureverseit?”
RaifelookedupatDraeandIwonderedhowthesetwokneweachother.Raifehadcalledhimbrother
“Isshetheoneyouhavechosentohaveyourheir?”Raifeasked.
Isteeledmyselfforhisanswer.
Backup.
Draestaredintomyeyes,andthennodded.“Ifshewillhaveme.”
Myheartbeatwildlyinmychest;blacknessdancedattheedgesofmyvision.IfIweregoingtodie,thatwasaprettysweetthingtohearbeforeIwent.
Raifenodded.“Verywell,then.”
HelaidahandonmyinjuredshoulderandIgaspedwhenhisskintouchedmine.Aflareofpurplelightexplodedoutfromhispalm,momentarilyblindingme.Thentheblacknessaroundmyvisionrecededandmythroatstoppedburning.Icouldfinallybreathe.Isuckedinhugelungfulsofair.Thenonebyonemymusclesstoppedcrampingandmynauseafled.
Ilookedupinshockattheelvenkingandhepeeredbackatmewithacoldandunforgivinggaze.Hewinced,andIwonderedifhealingmewascausinghimpainsomehow.Releasinghishandfrommyshoulder,heheldittohischestasifitwereinjured.
Isatup,suddenlyfeelingbetter.“Thankyou,”Ibreathed.
Heignoredme,glancingupatDrae.“Begonebymorning,IcannothavemycouncilknowingIhelpedyouuntilIgetthemonboardwithtakingoutZaphira.”
Draedippedhishead,andthengaveKingRaifealittlesmile.“Aretheystillpesteringyoutogetmarried?”
Raifegroaned,shakingouthisfingersasiftryingtoexpelwhateverhealingthepoisonhaddonetohim.“Imusttakeawifebywinterortheysaytheywilloverthrowme.”
Draesmiledagain,nodding,andthensteppedforward,pullingtheelvenkingintoahug.“Thankyou,brother.”
Raifedidn’thughimback.Hefrozeasifhehadneverhuggedanyoneinhisentirelife,butDraedidn’tseemtocare.Thedragonkingpulledback,squeezedRaife’sshoulders,andthenturnedawayandheadedforme.
Raifewalkedtothedooronthefarwall,andforthefirsttimeItookintheroomaroundme:whitestonefloors,lightpurplewallpaperwithflecksofgold.Itwastranquil,healing.
“Drae?”Raifecalledfromtheopendoorway.
Draeturnedtolookattheelvenking.
“Iwillcomeforyou,andwewillendQueenZaphira’sreign.”Itwasacommandandapromise.
“Youhavemyword,”Draesaid,andthenRaifelefttheroomandclosedthedoor.
Mytonguefeltlikeitwasstucktotheroofofmymouth.Almostdyingtwotimesinonedaywastoomuchofashocktomysystem.
“Tellmeyou’reokay.”Draekneeledbeforeme,placinghishandsonmywaistandstaringdeeplyintomyeyes.
Ifrowned,feelingmylipquiverastearslinedmyeyes.“I…”Awhimperleftmythroat.“Joslyn…Regina,”Isaid.
Hesighed,lookingdownatthecoldwhitetile.“We’veletthequeengoonforfartoolong.Shehastobestopped.”
“Withherflightgadgetsandfirethrowers,Idon’tseehow.Evenwiththeelves.Didyouseethehorselesscarts?”
Henodded.“Raife’sparentswantedtocurbhertechnology,knowingherplanstoonedaywipeoutthemagicalraces.Myfatherdeniedtheirrequestforhelp.”
Igasped.“Andtheytriedandshekilledthem?”
Hedippedhishead.“Raife’sparentsblewuponeofhermachinefactories,andinturnthequeenkilledRaife’sentirefamily,leavinghimaliveasamercy.”
Leavinghimaliveafterkillinghisentirefamilywasamercy?
“Whydidn’tyouhelphimgetrevengeaftershedidthat?Itsoundslikeyoutwowereclosefriends.”
Shamecoloredhischeeks.“Iwasayoungprince.MyfatherwasafraidoftheNightfallqueenandcounseledagainsthelpingRaife.”
Inodded.“Butwinterslater,whenyoubecameking,whydidyoustilldenyhim?”
Draelookedpainedatmyquestion.“BecauseI’djustlostmyownfather,wasgettingmarried,andtryingtohaveanheir.Ididn’tknowthefirstthingaboutinvadingaterritoryandstartingawar.Tobehonest,theNightfallqueenscaredme.WhatshedidtotheLightstonefamilyfrightenedme.”
Itkilledmetohearhimsoundsoweakandvulnerable.“DoesRaifeknow?Thatwithoutanheiryourmagicisdead?”
Heshookhishead.
Isighed.ImightbethebackupbutIwasallhehad,andIwasn’tgoingtoleavehimwhenheneededme.
“Fine,youcanhavemyroyalwomb,”Iquipped.
Hestilled,goingcompletelystiff.“Don’tjokelikethat.Iwantyouwithorwithoutanheir.”
Nowitwasmyturntogocompletelystill.“Drae,IknowthatyoutoldtheentireRoyalGuardtostayawayfrommebecauseIwasyourbackup.”
Hegrowled.“Whotoldyouthat?”
“Cal…whenIkissedhim,”Iadmitted.
Hiseyesflewwide.“YoukissedCalston!”
“Iwastryingtogetoveryou!”Ipunchedhimlightlyinthechest.“Buthewouldn’thaveme.Saidhecouldn’t.”
Heleanedclosertomeandlookedmerightintheeyes.“Iorderedtheothermentostayawayfromyoubecausethethoughtofyoubeingwithanothermandrovemeinsane.”
“Oh.”Isuckedinabreathandhereachedout,tracinghisfingerovermybottomlip.Shiversrandownmyentirebodyandmyeyesfluttered.“EversinceAmeliadied,I’vefeltlikeIwasdrowning.Thenyouwalkedintomylife…andnowforthefirsttimeIfeellikeIcanbreathe.”
Igaspedatthedeclaration.Itwasthenicestthinganyonehadeversaidtome.
“You’veneverbeenmybackup,Arwen.Youwerealwaysmyfirstchoice,eversinceIsawyouwalkingintotownwiththatgiantcougarindrapedoveryourshoulders.Iwasfascinatedwiththebeautifulandstrongfemalehunter.”
Shockranthroughme.Hewatchedmebringmykillin?
Hesteppedcloser.“Ipeekedintothekissingtentandsawyouwalkingtowardssomeotherguy,yourlipspursedandready.Withoutthinking,IjumpedinfrontofhimandtookwhatIwanted.”
Iknewitwashim!Andtherealizationthathe’dknowinglykissedmebecausehe’dlikedmeeventhen,itmadeeverybrickI’dstackedaroundmyheartcrumble.
“Marryme,Arwen.NotbecauseIneedanheirbutbecausesomehowI’vefalleninlovewithyouandnowI’mnotsurethatIcanlivewithoutyou.”
Isuckedinabreath,andinresponseIreachedoutandgraspedthebackofhisneck,pullinghislipstomine.Thesecondhistongueenteredmymouth,therewasalmostapainfulreleasewithinmychest.Sometimesitachedtolovesomeone,andthatwastruewithDrae.
Hepulledback,lookingdownatmewithuncertainty.“Isthatayes?”
Igrinned.“Yes.Doesthismeanyou’renotgoingtokillmelikemymotherfeared?”
Hefrowned.“Don’tevensaysuchathing.”Hepulledupmyhandandkissedeachknuckle.
“Dr.Elsiesaiditwasn’tadvisableforustohavechildrenastherewasnotellingwhatourmixedmagicwouldcreate,”Itoldhim,tryingtofindsomethingwrongwithourunionbecauseitseemedtoogoodtobetrue.
Hepeereddownatmeskeptically,nodoubtwonderinghowIknewshe’dsaidthat,butIsaidnothing.
“WhateverwecreatewillbeablessingupontheentiretyofEmbergate.That,Iamsureof.Now,let’sgethomeandburyourdead.ThenwewilltelleveryonethatIhavechosenyouasmyqueen.”
Islippedmyhandintohis,andalthoughtheguiltofpromisingmyselftothekingsosoonafterJoslyndiedweighedonme,Itookcomfortinthefactthatitwashiminthekissingtentallthistime.Ihadhimfirst.
AfterwegaveJoslynandReginaarespectfulburial,Iwantedtohavehimforever.SEVENTEEN
Iflewusbacktothecastletogetherafewhourslaterinthedarkoftheearlymorningtocoverus.Weweren’tsurehowmanymoreshiftsDraehadinhim,soIdidn’twanthimtotryunlesshehadto.WordthatDraehadkilledtheNightfallqueen’ssonwouldnodoubthavespreadandwehadtobeonhighalert.WhenwereachedthegatesofJadeCityjustasthesunwasrising,theguardsblewthehornannouncingthekingwasback.Thepeoplefloodedintothestreettogetasightoftheirwingedking,butinsteadofjustseeinghimtheysawmewithhimridingonmyback.Gaspsandlooksofsurprisefelluponthefacesofthepeopleastheypointedandclappedandsmallchildrenranafterus.
‘Theyaregoingtoloveyouastheirqueen,’Draesaidintomymind.
