“Youwill end the war?” the dragon asked me.
Even though I was inwardly quaking, every bone in my body threatening to turn liquid, I met the golden stare and said, “With some help. But do not make the mistake of underestimating me.” I lifted a hand and summoned Fire. Flames danced over my fingertips. “I'm not your average human.”
Both dragons and the woman gasped and focused on the flames, enrapt. I suppose Fire was the best choice to impress Tytra.
Taroc chuckled. “All right, that's enough of a show, Ember. I'm paying for them to entertain us, not the other way around.”
I shrugged and put out the flames.
“A human with magic,” the red dragon said in a feminine voice.
“Not just Fire either,” Taroc said. “He controls all the elements.”
They made amazed sounds.
“Now, if we could get going?” Taroc asked. “Lord Ember is hungry.”
“Yes, of course,” Liss said. “Your carriage awaits, Wraith Lords.”
He folded his wings and a golden . . . box? No, it had no lid. Platform? No, it had sides. Liss called it a carriage, so I suppose that's what it was. But it was nothing like the other contraptions of that name I was familiar with. This carriage had a flat base that sat on the ground and chest-high walls of glass panels framed in gold filigree. Gold columns jutted up from the corners and attached to a solid steel frame at the top. The frame, in turn, attached to a massive chain.
“Shall we?” Taroc led me to a low door in the carriage, opened it, and ushered me onto the thing.
A table was bolted to the floor, set with a fine cloth. Running down the center of it was a trough with brass rails, buckled over the tablecloth. It held covered dishes, plates, glasses, carafes, and silverware, everything locked in place by brass bars. Two chairs were tucked beneath the table, the only items not locked down in some way. Taroc went to one and pulled it out for me. I glanced at the padded bench that ran around three of the carriage walls, then sat down. It was luxurious, whatever it was.
“Um, we aren't . . .” I trailed off when I saw Taroc grin. “Are we going to—”
With a screech, Liss took to the air. The chain attached to our carriage shimmied, then began to rise, drawn after the beast in a slither. Taroc hooked a foot around a table leg and gripped my shoulders as he braced my chair. Then we were rising, the carriage jolting and spinning before it leveled out.
I may have screamed. And clutched Taroc's wrist. And screamed.
Taroc chuckled as the carriage steadied. He let go of me, but only to come around and take my hand. “We'll eat in a minute, but you're going to want to see this.”
He led me to the side, and I looked over the railing with him at the courtyard that got smaller and smaller. We rose over the city, higher than the top of the buildings. Beyond them was a mountain range, made purple by distance. Cloud caught on their peaks. I followed the rugged line of it around and saw that it connected. The range circled the city—a natural defense.
As if Tytra needed it.
Liss began to circle the border of the city, following the curve that mimicked the mountains. He didn't go too high, just high enough to give us a great view. From up there, even the Tytra looked small. But the vastness of their city was also revealed. All the beautiful architectural details I'd only seen a portion of came together up there to paint a glorious picture. Windows were leaded glass, set in iron frames, and several buildings had balconies overflowing with plants. So delicate for such a bold race.
“Dear Goddess,” I whispered as I looked down. “This is incredible.”
“I'm glad you like it.” Taroc let go of my hand to lean on the railing beside me. “Sky dining is a popular activity for Tytra couples. It's nice to be up here without having to work for it.”
I grinned at him. “Thank you for bringing me.”
Taroc grunted, then nodded toward the table. “Ready to eat? You said you were hungry.”
“Oh, yeah.”
We went back to the table where Taroc once again helped me into my seat. Then he undid the brass latches on the central trough and opened the bars that kept everything in place, even the lids of the dishes. With a quick grin at me, he removed the lids on the dishes, releasing delicious aromas. I started to reach for the plates, thinking to help him, but he growled at me. So, I just sat back as he made a plate for me, trying not to smile so broadly.
Taroc set a plate loaded with fragrant food before me, then a napkin, utensils, and a glass that he filled with white wine. Only when everything was perfect for me did he fill his plate and glass. Still, I waited for him to sit down before I took a bite.
And Taroc waited for me to groan in pleasure. Then he grinned, obviously pleased with himself, and started to eat.
All right, so maybe playing the game wasn't so bad after all.
Chapter Eight
