CHAPTER 10 - Proposal
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"Higher!" I called, my voice scattering into the roaring wind.
Starscale angled his serpentine neck toward me, his bright blue eyes flashing with mischief. His iridescent white scales caught the last rays of the dying sun, casting shards of pink and orange across the sea of clouds.
With a resounding cackle that vibrated through his entire body, he stretched his great wings wide and thrust them down. The force of his ascent pressed me back, stealing the breath from my lungs as we climbed higher and higher.
The world below was long gone, slumbering somewhere beneath the golden pink clouds of twilight. It left nothing but the boundless sky and its aching beauty. The air thinned, and I swayed, light-headed with exhilaration.
"And now!" I sang. "For our special trick!"
Starscale let out another delighted cackle as we rose higher still, soaring until we reached the pinnacle of our climb. For a heartbeat, we hung there, suspended between the stars and the earth.
Then the world tilted.
And we fell.
I threw myself from my saddle, the cold rush of air devouring me as I dove headfirst toward the clouds. My pink chiffon dress tore at the wind, whipping and flaring around me. The braids in my hair unraveled as the sky became a blur of motion and sound.
Starscale matched my descent, his compact, muscular form cutting through the air like an arrow. Though the smallest of our flock, he was swift as lightning, his playful roar a wild echo in in my ears.
We pierced through the clouds, a freezing curtain that drenched me instantly. My laughter rang out, mingling with Starscale's as the world vanished in a haze of silver mist before breaking open again.
Below us, Stormgard Castle loomed, its pale towers clawing at the sky.
"Don't fail me now, Starscale!" I shouted, my grin wide.
As he had a thousand times before, my dragon twisted beneath me, his white scales flashing like lightning. I hit his back with a thud, the impact jarring but familiar, stealing my breath.
I clung to the saddle as he swept low, the castle towers rushing past in a whistling blur as we narrowly missed it.
From one of the battlements, I spotted Claude, her black riding leathers glinting in the twilight. Her arm was raised in a gesture somewhere between a wave and a reprimand.
I rolled my eyes, patting Starscale's side.
"Alright, let's see what trouble we're in now."
With a final wide arc, Starscale angled himself toward the open wall of my bed chamber. His talons found purchases on the castle wall, scraping against the stone as he steadied himself.
I leapt from his back, landing with a wet splatter in my chamber. My hair stuck to my face and my drenched clothes clung to my body, dripping trails of water onto the stone floor.
Before I could catch my breath, the door slammed open.
"Skye!" Claude stormed into my chamber. "How many times must I tell you to wear proper riding gear? And by all the gods, why do you insist on flinging yourself from your dragon as though you've no care for your own life?"
"Falling's the best part," I replied sweetly.
"You could die!"
"Not a chance," I laughed, wringing water from my gown. "You have your swordsmanship, Raine has her dancing, and I have this. Father himself said I'm the best rider in five hundred years."
Claude ran a hand through her short hair.
"I fear you are more dragon than princess," she muttered. Her gaze lingered on my ruined dress. "And yet you insist on those frivolous gowns. Never mind," she said with a heavy sigh. "We don't have time for this. Get dressed. There are urgent matters to discuss."
She turned on her heel and left.
I sighed, glancing back at Starscale. He looked at me innocently, shifting his shoulders as if urging me to climb back on.
"Go spend time with the others," I waved him off. "Find Mistfang. She's been brooding too long. A good chase will do her some good."
Even after the winter months passed, my sister's silver dragon slept most of her days.
Starscale bared his teeth in a grin before leaping into the air. His white wings stirred the evening air into a frenzy as he vanished into the dimming sky.
I sighed again as I watched my dragon join the distant dots in the sky.
Sometimes I wished I was born as one of them.
Reluctantly, I wrestled out of my soaked dress and threw on another, this one a peach hue and impossibly soft. Not bothering with shoes, I stepped barefoot out of my room and followed after my sister as she led the way.
The halls of Stormgard were heavy with shadows, the flicker of torches casting an uneasy light on the stone walls. Servants gave me sidelong glances, their disapproval barely veiled as my drenched hair left a trail of drops in my wake.
We entered the throne room where Father sat upon the sea-salt throne, its intricate carvings gleaming faintly in the dim light. His face was dark as he clutched a letter. Mother sat beside him, her hands clasped tightly on her lap.
"What's this about?" I asked as I strolled over.
My parents and Claude shared a look before my sister spoke.
"Before Raine left for Thornmont, she talked to me... She expressed serious concern about the emperor's ambitions. She believes Drakfjord will not be safe once he conquers Driftwoode."
My stomach twisted.
"But... But she left so he would leave us alone!" I said, my voice rising with panic. "What was the point of her sacrifice if he will wage war on us anyway?"
"We knew it was no guarantee," Mother said solemnly.
What?
"He has plenty of concubines from conquered kingdoms," Father added. "From the start, this betrothal only served in buying us time. And it seems he's made his stance with us clear. I heard Raine received an insultingly low rank in his harem."