Ididn’trespond.IwassuddenlyworriedthatImighthavetroubleconceivingwithhim.Thenallofthesepeople,includingAdaline,woulddie.
‘Howdoyoudoit?’IaskedhimasIloweredusoverthestablesandarmory.
‘Dowhat?’
‘Carrytheweightofyourentirepeople’sfateuponyourshoulders.’
‘Onedayatatime.’
InearlycriedinreliefwhenIsawCal,NoxandFalconwaitingforusdownbelow.Theywerecoveredinmudandlookedtobesoakingwetbuttheywerealive.They’dgottenherefast…theymusthavestolenhorsesandrodeallnight.Dr.Elsiestoodnexttothemwiththeking’sadvisor,theoldmanwiththebookfrommytestingceremony.
WhenIlanded,thekinggotoffandIranofftothestabletodress.BythetimeIcameout,thekingwasfrowning.Nox,Falcon,andCalweregone,andDraewaspeeringdownatasmallleather-boundtome.
Iranupbehindhimandbrushedanaffectionatehandoverhisarmandhestiffened,causingmetorecoil.
Dr.Elsiestaredatmewithadeepsympathythatscaredme,thesortofsympathyyougavebeforeyoutoldsomeonetheyhadjustlostabeloved.
Igraspedmychest.“Aremymotherandsisterokay?”
“They’refine,”Draesaid,lettingthebookfalltohiswaist.
“KingValdrenwasjusttellingusofyourplanstomarry…”Dr.Elsiesaid,peeringattheelderlyadvisor.Icouldn’tbesurebutIthoughtitwashewhohadadvisedDraetojustkillme.Dr.Elsiewenton:“Iknewthatyouwouldbethenextbestoptionintermsofmagic,soIdidsomeresearchafteryouleft.”
Ihatedthatshewasconstantlyevaluatingthefitnessofmymagicalwomb.“And…?”Iasked.
“I’llspeaktoheralone,”Draesuddenlysaid,andDr.Elsiestiffened,stillstaringattheadvisor,wholookedlikehewasbarelyalive.Seriously,howoldwasthatdude?
TheyscurriedawayandDraeturnedtofaceme.
“Justtellme,”Ibeggedhim.“I’velostJoslynandRegina.Just…tellme.Idon’thavetheemotionalcapacityforgames.”
Henodded.
“Thereisanoldbookthatcataloguesroyalbirths.Thisonewashiddenduetoitsnature…itdiscussesaroyalbirthbetweenEclipseclanandDarkNightclanathousandwintersago.”
Athousandwintersago!Maybeourclanswerefriendsbackthen,Ididn’tknow.
Myhandsstartedshaking,myeyesflickingoverDrae’sshoulderasElsiegreetedthreefamiliarfacesinthedistance.
Thatred-hairedgirlfromJadeCity?Theblondewiththebadbreath.TheseweregirlshewascourtingbeforehechoseJoslyn.
“Whyarethegirlsback?”Iasked.
Draesighed.“Afterseeingthis,shethoughtitprudenttocallthem.Kendalisonherwayaswell.”Hewinced.
Kendal!Myheartnearlyseizedinmychest.
WhattheHadeswashetalkingabout?Ireachedoutandrippedthebookfromhishands,lookingdownattheopenpage,andgasped.
Thefirstlinewasinbold.Babyseverelydeformed,livedonlyhours.
ThenIreadthenextline.
Hypothesis:Mother’sEclipseclanmagicconsumedtheDarkNightclanmagic,killingthechild.
Ididn’tevenknowIwascryinguntilthetearsfellontothepageandwetthewords.
“Ican’tloseanotherchild.”Drae’svoicewasbroken.
Inodded,foldedthebook,andhandeditbacktohim.
Hegraspedtheedgesofmyfaceandforcedmetolookathim.“ButIstillwantyou.”
Iglancedoverattheothergirls.TheywerealltalkingtoAnnabethandDr.Elsie,waitingonthekingnodoubt.
“IfIcannotgiveyouachild,thenyoushouldnotpickme,”Itoldhimtruthfully.“ThefutureofallofEmbergatedependsonthat.”
Hefrowned,peeringoverhisshouldertostareatthegirlsandthenbackatme.“WhatifIstillmarriedyou…butIlaywiththem?”
Igasped.
“Purelytohaveachild—oncepregnantIwouldstop.Themagicofmypeopleonlyneedsmetohaveanheir.Itdoesn’tcareifthatchildisabastardornot.”
“You’reaskingmetomarryyouknowingyouwillhavemistresses?”IwassohurtIcouldn’teventhinkstraight.
Heshookhishead.“I’maskingyoutospendtherestofyourlifewithme,allowingmetobedthosewomenonceortwiceinordertosavethousandsoflives.”
Ifrowned.“Bedallofthem?”
NotKendal.PleasenotKendal.
Heswallowedhard.“Dr.Elsiethinksitwillgivemethebestchanceatsuccess.”
Ichewedtheinsideofmyliptokeepfromcryingasbileroseinmythroat.“Whatyou’reaskingfeelsimpossible…butI’llthinkaboutit.I’dliketobealonenow.”Irippedmyfaceoutofhishandsandthentookoffrunningthroughthepracticefields.
“Arwen!”heyelled,butdidn’tcomeafterme.
Bedthreewomenwhilemarriedtome?Andnotjustonce.Ittookmonthstogetpregnant,andthenifthebabydiedhewouldcontinueuntilhehadalivingheir.
Itwashardtobelievethatjusthoursagohewasconfessinghislovetomeandsayinghewantedmetobehisqueen,andnowhewantedtosleepwithmyfriends?Icouldn’tprocessit.
Butpartofmymindthoughtbacktomymotherandwhatshetoldmeaboutmyfather’sseed.WasthisanydifferentthanwhatmyfatherhadallowedtogetAdaline?
Notreally.
MyfeetpoundedthegrassasIcutthroughalavenderfarm,mychestheavingwithgrief.Imournedthelossofthreepeople.Joslyn.Regina.AndnowDrae.
Thepurenessthatamarriagebetweenusmighthaveheldwouldbedefiledwiththreemistresses.Wouldhebedthemandthensneakintosleepbymyside?Wouldhefallinlovewithoneofthemintheprocess?
IfDraeandIwereatriskofhavingachildwhowouldn’tevenlivemorethanafewhours,itmeantthathe’dneverbedme!I’ddiewithmypuritywhilemyhusbandsleptwithhalftherealm.
No.Ican’t
Asobrippedfrommythroat,startlingme.Ihadn’trealizedhowmuchI’dallowedmyselftoenvisionalifewithhim.HowmuchI’dgrowntocareforhimandseemyselfbyhisside.Ididn’tknowwhereIwasgoinguntilIsawthesmalloutcropofweepingwillowsupahead.
AresignedsighescapedmeasIrantothecomfortanddevastationthatthosetreesheld.Itwasasifthissmallpieceoflandwasaplaceyoucouldfillwithyoursadness.DraeandAmeliafilleditwiththelossoftheirchildren.ThenDraefilleditwiththelossofherandanotherchild.NowIwouldfillitwiththelossofafutureIwouldneverhavebutwaspromisedtomeforamerefewhours.That’sallittooktobreaksomeone,afewhoursofhope.Whenrippedawayitleftagapingholethatfeltimpossibletofill.
IkneltbeforeQueenAmelia’sgrave,unsurewhyI’dcomehere,whyIwasstandingbeforeherrestingplaceofallpeople.
Maybebecauseshewouldunderstand—perhapstheonlypersonwhocould.Theymighthavehadanarrangedmarriageatfirst,buttheyhadgrowntoloveeachother.Shewouldunderstandmysorrowatlosingthechancetobeproperlylovedbyhim.
Ilookedoutattheothersmallgravestonesandmyheartgrewheavy.Whathadstartedasasimpleandjoyoustask,havingafamily,hadendedinhorrifyingloss.Noparentshouldhaveanentiregraveyardoftheiryoung.
None.Notever.
IrealizedthenthataskingDraetoremainfaithfultomewouldendjustlikethis.Inafieldriddledwithchildrenwholivedonlymoments.Numbnessspreadthroughoutmybodyasaheavydepressionsettledoverme.
Icouldn’tgivehimwhatheneeded,whatourpeopleneeded,andifKendaloroneoftheotherscould…thenIneedednottobeselfish.
AtwigsnappedbehindmeandIspun,standingandputtingmyarmsouttofight.
UponseeingDrae,Irelaxedandwipedatmyeyes.
Helookedstricken.“Ishouldhaveneveraskedthatofyou.Idon’tknowwhatIwasthinking.I…Dr.ElsiegavemetheinformationandIwasstillprocessing.Arwen,IloveyoulikeI’veneverlovedanotherbefore,and—”
“It’sokay.”Isteppedclosertohim,takinghishandsinmine.
Iglancedovermyshoulderatthegravestones.“Iknowwhatyou’vebeenthrough.Iwouldneverknowinglyputyouthroughthatagain.”
Hefroze.
“Areyoudenyingmyhandinmarriage?”Hisvoicebroke.
Ishookmyhead,reachingouttotuckastrandofhairbehindhisear.“Iamnot.Iamsimplyagreeingthatyoushouldtryanymeanspossibletohaveanheirandsaveourpeople.”
