It was what I wanted in the beginning. I lost sight of that somewhere in the years of ruling. Somewhere under the veiled scorn of my nobles who should have supported me. I forgot that I had set myself on this path not just to better my life or even the lives of my parents, but also to better the lives of my class. I wanted to unite my dread.
If I had to kill every last noble to do that, I would.
The thought should have given me pause, but the flames of my conviction burned away all doubt. That was the risk of zeal. It could blind you as much as arrogance. But there was something even more powerful rising inside me as I descended to the castle courtyard.
Love. Love for the man I set carefully on the courtyard stones. It had grown every minute of our trip. That Aras had come with me and shown pride in me strengthened our matingbond, but it also fueled my love for him. And I couldn't tell him any of it. I couldn't even confess my love.
The realization was a bucket of cold water thrown in my face. The Eye had said that my downfall began with a declaration of love. So, not only did I have to withhold Aras's status from him, but I also had to withhold my love. Or at least the words. I could show him that I loved him, couldn't I?
I shifted and got dressed, taking each piece of clothing as my mate handed it to me. Mossemas was already coming down the castle steps by the time I had my boots on. The guards atop the castle walls were also standing at attention, saluting me. I held up a hand to acknowledge their respect, and they went back to their watch.
“Your Majesty,” Mossemas panted, out of breath. “Welcome home.”
“Thank you, Mossemas,” I said. “I need you to prepare rooms for . . . oh, four thousand or so guests.”
Mossemas didn't even blink. The castle—a soaring structure over twenty floors high—was well equipped to handle my entire dread, should the need arise. That's what it had been originally built for. Granted, people may have to share rooms, but I didn't think they'd mind.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” he said. “Dare I hope the rooms are for your dread?”
“They are.” I grinned at him. “It turns out that I have more support than I thought. My people are coming to bolster our ranks.”
“Thank the Gods,” Mossemas murmured.
I stared at him. Here was another loyal soul who I had overlooked. I saw what he did for me, but I hadn't seen him. Setting a hand on his shoulder, I said, “Thankyou, Mossemas. You make my life so much easier. I hope you know how invaluable you are.”
“Your Majesty!” Mossemas gaped at me, then jerked forward into a bow. “I'm honored.”
I smacked his shoulder. “Good. Then you won't mind arranging for a larger training space for my Dragons.”
“Oh, dear Gods,” he muttered. “I don't know if such a space exists.”
“We will rotate training sessions to suit whatever you can come up with,” I said. “I know my old knights had their own training yard. I want that opened up so there is only one yard. I will train all of my soldiers, no matter their race, but I will have to schedule groups, and the Dragons need to be trained first because most of them have never had combat training.”
“Now that, I can arrange, Your Majesty!”
“Very good.” I went past him, into the castle. “Any trouble while I was gone?”
“No, Sire. All was quiet here. Commander Fravar has met with the General, but he can give you his report.”
“Excellent. Oh, and my parents will be among the guests arriving in about two days.”
“I will see to their comfort personally, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you.” I paused when four men entered the corridor, two ahead and two behind us.
Then I realized who they were—my new guards. I grinned at their formation and then at Mossemas, who had doubtless trained them. But I wouldn't say anything. Better to just act as if I expected their professionalism.
We marched to the royal apartments, Mossemas breaking away long before we reached them. Once I entered the suite, my knights separated, two going in to search the rooms and take positions on the balconies, and two standing guard at the entrance. Again, it was well executed, and I was pleased.
I was also exhausted.
Alone with my mate, I let my shoulders droop and headed for the bed. Not for any mating sport. I needed sleep, and I needed it soon. And maybe food. I wasn't sure in what order.
“Ly, are you all right?” Aras asked.
I sat down on the edge of the bed and huffed a sigh. “Of course.”
“You don't look so good.” He crouched to help me with my boots. “Here. Let me get those for you. You need some rest.”