My eyes widened.
"What?" I asked. "Why is my sister still there? We should rescue her! Declare war on Thornmont right now!"
Father's eyes snapped my way, his patience fraying.
"I will not go to war. It has been over five centuries since our dragons entered battle. They nearly went extinct the last time! Just last year we managed a count of thirty in the flock. I will not be the ruler to end their line, nor will I yield to Fjulgor's call."
I lowered my head.
"But we cannot leave Raine there..."
"There is another way," Claude said, stepping forward to take the parchment from Father. "Before she left, she entrusted me with this letter."
Father's dull gray eyes lowered.
"I admit, I hadn't expected such a plan from Raine..." he murmured. "Though I cannot deny it might be our only option. If we wish to put an end to this tyrant's conquest, we must secure an ally."
Mother shook her head.
"Pyree is no ally," she said. "They are a nation of war and ruin."
"They possess the flame sword and have one of the most feared armies," Claude said, holding the letter up. "Our only hope to save Raine and our kingdom is sending this proposal."
"Proposal?" I asked.
The back of my eyes prickled and my chest tightened at the thought alone.
"Sister, you cannot!" I cried. "I already lost Raine, I cannot lose you too!"
Claude turned to me, the weight in her gaze unmistakable. Mother and Father's eyes followed, their silence louder than any dragon roar.
Slowly, I understood.
My heart sank to the deepest pits of damnation.
"No..." The word barely escaped my lips, but then it tumbled out in a rush of panic. "You wish for me to marry? No! No way!"
"Claude cannot marry into another nation," Father said, his voice like stone. "She is to inherit the throne."
"I'm only fourteen!" I pleaded.
"I was fourteen when I left Pineholt and married your father," Mother spoke up. "You've already become a woman, Skye."
"Send someone else!" I cried, desperation breaking through my voice. "I'm not leaving Drakfjord! I'm not leaving Starscale!"
"You are the only choice, Skye," Father said softly. "Do not fret. Raine herself made sure to choose someone suitable. You know your sister only has your best intentions in mind..."
"You're lying!" I shouted, tears stinging my eyes. "Raine would never hand me off to some foreigner! She knows I can't leave my home! She knows how much I love Starscale! Why would she do this? She'd die before ever betraying me like this!"
"She is trying to protect you," Claude said, her voice firm. "She means to protect all of us. And you must do your part if we are to survive."
"No," I snapped, shaking my head. "This isn't protection! This is exile!"
Father's voice cut through the air, sharp and final.
"We have no choice, Skye!"
The room seemed to tilt, the walls closing in. My hands clenched into fists at my sides as the fury swelled within me.
"Then you may as well kill me now!" I yelled. "Because I will never go. I'd rather drown than leave my home, my dragon... my everything!"
Silence fell.
No one moved.
No one spoke.
"I hate you all," I whispered before turning and fleeing the throne room.
My tears blurred the jagged stone walls as I ran.
I would not be caged. Not for Raine, not for Father, and certainly not for the endless wars of Fayndor. Whatever chains they sought to place upon me, they would find only defiance.
I tore through the castle halls and out into the courtyard. A salty wind lashed at my face and tangled my hair. The sky churned above, dark and swollen. I mounted my white mare without pause, digging my heels into her sides as we galloped toward the dragon caves.
Rain began to fall, sharp and icy against my skin, mingling with the tears I could no longer hold back. I had never been good at holding back. Tears came as easily as laughter.
And tonight, they fell harder than ever.
Hours later, at the mouth of the cave, I leapt from my horse and ran into the shadows. The storm-forged gems embedded within the walls glimmered faintly, their cold light blinking in surprise at my sudden intrusion.
At last, I reached the first nest. Mistfang lay coiled atop a hoard of jagged stones and splintered sheep bones, her silver scales rippling like molten moonlight.
Starscale perched on her back, his smaller white form stirring at my scent.
They turned to me as I stumbled forward, my breath broken between sobs.
I didn't need words.
I collapsed at Mistfang's talons, clutching her thick arm as though it were the only thing keeping me from falling. Starscale slinked to my side, his serpentine body curving protectively around me. He lowered his head, nudging me with the soft warmth of his breath.
"I won't leave you," I whispered through sobs. "Never."
Time lost meaning as I lay there, cocooned in the comforting presence of the dragons. Their breaths rumbled like distant thunder, steady and soothing.
I didn't stir until the storm-forged gems flared to life, casting the cave in a sudden eerie glow. Blinking through the tears, I saw Claude approaching, her expression solemn.
She said nothing as she lowered herself beside me, fingers reaching for the iridescent scales scattered across the cavern floor. When Raine was here, the three of us used to pick scales all the time to decorate our riding leathers with, bartering for the prettiest ones.
After a moment, I wiped my face with my arm and joined her.
"I don't really hate you..." I murmured, picking a silver scale. "Or anyone else..."
"I know," Claude said quietly.
She held out a scale tinged with rose, and I traded her an obsidian one in return.
