I wasn’t ready for this. The way he opened his heart to me without fear or restraint. This beast of a man became vulnerable for me. I swallowed, heart hammering in my chest. Years of discipline, of hiding my thoughts and feelings even from those I trusted, weren’t easy to forget. I wanted to tell him everything. That the walls I’d built after my mother’s death crumbled one stone after another beneath his touch, but the soft, gentle words refused to come.
‘I’d burn the world to ash for you,’ I said instead. Rey frowned as he caught my gaze. The blush spreading over my cheeks must have looked ridiculous. I wished the bed would swallow me whole.
Rey smiled, tapping the tip of my nose. ‘I know, my Viper… but how about we build a better world together?’ I nodded with an embarrassed chuckle. He sat up on the bed, pulling me to his chest. ‘I have one request, though.’
‘Yes?’ I asked, confused by the playful tone in his voice.
‘Consider moving into the palace? Or allow me to hold court in your kitchen, though Tova might object to that. Just think about it, please.’ His chin landed on my shoulder when he exhaled slowly. ‘I have to go. I hate it, but I must.’
‘I wish we had more time,’ I said, sighing. ‘It could be weeks or even months until we see each other again.’
‘Months? Have faith in me, Viper.’ He grinned, standing up and stretching his muscular body. ‘I’ll return as soon as the situation is stable. Ivar is a capable Lord Marshal, and once we have the upper hand in the campaign, my presence there won’t be necessary.’
‘You would leave the campaign for me?’ I asked, exhaling when he shook his head.
‘No. As much as I want to be here, I wouldn’t leave my men suffering for my needs. Still, I know how Riordan’s struggling. He can only hold the nobles at bay for so long before they start trouble. There were reports about Tangra as well… I have plenty of political reasons to return, but none are as appealing as your smile.’
‘Just promise me you won’t rush headlong into every battle seeking victory. We’re good. As for the nobles, Riordan can handle them. I already helped a little.’ At the slight tremor in my voice, Rey’s eyes narrowed right in time for the first sun rays to appear.
‘Sana, what did you– Fuck! I wish we had talked earlier. Never mind. I trust you, Viper. I trust you with my life and my kingdom. I’m sure Ri’s already writing a detailed report on everything that happened.’ He grabbed his trousers from thefloor, and I stood up to join him, hissing at the cold wood. Seeing him rushing back to war brought back my doubts. Rey rubbed the goosebumps that appeared on my skin. ‘Go back to bed. It’s a frosty morning, and I can find my own way out.’ He pulled on his shirt, and I helped him with the laces as he stuffed the tails into his waistband.
‘How about no?’ I reached for my chemise and started dressing. ‘I will see you off properly. Otherwise, it’s bad luck.’
‘I didn’t know you were superstitious.’ Reynard sighed, embracing me from behind and whispering in my ear, ‘It will be a quick run. It’s dawn, and Vahin doesn’t like being away from my brother. I can’t repay this favour by being late.’
I followed his gaze to the window, where dawn’s rose glow painted the horizon. ‘Then we’ll run. I want to see the dragon!’ I pulled away from his arms to grab my boots.
‘Fine. Just a word of warning, this dragon is an awful gossip, and everything you say will be repeated to Ormond.’ Rey rolled his eyes, but a contrary smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Warmth blossomed in my chest when he finished dressing and put Morana’s stone under his shirt. Its glow, though fainter, was still visible. A few moments later, we were rushing through the city to the terrace specially designed for dragons to land.
The small granite plateau was free of snow and as flat as a lake. The only things breaking its plain design were several stone blocks carved into benches near the edges. The air was crisp and clear with the bite of fresh snow so cold it burned my lungs.
I’d never been here, and to my surprise, the view of the river and the city below was breathtaking. Snowy roofs gleamed in the early sun while the river flowed slowly, almost frozen over. I paused, taking it in, wishing I had time to enjoy it.
A powerful gust of wind and the shadow of an enormous dragon made me shield my eyes. When it subsided, a black beastwith vivid blue markings stood before me, folding its wings and eyeing me with unbridled curiosity.
‘Vahin, this is Roksana, my w… the king’s shadow and lady of my heart,’ Rey stuttered slightly before finishing the introduction with a boastful grin. I wanted to tease him, the feeling growing when the dragon’s muzzle stretched into what might be considered the draconic equivalent of a grin.
‘Please to meet you, Vahin. I’m guessing the king wanted to say “my woman”, but didn’t have the nerve, knowing how I’d react to such a possessive claim,’ I said, taking a step back when the dragon’s guttural laughter reverberated against my chest.
‘Lady Roksana, what a pleasure. I feel you and I will become the best of friends,’ he said, with only the hint of a lisp. Hearing his answer took me aback. I knew dragons were sentient and that they could talk, but this was my first time hearing one.
Rey’s snort was filled with embarrassed affection. ‘Fine. This is my woman, Roksana. The light of my life and the royal thorn in my backside,’ Reynard said, and his exasperated groan followed me as I approached the dragon, laughing.
He lowered his muzzle. I was so close that I could see the blue lightning dancing in his irises. It was possibly the first and only time I’d be so close to a dragon, and I didn’t want to waste this opportunity. I curtsied with a smile.
‘May I touch your scales? If it’s not too much to ask,’ I said, and Vahin lowered his head.
‘My left eyelid, please. It’s itchy in the corner.’ He made it sound as if I were doing him a favour. The moment my fingers slid over the bumpy ridge, my heart slowed, settling into an even, peaceful beat. The warmth radiating from him was more welcoming than any fireplace, and I had to hold myself back from wrapping my arms around his massive neck and just cuddling.
‘Your aether, it feels as crisp as the air after a storm, so clean and… it calls to me. I don’t understand.’ I struggled to describe the sense of peace that came with this one simple touch. I didn’t even realise I was verbalising my thoughts until I heard the words break the silence, and inhaled sharply, hoping I hadn’t overstepped by probing his power with my magic. ‘I’m sorry, you must think I’m rude.’
‘Not at all. The Elder races are naturally drawn to dragons, and one day, you will meet the one who will bow to the beauty of your soul. Let go of my essence, my lady. I’ve already found my last rider,’ he said, and at this gentle reminder, I stepped back, muttering my apologies.
‘Are you trying to make us all jealous, old friend? First Annika, now Roksana? How does any man stand a chance?’ Reynard playfully poked the dragon, and my heart warmed at their interaction. I smiled when the king came closer and embraced me from behind, kissing my earlobe. ‘Teasing aside, it’s time. We have a long flight ahead, and it’s best if the soldiers don’t see their leader sneaking back from seeing his lady.’
The seriousness in his voice and the hint of guilt told me how much this quick excursion had cost him. Reynard was a man who measured himself the way he measured his men, and common soldiers didn’t have the luxury of being friends with a dragon.