Hisfacerelaxedandhislipscurledintoasmile.“Ourpeople.”
Ishrugged.“Iamabouttobequeenafterall.”
Steppingcloser,hestrokedmycheek.“You’vealwaysbeenaqueen.Ishouldhavenevertriedtodowngradethattitlebyputtingyouinmyguard.”
“IlikebeinginyourRoyalGuard,mylord,”Isaidformally,andhesmiled
“Akingwhosewifeisinhisarmy?Thismaybeafirst,”heagreed.
Ileanedforwardandbrushedmylipsacrosshischeek.“IwilladmitIamdisappointedthatourweddingnightwon’tbecomplete.”
Ipulledbacktolookupathisstormyeyes.Reachingout,heslidahandupmythigh,causingripplesofheattobloombetweenmylegs.“Donotsaysuchinsanethings.Ourweddingnightwillbemorethancomplete.”
Ifrowned.“But…ifwearetoavoidhavingachild—”
Heleanedforwardandtrailedhistonguealongmycollarbone,causingmylegstogoweak.“Therearewaystoavoidpregnancy,mylove.”
Mylove.Iwantedtohearhimsaythatatleastamillionmoretimes.
Ithreadedmyfingersthroughhishair.“Iseenoreasontodelaythemarriage.Assoonasmymotherandsistercangethere,weshouldwed.”
Hislaughterrangthroughoutthespace,chasingawayandbreakingupsomeofthegriefhere.“Eager.Ilikethat.”
Pullingback,henodded.“Wewillwedinthreedays.I’llsendforyourmotherimmediately.”
HolyHades.I’djustagreedtomarrytheking…andlethimhavechildrenwithsomeoneelseEIGHTEEN
ThefuneralforReginaandJoslynwasbeautiful.Reginawaslaidtorest,withoutanactualbodytobury,intheRoyalGuardcemeteryinthenorthsideoftown,andJoslynwasburiednexttotheking’sprivatefamilymausoleum.ItwasagreathonorandtheentiretyofJadeCityshutdowninmourning.DraehadsetJoslyn’sparentsupwithmonthlypaymentsfortherestoftheirlivesastheywerefromthepoorestpartofGrimHollowandheknewtheywouldbecountingonit.WordhadgottenaroundtownthatIwastheLostRoyalfromthestoriesandthatI’dtriedtosaveJoslyn’slifethatnight.Thepeopleseemedtoloveme,smilingandwavinghappilyasIpassed.Theyknewnothingofmymagicbeingabletosuckthelifefromtheirking,andnothingofthefactthatthekingneededtomakeanheirortheywouldalldie.
NarinetoldmethatshehadtakenthelibertyofspreadingarumorthatthekinghadchosenmeinitiallybuthisadvisorsforcedhimtopickJoslynandthat’swhyhewasmarryingmesoquickly,thathe’dlovedmeallalong.Thecitylovedagoodbitofgossip,andtheywantedtheirkingtobehappy,forwhichIwasgrateful.Iwouldhatefortheretobearumorhe’dcheatedonJoslynwithmeorsomethingawfullikethat.
TheNightfallqueenhadsentbackRegina’sheadasamessage,butnootherretaliation.DraeincreasedborderpatrolsandsentanentireRoyalGuardescortformymotherandAdaline.Nowtheweddingwastonightandmymotherwasarrivinganymoment.
Ihadnoideawhatshewasgoingtothinkofallthis.Iwasmarryingthemanshewasoriginallyscaredwouldhurtme.Buttherewasonethingshe’ddrilledintomesinceIwasborn…
Duty.
She’dsay,“Youhaveadutytothisfamily,yoursister,thisvillage,me.”
NowIwouldhaveadutytotheentiredragon-folkpeople,andIhopedshewouldunderstand,becauseIplannedtotellherthetruthabouteverything.Icouldlivewithkeepingsecretsfromalotofpeoplebutmymotherwasn’toneofthem.
“She’shere!”Narinesaidexcitedlyasshepokedherheadintomyroom.
Istoodandallowedhertofixmyweddinggown.Thisevent,ourwedding,wasnotoneIwantedtoweartrousersfor,thoughIdidaskthepalaceseamstresstoputpocketsinthegownforme.
Whereisagirltokeepherdaggersandthingsifshehasnopockets?
“Youlook…likeadream,”Narinesaidasshecreasedthelacehemofmywhitedress.
Ismiled.“DidAnnabethgiveyouthatonehundredjadecoinsprizemoney?”
Narinegrinned.“Igetittonightaftertheceremony.ThenI’llpayyoubackforthe—”
“Nonsense,youkeepit!I’mgoingtobequeen.I’llhavemorethanenoughmoneyatmydisposal.”
Narineshookherhead.“Noway—”
“Keepitforyourownwedding.”Iwinkedandsheblushed.I’dseenherflirtingwithCallately.“Andisyoursister’sweddingplanninggoingokay?”Iasked.
Narinewavedmeoff.“Yes,thankstoyou.Nowgoseeyourmotherandsister!”
Iwasstalling.Tobehonest,IwasnervousasHadestotellmymotherIhadfalleninlovewiththeking—thatIwasgoingtomarryhimbutcouldneverhavechildrenwithhim,thatinsteadIwouldbeallowinghimtohavechildrenwithhismistresses…
Whatifsherefusedtostandbymysideatthewedding?Whatifshelefttownandneverspoketomeagain?
Withashudderingbreath,InoddedtoNarine.“Pleasefetchherandmysisterandbringthemtothelivingroom.”
NarineslippedoutofmybedroomandIfollowedher,pacingthelivingroomandwaiting.ThiswasthelasttimeIwouldbeinthisapartment.Tonight,IwouldsleepbesideDraeandshareabedwithhimfortherestofmylife.
HolyHades,I’mgoingtobesick.
Wasitnormaltofeellikeyouweregoingtovomiteveryfewsecondsonyourownweddingday?
ThefrontdooropenedandmymotherandsisterwalkedinwithNarineintow.Theyeachheldasmalltravelpackandlookedatmewithwideeyesastheyentered.Theywereexpectedlastnightbuttherehadbeenasandstorm,anddelaysfromotherscomingfromallovertherealm.
“HolyHades,youlooklikeaqueen!”Adalinerushedovertome.“Doesthismakemeaprincess?”
Sheopenedherarmstohugmeandmymomyelledather.“Don’ttouchherdress,you’llstainit.”
Ipulledmysisterinforabone-crushinghug,notcaringaboutthedress.“Idon’tthinkyoucanbeaprincessbutyouwillbeahighbornlady.”
Adalinepulledbacktopeeratmewithwideeyes.“LadyAdaline?”
Inoddedandshegrinned.
“Thisissocool.”
Mymotherhadn’tmoved.Thereweretearsinhereyes,whichIdidn’tknowhowtointerpret.
“LadyAdaline,wouldyoulikesomechocolatecake?”NarineoffereduponseeingtheawkwardmomentbetweenmymotherandI.“Icanshowyouthemainpalacekitchensandthelibrary.”
Adalineglancedtomymother,whonodded,andthensheleftwithNarine.
Ilookedupatmymomthen,andasingletearspilledoverhercheek.
“I…I’mnotsurewhattheytoldyou,”Ifumbled.“AndI’msorryyouhavetofindoutI’mgettingmarriedlikethis.It’sjustthat—”
“Youlookbeautiful.”Shesteppedclosertome,reachingouttograspmyhands.“KingValdrengreetedmeafewhoursagoasourtransportpartyarrivedoutsidethecity,andtoldmehisintentionswithyou.”
Hedid?
“Hisintentionswithme?”NowIwantedtoknowwhathe’dsaid.
“Hetoldmethatheknewaboutyourlineageandthathewouldneverhurtahaironyourhead.Thathelovedyouandwantedtotakecareofyou.Tohaveafamilywithyou.”ShewassmilingandIrealizedthenthathertearswerehappytears.
Afamily…ofcoursehewouldn’ttellmymotheraboutourarrangement.Hecouldn’thaveahealthyfamilywithme,thatwastheproblem.
“Mom,sitdown,”Isaid,andherlipspulledintoafrown.
ShejoinedmeonthecouchandIsatnexttoher,carefulnottomessupmydress.IlovedDrae,butIwasstillsaddenedwithourarrangement,andneededtounloadmyproblemsonsomeoneelse.Ineededmymother’swisdom.
“Draeneedsanheirorallofthedragon-folkwilldie.”
Mymothergasped,herhandgoingtohermouth.“Adaline.”
Inodded.“Hispeoplearelinkedtohimthroughaspecialmagicthatgetsstrongerwhenyoureproducebutdiesoutifyoudonotbyacertainage.Thelinemustcontinuetocarryon,nomatterwhat.”
Mymomdippedherhead.“Iunderstand.Nowthequickengagementandweddingmakessense.Youdowhatyouhavetoinordertosavethepeople,Arwen.”
Myheartpinched.“That’sthething,Mom…DraeisadragonfromtheDarkNightDragonclan,Iamafull-bloodeddragonfromtheEclipseclan.”
Shestilled,asifsensingthiswasgoingsomewhereshewouldn’tlike.
