The major that Captain Vonla had been avoiding stepped into view. Syla barely kept from grimacing.
Was he here to lecture her about herprisoner? Or to assassinate her while she was in a groggy and weakened state? Maybe both.
Having delivered breakfast, Aunt Tibby left as the man removed his uniform cap and stepped up to the bed. The corporal raised his eyebrows and looked around, as if wondering if he should leave. The major lifted a staying hand toward him.
“Your Majesty.” Black uniform rumpled, short black hair sticking out in all directions, the major touched a fresh scar cutting across his cheek. Had a dragon talon done that? Or maybe Lesva’s sword. The officer surprised her by dropping to one knee and bowing his head. “I failed to introduce myself yesterday, but I’m Major Hixun. On behalf of all the men who survived the battle against overpowering numbers, I thank you for fighting with us and using that strange cannonball launcher on our enemies.”
“I… You’re welcome, Major.” Syla hadn’t expected anything except veiled hostility from the man, not after the looks he’d given the captain who’d warned her about assassins.
Was it possible he was being polite so she would lower her guard? She waved for him to rise, doubting she would get used to people dropping to a knee in front of her.
“You were brave to come along on this journey, Your Majesty, and I didn’t expect…” Hixun glanced at the corporal, as if the young soldier might have input. “I don’t think any of us, well, quite knew how that big marble cannon worked or thought you would stand on it in the middle of a battleground. In the middle ofdragonstrying to kill you.”
“Well, the platform is somewhat protected by the overhead canopy.”
“Anarrowhit you,” the corporal said. “And that dragon-rider woman tried tokillyou.”
Adoration shone in the young man’s eyes. That wasn’t surprising since Syla had been healing him, but the major nodded as well. His gaze wasn’t one of adoration, but it also wasn’t the distant and cold contemplation of an enemy plotting one’s demise. It was… respectful. The fleet commander’s had been too, she realized. At the time, she hadn’t known how to interpret his regard. Huh.
“The sides of the weapons platformcoulduse more protection,” she said. “It should be more like an armored carriage, don’t you think? With a few shatter-proof windows. I wonder if my Aunt Tibby—she’s an engineer, you know—could make some adjustments. Do you think it’s permissible toadjust a gift from the gods?”
“Isn’t she an agricultural engineer?” Hixun asked.
“Yes, but I’m certain she could handle armoring a platform. She might even have thoughts about adding axles and wheels, maybe a whole wagon frame so it could be more easily transported.”
“It would end up looking like one of her vile man-eating tractors,” Fel said.
“A weapons platformshouldbe vile,” Syla said. “We could paint a scary face with fangs on the top of it.”
“To answer your question, no,” Fel said, “I don’t think it’s permissible to adjust gifts from the gods. Not likethat.”
“But wheels and armor would be okay?”
“I’d think so.”
Hixun stepped back from the bed. “I’ll leave you to your work and rest, Your Majesty, but we would be honored if you would attend a short ceremony we’re having for the fallen later.”
“Of course.” Syla swallowed a lump that formed in her throat at the memory of the Royal Protector who’d taken an arrow for her. How many others had died during the engagement?
“Thank you. And thank you for healing the men and also helping during the battle—you’re the only reason wesurvivedthat. Oh.” Hixun lifted a finger as if he’d remembered something. “You should also know that the fleet commander took teams ashore now that the storm is past, and they’re searching for the island lord and other high-status individuals and military leaders. Before departing, he asked me to find out what your plans are for… the prisoner.”
“Captain Vorik.”
“Yes. We know who he is. And we’re uncertain why you want him held instead of executed.”
“He saved my life by fighting off Captain Lesva.”
“We were confused by that, Your Majesty. We understand that thanks to you and your dragon—” Hixun gave her another respectful nod, “—members of a rogue stormer faction assisted us, but Vorik can’t be affiliated with them. He’s General Jhiton’s right-hand man.”
“Yes, he is. From what I’ve gathered, it’s actually Captain Lesva who went rogue, in a manner of speaking. She was trying to kill me.”
“Isn’t that in line with their goals?” Hixun asked.
“Their horrible andodiousgoals,” the corporal said. “Queen Syla is ahealer.You don’t kill healers.”
He sounded affronted on her behalf, and Syla decided that he, like the captain, probably hadn’t been on board with the assassination plot. She hoped other troops felt as they did—and that the major’s apparent change of opinion of her was in earnest.
“The queen single-handedly brought down several riders and dragons,” Hixun pointed out.
