Treena and Myriam were worried, but I went right to Benson and told him I needed to fly. However, they worked it out for Father—Ineededto fly. The Alphas had seen me fight now, so there was no reason to keep hiding my fire dragon.
I apologized to Eloise, but she was just happy we’d finally be flying even if she wasn’t in charge.
Fair enough.
There was a reason that there weren’t any flights allowed throughout Thovudin that weren’t from our companies and dragons flying. A lot of other countries mocked us as being too much, but it kept us safe. Any flight from another country that wasn’t under our control had to land at one of the airports on the border.
They could travel to Thovudin other ways, but most just hopped on a connecting flight. Connecting flights happened all the time otherwise. Visitors didn’t have to book them once in Thovudin. They could handle it like any other flights.
But dragons understood dragons, and dragonsflewin Thovudin.
Sure, it wasn’t just unrestricted or a clusterfuck. Far from it.
We had to stay at certain elevations and miles away from airports. There were even lasers from the ground that could only be seen by dragons in beast form to warn us just in case.
“How bad?” Benson asked me, frowning when I did. “Do you not know the protocols for if your parents flew?” He moved his hand to my shoulder when I looked away. “Sorry, Sagan.”
I pulled away. “It’s fine. I’m not like out of control or unable—I don’t know the protocol. It has to be today but not an emergency, is that what you’re looking for?”
“Yes, exactly. Okay, let me walk you through it if you have time to come with me.”
I made the time because yes, of course I should know this.
And I was impressed.
First of all, the castle went into lockdown since there would be less guards and about half would be focused on me away from the security of it. Benson called the chief of police and they would put out a call on a secure channel to all on-duty officers to be on alert just in case.
No, dragons weren’t easy to kill in our beast forms—far from it—but it wasn’t like I was in an armored car. Everything was dangerous when you were the leader of a nation.
Duh.
Within twenty minutes we were ready. Some guards took off first from the huge courtyard and then I was to shift however I was comfortable, Benson giving the order for everyone to avert their eyes.
Dragons weren’t as chill with nudity as other shifters, but we were taught it wasn’t a big deal or to ever notice… Except with the big leaders it seemed?
No, I was pretty sure it was because I was female. I honestly wasn’t complaining, but I simply stripped down to my boy shorts and bra. I could replace them.
I probably should when I had money again.
“Avert your eyes,” Benson bellowed, shocking the shit out of me.
Glancing over at him, I followed where he was looking and locked gazes with Onyx standing in the doorway of the courtyard. I flinched when Thorn came to another doorway moments later, both of them undoubtedly hearing what was going on and… Wanting to see what my dragon looked like?
I had no idea, but I wanted to fly more than I cared to think about it.
“Avert your eyes or you will be arrested,” someone else called over. “Follow the rules of the castle or we will remove you.”
Wow, they weren’t messing around. It felt… Nice.
I changed forms, Iris cooing at finally being set free. But then I realized I didn’t know if I could just go or if I was waiting for a signal. I turned and moved closer to Benson kind of wiggling my head back and forth.
He snorted, fully understanding. “Sorry, Your Majesty. Yes, go when you like. We will adjust to you. I ask you wait for me before you go too far from the castle.”
I nodded and jumped but not with all I had so I didn’t do any damage. It was more than enough, and I wanted to squeal like always when my wings took over.
I’m sorry. I will be better. We need this. I’m sorry too, Eloise. I will figure it out with Darren. Please be patient with me and know I am trying.
“We believe you,”Iris said as I had the image of Eloise nodding.“We just worry for you. Trust us. We are not a burden.”