“Andwerecentlyfoundoutthatmymagicandhismagicdon’t—”MythroattightenedandIsuddenlycouldn’tspeak;tearsfilledmyvision.
“Oh,honey,whatisit?”
Mymotherwasamidwife;she’dseentheworstoftheworstwhenitcametochild-bearing.
“Amidwifejournalwasfoundofaroyalcouplelikeus,oneDarkNightclanroyal,oneEclipseclanroyal.Theyhadachildtogether,but…itwasbornseverelydeformed,withorgansoutsideofitsbody,andonlylivedhours.”
Mymotherfoldedinonherselfthen.Thehopesshemighthavehadtohaveagrandchildtohelpraisewerecrushedinthatmoment.Icouldseethelightdieinhereyes.
“Whyishemarryingyou,then?”Mymotherlookedupatme,surprised.
Thatsimplequestionbroughttearstomyeyes,andwasatruetestamentofDrae’sloveforme.“Becausehelovesme.”
Mymomnodded.
“Mom,rememberwhenyoutoldmethatdadletyouliewithanothermantogetAdaline?”Iaskedher.
Understandingdawnedonmymother’sfaceandsheinclinedherhead,reachingouttograspmyhand.“Youdowhatyouhavetodo,Arwen.You’regoingtobeaqueen.YouhaveadutytothepeopleofEmbergate.”
Duty,thereitwas.Iknewshewouldsayit.Iwantedtodorightbymysisterandeveryoneelse,butitdidn’tmakeitanyeasier.
Inodded.“Butthisisthreewomen,togivehimthebestpossiblechance.”
Mymotherwincedatthatbutthenrubbedmyhand.“Itwillbeawinter,maybetwo,ofwonderingwhenhegoestothem,andthenhewillhavehisheirsandyouwillhavehimforever.”
“But…lyingwiththemandthenlyingwithme…”Atearslippeddownmycheek.
Mymomwipedundermyeyes.“Ifyourfatherhaddeniedme,Adalinewouldnotexist.”
Itwasasifshe’dtakenmyheartandsqueezedit.Asmuchasmylittlesisterannoyedmeattimes,Icouldn’timagineaworldwhereAdalinedidn’texist.Shewasright—Iknewshewasright—butIstillfeltunsettledbythewholething.“Thanks,Mom.”
Awinterortwountilahealthyheirwasborn.Icoulddothat.Iwasyounganditwasn’tthatlong.
***
Aftermymotherleft,Icouldn’tshakethefeelingthatIwaswalkingintoamarriagethatmightdevastateme.IneededtoseeDraeandlaydownsomegroundrulesforournewarrangement.AfteraskingNarinetosettlemymotherandAdalineintotheirguestapartmentnextdoor,IhadhernotifyDraethatIwantedtoseehim.ThenIpacedthefloorinmyapartmentandwrungmyhandstogetherasanxietybuiltupinsideofme.
ThedoorsuddenlyflewopenandIjumped.Draewasthere,wearinghisblackdragonscaleleatherprintedroyalarmorandlookingashandsomeasever.Ididn’tcarethathewasseeingmeinmydress.Ineededtosaythistohim.
“Tellmeyouaren’tcancelingthewedding.”Hegrabbedhischestasifaphysicalachehadtakenupresidencethere.
Ismiledandshookmyhead.“Iamnot.”
Hesaggedinreliefandthenshutthedoorbehindhim,hiseyesrakingovermybodyandthewhitelacydressIworethatwasasymbolofmypurity.
“Areyouunwell?”heasked,reachingtotakemyhandsinhis,feelingthemforwarmth.
Isighed.“Idonotrelishtheideaofsharingyouwithotherwomen,soIhavesomerulesthatIwouldliketodiscussbeforeourunion.”
Hevisiblyflinchedatmyabruptnessbutnodded.
“Idonotwanttoknowwhenyouhavebeddedthem.Donottellme.”
“Ofcourse,”heagreed.
“Haveabathbeforeyouseeme.Idonotwanttosmellthemonyoueither.”
“Yes,mylove.”HisfacefellandIcouldseethathehadn’treallythoughtthisthrough.Myhearthurttoevenhavetosayanyofthis.
“NoKendal,”Iwhimpered.“Sheismyfriendfromhome.Trywiththeothertwofirst,andifnohealthychildcomesfromit,thenKendalisalastresort.”
Hepulledmeintohisarmsandwrappedthemaroundme.“Idon’twanttodothisatall.I’mnotsureIevencan.Ionlywantyou.”
Asobdiedinmythroat.“Youhaveto,”Imanagedtogetout.“Thisisbiggerthanjustus.Youhaveto.Wewillgetthroughittogether.”
TherealizationthatIwouldneverbecomeamotherhitmelikeatonofbricks.
“I’llneverbeamom,”Isaidsuddenlyandhepulledaway,lookingatmyfaceinhorror.Sohehadn’tthoughtofiteither.
“I…I’msosorry,Arwen.”Hestareddownathisfeetandthenwentstockstillasifrealizingsomething.“Youcouldbeamotherifyoubeddedsomeoneelse.Wecouldraisethechildtogether…”
ThesewerenotconversationsIwantedtohavehoursbeforemywedding.Bedanotherman?Haveanotherman’schild?Bothofussneakingintootherpeople’sbeds?ItwasnotthelifeIwantedtosignupfor.
“Calstonisloyal.Hewould…agreetoanarrangement.He’dletmeraisethechild,”Draesaid,buthisvoicewasthickwithhurt.
RaiseCal’schildwithDrae?BedCal?No
Myvoicewassmall.“Icouldneverdothat.I’mnotcapableofsuchathing.”
Helookedrelievedbutalsosaddened.Withoutknowingwhattodo,hetookmeintohisarmsagain,justholdingmetightly,asifhewereafraidImightrunoff.
Weheldeachotherforwhatseemedlikeaneternity.Finallyhepulledbackwithnarrowedeyes.“TellmeIcanmakeyouhappy.Thatthislifewillmakeyouhappy.Ifnot,Idon’twanttomarryyouandhaveyouliveinsorrowonmyaccount.”
Iconsideredhisquestionseriously.WoulditbesadthatIcouldneverhavechildrenofmyown?Yes.Woulditkillmetoknowhe’dbeddedotherwomentohaveheirs?Yes
Butthealternative,livingwithouthim,himmarryingKendaloroneoftheothersjusttohaveanheir…itdevastatedmetothinkit.
Ileanedforwardandkissedhislips,pullingbacktolookhimintheeyes.“Theremaybetimesofsorrow,Iwillnotlie.ButIdonotseehappinessinmylifewithoutyouinitasmyhusband.”
Adevastatinglyhandsomegrinpulledupthecornersofhismouth.“IfeellikeI’vewaitedmywholelifetofindyou.”Heranthepadofhisthumbalongmyjaw.
Itiltedmychinuptogazeathim.HiseyesheldanadorationIwasn’tsureIdeserved,butIknewwithinmyverysoulthatIwasreadytomarrythisman.
“Let’swed.”Ileanedforward,brushingmylipsacrosshisearlobe.
AsmallgrowlemanatedfromhisthroatandIsmiled,pleasedwithmyselfforelicitingsuchareactionoverhim.NINETEEN
TheentiretyofJadeCitycameoutfortheroyalwedding.Thepalaceballroomcouldnotholdeveryoneandsotheyspilledoutintothestreetsandsatuponrooftopsalltryingtogetaglimpseofourunion.KendalattendedwithmymotherandAdaline,butwhenItriedtomeethergazeshelookedawayinshame.
Sheknew.Ofcoursesheknewaboutthearrangement.I’msureDr.ElsieandAnnabethhadbriefedthemall.
ItwasheartbreakingwhenIthoughtaboutit,soIjustdidn’tthinkaboutit.IsaidyestobecomingDrae’swife,tobecominghisqueen,infrontoftheentirecity.Idrankwineandhedrankmead.Weatechocolatecakethatwasthesamerecipeasourfirstdate.Wedancedandrodearoundthecityonhorsebackgreetingthepeople.Allthewhile,Istuffedtheissuessurroundingourlittlearrangementdeepdowninsideofme.AllofthesesmilingpeoplewouldeventuallydieifDraedidn’trestorethemagicbygivingthemanheir,soanyneedsorthoughtsIheldaroundthatwerejustselfish.
Afterafullnightofrevelry,mynewhusbandbroughtmebacktooursharedroom.He’dhadaroomofthepalaceneverbeforeusedcompletelyredesignedforus.Nomoredarkwallpaperandblackcarpetlikehisoldchambers.Thisroomwasfullofcreamsandgoldandfeltairyandbright.
Anewbeginning.
Iwalkednervouslytooursharedbed,suddenlyscaredofthepinchofpainKendaltoldmewouldhappenwhenIgaveupmypurity.
Alittlepainatfirstforpleasuredowntheroad,she’dinformedme.
IsatattheedgeofthebedandstaredatDrae.AsmuchasIwantedtomakelovetohim,Iwasalsonervous.HewassomuchmoreexperiencedthanIwas.Heseemedtopickuponmyfearsashecrossedtheroomtokneelbeforeme.Graspingmybutt,hescoochedmeclosertohimsothathewastuckedbetweenmylegs.
