Most didn’t give enough credit to dragons. Actually, no one did other than me. Something had changed between me and this silver beast, though I didn’t know how to describe it or why it was happening. I’d worked with him today. He’d not only allowed me inside his stall, but he’d also let me groom him. He’d snapped out at me as dragons often do, and I needed to handle this like I would’ve with Seevar.
The pinch in my heart turned into a full-on ache in my throat. Madrood would never replace the golden dragon I’d loved. But just like in Seevar, I saw something special in Madrood. He kept it well-hidden, but it was there.
It might be silly, but I suspected I’d lose his respect if I let Vexxion help me.
“Go away,” I told Vexxion.
“Are you out of your mind?”
“I mean it.” I wedged the toe of my boot in a crack in the cliff and used it to lever myself up to the edge of the stall. Fortunately, I could then grab onto a groove in the lip and flop onto my belly on the sand strewn across the big open surface. I scrambled to my feet and shot Vexxion a grin. “See? I’m fine.” I’d need to locate another mesh to replace this one as soon as possible. The king would not be happy if his prize dragon flew out from his aerie without a rider.
“Why are you here?” I asked, cocking my head to peer up atVexxion. He looked good, almost glowing with color in his cheeks. His hair looked nice, too, swirling around his shoulders. I wanted to comb my fingers through it. Stroke his pretty cheeks. Kiss him.
“I’m here because you needed me.”
He said it so simply, I wanted to hug him. But I never knew who might be watching. Would there ever be a time when we could be free with each other outside our suite? I craved the chance to let loose and just be with him. To drag him off into the sunshine and strip off his clothing with my teeth. To lie with him in the deep grass and laugh to my heart’s content.
To shout out to the world that I loved him.
With a sad sigh, I snagged what was left of the mesh together and knotted the ends to cover the opening. It wouldn’t hold up if Madrood bumped against it, but it would present a barrier he was unlikely to challenge until it could be replaced. Most dragons had been trained to remain inside their stalls, only flying with a mounted rider.
“You haven’t told me why you’re here without Drask,” he said. “Let alone inside this infernal beast’s cell. You did see him burn someone after we arrived, did you not?”
Something like that was hard to miss.
“I finished with Brenna, and I’m not needed until it’s time to help her dress for dinner,” I said. “I decided to work here a bit before strolling through the castle. I’ve been thinking about the marscapoles and how grateful they were that I freed them. I thought—
“You didwhat?” he roared, then switched to speaking in my mind.Explain.
After leaving Brenna, I worked out in the room and practiced some magic. You need to share the moving objects spell again, because I don’t believe I remember it correctly. It’s not working, and I—
Tempest.
Yes, sweetie?
He sighed, but his eyes gleamed with humor. I might irk—no,vex—him every now and then, but he adored me. And he enjoyed being called sweetie, though he’d never admit it.Tell me what you did with the marscapoles.
The spell you taught me worked. I’m not sure why you seem upset about that. You shared it with me. You must know I’d use it.
It’s a difficult spell.
Oh.I huffed, pretending to be highly offended.You didn’t expect me to master it so quickly.I tipped my head back, watching him, though I kept an eye on Madrood as well. He stared at Vexxion, basically ignoring me.You really don’t know my potential, do you?
No one knows your full potential, which suits our plan. You’re amazing. You’re going to stun the fae realm soon.
I like that idea as long as it comes with killing the king.
Always. You shouldn’t be freeing creatures from the paintings. Someone will notice.
I can’t leave them trapped.
It draws attention,he said.I can’t protect you all the time.
One of these days, I’m going to surprise you by protecting myself.Sure, my hands shook at the thought of dealing the final blow, but that was the point of training, right?I’m getting closer all the time.
You are.He watched me. He always watched me, even when he wasn’t nearby.
“Go.” I waved my hands at him. “I still have time before I’m needed in Brenna’s suite, and Madrood’s eyes need cleaning.”I’ll see you after dinner in the meadow for training?
