“And your dragon is alive!” Samyull turns toward Surath. “Where has she been? She’s been missing from the enclaves, since you returned from the Darkness. We all believed she was dead.”
“Samyull.” I put my hand on his shoulder. “We have much to tell you.”
He nods, then his eyes flick toward Zogar and quickly back to me. He leans in close. “Is this large man your servant?”
I laugh. Then take Zogar’s hand. “Samyull, this is Zogar, King of the Dragons.”
“Herhusband,” Zogar adds gruffly.
I smile. I purposefully left out that detail, hoping to avoid overwhelming Samyull with too much information at once.
“Zogar?” Samyull shakes his head. “I thought that was the name of yourdragon.”
Surath, still in Samyull’s line of sight, transforms into her human self, quickly using magic to create clothing to cover her naked body.
Samyull staggers back from me. “What? How?”
Zogar squeezes my hand. “I will give you and Saxon some time to speak to this small man,” he says, “while I assess the state of the dragon prison.”
My chest squeezes. I don’t want to be separated from Zogar.
“It won’t be for long, my queen.” He cups my face, as if he read my mind. “My people must hear my voice. And all who oppose me need to feel the heat of my fire.”
CHAPTER 52
Tynan
Even riding one of Father’s best steeds, it’s taken me far too many days of travel to get from Khotor to Achotia. While I can survive without food or sleep, the horse cannot, and I can’t risk exchanging it for another.
Soldiers roam everywhere, so I’ve avoided the main roads whenever possible. I’m not certain whether Father has yet realized I left Khotor. Fearing he might not let me leave, I snuck out of Khotor in disguise, leaving a message with one of the footmen that I will join my father in Catha, for my wedding at the Feast of Othrix. I have no intention of being there, but I hope it might keep my father from sending knyghts after me.
Inspired by Rosomon’s disguise from when she escaped her wedding, I swapped my princely finery for the clothes of a klerick, and thus far, only two soldiers have questioned me, and they seemed satisfied when I told them I was on a mission for Othrix and the King and flashed the scroll containing the royal pardon.
Nearing the Achotian castle gates, I slow my horse to a trot. This castle is flying the same banners as my own—albeit fewer, and ones not so grand. My remaining doubts that my father and the klericks now control every kingdom, vanish.
When I get close, the guards snap to attention. Two of them bow. Have I been recognized? Or is this how they greet all visitors.
I give my horse’s reins to the stable grooms, and collect my packs, draping them over my shoulders. One of the servants tries to take them from me, but no chance will I risk being separated from my things—especially Saxon’s pardon.
At the stable entrance, a man in more formal attire approaches and bows. “Your Royal Highness,” he says. “I was not informed of your impending visit. Forgive me that we did not greet you properly at the gates.”
I nod my head, hiding my reaction. Clearly, I was recognized. “It’s an unofficial royal visit, hence my garb.”
The man nods. His eyes and demeanor read more nervous than suspicious, so I keep my posture and attitude regal. If my father has realized I fled, he has not yet sent messengers, or knyghts to find me. I should take advantage while I still can.
“I’m here on the King’s behest,” I say boldly. “I must see the former king of this castle.”
The man’s eyes snap open wide, and he staggers back from me. “But Your Highness.” The man is shaking. “The King, yourfather,ordered the former king’s execution.”
My chest tightens. “Of course he did. I am here to ensure his orders were carried out.” I try to slow my rapidly beating heart and swallow the bile in my throat. I must act as if I knew this.
“When I arrived, I didn’t see the traitor’s head on a pike, so I was testing you. Making sure you’d carried out the royal orders.”
The man, now looking even more nervous, nods.
“And what of the former princes?” Please, don’t let them be dead too.
“As ordered, they are held in the keep,” the man answers. “Neither has yielded. Neither has pledged his allegiance to the King, but I feel sure it’s just a matter of time. I will order the inquisitor to increase his pressure?—”