“Youareinchargeinthebedroom,okay?”hesaid,andmystomachdroppedout.“Wecanmoveassloworasfastasyouwant.”
Iswallowedhardandnodded,feelingemboldenedbyhimgivingmethecontrol.Leaningforward,Itookhisbottomlipintomymouthandsucked.Themoanofpleasurethatrippedfromhisthroatcausedmetogrin.Reachingbehindme,Ipulledthestringofthebowthatheldmycorsettogether,andthenshimmiedoutofmytophalf,freeingmybreasts.
Draedippedhisheadslowlyandtookmybreastintohismouth,causingmetofallbackwardswithamoan.HeatbuiltbetweenusandIstartedtounbuttonthesideopeningofmygiantskirt.Withtenderhands,Draehelpedundressme,pullinghisownclothesoffuntilhestoodbeforemefullynakedandfully…aroused.
Istaredathisbodyasheloweredhimselfontopofme.“You’reincharge,”hewhispered,pepperingmyneckwithkisses.Hiswettonguesenttendrilsofpleasurethroughmybody.
TheheatstartedtopulsebetweenmylegsandIgraspedoneofhishands,placingitbetweenmythighs.Thesecondhetouchedmedownthere,rubbingsmallcirclesovermymostsensitivespot,Igaspedinshock.WavesofpleasuredancedovermeasIleanedforwardandrestedmylipsonhisshoulder,pantingthroughtheecstasy.
Hehoveredoverme,proppedupwithonearm,gazingdownatmewitharakishgrin.Helikedmypleasure,andIwantedmore.
Reachingdown,Ilinedhimupwithmyhipsandthenwecametogether.HeslowlyrockedforwardandbackandIhissedatthesharpstabofpain,causinghimtofreeze.“Areyouokay?”Helookeddownatmewithconcern.
Inodded,leaninguptokisshim,andthenherockedsomemore.Thepainwasstillthere,butlessenedwitheachthrustuntiltherewasjustadeepthrobbingwhichgavewaytomorepleasure.
NowIunderstoodwhymymotherpresseduponAdalineandItokeepourpurityuntilmarriage.Thiswasanincrediblyintimatethingsharedbetweentwopeople.SomethingIcouldn’timaginedoingdownatthetavernforonenightlikesomeofthegirlsdid.
Hestartedtotrembleontopofme,andthenquicklypulledhimselfawayfromme,grabbinghimselfwithhishand.
Foramoment,Ithoughtsomethingwentwrong—he’dleftsoabruptly—butthenIrealizedthiswasthemethodhespokeoftomakesuretherewasnopregnancy
Itwasthemostspecialmomentofmylife,givingmyselffullytohim,givinghimsomethingI’dsavedforhimalone.ButmyfacefellwhenIrealizedthathewouldsoonbesharingthismomentwithotherwomen.Thatwewouldneverhaveachildtogether.
Hepeeredoverandscannedmyface,worrytakingoverhisasheseemedtounderstandwhatIwasthinking.
“Itwon’tbelikethatwiththem.Iwon’tkissthem,I’llbarelytouchthem,justenoughcontacttogetthejobdone.”
Asingletearsliddownmycheek,runningbehindmyneckandIrealizedthatourmarriagewasdoomedfromthestart.I’dnevertrulybeokaywiththisarrangement.ItwouldfesterinsideofmeuntilIexploded.IlearnedinthatmomentthatIwasahorriblyjealouswomanwhodidn’twanttoshareoneinchofmyhusband.Noteventosaveakingdom.
ButIsaidnothing,becauseIknewifIdidhewouldbackoutofthearrangement,andAdalineandeveryoneIlovedwhocarrieddragonmagicwoulddie.
***
Thenextmorningwemadelovetwomoretimes,stayinginbeduntilmidday.Finally,webathedandgotdressedtohavelunchinthedininghall.Draepromisedtotakemeonatwo-daytriptoGrimHollow.I’dneverseentheshippingport,whichwasfamousforitswaresfrombeyondtherealmandwasfulloftraderstallsandmarkets.
Weweregoingtohavelunchandplanoutthetrip,butwhenwesteppedintothediningroom,CalandFalconburstinthroughtheotherdoorsjustasthehornsofwarblewfromthecitygates.
Withouthesitation,DraetookoffrunningtowardwhereCalandFalconstood.
TheymurmuredsomethingtohimandDraelookedatme.“Stayhere,mylove!”heshouted,andtheyallrandownthehall,presumablyforthebarntoridetowar.
LikeHadesI’mwaitinghere!JustbecauseIwashiswifedidn’tmeanhecouldtellmewhattodo.Ijoggedafterthem,gratefulI’dworntrousersandasmalltunictoday.
“TheNightfallqueenhastakenMiddleBridge.Ourarmyiskeepingherback,butbarely,”Calsaidastheyran.
Ijoggedupbesidethethreeofthem,passingAnnabethontheway,whoflattenedherselfagainstthewallinfearaswepassed.
“ThekingandIwillflytolendaid,”Isaid.
Draestaredatmeandshookhishead.“Youmuststaybackandkeepsafe.”
Igrowled,analmostinhumangrowlwhichcausedallthreementoglanceoveratmeinshock.“IamstillamemberoftheRoyalGuard,sworntoprotectyou.Iwillfightandyouwillnottellmewhattodo.”
Hiseyesnarrowed.Callookedlikehewashidingagrin.
“Thequeenhasspoken,”Falconsaid.“Wecoulduseherpower,sir.EspeciallyafterlosingRegina.”
Hernamehungintheairlikeatangiblething.Herlosswasfeltdeeplyinthatmoment.Shewouldknowwhattodo,shewouldcalltheshots.Draehadn’tevenreplacedheryet.Ibelievedapartofhimdidn’twanttoacceptshewasreallygone.
“AqueenwhofightsintheRoyalArmy?”DraesaidasweburstoutsidetothechaosoftheentireRoyalGuardsuitingupforbattle.
Inodded.“That’sright.”
Hejustsighedinresignationbutsaidnothing.Westeppedintothebarn;theothersstayedoutsidetogiveusprivacywhileweshifted.Inolongerturnedawayfromhim,thistimetakingoffmyclothesbeforehimwhilehewatchedmewithyellowglowingeyes.
“Areyousureit’sokaythatyouuseyourmagictoshift?”Iaskedhim.
Heinclinedhishead.“I’lljustattemptapartialshiftofmywings.Wecouldusetwofliers.”
Ipulledonmymagicandthenwasthrustforwardastheshifttookovermybody.IwasonmyhandsandkneesasIheardDraegruntingaboveme,bonessnappingashecompletedhisownshift.
AgrowloffrustrationrippedfromDrae’sthroat.Ilookedoverathiminmydragonformnowthatmychangewascomplete.Hewasshirtless,onhisknees,halfofawingprotrudingfromhisback,blackscalesonhisfaceandonehandturnedtoaclaw.
Myheartplummetedintomychest.‘What’swrong?’Iasked,usingourmentallink.
Hischestheavedupashestaredatmewithpureshockmarringhisbeautifulfeatures.
“I…Ican’tshift.”HiswordsslammedintomelikearrowsandIstumbledbackwardsuntilmytailhitthebacksideofthebarn.
No.No…weweren’treadyforthis.Notnow,notwhilewewereunderattack.
Heseemedshockedintosilence,andsoIchanneledmyinnerReginaandtookcharge.Ilookedhimrightintheeyes.‘Getdressed.Getmysaddle,andrideonmybackasabowman.’
Hestoodtherewide-eyed,asifhopingsomethingmightchange.He’dwaitedtoolongtohaveanheir.Hisparentsonlyhadonechildbeforehismotherdiedinlaborwiththeirsecond.
Wewereoutoftime.
“MymenwillwonderwhyIdon’trideinmydragonform,”hesaid,shamemarringhisdeepvoice.
‘Tellthemyourwingisinjured.Orbetteryet,tellthemnottoquestiontheirking.Let’sgo!’Iurgedhim.Everysecondwestoodheretalking,theNightfallqueengotclosertotakingourMiddleBridgeterritory.
Hegotmovingthen,changinghisonehandandwingbacktohumanandthenthrowingonclothes.Withinmoments,hehadsecuredmysaddleandsatonmybackholdingabow.AsIwalkedouttotherowsandrowsofmendressedforbattle,myheartwaswithmyhusband,myking.Thequeenwasretaliatingforherson,andIwasn’tgoingtoletanythinghappentoDraeinhisweakenedstate.
Ifhedied,iftheyalldied,Iwouldbetheonlyonewithdragonmagicleft…andthatthoughtwastooterrifying,soIpusheditaside.
ThemenlookedconfusedforamomentatseeingDraeridingonmyback,buthestartedtobarkordersandtheyquicklyfellintoline.
“MeetusatMiddleBridge!”heyelled,andthenItookflight.
Hewasheavy,somyinitialliftoffwaswobbly,butprettyquicklyIwasabletobalancemyselfandcontrolmywingspeedinordertosmoothouttheride.
IflewfasterthanIeverhadbefore,thedrumsofwarbeatingthroughouttheentirekingdom.Belowus,warriorsrodetoMiddleBridgeonhorseback.Isquintedtotryandmakeoutanythinginthedistance.OnthehorizonaheadIsawsmokewaftingupfromMiddleBridge.
