“I used to wear them when I trained dragons.”
“Fearsome beasts.” She shuddered. “I’m grateful there are only a few ancient dragons left inside the aerie.”
What a shame. I might not adore dragons as much as Tempest, but they felt like home. I’d hoped I’d find the chance to ride them here, if nothing else. Perhaps one of the old ones would allow me to climb on its back.
Moira sniffed. “I’ll see that these are washed and returned to your closet in case you might wish to wear them again—to train dragons.”
“Last night, I did try to tame a fearsome beast.” A losing battle, right there.
Her breathing came in short gasps. “Wherever did you find a dragon? If they’re coming to the castle, the king must know immediately.”
“Oh, I meant a different sort of beast.” A Lore beast, to be exact. “I chased it off. No worries. I doubt it’ll return to the area.”
“My queen,” she breathed. “You’re unbelievably brave, but please don’t endanger yourself. I’ll speak to Lord Briscalar about your lack of protection. I cannot believe they haven’t already assigned you personal guards. The few outside the door will not be enough if there are beasts lurking about.”
I had guards outside my door? I’d thank Merrick for that later.
Since someone had tried to poison me, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to gather my own entourage, though it would feel strange to have red and silver dressed warriors stomping in front and behind me at all times.
Soft light slanted into the room in golden threads, thebeams warming the bare skin on my arms and legs as I slipped from the bed. I stood on the plush, green and silver patterned carpet, the fibers soft under my feet as Farris rose from his curled position. He yawned and stretched before hopping down to the floor and giving his body a shake. He looked up at me with grinning pup enthusiasm, ready for the day. I wasn't sure I felt ready myself.
Calista entered the room, her smile strained but pleasant enough. “Good morning, my queen. We're already a step ahead. Faelith is waiting in the sitting area to take Farris for a walk outside.”
“Thank you.”
With a stiffening of her spine and a slight drop to her smile, Calista gestured to Farris. “Come along, um . . . nyxin. It’s time for you to explore the gardens.” Her gaze met mine. “He won't bite me if I touch him, will he?”
“No need to worry about Farris. He's sweet. Tame. While I only adopted him recently, I suspect he's had a lot of interaction with fae. He licked my face when I met him, and he's remained by my side since. He even trotted beside the carriage as we rode here from the pier.”
“Amazing.” She tentatively stretched out her hand to him. “I've never been this close to a nyxin before.”
“His fur is soft. Touch him.”
She shook her head. “I could never.” Rushing to the door, she widened it and waved to the nyxin who’d trotted after her. “Out with you. Go have fun outside and when you return, I’ll give you a treat.” Her gaze sought mine. “The cook is already planning meals for your beloved pet.”
And for that, I was also grateful to Merrick. I sensed his involvement in this.
As if he understood, Farris scampered out the door with her, his tail high with excitement.
When I took one step forward, Moira leaped to gather my robe from the closet and join me. She deftly helped put it on, securing the belt at my waist with a quick knot. I wasn’t used to this kind of help. Would there come a day when I'd slip my arms into the sleeves of my robe without thinking about who held it out to me?
“Your breakfast awaits.” Calista stepped back into the room, her enthusiasm trying to snag mine. I did my best to appear eager as she and Moira urged me through the doorway and into the enormous sitting room that had to be twice the size of a two-bedroom residence back at the fortress. We'd thought our quarters were huge and plush, but they were nothing compared to Evergorne Castle. The scent of fresh bread and rusher drifted through the air, though I wasn't sure I was hungry enough to eat.
They’d already opened the curtains in this room as well, and sunlight poured in through the tall windows, making golden light flicker across the patterned marble floor. A breakfast tray sat on a polished wooden table near one of the windows with a vase full of colorful flowers resting nearby.
Such elegance. And for me?
Calista hurried over to pull out the chair. “I hope you’re hungry, my queen. The head cook has prepared a feast to tempt your appetite this morning.”
“I usually eat something light and simple for breakfast.” Toomuch food in the belly might come up if a dragon flipped you off its back. Landings were the worst, and I'd seen my share of emptying my guts into the sand while I swore the dragon snickered not far away.
With a grand wave, she pointed to the chair, and I sat, letting her nudge it forward as if I was a toddler unable to shift such a heavy object all by myself. She removed the silver tray from the plate while Moira poured a fresh cup of tea from the elaborately decorated pot that matched the dishware. Calista took the napkin arranged in the shape of a bird and shook it out, lying it across my lap.
I blinked, overwhelmed by all this food that could feed five dragon trainers. Fresh fruit glistened in a bowl and rich pastries dusted with ground sugar lay on a silver platter beside a small plate holding a fluffy omelet. Enough strips of rusher to satisfy Farris sat on yet another ornate plate near the eggs.
“This . . .” Seeing them both beaming my way, their hands clasped to their chests in excitement, I pushed for a smile. “It’s lovely. There's a lot here. Would you two like to share it with me?”
“Oh, no, my queen,” Moira gasped, clearly scandalized. “We couldn't.”
