Page 14 of Beautiful Beast

Taking one last look at myself in the mirror, memorizing who I was in this moment before I crossed an irrevocable boundary, I turned and strode out of my chambers for the last time.

CHAPTER SIX

________

ZOVAI

Waiting wasn’t my strong suit.

In fact, the only thing that kept me from becoming so restless I broke our cover early was the feeling of the sun on my spread wings. Draped over the stones of the mountain, they soaked in the feeling, even with Endre’s fog covering us.

I rarely took time to rest like this. It made me restless to do so, but the gentle heat sinking into me made me determined to try once this was finished and we were home.

Hopefully soon.

The sun was reaching the highest point in the sky now, and below, people and courtiers streamed into the palace gardens. I had mixed feelings about the weather turning. It made our jobs easier, but it also allowed for less destruction, and the restless heat writhing in my limbs wished the rain had held.

In the streets of Rensara, people celebrated. They wanted this marriage and alliance as much as they wanted the day off from their labors. Already the scents of revelry floated on the breeze.

In my mind, Sirrus laughed. Sorry you won’t get your wish to crush something.

Who says I won’t?

I could practically feel Endre roll his eyes. Try not to do too much damage.

They’d gone back and forth too many times for me to argue now, and I knew exactly the reasoning. We needed to follow orders and end this alliance, but follow our own desires as well and not fuel the hatred for dragonkind any more than necessary.

I blew out a huff of smoke. Like murdering royalty was going to convince them we had their best interests at heart.

A painful thought dawned in my mind. We were efficient, lethal, and couldn’t say no. That was the reason the Elders sent us. But it wasn’t the only reason. It was never the only fucking reason.

Slowly, I looked over at Endre. I hate that they’re still punishing you.

A wry chuckle. You’re just realizing that now?

Nausea twisted through my gut, burning hotter than the fire banked in my chest. Endre’s black scales gleamed in the sunlight, marking him for what he was. Something he was because he took the responsibility for so fucking many. Against all odds and against the stars, he took a gamble and lost. We lost.

But we were still alive, so I chose to be grateful.

Stop brooding, Z. I’ve made my peace with it.

Still…

His wings rustled. No.

I wouldn’t push him. Not today. Not when we were so close. Not when anything extra could cost him and all of us.

I won’t break anything.

A long silence, then, thank you.

The bells in the city struck up a chorus that echoed through this section of the Bowl. They heralded not only midday, but the start of the wedding.

Far below, I saw the Prince and his father take their place in the gardens. I didn’t need to be close to see them clearly. They dripped with blue finery, the colors both a statement and a blow.

King Rhole joined them, smiling. He was as ready for this as they were.

It seems he won’t be joining her in the aisle, Sirrus said.

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