“Youflew all night. I dozed.”
“Not much. You’re about to attempt complex weather magic that could solve a crisis or make things worse if you’re too tired to focus. Sleep isn’t optional.”
Her shoulders sagged. “Two hours. That’s all I need.”
“You can have three. I’m worried about you.”
I could tell that last bit convinced her because her shoulders drooped.
I kissed her quickly, pressing my forehead against hers after. “Three hours. Then breakfast with the council. After that, you’ll save this court, and I’ll worship at your amazing feet.”
That got a smile. “You’re very dramatic.”
“I’m a dragon king. Drama comes with the position.” I pulled back the covers, gesturing for her to get in. “Sleep, sweet. I’ll wake you in plenty of time.”
She climbed into bed. I stripped down to my undergarment and slid in beside her, and she immediately curled into me, her head finding that perfect spot on my chest.
We both slept and woke to soft morning light filtering through the windows.
“Time?” she asked, her voice rough with sleep.
“Almost.” I kissed her forehead. “How do you feel?”
“Better.” She stretched, her body warm and soft against mine. “Still tired, but functional.”
“Nothing says trust my scientific expertise like I’m functional.“
She tapped my chest, but she was smiling. “I’ll be alright once I eat something and review my notes.”
We rose, bathed, and dressed in the formal clothing we’d brought, knowing presentation mattered at a councilmeeting. Adele braided her hair back, and I watched her transform from my sleepy wife into Queen Adele, weather witch and problem solver.
Fates, she was magnificent.
A knock at the door announced our escort, a young guard who led us through corridors now bustling with morning activity. People nodded as we passed, and I caught snippets of conversation.
“That’s the Emberforge queen.”
“They say she found the cause.”
“My sister’s baby has suffered terribly. If this works…”
So many people counted on us to get this right.
The formal dining room was less crowded than during our first visit, but every seat held someone important. Queen Mortiven sat at the head of the table, her advisors arranged around her. I recognized most of them from before, including the stern woman who’d questioned everything Adele said.
But the atmosphere felt different now. More humble, maybe. Like they’d realized accusations and pride wouldn’t save their hatchlings.
“Queen Adele.” Mortiven stood, gesturing to seats near her. “Please, join us. We’re eager to hear what you’ve discovered.”
We settled into our chairs, and servants appeared immediately with food. Eggs prepared in a variety of ways, pastries, fresh bread, and fruit arranged simply but beautifully. My stomach growled.
Adele pulled out her notebook, spreading it on the table beside her plate. “Thank you for meeting with us. I know the situation has been difficult for everyone.”
“One could call it that,” the stern advisor said, though her tone lacked the sharp edge from before.
“I believe I’ve identified the cause of your hatchlings’ symptoms,” Adele said. “If I’m correct, it’s environmental, not intentional. Ancient ice formations exposed by the tremor two months ago.”
She explained the sublimation process, showing them her diagrams and data. I watched the council members’ faces as understanding dawned, followed by varying degrees of relief and embarrassment.