"Do you really mean for me to marry some Pyreen warlord?" I asked, my voice hollow.
"They're not warlords," Claude corrected, but the weariness in her tone betrayed her own doubts.
"They are," I countered, gripping a large, opalescent scale. "My handmaid told me stories. She said they take their brides by force. If a girl refuses, someone must duel the man for her freedom."
Claude exhaled, her gaze fixed on the gleaming scale in her hand.
"They are warriors," she admitted. "The best on the continent. And they are our southern neighbors. As much as I wish Raine were wrong, I cannot deny that an alliance with Pyree may be our only hope against Thornmont. They have the cursed sword of flame as well."
"What about Raine?" I asked. "Won't the emperor kill her if she conspires against him?"
"That is why we must act in secrecy," Claude said, her tone grave. "We cannot appear to agree to this marriage. You must make it seem as though you were taken by Pyree."
The words struck me like a freefall through the clouds.
Fresh tears spilled, hot and bitter.
"Can I refuse?" I whispered.
Claude hesitated.
"Skye..."
"I'd rather die," I spat, my voice breaking. "Truly. I know Starscale won't be allowed to leave with me."
I turned to my dragon, his sky-blue eyes locking onto mine as I traced the long, curved horns that crowned his head. He rumbled softly, pressing into my touch.
"You and Raine don't understand," I murmured. "You inherited Dreadwing from Grandfather. And Raine claimed Mistfang when she was ten. But Starscale... He hatched to me. We were born together. Raised together. He is a part of me, Claude."
Claude's face softened, her grip tightening around the scales in her hands. A breath, long and weary, slipped from her lips, and her shoulders slumped.
I'd never seen my sister so defeated before.
"Very well," she said.
I blinked.
Had I misheard?
"You don't have to do this if you truly cannot," she said, offering me a tired smile. Mistfang exhaled behind us, ruffling Claude's short hair. "We won't force you."
Relief shattered through me, bringing fresh tears to my eyes.
"Really?"
"Really," she assured me. "I'll speak with Father in the morning. If we can pass the throne's succession to you, I will be free to marry instead."
My heart dropped to my feet.
"No!" I cried. "That's not what I want!"
Claude leaned back against Mistfang, her gaze distant.
"This is for the best," she said simply. "You love Drakfjord. Your place is here, with the dragons. If anyone should inherit the throne, it is you." A ghost of a smirk played at her lips. "Though I hope you don't mind sword practice — you'll have to wield Fjulgor, and that bastard is heavy."
I shook my head violently, seizing her arm in a desperate grip.
"Stop talking like that!" My voice cracked. "I don't want the throne!"
Claude turned to me.
"We need an alliance," she said. "And I am old enough to know my duty. If it is for you and this kingdom, I will do anything."
Tears blurred my vision.
"I don't want to lose another sister!" I choked.
Claude pulled me into her arms, holding me close as if she could shield me from the inevitable.
"Shh," she murmured, voice lighter, teasing. "Stop crying so much, Skye. It's alright. Once the war is over, I'll seek a divorce and return to Drakfjord. I only need to hold the alliance long enough for us to win."
My lip trembled, my resolve crumbling.
I buried my face against her shoulder.
"I'll do it," I whispered.
Claude tensed.
"What?"
I swallowed down my sobs and lifted my head.
"I'll marry the stupid Pyreen warlord. Just don't leave."
Claude exhaled softly.
"Skye... I wasn't trying to make you feel guilty. You don't have to—"
"No." My voice was hoarse, my throat raw from crying, but I straightened my spine, forcing steel into my words. I scrubbed at my tear-streaked face with the back of my arm, inhaling sharply. "I can't be the only useless sister. I won't. I'll do my part... until the war is won."
Claude studied me, her steel-gray eyes narrowed.
"Are you certain?"
I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded.
"Y-yes."
A small, sad smile flickered across her face before she pulled me into her arms, holding me close.
"You'll be saving our kingdom, Skye," she whispered against my hair. "I am so incredibly proud of you."
I stayed there, letting her warmth anchor me until my sobs dulled to mere shudders.
Once my tears had finally dried, I pulled away, hollow and drained.
"Do you know who it will be?" I asked cautiously.
Claude hesitated.
"Raine arranged the proposal with Malrik Solfyr," she said carefully. "The king's uncle. A skilled warrior... despite his age."
The fragile composure I had stitched together snapped, breaking like brittle glass. A wretched wail tore from my throat, raw and pitiful.
"An old man?" I cried. "Could he not at least have been handsome?"
Claude rolled her eyes, though a fleeting, rueful smile tugged at her lips.
"It will be fine," she said.
"It will not!" I shot back, still reeling.
She only laughed, rising to her feet and pulling me up with her.
"Better to marry an old man so he may die quicker," she teased. "Come on. Let's head back and send the proposal. We'll invite your warlord over when winter arrives. It's still a while away."
"So, you admit he's a warlord!" I sobbed.
Claude only laughed again, her grip firm.
I was sure I'd regret agreeing to this.
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