Head high, I exited the bathroom. Adelaide was standing, typing on her phone, a crown of blackened, dragon-fire seared steel dangling from the crook of her arm. “Don’t forget the precious,” she said, tossing the headpiece my way.
Though my reflexes were currently offline, I caught it mid-air, careful of the curved spikes resembling talons, each tipped with glowing amber. I anchored it to my hair, instantly feeling the weight of centuries of obligation.
“Looks like someone scrubbed Yrnblade details from our annals, but don’t worry.” Glee filled her voice. “I’ll learn how to break its hold. I’m very good at findingwhat others wish to hide.”
The delay sucked, but I knew she would succeed. “Thank you. On both counts,” I told her with a regal nod.
She performed an elaborate curtsy. “Obviously, you owe me, and I’ll collect.”
“Obviously.”
We strode into a hallway that stretched through the heart of the castle. Carved pillars depicting dragons propped up the ceiling. Their bejeweled eyes had fascinated me as a child. Rich tapestries, portraits of kings and queens long past and curious artifacts collected through the centuries covered the walls, almost blocking the shimmering wallpaper that looked like dragon scales.
Per royal custom, my sister remained a step behind me, but that never prevented us from conversing.
“I didn’t spot the Chains of O upon your return, soooo what happened with the professor?” she asked as we turned a corner and descended a winding staircase, spiraled like a dragon’s tail.
“Well, he hit me with Skyrend toxin, then stabbed me with a mystical blade to ensure I forever crave him. Then he commanded me to kill him in my fire, so I’d endlessly desire what I cannot have.” I pushed the words from between clenched teeth.
“Sounds like an adorable meet-cute. So what’s next?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure where we landed on future plans. Who knows? Maybe he’ll decide to hunt me down to give murder another go, and we can solidify details then.”
“Smart.”
“Oh! I did learn something useful. He doesn’t have a twin.”
“That’s too bad, if he’s as cute as his pictures promise. We could have double-dated.”
I tossed her a glare, and she blew me a kiss with her middle finger. Then it was game time, and we both went stone-faced, projecting a cold determination known to clear battlefields. We entered the royal meeting room.
Vast and echoing due to its vaulted ceiling, the skyglass allowed views of the heavens. A must for any dragon. Ancient maps and weathered scrolls graced the walls, side-by-side electronic boards and large viewing screens. At its center stretched a massive solid-wood table, long enough to seat the ten members of my council, and me. Crystal chandeliers suspended from dragon-claw fixtures that bathed the room in an amber glow identical to the one emanating from my crown. Every inch of this space spoke of power and history and my place in it as the second ever to serve as regent.
My father, King Cedric, first ruled us. Once known as Drachensturm and The Storm. Then he became the first dragon-shifter. Their first king—and our greatest enemy.
The members of my council perched at the table, with only the chair at the head empty. Each man and a single woman stood in deference, some more reluctantly than others. They bowed their heads as I approached. Several had served under my father. A fact that should have disqualified them from future service, but they were elected, not chosen by me. Reason five million and twelve why I relied more on my sisters than my council.
With grace and elegance my mother instilled in me since I could walk, I took my place, lowering myself onto the cushioned seat. Adelaide remained standing behind me, a hand on a dagger hilt.
No one spoke at first, awaiting permission. I used the time to gather my thoughts. I’d just battled a Locke.Bonded to him via mystical blade. He wanted to kill me or die; either outcome was acceptable to him as long as I suffered. I had no idea how to handle him, but I’d have to figure it out. Fast.
Deep breath in. Out.Centering.
“Let the skies part and stars listen,” Adelaide announced, sensing my readiness. “The Dragon Crown is called to her council.”
“We rise to serve,” the group of ten responded in unison, as custom dictated. “We stand with the Crown. We rest in her power.”
Only then did the royal advisors ease down. Each person trained for their role from a young age and voted on by the people. Though immortal berserkers, they had lost their berserkerage. The knowledge they’d hoarded over the ages had taken a toll, bowing their shoulders with burden, turning their gazes skittish and assessing, as if always on the lookout for secrets and treachery. A dragon still prowled inside them, except it produced zero fire.
Must be a miserable existence. One I’d never envied. “Explain to me,” I stated flatly, reclining in my chair, “why there is talk of removing me as queen. Treason, I might remind you, and an executable offense.”
To their credit, none acted surprised or attempted to deny their actions against me.
Councilman Roland Hoffmann studied me, as if trying to make sense of a puzzle with missing pieces. He hailed from one of Ashmorra’s oldest and most respected families. In fact, he and Cedric had grown up together. Had been friends. What a blow it had been to the councilman when the king turned shifter, putting our homeland at risk. “Your father seeks hisfirebrand.”
Nyla again.
I gripped the edge of the chair arms, nearly cracking the wood as I fought to conceal my sudden burst of anger. That manticore berserkatrix had married King Cedric soon after he’d butchered my mother, his then-wife, for the crime of existing. An act that allowed something evil to take root, reshaping him into the first dragon-shifter. In a matter of weeks, however, he’d lured several hundred into joining him.
