"I suppose that will depend on our host's reception," Thrane eyes the tunnel entrance as if he's expecting a royal delegation to greet us. Or a parade to honor his arrival. Who knows at this point.
"Who will look after the dragons when we are not here?" Kamari asks re-braiding her long white hair. She and my mother join our party. "I'm not sure I like the idea of them beingunattended. Perhaps we can take turns spending the night with them?"
"Are you concerned someone will sneak up on our dragons?" Thrane tosses the question flippantly and Kamari flinches. "I do believe anyone brazen enough to creep into this arena will meet a vicious end."
Kamari's cheeks heat at Thrane's chastisement and my heart cleaves in two for her. I wrap my arm around hers, drawing her gaze. "If it will make you feel better, I will request King Soren post guards at all the entrances, so no one wanders in."
Kamari's eyes flick up toward Thrane, but I step in the way, blocking her view of him. "I'll make sure our dragons are safe here. I promise."
"Aurelia to the rescue," Thrane drawls.
I swivel and frown up at him. "Can I speak to you in private?"
Thrane motions for me to lead the way. I march toward Artax, putting a good bit of distance between us and the others.
"Why are you being such an ass today?" I slam my hands on my hips, furrowing my brow.
He seems almost delighted I've asked. "I'm always an ass. Any particular reason why it bothers you now?"
He has a valid point. I let loose a breath, the tension in my shoulders releasing. "Kamari is sweet and kind. She asked a question and you responded harshly."
"Kamari is indeed sweet and kind."
"I feel like an excuse is coming," I huff.
"She is spoiled." Thrane doesn't mince words. "Her father doesn't challenge her, doesn't push her to reach her full potential. If I, too, coddle her, she will be eaten up by this cruel world and spit out."
"Her kindness isn't a weakness, Thrane," I point out and he agrees.
"Of course, it's not a weakness. Her lack of awareness and quitter's mentality is, however."
I'm taken aback by his comment. "She completed her training. She has herOrhelletattoos. How does that qualify her as a quitter?"
"She barely passed her training. If she wasn't a Basilius, I would have written her off years ago as a silly creature." Thrane's words are harsh, but his tone is light, as if none of this is troubling. "I would see her rise and take her place amongst us, not because of her name or title, but due to her own merit." His face softens. "I might have come across tough with her just now. I will attempt to be better in how I respond to Kamari from now on."
That's as close to an admission of guilt I'll probably summon from him. I see his reasoning. The Harland brothers and Thrane, too, for that matter, didn't coddle me during training. They took a spoiled, self-centered, naive princess and gave me the pep-talks and training needed to become who I am today. Perhaps, Thrane should work on his delivery, but his intent with Kamari comes from a good place. I can't fault him for caring in his own way.
"I agree with your request."
"What?" I look up at him.
"Asking King Soren to station guards at every entrance." He acknowledges. "It's a good idea."
"Thank you," I smile.
"Stop smiling at me like that," he squints.
"Why? Does it make you uncomfortable?" I tease.
"House Basilius isn't known for grinning."
I shrug, enjoying being under his skin. "Perhaps it's the Sol in me."
Before Thrane can offer a quick-witted response, there's commotion at the tunnel.
Standing at the mouth of the entrance is a small delegation from King Soren, banners waving high. But in front of all of the attendants sent to welcome us to Tronovia is a familiar face. Tears prick at my eyes and I sprint for Atlas.
He doesn't hesitate to do the same and once I reach him, I jump into his arms, wrap my legs around his torso and squeeze as tightly as I can. I've never been happier to see someone in my life.