‘They’reburningit!’Ishouted.
MiddleBridgewasouronlywaythroughtheNarrowStraitandintoThorngate,wherewetradedwiththefae.AthirdofthefoodweconsumedcamefromtradewithThorngate.Thiswoulddevastateus.Angerswirledinsideofme.MetalspecksglintedintheskyandIknewitwasn’tbirds.
‘Takedownthehumanfliers,’Itoldhim.
‘Onit,’herepliedandIdrewcloser,watchinginaweasheexpertlyshotarrowswhilestandingonmyback.Onebyone,theflyinghumansdroppedfromtheskylikestones,andIfocusedmysightsonthebridgebelow.Thefirewassmall,justatthebeginningofthebridge,andourwarriorsweretryingtoputitoutwithbucketsfromtheriver.Attheendofthebridge,theentrancetotheNarrowStrait,wasthequeenofNightfall.I’dneverseenherinperson,butIcouldnotmistaketheregalwomanonhorsebackwearingaredleatherbattlesuitandatallgoldencrown.Herarmsglintedwithmetalfromthecontraptionsstrappedthere.Herfacewaspulledintoagrimace.
‘Arwen,no!She’stoopowerful,’Draesaid,butIwasalreadyflyingather.Shewasrightthereinfrontofme.Onestreamoffireandtheworldwouldberidofher.Shewasweak,asimplehuman.IfIdidn’ttakeheroutnow,she’dkeepcomingformeandDraeandhisfuturechildren.
“Arwen!”Heslappedmyshoulderasiftryingtosteermeanotherway.
Ibuiltthefireupinsideofme,readytoblastherwithit,whenherheadsnappedupinmydirection.I’dbeenwrongtomistakeherforaweakhuman,butIrealizedthattoolate.Inoneswiftmovesheleaptintoastandingpositiononherhorse’sbackandraisedherarms.OnesecondshewaspointingatmeandthenextadozenmetalboltsflewfromthedeviceonherforearmrightforDraeandIlikecometsfallingfromthesky.
IprayedhewasstrappedinasIdidarollmidairtoavoidthemetalprojectiles.
‘Holycrap!Areyouokay?’IaskedDraeasIstraightenedout.
‘I’mfine.Don’tgettooclosetoher!ThatthingonherarmisshootingwayfartherandfasterthanIcanwithmybow.’
Inoddedmydragonhead,stillshakenbythewholething.
‘Whatdowedo?Theycan’ttakethatbridge.Wewon’tsurvivethewinterwithoutthefaecrops.’
Thequeenlookeddelightedatmyretreat.Shedismountedherhorseandwalkedtotheothersideofthebridgethatwasn’tyetburning.Therewasaglintofsteelandasmallflameflickeredinherpalm.
Stupidmachinecontraptions!
Shewasgoingtotakethebridge.
‘Burnherforest!’Draebellowed.‘Ifshewantstotakeourbridge,wetakeherlandtoo.’
Yes!
Itwasbrilliant.
Veeringtotheleft,IflewoutsidetherockycobblestonepathoftheneutralNarrowStraitandintoNightfallterritory.
AnarrowflewfromthetreesbutIdodgedit,andthenswoopedlowintothethickforest.WhenIwasafewfeetfromthetreeline,IreleasedallthemagicI’dbeenholdinginabluestreamofdeadlyfire.
Iflewlow,spreadingtheflamesacrossthetopsofasmanytreesaspossible,notevenstoppingwhenIreachedawoodenguardtower.Thetowerignited,andamanscreamed,jumpingoutofitandtowardstheground.
“Retreat!”Iheardthequeenbellow.“Fetchwater.”
IstartedtoturnbacktowardsthebridgeastheNightfallwarriorsscatteredlikeants.Theyabandonedthebridgeandranfromtherivertothenow-burningforest.Istayedfarfromthequeen’srangeofshot,butcloseenoughthatIcouldseeherface.
Shelookedlivid,hermouthcontortedinanevilgrimace,anditbroughtmegreatjoy.Thebridgefirewasdyingdownasourpeoplesplasheditwithwater.Thewoodwascharredblackinpartsbutitwouldhold.
Fornow
TheRoyalGuardcheeredasIflewoverthem,circlingtomakesurethequeendidn’ttrytocomebackandburnthebridge,orworse,enterourlands.Butshewasbusyenoughtryingtocontainherownfire,whichhadnowspreadtothreetimesasmanytreesasI’dignited.She’dhaveherhandsfullforweeks,maybeevenmonths,ifitspreadtobuildings.
IlandedandletDraetalkwithhismen,checkingonthemanddoinganinventoryofinjuredwarriors.Aftereverythingcalmeddown,heorderedthemtokeepapresencethereandtostartmakingplansforabridgemadeofstone.Oncewefeltthesituationwashandled,heclimbedbackonmysaddleandIflewushome.
AsIlandedonthegroundofthepalace,Dr.Elsierushedforwardandexaminedmeforinjuries.Draedismounted,pulledoffthesaddle,andIshiftedandchangedintoclothes.
“I’mfine.Checkhim,”Itoldher,spinningtofindDraestaringatmewithconcern.
“I’mfinetoo,”hesaid.
Ishookmyheadandwidenedmyeyes.“Tellher.”
Dr.Elsiefrowned.“Tellmewhat?”Shehadherhealingwandready.
HesighedasDr.Elsielookedconfusedlybetweenthebothofus.Steppingforward,Iloweredmyvoice.“Hismagicis…”
Icouldn’tspeakitoutloud;thethoughtterrifiedme.
“Dying.Icannolongerevenpartialshift,”Draefinished,andDr.Elsie’sfacefell.
“Well,thenyouknowwhatyoumustdo.Tonight.”Therewasanurgencytohervoice.
Draenoddedinunderstandingandthensheleftus.
Itwaslikeaknifetothechest,howquicklyshedeterminedthatmyhusbandneededtobedanotherwoman.
She’dbrokenoneofourruleswithoutknowingit.Arulethatwassupposedtokeepmesanethroughoutallofthis.Ididn’twanttoknowwhen.
NowIknewandIwouldn’tsleep.I’dchewoffeveryfingernail.I’dpaceholesintothecarpet.
Tonight.
“Idon’twantto.”Hisvoicewaslowashisarmscamearoundme,holdingmewhilehebreatheddownmyneck.
ThesidedooropenedandAdalinesteppedout,completelyunawareofwhatshewaswalkinginto,anduponseeingmybelovedlittlesisterInodded.“Youmust.”
Iwouldn’tletAdalineandeveryoneelsedieonaccountofmyjealousy.
Spinning,IkeptmyemotionsincheckasIkissedhischeek.“I’mgoingtohavedinnerwithmymotherandsistertonight,”Iinformedhim.
Hewentverystill,watchingmelikeananimalwatchesitsprey,tryingtoseethroughthefa?adeIwasputtingon.Iwantedtosob,Iwantedtoslaphim,Iwantedtomakelovetohim.
Ididnoneofit.
“Iloveyou,”Isaid,thensteppedawayfromhimandbeckonedmysister.
Myfirstdutyasqueenwastosavemypeople.Onlythepeoplehadnoidea,andtheyneverwould.
***
Imovedmyfoodaroundmyplatealotatdinnerbutdidn’teat.Adalinedidn’tseemtonoticebutmymotherdid.Shefrowned,lookingatmeasmyheelboppedonthecarpetnervously.Wespokeoftheweather,thefigtrees,andeveryotherboringthing,andafterawhileIbidthemgoodnight.
Ipacedthecarpetofourluxuriousbedroomandstaredatourmaritalbed.Thinkingofthewayhebeddedmelastnightmadeheatbloombetweenmylegs,butthinkingofhimdoingthattootherwomencausedsmoketosteamfrommynostrils.Iwalkedovertothebed,pickedupapillow,andthrewitacrosstheroominfrustration.Mymotherhadoncetoldmeitwashardtotellwhenawoman’sgoodfertiledayswere,sosheadvocateddailybeddingforthecoupletryingtoconceive.ThethoughtofDraedoingthisnightlymadebileriseintomythroat.
WhydidItellhimitwasokay?Isuddenlyregrettedgivinghimpermissiontodosuchathing.Iwantedtorundownthehallsofthepalacescreaminghisnameandthenattackwhicheverwomanwasunderhimrightnow.Iwasn’tcutoutforthis,notnow,notever.
Graspingaporcelainteacup,Ithrewitagainstthewallwithascream.Whenitshattered,splashinghundredsofbrokenpiecesacrossthesofa,Ifeltnobetter.
Desperationgrippedme.Thenthedoorblewopen,slammingintothewallsohardthatIjumped.AyelpofsurpriserippedfrommythroatandIspun,mygazerakingoverDrae’sshirtlessform.
Asingletearstainedhischeekandheshookhisheadasheclosedthedoorbehindhim.Atear,aheadshake.Whatdiditmean?
Iwasfrozenintime,lockedinmymindtryingtoanalyzethesituation.Washemad?DidIdosomethingwrong?Hadthewomenrejectedhim?
Whenhereachedme,hegraspedmyhips.“Ican’t.Iwon’t.”
