He isn’t wrong.
But still, the thought of Dryden living with me doesn't sit well with me.
I know there cannot be bloodshed in the Pyre, which we have already disobeyed that rule and I know, Dryden doesn’t follow the ways of the Book of Azure.He follows his way.
A white, arched door is at the very center up ahead, with golden-yellow scales that twist and roll like a dragon around it. Enormous wings stretch wide on each side, and my heart drops as to why they would represent dragons in their Kingdom if they want them all dead.
“Skydance has been following me.” I lift my dress, tussling it up so I can step up onto the golden stairs.
An amused smirk crosses Death’s lips. “Of course he is.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” I tilt my head towards him, watching him twirl his beverage in his glass.
“He failed. Whoever he feels is meant to be the true Queen was supposed to grant him freedom from what is to come.” He takesa sip, lips parting to exhale. “Now he is trying everything to make it up to her. Which means, you are in his sight at all times.”
My eyes roll. “How frustrating...”
“He can see you, but isn’t close enough to hear you.” He pauses, letting his back rest against the railing, glaring down at me. “And if he is close enough to hear us, I’ll kill him myself.”
“You do know I can handle him.” My arms cross, letting my gown fall to the stairs. “I’m sure this is why he has kept his distance from me.”
He lets out a deep chuckle, glancing upward to the door. “No, you are right. I feel as if everyone in that room should fear you, even the Queen.”
The Queen.My heart seizes, wondering if the bracelet was deactivated on purpose for Kiane to fail.
“Death,” I whisper out, watching his eyebrows lift. The light of the chandelier glistens around the walls, almost creating little stars.
“What’s going on?” He nods.
“Do you trust her?”
He scuffs, inhaling a deep breath before swooshing down the rest of his beverage. “I will never trust the Queen.” He leans forward, the smell of bourbon escaping from his lips. “And remember, she is no Queen.You are.”
He leans back, removing the distance between us, and heads up the stairs.
“Don’t worry.” His hand flies up as he bounces upward. “We will take you to the sea soon.”
He opens the arched door, allowing the bright light from the ballroom to trickle in. My jaw clenches, avoiding stepping, almost wanting to just stay here all night. But, I know the flame must turn blue for me. I know the Queen must choose me.
And everyone must see it.
I inhale sharply, letting my lips part to exhale, and force myself up the stairs.
The train of my dress catches on the stairs by the weight of the beads that are stitched into the fabric. My fingers curl tighter around the dress as I lift it, avoiding any sort of devastating embarrassment if I trip.
And then, I come to an abrupt stop. My palms are sweating.
How the hell am I so nervous?
The door is slightly cracked, allowing just enough space for me to peer inside and catch a glimpse of the royal, ruby-red curtains cascading elegantly from the towering arched windows. The moon is shining so brightly, beaming a soft hue against the walls. I glance around the room, catching sight of the oval and rectangular tables, their surfaces gleaming with white and flakes of gold. Rich, bronze drapes flow gracefully along the edges with enormous bouquets of vibrant flowers arranged along the length of the table, some spilling over the sides. The flowers almost completely cover the table and create a lush, floral curtain that cascades down to the floor at the end.
Everyone is gowned in ball gowns, dancing in the middle of the room, but I catch sight of a few Royal guards with their suits on and the stones embedded across their shoulders, representing every Realm in Azure. My eyes notice the flame behind them, flickering in the golden bowl which sits on a concrete stand with what seems like a dragon tail wrapping around it. Their arms are crossed, watching everyone with a stern expression as if they are protecting the fire.
“Damn, just go in.”
I jump, gripping my heart and steadying my breath as I catch Klyara standing with her brows raised.
“You burn people, wield these scary, damn dragons, which I am still burnt from, you see.” Her brows raise, eyeing the exactspot the fire dragon burned her.“Yet you fear a room full of Royals and others who are most likely drunk.”
