Chapter Fourteen

It was the worst time to be leaving the crown city. But with the exodus of my Dragon knights, I was the only Dragon left in Renris. I hoped. I informed my new knights on duty, then woke Mossemas to tell him I was leaving.

His face went into spasms. “But Your Majesty, it's the middle of the night.”

“It's nearly morning, and that doesn't bode well for my family,” I said.

“I understand, Sire, but what about your kingdom?”

“Do you think I put my kingdom above those I love?” I snarled.

Mossemas drew back, his eyes wide.

“Dear Goddess,” I murmured. “You do. Am I that fearsome? That cold?”

“No, Your Majesty, of course not. I just—”

I lifted a brow at him.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Mossemas, you're a good man.” I patted his shoulder. “Do the best you can while I'm gone. Inform the Commander of the Castle Guard where I've gone, and tell him to inform the General of my army to prepare for a siege.”

“A siege?!”

“Yes. Just in case.”

“Just in case?” he squeaked.

Aras, waiting nearby, chuckled.

“Relax, Mossemas. I don't think they're coming for me yet.”

“Yet?!” his squeak got higher in pitch.

“You'll be fine.” I swept past him, heading for the courtyard.

I would never beat my ex-knights to Vacrond, but they would still need to speak to the nobles of the enclave before anything was done. I was hoping there was time to reach my family.

Aras followed me into the courtyard, a satchel slung over his shoulder. I handed him my clothes as I undressed, and he put them in the bag. Mossemas had followed us out and stood by the castle doors wringing his hands while his breath fogged in the cold of early morning. There were also several guards on duty, up on the castle walls, and I couldn't blame them for focusing on me instead of the city. It wasn't every day that I transformed into a dragon.

This time, the shift was full, so there was little control involved. And although I was worried, I wasn't as anxious and angry as I'd been the night before. This meant it was a far more enjoyable experience, my dragon rising through me in rapturous relief, like a good stretch times ten thousand.

I roared into that stretch, lifting my head upon my long, sinuous neck to stare at the sky. The stars were still out, but the moon was fading, losing its shine to the coming sun. I had to hurry.

Swinging my head, I focused on my mate. “Aras.”

Aras came forward, and I carefully closed a talon around him, caging him in claws. Then, with three feet, I shoved upward, launching us into the sky. The eyes of my guards and steward followed me and several made exclamations of awe, but I locked my attention on the brightening horizon, that lavender-gray haze shivering through me like a warning.

I knew when I entered the crown tourney that if I won, my family would be both rewarded and punished. I expected them to face subtle scorn from the nobility and perhaps be ostracized in whatever ways the nobles could do without appearing to actually reject their King's family. My parents had been fine with this. We had discussed it, and they didn't care. They had no intention of socializing with the nobility anyway. But I never thought it would come to this. I never once considered that their lives might be endangered.

As I frantically flew home, I wondered if it had been worth it. What had I gained from winning the crown? I had changed my life, certainly. It had been an adventure and the wealth of Gavemor was mine to do with as I pleased. I had even met the Dragon God. But was that worth the lives of my parents?

I looked down at my mate. I would have met Aras eventually. I don't know how, but that's the way mating magic works. It brings mates together. Or maybe I wouldn't have. Maybe Aras was one of the reasons I had to become King. And if that were true, then yes, it was worth it. Even risking my parents. They would understand that too.

My jaws snapped together in fury. The threat to anyone I loved was intolerable. If my suspicions panned out and the nobles came to lynch my parents, I would kill them all. I didn't care if it crippled my dread or if the other enclaves banded together against me. Let them come. Once I had the Eye . . .

Oh, fuck. Ensarena's Eye.

Ah, you remembered me at last, the Eye said.

You could have warned me about this possibility. You're always so quick with your warnings.

They will not attack your parents.

Relief swept through me, but also doubt. Are you certain? I asked.

Yes, but hold course, Lyrandir. It would be wise to have them with you at the castle. And collect your dear friend as well—the one governing Vacrond. You need all the support you can get, and they need to flee the enclave before the army starts gathering.

So, they will gather soon?

Their attempted regicide and your response to it are the catalysts of the war. You still have some time, but it's best to get those you care about out of there as soon as possible.

Very well. Thank you.

I am at your service, King Lyrandir.

Her words felt wrong to me. Off. She was not at my service. She was a piece of the Goddess and held herself above me. I felt that. She'd said as much. But she wanted me to think she was mine. That made me wary. Unfortunately, the fact remained that I needed her. And I believed she needed me as well. If she didn't, she wouldn't be trying so hard and saying such things.

What was even more unfortunate was the fact that she was in my mind, and I couldn't hide those thoughts from her.

The Eye laughed, then said, You are shrewd, Lyrandir. I like that about you. So I will be honest with you. That was not a lie. Not entirely. I am not currently at your service. You are correct that I am a piece of the Goddess and as such, I am divine. But I am not the Goddess. I am a magical tool. I am meant to have a master and serve him. I have chosen you to be that master, Lyrandir. When you find me and claim me, I will serve you. I will not be able to disobey your orders.

I see. Then I look forward to our partnership.

Partnership, she mused. I like that. Yes, King Lyrandir, we will do great things together.

And you can help me protect my family and mate?

Lyrandir, even Dragons are not immune to my fire. You will have the power to incinerate anyone and anything in an instant.

She had said such things before, but I hadn't truly believed her, even with the myths supporting her claims. Myths are usually full of exaggeration. But as I flew to my birthplace, I began to believe. I began to believe and plan.