It was frustrating.
The alliance between the two kingdoms could not be allowed to proceed. Never before had kingdoms outside the Bowl and inside it come to an agreement. If one alliance happened, more would surely follow. And the only thing keeping us from being overwhelmed was the humans’ fractured lands and beliefs, and repelling them whenever they came near the border.
The poison of Craisos had already spread too far.
Here, Sirius said. This is the best I see.
Rensara butted up against the northern mountains of the Bowl, giving us a unique place to hide and keep the element of surprise. I wondered if the Fallen had sent this storm to aid us.
More likely it was only good luck.
I followed a flash of blue wing behind the nearest peak to the city. He was right. The rocks would allow us to stay close and sweep directly down to the palace when it was time to do so.
If we’d had more warning, I might have tried to infiltrate in my human form. But along with success, we needed to make an impression. Most humans were unaware we held two forms, and a simple assassination wasn’t enough for the Elders. They wanted a statement that dragonkind would not tolerate the unity of the humans in order to destroy us. Only in peace would unity be tolerated.
Or after the return of the Fallen.
The fools didn’t even understand the havoc their actions were taking on their own land and people.
I settled on the mountain, draping my wings over rocks and allowing the rain to cool them, enjoying the sensation. Zovai followed, landing harder than necessary.
I hope it’s indoors, he said.
Feeling the need to crush something, Z? Sirrus’s voice held a note of brotherly teasing.
Yes. I would prefer it to be Andaros’s skull, but since that isn’t to be, I’ll take some palace towers.
Another laugh warmed my chest, steam from my nostrils hissing in the rain. I guess we’ll see how long the weather holds.
I moved my head so I could see over the summit, barely, but still able to observe both the city and the palace. Once the sun rose, I would disguise us with my power, but for the moment it wasn’t needed.
Most of the humans were asleep. And I hoped the daughter of King Rhole was sleeping well and peacefully. If tonight was the last night her soul inhabited this plane, she deserved that.
Prince Andaros and his father couldn’t be touched. But she could. The magic that protected the Craisos forces was a closely guarded secret that did not leave their borders. They couldn’t protect her until she returned with them.
The three of us avoided unnecessary harm wherever we could, but as much as we tried to pretend otherwise, we were still at war.
Tomorrow, before the marriage was complete, we would destroy any alliance. It had been decided and ordered, the Elders dispatching us here.
King Rhole of Gleira’s only daughter had been sentenced to die, and we would make sure of it.
CHAPTER FIVE
________
KATALENA
Clear sunlight greeted me when I opened my eyes. The storm had blown itself out in the night, making way for perfect weather.
Perfect weather for a perfect wedding.
Were it to someone else, I might feel joy. As it was, I felt only sick with nerves and the remnants of pain from the tonic. It had woken me several times, sharp stabs in my stomach, proving to me I’d brewed it correctly.
Varí curled up on my chest while I was in pain, his small warm body and the purr he emitted helping soothe me back to sleep.
He was still there, little head resting near my collarbone. His color had faded to a dusky shade of violet in his sleep. I would have happily stayed in bed with him, but the door was opening, and Helena was pushing back the curtains. Soon more ladies from the court would come to observe me getting ready, per tradition.
They would help bring my wedding dress from the royal seamstress.