Were male dragons the same? Did they fight over the females?
Supposedly, dragons did not form everlasting relationships. They chose one partner per mating season, and if the mating resulted in an egg, they shared in the responsibility of raising their hatchling. The thing was that their mating seasons came along only once in a century or so, and I didn't know whether they had sex for fun the rest of the time or not.
I must have successfully blocked that line of thought from Onyx because he didn't comment on it.
"Oh, I heard you. I just didn't know whether I should satisfy your curiosity. Let's just say that dragons like to have fun as much as humans, probably more, because we are far superior in every way, including in that department."
I couldn't help the snort that escaped my throat, and when heads turned in my direction, I tried to cover it with an unconvincing cough. Shovia gave me a puzzled look, while Captain Harlow, who was overseeing today's training, frowned disapprovingly.
"Sorry," I muttered, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.
"Would you like to share your amusement with the rest of the class, Cadet Strom?" Captain Harlow asked.
Onyx's mental chuckle was not helping matters.
"No, sir," I managed, keeping my face as neutral as possible. "I apologize for the disturbance."
I was acutely aware of Alar's eyes on me, and as I turned around, I saw his calculating gaze. A suspicion was forming in those intelligent eyes of his. Was he starting to guess the nature of my secret?
Smiling, I gave him a little wave before walking over to Onyx. “Please don't make me laugh. People will start thinking that I'm crazy.”
I dipped my head to him. "Noble Onyx, may I have the honor of flying with you today?"
The great dragon dipped his massive head in assent."You may, Little Warrior,"he fondly replied in my head.
I was thankful he'd chosen to behave and hadn't made another inappropriate comment that would have made me laugh for no apparent reason.
Using the harness's handholds to pull myself up, I climbed up his side, my muscles protesting after the morning's conditioning run and then climbing twelve floors up to theshaman's office, going down, and now back up again. When I settled into the saddle, I released a relieved breath.
"Rough day?" Commander Ravel asked as he handed me a pair of goggles.
"Yes. I was called to the shaman's office, and climbing those stairs twice in one day after our morning conditioning wasn't fun. The Citadel should invest in a cable car system."
He laughed. "We have dragons. What do we need cable cars for?"
"I don't have a dragon," I grumbled.
"It's good exercise for you," he said.
As Onyx turned around, I leaned forward, initiating the takeoff sequence as I'd been taught. Onyx's powerful muscles bunched beneath us, and then we were airborne, the Citadel roof falling away as we first dove down the cliff and then soared upward into the vast blue expanse.
Panic still constricted my throat, but it didn't last long. Onyx telegraphed nonverbal vibes of confidence and warmth through our connection, easing my fears enough for me to enjoy the experience.
"I see things have progressed with Cadet Tekum," Ravel said.
"Yes," I confirmed.
"Good. He seems devoted to you, and he's a good man."
I turned my head to look at him over my shoulder. "Did the shaman tell you about his meeting with Alar?"
Ravel nodded. "I know who he is and why he is here. Frankly, he's doing us a favor. Eluria's leadership is suffering from willful blindness and the mistaken notion that, in time, economic prosperity will change the Sitorian society. I'm glad that at least one of their royal members understands the fallacy of such thinking."
"Do all the commanders know about Alar?" I asked.
"Yes. All the wing and section commanders had a lunch meeting with Saphir, and he told us about the prince. We were instructed to keep it to ourselves and not share it with those under our command, which includes the cadets. Alar's presence here should remain a secret for diplomatic reasons."
I chuckled. "I can just imagine the scandal in Eluria if it became known that the prince is attending our flight academy."
