Turning, they start walking again. Maybe talking will help him.
“What do you know about dragons?” she asks.
He glances at her. “Is that a trick question? Until one killed me, I thought they were creatures of myth and legend.”
She stops again, her brow wrinkling as she gazes up at him. “Dragons are very much real, Rominy. Didn’t you learn about dragons at the university?”
“I...what?No. I learned history and economics and political science. Among other things.”
She cocks her head to the side. “I suppose those would be useful for a future king to know.”
“My father seemed to think so.”
So many words in that statement went unspoken. She could hear them in his voice.
“What did you wish to study?” she asks.
A strained huff of a laugh escapes him as he looks away. “Music.”
“Don’t your parents support your talent?”
He sighs. “Always. But future kings don’t get to choose the paths their lives take. The day my father handed me my guitar, he told me to keep something for myself to ground me and help me feel human when my life overwhelms me. But I couldn’t make it the focus of my life. And he hated every word as he said it. I could tell. But he was right, and I’ve never blamed him.”
“He was speaking of your music?”
“Yes. Though somehow that got lost in the shuffle of my studies and my father’s efforts to prepare me to take his place. If I’m being honest, Elowyn...I’m not sure I’m cut out to be a king.” Rominy looks so vulnerable standing there, sharing things with her he probably tells no one else.
“My father felt unprepared for a throne at his own ascension. I imagine most kings do—the good ones, at least. And you won’t be alone.”
Rominy gazes into her eyes in the soft warmth of the magic light she created. That look of longing is back, but he doesn’t act on it.
“I’ll help you find your music again,” she says softly.
Reaching out with his free hand, he trails his fingers down her cheek. “And I’ll help you chase your dragons.” Then he presses the softest of kisses to her lips.
When he pulls away, a yearning to be everything to him fills her. Not just his queen but his closest friend. Hisconfidante. His strength at times. His weakness at others. The first face he sees every morning and the last one he sees at night. The only person to know him—truly know him—every part of him in every way.
“You’re igniting my own fire with the heat in your eyes,” he whispers. “And I have plans for you tonight, Elowyn Montarac. Plans involving dragons. And not dying. I hope.”
His smile cuts the tension in the air around them, and she laughs before tugging him forward once more.
Why Did It Have to Be Dragons?
Episode 58
RominygripsElowyn’shandas they stand together at the entrance to the labyrinth. If he thought it looked eerie during the day, it was nothing compared to how it feels now. The muffled sounds and the mist. So much mist.
All so they can say hello to a dragon that killed him the last time they met.
When he glances at Elowyn, her eyes betray a small amount of fear to match his own. But determination sweeps over her, and she stands tall at his side with her elven leathers and painted eyes.
Stars above. She’s the most magnificent woman he’s ever seen.
To think he didn’t want to marry her. Insane. That’s what he was. Completely insane.
She takes a step forward, but he holds her back.
“Can you give me a crash course on dragons since my education was so clearly lacking on the subject?” he asks.
