While the statement didn’t really reflect Tate’s personality or values, she could see why it was needed. There was an argument to be made for strengthening the emperor’s position. Especially with what Tate knew was on the horizon.
Tate had no problem with that—even if the method was a bit cringe inducing.
“Your majesty, I present to thee myself, Lady Tatum Allegra Winters, sacred bonded to the dragon Ilith, first to accept a dragon and holder of Jaxon Kuno’s will.”
Tate ignored the rising murmurs of the crowd’s reaction. Revealing these things was a calculated risk, one she’d taken after serious consideration. It would expose her existence to any of the ancient powers still left in the world.
Her true name was a bit famous. Those who heard it would have no doubt of who she’d been. Although many of her enemies already knew the name she went by in the current era, she wanted to make certain that any not affiliated with them would know of her existence.
This was a necessary action for her future.
She didn’t intend to reveal the full extent of her connection to the Saviors. Doing so would upset a balance that had taken centuries to obtain.
It was why she’d chosen each word with care and held back more than she revealed.
“I give unto thee my loyalty and swear an oath to protect those who call this empire home. Never shall I falter. Never shall I fail. Only death will part me from this promise. I pray the empire continues to prosper under your benevolent leadership.”
Tate bent into a bow, holding it amid the dismayed whispers.
There was a marked pause. “Those are quite the titles you’ve given yourself.”
Tate didn’t rise, holding the bow. Only the emperor could give her permission to stand and that probably wouldn’t happen until he accepted her oath.
“Your name is different than the one you gave before too,” Thaddeus observed. “I was told you didn’t remember your past.”
Tate wasn’t surprised that was the part he questioned. The other claims were already pretty much verified. The guardians had backed up her statement to being the first dragon-ridden. The Silva and Black Order probably suspected she’d earned something when she visited Jax’s pocket dimension.
Her true name, however, hid secrets.
Part of her was surprised Ryu never revealed it to him—or if he did, the emperor was doing a good job of pretending he hadn’t known beforehand.
“My trip to Jaxon Kuno’s sealed world unlocked part of my mind. I was able to recover a few memories as a result.”
A tapping sound came as the emperor drummed his fingers against the arm of his throne. “It seems I spoke too soon earlier. You did have a few dramatic surprises up your sleeve after all.”
Shivers raced down Tate’s spine despite the admiration she could hear in the emperor’s voice. It was never good when you drew the notice of someone in his position. Yet that’s exactly what her actions had done. Knowingly and willingly.
“You and your companions may rise,” he said finally.
Tate straightened, hoping she hadn’t made a mistake. She glanced up at the throne to find the emperor’s piercing gaze on her.
His lips quirked in a predatory smile. “Lady Winters, I welcome you tomyDragon Corps.”
Tate didn’t miss the possessive way he stressed the word ‘my’. If he ever found out she was a Savior, he’d probably be the first to come for her head. He wouldn’t allow for anyone to challenge his authority, doubly so for an existence that most would consider holy.
She wouldn’t blame him either. Allowing her presence could risk a civil war breaking out. Still, she rather resented someone laying claim to her without her permission.
Ryu sent her a warning look when her expression hardened.
Stay calm. He’s big game even I would have trouble hunting,Night advised.
There was movement behind Tate as the rest came to their feet.
Tate forced her fists to relax, knowing he was right. The Veles didn’t have fear in their vocabulary. Night and the others she had met were almost as arrogant and convinced of their own superiority as Ilith. If he said to exercise caution, it was advice worth taking.
It made Tate wonder what sort of sleeper was in Ryu and Thaddeus’s background.
“It’ll be difficult to beat that, but I’ll hear your oath nonetheless, Lady Minton,” Thaddeus said glancing toward Daisy.
