Page 36 of The Last Syphon

The Crowned Prince was required to duck to avoid it. The move agitated Tydus, and the two miniature dragons began to claw and snap at one another, fighting and wrestling in the air.

A brawl like that in their natural forms would have decimated the palace and the city dwellings surrounding it, but being so small, it was more adorable than terrifying to watch.

Fraener and Tydus separated after a few moments, Fraener flying over to Inara and Tydus to his Chosen.

Warmth flooded her chest when her dragon perched on her shoulder. He squawked, running his head over her cheek in affection.

“He’s so cute!” Felix exclaimed. “Not at all scary like this.”

“Right?” She moved her hand to pat him, and Fraener clamped on. He scuttled over her skin, and she raised her arm higher to watch him. He clung to her like a monkey on a branch, his arms and legs wrapped securely around her forearm, and tipped upside down. He swung playfully from side to side, and Inara laughed at his cheekiness. “This is awesome.”

“My Prince? A word?” Magdala beckoned.

The Crowned Prince nodded and took a few steps away to talk privately with the old woman. Inara had no idea what about, and honestly, she did not care. She was far too entranced staring at Fraener in his miniature form to give a flying shit.

His companion, the Shielder, took his place, standing in front of her. Their gazes clashed. Although the woman gave off an unfriendly aura, Inara smiled at her all the same. She was the only other Shielder Inara had ever met before, and she thought they could be friends.

“If you think you can take my place, think again. A Border Rat like you has no place in the Palace of Arelia.”

Okay. Never mind.

“Excuse me?” Fraener sensed her agitation instantly, and any sign of mischievousness vanished from him. He scrambled up Inara’s arm and sat snugly on her shoulder, never letting the other Shielder out of his sight.

“You heard me,” the woman said unashamedly.

“Oh, yes. I heard you. I was just giving you the chance to correct yourself before you come off looking like a right bitch.”

“You don’t need to worry about that. Everyone knows I’m a bitch.”

“At least you’re aware enough to know your own flaws.”

“I don’t see it as a flaw. It is what helped me get to the position I am in today. A position of power. One you will never take from me.”

Inara looked at Felix. He just shrugged, twirling a finger next to his head.

Yes. She did sound fucking insane.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Feigning ignorance will not fool me. I have retained the highest position at the Shielder Trials for the last seven years. You will not take it from me.”

“I don’t want it. Whatever it is.”

She gave Inara a look that clearly indicated she did not believe a single word she said.

“Larissa.” The woman turned to face the Crowned Prince. “Come.”

“Yes, my Prince.” She faced Inara once again and gave her a smug smile. “I wish you luck, though. You will need it.”

Inara narrowed her eyes as Larissa spun around, her wild, light hair almost flicking her in the face as she stalked off.

“Do you know what the Fates that was about?” Inara asked Felix.

“Nope. Then again, I’ve had no idea what’s been going on since we stepped foot into that stupid dragons’ den. I’ve just been going with the flow.”

She placed her hand on his shoulder, giving him a tight squeeze. “We’re on an adventure, Felix. We’re on an adventure.”

The inside of the main palace was as grand and ostentatious as one might expect from a wealthy kingdom. From the moment they walked through the wide, double oak doors, a sense of grandeur hit Inara. Opulence. Lavishness. The halls were large. High. Seemed to be never-ending. They were adorned with ornate gold fixtures and frames. Intricate carvings were etched right into the wood. Chandeliers dangled from the tall ceilings high above, shimmering and sparkling. Tapestries and sheer fabric draped from cornice to cornice, adding an elegant flair to the entire space.