Chapter 18 #2
Warmth blossomed in my chest when he finished dressing and put Morana’s stone under his shirt. Its glow, though fainter, was still visible. A few moments later, we were rushing through the city to the terrace specially designed for dragons to land.
The small granite plateau was free of snow and as flat as a lake. The only things breaking its plain design were several stone blocks carved into benches near the edges. The air was crisp and clear with the bite of fresh snow so cold it burned my lungs.
I’d never been here, and to my surprise, the view of the river and the city below was breathtaking. Snowy roofs gleamed in the early sun while the river flowed slowly, almost frozen over. I paused, taking it in, wishing I had time to enjoy it.
A powerful gust of wind and the shadow of an enormous dragon made me shield my eyes. When it subsided, a black beast with vivid blue markings stood before me, folding its wings and eyeing me with unbridled curiosity.
‘Vahin, this is Roksana, my w… the king’s shadow and lady of my heart,’ Rey stuttered slightly before finishing the introduction with a boastful grin. I wanted to tease him, the feeling growing when the dragon’s muzzle stretched into what might be considered the draconic equivalent of a grin.
‘Please to meet you, Vahin. I’m guessing the king wanted to say “my woman”, but didn’t have the nerve, knowing how I’d react to such a possessive claim,’ I said, taking a step back when the dragon’s guttural laughter reverberated against my chest.
‘Lady Roksana, what a pleasure. I feel you and I will become the best of friends,’ he said, with only the hint of a lisp. Hearing his answer took me aback. I knew dragons were sentient and that they could talk, but this was my first time hearing one.
Rey’s snort was filled with embarrassed affection. ‘Fine. This is my woman, Roksana. The light of my life and the royal thorn in my backside,’ Reynard said, and his exasperated groan followed me as I approached the dragon, laughing.
He lowered his muzzle. I was so close that I could see the blue lightning dancing in his irises. It was possibly the first and only time I’d be so close to a dragon, and I didn’t want to waste this opportunity. I curtsied with a smile.
‘May I touch your scales? If it’s not too much to ask,’ I said, and Vahin lowered his head.
‘My left eyelid, please. It’s itchy in the corner.
’ He made it sound as if I were doing him a favour.
The moment my fingers slid over the bumpy ridge, my heart slowed, settling into an even, peaceful beat.
The warmth radiating from him was more welcoming than any fireplace, and I had to hold myself back from wrapping my arms around his massive neck and just cuddling.
‘Your aether, it feels as crisp as the air after a storm, so clean and… it calls to me. I don’t understand.
’ I struggled to describe the sense of peace that came with this one simple touch.
I didn’t even realise I was verbalising my thoughts until I heard the words break the silence, and inhaled sharply, hoping I hadn’t overstepped by probing his power with my magic. ‘I’m sorry, you must think I’m rude.’
‘Not at all. The Elder races are naturally drawn to dragons, and one day, you will meet the one who will bow to the beauty of your soul. Let go of my essence, my lady. I’ve already found my last rider,’ he said, and at this gentle reminder, I stepped back, muttering my apologies.
‘Are you trying to make us all jealous, old friend? First Annika, now Roksana? How does any man stand a chance?’ Reynard playfully poked the dragon, and my heart warmed at their interaction.
I smiled when the king came closer and embraced me from behind, kissing my earlobe.
‘Teasing aside, it’s time. We have a long flight ahead, and it’s best if the soldiers don’t see their leader sneaking back from seeing his lady. ’
The seriousness in his voice and the hint of guilt told me how much this quick excursion had cost him. Reynard was a man who measured himself the way he measured his men, and common soldiers didn’t have the luxury of being friends with a dragon.
I nodded, adjusting the broken wolf mask he used to cover his scar, holding in a feeling of unease. ‘Rey,’ I whispered when he leaned down to kiss me. ‘Whatever happens, will you trust me?’
‘Always, my light,’ came his answer before his lips closed on mine. ‘But have mercy on my heart and don’t test it.’
It was too brief a goodbye, with so many words unsaid, I felt a tightness in my chest that refused to fade. I had to remind myself he’d know what I planned when he received the letter. I wasn’t keeping secrets, just postponing the revelation to protect him.
Still, it left a bitter taste in my mouth and made our last moments taste like betrayal.
I watched him climb onto the dragon, smiling as they leapt into the sky.
Unable to leave, even after the beast’s silhouette became a black dot against the clouds, I stood there, shivering.
Another shadow suddenly appeared from the clouds, huge and intimidating, and I fell back, blinking as it disappeared.
‘Another dragon?’ I whispered, my rigid posture finally sagging from the tension.
Whether it was Reynard’s escort or something else, there was nothing I could do about it, so, after a moment’s hesitation, I returned to the city, more determined to fight my enemies than I’d ever been.
Even if it meant breaking the Brotherhood’s code and interrogating a Chapter Master.
I could only hope Tymon would break because I needed safe passage into Tivalaran if I ever wished to return.