As the voice in the ballroom announced Roslyn, Tate stepped closer to Daisy and lowered her voice. “Stay close to Dewdrop and Night.”
Daisy’s head jerked up. “Are you concerned about safety?”
“These are powerful people. You never know what will happen.”
There was a caution in Daisy’s gaze that hadn’t been there before. Tate squeezed her hand reassuringly. “It’s going to be okay. I’ll make certain of it.”
Even if Ilith had to destroy a palace to do it.
Daisy’s nod was uncertain. “Alright.”
“It’s your turn,” the female guard said.
“Yes, thank you.” Daisy lifted the front of her skirt and stepped into the doorway. She paused. “Tate, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and my brother. I’ll do anything I can to repay you for the kindness.”
She walked through the doorway before Tate could respond. Her motives for saving Daisy and the rest were selfish. She wouldn’t have been able to live with herself if she’d stood aside and done nothing.
The time it took to announce Daisy’s entrance went by far too quickly. Tate stepped up to the doorway, taking a deep breath.
This was it. All she had to do was avoid doing anything that would see her exiled or executed. No pressure or anything.
“Lady, good luck,” the guard closest to her said.
Tate dipped her chin in acknowledgment and stepped forward as every gaze in the ballroom locked on her.
It was an intimidating feeling being the focus of all those people. Some curious, others neutral, a few hostile.
The only thing that steadied her were the two standing at the foot of the steps waiting for her. It was reassuring to know that she wasn’t on her own. That she hadn’t been for a long time. Others had her back—even against the most powerful in the empire.
Never alone,Ilith thought, sounding offended.
I know.
It was something Tate had never questioned. Without one, the other couldn’t exist. At this point, Tate wasn’t sure she’d want it any other way.
She’d gotten a taste of what it would be like if Ilith ever disappeared. It was lonelier than she expected. There’d been a hole inside her in the shape of her dragon. She had no desire to ever repeat the experience.
Ilith sulked.Will eat anyone who tries to harm us.
Maybe try the less extreme options first before going that route,Tate advised.
Ilith’s confusion reached her. Silly Savior, prey is meant to be hunted. Strike hard and strike first. That is our motto.
Since when did they have a motto? Why didn’t she know about this?
“Presenting, Lady Tate Fisher, dragon-ridden, bringer of peace to Silvain and protector of the empire.”
Like Roslyn instructed, Tate paused, letting those assembled get a good look at her even while she studied them from her vantage on the upper landing of the double staircase.
It was quite the dramatic moment.
A silver runner ran down either staircase, traveling the length of the ballroom before stopping at the foot of the throne on the other side. The emperor waited there, sitting on a black throne that matched the dark floors. Ryu and Thora flanked him; their outfits similar to hers only their colors reflected their individual dragons.
Ryu wore red, gold and black. Thora wore a lighter silver and brighter blue than Tate.
Both men gave the impression of danger as they guarded the emperor’s side.
Tate kept her gaze locked on the emperor as she descended the staircase. Before he’d left last night, Ryu had told her to focus only on the man sitting on the throne. That was exactly what she intended to do.
