Page 45 of Dragon Awakened

So I make mine cold. "I will give you approval once I've examined the facts."

The first Shadow Dragon reaches over to take back his security tablet, but I grasp it by its edge, stopping him.

The Shadow Dragon growls. Under his breath, he mutters, "I told you we should have just gone to the whelp's father."

"Prince Storm," the Air Dragon says, glaring at both of his partners. "Time is of the essence."

He's right about that.

My pulse pounding in my ears, I examine the grainy image for a moment more. There's no changing what I see in the blurry pixels, though.

Those two figures... They're unmistakable.

Two men. One tall and lean with short, dark hair. The other burlier, with pale skin and a reddish-golden mane.

The two men who were with Ember outside the Fire King's Castle. I barely got a glimpse of them as I spilled out of the portal, leading a battalion of Air and Shadow Kingdom soldiers, but I'd know them anywhere.

Whatever the hell Ember did to escape, she took those two men with her.

And now they're here.

A roaring static fills my ears. My vision blurs, and my knuckles go white around the screen.

All this time. All the preparations. All the subversion, all the attempts to exert what influence I have. All the frustrations and the insults and the despair.

For months now, I've been sitting here, watching the empire I was never supposed to inherit be stolen away and sold for parts. Invaders have taken over the mansion. My sister has been sent off to marry some decrepit monster. My brother--who had never been on my side--has set himself against me. My father has proven, time and time again, that he has no intention of listening to me.

There's nothing left for me here. No one.

My stomach turns to lead, and an iron fist closes around my heart.

Because the biggest, most painful betrayal I've suffered has been my own.

Guilt like acid leaks into my throat.

Ember was torn from my arms, and I watched it happen. I let her go.

And for what?

Some bullshit idea that I could save everyone? I could sacrifice my happiness and hers in the name of duty, and somehow, I could use my position to keep evil in check.

It all seems so pointless now.

Ever since I got back from the Fire Kingdom--ever since I saw a horde of Shadow Dragons bearing down on her... Ever since I was commanded to help lead a regiment of our own Air Dragon soldiers against the woman I loved...

I've been biding my time. Looking for the right opportunity.

All at once, my vision snaps back into focus. The roar drops away, leaving only silence.

Clarity.

"How many other people know about this?" I ask.

"No one," the Air Dragon assures me. He darts pointed glances at his compatriots. "We didn't want anyone to panic about the prince's wellbeing until we had our orders."

One of the Shadow Dragons scoffs under his breath.

"Good," I say, ignoring him. I pass the security pad back to him.

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