She jolted, making a nervous sound.
Dewdrop reached out and gave her arm a squeeze sending her a reassuring look. “You can do this.”
Daisy moved to stand next to Tate, taking a deep breath before carefully sweeping into a graceful curtsy. Tate wondered who taught her that. Blaise or Jacob?
“I, Lady Daisy Minton, sacred bonded to the dragon Skye, give unto thee my loyalty, swearing to uphold the laws of this empire and protect those who dwell in it. This I vow even unto death.”
It was a shortened version of the one Tate had prepared but no less elegant.
At a silent signal from the guard standing at the base of the emperor’s throne, Tate and Daisy took two steps forward and one to the side before turning to face the crowd.
Tate didn’t pay any attention to the sea of faces, instead focusing on the three right in front of her. They were the only ones who truly mattered.
“I present to you Lady Tatum Winters, 44th of my Dragon Corps, and Lady Daisy Minton, 45th of my Dragons.”
The ballroom erupted into applause.
Dewdrop whooped, clapping madly. Night added his own voice, his roar nearly drowning out the rest. For the first time since they’d entered, Roslyn had a smile on her face as she joined in the clapping.
Tate sent her a grateful nod. She might have stumbled through this ceremony without Roslyn’s help, but she knew it wouldn’t have been as graceful or easy. She owed her a lot for paving the way.
The emperor stood and descended from his throne, his robe trailing behind him. He paused next to Tate. “I hope you enjoy the celebration we prepared for you.”
Tate inclined into a half bow. “I’m sure we will, your majesty.”
He smirked as he walked away, the crowd quickly swallowing him. Ryu’s shoulder brushed Tate’s as he followed in the emperor’s wake.
Tate straightened, catching his smirk.
“See you later,” he mouthed.
She nodded in agreement.
Daisy let out an explosive exhale beside her. “I’m so glad that’s over.”
“You did good.”
A brilliant smile spread across Daisy’s face. “Really?”
“Of course, you did.” Dewdrop strolled over to them with Night by his side. “No one could have asked for any better.”
Tate and Night shared a look, similar thoughts running through their heads. They wouldn’t deserve their roles as Dewdrop’s honorary siblings if they didn’t find a way to tease him about this down the road.
Night’s whiskers tilted forward as a crafty smile dawned on Tate’s face. This was going to be so much fun. The best part—Dewdrop didn’t even know it was coming.
Roslyn joined them. “You caused quite the stir, but then I assume that’s what you intended.”
Tate glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, pretending to be engrossed in studying the crowd. One side of her mouth tilted up. She’d always known Roslyn was smart. Her family didn’t realize what a gem they’d lost. They thought since Roslyn was unable to build an affinity with any of the ancient relics her family safeguarded it meant she was useless. Tate would rather have someone who was smart and observant; someone who could plan and think on her feet when the situation changed. A person like that was infinitely better in every way.
Their loss was her gain. The only thing better would be if Roslyn’s family realized what they’d thrown away so Tate could rub their faces in it. That would be the perfect retaliation.
The only issue was, Roslyn probably wouldn’t be that petty. On the other hand, Tate could sink to any depths. The pettier, the better.
“I suppose I’ll have to change the way I address you now,” Roslyn said, distracting Tate from thinking of a way to put her thoughts into motion.
“Call me whatever you like. Fisher, Winters, I’m the same person either way.”
It had taken her a long time to realize it, but a name didn’t make a person. Just like memories didn’t. She was still Tate whether she went by Fisher or Winters. She’d spent so much time chasing the past that she’d almost lost sight of what she had. She wouldn’t make that mistake again.