Fourwords.Foursmallwordswasallittooktodeepenmyloveforhim.
“Iwantababywithyou.Iwanttobethefatherofyourchild,andIwantyoutobeamother,”hesaid.
Mylipquiveredastearsrolleddownmycheeksunencumbered.“But…ifit’sdeformed—”
“Idon’tcare.Iwilllovewhateverchildwemaketogetherforhoweverlongwehavewithhim.”
MyheartnearlygrewwingsinthatmomentandIfeareditwouldflyoutofmychest.Akingsoconsumedwithbloodlinedidn’tcareifhehadachildwithadefect?Itwasunheardof.TheNightfallqueenoncekilledoneofhersonsforhavingastutter.
“Him?”Iquirkedaneyebrow.
Hegrinned.“Orher.”
Hishandsmovedfrommywaisttomystomach,andIthoughtaboutthegravityofthesituation.Wasn’thavingachildyouknewwouldbebornindiscomfortwrong?“It’snotrighttoputachildthroughpainforourselfishness,”Isaid
“Onejournalentrydoesn’tmeaneverychildbetweenthatcouplewasbornwithanailment.Thesethingshappen.Itcouldhavebeenjustthefirstbabybutnottheothers.Theycouldhavehadfivemorehealthychildrenbetweenthem.”Itwasasifthedarkcloudthathadbeenfollowingmearoundalldayhadpartedinthesky.
Hewasright.Mymothertoldmethesethingsdidhappen.Crueltwistsoffatewithnocause.Iwishedthiscouplewerestillalivetodaytoaskthem.
Achildhavingaconditiondidn’tmakethemanyless,andIwouldlovewhateverlittleonewecreated.ItwouldbehalfmeandhalfDrae.
“Ifthechildlivesforonlyamoment,doesitstillstrengthenyourmagic?”Iasked.
Henodded.“Themomentyougetpregnant,mymagicwillstrengthenabit,thenfullyatthebirth.”
Iwassuddenlyovercomewithadorationforthisman.Hechoseme,hechoseus,inallourimperfections,andthatwasprettyperfecttome.
***
Ninemoonslater.
“She’sinpain.Dosomething!”DraebarkedtoDr.Elsie.
Thedragon-elfhealerrolledhereyesattheking.“She’sinlabor!Painisexpected.”
MymotherstoodfrommysideandwalkedovertoDrae,whowaspacingthecarpet.Hestopped,lookingdownatherwithfrantic,wildeyes.He’dbeentoeveryoneofAmelia’slabors,lostfourchildren,andawifelasttime—thiswasverytraumaticforhim.Itoldhimhedidn’tneedtobeherebuthe’dhavenoneofit.Hesaidhewouldn’tleavemyside.
“Iknowyou’rescared,”mymothersaid.“ButI’veseenmanywomenthroughchildbirthandtheyweren’thalfasstrongasmyArwen.She’sgoingtobefine.”
Heallbutfellintoherarmsforahugandmythroattightenedwithemotion.AdalineandmymotherhadmovedintothepalacewhenI’dannouncedmypregnancy,andmymotherandhusbandformedaspecialbond.Shehadawayofcalminghim;herespectedherandvaluedherwisdom.
Igruntedasanothertighteningtookholdofmystomach.Ithadbeenaprettyeasypregnancy.Nosicknesslikeotherwomencomplainof;DraefedmechocolatecakeeverynightandwhateverelseIwanted,andgavemefootmassages.Butthelaborwasfarfromeasy.
Theelfking,Raife,haddoneusakindnessandengagedthequeeninasmallskirmish,andshe’dlostinterestinus…fornow.
Iscreamedaspaintookholdofmybody,andbothmymotherandDraerushedtomyside,eachonetakingahand.Itfeltliketheareabetweenmylegswasonfire.
“Itburns,”Igrunted,tryingtopushhardlikemymothertaughtmeoverthelastfewmonthsofcoachingsessions.
“Iseethehead!”mymothersaid,gettingintopositionbetweenmylegs.
Dr.Elsiegraspedablanketandabasinofsterilewaterandrushedbesidemymother.Weagreedthatmymotherwouldtendtome,andDr.Elsie,whohadmoreexperience,wouldtendtothechildandits…complications.Whatevertheymightbe.
Drae’sheadleanedagainstmyshoulder.Hespokebarelyaboveawhisper.“I’velovedyoumorethananythinginthisworld,”hebreathedintomyear.
Irealizedthenthathewaspreparingformetodie,anditshockedandsaddenedme.
“TellmethatagainwhenI’mactuallyonmydeathbed.”
Pressurebuilt,andIgrowledaspainlikeI’dneverfeltbeforeslicedbetweenmylegs,likeabutcherknifecuttingmymostsensitiveparts.
ThepressurewassointenseIalmostpassedout.Thentherewasrelief.
“Agirl!”mymothersaidwithjoy,andIlookeddown,shocked.Ibracedmyselffordeformities,organsoutsidethelittleone’sbody,anunbreathingchild,blueskin,but…shewasperfect.Agoldenglowdroppedfromtheceilingthenandcoveredthebaby,causingthebreathtocatchinmythroat.
Wasthatthemagic?Thedragonmagicthatfedtoourpeople?Thesecondithitherskin,itwasgonealmostasifI’dimaginedit.
Iburstintotears,andrealizedthatDrae’sheadwasstilldown.Hecouldn’tbringhimselftolookup.Hewasprobablyafraidofanotherstillborn.That’swhenourdaughterletloosewithabigcryandDrae’sheadsnappedup.
Istudiedhisface,wantingtocommitthismomenttomemoryforever—themomenthehadahealthychild.
“Elsie,checkherheart,herlungs,her…”Asobformedinhisthroat.
“She’sfine.Ijustscannedher.”Elsieheldupherwand.
Draesobbed,holdinghishandoverhismouth,nolongerabletoholdintheemotions.Mymomstoodandwenttohandthebabytome,whenthepressurebuiltbetweenmylegsagain.Igruntedinpain,wild-eyedasIstaredatmymom.“Something’swrong,”Isaid,andDrae’sentirebodywentrigid.
MymomhandedthebabytoDraeandhetookher,holdingherasifshewereadelicateegg.“What’sgoingon?Isshebleeding?That’showithappens,thewomanbleedstoomuch,”hesaid.
Mymothershookherhead.“It’sprobablyjusttheafterbirth—”Herbreathcaughtinherthroatasshelookedbetweenmylegs.
“Push!”sheshouted,andmyabdomenwentrockhard.Ileanedforward,notreallysurewhatwashappening,andpushed.
Fire.Pressure.Andthenrelief
AsecondcrysplitthroughtheroomandDraeandIstaredateachotherwithwideeyes.
“Twingirls,”mymomsaidwithjoyouslaughter.
“Two?”Draepeereddownatthedaughterinhisarms,andthentheoneinmymother’s.Sheleanedonthebedandhandedthesecondchildtome.Shetoowascoveredinthatgoldenmagicthatlingeredforonlysecondsbeforedisappearing
Shewasperfect.Softskin,blueeyes,abuttonnose.Twins.Itwassorare,andtherewasnowayofknowinguntilyougotinlabor.Icouldn’thelpthelaughterthatbubbledoutofme.
Twogirls.
“ReginaandJoslyn,that’swhatIwanttonamethem,”IsaidtoDrae.
Henodded,andthensatontheedgeofthebedandlookeddownatthetinychildinhisarms.“Twoprincesses.”
Igrinned.“You’llbethelastdragonkingforawhile.”
Thesmilegrewwideronhislips.“I’mokaywiththat.”
Helayback,snugglingintomeasweheldourgirlsbetweenus.Sometimeslifewashardandhorriblethingshappened,butwewereproofthateventhedarkesttimescouldbeturnedintoahappily-ever-after.
Mymothertendedtomeandcleanedthegirls.DraeandIjustlaytherestaringattheminwonder.Joslynhadfuzzyblondhairlikeme,butRegina’shairwasdarkerlikeherfather’s.
“Icanfeelthemagiccoursingthroughme.It’ssostrong,”Draesaid.
Withtwoheirsnow,Ihopedso.Itwasagreatrelief.AdalineandeveryoneelseIcaredaboutwouldbeokay.
Therewasaknockatthedoor,andDraecalledoutforthemtoenter.
Calwalkedin,tookonelookatthetwogirlsandbowedhishead,smiling.“Twins?Congratulations.”
“Thankyou,”wesaidinunison.
Thesmilefellfromhislipsashepeeredattheking.“Mylord,thereisanurgentmattertodiscuss.”
Draefrowned.Calstonwouldn’tintrudemomentsaftermybirthifittrulywerenoturgent.
“Youmaydiscussitfreelybeforemywifeandqueen,”Draesaid.
Calclearedhisthroat.“KingRaifeLightstoneisinyourstudy.”
Draejerkedintoasittingposition,lookingdownatlittleReginaandthentome.IfRaifewashere,itmeanthewasheretomakegoodonDrae’spromise.Hewasheretoaskmyhusbandtostartawar.
“Go,”Itoldhim,tryingtokeeptheshakinessfrommyvoice.Raifewouldn’tcomeallthewayoverhereifitweren’tserious.Iowedmylifetothatman,andeventhoughwarbroughtdeathandhardship,IwasinagreementthattheNightfallqueenhadtobestopped.
