Dewdrop grunted.
Roslyn focused on Tate with a determined gaze. “You’re going to be fine.”
“Of course, I am. If anything happens, I’ll simply have Ilith eat them.”
Roslyn’s expression didn’t shift. “As satisfying as that would be, it’d probably be best if you don’t.”
Tate shrugged. “If you insist.”
“I do.”
“Spoilsport,” Dewdrop said.
Daisy looked between the three, appearing adorably confused.
Seeing it, Dewdrop sent her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. Tate only does that when absolutely necessary.”
Daisy’s forehead wrinkled. “I thought we weren’t supposed to use our dragons that way.”
Dewdrop paused. “Tate’s a little special.”
“The way you say that makes me seem like someone who has a few screws loose and doesn’t know right from wrong,” Tate grumbled.
The boy can’t help it if his words hit uncomfortably close to home,Night said with his eyes closed.Maybe you should clean up your reputation if you’re worried.
Tate scowled at him. “I don’t want to hear that from you, Mr. Ambush Predator who scared the delivery man enough that he’s too scared to step foot on our street anymore.”
Night lifted his head.That was a misunderstanding.
Tate snort held derision. A misunderstanding that had seen them banned from every delivery service in the city. It was an incredibly annoying inconvenience.
One of the guards stepped forward, interrupting the argument. “It’s time. Please prepare yourselves.”
“The way he says that makes it seem like we’re going into battle,” Dewdrop muttered.
“You’re about to learn how accurate that statement is.” There was a grim expression on Roslyn’s face as if she was bracing herself for what was about to come.
Night stood with a yawn and padded forward.I guess I’ll go first.
Roslyn had worked out the order earlier. Apparently, there were rules around this sort of thing. To her annoyance, Tate was finding there were a lot of restrictions about court. Hopefully, this would be the last time her appearance was required.
From inside the room, a man announced, “First of his kind, the Veles, Night.”
Night disappeared through the doors as those beyond went silent.
Roslyn sent Tate a serious look as Dewdrop’s turn came. “Remember, don’t let them see your fear or anger. Emotions are what they use to control their opponent.”
“You don’t have to worry about that with Tate. I doubt anyone here could withstand her and Ilith’s rage if they ever provoke her.” Dewdrop grinned and waved at Tate as he stepped into the ballroom. “See you soon.”
Roslyn shook her head. “I hope he’s right.”
Tate expression turned serious. “Will you be okay?”
It was only now that Tate felt a tiny bit of guilt for asking Roslyn to come here. It couldn’t have been easy stepping into the world she’d left behind. A world that looked glamorous from the outside but from how Roslyn acted, Tate could guess was cutthroat and vicious.
“I’ll survive.”
Sometimes that was all you could ask for.
