Chapter Twenty-Seven
I threaded my way overto the musicians in the corner, taking the empty seat Bastian’s guitar sat in. The rest of them placed their instruments in their laps, waiting for me to begin.
I plucked at the guitar strings, making sure it was still tuned before moving into the opening chords. The beginning lyrics were soft, gentle—a lulling strain. I let my fury and determination ring out on the chorus, calling for peace and unity and change. I called for aid and friendship.
And I called for lost kindreds finally found.
My eyes met Bastian’s through the crowd when I sang those lyrics and the intensity he watched me with almost caused my fingers to slip. I tore my gaze away and searched for Indigo. She was caught between Elora and her new kindred, their arms around her, happiness and fulfillment shining from their faces.
I sang for them, the kindred soul bond a bridge between two people no longer lost and separated. A perfect match found when all hope was lost.
I sang for lonely souls still searching, waiting, hoping. For choices and freedom. For new love found after heartbreak. As I sang the words straight at Bastian, I realized it was written for him. My focus had been on what would bring the dragons over to our side, but the lyrics I sang pealed out my yearning for him, for the completion he would bring me. I wanted him to experience the same healing I had with my assassins and my prince.
Every day, I missed my parents and wished they were still with me. But my kindreds had softened the constant pain, they’d filled in the holes left by the death of my parents. They’d brought me family and companionship, fun and laughter, freedom and hope.
I wanted the same for Bastian.
He deserved to have those things in his life again instead of remaining trapped in the past, surrounded by pain and bittersweet memories. If only I could make him understand joining us didn’t mean he was trying to replace his first family. So I kept singing my song for him, taking this one last chance to show him what he could have.
What everyone could have if we opened our borders.
My song whispered to a close amid thunderous applause pulsing around the hall. My throat clogged with emotion as I stared at the crowd of dragons cheering for my music, no sign of food flying at my face, no muttered curses or loud boos.
This place was excellent for my ego.
Indigo approached the small stage set up to my left for her speech. The applause died down as she turned to face them.
“Thank you for giving me the chance to address you all this evening. As most of you have probably heard, I came here with the intent to work out a treaty with your Assembly. They determined that they wanted you all to have a say in the future between our two nations.”
Hushed murmuring broke out among the dragons and Indigo waited for it to die down before she continued. She started with trade, what Faligrey could bring to the dragon lands. She talked about how Faligreans would love the market vendors if they wanted to sell their wares in the capital. And finally, she brought it home to the kindreds. She reminded everyone how two dragons had found their kindreds from Faligrey in just a few days. Imagine how many could find theirs once the borders were open.
I strummed the guitar as Indigo began her closing arguments, completely unashamed at using the cheap ploy to manipulate everyone’s emotions. I turned to the other musicians behind me and gestured for them to join, keeping the melody soft and simple so they would have no problems following along.
At the end, the crowd clapped politely, whispering to each other as they reacted to Indigo’s speech. She had a true gift in public speaking, I was astounded at how convincing she was. She was going to make such a wonderful queen. I’d never been more certain of it than in this moment. Even without help from the dragons, she would find a way to lead Faligrey into a time of change and progress. I just hoped the dragons recognized what she could bring to them as well and chose to help.
After settling the guitar back on the chair, I followed Indigo back into the center of the hall towards our kindreds, not allowing myself to search out Bastian in the crowd. It was his move, and I refused to push any more.
Two of the Assembly members replaced Indigo on the stage. “Indigo has made herself available if you have any questions over what she asked for and offered in return. You can also direct queries to any member of the Assembly. We have boxes at the door for you to cast your vote on your way out. Thank you and feel free to continue dancing and eating as long as you wish.”
My kindreds pressed in on me. “You were amazing.”
“That was beautiful, love.”
“You never cease to impress, doll.”
“Damn, gorgeous.”
I smiled. “Who’s dancing with me?”
Sky beat the others to my hand and he dragged me away from them with a triumphant grin. Instead of leading me to the area set up for dancing, he ducked through a side door and down a tight hallway.
“What are you doing?” I asked as I tripped along behind him.
“What I’ve wanted to do all night.”