MymothertookbabyReginafromDraeandhecrossedtheroom,takingonelastlookatmeandsmiled.
Ilovedthatsmile.Ilovedthatallhe’ddonesinceI’dmethimwassmilemoreandmoreeachday.Ilikedtothinkitwasbecauseofme.Nomatterwhatthiswarbrought,wehadeachotherandournewlittlefamilyoffour.TWENTY
Drae
I’dwantedtomarryArwenthefirsttimeIlaideyesonher.She‘dbeencarryinganinety-poundcougarinthroughthewoods,withaninjurybleedingdownherback.Shewasalone,whichtoldmeshewasaconfidenthunter,andevencoveredindirtandbloodshewasthemostbeautifulwomanI’deverseen.LeavinghermomentsafterthebirthofourchildrenwasnotsomethingIwantedtodo,butRaifeknewArwenwassettodeliveranydaynow;he’dsentagiftbasket.Hewouldn’tjustcomeinpersontocongratulateus.
Somethingwaswrong.
WouldhedemandIgotowarwiththequeennow?Momentsafterfinallybecomingafather?WhenRaifeandIweresixyearsold,ourparentshadusattenda“princessummercamp.”Itwasayearlyfour-weekcampwhereRaife,Lucienofthefae,Axilofthewolves,andmyselfallbonded.Ourparentsthoughtitwouldkeepthesupernaturalkingdomstrongshouldthequeenevercomeafterus.Thenatfourteen,whenRaife’sparentsweremurdered,hesentalettertoLucien,me,andAxil,beggingustohelpavengethem.Wewerejustkids,andourparentshadsaiditwasanelvenproblemsowecouldn’tgetinvolved.Raifestoppedtalkingtousthen,andtheyearlyretreatsstopped.
Hebecamekingatagefourteen…Icouldn’timagine.
WhenIfinallybecameKingateighteenwintersold,Raifecametomycoronationceremonyandagainaskedmetohelphimavengehisparents.Myfirstdayaskingandhewantedmetodeclareawar?
Icouldn’t.Notwithmyownissuesongoing.Myfatherdyingmeantthedragonmagicfullyreliedonme,andwithoutanheirofmyownIcouldn’tjustchargeintowar
Thatwasoverfourwintersago.NowIhadtwoheirs.IfRaifeaskedmetogotowartoday,Iwouldnotdenyhim.
Iopenedthedoortomyoffice,readytosayyestowhateveritwashewoulddemandofme.IwouldnotforgethesavedmybelovedArwenfromcertaindeath.Iwasawisekingnow,withapowerfularmyatmydisposal.TherewasalotIcouldgrantifheasked.Ididn’trelishtheideaoftakingontheNightfallqueenwhenInowhadtwonewborns,butIknewArwenwouldsupportmeafterRaifehadsavedherlife.
HadhegottenLucienandAxiltoagreealready?Thatwashardtobelieveconsideringhewasdealingwithhisowncouncil’sinsistencethathegetmarriedlesttheyunseathim.I’dhopeditwouldtakeseveralwintersbeforeheactuallycametomereadytostartthiswar.Peoplewoulddieonallsides,andIwasn’tkeentohastensomethinglikethat,buttheNightfallqueenhadtobestopped.Thisweagreedon.
Isteppedintotheroomandfoundhimsittinginmychair,runninghisfingersovermydesk.
Helookedupatmeandsmiled.“Arecongratulationsinorder?”Hisrelaxeddemeanorcalmedmedown.Maybehereallydidjustcomeheretogivehiswellwishes.Wehadbeensendinglettersbackandforth,tryingtorebuildabrokenfriendship.
Inodded.“Twingirls.Healthy.”
Hestood,walkingoutfrombehindmydesk.“Twins?Greatnews!”
Mygazefelltohishandandtheornateweddingringhenowwore.
“Andcongratulationstoyouaswell.I’msorrywecouldn’tmakethewedding,butwithArwensoheavilypregnant—”
Hewavedmeoff.“It’sfine.Listen,Ihaveintelyouneedtoknow,andIcouldn’ttellyouaboutitviacourier.”
Icouldfeelthefrownpullingatmylips.Iwastired.IhadbeenupallnightworryingaboutArwen.Istillcouldn’tbelieveshewasaliveandhealthyandInowhadtwodaughters.Itdidn’tfeelreal.IwishedAmeliawereheretoseeit.She’dbeenmybestfriend;shewouldbesohappyformetoday.AmeliaandIhadalwaysknownourfatesweretiedtogethersincebirth;we’dneverbeengivenanotherchoice.She’donceaskedmethatifIweren’tbetrothedtoher,whatkindofwomanI’ddesire.IwastwelveatthetimesoI’dansweredhonestly
Mydreamwomanwouldhavehairthecolorofmoonlight,she’dwanttohuntandshootbowandarrowwithmeandmyfriends,shewouldn’tfussoverdressesandfashion,andshe’deatnormalportionsoffood,notpickatsaladslikeabird.
Ameliahadlaughedandtoldmethatwomandidn’texist.Ididn’tknowitatthetimebutI’dbeendescribingArwen.
“Drae?”Raifepeeredatmewithconcern,pullingmefrommythoughts.
Ishookmyhead,reachinguptorubmyface.“I’msorry.Ihaven’tslept.Whatisit?”
Raiferanashakyhandthroughhishair.“I…don’tevenknowwheretobegin.”
Chillsranthelengthofmyarms.ThiswasworsethanIthought.Raifewasneveratalossforwords.
“IsittheNightfallqueen?”Istarted.
Didshekillhisnewwife?Hedidn’tlooklikehewasinmourning.Morelikehewasafraid.Theelfkingfearednothing.
Henodded,lookingupatmewithdreadinhiseyes.“She’s…shehasanewmachine.”
Thatwomanandhermachines.Forsomeonewhodidn’tlikemagic,shesuretriedtoreplicateitwithtechnology.
“Whatdoesitdo?”
Heletoutalong-sufferingsigh.“Itstripsapersonoftheirmagic,makingthemhuman.Amagicalcastrationofsorts.”
“Hades,”Icursed,aspine-tinglingchillsettlingintomybones.Thiswasit;thiswashowshewouldfinallyreachhergoalofahumanworld,devoidofanymagicalcreatures.
“Mypeopledon’tsurvivewithoutourdragonmagic.Itfeedsourhumanself,”Itoldhim.“Thiswouldbedeathforus.”
Raifenodded.“That’swhyIcametotellyouasquicklyasIcould.WehavetowarnLucienandAxil.Weneedtouniteandreadyforwar.”
Iswallowedhard.“YouwanttogoseeLucien?IcanflytoFallenmooreandseeifIcanfindthereclusivewolfking.”
Raifeclearedhisthroat.“Itriedthatonmywayhere.”
Ispreadmyhandswide.“What’stheproblem?”
Theelfkingreachedupandrubbedthebackofhisneck.“Hetriedtokillme.”
Igrinned,somehowknowingtherewasastorywiththis.“Andwhywouldhedothat?”
Raifesighed.“Iwentthroughafewdarkyears,andImayormaynothavesleptwiththeloveofhislifewhileIwasvisitingThorngateonbusiness.”
Ibarkedoutinlaughter,claspingmyoldfriendbytheshoulders.“Isthatwhyhe’ssuchamiserablefoolnow?”
Raifewinced.“IneedyoutogowithmetoseeLucien.ThenwecangethimtogowithustoseeAxil.Thewolveshavegrowninnumber.Ihearthemonmybordersatthefullmoon.Weneedeveryone.AxilalwayslikedLucienthebest.”
Itwastrue.LucienandAxilwerethickasthievesatouryearlyretreats.
“Mywifejusthadtwins,”Itoldhim,givinghimasternlook.
Raifegrowled.“Thequeentriedtopoisonmeagainafewmoonsago.Zaphiramustbestoppedbeforetherearenoneofuslefttofighther.”
Ifrowned.Afterpoisoninghisentirefamily,shewasstilltryingtokillhim?
Iwouldn’tforgethowshe’dcomeintomyowngardenandkilledJoslyn.Wasshetryingtotakeoutallthekings?“Alright.GivemeaweekwithmybelovednewfamilyandthenIwillmeetyouinThorngatetotalktoLucien.”
Raifeclappedmeontheshoulders.“IknewIcouldcountonyou.”
EarningbackRaife’strustwasimportanttome,andthisworldwouldnotbesafeformywifeanddaughterssolongasZaphiraandherevilmachinesstilllived.
ItwastimetoprotectwhatIlovedmost.Nomatterthecost.
TheEnd.
WanttoknowwhathappensnextwithRaifeLightstone?Clickheretopreorderbooktwo.
Andbookthree…
Andbookfour=)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Alwaysabigthankyoutomyamazingreaders!Itrulycouldnotdothiswithoutyou.ItstillamazesmethatIgettobecreativeanddothisforalivingandsomeoneactuallywantstoreadwhatIwrite.ThankyoutomyWolfPackwhoissosupportive.TomyeditorsLeeandKate,Iamasloppymesswithoutyou.Andalwaystomyhusbandandchildrenforsharingmewithmyart.<3