She refused to answer his questions.
So you said to yourself, okay, here’s some fire. That’ll teach you not to share where you hid your daughter.
I don’t believe she knew where you were, he said.
Vera hid my sister and me. Then my mother couldn’t be tortured for that information.While I’d only seen my mother in a vision, I sensed Vera was much stronger, more powerful. Better able to resist him. He’d put her in a portrait when she wouldn’t tell, perhaps to bring her out again and torture her some more for the information. Then he forgot she existed because he believed he had the Lydel heir in hand.
I was told my mother gave her life to protect this court,I said.
I saw the spell gathering in her eyes,he said softly.And I waited until she’d cast it.
How thoughtful of you.
I told you I didn’t want to do it.
Why, then? It wasn’t like the king could torture you like he has so many others. Did he place a collar around your throat like he did Vexxion?
No collar.
Why didn’t you refuse him? You could’ve flown through the door or blasted your way out of the throne room, but instead, you stepped forward and turned her to ashes.
Ashes I couldn’t bury. A body I couldn’t bathe and dress and prepare for a funeral pyre. I’d only recently found her, and I felt like I’d lost her all over again.
I had to remain there, or I wouldn’t bond with you.
Let me guess, you can foretell the future like Vera?
Iasar told me I must wait for you. That you were coming. That this world needed you.His body sagged to the floor, and he dropped his head onto his front legs.I’m sorry.
You murdered my mother.If he was a beast who acted on instinct or who slashed out without realizing he could cause harm, I’d find it easier to forgive him. But this?You killed her with intention.
I did.
Would you burn someone for me if I asked?My words came out as a taunt. I tilted my head, watching him. I knew dragons, or I thought I did. I could almost sense what they’d do before they acted. Would I sense if Madrood planned to turn me to ashes or would it be over before I noted the flicker of his inner eyelids closing to protect his eyes?
No.He turned his head away from me and eased his body over to lay looking out at the sea.
We’re bound for the rest of our lives,I said. I should walk away. Never return to the aerie. Block him from my mind.
You’re a beast master even if you don’t know it, but a bond goes both ways. I could’ve refused it, but I didn’t.
Did you think that would make it easier for me to accept you murdering my mother?
I bonded with you because I owed her for what I did, he said softly.
A thought occurred to me.Are you my betrayer, then?
Not any longer.
29
TEMPEST
Iflitted from the aerie to my room at the manor and collapsed on the bed, pressing my palms against my face. I wanted to block out the sorrow in Madrood’s voice, the sadness in his eyes. He clearly regretted what he’d done.
How could I forgive him for killing my mother?
Vexxion appeared beside me on the bed and gathered me into his arms. He kissed my forehead and pressed his chin to the top of my head like he’d done so many times when he loved me.
