Instead, I let out a soft caw that I hope conveys encouragement.
Cai straightens from his casual lean. “Actually, it might be useful to have a non-magical perspective. Sometimes we get so caught up in the theoretical possibilities we miss practical problems.”
“See?” Harlen’s enthusiasm is infectious. “Come on, Jack. When’s the next time you’ll get a chance to ride a dragon?”
Jack looks at me, and I can see him wavering. The want is there, bright and eager in his eyes. All he needs is permission to let himself have this.
I spread my wings and take to the air, circling his head once before landing on his shoulder. The symbolism is clear. Where he goes, I go. We’re partners in this.
His hand comes up to reverently brush my feathered head. “Alright then. But if I fall off a dragon, I’m blaming all of you.”
Eerie’s musical laughter fills the chamber, needing no translation. Even across species and language barriers, joy is universal.
As we prepare to head to the stables, I catch sight of Cai and Kirby again. They’re still holding hands, still looking at each other like they’ve found their reason for existing.
Someday, I think, watching Jack’s excited smile as Harlen explains dragon-riding safety, I want to look at someone like that. I want someone to look at me that way.
The terrifying thing is that I’m beginning to suspect it might already be happening.
Chapter thirty-one
Jack
Iam flying.
Actually, properly, flying through the crisp winter sky on the back of a dragon, and I think I might be losing my mind with sheer joy.
Zh’s golden scales gleam like molten metal beneath me. The rhythm of her massive wings creates a hypnotic pulse that vibrates through my entire body, and the wind whips through my hair with enough force to bring tears to my eyes. I don’t care. This is the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me.
“Having fun?” Harlen shouts over the wind, his voice carrying easily despite the rushing air around us.
“This is bloody brilliant!” I shout back, probably grinning like a complete lunatic.
Harlen’s answering laugh is pure delight. “Told you so!”
I glance around at our aerial procession, marvelling at the sight. Cai rides his emerald green dragon with the easy confidence of long practice, sitting perfectly balanced as they cut through the air with powerful strokes. The dragon’s scales catch the winter sunlight like jewels, creating flashes of brilliant green against the pale sky.
Kirby’s dragon is a study in elegant darkness, his onyx black scales creating a striking silhouette against the blue. Even from here I can see the way Kirby moves with him, completely in harmony with every shift and turn.
But it’s Arin and Eerie who make me smile most. The young man who was translating for us rides his red dragon with obvious joy, but it’s his passenger who captures my attention. Despite having seemingly perfectly functional wings of his own, Eerie is snuggled up against Arin’s back, arms wrapped around his waist with complete trust and contentment. Even across species and language barriers, love is unmistakable. The sight of them together, comfortable and affectionate despite the rushing wind and dizzying height, fills me with warmth.
“Woohoo!” I can’t help but whoop as Zh banks into a turn, the ground spinning far below us in a dizzying display of Welsh countryside.
Everyone else is grinning madly too, even though they must have done this a thousand times. The pure exhilaration of flight seems to be universal, something that never gets old no matter how experienced you are. It makes me feel less silly for being so completely overwhelmed by wonder.
Zh spreads her wings and glides, presumably catching an air current that lifts us higher without effort. The sudden silence is almost as breathtaking as the speed, broken only by the whisper of wind over scales.
Then suddenly Dyfri lands on my shoulder.
The casual intimacy and trust of the gesture sends warmth flooding through my chest. My husband in raven form is perched beside my head as if this is the most natural thing in the world. His talons grip my jacket just firmlyenough to maintain balance without digging in, and I can feel the small adjustments he makes as Zh shifts beneath us.
I turn my head slightly so I can see him better. Even in raven form, there’s something unmistakably Dyfri about the way he holds himself. Regal and elegant, but relaxed in a way I’ve rarely seen from him.
“Enjoying the view?” I ask quietly, not wanting to shout with him so close to my ear.
He lets out a soft caw that sounds almost like laughter, then shakes his wings with obvious contentment. He’s clearly enjoying himself as much as I am, and the sight makes my heart do ridiculous things.
I shake my head in amazement, careful not to dislodge my passenger. How did my life come to this? Not so long ago, I was just the Prime Minister’s son, dealing with nothing more exciting than university lectures and the occasional state dinner, while trying to find my way after giving up rugby. Now I’m riding a dragon through the Welsh mountains with my fey prince husband perched on my shoulder.
