Page 112 of The Dragon Queen

“But I didn’t want to.”

“It doesn’t matter what you wanted, Talon. It matters what you did. You were tempted with the greatest power any individual could ever possess, and you relinquished it. That makes you the greatest man who ever lived—one I’m proud to call my husband.”

We joined Queen Eldinar and Uncle Ezra at the grand table in the royal chambers. The bruising on my uncle’s face had nearly disappeared. His arm was still in a sling, but he seemed to be free of the pain.

Queen Eldinar looked like she hadn’t been injured in battle, but there was a permanent hint of gray to her eyes, like storm cloudswere always in the distance. The loss of life had scarred such a magical place.

Talon spoke first. “Calista and I have decided it’s time for us to return home. We’ve done as much as we can for Riviana Star. We feel we have nothing left to offer your people.”

Queen Eldinar gave a nod. “I agree. You can’t help someone mourn. Only time can.”

After a beat, Talon spoke. “Commander Navarrese has assumed the throne of the Northern Kingdoms in my absence. He served me faithfully as my commander. Lacks a temper and approaches situations with logical ease. He’s your ally, and he knows what will happen if that were ever to change.”

“As long as they stay on their side of the mountains, we will be a great alliance,” Queen Eldinar said. “When will you leave?”

“In the morning,” Talon said. “When we return to the Southern Isles, I will be crowned king, and in that moment, I will make Calista both my wife and my queen. With the heavy loss you’ve suffered, I don’t expect you to attend, but it would mean a great deal to us both to have you there.”

Queen Eldinar stared for several moments before she looked at her husband.

Uncle Ezra kept his eyes on me. “A broken arm isn’t going to stop me from being there.”

I felt my eyes melt with tender affection, those words making their way straight to my heart. “That means a lot to me.”

“We will be there,” Queen Eldinar said. “I’m sure Macabre would be happy to take us.” She turned to look at Talon, her stareturning as sharp as a knifepoint. “Especially since he’s offered to fuse with Ezra.”

My eyes flicked to Talon to watch his reaction.

Talon kept a straight face, not reacting to the ire in her voice.

“He said he made that decision on his own, but I don’t believe him.” She continued to stare down Talon, silently coercing him into a confession.

“Did he give a reason?” Talon asked.

“He said the mate he chooses will last for eternity, and it’s not right my love for Ezra will be so brief. He offered to fuse with him so we may live out my life-span, and once I pass, he’ll unfuse with Ezra so he can join me in the Realm of Caelum. I found this conversation quite coincidental.”

Talon had the best poker face I’d ever seen. Didn’t give any reaction at all. “It doesn’t matter what provoked Macabre’s offer. All that matters is he’s choosing to make it of his own free will. And in my opinion, it would be stupid not to take it.”

Queen Eldinar continued to stare him down with her silent ire.

“With all the sacrifices you’ve made for the dragons and your people, you deserve happiness,” Talon said. “And I’m sure Macabre is honored that he’s the only one who can give it to you.”

We gathered outside the forest where Khazmuda waited for us to join him. Macabre was there as well, lounging in the sunlight.When he felt us approach, he stretched his spine like a cat then lifted his body.

Talon took my pack and climbed up Khazmuda’s flank to secure our belongings to the saddle.

I turned to my uncle and Queen Eldinar, the two of them never touching in public but their love still visible. It was noticeable every time he looked at her, and it was noticeable in the way she smiled slightly when she felt his stare.

Uncle Ezra walked up to me, standing tall with his arm tucked in the sling. “We’ll join you in a few days.”

“I’m glad you’ll be there.” He was my only relative in the world, the only person whose blood was similar to mine. “It means a lot.”

“Wouldn’t miss my niece becoming queen.” The affection in his eyes reminded me of the way my father used to look at me, like I was still a child even when I was many years past that age. “And marrying the man she loves…” His voice hesitated at the mention of Talon, like it still pained him, regardless of the time and events that had come and gone.

“Your opinion of him will never change, will it?”

The affection died, and his eyes flicked away. “I won’t deny that Talon Rothschild has served a greater cause than himself. I won’t deny he’s earned the hearts of all dragons, has protected Riviana Star more than once, and has proven himself worthy of a crown.” He went quiet for a long time. “Eldinar has agreed to let Macabre fuse with me. As much as I want to respect the dragons, I want to have my wife more, so I will agree. I know that wouldn’t have been possible without Talon’s intervention.”His eyes drifted away for a while. “But my brother died a painful death because of him, and that’s something I can never forgive.”

It had been hard for me to forgive Talon myself, but my love for him defeated the hate. Once I’d let the past go, I’d been at peace. I knew the depth of my father’s love, and I believed it was strong enough to pardon me. “I understand, Uncle Ezra.”

---