Raoul spread his wings.Let’s go.
Yes. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can discover at Goldwing.
We launched into the sky, leaving Silvervale’s silver cliffs behind. Ahead lay another court.
And I hoped answers.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
RAOUL
Goldwing Court rose from the mountainside like a monument to excess.
Gold leaf covered every surface that could hold it, from archways to pillars, to railings. The late afternoon sun hit it all at once, and I had to squint against the glare as I descended into the formal courtyard.
A reception committee waited, twenty dragon shifters, arranged by height, wearing black formal robes embroidered with golden thread. They stood so still they could’ve been statues.
Adele shifted on my back, her curiosity mixing with apprehension through our link.
Welcome to Goldwing,I said.Where everything is formal, everyone is watching, and spontaneity is considered a character flaw.
She snorted.It’s that bad?
Worse. But smile and follow my lead. Although, they have a new king. I should see what he’s like before assuming he’s like his predecessor.
I landed, keeping my movements controlled and dignified.No dramatic flourishes here. Goldwing appreciated restraint and protocol above all else.
The moment my claws touched stone, the reception committee moved as one, executing a bow so perfectly timed it had to have been rehearsed. Probably multiple times.
After Adele slipped off my back, our bags in her hand, I shifted to my usual form and fell into the role I’d been trained for since birth, King Raoul of Emberforge, here to help but not impose.
It was a mask I wore well. I had to, given how much of my life involved navigating political courts like this one.
Their new king stepped forward, his features sharp, his eyes full of intelligence. The robes he wore were more elaborate than the others, marking his rank.
“King Raoul of Emberforge.” His voice carried across the courtyard. “Goldwing Court welcomes you and extends gratitude for your assistance in our time of need.”
The formal phrasing was deliberate. He wasn’t asking for our help; just thanking us for coming. This was designed to save face. Everything here would be about projecting the best image of Goldwing as possible.
“King Trevare of Goldwing.” I inclined my head in a bow calculated to show respect without deference. “Thank you for allowing us to visit. May I present my wife, Queen Adele of Emberforge.”
Adele stood beside me, her travel-worn tunic and pants looking out of place among all the finery. But she held her head high, and I felt a surge of pride at how she didn’t let their scrutiny shake her.
Trevare’s eyes flickered over her clothing, and his expression shifted. He wasn’t showing disapproval, but definitely assessment.
“Queen Adele.” He gave her a perfect bow. “We’re honored by your presence and expertise.”
The reception committee bowed again in unison.
Do they practice this?Adele asked in my mind, and I felt her fighting not to smile.
Daily, probably. Don’t laugh. They’ll consider it an insult.
I’m not going to.But her amusement rippled through me, and fates, it was a relief to have that lightness in the middle of this rigid formality.
“Accommodations have been prepared for you,” Trevare said. “We’d be honored if you’d join us for dinner this evening. We’ve arranged a formal reception with my senior advisors.”
I smiled. “We would be delighted.”
